Tag: American Express

  • BharatPe brings Shilpi Kapoor on board

    BharatPe brings Shilpi Kapoor on board

    MUMBAI: BharatPe has roped in seasoned marketer Shilpi Kapoor as its new head of marketing, marking a strategic move as the fintech player sharpens its brand play and digital growth strategy.

    With over two decades of experience across powerhouse brands, Kapoor joins BharatPe from Airtel Payments Bank, where she served as chief marketing officer and helped position it as one of India’s leading digital financial institutions. Her standout contributions included creating the ‘Safe second account’ category and scaling the bank’s active user base to over 100 million.

    Before Airtel, Kapoor made her mark at American Express, Renault, Godfrey Phillips, Bharti Airtel, and Coca-Cola, driving some of the most memorable brand stories in recent years. From leading Amex’s ‘Don’t Live Life Without It’ campaign to launching Renault KWID into India’s fast lane, her track record reflects a flair for insight-led, high-impact marketing.

    At BharatPe, Kapoor will oversee brand strategy, integrated marketing, and digital engagement across the company’s growing portfolio.

    BharatPe CEO Nalin Negi said, “We are building a digital-first financial ecosystem that merchants and consumers can trust. Shilpi’s expertise in scaling iconic brands will help us deepen engagement and drive our next phase of growth.”

    Sharing her excitement, Kapoor said, “BharatPe has been a game-changer for digital commerce in India. My goal is to strengthen its brand trust and cultural relevance while empowering millions of merchants and consumers nationwide.”

    Her appointment underscores BharatPe’s focus on consumer-centric storytelling and brand-led growth, as the fintech firm gears up to expand its footprint in India’s rapidly evolving digital finance landscape.

    With Kapoor at the helm of marketing, BharatPe seems ready to add a fresh coat of brand brilliance to its growth story.
     

  • Sachin Salian takes the marketing hot seat at Aurionpro

    Sachin Salian takes the marketing hot seat at Aurionpro

    MUMBAI: Advanced technical solutions provider Aurionpro has just made a power move in the marketing game—roping in Sachin Salian as its new chief marketing officer. With more than 22 years of globe-trotting experience in growth marketing, brand leadership, and digital transformation, Salian isn’t just bringing muscle—he’s bringing marketing mojo.

    From crafting campaigns for the likes of American Express and P&G to transforming banking brands at Intellect Design Arena, Salian’s track record reads like a digital playbook for success. At Intellect, he snagged multiple chairman’s excellence awards for market expansions and cutting-edge platform launches—making him the marketer’s equivalent of a hat-trick hero.

    An IIM Lucknow grad, Salian has worked the full B2B spectrum—from digital ads and SEO to product launches and partnerships. Now, he’s set to lead Aurionpro’s global marketing and brand strategy, with one mission: to build a future-ready, digital-first enterprise brand that turns heads and wins markets.

    “We’re excited to have Sachin lead our global marketing efforts as we take a bold step toward building a future-ready, digital-first enterprise brand,” the company said in a statement. “Sachin will spearhead our global marketing & brand strategy—to accelerate growth across key markets.”

    With stints at Infosys, Cognizant, and Netcore under his belt, Salian’s no stranger to the tech hustle. As Aurionpro ramps up its transformation drive, the CMO’s chair has just been handed to someone who knows how to turn data into demand—and strategy into sizzle

  • Delhi Theatre Festival is back with its fifth season

    Delhi Theatre Festival is back with its fifth season

    Mumbai: Alchemist Live is bringing back the Delhi Theatre Festival (DTF) for its fifth season, featuring original live performances, notable casts, and classic stories.

    This year, DTF will take place over three days – 20, 21, and 22 September – across four venues in Delhi NCR: Siri Fort Auditorium, Kamani Auditorium, OP Jindal Auditorium, and Orana Convention in Gurugram.

    American Express returns as the title sponsor for the fifth year, reinforcing their partnership with Alchemist Live to offer audiences in Delhi NCR exceptional live theatre experiences.

    Detailing more about the festival, American Express Banking Corp, India CEO and country manager Sanjay Khanna said, “We are thrilled to sponsor the Delhi Theatre Festival for the fifth consecutive year to bring an extraordinary experience to our Card Members. This collaboration underscores our commitment to offering exclusive and unforgettable cultural experiences. We believe this festival will provide a unique opportunity for our Card Members to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of theatre, creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

    This year’s stellar cast includes legendary performers like Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Shabana Azmi, Lillete Dubey, Vinay Pathak to name a few, who will light up the DTF stage.

    Sharing his delight on the fifth season of the festival, Alchemist Live COO and co-founder Prabhu Tony said, “The energy and anticipation surrounding the Delhi Theatre Festival is truly inspiring. As we embark on our incredible fifth season, Alchemist Live is determined to raise the bar even higher. Within the realm of theatre, we are trying to introduce new formats every year and this year’s festival promises to be a captivating exploration of theatrical diversity. We envision the Delhi Theatre Festival as a global hub for theatre enthusiasts, and we’re honoured to provide a platform where playwrights, actors, and audiences can come together to celebrate the magic of live performance.

    Set to establish new benchmarks in the theatre segment, the 2024 festival will incorporate the following captivating plays:

    1   Old World by Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah on 20 September at Siri Fort Auditorium (8 pm), 21 September at Siri Fort Auditorium (1 pm & 6 pm), and 22 September at Orana Conventions, Gurugram (7 pm)

    2   Salaam Noni Appa by Lillete Dubey, Yateen Karyekar, Jayati Bhatia, Rishi Khurana, and Gillian Pinto on 21 September at Kamani Auditorium (3:30 pm & 7 pm)

    3   Anything but Love by Mandira Bedi and Samir Soni on 20 September at Kamani Auditorium (8 pm)

    4   Broken Images by Shabana Azmi on 21 September at Orana Convention, Gurugram (7 pm)

    5   One on One Dhamaal by Anu Menon, Ajitesh Gupta, Gagandeep Riar, Rajit Kapur, Shikha Talsania, Sohrab Ardeshir, Sumeet Vyas, and Vrajesh Hirjee on September 21 at OP Jindal Auditorium (7 pm)

    6   Jaya – A Rock Musical of the Mahabharata by Megan Murray, 2Blue, Vikrant Chaturvedi, Asif Ali Beg, Sherrin Varghese, Varun Narayan, and more on 22 September at Siri Fort Auditorium (4:30 pm & 8 pm)

    7   What’s Done is Done by Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Waris Ahmed, Chandrachoor Rai, Mantra, Radhika Mehrotra, Mansi Multani, Mallika Singh, Chakori Dwivedi, Munish Bhardwaj & Ravi Kalra on 22 September at OP Jindal Auditorium (7 pm)

    ‘’Delhi Theatre Festival has always held a special place in my heart. Performing for a Delhi audience is always an invigorating experience. Returning to Delhi to perform “Broken Images” after a couple of years fills me both with excitement and anxiety,’’ said Shabana Azmi.

    Resonating with her, Rajat Kapoor added, “This is the third time we are collaborating with Delhi Theatre Festival. We have been there with ‘nothing like Lear’, and this time we are back at the festival with ‘what’s done is done’, which is our adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. A theatre festival like this is a wonderful idea – to work as a bridge between theatre practitioners and audience. More power to you”

    Lillete Dubey, who’s retuning to festival said, “I’m thrilled to be part of the Delhi Theatre Festival again, especially in my hometown, Delhi, where I first performed over 50 years ago. This time, we’re bringing two unique shows—Salaam Noni Appa and JAYA, a rock musical of the Mahabharata. I’m excited for Delhi audiences to experience these extraordinary performances and kudos to Alchemist Live, and American Express for making this festival a reality!”

    DTF has become a cornerstone of Indian theatre in Delhi NCR since its inception. Each season has showcased a mesmerising curation of plays, electrifying performances by renowned actors, and a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the magic of live theatre.

  • American Express Bank appoints Sanjay Khanna as India’s chief executive officer

    American Express Bank appoints Sanjay Khanna as India’s chief executive officer

    New Delhi: American Express Banking Corp. (AEBC) has appointed Sanjay Khanna as the chief executive officer & country manager of India.

    In his new role, Khanna will be responsible to head the country’s executive team and for driving growth across the organisation’s consumer and commercial businesses.

    He will also spearhead several strategic and business development initiatives for the company while steering smooth collaboration across its diverse businesses in India. His position will be key to advancing and strengthening the company’s strategic focus in India.

    Speaking on the appointment, American Express international card services executive vice president Rob McClean stated, “I am pleased to welcome Sanjay to this new role. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Sanjay has exceptional credentials of delivering strong results coupled with a natural knack for leading from the front. We are confident that his commitment to excel in everything he does, his strong values and work ethics will further the brand’s leadership in the Indian market.”

    Detailing his appointment, Khanna, said, “India is undoubtedly one of the fastest growing economies of the world, characterized by its ever-expanding consumer base, evolving lifestyle and spending needs. As a premium payment solution brand, American Express has a definitive competitive edge in providing high-quality service. My role will be to further enhance the quality and service culture through premium products, service, and solutions to meet the ever-growing needs of the affluent population in India. I am extremely happy to take on this new role with American Express – one of the world’s most trusted and respected service brands.”

    In his previous roles Khanna has held many leadership positions in the company including head of global financial operations, India centre lead for finance and chairman of the American Express India Pvt Ltd (AEIPL) legal entity board.

    He has also led large-scale enterprise projects, multiple business transformation initiatives and established a number of centers of excellence.

     

  • Tata CLiQ Luxury & American Express tie up to dominate luxury market

    Tata CLiQ Luxury & American Express tie up to dominate luxury market

    MUMBAI: Tata CLiQ Luxury and American Express have inked an exclusive partnership aimed at premium and aspiring clientele of luxury experiences. This first of its kind strategic partnership between a global payments company and Tata CLiQ will capitalise on the demand for trusted and secure shopping experiences, especially with contactless shopping gaining prevalence and preference over the past year.

    Throughout the year, both brands will introduce initiatives to encourage luxury consumption across India, including access through the pan India distribution reach of Tata CLiQ Luxury. The partnership will offer unique experiences and thoughtfully curated services for American Express’ premium customers which include bespoke shopping experiences, access to stylish events, thought leadership gatherings, white glove delivery services, a dedicated concierge desk and unique privileges and including membership of Tata CLiQ Luxury’s exclusive by-invite-only privilege program – the Select Club.

    Special offers will be introduced to increase trials, services to promote online adoption of high-ticket purchases and conversations with taste makers around luxury trends. Additionally, centurion and platinum card holders will receive access to shopping on Tata CLiQ Luxury in a manner second to none. For example, the company said, Tata CLiQ Luxury will create a behind the scenes access to a special American Express desk for preferred / privileged customers.

    Tata CLiQ CEO Vikas Purohit said, “At Tata CLiQ Luxury, we are committed to nurture and foster the luxury market in India. It gives us immense pride to partner with American Express in bringing the best to Indian consumers. We aim to provide luxury consumers with benchmark (contactless) luxury experiences irrespective of where they reside. Our overall purpose is to make luxury accessible in hassle free manner and enable the luxury ecosystem in India take the leap.”

    American Express Banking Corp India, SVP & CEO Manoj Adlakha said, “Various industry reports peg India’s luxury market at $50 billion in 2020 and growing at 15 per cent plus annually. As a brand catering to premium lifestyle expectations, we are continually innovating and investing in capabilities and partnerships to enhance our card members’ experience. We are focused on delivering exclusive access and experiences to our card members, and this partnership with Tata CLiQ Luxury will further strengthen our suite of offerings. Providing a seamless omni-channel experience is critical for brands to build engagement and loyalty as customers increasingly crave experiences which foster connections and digital solutions that make their personal and professional lives easier.”

    Traditionally, demand for luxury retail has been in the main metros. With this partnership, both Tata CliQ Luxury and American Express will work together to enable luxury households across the far reaches of the country to enjoy iconic global and Indian luxury brands and labels.

  • Payback appoints Rijish Raghavan as COO

    Payback appoints Rijish Raghavan as COO

    Mumbai: Payback, India’s largest multi-brand loyalty program, today has announced the appointment of Rijish Raghavan as the new chief operating officer to oversee its India operations. Raghavan will also continue to lead business development and partner management portfolios while taking on additional responsibilities that would encompass business intelligence and compliance.

    He has over two decades of experience in leadership roles across industries. He believes in taking the organisation to the next level with expansion across new service categories and customer segments.

    Speaking on his new role Raghavan said, “I have been fortunate to be part of Payback’s journey in India and am excited to take on this new role that will help drive the next phase of growth for the business and will help the brand achieve many milestones. I am committed to bring in new ideas that will lead to the fulfilment of business objectives of our shareholders and partners along with creating more rewarding experiences for our members.”

    Prior to Payback, Raghavan was associated with companies like American Express and Cox & Kings. He has been instrumental in leading business development and driving growth for Payback in the country for last four years. He holds a post graduate diploma in business management from Xavier’s Institute of Management and has a deep understanding of marketing, analytics and technology functions.

    Also Read:

    Payback adopts new brand positioning with ‘Nothing is pointless’ campaign

    Oxigen Wallet partners Payback to maximise customer benefits  

    Payback inks strategic partnership with MobiKwik

  • Taxing e-ways cash in on utilities

    Taxing e-ways cash in on utilities

    MUMBAI: Utility and other companies are seeing more pronounced use of plastic money or online payments — the obvious choice of the connected world in the times of demonetisation.

    Since inception, DishTV has been open to e-payment. The company is in sync with the government’s demonetisation. It has witnessed over 65 lakh unique transactions through electronic payment till date.

    The service tax component on the above transaction was approximately Rs 2600 lakh. DishTV incurred a collection cost of four per cent on the tax. The tax is in addition to state entertainment tax and the license fee levied by MIB on DTH operators. Other distribution platform are not subject to license fee.

    As per industry estimates Rs 25000 crore of turnover escapes tax compliance in Cable TV services which results in loss of direct and indirect taxes to the tune of Rs. 8000 crore to the exchequer on annual basis. Demonetisation, timely implementation of digitisation and rollout of GST will bring in much needed transparency and ensure a level playing field.

    Not only the entertainment services, the transport services too are using plastic money. Popular digital payment solution, Ola Money can be used at over 25 major utilities including BESCOM, BSES, Reliance Energy and Indraprastha Gas. It is already being accepted by over 500 merchants across online payments and offline POS, outside the Ola platform. A maximum recharge of up to Rs. 20,000 is permitted on Ola Money wallet until 30 December, 2016.

    Ola Money announced that it has enabled cashless payments through its wallet for key utilities. By selecting the ‘Bill Payment’ option on the Ola Money app and selecting their utility provider, users can instantly pay their utility bills with one touch. The RBI recently increased the recharge limit on wallets like Ola Money from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 until 30 December to facilitate cashless transactions.

    Ola Money SVP and head Pallav Singh said, “We are proud to add 25 leading utilities to this list. We are coupling our experience in payment technology with our deep commitment to keep India moving towards a cashless economy.” Ola Money can be recharged using net banking debit cards or credit cards including MasterCard, VISA, American Express and RuPay.

    The department of telecommunications notification has extended the deadline for the acceptance of 500 rupee notes as legal tender for recharging prepaid phones for top-ups till 15 December, 2016. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) director-general Rajan Mathews said, “Despite initial teething problems, demonetisation will benefit the nation by driving increased digital transactions, promoting transparency, boosting tax collection and ensuring social equity..”

    Continuing the use of old Rs 500 notes as legal tender for prepaid mobile services is crucial because industry estimates indicate between 30 per cent and 50 per cent fall in demand as customers are still struggling with less cash in hand.

  • Taxing e-ways cash in on utilities

    Taxing e-ways cash in on utilities

    MUMBAI: Utility and other companies are seeing more pronounced use of plastic money or online payments — the obvious choice of the connected world in the times of demonetisation.

    Since inception, DishTV has been open to e-payment. The company is in sync with the government’s demonetisation. It has witnessed over 65 lakh unique transactions through electronic payment till date.

    The service tax component on the above transaction was approximately Rs 2600 lakh. DishTV incurred a collection cost of four per cent on the tax. The tax is in addition to state entertainment tax and the license fee levied by MIB on DTH operators. Other distribution platform are not subject to license fee.

    As per industry estimates Rs 25000 crore of turnover escapes tax compliance in Cable TV services which results in loss of direct and indirect taxes to the tune of Rs. 8000 crore to the exchequer on annual basis. Demonetisation, timely implementation of digitisation and rollout of GST will bring in much needed transparency and ensure a level playing field.

    Not only the entertainment services, the transport services too are using plastic money. Popular digital payment solution, Ola Money can be used at over 25 major utilities including BESCOM, BSES, Reliance Energy and Indraprastha Gas. It is already being accepted by over 500 merchants across online payments and offline POS, outside the Ola platform. A maximum recharge of up to Rs. 20,000 is permitted on Ola Money wallet until 30 December, 2016.

    Ola Money announced that it has enabled cashless payments through its wallet for key utilities. By selecting the ‘Bill Payment’ option on the Ola Money app and selecting their utility provider, users can instantly pay their utility bills with one touch. The RBI recently increased the recharge limit on wallets like Ola Money from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 until 30 December to facilitate cashless transactions.

    Ola Money SVP and head Pallav Singh said, “We are proud to add 25 leading utilities to this list. We are coupling our experience in payment technology with our deep commitment to keep India moving towards a cashless economy.” Ola Money can be recharged using net banking debit cards or credit cards including MasterCard, VISA, American Express and RuPay.

    The department of telecommunications notification has extended the deadline for the acceptance of 500 rupee notes as legal tender for recharging prepaid phones for top-ups till 15 December, 2016. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) director-general Rajan Mathews said, “Despite initial teething problems, demonetisation will benefit the nation by driving increased digital transactions, promoting transparency, boosting tax collection and ensuring social equity..”

    Continuing the use of old Rs 500 notes as legal tender for prepaid mobile services is crucial because industry estimates indicate between 30 per cent and 50 per cent fall in demand as customers are still struggling with less cash in hand.

  • OgilvyOne Worldwide names Namrata Keswani as Mumbai head

    OgilvyOne Worldwide names Namrata Keswani as Mumbai head

    MUMBAI OgilvyOne Worldwide’s has named Namrata Keswani as vice president and head of the Mumbai office.

    Welcoming Keswani  to her new role, OgilvyOne Worldwide India president Vikram Menon said “OgilvyOne has been India’s No. 1 Digital Agency for many years. Our flagship Mumbai office was recently ranked among the World’s 10 Best Digital Agencies. And to have Namrata now at the helm is truly exciting. Her varied experience across markets, brands and new media will be ideal, as OgilvyOne, Mumbai looks to set new benchmarks across the board.

    Keswani  said, “ OgilvyOne Mumbai has grown and transformed rapidly over the last few years into a leading digital agency. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be at its helm and chart its next chapter of growth. I hope to nurture a nimble, learning agency culture and ensure our clients see us as their partner of choice in this exciting, challenging environment where the digital landscape and consumer are evolving so dramatically.

    This is a home-coming of sorts for Keswani, who began her journey with Ogilvy & Mather Mumbai, way back in 2003 where she proceeded to handle some of the agency’s most prestigious businesses. Among them were Asian Paints, Mattel, Unilever, Google, Cadbury, Taj Hotels and TBZ. She also spent a year and a half at Ogilvy Singapore where she managed the GlaxoSmithKline, American Express and Kimberly Clark businesses.

    Her inherent leaning towards fashion and style, led her to the role of a Fashion Stylist at NBC in 2005 and more recently, at Condé Nast India where she led the Condé Nast factory – a content vertical for the publishing group.  
     

     

  • OgilvyOne Worldwide names Namrata Keswani as Mumbai head

    OgilvyOne Worldwide names Namrata Keswani as Mumbai head

    MUMBAI OgilvyOne Worldwide’s has named Namrata Keswani as vice president and head of the Mumbai office.

    Welcoming Keswani  to her new role, OgilvyOne Worldwide India president Vikram Menon said “OgilvyOne has been India’s No. 1 Digital Agency for many years. Our flagship Mumbai office was recently ranked among the World’s 10 Best Digital Agencies. And to have Namrata now at the helm is truly exciting. Her varied experience across markets, brands and new media will be ideal, as OgilvyOne, Mumbai looks to set new benchmarks across the board.

    Keswani  said, “ OgilvyOne Mumbai has grown and transformed rapidly over the last few years into a leading digital agency. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be at its helm and chart its next chapter of growth. I hope to nurture a nimble, learning agency culture and ensure our clients see us as their partner of choice in this exciting, challenging environment where the digital landscape and consumer are evolving so dramatically.

    This is a home-coming of sorts for Keswani, who began her journey with Ogilvy & Mather Mumbai, way back in 2003 where she proceeded to handle some of the agency’s most prestigious businesses. Among them were Asian Paints, Mattel, Unilever, Google, Cadbury, Taj Hotels and TBZ. She also spent a year and a half at Ogilvy Singapore where she managed the GlaxoSmithKline, American Express and Kimberly Clark businesses.

    Her inherent leaning towards fashion and style, led her to the role of a Fashion Stylist at NBC in 2005 and more recently, at Condé Nast India where she led the Condé Nast factory – a content vertical for the publishing group.