Tag: appointment

  • Vaynermedia Australia hires Denny Handlin to lead creative evolution

    Vaynermedia Australia hires Denny Handlin to lead creative evolution

    MUMBAI: If there’s one thing Vaynermedia Australia knows how to do, it’s making waves. Now, the agency is set to make an even bigger splash with the appointment of Denny Handlin as its new executive creative director. With Handlin at the helm, the agency is doubling down on its mission to redefine integrated, social-first marketing across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

    Handlin brings an enviable track record, having held leadership roles at Clemenger Group, Meta, and most recently, Tiktok ANZ, where he was head of global business marketing. From steering high-impact campaigns to leading powerhouse creative teams, he has built a reputation for crafting consumer-first strategies that deliver real business impact.

    Speaking about his new role, Handlin said, “I couldn’t be more excited for this new chapter at Vaynermedia, partnering with world-class clients to put social at the centre of everything we do. The team here is already known for its innovative, creative thinking, and I can’t wait to get started and push the boundaries of what’s possible in this space.”

    Reflecting on his time at Tiktok, he added, “I’ve called Tiktok my home for nearly five years, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had there. I’ve worked with an immensely talented team and am proud of what we’ve built together. I truly wish them all the best.”

    In his new role, Handlin will report to Australia country manager Karen Coleman and Vaynermedia’s head of creative for the Asia Pacific region Woei Hern Chan.

    “Denny brings the best of both worlds—a rare blend of big-agency creative expertise and deep platform experience. We’re in our next phase of growth, evolving beyond just great creative and media to a truly integrated, social-first approach that drives business results. Denny is not only an exceptional creative leader but also a builder of high-performance teams and culture—exactly what we need to shape what’s next,” said Coleman.

    With Vaynermedia charging full speed ahead into its next growth phase, Handlin’s appointment signals a commitment to pushing creative limits and delivering marketing that doesn’t just exist in the social space but dominates it.  

  • Deepali Jain gets expanded insights head role at Marico

    Deepali Jain gets expanded insights head role at Marico

    MUMBAI: The fragrance of promotion and greater responsibility on most occasion smells good. As it has in the case of Deepali Jain who has been promoted and seen an expansion  in her role  to partner – head consumer technical insights + perfumery + design (India + international businesses) at Marico.

    A hard core-research oriented professional, Deepali, has progressed in a sustained manner over the 10 years and eight months she has been at the firm. Beginning as a consumer insights manager – innovation and technology she was promoted to principal manger – consumer science after a period of nearly five years. Another four years of consistency saw her being promoted to head consumer insights for hair care, personal care  and male grooming – a position from which she got another promotion.

    Before joining Marico Deepali spent three and a half years as group project director at TNS Global and nearly seven years at Nielsen beginning as a research executive and rising to consumer insights manager working on some of the top FMCG brands.

    “A big thank you to my incredible insights, perfumery, and design team, members at R&D and across geographies for their invaluable support. Looking forward to work for together to drive Marico’s success. Here’s to many more exciting milestones and achievements,!” said Deepali while announcing her expanded role at the Harsh Mariwala-founded company. 

  • Goldiee Group appoints Lokesh Arora  as head of marketing & communications

    Goldiee Group appoints Lokesh Arora as head of marketing & communications

    MUMBAI: Goldiee group has appointed Lokesh Arora as the head of marketing and communications, marking an exciting new chapter in his career within the spices and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. With over 25 years of experience in the event, exhibition, and media production industries, Lokesh brings a wealth of expertise that is set to drive a significant impact in his new role.

    In a recent LinkedIn post, Lokesh shared his enthusiasm for this new journey, stating, “Can’t believe it’s already been five months since I joined Goldiee Group! The last few months have been a whirlwind of learning, strategizing, and diving into some exciting projects. Updating my profile honestly took a back seat while I focused on settling in and making an impact. But now feels like the perfect time to share this milestone. Excited to connect and grow with all of you as I continue this amazing journey!”

    Before joining Goldiee Group, Lokesh served as portfolio director at Franchise India, where he refined his skills in marketing management and strategy. He previously held the role of senior vice president at Images group, managing food and FMCG events and publications, significantly contributing to platforms like Progressive Grocer India and the India Food Forum. His career also includes a position as regional head at World Wide Media (Times of India Group), focusing on business development for prominent magazines and events.

    Lokesh holds a post graduate diploma in management (PGDM) from the All India Management Association (AIMA), providing him with the strategic insight needed for effective marketing and communications.

  • Scholars Merit appoints Nancy D as chief business officer

    Scholars Merit appoints Nancy D as chief business officer

    Mumbai: Scholars Merit, an IT consultancy firm based in Noida, has appointed Nancy D as its new chief business officer (CBO). With a strong background in global business strategy, digital transformation, and market expansion, Nancy will lead the company’s growth and digital initiatives.

    As CBO, she will focus on strengthening Scholars Merit’s global presence, driving digital transformation, and forming key strategic partnerships. Her expertise in go-to-market strategies will help expand the company’s reach beyond the education sector.

    Scholars Merit CEO Sumit Shukla said, “We are pleased to welcome Nancy as a key member of Scholars Merit team. Her experience and success in growing business will be instrumental in scaling our global operations and advancing our digital initiatives. Nancy will play an important role in shaping the future of Scholars Merit.”

    Nancy said, “I am honored to join Scholars Merit and look forward to working alongside the talented team here to push the boundaries of digital transformation. Together, we will focus on creating impactful solutions that drive growth and innovation, strengthening our global footprint and client relationships.”

    Scholars Merit recently launched TaskOne, WebOne, and CloudOne, a suite of solutions aimed at helping IT businesses streamline operations, optimize performance, and drive digital transformation. These tools complement the company’s existing services, such as the i-merit platform and SM360, which focus on student development for a smooth transition into the corporate world. The new solutions are designed to help organizations stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market.

  • Sharad Gupta joins GoKwik as senior director – products

    Sharad Gupta joins GoKwik as senior director – products

    Mumbai: GoKwik, an e-commerce enabler in India, has appointed Sharad Gupta as senior director of products. With over a decade of experience, Sharad will lead GoKwik’s custom checkout vertical, focusing on streamlining checkout and payment processes to enhance digital shopping and support brand growth across e-commerce platforms.

    Before GoKwik, Sharad held key roles at Swiggy, Dineout, and Paytm. At Swiggy, he led initiatives including a partnership with IRCTC that expanded food delivery for train passengers. At Dineout, he contributed to customer loyalty and product development, and at Paytm, he strengthened customer support infrastructure. His experience in product strategy and consumer experience aligns with GoKwik’s goals.

    GoKwik co-founder & CEO Chirag Taneja stated, “Having Sharad join our team is a significant step towards becoming deeply platform agnostic. We believe that every eCommerce brand should be able to provide a smooth, fast, and secure checkout experience regardless of the platform they are present in. That’s what Sharad is going to drive. Sharad’s expertise in building impactful products makes him an ideal leader to drive our checkout solutions forward. We’re excited about the potential his leadership brings in shaping GoKwik’s growth and increasing the value we deliver to our partner brands.”

    Gupta said, “What excites me most about joining GoKwik is the team’s passion for making digital commerce easy and seamless for everyone. The eCommerce space in India is booming, with brands actively seeking innovative, frictionless ways to engage directly with consumers. GoKwik is at the forefront of this shift, setting new standards for a smooth, hassle-free shopping experience that keeps customers returning. I’m thrilled to be part of a team that’s redefining the online shopping landscape and championing the future of eCommerce in such a meaningful way.”

    GoKwik’s network includes over 10,000 brands, such as Lenskart, Neemans, Man Matters, and Shoppers Stop, spanning categories like fashion, beauty, health, nutrition, and electronics. With over 120 million shoppers, its leadership team features talent from Amazon, Myntra, Google, and Nykaa. GoKwik anticipates continued growth during the festive season leading up to Diwali.

  • Lapp India appoints Sumit Mitra as MD

    Lapp India appoints Sumit Mitra as MD

    Mumbai: Lapp India has appointed Sumit Mitra as managing director, effective 1 November 2024. With over three decades of experience in the industrial sector, Sumit’s leadership will drive Lapp India’s growth and market expansion. Based in Bangalore, he will report to the CEO of Lapp Asia Pacific.

    Sumit joins Lapp from SKF Group, where he contributed to operational excellence and market growth in both Indian and multinational companies. His strategic skills and focus on talent development make him a key addition to Lapp’s leadership team.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Sumit to Lapp India,” said Lapp Asia Pacific CEO Richard Lee. “India is our largest market outside Germany, with immense growth potential across industries. Sumit’s strategic vision and expertise will be instrumental in accelerating our expansion and deepening our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our Indian customers.”

    In his new role, Sumit will focus on transforming Lapp India into a leading player in cable and connectivity solutions, with a commitment to tackling complex customer challenges across diverse industries. He aims to strengthen the company’s operational base, scale product offerings, and bring industry-first technologies to India’s growing market.

    “Joining Lapp India is both an honour and a tremendous opportunity,” stated Mitra. “The strong growth in the Indian economy provides Lapp tremendous opportunities for our existing business as well as in many new segments. I look forward to harnessing these opportunities to drive profitable growth at Lapp India.”

    A graduate in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from Pune University and an MBA from IIM-Calcutta, Sumit’s strong people-centric approach, combined with his technical and strategic background, underscores his vision for Lapp India’s future.

  • SPNI appoints Sibaji Biswas as chief financial officer

    SPNI appoints Sibaji Biswas as chief financial officer

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India has announced the appointment of Sibaji Biswas as its new chief financial officer (CFO), effective the first week of January 2025. In this role, Sibaji will lead SPNI’s financial strategy, planning and corporate finance, to enhance operational efficiency and growth across the company’s multi-channel and digital platforms.

    With over two decades of financial leadership and expertise in strategic transformation, Sibaji has a proven record of delivering growth and driving innovative solutions. As CFO and executive director at Syngene International, a Biocon Group listed subsidiary, he has played a key role in its growth where revenues doubled, and market cap nearly tripled in the last five years. During his tenure, he drove supply chain and digital transformation in the business for optimising operations, futureproofing the business and enhancing efficiencies.

    Sibaji’s career highlights include a 12-year tenure at Vodafone, where he held pivotal roles such as CFO of Vodafone Romania, EVP of corporate development, and head of procurement. As part of Vodafone’s senior leadership team, he contributed to strategic growth initiatives in India and other markets. His previous role as head of corporate finance at Hutchison India saw him collaborating with its distinguished leadership team, shaping innovative finance strategies that propelled the company’s expansion.

    Sony Pictures Networks India MD & CEO Gaurav Banerjee stated, “Sibaji’s financial expertise and strategic approach make him a strong fit for SPNI’s leadership team. His experience in building operational efficiency and navigating complex financial landscapes will be valuable as we strengthen our brand and enhance the viewer experience. We look forward to his contributions as we enter this next phase of growth.”

  • NXTDIGITAL appoints Rajiv Bhargava as chief financial officer

    NXTDIGITAL appoints Rajiv Bhargava as chief financial officer

    Mumbai: NXTDIGITAL, the digital media division of Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS), has appointed Rajiv Bhargava as its chief financial officer.

    Rajiv, a chartered accountant with over three decades of experience, has held leadership roles at Sony Pictures Networks, PepsiCo India Holdings, and Gujarat Tea Processors and Packers (Wagh Bakri Tea Group). His expertise spans media and entertainment, FMCG, banking, pharmaceuticals, and retail. Known for his skills in financial planning, risk management, and operational efficiency, Rajiv has a track record of driving cost savings, improving profitability, and leading teams toward excellence. He is also passionate about digital transformation in finance within the media and entertainment sectors.

    HGS’ whole-time director and head of the media group Vynsley Fernandes said, “We are delighted to welcome Rajiv to Hinduja Global Solutions and the Nxt Media Group. We’re looking forward to have Rajiv lend his expertise and experience to our business as we embark on another growth phase.”

    Bhargava said, “I am excited to join NXTDIGITAL and leverage my expertise in finance to drive business transformation, especially at a time when media, entertainment and technology is seeing convergence. I am devoted to ensuring a robust financial future by managing key finance functions, accounts and revenue management, and I look forward to collaborating with teams and partners to ensure a unified vision for the future.”

  • PR Professionals appoints Rajveer Ahuja as director – film & entertainment

    PR Professionals appoints Rajveer Ahuja as director – film & entertainment

    Mumbai: PR Professionals, the flagship of PRP Group has appointed Rajveer Ahuja as director of its film and entertainment division to enhance its presence in the industry.

    Ahuja brings over two decades of experience in filmmaking, writing, and direction, with notable roles as an actor and writer in Gollu Aur Pappu and as a dialogue writer for Fugly, which introduced Kiara Advani. His portfolio includes contributions to award-winning films like Modi ji ki Beti, Cheel Gadi (Flying Wagon), Girl in Red, Mukti, Peanut Butter, Lonely Girl: A Psychological Thriller, The Gift, Tera Mera Pyar Amar, and The Last Show.

    Ahuja also produced all seasons of the musical series Bhoomi by Salim-Sulaiman, known for featuring Indian musicians. As part of Bhoomi 2024, Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan have collaborated on a new song, Chhaila. In advertising, Ahuja has produced the JBL ad featuring AR Rahman and directed the Matrix Forex commercial with Shahrukh Khan.

    With Ahuja leading the film & entertainment division, PR Professionals aims to expand its influence in the entertainment sector, focusing on creative innovation and strategic partnerships.

    PR Professionals founder & MD Dr Sarvesh Tiwari shared “We are excited to welcome Rajveer to lead our Film & Entertainment division. His extensive experience, visionary approach, and passion for storytelling align with our goals of creating impactful content and fostering growth in the entertainment industry. We are confident that this strategic expansion will enhance our capabilities and elevate our work to new heights.”

    Ahuja shared, “I am happy to be a part of PR Professionals which has grown phenomenally in the past. I am thrilled to lead their films and entertainment division and take it forward to newer heights.”

    The Films and Entertainment division of PR Professionals has managed publicity and promotions for Bollywood hits like Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar with Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, and Dream Girl 2 with Ayushmann Khurana and Ananya Pandey.

    Founded in 2011, PR Professionals is an integrated communications agency focused on branding and public relations. The agency supports businesses in achieving market presence and engages in philanthropic activities. Confianza Consulting, part of PRP Group, provides human resource solutions, including talent acquisition, performance management, and compliance. PRP Group has expanded to 12 offices in India and six international locations.

  • Gulf Oil Lubricants India appoints Abhijit Kulkarni as chief commercial officer

    Gulf Oil Lubricants India appoints Abhijit Kulkarni as chief commercial officer

    Mumbai: Gulf Oil Lubricants India, a prominent player in the lubricants industry has appointed Abhijit Kulkarni as chief commercial officer (CCO). With over two decades of diverse experience across top-tier MNCs including Unilever, Castrol and Coca Cola, Kulkarni brings a wealth of expertise in strategic marketing, brand development, sales, and general management. In his new role, he will assume responsibility for overseeing Gulf Oil’s B2C and B2B business segments (excluding OEM), synergy, and marketing, and will report directly to Gulf Oil Lubricants India MD & CEO Ravi Chawla.

    Kulkarni joins Gulf Oil from Unilever, where he held leadership roles over 16 years, including cluster general manager for Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam in the FMCG major’s ice cream division with P&L responsibilities. He led initiatives like revitalizing Unilever’s Thailand ice cream business and introducing brands like ‘Magnum’ in India. His experience in driving growth, portfolio management, and team building will support Gulf Oil’s channel business and align it with the company’s commercial goals.

    Chawla said, “We are delighted to welcome Abhijit Kulkarni to Gulf. His extensive leadership experience and proven track record in delivering accelerated business growth by driving brand, sales & marketing initiatives & contributing to the strategic agenda make him a valuable addition to our team. With his deep expertise across markets and sectors, I am confident that Mr. Kulkarni will bring fresh energy in our B2C and B2B profitable growth trajectory as we continue to expand our market shares.”

    Kulkarni said, “Gulf is an aspirational brand and its strong legacy and brand presence offer a unique opportunity to contribute to the company’s growth story. The company’s commitment to continuous innovation and excellence makes it an exciting time to join the organization. I look forward to working with the passionate team at Gulf Oil to deliver value to our customers, partners, and stakeholders.”

    Kulkarni holds an MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) and a Bachelor of Engineering from Government College of Engineering, Pune (COEP). His diverse leadership roles in both Indian and international markets have equipped him with a unique perspective on driving business success in dynamic environments.