ITV

Tag: business transformation

  • Akshay Gurnani steps down as Schbang CEO, gears up for next big leap

    Akshay Gurnani steps down as Schbang CEO, gears up for next big leap

    MUMBAI: For most, Mondays mean emails, meetings, and caffeine-fuelled survival. But for Akshay Gurnani, this Monday was different-it marked the end of a decade-long journey as co-founder & CEO of Schbang and the beginning of a brand-new adventure.

    “Ten years. A whole decade. A long time, yet in the larger picture of life, just a small fraction,” reflects Gurnani. “And yet, these 10 years have been nothing short of transformative.”

    Gurnani co-founded Schbang at just 25 years old, fuelled by the ambition to build something from the ground up. Along with his fellow co-founders, he set out to redefine the marketing landscape and provide cutting-edge solutions to clients. Under his leadership, Schbang scaled to a 1,100+ member team across Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, London, and Amsterdam, servicing over 200 brands globally. His relentless commitment propelled the agency to become one of the most sought-after creative powerhouses in the industry.

    From the boardroom to the brainstorming room, Gurnani’s leadership has been marked by resilience, innovation, and the sheer audacity to push creative boundaries. Schbang executed award-winning campaigns for Pidilite, Perfetti, Godrej Consumer Products, Tata Consumer, L’Oréal Group, Finolex Pipes, Ashok Leyland, Crompton, Castrol, Baskin Robbins, Philips, and more. Beyond building a successful agency, he fostered a community—mentors, teammates, industry peers, and clients who became friends.

    “More than anything, Schbang has been about the people, the culture. The teammates who turned into family. The mentors I looked up to. The clients who became partners (many now good friends) and believed in us. Each one of you has left a mark, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”

    While one chapter closes, another unfolds. Gurnani isn’t slowing down—he’s simply switching lanes. His next phase will focus on business transformation, mentoring startups, investing in game-changing ideas, and empowering young students. He aims to help brands and agencies on a hyper-growth trajectory in India and the UAE, leveraging his expertise in digital marketing, AI, media, and technology.

    “As business landscapes evolve and consumer behaviours shift, client needs are changing rapidly. My focus is on eliminating redundancies and prioritising services that deliver business value,” he shares. “Digital transformation isn’t just about technology—it requires a deep understanding of a client’s business and a partnership-driven approach to drive meaningful change.”

    Having worked with Fortune 500 brands, Gurnani has developed a keen eye for identifying inflection points where inefficiencies arise. His goal is to go beyond vanity metrics, dive deeper into digital transformation, and help brands achieve sharper outcomes powered by the right human resources, media, and technology.

    During his time at Schbang, Gurnani was also recognised with numerous 30 Under 30 awards and named among India’s Top 50 Content Marketing Professionals.

    “It’s not a goodbye, it’s just a shift in gears because if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last 10 years, it’s that new ideas, new journeys, and new beginnings are always around the corner.”

    Schbang may have started as a bold idea, but its legacy continues. And so does Gurnani’s next great adventure.

  • Upendra Gadre joins Veedol as group CFO, strengthening financial leadership

    Upendra Gadre joins Veedol as group CFO, strengthening financial leadership

    MUMBAI: Veedol, a brand with a 100-year legacy in oils and lubricants, has appointed Upendra Gadre as its group chief financial officer (CFO). This strategic move reinforces the company’s commitment to financial excellence as it gears up for its next phase of growth.

    With a track record of financial stewardship and strategic decision-making, Gadre is set to play a pivotal role in Veedol’s global operations. His appointment marks a significant milestone, reflecting the company’s focus on innovation, expansion, and operational efficiency in an evolving market.

    Announcing his new role, Gadre shared his enthusiasm via Linkedin saying, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Group Chief Financial Officer at Veedol!”

    With over three decades in corporate finance, strategic planning, and digital transformation, Gadre has spearheaded financial operations at leading firms like Deepak Fertilizers, Tata Autocomp, and DGP Hinoday. At Veedol, he brings his expertise in profitability management, cost optimisation, and financial restructuring. As industries transition toward sustainability and digitalisation, his leadership will be instrumental in guiding Veedol’s financial strategy and operational agility.

  • Canon India rolls out I #CANwithCanon campaign empowering positive attitude

    Canon India rolls out I #CANwithCanon campaign empowering positive attitude

    MUMBAI: Canon India has just given storytelling a powerful new lens with the launch of its latest campaign, ‘I #CANwithCanon’, proving that when it comes to real impact, technology isn’t just about pixels and prints—it’s about possibilities. This campaign doesn’t just celebrate Canon’s products; it highlights how its solutions empower individuals, businesses, and communities to achieve the extraordinary. And yes, it’s all based on real-life stories—not just glossy advertisements.

    Canon, which has been a household name in India for nearly three decades, is using this campaign to underscore its role not just as a tech leader, but as a partner in progress for its consumers, businesses, and society. With six compelling videos spanning consumer, SME, enterprise, government, and social sectors, I #CANwithCanon delivers proof that innovation is not just about gadgets—it’s about making lives better.

    Kicking off the campaign, Canon India president & CEO Toshiaki Nomura remarked, “For over two decades, Canon India has been at the heart of countless success stories across the nation. I #CANwithCanon is our tribute to these partnerships and milestones, showcasing how Canon’s solutions have empowered individuals and businesses to unlock their full potential.”

    Adding to this, Canon India senior director- product & communication, C Sukumaran stated, “This campaign brings alive Canon’s philosophy of enabling excellence in business and everyday life. These stories demonstrate how our solutions address real business challenges and creative aspirations.”

    Canon’s technology has turned businesses into powerhouses. Just ask Wee Prints, a major player in digital printing. Before Canon stepped in, their print volume was 1.5 lakh pages—impressive, but not enough. With Canon’s cutting-edge solutions, they’ve now ramped up to 2.5 lakh pages, meeting increasing client demands with ease and efficiency. Their business performance? Sharper than ever.

    Printers and copiers are great, but what’s even better? A trusted partner. That’s what Wheelzy Spot (an authorised JK Tyre dealer) discovered when they sought Canon’s help. More than just technology, they needed efficiency, reliability, and—most importantly—support. Canon delivered all three. With a dedicated service team ensuring smooth operations, Wheelzy Spot’s business is running smoother than a newly paved highway.

    Beyond business, Canon’s skill development & livelihood program is changing lives. Tanu and Karina, two individuals who were once struggling to find stable employment, are now thriving professionals, thanks to Canon’s initiatives. Their stories are a testament to the company’s commitment to real progress and meaningful change.

    Canon India has built its brand not just on its technology, but on its customer-first approach and social commitment. As this campaign rolls out, more real stories of growth, success, and transformation will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

    Because at the heart of every great achievement, there’s someone who once said, “I CAN.”

  • Mukesh Ambani appoints Ira Bindra as group president, people & talent

    Mukesh Ambani appoints Ira Bindra as group president, people & talent

    MUMBAI: In the vast ocean of corporate titans, even the youngest sharks have the power to disrupt the tides.

    Such is the case at Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), where Mukesh Ambani, the captain of India’s largest private sector ship, has made a bold and transformative move. Ira Bindra, a seasoned global HR leader, has been appointed as group president, people & talent—a decision brimming with promise and significance. With this strategic appointment, Ambani signals a renewed focus on people, culture, and leadership in a company that shapes global narratives. It’s a moment of overwhelming excitement, as Bindra steps into a role that could redefine the future of one of the world’s most influential conglomerates.

    This appointment is a rare instance where Ambani himself announced a senior leadership hire, reflecting its strategic importance.

    Bindra, a 47-year-old HR leader with over two decades of global experience, will oversee talent development, leadership initiatives, and cultural transformation across the organisation. She is the first non-family woman and the youngest professional to join RIL’s Executive Committee.

    “Ira Bindra joins us from Medtronic, USA, where she was head of human resources and vice president – global regions,” Ambani stated in an internal communication. “She will work with me, Isha, Akash, Anant, and the executive committee to drive transformation across our company for people, culture, and leadership.”

    Bindra will collaborate with RIL’s business and HR leaders to elevate the company’s human resource practices to world-class standards. Her role includes fostering inclusive leadership and aligning HR strategies with RIL’s ambitious growth objectives.

    An alumna of Delhi’s Lady Shri Ram College (1998) and Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands (1999), Bindra’s illustrious career spans leadership roles at GE Capital, GE India, GE Healthcare, GE Oil & Gas, and Medtronic. She has worked across diverse sectors, including med-tech, financial services, and global industrial enterprises, in regions such as India, the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

    Ambani emphasised Bindra’s expertise, stating, “Her experience spans designing new operating models, creating business lines, and executing significant divestitures—contributing to improved performance and outcomes.”

    Bindra has expressed enthusiasm for her new role, sharing in a LinkedIn post: “I look forward to this new and exciting chapter that will bring new learnings and leverage my prior experiences to propel the next chapter of growth and transformation for Reliance, in partnership with the leaders and teams at Reliance” 

  • Godrej Indonesia CEO Rajesh Sethuraman gets additional biz transformation role at GCPL

    Godrej Indonesia CEO Rajesh Sethuraman gets additional biz transformation role at GCPL

    MUMBAI: 6 December will end up being a memorable day for Rajesh Sethuraman. That is the day when the CEO of Godrej Indonesia was given an additional responsibility by the management of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) in Mumbai led by Sudhir Sitapati: to lead the group’s business transformation and digital agenda. GCPL made the appointment  public by sending it to the Bombay stock exchange as is required by responsible and transparent companies.

    The reason the responsibility was thrust on him was because the executive responsible for business transformation and digital Vijay Kannan at GCPL Mumbai was relocating to be with family in the United Kingdom.

    Sethuraman is known to be a hardworking and focused senior executive who gets things done. The engineering graduate, and MBA from XLRI began his career as a product  executive in Heinz India. From global brand manager -Radiant in Hindustan Unilever, he quickly rose to regional category leader south Asia laundry and then was moved to south Africa as vice-president Africa laundry.

    His performance saw him being quickly promoted to vice-president home care division Africa. He once again shone over there and was transported back to Mumbai to help the mothership accelerate growth by rewiring its operation to deliver a superior  customer experience. And in his words :”Unlock this across core sales and  planning operations right through order to cash. Leverage external industry leading partners to deliver an integrated process tech and org combination which is future fit.”

    That brought him to the notice of the GCPL management led  by  Sitapati -a former Hindustan Unilever man himself and who had worked with him while he was there – which made him an offer to build Godrej Indonesia and establish it as a best in class entity in Indonesia.

    Which he has been in the process of doing. Rather successfully. Hence, the additional responsibility. Because Sethuraman is an executive who knows how to get things done, and mostly in time.

    “He has previously led the digital transformation of Unilever’s operations across many markets in core sales and planning operations, from order to cash processes, successfully designing integrated operations, and leveraging technology and partnerships for business success,” GCPL informed the BSE in the regulatory filing.
     

  • Navigating the Future: The Imperative of Cloud Migration for Business Excellence

    Navigating the Future: The Imperative of Cloud Migration for Business Excellence

    In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and ever-evolving market dynamics, businesses must look beyond traditional methods to maintain competitiveness and drive growth. Cloud migration stands out as a pivotal strategy that transforms how companies operate, innovate, and engage with their customers. More than just a technological shift, it represents a strategic move that redefines business landscapes . Managed Cloud Services are at the core of this transformation, providing the essential support and infrastructure for businesses to excel.

    Catalyzing Business Transformation 

    Cloud migration is not merely an IT upgrade but a catalyst for comprehensive business transformation. It enables companies to dismantle the limitations of legacy systems and embrace a more flexible, scalable, and innovative approach to operations. Managed Cloud Services provide the backbone for this shift, offering robust, adaptable solutions that can evolve alongside the business.

    By migrating to the cloud, businesses can leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics. These tools are crucial for enhancing decision-making, automating processes, and gaining deeper insights into business operations. The result is a more agile, responsive organization capable of thriving in a fast-paced market.

    Agility and Scalability: Cornerstones of Modern Business 

    In today’s dynamic business environment, the ability to swiftly adapt to changes is vital. Traditional IT infrastructure often fails to provide the necessary agility, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. Cloud migration addresses this challenge by offering unparalleled scalability and flexibility. . Managed Cloud Services ensure that businesses can adjust their resources in real-time, scaling up during periods of high demand and scaling down during quieter times.

    This flexibility is particularly beneficial for industries with fluctuating demands. Retailers, for instance, can handle peak shopping seasons without over-investing in infrastructure that would remain underutilized during off-peak periods. This scalability ensures optimal resource utilization, reducing costs and improving overall efficiency.

    Accelerating Innovation and Time-to-Market 

    Innovation drives business success, and the cloud is a powerful enabler of rapid innovation. Managed Cloud Services provide businesses with access to cutting-edge tools and platforms that facilitate the development and deployment of new products and services. This accelerates the time-to-market, allowing companies to respond quickly to emerging trends and customer needs.

    For example, cloud-based development environments enable teams to collaborate seamlessly, regardless of location, speeding up the innovation cycle. Rapid prototyping and iterative testing become more manageable, allowing businesses to refine their offerings continuously. This agility ensures that companies stay ahead of the competition and remain relevant in their industries.

    Enhancing Customer Engagement 

    Customer expectations are higher than ever, and businesses must meet these demands to remain competitive. Cloud migration plays a critical role in enhancing customer engagement by providing the tools needed to deliver personalized, real-time experiences. Managed Cloud Services support the integration of various customer touchpoints, creating a unified, seamless customer journey.

    Cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) systems gather and analyze data from multiple sources, offering a comprehensive view of each customer. This enables businesses to tailor their interactions, improve service delivery, and foster stronger customer relationships. Additionally, real-time analytics provide valuable insights into customer behavior, helping businesses anticipate needs and exceed expectations.

    Empowering a Distributed Workforce 

    The global shift towards remote and hybrid work models has redefined the workplace. Cloud migration supports this trend by enabling seamless collaboration and productivity across geographically dispersed teams. Managed Cloud Services provide the necessary infrastructure and tools to ensure that employees can work efficiently from anywhere.

    Virtual desktops, cloud storage, and collaboration platforms are essential for maintaining productivity and connectivity among remote workers. These tools facilitate real-time communication and collaboration, ensuring that teams remain aligned and engaged, regardless of their physical location. This capability is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent, as flexibility in work arrangements has become a key factor in employee satisfaction.

    Strengthening Security and Compliance 

    Security and compliance are critical concerns for businesses in the digital age. Managed Cloud Services offer advanced security features that often surpass those of traditional on-premises systems. Cloud providers invest in state-of-the-art security technologies, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring, to protect sensitive data and applications.

    Moreover, cloud providers have extensive expertise in regulatory compliance. They offer tools and services that help businesses navigate the complex landscape of industry regulations, ensuring that they remain compliant while benefiting from the advantages of cloud computing. This reduces the risk of non-compliance and allows companies to focus on their core operations.

    Cost Efficiency and Financial Agility 

    Cost efficiency is a significant advantage of cloud migration. Traditional IT infrastructure requires substantial capital investment in hardware, software, and maintenance. Managed Cloud Services operate on a subscription-based model, transforming these capital expenses into operational expenses.

    This shift provides businesses with greater financial flexibility and predictability in budgeting. Companies can scale their cloud services according to demand, ensuring they only pay for what they use. This financial agility allows businesses to allocate more resources toward strategic initiatives and innovation, driving long-term growth and success.

  • Ashwani Gupta is the new CEO of Adani Ports and SEZ

    Ashwani Gupta is the new CEO of Adani Ports and SEZ

    Mumbai: In recent developments, Ashwani Gupta joins Adani Group and SEZ as chief executive officer. Ashwani Gupta is a globally recognised professional having more than 30 years of experience in automotive, manufacturing, and retail domains.

    According to his LinkedIn post on 5 January 2024, Ashwani Gupta joins Adani Ports and SEZ (Special Economic Zone). Earlier he served at Nissan Motor Corporation as Director, Representative, and chief operating officer where he handled communication, strategy planning, project management, and other corporate functions.

    While expressing his joy for a new position in the LinkedIn post said, ‘ I am delighted to announce that I have joined Adani Group whose vision is to be a world-class leader in businesses that enrich lives and contribute to nations building infrastructure through sustainable value creation, as CEO of Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone (APSEZ).

    APSEZ is the flagship business of the group whose target is to emerge as the world’s largest port company by 2030 with Strategic assets across the globe offering integrated logistics services with the value chain ecosystem.’

  • Dentsu India on-boards Bhasker Jaiswal as chief operations officer, media

    Dentsu India on-boards Bhasker Jaiswal as chief operations officer, media

    Mumbai: Dentsu India has announced the appointment of Bhasker Jaiswal as chief operations officer, media. As a member of the executive team, he will report to Dentsu South Asia chief executive officer, media, Divya Karani.

    In his new role, Bhasker will lead integration, transformation, and operational excellence agendas while driving innovations and excellence for Dentsu clients and businesses through its three media agencies: Carat, iProspect, and Dentsu X. He will work closely with Divya Karani to deliver business transformation, set up and standardise operations and systems, govern product leadership, and enable sustainable revenue growth.

    With over 24 years of experience in the media and advertising industry across APAC (India, Malaysia, China, and Singapore), Bhaskar specialises in building solutions for advertisers and media companies across monetisation, research, and media investments. His key strength lies in understanding the ecosystem of consumers, advertisers, and media owners, as well as the decision-making heuristic. He is passionate about disrupting the current thinking and has developed industry-leading proprietary products that bring efficiency and effectiveness across geographies and clients.

    Speaking on the appointment, Divya Karani said, “Bhasker joining the team here in India is another great step on our journey to become the go-to network of choice for brands in India. His impressive track record, savvy business judgement, operational excellence, and an innate understanding of people and their motivations make him ideal to lead our transformation and integration.”

    Bhasker Jaiswal commented, “I am excited to be joining Dentsu and being back in India, a big and complex market growing dynamically. I look forward to adding value by improving dentsu processes to impact client outputs as well as improving the lives of our biggest assets—our people.”