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Tag: tech innovation

  • 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.

  • 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.”

  • Pepperfry names Shubbam Sharrma as new chief growth officer

    Pepperfry names Shubbam Sharrma as new chief growth officer

    Mumbai: Pepperfry, India’s e-commerce furniture and home decor platform, has appointed Shubbam Sharrma as chief growth officer, marking a significant step in the brand’s journey to redefine growth. With over 17 years of expertise across retail, e-commerce, and omnichannel ventures, Sharrma is set to lead Pepperfry’s strategic expansion, focus on customer acquisition, and boost operational efficiency.

    In his role as CGO, Sharrma will expand Pepperfry’s presence in the home categories, launch new product segments, and elevate B2B growth through initiatives like the multi-tiered channel partner program and partnerships with Horeca and corporate clients. His proven track record in driving transformative growth makes him a valuable addition to Pepperfry’s leadership team.

    Welcoming Sharrma aboard, Pepperfry co-founder & CEO, Ashish Shah said, “We are delighted to welcome Shubbam to the Pepperfry family. His extensive experience in driving growth in retail, coupled with his deep understanding of the consumer landscape, makes him the ideal leader to spearhead our next phase of expansion. We are confident that Shubbam’s vision and expertise will be instrumental in solidifying Pepperfry’s position as the undisputed leader in the furniture, mattress and home décor market.”

    Expressing his excitement, Sharrma said, “I’m thrilled to be part of Pepperfry during this exciting phase of its growth journey. For anyone looking to buy furniture, Pepperfry has become the go-to destination. Our aim would be to further enhance this segment with tech-driven innovation and omnichannel integration to complete more and more customer journeys and make the business funnel more efficient. By fostering content and community engagement, we will democratize access for D2C entrepreneurs, helping to bring the best curated collections to our customers”.

    Sharrma added, “Our vision is to blend new-age and legacy brands, creating a one-stop destination for all things home—truly the best of both worlds. Furthermore, we see immense potential in the B2B segment, particularly in building a curated platform for architects and interior designers to meet their discerning clients’ needs. As any B2B client setting up a workspace requires extensive furniture and decor, we are committed to developing efficient channels to serve this segment effectively. Together, we will set new benchmarks for customer-centricity, operational excellence and innovation.”

    Prior to Pepperfry, Sharrma was chief business officer at ImpactGuru, where he drove multi-city growth and optimised operations, marketing, and HR processes. He played a pivotal role in CarDekho’s success in the used car retail space and has consulting experience with KSA Technopak and RedSeer, advising on digital transformation and growth strategies.