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Category: People

  • KidZania India appoints Hasmukh M. Gorava as marketing head

    KidZania India appoints Hasmukh M. Gorava as marketing head

    Mumbai: KidZania, the global leader in interactive educational entertainment, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Hasmukh M. Gorava as the marketing head. In his new role, Hasmukh will lead KidZania India’s marketing strategies, leveraging his more than 13 years of expertise in consumer marketing, brand promotions, and 360° media planning.

    Hasmukh has a proven track record of developing and growing companies, and his abilities fit in nicely with KidZania’s goals for brand expansion and engagement. He excels in defining and executing brand-building strategies, leading cross-functional teams, and driving revenue through effective marketing activities.

    With a rich background, including a key role as DGM marketing at Imagicaa, Mumbai, Hasmukh played a pivotal role in planning the go-to-market strategy, achieving a remarkable 70 per cent market share within three years. His strategic efforts positioned Imagicaa as India’s number one entertainment destination for schools.

    KidZania India CMO Rahul Dhamdhere expressed confidence in Hasmukh’s appointment, stating, “We are excited to welcome Hasmukh M. Gorava as the Marketing Head. His extensive experience and strategic approach will undoubtedly enhance our marketing initiatives. Hasmukh’s commitment to driving brand visibility and consumer awareness resonates with KidZania’s mission to provide enriching experiences for children.”

    Hasmukh, equally enthusiastic about his new role, remarked, “I am truly honored to be a part of KidZania, an esteemed organization that has consistently led the industry. I look forward to utilizing my expertise to contribute to KidZania’s success, both in India and on the international stage.”

    In addition to leading KidZania’s marketing efforts, Hasmukh’s responsibilities include building campaigns and communication strategies in interactive media and direct marketing programs. He will focus on increasing visitors’ attendance, developing pricing strategies to maximise KidZania’s profit, and monitoring trends to identify new offers and services.

    KidZania eagerly anticipates the positive impact of Hasmukh’s leadership, driving innovation and sustainable business growth within the organisation.

  • Umapathy Amirtham takes charge as general manager – operations at O by Tamara Coimbatore

    Umapathy Amirtham takes charge as general manager – operations at O by Tamara Coimbatore

    Mumbai: O by Tamara, a distinguished name synonymous with outstanding hospitality, is delighted to announce the appointment of Umapathy Amirtham as the general manager – operations for the recently launched O by Tamara Coimbatore. Bringing an impressive 27 years of hospitality expertise, Amirtham adds significant value to this pivotal role within the Tamara Leisure Experiences brand.

    With a distinguished career history, Amirtham has occupied key positions in prestigious hospitality establishments, including The Leela, Hyatt International, and ITC Brands. His most recent position was as Hotel Manager at The Leela Gandhinagar, where he spearheaded operations with a focus on enhancing guest experiences, refining feedback processes, and overseeing rooms, food, and beverage services. Notably, he played a crucial role in managing extensive convention and banquet facilities, particularly for upscale conferences and weddings.

    A seasoned professional, Amirtham has consistently demonstrated his dedication to implementing and upholding brand standards across diverse departments. His instrumental contributions have led to outstanding guest experiences, showcasing a keen understanding of the distinctive needs of travellers.

    Tamara Leisure Experiences CEO & director Shruti Shibulal expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Umapathy to our team. His wealth of experience and passion perfectly align with our commitment to delivering outstanding hospitality and service from heart to our guests. We anticipate achieving new milestones together.”

    Beyond his professional endeavours, Amirtham harbours a passion for photography and travel to exotic destinations, reflecting his commitment to exploration and enriching guest experiences.

  • Soma Pandey joins Tredence as chief human resources officer

    Soma Pandey joins Tredence as chief human resources officer

    Mumbai: Tredence has announced that Soma Pandey has joined the company as the chief human resources officer.

    Pandey, a seasoned human resources leader with over twenty-five years of global experience, excels in transforming talent capabilities to align with the business strategies of advanced technology-driven companies. In her previous roles as chief human resources officer and in other executive positions at Firstsource, Mastek, ITC Ltd, Randstad, Accenture, and Cognizant, Pandey shaped comprehensive global people programs that empowered employees to contribute meaningfully to achieving company business objectives.

    “I am excited to join Tredence as it continues to strengthen its position, working with global clients across multiple industries as high-impact advisors to address the last-mile challenges with data, analytics, and AI,” said Pandey. “Tredence has an open, warm, and high-achievement culture, where we encourage each Tredencian to excel in ACE as Advisors to our clients, Coach-Captains to our teams, and Entrepreneurs for our business. As the CHRO, I look forward to collaborating closely with key stakeholders to ensure we nurture this essence as we enter our ambitious growth phase. My belief is that all talent practices – from onboarding to performance management to career paths and learning should align to deliver the ACE experience not just to our people, but also to our clients, as well as to the communities we live in.”

    “Tredence has quadrupled its workforce in the last 2-3 years and has experienced rapid expansion. Soma’s experience will be instrumental in building an agile and inclusive culture. Her expertise in building the workforce of the future and optimizing operating models will be vital as we collaborate with clients to integrate AI into their businesses.” said Tredence CEO Shub Bhowmick.

    Currently, Tredence employs 2,300 people. By the end of 2024, the company plans to expand its workforce to 3,500. Additionally, the expansion will create jobs in India, North America, Canada, and the UK. The company also plans to open a near-shore delivery center in the Middle East and Latin America.

  • Duroflex appoints Girish Appu as chief operating officer

    Duroflex appoints Girish Appu as chief operating officer

    Mumbai: Duroflex, a leader in the sleep solutions category, has announced the appointment of Girish Appu as its chief operating officer (COO). This strategic move is a step towards Duroflex’s ongoing mission to boost its operational capabilities and enhance its position as a pioneer in the industry.

    With a distinguished career spanning over 29 years in Manufacturing and Supply Chain operations across diverse industries, Girish brings to Duroflex a wealth of knowledge. His background in Mechanical Engineering and an Executive Master’s degree from IIM Kozhikode have honed his expertise in process optimization, strategic automation, and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Girish previously served as the executive director of manufacturing and supply chain at 3M India, amassing an impeccable portfolio. His prior experience also includes working across sectors such as automotive, electronics, industrial, Chemical, Consumer, and Medical Devices & Drugs.

    With a strong track record of operational leadership, Girish Appu is set to spearhead Duroflex’s efforts to streamline processes, drive innovation, and ensure the delivery of consistent quality to its customers.  In his role as the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Girish assumes responsibility for the oversight of the entire Manufacturing and Supply Chain operations of the Duroflex. His role involves shaping operational strategies in close partnership with Business Heads and optimizing systems and processes.

    Commenting on his appointment, Duroflex CMD Mathew Chandy said, “We are delighted to have Girish join our team and be part of our growth journey. We have aggressive plans, and his expertise will help to elevate our operations, drive efficiency, and deliver comfort and quality with increased efficiency to our consumers. We look forward to his leadership in establishing plans to position ourselves as a leading player in the sleep solutions industry.”

    Duroflex chief operational officer Girish Appu said, “I am excited to join the dynamic team at Duroflex. The company’s commitment to innovation and its reputation for providing quality sleep solutions has made it a major contributor in this industry. I am excited to work alongside a dedicated team and look forward to contributing to Duroflex’s journey toward operational excellence and strategic growth.”

  • Adani Sportsline names Sanjay Adesara as new CBO

    Adani Sportsline names Sanjay Adesara as new CBO

    Mumbai: Formed in 2019, Adani Sportsline has been the sports arm of the Adani group. The core objective has been to align to building a sporting nation with holistic support to the sustainable development of a sporting nation. The Adani Sportline’s initiatives have grown ever since at a steady pace and are now poised to make a significant impact with the right guidance and strategy.  

    To take charge of the same, Sanjay Adesara has been announced as the new chief business officer (CBO), of Adani Sportline. A veteran in the brand-building space with over a decade and a half of experience with Adani Wilmar, Sanjay will now add his expertise to the growth story of Adani groups sports business.  

    Prior to this, Sanjay has been one of the driving forces as the founding Chief Executive for Adani’s various sports activities, leading leagues including the Pro Kabaddi League among others. He has also been one of the pillars for Adani Wilmar Limited, which he joined in 2008, and since has demonstrated an ability to ensure significant progress.  

    Sanjay’s strategic approach for Adani Sportline will include the development of an effective approach for brand strategy, brand activation, and cross-functional team management. He has a proven track record in launching new products, revamping brands, and developing brand architectures that align with long-term business objectives.  

    “At Adani Sportsline, the vision is to help India grow into an all-round sporting powerhouse. From cricket to indigenous sports, we want to sow the seeds of progress. The Indian sporting ecosystem has plenty of talent, and it is not just about identifying the potential of an athlete, but also providing them with the essentials so that they can hurdle over any obstacles in their journey. We know sport has the power to bring people together, and we would like nothing more than a united nation cheering on for their sporting stars. I look forward to be part of some exceptional impact-oriented work ahead of us at Adani Sportsline,” said Sanjay Adesara on his new role.  

    Currently, Adani Sportsline are making their presence felt with strong teams in some of the most loved leagues in the country, such as the Pro Kabaddi League and the Women’s Premier League, among others. Additionally, the team is a supporter of Olympic talent with the IOA and is also working towards building an inclusive culture for sports, fitness and play with the recently launched Adani Sportline Riverfront Sports Park alongside the ongoing annual Ahmedabad Marathon. That apart, the Adani Sportsline team is also keeping in line with their core objective of building a sporting nation and already have in place academies for various sports such as cricket and football, and continue work on the lines of providing aspiring athletes the necessary infrastructure.  

    At Adani Sportsline, Sanjay aims to establish a strong market presence while his vision, leadership skills, and deep industry knowledge will further contribute to the organisation’s continued growth and success. Known for his charismatic leadership style, he looks forward to foster a positive work environment that encourages innovation and creativity.

     

  • Ashwani Singla elected to the global executive council of IPRN

    Ashwani Singla elected to the global executive council of IPRN

    Mumbai: Ashwani Singla, Founding Managing Partner of Astrum, India’s first specialist reputation management advisory that uses science to understand and shape public opinion ethically has been unanimously elected to a five-member global executive  council (GEC) and assumes the role of the regional chair for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region at IPRNs AGM held in Puerto Rico recently. International Public Relations Network (IPRN), is the world’s largest and most well-established network of independent public relations firms, with its members present in over 100 major cities in 30 countries across five continents.

    This appointment stands as a clear testament to Ashwani’s standing as a science-based public relations, public affairs and crisis communications expert in India and the region. Prior to founding Astrum, he served as the Asia MD at PSB Research and CEO of Genesis Burson Marsteller and a member of the Asia Pacific Board of Burson-Marsteller (now known as BCW).  He was deeply involved with establishing the India Chapter of IABC founding the PRCAI and organised the first global conference of ICCO held in India in 2006 that has been the benchmark for subsequent conferences. His continued involvement on the advisory boards of various companies further underscores his diverse expertise.

    IPRN president Rodrigo Viana de Freitas said, “The APAC region hosts some of the fastest growing economies in the world and I am delighted to welcome Ashwani, one of the tallest professionals across the region on the GEC. I look forward to working with him to grow the  network and strengthen collaboration amongst members to grow their business.”  

    Thanking the members and the President for their vote of confidence, Astrum Reputation Advisory founding managing partner Ashwani Singla said, “Clients are looking for bespoke solutions, data-driven intellectual rigour delivered with personal attention, a hallmark of IPRN  membership of independent firms led by seasoned professionals. Greater collaboration  amongst members drives our collective success and I look forward to working with our  president and my GEC colleagues to deliver on this tremendous responsibility bestowed upon  me.”  

    After Puerto Rico In 2023, the next AGM for IPRN is scheduled for November 2024 in Dubai, a  testament to the vibrant regional economy and the network’s objectives of fostering global collaboration with deep local insights. Representing other continents in the global executive

    Council are Philippe Beck (Europe), Carina Almeida (South America), Grant Wright (North  America), and Nicole Capper (South Africa).  

  • HostBooks appoints Abhijit Dutta as CSO and advisor to board to drive exponential growth

    HostBooks appoints Abhijit Dutta as CSO and advisor to board to drive exponential growth

    Mumbai: HostBooks – a SaaS-based and one of the fastest-growing accounting platforms is moving on an expansion spree with the recent appointment of Abhijit Dutta as the Chief Strategy Officer and Advisor to the board. With his appointment, HostBooks aims to revolutionise its growth strategy, strengthen its leadership position, and acquire a significant market share across international markets.

    With over 28 years of profound experience across the gamut of Sales, Operations, Marketing, and Communications, in all spheres across myriad industries, Abhijit is set to take charge of the complete Sales, Development, and Leadership operations at HostBooks. Under his expertise, the company’s key focus remains to enhance holistic business growth and propel the development of a robust leadership team. Abhijit’s experience in leading and building excelling business strategies will facilitate the platform’s profitable growth trajectory and fortify its presence in international waters such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia.  

    HostBooks co-founder Biswajit Mishra said, “We’re elated to have Abhijit on on-board. He commands an impressive track record in overseeing diverse operations across multiple globally renowned companies. His expertise will empower us to achieve profitable growth both domestically and internationally and drive us to improve the focal areas. The domain knowledge and network he brings to the forum will enable us to solidify our position as the leader in the automation software space.”

    HostBooks CSO and board advisor Abhijit Dutta said, “I am excited about joining the comprehensive automation platform for all business needs – HostBooks. It is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of a dynamic company that is taking charge to streamline the automation requirement of SMEs. Given my background in driving revenue growth, I look forward to contributing to the company’s ongoing success and propel it to accelerate SMEs’ business efficiency.”

    “I am eager to work with the talented team of HostBooks and with our collaborative efforts we look forward to revamping the sales, people and brand strategy. While delivering exceptional value to our clients, I am confident we will build a long-term stable solution that will act as a catalyst for SME growth, bolstering meaningful results for the company,” he adds.

    Prior to the stint at HostBooks, Abhijit had most recently served as Chief Business Officer at Believe Cosmetic Pvt Ltd, where he single-handedly built the business from scratch. He has also been part of Fintech start-up Innoviti payment solution and has been instrumental in building the B2B Channel Business for them. Adding to his professional wisdom, he has also partnered with some of the largest MNCs across industries like Tally Solutions, HCL Infosystem, Nivea India Pvt Ltd, where he blended his strategic thinking to foster excellence in execution.

    As a premium automated business solution that revolutionises the business operations of SMEs, HostBooks is poised to become a pioneer in this highly competitive space, delivering excellence in execution to its diverse clientele both global and domestic.      

     

  • Publicis Groupe India appoints Kedar Teny as chief product officer

    Publicis Groupe India appoints Kedar Teny as chief product officer

    Mumbai: Kedar Teny has been hired in the newly created role of chief product officer for Publicis Groupe India. In his role, Teny will help strengthen connectivity, scale expertise and capabilities for clients. The strategic appointment reflects the Groupe’s continued investment in India as it continues on its strong growth trajectory.

    Teny will be overseeing and expanding on Groupe’s product offerings by tapping into its diverse capabilities across creative, media, commerce, PR, production, digital technology and analytics. Working in close collaboration with the leadership and strategy teams across businesses, the role will also entail designing business strategies that create value and drive long term growth for clients. He will report to Anupriya Acharya, South Asia CEO, Publicis Groupe.

    A seasoned business leader with about 25 years of experience, Teny brings with him a strong expertise across both advertising and marketing. He started his career at Lowe Lintas where he spent a decade in various locations across India and Thailand. Subsequently, he transitioned to marketing and took on significant brand and business leadership roles delivering brand success at Unilever, Airtel, McDonald’s, and Sony Entertainment. His most recent stint was as CEO for Lowe Lintas India.

    Publicis Groupe CEO of South Asia Anupriya Acharya said, “I am delighted to welcome Kedar to the Groupe. His strong marketing credentials across diverse categories in the most blue chip companies coupled with an equally strong understanding of the agency ecosystem make for a unique combination. Added to this, his affable and approachable demeanour made him the perfect choice for this role.” Acharya added, “Innovation and client-centricity is at the heart of everything that we do. And appointing a chief product officer at the Groupe level is yet another key initiative in that direction.”

    Kedar Teny said, “This role is both a great opportunity and responsibility. And I am very excited to take it on. Publicis Groupe not only has a great roster of clients but also some of the best agencies across creative, media, digital tech and PR, a strong growth momentum and an amazing array of scaled and deep capabilities. I look forward to working with Anupriya and the leadership teams across the Groupe to create significant business impact.”

  • L&K Saatchi & Saatchi appoints Debanjan Basak as executive creative director

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi appoints Debanjan Basak as executive creative director

    Mumbai: L&K Saatchi & Saatchi has appointed Debanjan Basak as its executive creative director. He will be based in Gurugram and report to Rohit Malkani, Jt. national creative director at L&K  Saatchi & Saatchi.  

    With over 15 years of experience in the advertising and marketing industry, Debanjan brings with him a wealth of expertise across brand building, copywriting, storytelling and digital marketing. Prior to joining L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, Debanjan was with Havas India as a group creative director. His earlier stints include Contract Advertising, Dentsu Creative, and Percept.  

    Debanjan has developed communication for brands such as Ikea, Netflix, Bata, Carlsberg,  Reckitt, Amul Innerwear, Platinum Guild International, Hindustan Times, Maruti Suzuki, Shell  Lubricants, Westside, Toyota, and more. His other notable achievements include campaigns featured in Lürzer’s Archive and Kyoorius Elephants.  

    Commenting on Debanjan’s appointment, Malkani said, “Good things come to those who wait,  and I am certainly hoping the adage proves true with Debanjan (Debu). His hire comes after  a long hiatus, and we are excited to have him on board. Debu belongs to a rare tribe of young  creative leaders who combine new-age thinking with technology and culture. His passion for  crafting and polishing communication across mediums is commendable. He garnishes all of  this with a lop-sided grin and humaneness that is endearing. We can’t wait for him to add  muscle to an already buoyant Delhi office.”

    Debanjan, added, “I am very excited for the opportunity. Both Rohit and Hindol are great  individuals who have done some pathbreaking work. I really look forward to working with  them. Moreover, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi has been doing some stellar work across categories  and winning awards at the same time. Its continued focus on creating meaningful and  relevant work for clients is something I want to build on. I have always believed that  advertising is nothing but a conversation which the brand has with consumers. If you make  the conversation interesting, consumers will listen to you. After all, nobody wants to be part  of a boring conversation.”

  • GroupM appoints Anand Thakur as head of analytics, data and tech for GroupM Nexus India

    GroupM appoints Anand Thakur as head of analytics, data and tech for GroupM Nexus India

    Mumbai: GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, today announced the  appointment of Anand Thakur as head of analytics, data and tech at GroupM Nexus in India. He  brings with him more than 20 years of significant experience across the media industry in the  information technology domain. He joins the GroupM Nexus India team from Omnicom Media Group,  where he held a key role overseeing various Information Technology functions such as Software  Development, Product Development, UI/UX, and Business Solutions.

    In his new position at GroupM Nexus, Anand will lead automation initiatives across all GroupM  applications and contribute to shaping the solution architecture. He will collaborate closely with agencies  to expand capabilities in Commerce, Performance, automation, and enhancements. Additionally, he will  actively participate in developing the data lake, establishing a robust data infrastructure for managing  both structured and unstructured media. Anand will also be instrumental in creating comprehensive integrated campaign reporting and a diverse range of capabilities.

    Anand’s proficiency lies in creating holistic integrated campaign strategies while supervising and  directing teams to ensure the seamless implementation of operational procedures. He has been  instrumental in formulating business continuity plans, procedures, SLAs, and service standards to  uphold business service excellence in his past. Additionally, he excels in configuring dashboards and  leading automation initiatives. He stays updated on the latest technologies and automation trends,  playing a central role in improving efficiency and effectiveness across diverse projects.

    GroupM Nexus India president Priti Murthy said, “Anand’s rich experience in driving business  service excellence will come to play in developing data-driven campaign insights and implementing  efficient, technology-driven solutions and innovations at GroupM Nexus India. As we stride toward  streamlining our business processes and fostering innovation, he will play a pivotal role hastening the  path towards building the world’s largest performance capability engine and delivering incremental  growth for GroupM agencies.

    GroupM Nexus India head of analytics, data and tech Anand Thakur, said, “I am tremendously  excited to join the GroupM Nexus leadership team. The rapid advancements in AI, machine learning,  and big data analytics have opened new and exciting possibilities for optimizing advertising spends. I  look forward to steering the data and tech transformation at GroupM Nexus.”