Category: MAM

  • Incred Wealth hands family office reins to Anu Bora for next leg of ultra-rich wooing

    Incred Wealth hands family office reins to Anu Bora for next leg of ultra-rich wooing

    MUMBAI: The rich are getting richer—and pickier. And Incred Wealth is not in the mood to miss out. The Mumbai-based wealth management arm of Incred Capital just made a serious power play by appointing Anu Bora as head of its family office vertical. With nearly 30 years of experience managing money for India’s wealthiest, she’s the kind of pro who doesn’t just balance portfolios—she balances egos, expectations and eccentric dynastic ambitions.

    Incred Wealth announced the appointment on 21 April, signalling its intent to double down on serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and business families who expect more than just market advice. Bora now leads the family office division, responsible for delivering all-in-one advisory magic that blends investment, legacy planning, and the occasional existential crisis about generational wealth.

    Her resume reads like a hall of fame in financial services: Client Associates, ASK Wealth Advisors, American Express, and Standard Chartered Bank. She’s handled clients from C-suites, promoter circles, and entrepreneurial empires. And now, she brings that Rolodex and wisdom to Incred.

    “When we launched Incred Wealth, we saw a gap in the wealth space in India – we saw the need for a fresh approach, combining best-in-class global practices with an Indian entrepreneurial spirit. Our focus on offering differentiated solutions tailored to the unique needs of India’s HNW and UHNW clientele has helped us create a strong presence in the market, in a span of just five years,” said Incred Wealth CEO Nitin Rao.

    Welcoming Bora, Rao added, “At this pivotal stage in our journey, we are thrilled to welcome someone of Anu’s calibre and depth of experience. Her extensive expertise in the family office space and her exceptional ability to foster trusted client relationships will play a key role as we enter our next phase of growth and expand our value proposition.”

    Bora herself isn’t holding back the ambition. “I am excited to join Incred Wealth, which combines the agility of a startup with the strength of the Incred Group’s ecosystem. As global markets evolve and generational perspectives emerge, we have a remarkable opportunity to reimagine what a modern family office can achieve. I look forward to partnering with the exceptional team at Incred to build a world-class family office offering that serves as the foundation for enduring family prosperity, connects wealth with deeper purpose and establishes legacies that transcend generations.”

    Armed with an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad (Class of 1998) and a fintech credential from UC Berkeley’s Haas School, Bora fits neatly into Incred’s ethos of mixing smarts with scale. And with Rs 50,000 crore in Assets under Management as of March 2025, the firm is clearly not playing small.

    With Bora now steering the family office ship, expect more customised, research-backed strategies served with a side of emotional intelligence.

  • KL Rahul ticks all the bold boxes in Police’s new watch collection

    KL Rahul ticks all the bold boxes in Police’s new watch collection

    MUMBAI: Time to turn heads KL Rahul is putting his signature style on your wrist with the launch of Police’s bold new Spring-Summer 2025 watch collection. Released on the cricketer’s birthday, the collection is a sartorial salute to individuality, fearless self-expression and most importantly audacity.

    Known for its edgy, statement-making designs, Police has long stood for those who dare to be different. Its latest drop leans even harder into that ethos with timepieces that blend industrial swagger and sleek sophistication, anchored in the “Audacity Wanted” concept. And who better to front that than Rahul, a style icon who’s never played it safe on or off the field?

    From see-through dials to gold-accented minimalism, the collection doesn’t shy away from drama. Take the Skeletor (Rs 25,995), a mechanical marvel with a matte olive dial, exposed mechanics, and an olive silicone strap that screams rebellion. It’s as comfortable as it is commanding.

    Or meet Surigao (Rs 24,995), the Swiss Army knife of style. With day, date, and 24-hour sub-dials nestled into a matte black sunray dial, it’s equal parts muscle and precision set in an ion-plated gold case that means business.

    If you like your statements loud and unapologetic, Shield (Rs 28,495) might be your match. A black transparent dial with gunmetal indexes sits inside a screw-styled case, complemented by a contrasting brown leather strap that feels both rugged and refined.

    Available at Helios, World of Titan, Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop and online, the watches offer something for every wrist that doesn’t want to blend in. Whether you’re owning the boardroom or the dance floor, Police’s latest drop ensures you’re on time and on point.

  • Foundit plugs in Tarun Sharma as CPTO to turbocharge its tech and talent game

    Foundit plugs in Tarun Sharma as CPTO to turbocharge its tech and talent game

    MUMBAI: Bengaluru’s job tech scene just got a caffeine shot. Foundit, formerly known as Monster APAC & ME, has hired Tarun Sharma as its new chief product and technology officer (CPTO). The move signals a serious tech-up for the job platform that wants to be less “CVs and filters” and more “AI and precision hiring” across Asia-Pacific and the middle east.

    Sharma isn’t your average tech lead. He’s the kind of guy who’s been there, debugged that. With a career spanning Paypal, Yahoo, Walmart, Naukri.com and Maersk, he’s basically the Avengers of product and tech. Now, Foundit wants him to bring that blockbuster energy to the world of recruitment, using AI and data to connect talent with jobs faster than a recruiter ghosting a follow-up email.

    “At Foundit, we’re reimagining the recruitment experience through deep tech, AI, and hyper-personalisation. Tarun’s appointment as chief product and technology officer strengthens this vision. With his extensive experience in building scalable, user-first platforms, he will be instrumental in driving innovation and enhancing our precision hiring capabilities to deliver smarter hiring decisions for job seekers and recruiters across APAC and the middle east,” said Foundit CEO V Suresh.

    Sharma, clearly not one to shy away from a challenge, added, “This is an exciting moment for the recruitment ecosystem, and Foundit is at the forefront of shaping what’s next. I look forward to building intuitive, data-driven experiences that not only empower job seekers and recruiters but also set new benchmarks in the recruitment landscape.”

    Before this gig, Sharma led platform and experience transformations at Maersk, taking global logistics from clunky to clicky. His track record covers digital payments, machine learning, monetisation, and scalable product architecture. Basically, if it plugs into the internet, Sharma has probably fixed, built, or scaled it.

    Oh, and he’s not just a boardroom brain. He moonlights as an angel investor and startup whisperer, backing early-stage ventures in travel, fintech, and AI.

    Sharma holds an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from NIT Durgapur. A solid combo of brains, bandwidth, and backend logic.

  • Sujata stirs up growth with Akshaya Vasishth as new marketing head

    Sujata stirs up growth with Akshaya Vasishth as new marketing head

    MUMBAI: Sujata Appliances has turned up the marketing heat with the appointment of Akshaya Vasishth as chief marketing officer (CMO) for its appliances division. Known for its robust mixer-grinders, the brand is now expanding into a premium range of small domestic appliances and Vasishth is expected to be the force that propels this next phase.

    With over 18 years of experience leading brand growth across global FMCG giants like Sun Pharma, Abbvie APAC, Himalaya Wellness, and Hamdard Foods, Vasishth brings serious marketing muscle to the table. He has also worn the entrepreneurial hat as the founder of the digital health platform GCC+ and is an alumnus of IIM Lucknow.

    “Akshaya’s dynamic leadership and deep marketing expertise come at a pivotal time for us as we expand into new categories and premium segments. His strategic vision will be instrumental in strengthening Sujata’s brand presence and driving the next phase of growth.” says Management, Sujata.

    “Akshaya’s dynamic leadership and deep marketing expertise come at a pivotal time for us as we expand into new categories and premium segments. His strategic vision will be instrumental in strengthening Sujata’s brand presence and driving the next phase of growth,” said Sujata Appliances chief marketing officer Akshaya Vasishth.

    Established in 1979, Sujata Appliances has long been a household staple in Indian kitchens. With its recent foray into hand blenders, breakfast appliances, and irons, the brand is evolving from a functional favourite to a premium lifestyle choice. Under Vasishth’s leadership, the company aims to blend innovation, digital transformation, and expansion into a recipe for long-term success.

  • DesignCafe opens third experience centre in Mumbai

    DesignCafe opens third experience centre in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: Home interiors  brand, DesignCafe, has launched its third experience centre in Mumbai, located at Vicino Mall, Oshiwara, Andheri West. This opening marks the company’s fifth centre in Maharashtra and its seventeenth across India, following a recent launch in Pune.

    The new experience centre aims to cater to the strong demand and growing customer base in Mumbai by offering a comprehensive and inspiring experience for homeowners.

    The centre features:

    * A fully designed sample flat showcasing space-optimized interiors.
    * Display zones for modular kitchens, wardrobes, bedrooms, and living areas.
    * Mumbai-inspired design elements suitable for modern, compact homes.
    * Design solutions that can increase space by up to 20 per cent.
    * A curated selection of premium finishes, high-quality materials, and versatile design combinations.

    This new location is part of DesignCafe’s commitment to providing personalised interiors designed for efficiency and style, suitable for the fast-paced lifestyle of Mumbai.

    Co-founders Gita Ramanan and Shezaan Bhojani stated that opening their third centre in Mumbai reflects their understanding of the city’s living and growth patterns. They emphasized the need for maximising space in Mumbai homes and highlighted their design approach in achieving this while reflecting individual homeowner styles.

    Gita Ramanan added that their vision is to make world-class design, seamless execution, and quality homes accessible to every homeowner across India, particularly in cities like Mumbai, emphasizing affordability and functionality as key standards.

    The Oshiwara Experience Centre operates on DesignCafe’s in-house design-to-installation model, which includes:
    * End-to-end project execution with over 400 expert designers.
    * A 65,000 sq. ft. factory equipped with German machinery.
    * A rigorous 51-point quality check.
    * 0 per cent EMI options and a 20-year warranty.
    About DesignCafe:
    Founded by architects Gita Ramanan and Shezaan Bhojani, DesignCafe has delivered over 10,000 homes and operates 17 Experience Centres in 11 cities. The brand focuses on providing intelligent, space-saving, and personalized interiors designed to suit various lifestyles and budgets, with an emphasis on functionality, affordability, transparent pricing, and quality service.

  • Manuj Arora appointed director, ads at Myntra

    Manuj Arora appointed director, ads at Myntra

    MUMBAI: Manuj Arora has taken on the role of director at Myntra. He moves into this position after nearly seven years with the online fashion retailer, where he previously held the titles of deputy director from April 2020 and associate director for three years starting in April 2022. During his time as associate director, his responsibilities included leading the gift card and strategic alliances businesses, as well as overseeing approximately 50 per cent of Myntra’s advertising business across various product categories.

    Prior to joining Myntra, Arora served as a manager at Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) for two years. His experience also includes a role as associate group head at Reliance Broadcast Network, where he focused on business development through advertising sales and integrated marketing solutions. Earlier in his career, he held positions at Zee Media Corp Ltd (DNA) as an assistant manager in sales and at Colgate Palmolive in customer development.

    In his new role as director at Myntra, Arora will be responsible for Myntra ads, brand partnerships, strategic alliances, and gift cards.

  • RAK on the rise as Vishal Bhatia takes charge of India market push

    RAK on the rise as Vishal Bhatia takes charge of India market push

    MUMBAI: From the Queen’s land to the land of dunes, Vishal Bhatia is ready to chart new trails. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has appointed travel industry veteran Vishal Bhatia as India market director, a strategic move to turbocharge the emirate’s presence in one of its most promising source markets. Based in Mumbai, Bhatia will drive the destination’s operations and outreach in India, aiming to make Ras Al Khaimah the top-of-mind escape for everything from luxury leisure to dreamy desert weddings.

    Bhatia brings with him over two decades of experience, including an impactful stint as country manager at VisitBritain, where he helped shape the UK’s India tourism gameplan. Now, he’s turning his attention to the sun-kissed beaches and rugged mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, a destination already climbing the charts among Indian holidaymakers.

    RAKTDA vice president for destination tourism development Iyad Rasbey said, “Vishal’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as we continue to see strong growth from India. With his deep understanding of the market and relevant expertise, he will support our efforts to enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal among Indian travellers as a year- round destination. He will also play a key role in tapping into the destination wedding segment, which continues to show promising potential for the Emirate.”

    Commenting on his new role, Bhatia said, “Joining RAKTDA presents a meaningful opportunity to build on the growing interest Ras Al Khaimah is receiving from India. My focus will be on strengthening trade and consumer engagement, increasing awareness across key cities, and unlocking opportunities across diverse segments. I look forward to contributing to the next phase of growth from this important market.”

    The appointment also underlines RAKTDA’s sustained investment in high-growth markets like India and its intent to tap deeper into segments like destination weddings, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), and experiential travel.

    With Bhatia at the helm, Ras Al Khaimah’s India strategy now has a seasoned navigator steering the ship, one that’s already setting sail for stronger tourism ties and record-breaking footfalls.

  • Indonesian coffee unicorn hopes to brew up a storm in India

    Indonesian coffee unicorn hopes to brew up a storm in India

    MUMBAI: The aroma of Indonesian coffee has wafted into India’s bustling café scene as Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing coffee chain, Kopi Kenangan, has  planted its flag at Pacific Mall in Delhi’s Tagore Garden. Valued at over $1 billion—making it the region’s first food and beverage unicorn—the brand is brewing ambitious plans for the world’s most populous nation.

    “India’s vast young population and growing appreciation for diverse coffee experiences make it an ideal market for Kenangan Coffee. We are committed to delivering high-quality coffee that resonates with local preferences, creating memorable moments for every customer,” says  Kenangan Brands co-founder & CEO Edward Tirtanata, backed by heavyweight investors including Peak XV Partners and Meta co-founder Eduardo Saverin’s B Capital.

    The coffee upstart is positioning itself as a challenger to pricier global giants like Starbucks and Tim Hortons. With espresso shots starting at a modest Rs 99 and larger servings below Rs 150—roughly Rs 80-100 cheaper than premium competitors—Kopi Kenangan is clearly betting its beans on price-conscious customers.

    The company’s secret ingredient? Gula Aren, an Indonesian palm sugar with a lower glycemic index than refined alternatives, aimed at health-conscious Indians who still fancy a sweet fix. This nutritious twist might just be the sugar rush needed to stand out in India’s increasingly frothy café marketplace.

    With plans to open 10+ stores by end-2025 and intentions to pour up to Rs 40 crore into sourcing and expansion over the next two years, the brand isn’t just dipping its toe in the market—it’s diving in headfirst.
    “Our mission is to blend Indonesian craftsmanship with local flavours,” says vice president and general manager for India Sanjay Mohta, as the company prepares to tap local coffee producers to complement its Indonesian offerings.

    India’s café culture is still percolating compared to mature markets, but with consumption estimated at over one million 60-kilogram bags between 2023-2024, there’s plenty of room to grow. While established chains like Café Coffee Day have seen their market share drip away due to financial troubles, newcomers including Third Wave Coffee and Blue Tokai have been gaining steam.

    For now, the Indonesian outfit is targeting students and young professionals in their first jobs—Gen Zers and millennials looking for an affordable caffeine kick. After Delhi, the brand plans to expand to Mumbai and Bengaluru, hoping its wallet-friendly prices and locally-sourced ingredients will help it brew up a loyal following.
    In a market where even fast-food giants like McDonald’s are trying to espresso themselves, Kopi Kenangan will need more than just cheap prices to avoid becoming another has-bean. But if it can capture India’s increasingly caffeinated hearts, this Indonesian import might just become everyone’s cup of tea—or rather, coffee.

     

  • Manushi Chhillar joins Neworld Developers as brand ambassador

    Manushi Chhillar joins Neworld Developers as brand ambassador

    MUMBAI: Neworld Developers, has announced the onboarding of Manushi Chhillar Miss World 2017, actress, and global icon as its official brand ambassador. The announcement comes as the company opens its new corporate headquarters at Sector 66, M3M International Financial Centre, Golf Course Extension Road, Gurugram, a prime real estate and business corridor in the NCR region.

    This high-profile association coincides with Neworld Developers’ ambitious Rs 5,000 crore launch plan, targeting key Indian markets including Goa, Ayodhya, and Haryana. The move reinforces the

    Chhillar, known for her elegance, intelligence, and aspirational presence, mirrors Neworld Developers’ ethos of offering premium, trustworthy, and life-enhancing real estate solutions to the modern Indian homebuyer.

    Neworld Developers founder & chairman Sunil Sisodiya said, “Chhillar brings a global presence and cultural relatability that resonates with our vision of creating world-class spaces for aspirational Indians. As we inaugurate our new office in the heart of Gurugram, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering landmark projects that redefine lifestyle living. Our upcoming launches in Goa, Ayodhya, and Haryana are a testament to our ambition to elevate real estate standards across the country.”

    Chhillar said, “I’m honoured to be the face of Neworld Developers, a brand that reflects ambition, trust, and innovation. Real estate is more than just infrastructure, it’s about creating meaningful spaces for people to grow and thrive. I am excited to be part of Neworld’s journey in building such transformative environments.”

    The newly launched Gurugram office is set to become the nerve centre for Neworld’s expansion, offering enhanced connectivity, strategic visibility, and cutting-edge infrastructure to support client engagement, corporate operations, and development initiatives.

  • ITC to acquire Mother Sparsh, expands natural baby care portfolio

    ITC to acquire Mother Sparsh, expands natural baby care portfolio

    MUMBAI: ITC Ltd. has announced definitive agreements to acquire the remaining 73.5 per cent stake in Mother Sparsh Baby Care Private Ltd. an Ayurvedic and natural baby care brand for Rs 81 crore, through a mix of primary subscription and secondary share purchase. This will bring ITC’s total investment in Mother Sparsh to approximately Rs 126 crore.

    Mother Sparsh, which has been an associate company of ITC since 2021, has built a strong reputation among Indian mothers for its Ayurvedic, natural products spanning baby personal care, health and hygiene, and specialised baby care solutions. The brand’s digital-first model and robust presence across its D2C platform and e-commerce channels have helped it achieve an impressive annual revenue run rate of over Rs 110 crore.

    The acquisition aligns with ITC’s ‘ITC Next’ vision, spearheaded by chairman Sanjiv Puri, which is focused on creating a future-ready portfolio by tapping into high-growth, digital-first segments.

    ITC Ltd. divisional chief executive, personal care products business division Sameer Satpathy said, “This acquisition is an exciting opportunity, aligned with our aspiration to build a formidable portfolio of future ready, best-in-class innovative offerings that delights Indian consumers. Mother Sparsh in a true spirit of entrepreneurship, has created a reputed brand with Indian ethos in the natural baby care space, powered by an assortment of innovative products and a robust digital ecosystem.”

    Mother Sparsh founder & CEO Himanshu added, “We are delighted that ITC, who came on board as an early investor, is now taking Mother Sparsh to the next level. This partnership is a testament to the brand’s potential in the fast-growing natural baby care segment. We’re confident that ITC’s institutional strengths will help serve the evolving needs of Indian mothers for generations to come.”

    The acquisition process will be completed over the next two-three years, with the Mother Sparsh team including founder & CEO Himanshu continuing to head operations during this transition phase.