ITV

Category: MAM

  • Shivani Maira Shankar appointed as talent partner at Peak XV Partners

    Shivani Maira Shankar appointed as talent partner at Peak XV Partners

    MUMBAI:  Shivani Maira Shankar has been appointed as the talent partner at Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital), effective January 2025. In this role, she will lead talent acquisition efforts for the firm and its portfolio companies across various global regions, including India, Australia, MENA, and Southeast Asia. 

    With a robust background in executive search, Shivani brings extensive experience in helping organisations build high-performing leadership teams. She has a proven track record of partnering with founders to identify mission-driven leaders and tackling talent-related challenges within their firms.

    Shivani’s history includes key roles at Sequoia Capital, where she served as vice president of human capital, and at Executive Access India, where she excelled as associate director. Her expertise encompasses strategic recruitment processes, client and candidate relationship management, and developing top-tier talent pipelines.

    Shivani holds an MA in organisational behaviour from Amity University and a BA in psychology from Delhi University. Her educational journey includes valuable hands-on experience gained through an internship with Bharti Airtel.

    As she steps into this new role at Peak XV, Shivani Maira Shankar looks forward to driving impactful talent strategies and contributing to organisational success in the dynamic investment landscape.
     

  • Media veteran Yesudas S Pillai and his personal Tata Mumbai Marathon triumph

    Media veteran Yesudas S Pillai and his personal Tata Mumbai Marathon triumph

    MUMBAI: You don’t seem to be getting  it right, no matter how hard you try, should you just surrender and give up? 

    Surrender yes, but, don’t give up , is  the advice of media veteran Yesudas Pillai.

    Yesu  completed the  Tata Mumbai Marathon half marathon with a time  of 2:20 : 36 seconds on the morning of 19 January. In the process, he shaved 10-20 minutes off what he had managed to clock over the past couple of seasons. His  determination and hard work paid off. This milestone victory is the culmination of months of intense training and dedication for Yesu.

    After struggling with his fitness last season, averaging times between 2 hours 30  minutes and 2 hours 40 minutes  he vowed to rebuild and push himself to new heights. The result is a testament to his unwavering commitment to fitness and his ability to overcome adversity.(His previous personal best is 2:02 minutes, however). 

    “I’m overjoyed and humbled by my achievement,” Pillai said. “It’s not just about the time; it’s about the journey, the struggles, and the triumphs. I believe that setbacks are an opportunity for growth, and this experience has taught me to stay focused and push through difficulties. “

    “It’s hard to put into words how it feels to see the results of sheer determination and hard work. This is more than just about a marathon; it’s a reminder that setbacks aren’t the end—they’re just a setup for comebacks,” he added. “To anyone struggling in their own race, remember: progress is progress, no matter how small. Keep pushing, keep believing, and trust the process. The finish line feels that much sweeter when you’ve earned it.”

    Yesu’s  impressive feat showcases his remarkable resilience and perseverance. His journey to run long distance is a true inspiration to anyone striving to achieve their goals.

    As a successful entrepreneur, Yesu has built a reputation for driving innovation and excellence in the business world. His company, Y&A Transformation, helps enterprises connect with their customers by simplifying complex practices and leveraging cognitive and intuitive approaches.

    In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Yesu is an avid cyclist and marathon runner, with a proven track record of 28 years in business building. He has founded and led successful ventures like Triggerbridge and has been involved in various business initiatives, including the launch of Channel Factory, a YouTube measurement partner certified by Google.

    Yesu’s achievements are a testament to his boundless energy, dedication, and innovative spirit. His remarkable accomplishment in the Tata Mumbai Marathon serves as a reminder that, with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

  • Saint-Gobain group appoints Ramya Sampath Sharma as CHRO

    Saint-Gobain group appoints Ramya Sampath Sharma as CHRO

    MUMBAI: It’s been a couple of months since she’s taken up her new assignment but it has come to our notice now; hence we are posting it as she has had a remarkable career trajectory and has built an impeccable reputation for herself as a human resource professional. .

    Ramya Sampath Sharma, a seasoned chief human resources officer (CHRO) with a diverse background in global technology and services sectors, has been appointed as the new CHRO  at Saint-Gobain group in India. In this position, she aims to leverage her expertise and drive organisational transformation through strategic HR leadership.

    With over 27 years of experience, Ramya holds a proven track record of fostering high-performance cultures and driving growth. Prior to joining Saint-Gobain Group, she served as the CHRO  at GreyOrange, where she spearheaded organisational design, implemented advanced HR technologies, and achieved significant increases in employee satisfaction and productivity.

    Ramya holds an MBA in Human Resources from XLRI Jamshedpur and has pursued an executive program on board effectiveness at the Indian School of Business. Throughout her illustrious career, she has worked with prominent companies, including Accenture, Intel, and Microland. Her most notable achievements include transforming HR functions, driving business growth, and implementing innovative HR strategies.

    At Saint-Gobain group, Ramya will lead the company’s HR efforts, focusing on driving business excellence through talent development, strategic organizational design, and employee engagement. Her appointment underscores Saint-Gobain group’s commitment to investing in its human capital and driving growth through HR excellence.

    Ramya ‘s appointment is effective as of November 2024.

  • Burger King India joins the Loveyapa lovefest with exclusive combo & contest

    Burger King India joins the Loveyapa lovefest with exclusive combo & contest

    MUMBAI: Romantic comedies and fast food—what could be a more perfect pairing?

    Burger King India has teamed up with Phantom Films for the much-awaited Gen Z rom-com Loveyapa. Starring debutants Khushi Kapoor and Junaid Khan, this fresh take on modern relationships hits theatres on 7 February 2025. With a blend of quirky humour and painfully relatable breakups, this movie promises a ride as satisfying as a Whopper.

    In true Burger King style, the brand has rolled out a special menu item to celebrate the film: the “Loveyapa Combo”. This indulgent set features a Whopper Jr. with cheese, saucy fries, and a chocolate thickshake. Whether you’re sharing it with bae or devouring it solo while scrolling memes, this combo is here to soothe your soul (and stomach).

    Available both online and at all Burger King outlets nationwide, the combo reflects the playful chemistry of Khushi Kapoor and Junaid Khan. But is it better than your last date? That’s for you to decide.

    What’s a Gen Z campaign without a meme fest? Burger King’s Loveyapa UGC Contest invites fans to create their own memes using screenshots from the film’s trailer. With exciting prizes up for grabs, it’s a perfect way to channel your inner content creator while hyping the movie’s release. Can you make the internet LOL? The challenge is on.

    Burger King India chief marketing & digital officer Kapil Grover said, “Burger King has always been about meaningful connections with our Gen Z guests. Loveyapa’s script and cast perfectly fit into our brand world. With Junaid Khan’s much-anticipated debut and Khushi Kapoor’s charm, this movie promises to strike a chord with India’s youth, and we’re thrilled to be part of its journey.”

    Phantom Studios CEO, Srishti Behl shared her excitement about the partnership, “The movie, with its fresh take on love and relationships, aligns perfectly with the dynamic and youthful energy of Burger King. The ‘Loveyapa Combo’ captures the playful spirit of the film, resonating with today’s Gen Z. It’s exciting to see this partnership come to life, reaching young audiences through a brand that truly speaks to them.”

    Directed by Advait Chandan and produced by Phantom Studios and AGS Entertainment, Loveyapa isn’t just about the leading pair. With Ashutosh Rana, Kiku Sharda, and a talented ensemble cast, the film dives deep into the bittersweet truths of love, heartbreak, and everything in between.

    Burger King’s cheeky, bold persona is a perfect match for Loveyapa’s modern take on romance. It’s a love story told through crispy fries, melty cheese, and of course, a side of laughs. The combo and contest are sure to make waves, drawing both foodies and movie buffs alike.

    Grab your ‘Loveyapa Combo’ and tell us: does food really taste better when paired with rom-coms? Only one way to find out!

  • Decoding Next Mediaworks Q3 and nine month results

    Decoding Next Mediaworks Q3 and nine month results

    MUMBAI: Next Mediaworks Limited is a holding company with a colourful portfolio in multimedia—think of it as the Swiss Army knife of the entertainment world. Helmed by HT Media and with deep roots in Indian broadcasting, the company has evolved into a jack-of-all-trades, dabbling in everything from FM radio to online news.

    Let’s start with its bread and butter: FM radio broadcasting. Through its Radio One FM stations, Next Mediaworks has become a household name in seven cities, including the media powerhouses of Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai. Feeling nostalgic for some old-school TV magic? The company also markets television programmes, films, and software—the behind-the-scenes wizardry that keeps your screens alive.

    And it doesn’t stop there. Acting as an advertising agent, providing online music and news, and even diving into internet commerce, Next Mediaworks spreads its wings wide. But how does one juggle all these pies while staying profitable? That’s the million-dollar question as we dig deeper into its financials.

    When you’re in the business of radio, every quarter brings a new tune. For Next Mediaworks Limited, this time, the notes were both harmonious and dissonant. The financial results for the quarter and nine months ending 31 December 2024, paint a picture of a company striving to balance its operational challenges with strategic resilience.

    Standalone Results

    The standalone results for Next Mediaworks in Q3 present a smaller slice of the financial pie—or should we say crumbs? Total income for the quarter was Rs 43 lakh, bolstered entirely by other income, as revenue from operations took a vacation. For the nine months, the total income barely inched up to Rs 44 lakh. The real story, however, is the expenses—and it’s a thriller.

    Employee benefit expenses for the nine months amounted to Rs 24 lakh—impressive if you’re running a lemonade stand, but less so for a media company. Meanwhile, finance costs gobbled up Rs 323 lakh, a jump from Rs 271 lakh last year, making one wonder: Are they financing or fine dining? Other expenses, at Rs 56 lakh, added more salt to the wound. This cocktail of costs stirred up a quarterly standalone loss of Rs 97 lakh and a nine-month loss of Rs 359 lakh.

    EBITDA, the trusty metric of financial health, barely registered a pulse, with Rs 15 lakh in Q3 and a cumulative Rs (36 lakh) for the nine months. Exceptional items stayed out of the picture, leaving the losses to hog the spotlight. The loss per share for Q3 was Rs 0.15, and for the nine months, Rs 0.54.

    Can this standalone operation hit the reset button and find its groove, or is it destined to stay on mute?

    Consolidated Results

    The consolidated revenue for Q3 stood at Rs 1,124 lakh, reflecting a decline from the Rs 1,172 lakh posted in the same quarter last year. However, the nine-month revenue was nearly flat at Rs 3,090 lakh, compared to Rs 3,077 lakh in 2023. Despite these figures, the company faces mounting challenges, as total expenses for the nine-month period surged to Rs 5,233 lakh, up from Rs 5,065 lakh.

    Now, let’s spice things up with the consolidated results—the section where the numbers get all the attention. EBITDA, the shining knight in an otherwise troubled kingdom, stood at Rs 143 lakh for Q3 and Rs 680.76 lakh for the nine months. However, profitability has been elusive, with the company posting a consolidated loss of Rs 632 lakh in Q3 and a whopping Rs 2,143 lakh over the nine months. Talk about a steep hill to climb!

    Let’s not sugarcoat it: the losses weren’t small. Employee expenses totalled Rs 597 lakh for the nine months, and radio license fees alone devoured Rs 1,048 lakh. Meanwhile, finance costs ballooned to Rs 1,739 lakh, up from Rs 1,539 lakh in 2023.

    As Next Mediaworks faces these towering costs, one has to ask: can they trim the fat without losing muscle?

    In a world where Spotify dominates playlists and podcasts grab ears globally, where does traditional radio fit? The consolidated losses may seem like a dirge, but Next Mediaworks is no stranger to finding harmony in chaos. Can it pull off a comeback and compose a more profitable tune?

    Next Mediaworks, through its flagship subsidiary Next Radio, is a prominent player in the radio broadcasting space. Yet, operating in an era dominated by streaming platforms has amplified the pressure to innovate. Radio license fees for Q3 were Rs 351 lakh, while employee benefits expenses climbed to Rs 597 lakh for the nine months, compared to Rs 634 lakh the previous year. Finance costs were another thorn, growing to Rs 1,739 lakh for the nine months, compared to Rs 1,539 lakh in 2023.

    Despite these hurdles, the company maintains a “going concern” assumption, bolstered by support from its holding company, HT Media. How long will this financial backing shield the group from market headwinds?

    While the overall narrative appears grim, there are glimmers of hope. The company has avoided external borrowings and maintains a favourable current assets-to-liabilities ratio. Its strategic focus on maintaining operational liquidity could provide the breathing room needed to recalibrate its business model.

    Moreover, the appointment of Sameer Singh as a non-executive non-independent director introduces a seasoned hand with global experience. His prior leadership roles at GroupM, Google, and ByteDance could inject a fresh perspective into the company’s strategic planning.

    The radio industry may no longer be the dominant force in entertainment, but its relevance endures. The challenge for Next Mediaworks is to harmonise traditional broadcasting with the demands of a tech-savvy audience. Will the company invest in digital transformation, or will it double down on its current model?

    As the financial results highlight, the road ahead is far from smooth. Yet, with strategic backing and seasoned leadership, Next Mediaworks has the potential to rewrite its tune. Investors and stakeholders will be keen to see whether the company’s next quarter hums a more uplifting melody.

    Key financial highlights

    . Consolidated Revenue: Rs 1,124 lakh for Q3; Rs 3,090 lakh for nine months.

    . EBITDA: Rs 143 lakh for Q3; Rs 680.76 lakh for nine months.

    . Consolidated Loss: Rs 632 lakh for Q3; Rs 2,143 lakh for nine months.

    . Standalone Loss: Rs 97 lakh for Q3; Rs 359 lakh for nine months.

    .  Finance Costs: Rs 1,739 lakh for nine months, up from Rs 1,539 lakh in 2023.

  • Amazon India boxes it up for 2025 Mahakumbh Mela attendees

    Amazon India boxes it up for 2025 Mahakumbh Mela attendees

    MUMBAI: If you are Amazon, you have to do something different, something amazing, something out of the box, right? Which is what Amazon India has done.

    In a heartfelt endeavor to enhance the experience of attendees at the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela, Amazon India is stepping beyond conventional boundaries with its innovative “dibbon se badhkar” (More than just boxes) initiative.

    Amazon India director growth &  marketing (CMO) Pragya Sharma  emphasised that true innovation lies not just in creating new products, but in transforming lives by seizing meaningful opportunities.

    In collaboration with the Mahakumbh Mela authorities, the ecommerce giant  has repurposed its iconic cardboard boxes into portable beds. These thoughtfully-designed beds  are providing a much-needed oasis of comfort for tired attendees at vital locations including the lost and found center, the  Kumbh hospital, and for the Kumbh police. The beds serve as a sanctuary, offering respite to those navigating long festival days and nights.

    “Our initiative goes beyond conventional thinking; we’re transforming the very boxes we use into a solution that brings comfort and convenience,” said Sharma. “This is a testament to our collective commitment to serving communities with care and thoughtfulness.”

    This innovative idea aligns seamlessly with Amazon’s mission to enrich daily lives. As hundreds of millions gather in Prayagraj for this monumental event, the “dibbon se badhkar” initiative stands as a small yet significant step towards delivering much-needed care and comfort.

  • Akasa Air’s Belson Coutinho expresses gratitude for support

    Akasa Air’s Belson Coutinho expresses gratitude for support

    MUMBAI: Belson Coutinho, the newly-elevated (earlier this month) co-founder & chief operating officer (COO) at Akasa Air, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support and wishes he has received on his new role. In a statement, Coutinho said he was “deeply touched” by the kindness and generosity of everyone who has reached out to him.

    Coutinho, who brings over 24 years of experience in the aviation industry, is an award-winning and entrepreneurial-minded senior management professional with expertise in marketing, eCommerce, and digital transformation. He has a proven track record of setting up and growing business units across various functions, including marketing, digital, social media, eCommerce, and customer service.

    As COO at Akasa Air, Coutinho is expected to leverage his exceptional leadership skills and innovative approach to drive growth and success for the airline. Prior to his advancement as COO, Coutinho was co-founder & chief marketing & experience officer.

    He has previously held senior roles at renowned companies such as Jet Airways and VFS Global, where he pioneered various industry-first initiatives in eCommerce, social media, digital, loyalty, and consumer experience.

    Coutinho’s appointment as COO at Akasa Air marks a new chapter in his career, and he is “incredibly grateful” for the opportunity to be part of the team and contribute to the airline’s success. He thanked everyone for their unwavering support, saying it means more than he can express.

    With his extensive experience and expertise, Coutinho is poised to make a significant impact at Akasa Air. His ability to see the “bigger picture” and his strong operational, strategic, and leadership skills make him an ideal fit for the role. As a team player with excellent communication skills, Coutinho is well-equipped to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and drive collaboration with partners, consumers, and colleagues alike.

    As Akasa Air continues to grow and expand its operations, Coutinho’s appointment as COO is seen as a significant boost to the airline’s leadership team. With his innovative approach and exceptional leadership skills, he is expected to play a key role in shaping the airline’s future and driving its success.

  • Prateek Kathpal advanced to director – private capital ecosystem – Grant Thornton Bharat

    Prateek Kathpal advanced to director – private capital ecosystem – Grant Thornton Bharat

    MUMBAI: He has got a capital promotion.  Grant Thornton Bharat LLP has elevated  Prateek Kathpal as director of the private capital ecosystem. In this pivotal role, Prateek will lead initiatives related to private equity go-to-market planning, deals consulting, and all aspects of practice development, including deal structuring, investment banking, due diligence, valuations, and debt restructuring.

    With a robust background in the financial sector, Prateek is an innovation enthusiast whose experience spans multi-sector corporate accelerator programs and advisory roles for startups on commercialisation and market entry strategies. The BSc in information technology also completed his post graduate degree in marketing, strategy & finance.  

    Prateek’s previous positions include director of private equity and deals at Grant Thornton, and strategy & practice development lead at Khaitan & Co, where he drove significant business engagements and client outreach. Additionally, he has a history of leading marketing and sales initiatives at Yes Bank and VCCircle.

    Grant Thornton Bharat, part of Grant Thornton International Ltd., is one of India’s premier professional services firms, boasting a workforce of over 10,000 across 19 offices. The firm is dedicated to delivering assurance, consulting, tax, risk, and digital transformation services while prioritising client-centric solutions and positive ecosystem impact.

  • Prabhjot Khera elevated as business director at Mirchi

    Prabhjot Khera elevated as business director at Mirchi

    MUMBAI:  Prabhjot Khera has been elevated as the business director of operations at Mirchi, effective December 2024. With over 18 years of experience in sales and marketing across diverse sectors, Khera is set to drive profitable growth and enhance operational excellence within the organization.

    In his new role, Khera will lead strategic initiatives aimed at exceeding business objectives while building high-performing teams and fostering strong client relationships. He brings a wealth of expertise in identifying market opportunities and delivering integrated media solutions aligned with clients’ marketing goals.

    Previously, Khera served as vice president of revenue and brand solutions at Mirchi, where he successfully grew the company’s market share through innovative sales strategies and collaborations with cross-functional teams.

    Khera is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, where he completed an executive program in leadership and management. His track record of developing award-winning campaigns and driving significant revenue growth will be instrumental as he takes on this new leadership position at Mirchi. 

  • Frido partners with Kaizzen to redefine comfort with strategic flair

    Frido partners with Kaizzen to redefine comfort with strategic flair

    MUMBAI: Comfort meets strategy, and the result? A whole lot of swagger for your home and lifestyle.

    Frido teams up with Kaizzen to bring ease and innovation into every Indian household. On 17 January 2025, Frido announced its partnership with Kaizzen, marking a new chapter in its decade-long journey of redefining everyday living with cutting-edge ergonomic solutions.

    Frido isn’t just about furniture; it’s about freedom—freedom to walk, sit, and sleep better. From pioneering the ‘Frido Go’, the first self-propelled shower wheelchair, to introducing Dual Gel Insoles and the quirky-yet-practical suitcase-folding commode wheelchair, Frido has revolutionised ergonomic living. And now, with products like the ‘ultimate mattress’, ‘deep sleep pillows’, and ‘ergonomic cushions’, they are making comfort a lifestyle.

    But here’s the real question: Can Frido take its game to the next level? That’s where Kaizzen steps in.

    Kaizzen, an award-winning communications agency with 16 years of experience, knows how to craft stories that stick. They’ve mastered the art of making brands shine, and Frido is no exception. With a mix of digital marketing, public relations, and corporate communications, Kaizzen plans to elevate Frido’s message to reach over 100 million Indians.

    “Frido’s mission to transform lives through innovation resonates deeply with us,” said Kaizzen COO Nikhil Pavithran. “Our goal is to create a narrative that establishes Frido as the gold standard in ergonomic solutions while making comfort and accessibility universal priorities.”

    Frido’s founder & CEO, Ganesh Sonawane couldn’t be more excited about the partnership, “At Frido, we aim to make daily living effortless with thoughtfully designed products. Kaizzen’s expertise in strategic communication will help us showcase how our innovations are improving the quality of life for millions.”

    With this collaboration, Frido aims to inspire a future where innovation meets accessibility at every corner.

    Think of a world where you don’t just dream of comfort—you live it.

    Kaizzen will bring this vision to life through compelling campaigns, turning Frido’s products into household essentials. Who wouldn’t want a mattress that feels like a hug or a wheelchair that practically glides on its own?

    Are you ready to Frido your way to a better life?