Tag: business leadership.

  • Moneycontrol banks on Zarrar Don, plays ace to boost revenue and market grip

    Moneycontrol banks on Zarrar Don, plays ace to boost revenue and market grip

    MUMBAI: Ever heard of putting your money where your mouth is? Moneycontrol clearly has, as they’ve handed the revenue steering wheel over to none other than Zarrar Don—a man who doesn’t just chase opportunities, he tackles them to the ground. Is Moneycontrol placing all its eggs in one basket? Possibly, but when that basket is as sturdy as Don, who’s complaining?

    On 18 March 2025, Moneycontrol officially announced Don as its new chief revenue & business growth officer, entrusting him to drive sales and revenue growth across all its formats. If you’ve ever wondered how Moneycontrol plans to stay ahead in India’s competitive financial news arena—well, now you know.

    Don isn’t new to the big league. With over 20 years in media, financial services, and retail, he’s a seasoned pro at turning strategies into solid cash. His recent tenure as CRO for business news at News18 Studios showed he’s got the knack for revenue strategy, leadership, and brand building. Translation: he’s the guy you want in your corner during tough business brawls.

    His role at Moneycontrol? Simple—grow, grow, and keep growing. His mission is to amplify Moneycontrol’s position as India’s go-to financial platform. A task he’s uniquely suited for, given his track record of turning big ideas into big results.

    Moneycontrol, already India’s leading financial platform, pulls in impressive numbers—38.35 million unique visitors in January alone, according to Comscore MMX data. That’s 3.35 million more than The Economic Times, if anyone’s keeping score (which clearly, we are). Plus, Moneycontrol Pro, the platform’s subscription service, already crossed the one million subscriber milestone last October, catapulting it into the global top 15 news subscription platforms.

    Clearly, Don’s job isn’t just about maintaining a lead; it’s about widening it enough to comfortably sip chai without spilling.

    Will Don turn Moneycontrol’s promising growth into a money-spinning saga? Time will tell, but judging by his CV, we’re betting this Don’s rule will be one for the books.

  • Harman welcomes Christian Sobottka as new CEO; Michael Mauser hung his boots after 27 years

    Harman welcomes Christian Sobottka as new CEO; Michael Mauser hung his boots after 27 years

    MUMBAI: A changing of the guard is underway at Harman International, the tech powerhouse behind cutting-edge automotive, consumer, and enterprise innovations. Michael Mauser, the company’s longtime leader, is stepping down as president & CEO on 31 March 2025, making way for Christian Sobottka, who will officially assume the role on 1 April 2025.

    After 27 years at Harman, Mauser has decided to pass the baton, having led the company through industry-defining moments, including Samsung’s acquisition in 2017, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global semiconductor shortages. Under his leadership, Harman hit $11 billion in revenue, achieved record profitability, and amassed a jaw-dropping $45 billion in automotive business backlog.

    “After nearly three decades with Harman and aligned with our diligent succession planning process, I have decided to step away to spend more time with my family and explore new opportunities,” Mauser said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and confident in Christian’s ability to lead Harman into its next chapter.”

    Stepping up is Sobottka, a seasoned automotive industry veteran with over 25 years of experience. Since taking over as president of Harman’s automotive division in 2021, Sobottka has been at the forefront of major transformations, steering Harman towards a product- and software-focused model. His expertise in advanced in-cabin experiences and strategic automotive partnerships makes him the ideal choice to drive Harman’s next wave of innovation.

    “I am honored to assume the role of president & CEO of Harman,” Sobottka said. “Building on our legacy of innovation and excellence, I look forward to working with our talented teams to drive the next phase of growth and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and partners.”

    Harman’s board of directors chairman Young Sohn praised Mauser’s unwavering leadership and vision, stating, “We extend our deepest gratitude to Michael for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to Harman’s success. His strategic vision has positioned the company for continued growth. We are confident that Christian’s extensive experience and proven track record make him the ideal leader to guide Harman into the future.”

    Alongside Sobottka’s appointment, Harman’s lifestyle division president Dave Rogers will join the board of directors, marking another shift in the company’s leadership team.

    With its legacy of cutting-edge innovation, Harman remains committed to revolutionising connected technology across automotive, consumer, and enterprise markets. The transition from Mauser to Sobottka signals a new era of growth, software-driven advancements, and global expansion.

  • Aarthy Sridhar shifts into the fast lane as CMO of Gulf Oil India

    Aarthy Sridhar shifts into the fast lane as CMO of Gulf Oil India

    MUMBAI: Aarthy Sridhar is shifting gears—from FMCG powerhouse to the high-octane world of lubricants. After an illustrious 14-year journey at Hindustan Unilever (HUL), she is now stepping into her new role as chief marketing officer at Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd. And if her track record is anything to go by, the brand is about to get a turbocharged marketing revamp.

    Sridhar, an IIM Ahmedabad alumna and seasoned marketing leader, has built an impressive career at Unilever, where she drove consumer engagement and brand strategy across multiple categories. Now, she’s set to bring her expertise to a completely different playing field—one filled with high-performance engines, cutting-edge innovation, and a fiercely competitive market.

    In her new role, Sridhar will oversee brand strategy, product innovation, and customer engagement for Gulf Oil India. Known for its strong presence in automotive and industrial lubricants, the company is gearing up for its next phase of growth, and Sridhar is at the helm, ready to fuel its marketing evolution.

    Sridhar expressed her excitement about the new challenge on Linkedin, stating, “Firsts are always special, and after nearly 14 years with my first job at HUL, this one feels especially significant. A truly incredible stint—filled with growth, learning, and countless memories that I will cherish forever. Today, I’m excited to announce the next chapter of my journey as chief marketing officer at Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited.”

    Sridhar’s transition from FMCG to the automotive lubricant industry is an exciting shift that highlights her adaptability and marketing acumen. Gulf Oil, a brand synonymous with endurance, performance, and legacy, is poised to leverage her deep understanding of consumer behaviour and brand-building strategies to stay ahead in the race.

    During her tenure at Unilever, Sridhar spearheaded multiple successful campaigns and strategic initiatives, leaving an indelible mark on the FMCG sector. Now, as she takes charge at Gulf Oil, industry insiders are keen to see how she will apply her data-driven, consumer-focused approach to an industry known for its legacy-driven brand loyalty.

    With 14 years of Unilever experience under her belt, a sharp strategic mind, and an unmatched passion for marketing, Sridhar is ready to hit the ground running—or rather, hit the accelerator full throttle.

     

  • Zee 24 Taas’ Udyog Sammelan ignites Maharashtra’s entrepreneurial spirit

    Zee 24 Taas’ Udyog Sammelan ignites Maharashtra’s entrepreneurial spirit

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra’s business landscape is evolving, and Zee 24 Taas is ensuring entrepreneurs don’t miss a beat. The channel will telecast the Udyog Sammelan, a premier entrepreneurial event, on 8 Feb at 2:30 pm, 9 Feb at 3:30 pm, 10 Feb at 3:30 pm, and 11 Feb at 3:30 pm. If you’re an entrepreneur—or just dream of being your own boss—this is one event you won’t want to miss!

    With the theme ‘Empowering Maharashtra’s Next-Gen Entrepreneurs’, the summit dissected key business challenges and solutions, covering everything from funding access and government policies to digital transformation and industrial innovation. The event placed a spotlight on agribusiness, technology, manufacturing, and services, showing how young visionaries are reshaping Maharashtra’s economic fabric.

    Udyog Sammelan wasn’t just talk—it was about action. Here’s what the state’s key decision-makers had to say:

    1    Industries minister Uday Samant announced that 20 acres out of every 100 acres acquired will be reserved for MSME startups, setting the stage for Navi Mumbai’s rise as a semiconductor and data centre hub.

    2    Minister of ports development Nitesh Narayan Rane revealed that Vadavan Port is set to become Asia’s largest, propelling Maharashtra into a new era of economic expansion. “Our vision is to make Konkan an industrial hub,” he declared.

    3    Minister of skill development & entrepreneurship, Mangal Prabhat Lodha stressed the importance of employee respect in building successful industries. He also announced the integration of 438 ITIs into industry operations and the launch of a Private Participation Policy.

    Zee 24 Taas editor Kamlesh Sutar underscored the importance of the initiative, stating, “The Udyog Sammelan was not just a conference—it was a catalyst for Maharashtra’s entrepreneurial growth. By bringing together industry leaders and innovators, we are ensuring that these powerful insights reach a larger audience, enabling entrepreneurs to unlock new opportunities.”

    Zee Media Corporation Ltd CEO Karan Abhishek Singh echoed this sentiment, adding, “At Zee Media, we thrive on fostering meaningful partnerships that drive impact. This telecast is our commitment to supporting the business community, sparking new ideas, and creating a robust ecosystem for Maharashtra’s entrepreneurs.”

    The Udyog Sammelan telecast is more than just another business discussion—it’s a masterclass in navigating today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Whether you’re an established entrepreneur, a startup enthusiast, or just someone curious about where Maharashtra’s industries are headed, this broadcast is packed with actionable insights, strategic guidance, and success stories that can inspire and inform your next big move.

  • Dentsu appoints Jeff Greenspoon as first-ever global chief client officer

    Dentsu appoints Jeff Greenspoon as first-ever global chief client officer

    MUMBAI: Leadership shake-ups at Dentsu just got more interesting. In a bold move, the agency has appointed Jeff Greenspoon as its first-ever standalone global chief client officer (CCO), marking a significant shift in its leadership structure. Greenspoon, a Dentsu veteran of over a decade, will continue serving as chief business officer, Americas, while taking on this expanded role.

    Reporting directly to Dentsu president and global CEO Hiroshi Igarashi, Greenspoon will spearhead client-centric global solutions, ensuring the agency delivers cohesive and strategic services across its international portfolio. His new mandate includes developing long-term strategies, fostering client relationships, and overseeing the global vision for Dentsu’s top-tier accounts.

    This appointment represents a first for Dentsu, which previously had a dual leadership model. Jacki Kelley, the last executive to hold the global CCO role, also served as CEO, Americas, before her departure in 2023. Greenspoon’s elevation signals Dentsu’s renewed focus on enhancing client services at a global scale.

    Having played an instrumental role in shaping Dentsu’s business strategy, Greenspoon previously led Dentsu Canada as CEO and was co-founder and CEO of digital creative agency Spoke, which Dentsu acquired in 2014. His track record in merging innovation, technology, and creative solutions makes him the right fit to lead Dentsu’s next evolution in global client strategy.

    With Greenspoon at the helm, Dentsu aims to strengthen its global service capabilities, optimise client engagement, and set new standards for client-focused innovation. The agency is betting big on its future—and with Greenspoon leading the charge, that bet looks like a smart one.