Tag: leadership

Netgear names regional heads to strengthen strategic market leadership

MUMBAI: Is leadership born or forged through experience?

Imagine a world without connectivity—the heartbeat of modern businesses would stall.

Just as a company thrives on sales, the networking industry thrives on innovation and strategic leadership. Who better to drive this growth than seasoned sales veterans with a knack for building connections that go beyond cables and routers?

Netgear, a global powerhouse in networking solutions, is rewriting its growth story with a bold move: appointing Annamalai AR as the country sales head for the middle east and Africa (MEA), and Abhishek as the sales leader for India, SAARC, and Mauritius.

These appointments signal more than just leadership changes—they mark a strategic leap into untapped opportunities across high-potential markets.

The question is, how will these changes shape the future of connectivity?

Annamalai, a veteran with 11 years of dedicated service at Netgear, will now oversee sales and operations in the MEA region, including Israel, Turkey, and North Africa. Known for his exceptional track record and deep market insights, Annamalai is poised to capitalise on the growing demand for tailored networking solutions in the dynamic MEA landscape.

“I am honoured to take on this expanded role and contribute to Netgear’s success in the MEA region. These markets present immense potential, and I look forward to building on our strong foundation to drive growth and deliver innovative solutions for our customers,” said Annamalai.

Abhishek, recognised for his strategic vision and leadership, will now lead Netgear’s sales and operations across India, SAARC, and Mauritius. His unwavering dedication and proven ability to exceed expectations make him the ideal choice to further strengthen Netgear’s presence in these diverse markets.

“This new role is an exciting challenge, and I am eager to collaborate with our teams and partners to further enhance Netgear’s market leadership in India and neighbouring regions. Together, we will continue delivering impactful solutions to our customers,” said Abhishek.

Netgear, APAC senior director – commercial, Marthesh Nagendra praised the new appointments, “Both Annamalai and Abhishek have been integral to Netgear’s success in their respective markets. Their leadership, dedication, and vision are essential as we continue to expand our global presence and redefine connectivity for customers worldwide.”

These appointments align with Netgear’s mission to lead the future of connectivity by fostering innovation and nurturing leadership talent. By empowering regional leaders, Netgear is positioning itself to deliver robust, customer-centric solutions while driving growth in the rapidly evolving networking industry.

January 10, 2025
Tarandeep Singh Sekhon rejoins KidZania as chief business officer

MUMBAI: In the vibrant world of tiny professionals and big dreams, KidZania India is stepping into 2024 with a blockbuster twist straight out of a storybook. As the bustling indoor theme parks in Mumbai and Delhi gear up for another exciting year, the spotlight shifts to a familiar face returning to lead the charge.

Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, the seasoned strategist with a knack for weaving magic into brands, has rejoined the $554.8 million company, KidZania, as chief business officer. With his sights set on crafting new adventures, forging strategic partnerships, and elevating the brand to new heights, Sekhon is set to write the next thrilling chapter in KidZania’s journey.

The ultimate playground of imagination is ready to dream bigger and soar higher—one little leader at a time.

After previously serving as KidZania’s Marketing Director, where he played a key role in shaping the brand’s identity, Sekhon is rejoining with a renewed vision to enhance KidZania’s value proposition. During his earlier tenure, he created impactful experiences for children and families, which set benchmarks in the edutainment space.

In his new role, Sekhon aims to steer the brand toward new heights by fostering innovation and building meaningful collaborations. “I’m thrilled to return to KidZania in a new leadership capacity at a pivotal time in the brand’s journey,” said Sekhon. “With a clear vision for growth, I look forward to collaborating with our partners to unlock fresh opportunities, drive innovation in strategic partnerships and sales, and solidify KidZania’s position as a leading global brand. Our mission remains clear: to be the preferred edutainment destination in each market and continue to create impactful experiences for children, families, and brands, while reinforcing our commitment to excellence and long-term value creation.”

Sekhon brings over 20 years of experience in leisure, entertainment, and experiential marketing. His expertise includes strategic brand partnerships, leadership, and creating unparalleled consumer experiences. His stint in the sports and entertainment industry saw him deliver significant business growth, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic leader.

KidZania operates in 30 locations across 20 countries, catering to over 10 million visitors annually. Sekhon’s leadership is expected to enhance the brand’s global footprint and reinforce its position as the top edutainment destination for children and families.

With his focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, and long-term value creation, Sekhon aims to steer KidZania towards becoming the preferred choice for edutainment in every market it serves.

January 8, 2025
Manish Kalra departs from Zee5 as chief business officer

MUMBAI: Manish Kalra, who led Zee5 over the past five years, first domestically and then in a global position, has abruptly stepped down from his role as chief business officer for India and global markets.

Manish had initially been given charge of the streamer’s advertising video on demand product in 2020. Eight months into the job, and he was given a bump up as Zee5’s business head for the domestic market (both AVoD and SvoD), a position he held until September 2024 when Archana Anand, the global head quit, and he was given additional responsibility for her portfolio.

Zee5 had recently broadened Manish’s mandate, entrusting him with overseeing the platform’s business across global markets. This role involved fostering strategic partnerships, enhancing audience engagement, and positioning Zee5 as a prominent player on the global streaming stage. Company sources confirmed Manish’s resignation, and that an internal leader has been assigned to oversee the transition. He would be serving his 90 day notice period at Zee is what sources say.

Manish joined Zee5 in May 2020 and brought over two decades of experience in online business and marketing. Before his time at Zee5, he held leadership roles at renowned organisations, including Amazon, MakeMyTrip, and Dell. His strategic vision and business acumen have been pivotal in steering Zee5’s growth.

An alumnus of XLRI, Jamshedpur, where he earned his MBA, Kalra also holds an engineering degree from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh. His professional journey exemplifies a strong foundation in strategic planning and execution across industries.

Under Kalra’s leadership, Zee5 made significant strides in audience engagement. His efforts helped the platform cement its position as India’s homegrown streaming giant with a growing international footprint.

December 24, 2024
India Today group elevates Siddharth Zarabi as editor of Business Today Multiverse

MUMBAI: In a defining moment for Indian journalism, Siddharth Zarabi steps into the spotlight as editor of Business Today Multiverse. The India Today Group’s announcement marks a pivotal chapter, entrusting Zarabi to orchestrate the editorial symphony across Business Today’s diverse platforms—print, digital, and streaming.

With a career steeped in financial journalism and a reputation for sharp insights, Zarabi’s elevation signals a bold new era for the brand. This leadership move embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence that continues to define Business Today in an ever-evolving media landscape.

With over 27 years of journalism experience, Zarabi brings a wealth of expertise and insight to the role. Since joining Business Today as managing editor in 2021, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s editorial vision, driving impactful coverage and innovative storytelling in business journalism.

December 24, 2024
Sony’s Ravi Ahuja, Gaurav Banerjee and the art of winning

MUMBAI: That Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) president & chief operating officer Ravi Ahuja would come a-visiting Mumbai and the broadcast major’s Malad office was known to those in the trade because of a story that broke in the media. But what is not known to most is what transpired during the dapper executive’s whistle stop tour .

One of the activities conducted was a town hall, in which he and the SPN India managing director & CEO Guarav Banerjee (GB) sat down with SPN India chief human resources officer Manu Wadhwa for a fireside chat. The topic of discussion: Sony’s content first approach and SPN India’s pivotal role in SPN’s global strategy.

The key message GB sent out was that SPNI is a content-focused company with a goal to create hits that resonate with its audience.

And Ahuja had only one major message to give out: “Exceed expectations, take on new challenges, and build your skills and network – that’s the path to leadership!”

With that kind of a mandate, the rest of the GECs and sports channels had better watch out. For not only does GB have youth on his side, he also has a point to prove. Which he is known to do. Whilst, SPNI has been a profitable venture in India, it has lacked leadership in fiction.

Its non-fiction shows like Shark Tank India, KBC, Indian Idol have set new benchmarks with targeted audiences. But what has been missing is top rung family dramas, telenovellas, and thriller shows which have gathered viewers time and mindspace. Something the creative teams under GB have been working on silently and stealthily.

Expect some real action in this space, especially when leaders at rivals such as Colors and Star Plus are absorbed with the merger and Zee is just about gearing up with its new slate of productions.

December 16, 2024
PRP Group welcomes Shailja Patyal back as vice-president

Mumbai: PRP Group has appointed Shailja Patyal as vice president of PR Professionals, marking her return to the senior leadership team. With over 16 years of experience in communications and marketing strategy, Shailja’s comeback promises to drive the group forward, focusing on enhancing client management, stakeholder engagement, and team collaboration.

Patyal’s strategic vision at PR Professionals will align teams to foster better communication with clients and ensure seamless service delivery. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she excels at bringing together diverse teams to leverage their strengths and achieve common goals.

Prior to rejoining PRP, Patyal held key positions at multinational companies such as SMEC – A Surbana Jurong Group, Systra India, and IL&FS, where she showcased her leadership abilities and strategic acumen. Her expertise spans marketing strategies, organisational development, people communications, client relationships, and conflict management.

PR Professionals, founder & managing director, Sarvesh Tiwari expressed his excitement: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Shailja back to the PRP Group. She was instrumental in our early days, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s foundation and her return brings valuable experience and strategic insight that will propel PRP forward.”

Patyal, equally thrilled, shared: “Coming back to PR Professionals feels like a homecoming. The warm reception from the team and management has been incredible, and it feels as though I’ve never been away. I am excited to collaborate with this talented team and contribute to the company’s ongoing success in my second innings with PRP.”

October 8, 2024
Kanika Maheshwari joins Concept PR as AVP for brand & lifestyle practice

Mumbai: Kanika Maheshwari joins Concept PR as associate vice president for brand & lifestyle. With over 15 years of experience managing PR and communication for global and Indian brands, Kanika has led integrated campaigns that achieved significant media exposure.

She has successfully mentored multi-cultural, multi-location teams, bringing together diverse skill sets across various age groups. Kanika began her career as an intern, and by the time she left Perfect Relations (now Dentsu), she led the Consumer and Brand team as Director.

Her leadership style is rooted in empathy, believing that understanding and supporting team members is key to achieving collective goals. Kanika completed her Post Graduation in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Xavier Institute of Communications.

September 9, 2024

WIN to host transformational discussions at Davos 2024 during World Economic Forum

Mumbai: Women Inspiring Network (WIN) proudly announced its participation during the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Dedicated to the leadership, innovation, and inspiration of women globally, WIN will spearhead three compelling panels from 16 to 18 January 2024, delving into crucial themes such as women in leadership, innovation in business, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI).

Women Inspiring Network founder Stuti Jalan expressed her enthusiasm about the upcoming panels, stating, “At WIN, we believe in the power of inclusive dialogues to drive positive change. Our panel discussions at Davos aim to amplify the voices of women, showcasing their influence in leadership, innovation, and the rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence. We look forward to inspiring and shaping the discussions on women’s roles in shaping a more innovative future.”

Renowned thought leaders and trailblazers are set to grace the stages at these extraordinary panels, each featuring a diverse line-up of global leaders. Each speaker brings a unique perspective, contributing to a holistic discussion on the role of women in leadership, innovation, and the transformative power of AI.

The first panel, “Women in Leadership: Discuss How Diverse Leadership Teams contribute to Innovation and Business Success”, scheduled for 16 January 2024. Will delve into the critical role of diverse leadership teams in driving innovation and business success. WIN with World Innovation Economics aims to showcase how the inclusion of women in leadership positions fosters creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. The panel will be graced by Kanika Tekriwal, CEO at JetSetGo Aviation Services Pvt Ltd, sharing her journey and perspectives on breaking barriers in the aviation industry, Daniella Foster, senior vice president, Bayer’s Consumer Health Division, Aarti Gupta, CIO at Family Office DM Gupta & Anikarth Ventures, providing a unique perspective on finance and technology, Kanta Singh, Deputy Country Representative at UN Women India, offering insights into gender equality advocacy; Pragati Sureka, Psychologist and Author, contributing insights into the psychological aspects of leadership; and the curator Stuti Jalan.

The second panel titled as “Trailblazing Women: In a New Era of Innovation” is scheduled on 17 January 2024. In a new era of innovation, trailblazing women have emerged as dynamic leaders, breaking barriers and reshaping the landscape of various industries. Women are taking a leading role creating positive progress on a global Scale & they are driving economic metamorphosis from tech innovation. Furthermore, the panel aims to explore how trailblazing women are driving innovation with a focus on sustainability. This insightful panel will feature trailblazers such as Sanskriti Thakur, Chairwoman at Tower Capital, bringing her leadership in finance; Vasundhara Oswal- executive director PRO Industries, Dr Aarti Gupta, chief investment officer at Anikarth Ventures, offering expertise in investment and finance and Komal Sharma – founder of TT Consultants. The panel will take place at India Engagement Lounge by Invest India.

On 18 January 2024, the stage will be set for the final panel, “Women and AI: 2 Powerful Forces Changing the World.” This engaging discussion will unfold at the “We Lead Lounge,” hosted by the ministry of women and child development, Government of India, the Confederation of Indian Industry, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This session will encompass diverse facets, including the role of AI in Bridging the Gender Gap and an exploration of how AI can foster more gender-inclusive workplaces. This panel will see an expert panel featuring Kalli Purie executive editor in chief and vice chairperson of India Today Group, Tarja Stephens, co-founder of Mia, Mission Impact Academy; Spandana Ayachitam, founder of QuantumfAi, Faramarz Farhoodi, chairman of AI Nexus Healthcare Inc; Rashmi Joshi, CEO & founder of Asha AI and Mark Turell, founder of unDavos.

Event Details:

Women Inspiring Network @ DAVOS 2024
Date	Time	Venue	Topic	Speakers
16th January 2024	4 PM	World Innovation Economics Sunstar Hotel Davos 3 Oberwiesstrasse 7270 Davos Switzerland	Women in Leadership: Innovation and Business	· Kanika Tekriwal, CEO at JetSetGo Aviation Services Pvt Ltd · Daniella Foster, Senior Vice President, Bayer’s Consumer Health Division · Aarti Gupta, CIO – Family Office DM Gupta &Anikarth Ventures · Kanta Singh, Deputy Country Representative, UN Women India · Pragati Sureka, Psychologist, Author · Stuti Jalan , Founder & Curator, Women Inspiring Network
17th January 2024	11.00 AM	India Engagement Lounge by Invest India Promenade 63	Trailblazing Women: In a New Era of Innovation	· Sanskriti Thakur -Chairwoman Tower Capital · Vasundhara Oswal– Executive Director PRO Industries · Komal Sharma – Founder of TT Consultants · Dr. Aarti Gupta, CIO – Family Office DM Gupta &Anikarth Ventures · Margery Kraus – Founder and CEO of APCO Worldwide · Stuti Jalan , Founder & Curator, Women Inspiring Network
18th January 2024	11.15 AM	We lead lounge by CII at p57	Women & AI – 2 Powerful Forces Changing the World	· Kalli Purie– Executive Editor in Chief and Vice Chairperson of India Today Group · Tarja Stephens – Co-founder of Mia, Mission Impact Academy. · Spandana Ayachitam- Founder of QuantumfAi · Faramarz Farhoodi-Chairman of AI Nexus Healthcare Inc · Rashmi Joshi -CEO & Founder of Asha AI · Mark Turell, Founder of unDavos · Stuti Jalan , Founder & Curator, Women Inspiring Network

WIN invites attendees, delegates, and media representatives to join these thought-provoking discussions, contributing to a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights that have the potential to reshape the global narrative on women in leadership and innovation.

Registration link:
https://www.womeninspiringnetwork.com/win-at-davos-2024/

Join the conversation using #WINatDavos2024

January 8, 2024

Microsoft’s Prerna Korla is the new Mastercard Director-Communications Asia Pacific

Mumbai: Prerna Korla recently joined Mastercard as Director – Communication, Asia Pacific dated January 4, 2024. She is a seasoned professional with 13 years of experience in the communication and public relations domain.

According to her LinkedIn post, she wrote, “Stoked to kick-off the new year with what promises to be a ‘priceless’ journey at Mastercard as Director, Communications, Asia Pacific”.

Before joining Mastercard, Korla had an inspiring journey and had prolonged experience with positions at Microsoft and Uber, serving as Senior Communications Manager and Consumer Communications Lead for India and South Asia.

She specialises in stakeholder-centric corporate and brand communications, executive and leadership communications, change communications, issues and crisis management, strategic planning for key brand milestones, and content writing for businesses and business leaders.

January 6, 2024
CNN-News18 launches print campaign to announce leadership on counting day

Mumbai: In a print campaign launched on the front page of the Economic Times newspaper, CNN-News18 has announced its leadership during the four state election results.

The campaign will also go live on digital, social and trade platforms starting Wednesday.

As per the ad released by the news channel, it has secured a remarkable 30.6 per cent market share on the counting day of assembly elections held across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana on 3 December 2023.

Positioning itself as the number one choice of viewers for comprehensive counting day coverage, CNN-News18 outperformed its competitors, with Republic TV securing the second position at 25.4 per cent market share, closely trailed by Times Now with 23.6 per cent India Today TV followed suit with a market share of 12.9 per cent. (Source: BARC | Metric: Market Share | TG: 15+AB | Period: 3 December (24 hrs) | Market: India)

The resounding success of CNN-News18 on counting day can be attributed to its special election programming, delivering the quickest and most accurate results, coupled with anchors like Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, and Rahul Shivshankar. The channel’s extensive network of reporters across all four states, ensured fastest, comprehensive coverage.

CNN-News18’s presentation with engaging graphics and insightful explainers, simplified complex trends and data, making it easily comprehensible for the audience.

The channel has continued to outperform its competition in terms of viewership for more than a year now.

December 20, 2023