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Tag: Jaguar Land Rover

  • Tata Motors overhauls board as it splits commercial vehicle unit

    Tata Motors overhauls board as it splits commercial vehicle unit

    MUMBAI: Tata Motors is reshuffling its boardroom as India’s biggest carmaker prepares to spin off its commercial vehicle business into a separate listed entity. The Mumbai-based company announced sweeping changes to its leadership on 26 September, with three independent directors stepping down and a new managing director taking the helm.

    The biggest change sees Shailesh Chandra appointed as managing director and chief executive, replacing Girish Wagh, who will move to head the soon-to-be-listed TML Commercial Vehicles. Chandra, currently joint managing director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, will serve a three-year term from 1 October.

    Three independent directors are departing as part of the reorganisation. Hanne Sorensen, a former Tata Consultancy Services board member, will step down on 30 September  but remain on the board of Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Motors’ British luxury car unit. Kosaraju Veerayya Chowdary and Guenter Karl Butschek will both leave on 1 October  to join the commercial vehicles entity’s board.

    Replacing them is Sudha Krishnan, a former senior civil servant who retired in 2020 as member finance to India’s Space Commission and Atomic Energy Commission.  Krishnan, who has four decades of experience in public policy and finance, will serve a five-year term as independent director.

    The changes come as Tata Motors executes a composite scheme of arrangement approved by India’s National Company Law Tribunal. The demerger, which becomes effective on 1 October, will see shareholders receive one share in TML Commercial Vehicles for every share they hold in Tata Motors.

    In another significant move, P B Balaji will resign as group chief financial officer on 17 November  to become chief executive of Jaguar Land Rover. He will be replaced by Dhiman Gupta, currently chief financial officer of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility. Unusually,  Balaji will rejoin Tata Motors’ board as a non-executive director on the same day he steps down from his executive role.

    The restructuring reflects Tata Motors’ strategy to separate its commercial vehicle operations from its passenger car and Jaguar Land Rover businesses. The company is also transferring Rs 2,300 crore worth of non-convertible debentures to the commercial vehicles unit as part of the demerger.

    The board changes were approved at a meeting that ran from 2pm to 5pm on 26 September, with all appointments subject to shareholder approval.

  • Tata Motors stalls as tariffs and slow sales dent Q1 performance

    Tata Motors stalls as tariffs and slow sales dent Q1 performance

    MUMBAI: From roaring engines to grinding gears Tata Motors hit a speed bump in Q1 FY26, with global headwinds and fresh US tariffs putting the brakes on growth. The automaker’s consolidated revenue slid 2.5 per cent year-on-year to Rs 1.04 lakh crore, while EBITDA screeched down 35.8 per cemnt to Rs 9,700 crore. Pre-tax profit before exceptional items halved to Rs 5,617 crore, as free cash flow reversed into a deep Rs 12,300 crore deficit.

    The group’s luxury arm Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) bore the brunt, posting its 11th straight profitable quarter but feeling the crunch of trade duties and a planned Jaguar wind-down. Revenue skidded 9.2 per cent to 6.6 billion euros, EBITDA margin shrank 650 basis points to 9.3 per cent, and EBIT margin dropped to 4.0 per cent. Profit before tax tumbled 49.4 per cent to 351 million euros, hit by tariffs of up to 27.5 per cent on UK and EU exports to the US though a late-quarter UK-US deal promises relief, slashing rates to 10 per cent from June and a subsequent EU-US pact trimming them to 15 per cent.

    Back home, the commercial vehicles division held steadier, with revenue down 4.7 per cent to Rs 17,009 crore but EBITDA margins inching up 60 basis points to 12.2 per cent. Passenger vehicles struggled, with an 8.2 per cent revenue dip to Rs 10,877 crore and EBIT margins reversing to -2.8 per cent.

    On a standalone basis, Tata Motors posted revenue of Rs 15,682 crore, down from Rs 16,862 crore last year, but revved up profit after tax to Rs 5,350 crore, powered partly by Rs 4,913 crore in dividends from subsidiaries. Net profit margin stood at 34.1 per cent, while operating margin clocked in at 12.28 per cent.

    Despite the slowdown, the group ended the quarter with consolidated liquidity of 5 billion euros, including 1.7 billion euros in undrawn credit lines. But with inventories shifting, costs climbing, and global trade still unpredictable, the road ahead could test Tata’s grip on the wheel.

     

  • Saumya Agarwal is appointed as vice president – Madison Media Plus

    Saumya Agarwal is appointed as vice president – Madison Media Plus

    MUMBAI: Madison Media Plus, a unit of Madison World, is delighted to announce the appointment of Saumya Agarwal as vice president. He will report to Madison Media Plus COO Mimi Deb.

    Saumya brings over 18 years of diverse experience in Integrated Marketing Communications. He has previously held leadership roles across GroupM, Dentsu and Publicis Groupe, and has worked with marquee brands such as Nykaa, HUL, Jaguar Land Rover, ICICI Group, HDFC Bank, Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, Allied Blenders and Spotify. Prior to joining Madison Media, he served as AVP at Starcom. Along with his deep brand-building expertise, Saumya brings a strong passion for new business initiatives, nurturing talent and crafting purpose-driven narratives.

    “As our client portfolio continues to expand and brand needs evolve, we are realigning our team structure to stay agile, strategic, and future-ready. Saumya’s addition to the leadership team marks a significant step in this direction, strengthening our capabilities to deliver impactful solutions and drive sustained business growth,” said Deb.

    Sharing his excitement, Agarwal said, “I’m excited to join Madison Media Plus at such a dynamic time of growth and transformation. The energy of the team is truly inspiring. I look forward to contributing meaningfully to our clients.”

  • Venu Takes the Wheel as TVS Shifts Gears at the Top

    Venu Takes the Wheel as TVS Shifts Gears at the Top

    MUMBAI: TVS Motor’s leadership engine just got a new ignition, Sudarshan Venu is in the driver’s seat now. In a landmark move signalling the next chapter in its leadership journey, TVS Motor Company has announced that Sudarshan Venu will take over as chairman and managing director effective August 25, 2025. The company’s board of directors made the decision unanimously, underscoring Venu’s instrumental role in shaping TVS Motor’s strategy and global ambitions over recent years.

    Venu, currently serving as managing director, will succeed Ralf Speth, who has opted not to seek reappointment as director at the company’s Annual General Meeting on August 22, 2025. Ralf, the former CEO of Jaguar Land Rover and a seasoned automotive veteran, will officially step down as Chairman at the conclusion of the AGM.

    However, this isn’t a full stop, it’s a strategic shift. Ralf will continue his association with TVS as its chief mentor for a three-year term starting 23, August  2025, offering strategic counsel and drawing on his vast experience in automotive leadership.

    Expressing his gratitude, Venu said, “I am really honoured and excited for the future. TVS has been built on a foundation of customer centricity, quality, and technology values we must preserve as we reimagine our future. I’m deeply thankful to our chairman emeritus for his vision, and to Ralf for pushing us to think global and act bold.”

    The leadership change comes at a time when TVS Motor is expanding aggressively across global markets and investing in next-gen technologies, including electric mobility and connected vehicles. Venu has been central to this transformation, overseeing strategic acquisitions, international collaborations, and product innovations that have given the company new momentum.

    Ralf Speth’s stint as chairman was marked by a greater global orientation for TVS, including talent onboarding, enhanced R&D processes, and bold investments in future-ready technologies. In his new role as chief mentor, he is expected to help guide the company’s long-term vision and innovation roadmap.

    With this transition, TVS isn’t just changing drivers, it’s fine-tuning for the next lap of growth. And with Venu at the helm and Speth still in the pit lane, the company seems all set to accelerate into its next evolution.

  • CloudTV plugs in Harshad Wadivkar as new business head for monetisation

    CloudTV plugs in Harshad Wadivkar as new business head for monetisation

    MUMBAI:  CloudTV, India’s first certified Smart TV operating system, is switching to a higher gear on its monetisation plans with the appointment of Harshad Wadivkar as business head – monetisation. The move signals CloudTV’s growing ambitions to cash in on India’s fast-expanding connected TV (CTV) advertising wave.

    In his new role, Wadivkar will lead revenue strategies, forge fresh media partnerships, and unlock new monetisation channels across CloudTV’s platform, which today reaches more than 12 million viewers in regional markets across the country.

    A digital sales veteran with over 15 years under his belt, Wadivkar has previously clocked stints at Adscholars, Xapads Media, and Mediascope. His client roster reads like a brand who’s who — from DSP Mutual Fund and ESPN to Mahindra Auto and Jaguar Land Rover — and his agency links span GroupM, Madison, IPG, and Publicis. His knack for scaling revenues and building lasting partnerships makes him a prized recruit for CloudTV’s next growth lap.

    CloudTV COO  and co-founder Abhijeet Rajpurohit  said: “We are delighted to welcome Harshad aboard. His deep digital expertise and sharp monetisation focus will be pivotal as we strengthen our footprint in India’s rapidly evolving connected TV landscape.”

    With the CTV market shifting into overdrive, CloudTV is betting big on seasoned hands like Wadivkar to drive its revenue engine and bolster its standing as an indispensable advertising enabler for smart TV audiences.

  • Akshat Arora takes on role of marketing director at Third Wave Coffee

    Akshat Arora takes on role of marketing director at Third Wave Coffee

    MUMBAI: Akshat Arora has stepped into the position of marketing director at Third Wave Coffee, effective January 2025. With over 13 years of experience in brand management and client relations, he brings expertise in digital marketing, e-commerce, influencer partnerships, and experiential marketing to the team.

    Arora holds an MBA in marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies and a bachelor’s in business economics from Maharaja Agrasen College. His previous roles include leading marketing efforts for Tim Hortons India, where he served as head of marketing and product, and driving digital initiatives at Bisleri International. He also served as Reliance Brands (Steve Madden)-marketing head and Jaguar Land Rover marketing manager for around three years each.

     Said Third Wave Coffee CEO Rajat Luthra: “Akshat’s extensive experience and innovative approach to business strategies makes him an invaluable addition to our team. Given the opportune stage the brand is at, we look forward to partnering with him as we embark on the next phase of our journey. We are confident that Akshat’s leadership will elevate our marketing strategies and deepen our connection with coffee enthusiasts nationwide.”
     
    “Third Wave Coffee has already defined India’s coffee culture with its specialty coffee offerings and customer-first approach. My focus would be on creating a deeper preference for the brand and driving brand love as we continue to innovate and grow. Together with the team, I am committed to strengthening the brand’s legacy of transforming how India experiences coffee,” said Arora.

    In his new role, Akshat will spearhead initiatives to enhance brand resonance, expand digital outreach, build consumer engagement through offline and online channels and strengthen the brand’s competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic market. His appointment comes at an exciting juncture as Third Wave Coffee celebrates the milestone of opening its 125th cafe and continues its expansion across India, reinforcing its leadership in the specialty coffee sector.

    (Updated 21 January 2025 with inputs from Third Wave Coffee.)

  • Jaguar Land Rover-Tata Communications partner for connected, smarter cars

    Jaguar Land Rover-Tata Communications partner for connected, smarter cars

    MUMBAI: They are moving ahead with a stronger relationship.  Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a deal  with Tata Communications to improve  the driving experience through smarter, data-driven connected cars. The new collaboration will leverage the Tata Communications MOVE platform, providing JLR’s next-generation vehicles with continuous connectivity in 120 countries.

    This partnership aims to future-proof JLR’s digital transformation, enabling real-time vehicle location services, smarter driving experiences, and software over-the-air (SOTA) updates. As part of JLR’s broader innovation strategy, the MOVE platform will facilitate seamless transitions between mobile networks, allowing for personalised connected services such as media streaming.

    JLR’s fleet currently generates over 2.5 terabytes of data daily, with the MOVE platform expected to enhance data exchange and vehicle performance monitoring, thus improving vehicle maintenance and servicing while reducing costs. New medium-sized SUVs built on the Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) are projected to launch in 2026.

    “Our collaboration with Tata Communications is pivotal for our software-defined vehicle journey, ensuring secure and cost-effective data connectivity across our global operations,” said JLR.  director of digital product platform off-board Mark Brogden.

    Tata Communications vice president  MOVE Marco Bijvelds , highlighted the opportunity to deliver advanced driving features and personalised customer experiences through enhanced data insights.

    Additionally, Tata Communications will deploy cloud-first, software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) technology, connecting JLR’s 128 global sites to improve supply chain efficiency and security. This transformation will facilitate AI-driven data analytics to enhance vehicle production quality and accelerate manufacturing processes.

    JLR  group chief digital and information officer Tony Battle emphasised the importance of AI-powered automation in predicting vulnerabilities and boosting operational effectiveness across JLR’s networks.

    The partnership continues to support JLR’s “Reimagine” strategy, which aims for carbon net zero across its supply chain by 2039, integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of vehicle production and operations

  • FirmDecisions to help advertisers make better media investment decisions

    MUMBAI: FirmDecisions, part of UK-based Ebiquity Group and an independent global marketing auditor, has formally announced its entry into the Indian market. It’s actively pursuing a JV here to help advertisers know that their media investment advisors are not commercially compromised. The firm has conducted 5,000+ audits in 70+ countries over the past 17 years facilitating financial transparency in the client-agency relationship for many of the world’s biggest advertisers. The right contract terms ensure client interests are protected and Firm Decisions is highly regarded worldwide for its ability to ensure this happens.

    At a recent workshop organised by FirmDecisions, 30+ leading Indian advertisers shared their growing concerns on media transparency and their eagerness to know more about the black box of media trading incentives (e.g. rebates) between their appointed advisors and media suppliers.

    FirmDecisions MD Stephen Broderick said, “The increasing disconnect between advertisers and media agencies over rebates calls for more transparency. In many countries, including the US and UK, advertisers are urging their peers to tighten contracts and adapt a new framework. Indian advertisers by early adaption will avoid issues that other markets have already gone through.”

    FirmDecisions is the first and largest independent global marketing compliance specialist who ensure financial transparency in the client-agency relationship for the world’s largest advertisers like Unilever, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and Jaguar Land Rover. They have been instrumental in taking the findings of the ANA Report global to identify five areas where advertiser(s) should focus their energies – Internal Governance, Management and Ownership of Data, Contract Management, Audit Rights and Code of Conduct.