Tag: appointment

  • Mitsubishi Electric India welcomes Atsushi Takase as new MD

    Mitsubishi Electric India welcomes Atsushi Takase as new MD

    Mumbai: Mitsubishi Electric India (MEI) has appointed Atsushi Takase as managing director, effective 1 October 2024. With over 36 years at Mitsubishi Electric, Takase has held notable roles, including deputy managing director at MEI and vice president of the transportation systems division in the USA, where he led major projects such as for the New York City Subway. His expertise spans transportation systems and global strategic planning.

    In his new role, Takase aims to enhance MEI’s operational efficiency, promote sustainable growth, and address social issues through business initiatives aligned with the ‘Make in India’ program. Drawing on his market knowledge, he will work to foster innovation and create value for stakeholders.

    “I am excited to join Mitsubishi Electric India at a time when the company is poised for significant growth,” said Takase. “I look forward to working with our talented team to further strengthen our market presence and continue our mission of ‘Changes for the Better’ through technology while prioritizing sustainability.”

    Since its inception in 2010, Mitsubishi Electric India has been a leader in delivering products and solutions for factory automation, elevators, air conditioning, and semiconductors, tailored to local market needs.

    As the company expands in India, Atsushi Takase’s leadership will be crucial in advancing its mission of ‘Changes for the Better,’ ensuring MEI stays at the forefront of technology while addressing societal needs.

  • Snow World Entertainment names Avanish Agarwal as brand head – Game Palacio pan India

    Snow World Entertainment names Avanish Agarwal as brand head – Game Palacio pan India

    Mumbai: Snow World Entertainment has appointed Avanish Agarwal as its brand head for Game Palacio pan India. In this role, he will drive the growth and expansion of the gaming business. The company has established a strong presence with three operational restaurants and 14 luxury gaming and bar concepts across India.

    Avanish brings a proven track record in the food and beverage sector, with expertise in operations, marketing, and brand strategy. His innovative ideas and problem-solving skills have consistently delivered strong results throughout his career.

    Snow World Entertainment COO Paramjit Singh Gupta stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Avanish to Snow World Entertainment. We admire Avanish’s ability to bring fresh and bold ideas to the table. His passion for games, experiential events and marketing makes him the perfect fit for our vision of creating unforgettable gaming experiences”.

    Agarwal said,  “I am thrilled to be joining Snow World Entertainment and to have the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of these iconic brands.” It excites me to work with the incredible professionals at Snow World Entertainment to enhance brand recognition and the game industry. My primary objectives will be to establish a solid brand position in the market, spur expansion, and develop innovative marketing strategies to support the gaming sector and encourage growth. I’m excited to join this journey and contribute to the company’s success.”

    Avanish’s most recent position was at Zoreko, where he oversaw the marketing department, completely rebranded the company, and advanced it in the FEC area. Before Zoreko, he oversaw the marketing department at Nisa Experience-EKAA and KMC. He played a key role in Ekaa, one of Nisa Experience’s restaurants, being included in Asia’s 50 best restaurants. He had previously directed growth and strategy from a business-to-business (B2B) standpoint at Eazydiner and Dineout.

  • Upasana Naithani joins FCB Kinnect as SVP (West)

    Upasana Naithani joins FCB Kinnect as SVP (West)

    Mumbai: FCB Kinnect has announced the appointment of Upasana Naithani as senior vice president (west). This appointment highlights the agency’s commitment to broaden the expansion strategy for the Western market, home to its largest clients and significant business interests.

    Upasana moves from Wunderman Thompson, where she was vice president & CSD.

    In her new role as SVP (West), she will draw on her experience to scale the agency’s Mumbai client base, explore new markets, and drive strategic initiatives. She will also lead her teams in fostering collaboration with the new creative leadership, enhancing FCB Kinnect’s position as a creatively-led integrated agency.

    Upasana has previously been associated with renowned brands such as Spotify, Flipkart, Hershey’s, Kotak Mahindra, ICICI Bank, Colgate Palmolive, Ultratech Cement, Truecaller, iQOO, Paytm, NPCI, JSW Brand, Unilever, Elle, Ponds, and Sunsilk, among others.

    Her work on UltraTech’s ‘Baat Ghar Ki’ campaign earned accolades at the EFFIES, while Sunsilk’s ‘Thick and Long’ campaign won an Abby. She also received awards for Unilever Corporate’s ‘Project Sunlight’ at IDMA and Elle18’s ‘Make Your Own Shade’ at Kyoorius, among other recognitions.

    With over 15 years of experience, Upasana has also worked with companies like Dentsu Webchutney, Reliance Retail, Infectious Advertising, VML, BC Webwise and Flying Cursor Interactive, among others.

    FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India CEO Rohan Mehta said, “Upasana’s extensive experience with leading brands across various categories will be instrumental in helping us expand our presence in our largest market, by gaining a deeper understanding of client needs. I am confident that she will be crucial in strengthening relationships with both new and existing clients, providing them with creative solutions to their business challenges.”

    Naithani added, “Rohan and Chandni’s vision and leadership has established a solid foundation for success. In a landscape where many large agencies grapple with balancing traditional and modern practices, Kinnect’s approach is remarkably refreshing. Their commitment to continuous learning and positive embrace of change is what truly excites me about joining the Kinnect family.”

  • Way2News appoints Mansi Shah as region head – west

    Way2News appoints Mansi Shah as region head – west

    Mumbai: Hyperlocal news platform – Way2News has appointed Mansi Shah as region head – west to enhance its leadership and strengthen its presence in western India. With over 18 years of experience in media and advertising sales, Mansi will lead the company’s monetisation strategies and establish key brand partnerships to drive growth in the region.

    Her appointment is timely as Way2News seeks to meet the rising demand for hyperlocal content across India. The platform aims to strengthen its relationships with advertisers and brands. Mansi’s background in media sales, especially in Hindi-speaking and regional language markets, makes her well-suited to develop innovative advertising solutions that engage local audiences and ensure Way2News remains a preferred platform for brands aiming to connect with consumers.

    Way2News founder & CEO Raju Vanapala said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mansi to our team. Her proven sales track record and deep understanding of the Hindi and Marathi markets will be invaluable in unlocking new growth opportunities across Western India. With her expertise, we are confident in our ability to strengthen our presence and enhance our offerings to advertisers in the region.”

    Shah said, “I am excited to join Way2News at a time when the demand for regional content is transforming the advertising landscape. Way2News offers a unique opportunity for brands to engage deeply with local audiences, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive the platform’s growth in the Western region. Together, we will create impactful advertising solutions that resonate with regional consumers and help brands build meaningful connections with their target audiences.”

    Before joining Way2News, Mansi served as director of ad sales at Viacom18 Media for over 12 years, where she was instrumental in driving revenue for major television properties, including Bigg Boss, The Kapil Sharma Show, and Khatron Ke Khiladi. Her experience includes managing ad sales across various media platforms, from Hindi GECs to regional channels like Colors Marathi, Colors Gujarati, and Nickelodeon. With her skills in developing advertising strategies, managing large accounts, and leading teams, Mansi will be crucial in supporting Way2News’ expansion efforts.

  • AnyMind Group names Siddharth Kelkar & Aditya Aima to lead India & MENA

    AnyMind Group names Siddharth Kelkar & Aditya Aima to lead India & MENA

    Mumbai: AnyMind Group has announced that MD of performance business – Siddharth Kelkar, and MD of growth markets – Aditya Aima, will take on additional roles as co-managing directors for India and MENA.

    They will take over from Rubeena Singh, who leaves on 15 October 2024. Kelkar and Aima, who joined AnyMind through the acquisition of POKKT in 2020 after serving seven and five years at POKKT, will now co-lead operations, driving business expansion, strategic partnerships, and growth in these regions.

    On the appointments, AnyMind Group CEO and co-founder Kosuke Sogo said, “Both Siddharth and Aditya have proven themselves to be strong leaders in their respective fields, and are always thirsty for new growth, directly reflecting a trait that runs through our management team. We are confident that with their leadership, we are able to help even more businesses become borderless in what is a vast region that possesses great potential.”

    Siddharth Kelkar has been a part of the media industry for over 20 years and has worked across digital, print and broadcasting mediums. Before joining AnyMind Group and POKKT, Kelkar held leadership roles in SVG Media, Ozone Media and Reliance Games (Zapak). He has also worked with The Times Group, Hindustan Times and CNBC TV18.

    On his appointment, Kelkar said, “I’m excited to take on this expanded responsibility at a time when both India and the MENA regions are at the cusp of transformative growth in digital, marketing, and e-commerce landscapes. Leveraging AnyMind’s cutting-edge solutions, we aim to drive innovation, empower businesses, and build deeper partnerships that will fuel long-term success for our clients across these key markets. I look forward to working with Aditya and the wider team at AnyMind to further scale our presence and impact.”

    Aditya Aima has over two decades of experience, including the ad tech, broadcast and publishing industries. Before joining AnyMind Group and POKKT, Aima held leadership positions in Culture Machine Media, Astro Malaysia, Bloomberg TV and Turner Broadcasting System.

    During his appointment, Aima said, “It’s an honor to co-lead the India and MENA regions, which present immense opportunities for growth. With the rapid digital transformation happening across both markets, we are uniquely positioned to help businesses unlock their full potential using AnyMind’s integrated platform for marketing, e-commerce, and digital transformation. Together with Siddharth, we are committed to driving strategic initiatives that will not only support our clients but also solidify AnyMind’s leadership in these dynamic markets.”

    AnyMind Group entered the Indian market in 2020 by acquiring mobile advertising platform POKKT, which operates across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. POKKT is integrated with international app publishers and offers video and rich media ad solutions. AnyMind Group’s technology and operations focus on two areas: brand commerce (e-commerce, marketing, logistics, production, and conversational commerce) and partner growth (solutions for creators and publishers).

  • India Global Forum appoints Uday Karan Verma as president – business relations

    India Global Forum appoints Uday Karan Verma as president – business relations

    Mumbai: India Global Forum (IGF) has expanded its international presence by appointing Uday Karan Verma, a senior executive from BBC India, as president – business relations. With over seven years at BBC India, most recently as country manager, Verma has significant experience in developing business opportunities and strategic alliances. His appointment supports IGF’s growth strategy and ongoing efforts to enhance its global influence.

    India Global Forum founder and chairman Manoj Ladwa said: “This is an exciting time for both India and IGF. I’m delighted to welcome Uday to our amazing team, where  his vast experience in fostering business relationships will help drive forward our vision  of unlocking limitless opportunities.”

    Uday Karan Verma has more than two decades of experience across top brands, including BBC, Network18, and ESPN Star Sports. At BBC, he played a pivotal role in launching BBC StoryWorks and led successful initiatives such as BBC Golf Connect and BBC Sportswomen of the year, showcasing his leadership in revenue, content, and strategic vision.

    On his new role, Verma said: “I’m thrilled to join IGF, a platform that brilliantly showcases India’s story on the global stage. IGF’s mission to unlock India’s immense potential aligns with my passion for driving meaningful growth and partnerships.”

    “As a member of this dynamic team, I hope to unlock many new opportunities to shape  impactful global dialogues, fostering innovation and sustainable growth across markets  and industries,” he added.

  • Anupriya Shetty joins IN10 media as head of marketing and communications

    Anupriya Shetty joins IN10 media as head of marketing and communications

    Mumbai: Anupriya Shetty has joined IN10 Media as the head of marketing and communications. She brings extensive experience in brand and content marketing, having previously led these functions at MX Player. During her time there, she played a key role in developing and executing multi-channel marketing strategies for original shows, significantly enhancing the platform’s brand presence.

    Before her tenure at MX Player, Anupriya honed her skills at The Walt Disney Company, where she was responsible for brand and retail marketing within the consumer products division. She successfully led go-to-market strategies for major franchises such as Disney, Pixar, and Marvel, driving consumer engagement through innovative marketing campaigns across India and Southeast Asia. Additionally, Anupriya has held key roles at P&G and Leo Burnett, further enriching her diverse experience.

    At IN10 Media, Anupriya will spearhead the network’s marketing strategy, focusing on enhancing the brand’s visibility and user experience. Her extensive expertise in crafting impactful brand strategies and her diverse background will play a crucial role in propelling the network’s growth.

  • JioCinema appoints Ishan Chatterjee as CBO

    JioCinema appoints Ishan Chatterjee as CBO

    Mumbai: JioCinema has announced the appointment of Ishan Chatterjee as chief business officer. Ishan’s appointment reflects JioCinema’s commitment to accelerate its transformation into a tech-enabled company, delivering cutting-edge, seamless digital experiences to its rapidly expanding user base.

    As chief business officer, Ishan takes charge of overall monetisation for JioCinema. In this role, he is responsible for revenues from sports, and SMB revenue growth across sports and entertainment. Ishan joins JioCinema from YouTube India where he served as managing director and played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s strategy and growth in the country. With over two decades of experience, including 13 years at Google, Ishan has also had a remarkable journey with McKinsey and Hindustan Unilever. He is an alumnus of The Wharton School and St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.

    Ishan will play a key role in JioCinema’s leadership team and closely work with Kiran Mani.

  • Gaurav Malhotra steps down as MD of Hansgrohe India

    Gaurav Malhotra steps down as MD of Hansgrohe India

    Mumbai: Hansgrohe India has announced that Gaurav Malhotra has stepped down from his role as managing director, effective 30 September. Since his appointment in 2017, Gaurav has been a pivotal leader, driving significant growth and innovation in the organization. After a successful nearly eight-year tenure at Hansgrohe India he has chosen to take a personal sabbatical. Following his departure, vice president Asia – Thomas Stopper will take over Gaurav’s responsibilities on an interim basis to ensure a seamless transition and continued momentum for India operations.

    During his tenure, Gaurav Malhotra spearheaded key initiatives that solidified Hansgrohe India’s position as a leader in the Indian bathroom industry and fostered strategic partnerships in the real estate and hospitality sectors.

    Currently, Thomas has been with Hansgrohe Group for 15 years, during which he has held various key positions. Known for his strategic thinking and execution-oriented mindset, Thomas is a passionate leader who excels at bridging cultures and connecting headquarters with local markets. He is committed to maintaining the momentum established by Gaurav Malhotra and has a clear vision for driving innovation and growth at Hansgrohe India.

    “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Gaurav for his invaluable contributions to Hansgrohe India and wish him the very best in his future endeavours,” stated Hansgrohe Group’s VP Asia, Thomas Stopper. “His leadership has been instrumental in driving our success and enhancing our brand’s reputation in the Indian market. We look forward to following his journey and are excited to see the great things he will accomplish in the future.”

    As Hansgrohe India transitions into this new phase, the company remains dedicated to enhancing its market presence and delivering innovative solutions that redefine bathroom spaces across the country.

  • Tech veteran Maureen Chong takes charge of Zendesk India

    Tech veteran Maureen Chong takes charge of Zendesk India

    Mumbai: Zendesk has announced that it has expanded regional vice president Maureen Chong’s remit to include leadership of its business in South Asia, and primarily key market India. Chong currently leads the company’s go-to-market teams across markets in Asia including South East and North Asia. The new appointment takes effect immediately.

    A veteran of the technology industry with over 20 years of experience, Maureen has been with Zendesk for three years since September 2021. Her industry experience includes sales leadership roles at Akamai, SAP and Oracle. Maureen has extensive experience working across markets in Asia, building and leading high-performing teams consistently growing market reach, achieving operational goals and maximising revenue.

    Speaking on her new role, Chong said, “India is a vital market to our growth regionally – and globally. We have been growing with some of India’s major local brands across sectors to build on the local legacy of customer service through digital acceleration. I’m looking forward to working with Indian companies to support their growth plans, building on differentiating through exceptional customer experiences.”

    Zendesk has been in India since 2016 and works with businesses across industries including finance, e-commerce, healthcare, retail and edutech. With the most complete AI solution on the CX market, the company sees massive potential for its solutions in India, a market that has typically shown openness to leading edge technology solutions. 89 per cent of industry leaders Zendesk spoke to in India believe CX will undergo a period of unprecedented change over the next three years, transforming the industry. Industry leaders in India lead the region in their optimism for the widespread use of AI, with 83 per cent believing all channels will be powered by AI in just three years signaling the market potential.

    “Indian business leaders prove to be among the most progressive in their openness to new technologies and in their willingness to digitally transform their operations to harness new opportunities. I look forward to working with them to unlock those new opportunities. As one of the fastest growing markets in the world, Indian companies can make their mark globally by leading the way in how they engage customers and employees in partnership with Zendesk,” continued Chong.

    Chong takes over from Vasudeva Rao Munnaluri who left Zendesk to pursue new opportunities.