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Tag: appointment

  • ZebPay elevates Raj Karkara to chief operating officer

    ZebPay elevates Raj Karkara to chief operating officer

    Mumbai: Bitcoin and crypto asset exchange platform ZebPay has elevated Raj Karkara to the role of chief operating officer (COO). He will work closely with ZebPay’s co-CEO Avinash Shekhar, in setting and driving organisational vision, operational strategy, performance management and hiring needs.

    Karkara’s primary responsibility will be to develop actionable business strategies and plans that align with the company’s short-term and long-term objectives. Additionally, he will work towards translating the strategy into executable goals for performance and further growth of ZebPay,  said the company in a statement on Wednesday.

    “Raj has strengthened ZebPay’s presence and business in the crypto ecosystem since he joined us over a year ago. With his extensive expertise, ZebPay will see rapid growth and global expansion to achieve our vision of becoming become the #1 cryptocurrency exchange in India and the world,” stated Shekhar. “We are building ZebPay as an all-encompassing crypto company that offers innovative solutions and products to a diverse set of investors, from retail to institutional.”  

    He joined ZebPay as chief business officer in September 2020 and more recently, had been promoted to the role of chief marketing officer. With this role change, in addition to marketing, Karkara will now directly oversee product management, trade, OTC, global growth and operations (customer service and excellence).

    Karkara comes with over 15 years of experience in the financial services, fintech and e-commerce industries. Previously, he was associated with KansoStrategy as co-founder, a boutique strategy and consulting firm that works with crypto, e-commerce, payments and fintech clients globally. Prior to Kanso, he held various positions such as senior vice president of product, CRO and COO at tZERO, the global leader in digital securities. He also held the role of vice president of product management for financial services, loyalty and new business development at Overstock. Prior to Overstock, he held the role of director, global product and solutions at MasterCard, where his responsibilities included prepaid strategy and mobile money.

    “ZebPay has been innovating and launching new and industry-first products to address the needs of a diverse set of customers ever since its inception in 2014 and I am excited to lead ZebPay as it gears up for further expansion,” said Karkara, on his new role. “Crypto is booming in India with vast untapped potential for solutions that will make us a global leader. ZebPay is well-positioned to play an integral part and I am looking forward to driving strategies and building on our foundation of product and customer excellence to be the leading crypto exchange in India and globally.”

  • Priyanshi Shah rejoins FoxyMoron as creative director, West

    Priyanshi Shah rejoins FoxyMoron as creative director, West

    Mumbai: FoxyMoron, the full-funnel digital and creative agency under the Zoo Media Network has announced the appointment of Priyanshi Shah as creative director, West.  

    In this new role at FoxyMoron, Shah will be leading the creative operations for the agency’s clientele based out of the region and report to national creative directorDhruv Warrior, it said in a statement on Wednesday.

    “Priyanshi has a unique and vital combination of skills that all creatives need today,” said Warrior. “She has a strong foundation in digital creative strategy, a thorough understanding of online platforms and when combined with her other skills as a writer and creator, it makes her a valuable addition to the team.”

    Shah rejoins the agency, with over seven years of experience in digital marketing across multiple industries such as beauty, FMCG, entertainment, fashion, lifestyle and sports. In her previous role at FoxyMoron, she held the position of an associate creative director. She has conceptualised and executed award winning campaigns for brands like Maybelline, HBO India, GoAir amongst several others.

    Prior to FoxyMoron, she served as creative strategist at By The Gram. She has previously worked with the agencies WatConsult and AER Media.

    “FoxyMoron’s energy and culture has always been something that I value. With the evolution of the Zoo Media network and its seven agencies, it’s exciting to be a part of an organisation that is future ready and equipped to provide creative and innovative service solutions for brands across the board,” stated Shah. “FoxyMoron’s reputation is already synonymous with creativity, excellence and innovation and I wish to enhance this by working extensively on culture and fostering a sense of creative excellence so each campaign we deliver is the best in class.” 

  • SonyLIV’s Saugata Mukherjee joins HBO Max as head of content, India

    SonyLIV’s Saugata Mukherjee joins HBO Max as head of content, India

    Mumbai: WarnerMedia-owned video streaming service HBO Max has brought on board SonyLIV’s Sugata Mukherjee as head of content for India.

    In this new role, Mukherjee will report to HBO Max managing director for India & Southeast Asia Amit Malhotra.

    Mukherjee comes with over 16 years of experience in digital media, TV broadcast, and publishing. He joined Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) in February last year as head of original content for the company’s digital OTT platform. Before SPN, he worked with Hotstar as content strategy and production head.

    He has been associated with Star India since 2013, first as VP and head of commissioning and later as editor – content studio, where he was responsible for content acquisitions, development, and strategy. In 2018, he moved to Hotstar.

    Mukherjee has also worked with companies like Pan Macmillan where he was the publisher and editor-in-chief. He was previously associated with Harper Collins Publishers as managing editor and rights director.

  • Anil Goel named as president of technology at BYJU’S

    Anil Goel named as president of technology at BYJU’S

    Mumbai: In a commitment to further strengthen its technology vertical, BYJU’S has named Anil Goel as president, technology.

    Serving in a leadership role, Goel will strategise the direction of technology within BYJU’S and its group companies and introduce emerging technologies to improve learning outcomes and efficiency in support of the company’s long-term goals, said the ed-tech company in a statement on Tuesday.

    He will also be responsible for the product development, network operations, and implementation of management information systems, software applications, and IT infrastructure, it added.

    “Anil is a proven leader with 25+ years of rich experience in building technology systems and processes in different organisations,” stated BYJU’S chief people officer Pravin Prakash. “At BYJU’S, he will play a key role in building the next-generation technology in the education space. We are delighted to have him on board and look forward to working together and supporting him in achieving the goals.”

    Goel is a highly accomplished, entrepreneurial, innovative, and results-oriented technology executive. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has spent most of his time in the US. Before joining BYJU’S, he was with OYO as group chief technology and product officer. Additionally, having worked with companies like Amazon, RealNetworks, and HyperQuality, his expertise lies in strategic planning, building and extending large software systems and infrastructure, technical architecture, design, product, project management for high availability, high volume transactional systems, websites, and online and mobile applications.

    “Technology is a powerful tool that can transform and redefine the way education is delivered. The team is already delivering cutting-edge technology and constantly innovating the learning space and I look forward to adding my expertise in further strengthening this,” said Goel. “We will focus on developing tech-driven solutions that will empower students with high-quality education and provide engaging learning experiences.”

    Goel holds an MBA degree in marketing from the City University of Seattle and a B-Tech (Hons) in electrical and electronics from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani.

  • Shoppers Stop onboards Shwetal Basu as customer care associate & chief of marketing & communication

    Shoppers Stop onboards Shwetal Basu as customer care associate & chief of marketing & communication

    Mumbai: Homegrown department store chain, owned by the K Raheja Corp, Shoppers Stop has brought on board Shwetal Basu as customer care associate and chief of marketing and communication with effect from 28 October, to lead its marketing mandate.

    Shwetal has a strong experience of close to two decades in customer behavior, marketing, and communications, across multiple industries such as FMCG, telecom, security services, banking, and retail. She brings to the table a deep understanding of the consumer across demographics and geographies to create successful marketing strategies in sync with the brand’s vision, said the company.

    “We are delighted to welcome Shwetal. Her ability, leadership skills, and experience to provide creative and innovative solutions will add tremendous value to the organisation. We feel we have found the right fit to lead the marketing organisation,” stated managing director and CEO Venugopal G Nair.

    In her previous stints, Basu was associated with Metro Brands Ltd, Aditya Birla Retail Ltd among others.

    “I am excited to be a part of Shoppers Stop’s incredible journey. It is one of the leading retail brands in the country that has evolved meticulously with the changing consumer dynamics and environment,” said Basu. “I am eager to add value, consistently innovate, and ensure an effective marketing strategy in-line with the brand’s goal.”

  • Symon Hammacott joins VMLY&R as chief experience officer, Asia

    Symon Hammacott joins VMLY&R as chief experience officer, Asia

    Mumbai: Global brand experience agency VMLY&R on Tuesday announced the appointment of Symon Hammacott as chief experience officer, Asia. Based at VMLY&R’s Asia principal office in Singapore, Hammacott will be responsible for driving the customer experience (CX) practice for the agency network in Asia, leading the region’s customer experience and technology leadership teams in the development and implementation of business strategy to support current and new business in line with regional and global targets.

    In this role, Hammacott will be tasked with identifying and investing in new technologies and partnerships to reinforce and develop VMLY&R’s CX portfolio. He will also actively participate in Team WPP pitches and proposals as well as global new business proposals, whilst championing CX; driving culture initiatives and talent development across VMLY&R’s principal offices around the world. In his new role, Hammacott will work closely and report to VMLY&R Asia co-CEO Tripti Lochan and global chief experience officer Jeff Geheb, said the agency in a statement.

    “Symon brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to VMLY&R. He has a clear vision of how he wants to steer the practice in conjunction with our brand experience (BX) and commerce offerings, and his passions for sustainability and ethical design fit perfectly into our ethos of brands with purpose,” said Tripti Lochan.

    Hammacott’s role will help to support VMLY&R’s go-to-market strategy to provide its clients with the most relevant and contemporary agency offering in the market today, merging creativity, technology, and culture to create connected brands that impact the world, said the agency in a statement.

    Prior to joining VMLY&R, Hammacott was regional head of experience at Publicis Sapient, a role he held for six years. Before this, he was a consultant in experience strategy & experience design for global creative agency Isobar for more than 10 years.

    Originally from the United Kingdom, Hammacott has spent more than two decades leading experience and technology companies, teams and enterprise-level programs for clients in Asia and across the world. A strong believer in transforming businesses through design-led change, throughout his career Hammacott has been instrumental in building world-class teams and developing market-leading products and services for companies across most industry verticals – delivering world-class experiences, mixed with a deep understanding and appreciation of local market nuances.

    “Customer experience is not only the future, it’s also the ‘now’, and VMLY&R has already made extensive strides in bringing best-in-class customer experiences to their clients,” stated Hammacotton on his new assingment. “I am energised by the prospect of guiding our immensely talented teams across experience design, technology, product and data in helping clients to firstly gain market-leading positions with their CX and then stay ahead through better operationalising those experiences. In this way we can create meaningful, transformative products, services and capabilities that provide genuine value to both the consumer and our clients every day, and into the future.”

  • Royal Enfield names Mohit Dhar Jayal as chief brand officer

    Royal Enfield names Mohit Dhar Jayal as chief brand officer

    Mumbai: Royal Enfield (RE) has announced the appointment of Mohit Dhar Jayal as its chief brand officer.

    In this role, he will lead the creative and strategic thinking for brand and marketing functions to curate and further cement brand love and associations in the minds of the global consumer, said the statement.

    He will be responsible for creating and executing RE’s brand strategy and building a distinct, unique, and aspirational global brand. Moreover, he will be spearheading partnerships and collaborations with a diverse stakeholder universe, while curating unique experiences for the customers, it added.

    Mohit has been associated with Royal Enfield in the past as well and played a key role in designing the blueprint for the company’s modern brand identity as an external partner between 2004 and 2014.

    “In his previous assignment as our external partner, Mohit has been instrumental in scripting the distinctly unique brand identity that has been central to Royal Enfield’s success over the years,” stated Eicher Motors Ltd managing director Siddhartha Lal. “I am confident that under Mohit’s leadership, we will scale newer heights as we shift gears to ride forward on our global growth journey and build deeper inroads into markets and communities across the world.”

    Mohit is an advertising professional who has created some of the most recognisable campaigns for category-leading brands over the past two decades including campaigns for IndiGo’s branding and passenger experience, global campaigns for Incredible India, a series of highly successful recruitment campaigns for the Indian Air Force, and most recently, the global ‘Make in India’ campaign.

    He has now joined RE from his entrepreneurial venture Motherland JV Pvt Ltd wherein he advised several of India’s current and emerging unicorns including Oyo, Swiggy, Snapdeal, Zetwerk, Magicpin, Rebel Foods, and Chaayos.

  • Bolo Live onboards Abhay Singh as vice president, marketing

    Bolo Live onboards Abhay Singh as vice president, marketing

    Mumbai: Homegrown social live-streaming platform Bolo Live has brought Abhay Singh Kumpawat on board as its vice president of marketing to drive the next level of growth for the company.

    In this new role, Singh will lead the entire gamut of digital, product, and brand marketing initiatives for Bolo Live and will play an important role in scaling the company’s growth in new and existing markets as well as broadening its global reach, it said in a statement on Monday.

    An IIT Roorkee alumnus, Singh is a growth specialist for over seven years and has played an instrumental role in driving early-stage growth and scale for startup brands like Mitron TV and YourQuote. While his specialty includes product marketing, brand building, and the development of transformational strategies for startup brands, Singh has also co-founded IndiaMeets and E-Vogue.

    “Driving business value through real-time, relevant conversations between the content creators and their fans has never been more challenging yet exciting with the complexity and volume of marketing channels in today’s era,” said Singh on his new role. “An exciting market opportunity at the amalgamation of live streaming, microtransactions, and gamification coupled with addressable market size, a profitable business model, the founders’ vision, and the quality of young talent within the team is a great combination at Bolo Live.”

    Bolo Live has over one lakh monthly live streamers on the platform spending close to 120 min daily on the platform, with 18 live streamers already making over a lakh rupee monthly from the platform already; all driven by microtransactions of captive audience base and not fixed payouts from the platform, said the company.

    “As we chase bigger ambitions, it is key to ensure that the growth and marketing strategies of the company keep pace with the evolving business. It is exciting to have Abhay on board as he brings in stellar expertise in the field of growth and marketing,” stated Bolo Live co-founder and CEO Varun Saxena. “He has a clear vision for the future of marketing and innovation and can build a strategic team to execute the vision at Bolo Live. Abhay is an all-rounder who also has an entrepreneurial bent and we do foresee that the team and the brand will flourish under his guidance.”

    “We are currently ramping up the team aggressively and in the next few weeks will see announcements of prominent hiring across Technology, Product and Marketing roles,” he further added.

    Singh is also a Limca World Record holder, International Children’s Excellence Fund scholar, MMCF scholar, and has won an award for Republic Day Honor for academic excellence.

    “Abhay’s appointment is another validation of our commitment and leadership in the industry. As we continue our transformational journey, we are poised for unparalleled growth and innovation,” said Bolo Live co-founder and CPO Tanmai Paul. “We are confident that Abhay’s vision and in-depth understanding of the consumer internet marketing landscape will translate into the exponential growth of the percentage of power users on the platform.”

  • Wunderman Thompson appoints James Hammond as APAC head of healthcare

    Wunderman Thompson appoints James Hammond as APAC head of healthcare

    Mumbai: Wunderman Thompson has announced the appointment of James Hammond to the newly created role of head of healthcare for the APAC region. Hammond is currently based in Hong Kong and shall begin his new assignment in November, said the company in a statement.

    Hammond previously worked with WPP Health Practice International as APAC client lead and global client EVP for close to a decade. He then went on to J-lab Asia where he forged an independent network of healthcare agency partnerships across the APAC region as principal. During the same time, he was simultaneously working with Klick Health USA as a regional partner.

    “James brings with him a deep understanding of the unique needs of the healthcare industry in APAC. We are thrilled to have such a prolific industry leader drive our health practice forward,” said Wunderman Thompson International CEO Ewen Sturgeon.

    With over 25 years of experience, Hammond has led agencies across the United States, North Asia, and Australia, working with large multinational brands such as J&J, GSK, Nestle, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Gilead.

    “This is a very exciting time to be joining Wunderman Thompson. The agency has built a unique offering at the intersection of creativity and technology. I believe this is a great fit for healthcare clients looking to build more integrated customer experiences,” said Hammond. “We have big ambitions in this region as we continue to build our consumer healthcare business and extend our offering to prescription healthcare clients.”

  • PRCAI appoints Deeptie Sethi as its first CEO

    PRCAI appoints Deeptie Sethi as its first CEO

    Mumbai: The homegrown PR professional body Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) on Tuesday announced the appointment of Deeptie Sethi as its first CEO in its history of two decades. 

    In this newly created role, Sethi will be working closely with the managing committee to further build on PRCAI’s vision of making the public relations industry more professional, ethical and prosperous, said the statement.

    She will be focused on driving visibility and helping the association in challenging, supporting, and raising standards and also developing strategic partnerships to increase awareness and relevance, it added.

    In this role, she will be effectively leading, developing and shaping the agenda for the public relations community in India.

    “The scope and reach of public relations have seen exponential growth in the last few years. Today, effective communication is integral to every business. These are exciting times for the industry and I am honoured and thrilled to take up this opportunity to build, grow and serve our community. I am equally optimistic about the prospect and look forward to adding value for PRCAI members and the larger communication fraternity,” said Deeptie Sethi on her appointment.

    Sethi has served in leadership communications roles working for MNCs for more than 23 years in India and the US. She has helped businesses leverage the power of public relations and communications leading strategic planning, media relations, brand and reputation management, crisis management and compelling advocacy programs. 

    Announcing the appointment, PRCAI president Atul Sharma shared, “At PRCAI, we believe in leadership that inspires, drives results and encourages our members and communities. We are happy to have Deeptie as the first CEO of PRCAI, as we look forward to expand our footprint, and scale to newer heights. Moreover, as the role of public relations takes centerstage in all facets of business, we are excited to have an experienced communications professional like Deeptie to build the future roadmap for PRCAI.”