Unilever ropes in Diageo's head of media Isabel Massey for a global role

Air-India’s Vistara conundrum

Kris Gopalakrishnan surpasses Narayana Murthy in Hurun India Rich List 2024

PhonePe expands reach in Singapore partnered with Liquid Group for UPI payments

Peroni onboards McCann Worldgroup as its global creative partner

Havas Worldwide India strengthens strategy team with three exec appointments

Representational image via Unsplash

'Brand Tax': Experts urge for clear guidelines, say 'brand subscription fee' can hinder innovation, growth

Why are Indian brands advertising in NYC's Times Square?

What Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick teaches us about leadership

Advertising is in the position where tobacco was: IPG's Arun Kumar 

Biz Moves: Interactive Avenues, Verve Media, Foxymoron and Grapes

There is an opportunity for building a better agency, not just a different one: Manja's Prajato Guha

IPO-bound Ather Energy plans aggressive marketing push to strengthen EV brand

Britannia MD Varun Berry joins Asian Paints board as independent director

Marico aims to grow food biz at 20-25% CAGR, scale to 2x by FY27

IFFCO Tokio General Insurance elevates Subrata Mondal to MD and CEO

Piyush Pandey

Exclusive: Major leadership rejig at Nestle India; Rajat Jain to get significant role within group

Meghalaya becomes first Indian state to sponsor an esports team

Indian broadcasters' Himalayan challenge in Nepal

Big salary gaps in Indian communications: Freshers start low, women hit glass ceiling

Infosys, ITC, Titan, Biocon: Industry leaders join Storyboard18’s Share The Spotlight movement

Nobody’s Perfect Retro Porsche Ad

In Conversation With Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard

Shahid Kapoor And Varun Ganjoo Speaks On PokerBaazi's Campaign

In conversation with IHCL’s Puneet Chhatwal & GroupM’s Kate Scott-Dawkins

Why are brands including e-sports in their sports marketing itinerary?

Storyboard18 x The English Nut: How to pronounce these 10 brand names

Experts' Take On Reinvention Of Ad Campaigns Through Technology

Experts Speak On Key Emerging Trends In Cannes Lions Entries

Leaders of the future have to be outstanding human beings: Nestle MD

In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

The Board of Directors of Asian Paints has approved the appointment of Varun Berry as an Independent Director for a period of five years with effect from 23rd October 2024 to 22nd October 2029. 

A veteran FMCG leader Berry is Vice Chairman and Managing Director of foods major Britannia Industries Ltd. He joined Britannia as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2013. Berry has over 38-years of experience, including stints at companies like Hindustan Unilever and PepsiCo, both in India and overseas. He also has a successful track record in leading start-ups, turnarounds, joint ventures and growth businesses. He is also on the Board and Committees of the Board of several other leading companies. Berry studied engineering and Business Administration at Panjab University. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/storyboard18-visionaries-britannias-varun-berry-shares-leadership-lessons-24840.htm">Read more: Storyboard18 Visionaries: Britannia's Varun Berry shares leadership lessons</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/varun-berry-britannia-industries-rural-market-share-grew-at-a-faster-clip-than-urban-38718.htm">Read more: Varun Berry, Britannia Industries: Rural market share grew at a faster clip than Urban</a>

Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, is not just a celebrated entrepreneur but also a prominent voice on social and educational issues. 

His candid comments often stir debate and inspire discussions across various platforms.

Below, we explore some of the most provocative statements he had made over the years.

1. On Parental Responsibility in Education

During the launch of Paul Hewitt's 13th edition of Conceptual Physics in Bengaluru on September 9, Murthy emphasized the importance of parental discipline in children's education. He critiqued parents who engage in entertainment, expecting their children to study in a non-conducive environment. "If the parents are going and seeing movies and then telling 'children, no, no, you study' (that won't work)," he said.

Murthy highlighted how he and his wife, Sudha, would dedicate more than 3.5 hours each day to his children Akshata and Rohan Murthy during their school years, setting a personal example rather than merely instructing them.

2. The Coaching Class Culture

Addressing the high suicide rates in Kota, Rajasthan - a hub for coaching institutes - Murthy pointed out the inefficiencies in the reliance on coaching classes for competitive exams. "Coaching classes are the wrong way to help children to pass examinations. I don't believe in coaching classes," he stated at the unveiling of a best-selling book in Bengaluru. 

He expressed concern over students not paying attention in regular classes and the inability of parents to assist, leading to a cycle of dependency on these costly institutes. "Most people who go to coaching classes, they don't listen to their teachers carefully in the class and poor parents, they are not as competent to help them and therefore they see some value, Murthy said.

3. 70-Hour Work Week 

Murthy ignited a debate by suggesting that young Indians should work 70 hours a week to increase the nation's productivity and competitiveness on the global stage. "Unless we improve our work productivity... we will not be able to compete with those countries that have made tremendous progress," remarked Murthy on the first episode of 3one4 Capital's podcast 'The Record'. "So therefore, my request is that our youngsters must say, 'This is my country. I'd like to work 70 hours a week," he added.

His comments, which were perceived as promoting an extreme 'hustle culture,' drew backlash from various quarters on social media, with critics arguing that such demands could lead to burnout and were particularly insensitive to the challenges of working women.

4. Infosys COO Pay Controversy

In 2017, Murthy publicly criticized the substantial pay hike approved for Infosys' COO, Pravin Rao. He argued that the decision was "not proper" and would erode trust among employees, highlighting a discrepancy between top executive and average employees compensation. His stance reflected his ongoing concern for equity and fairness within corporate compensation practices.

5. Opposition to Remote Work

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, as companies worldwide were embracing remote work or 'WFH', Murthy expressed his opposition to this model for India. "I am not a great fan of work from home at all,", Murthy quoted. He further stressed that working from the office is crucial for productivity and advocated for a return to traditional work environment to boost efficiency and collaboration. 

Murthy also went on to say that a work from home system does not suit a country like India where people live in 'multi-generational households,' 'have poor Internet bandwidth,' and 'do not have a separate room to convert into a home office.' This comment was met with mixed reactions on social media creating a debate on the efficacy of a remote work system being picked by organizations.

Narayana Murthy's statements often challenge the status quo, pushing for a more introspective and proactive approach to societal issues. Whether it is education, entrepreneurship, or national identity, his words continue to provoke thought and debate among the public and policymakers alike.

Source: BBC, The Economic Times, Business Today, The News Minute, Moneycontrol, India Today

Decoding Narayana Murthy: A look at his most controversial statements

Havas Worldwide India, the creative arm of Havas India, has strengthened its strategy team with three key appointments. Dhananjoy Ray, Aniruddh Subramanian and Jahan Nargolwala have joined the agency as Associate Vice President - Planning & Strategy. All three will report to John Thangaraj, Chief Strategy Officer, Havas Creative Network India, and will be based out of Gurgaon.


Commenting on the appointments, Thangaraj said, “I am thrilled to welcome Dhananjoy, Aniruddh and Jahan to the Havas family. The world is changing and so are we. Strategy needs to be more business forward, digital first and data driven than ever before and our journey towards creating a more converged, multi-disciplinary team begins now. Each of them brings a deep and divergent level of expertise and experience to the table." 


He added, "Dhananjoy brings a deep passion and excitement for all things tech and auto. Aniruddh’s understanding and experience on the CPG category is second to none. And Jahan’s digital-first expertise across multiple categories nicely rounds out the team. Their hires underscore Havas’ deep commitment to delivering insight & data backed strategic solutions that focus on keeping our clients ahead of the curve. That said, we’ve only just begun - watch this space!”


With over a decade of experience, Ray has worked with agencies including FCB India and Publicis India where he has worked on an impressive roster of brands including Horlicks, Uber, Pernod Ricard, Vivo, BMW, Google, Maggi and Nokia, to name a few. He specialises in communication and brand strategy. 


Nargolwala who joins Havas Worldwide India from Creativeland Asia comes with nearly 13 years of experience. Having worked at agencies like Yaap Digital, Law & Kenneth, and Contract Advertising, he has worked on brands including Pizza Hut, Uniqlo, Godrej, Park Avenue, ColorPlus, Taj Hotels, ITC Hotels, NITI Aayog, Coca-Cola, UPI and RuPay, to name a few. His expertise lies in creative strategy, brand planning & management, and cross-functional project management from development to delivery.


Subramanian, who joins the agency from FCB India, has also worked with L&K Saatchi & Saatchi and Famous Innovations. He brings over 10 years of experience, a Master’s in Marketing from the University of Cincinnati, and experience in diverse background in sectors ranging from FMCG (Horlicks Plus, Real Activ, All Out, Baygon, Mr. Muscle, Bata, Power, Hush Puppies) to FMCD (LivGuard, Evara Platinum, Elegant Steel), Services (Dominos, Bluehost), Health & Pharma (Birla IVF & Fertility, Digene, Cremaffin), Automobile (Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India), and Tech (Google Pixel).


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/meta-elevates-gaurav-jeet-singh-to-director-agencies-vc-partnerships-india-41768.htm">Meta elevates Gaurav Jeet Singh to Director - Agencies & VC Partnerships, India</a>

Unilever has roped Diageo's global media head Isabel Massey as global head of integrated brand experiences. Massey joins the FMCG major during a major global media review that Unilever initiated earlier this year. An experienced digital leader, Massey led omnichannel planning and media and content transformation at Diageo across its portfolio of brands. 

Massey shared about her time at Diageo, "A decade ago, I took a small detour from agency life to Diageo, which turned into a ten-year adventure. Diageo equipped me with new skills and a new view of the world, bringing media to the boardroom and transforming a chick who loved media into a marketing leader." 
 
About her new job and role, Massey said, "Now I'm excited to embark on a new adventure and will be joining Unilever as Global Head of Integrated Brand Experiences. I’ll be leading a global team of media maestros, creative effectiveness experts, digital innovation wizards, and ad production powerhouses, all working together to scale unmissable brand experiences in partnership with Unilever’s talented marketers across the globe. I cannot wait." 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/unilever-initiates-global-media-review-for-its-3-4-billion-business-20655.htm">Read more: Unilever initiates global media review for its $3.4 bn business; India included</a>

Markand Adhikari has resigned as the Chairman and Managing Director of TV Vision to give an opportunity to the next generation of Promoter
family to steer the business ahead. However, he will continue as Chairman Emeritus.

The Board of Directors has appointed Ravi Adhikari as an Additional Director and the Managing Director. He is also designated as Chairman of the Company, subject to the approval of the members at the ensuing General Meeting of the Company. 

Ravi Adhikari was trained under the Late Gautam Adhikari in various projects and has worked along with veterans of the industry like Anand Rai, Satish Kaushik among others. He has an experience of 17 years working in Media Industry. His directorial debut was Dheet Patangey, followed by Karm Yuddh, a show on Disney+Hotstar. 

TV Vision Limited is an independent listed company under Sri Adhikari Brothers Group (SAB Group). The Company was originally incorporated as TV Vision Private Limited on July 30, 2007 and was converted into a public limited company on June 23, 2011. 

The current broadcasting bouquet consists of Music & Youth Channel Mastiii, Marathi Music Channel Maiboli, Bhojpuri Channel Dabangg and Dhamaal. 

Ravi Adhikari appointed as managing director of SAB Group's TV Vision

Tata Technologies has appointed Geena Binoy as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), with effect from  September 10, 2024. Binoy, already part of the Executive Leadership Team and currently responsible for global delivery for Digital Enterprise Solutions (DES), will be instrumental in driving Tata Technologies human resources strategy, focusing on talent supply chain and talent development, supporting the company’s growth plans. 

Binoy succeeds Pawan Bhageria who ceases to be the Chief Human Resource Officer but will continue to lead the Education Vertical within the
Technology Solutions division. Binoy's appointment underscores the company’s commitment to nurturing internal talent, the firm said. 

Warren Harris, CEO and Managing Director, of Tata Technologies, stated, “Under Pawan Bhageria's leadership, we have established a solid foundation, and with Geena's appointment, we are confident that our people strategy will be perfectly aligned with the next stage of our growth. Her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring our teams thrive and succeed in an increasingly dynamic global environment."

Geena Binoy, CHRO, Tata Technologies, added, “Our teams embody our company’s core values, serving as advisors to clients, mentors to our teams, and innovators within the business. I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Pawan to ensure our teams continue to grow, innovate, and deliver exceptional value for our clients.”

With over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing and technology sector, Binoy has a proven track record in delivery excellence, customer value creation, and integrating strategic insights into HR practices will be crucial as Tata Technologies continues its journey of engineering a better world by empowering its people, the global product engineering and digital services company stated. 

Tata Technologies appoints Geena Binoy as Chief Human Resources Officer

X CEO Linda Yaccarino announced that the platform formerly known as Twitter has hired Angela Zepeda as global head of marketing. 

Yaccarino wrote in a post on X, “Today, I am delighted to welcome Angela Zepeda to X as our new Global Head of Marketing. X is the world’s most meaningful platform so it was essential to hire an exceptional leader like Angela to further shape our transformation. Most recently serving as CMO/Chief Creative Officer for Hyundai, Angela brings incredible experience and expertise, understands how to grow a brand globally and is exactly the right person to lead X's marketing as we accelerate our innovation. Looking forward to all of the great work to come!.”

Zepeda is the first global head of marketing since Elon Musk bought X (formerly Twitter) in a multi-billion dollar takeover in 2022. Musk acquired the platform in late 2022 for $44bn. What followed widespread layoffs and a name change.

A veteran marketer, Zepeda joins X from South Korean carmaker Hyundai, where she spent five years as chief marketing officer. She also held the position of chief creative officer at the global auto major. Zepeda has over two decades of experience advertising and communications agencies, with stints at Innocean, Lowe Campbell Ewald and TBWA.

Hyundai's CMO Angela Zepeda joins Elon Musk's X as global head of marketing

By Asmita Pant 

Producer and Roy Kapur Films founder Siddharth Roy Kapur envisions a future where Indian cinema will dominate domestically and find a place on the global stage.


In an exclusive interaction with CNBC-TV18, Kapur shares his belief that Indian content is on the brink of a breakthrough, ready to captivate international audiences in the same way that global hits like Squid Game and Money Heist have done.


"Indian content is going to go global," Kapur declares with conviction. "We are going to have our own Squid Game, our own Money Heist, our own Parasite — films that break through and reach out to a mainstream, global audience. That time is coming, and it's coming very soon."


Kapur’s confidence in this global expansion is rooted in the current evolution of the Indian entertainment industry. With the Indian OTT industry projected to expand by 21%, Kapur sees this as a golden opportunity for creators. He notes that the demand for diverse, high-quality content drives the industry while creating a fertile ground for stories that can resonate far beyond India’s borders.


Kapur’s journey in the film industry has been nothing short of transformative. With a career that spans television, film production, and studio leadership, he has witnessed firsthand the shifts and trends shaping Indian cinema. Some of the prominent works Kapur has been a part of include Dangal, Barfi!, The Lunchbox, The Sky Is Pink, Rocket Boys, Oscar-nominated Last Film Show (Chhello Show) and Tumse Na Ho Payega.


He credits much of his approach to the influence of industry titans like Ronnie Screwvala and actor Aamir Khan. These lessons, Kapur shares, have guided him in striking a delicate balance between creative passion and commercial success — a crucial balance in a field where art and commerce are inextricably linked.


As the conversation delves into the current trends in the industry, Kapur speaks at length about the rise of OTT platforms and their impact on traditional film distribution. While some view OTT as a threat to the theatrical experience, Kapur sees it as an opportunity. "OTT is not a competitor to theatres; it's an additive medium," he explains. "The theatrical experience stands tall on its own as a unique form of entertainment, and the Indian market is diverse enough to accommodate both." Kapur believes that the coexistence of these platforms offers audiences a variety of choices, catering to different preferences and viewing habits.


Kapur also acknowledges the intense competition among OTT platforms, noting that it has led to an unprecedented explosion of content in India. "The more platforms there are, the more aggressive they become in producing content, which only increases the quality and diversity of stories being told," he observes. This competitive landscape, Kapur suggests, is driving Indian filmmakers to push boundaries and explore new genres and narratives, setting the stage for Indian content to make its mark globally.


However, Kapur is also keenly aware of the challenges that come with this global ambition. He emphasises the importance of understanding the nuances of the Indian market, particularly regarding the current trend of producing pan-Indian films. "Not every film can or should aim to be a pan-India hit," Kapur says. "There’s a certain kind of film that resonates across the country—fantasy epics with strong characters and action-packed dramas. But more dialogue-heavy, plot-driven films may not have the same appeal. It's crucial to recognise which films have the potential to transcend regional boundaries and invest in them accordingly."


Strategic collaborations with international production houses support Kapur’s vision for Indian cinema’s global expansion. A prime example is Roy Kapur Films’ partnership with US companies for projects like The Anarchy, a series that aims to resonate with audiences worldwide. "Collaborations are key," Kapur said. "By working with global partners, we can leverage their expertise and access broader markets, positioning Indian stories on the world stage."


In addition to collaboration, Kapur highlights the importance of retaining and nurturing intellectual property (IP) to create enduring value. "IP is a gift that keeps on giving," he remarks. "It’s something that provides long-term benefits not just for creators but for the entire industry." By focusing on IP retention, Indian filmmakers can ensure that their content continues generating value for years, domestically and internationally.


Balancing creative ambitions with financial constraints is another key challenge for producers, and Kapur sees this balance as the core responsibility of a producer. "If you veer too much on one side, you often get the concoction wrong," he warns. "It’s essential to stay true to your creative instincts, but you must also consider commercial viability to ensure a film's success." This approach has guided Kapur in selecting projects that not only speak to him creatively but also have the potential to achieve significant commercial success.


Looking to the future, Kapur is particularly excited about exploring the horror genre, which he believes has great appeal among Indian audiences. Though he has yet to delve into this genre, he sees it as a lucrative avenue for future projects.


What’s next for Roy Kapur Films?


Kapur hints at various upcoming ventures, including The Anarchy, Deva, and Matka King. "We’re developing content that not only resonates with Indian audiences but has the potential to succeed internationally," Kapur said. In the next five to 10 years, Kapur sees Roy Kapur Films producing content across many genres, scales and budgets.


When asked about the key to success in the industry, Kapur offers a simple yet profound piece of advice: resilience. "You’ll hear 100 nos before you hear that one yes, but that one yes makes up for everything," he emphasises.

Siddharth Roy Kapur sees Indian content as the next global phenomenon

Hyperlocal e-commerce platform Magicpin expects an annual revenue rate of $100 million by the end of this year, founder Anshoo Sharma told Storyboard18. According to Sharma, Magicpin's run rate has increased by 100% to $60 million in 2023 from $30 million in 2022. The company's annual run rate was $15 million in 2021. The delivery firm has planned to expand its operation to tier-1 cities and states' capitals. Sharma said that Delhi and Bengaluru are the company's big players at the moment but the startup is also present in Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, and Kolkata.

On ONDC, Sharma said that the government-backed network has been one of the "key ingredients" to its growth. Magicpin, one of the largest restaurant aggregators, joined Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in March 2023. The Gurugram-based startup is one of the leading seller apps on ONDC. Its food tech vertical competes with food delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato.

Notably, ONDC has captured 3 percent of the food order volumes managed by Swiggy and Zomato. On the other hand, Sharma estimated that Magicpin may have a 10% market share in key markets like Delhi or Bengaluru as compared to Zomato (market share between 50-55%) and Swiggy (40-45% of market share). "In about 1.5 years we have double-digit market share in major cities," he said. 


Zomato has 15.4% stakes in Magicpin as per the Tracxn data. Lightspeed Venture Partners has remained the largest stakeholder with 32.8% shares post-allotment. Magicpin is planning to onboard over 1 lakh new restaurants and cloud kitchens on ONDC by the second quarter of FY25. 

"Through ONDC, we are deeply working with Ola which has a large fleet of delivery, comprising electric vehicles (EVs), and that gives us the advantage to be more cost-efficient". "We have around 2.5 lakh merchants in the ONDC network," Sharma added.

Calling Magicpin an "anti-burn organization, the startup's founder said that he is frugal in spending on marketing and advertisement. "We mostly burn our cash on merchants", Sharma added. "Our acquisition cost is low. Initially, we spend around Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 on a merchant, which includes putting signage at their store, helmets for the rider, etc. Besides, other expenses include discounts on initial commission, spending on influencers for marketing for merchants among others."

Sharma said that his primary goal is to grow the business and generate cash. As per the data by Tracxn, Magicpin's valuation was $323 million as of January 2022. The company's annual revenue was Rs 315 crore ($39.2 million) as of March 31, 2023.


Zomato-backed Magicpin eyes $100 million annual run rate by year-end: Founder Anshoo Sharma

Nykaa, India’s leading beauty and fashion retailer, today announced the appointment of Sukhleen Aneja as Senior Vice President and Business Head for Kay Beauty, Nykaa’s first ever celebrity beauty brand in partnership with Katrina Kaif. Aneja's role will focus on propelling growth for Kay Beauty in International markets on the back of a successful launch in India. 

Aneja will also hold responsibility for Nyveda, a brand based on Ayurveda, as well as provide strategic directions for few of the young brands in wellness and personal care.

With over two decades of sales and marketing experiences across organizations like Unilever, L’Oreal and Reckitt Benckiser, she was most recently the CEO of Brands at Good Glamm. 

Adwaita Nayar, Executive Director Nykaa, CEO Nykaa Fashion & Head of Owned Brands said, “Sukhleen’s extensive experience in building customer-centric brands will be invaluable as we up our ambition on both brands." 

Nayar added, "For Kay Beauty specifically, her strategic vision, along with Katrina’s marketing mind and might, will enable the Rs.150Cr brand to scale to the next level both domestically and internationally". 

Launched in 2019, Kay Beauty is a celebrity makeup brand co-created by Nykaa and Katrina Kaif. Reaching sales of over Rs 150 cr annually, Kay beauty is extensively distributed across both online and offline channels including 150+ Nykaa stores and 450+ selective beauty retail outlets across India. 

Aneja said she is looking forward to driving growth and innovation in Kay Beauty and Nyveda; "Beauty continues to be under-penetrated in India and that’s where the opportunity lies for creating strong and powerful consumer first brands".




Nykaa ropes in Sukhleen Aneja as SVP and Business Head for Kay Beauty

Mohit Bhatia, who led httpool as client partner lead - Snapchat ads, has joined JioCinema as director - ad sales (sports). 


Bhatia started his career at Indiabulls Ventures and went on to work in companies like Times Internet, Disney Star, Epic Channel India, dailyhunt and Alchemy Group.


JioCinema is an over-the-top media streaming service owned by Viacom18.

JioCinema appoints Mohit Bhatia as director - ad sales (sports)

Previously, Mohit Bhatia was the client partner lead - Snapchat ads at httpool.

Subrata Mondal, who led IFFCO Tokio General Insurance as executive vice president and chief underwriting officer, has been elevated to the position of managing director and chief executive officer.


Mondal began his career at Steel Authority of India and then joined IFFCO Tokio General Insurance in a marketing position. Over a period, he held various roles in different capacities.


Mondal has 35 years of work experience in insurance industry. He is experienced across business development, underwriting, reinsurance, risk management and product development.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/cxo-moves-exec-movements-across-hul-dentsu-creative-philips-india-fcb-group-india-and-more-41695.htm">CXO Moves: Exec movements across HUL, Dentsu Creative, Philips India, FCB Group India and more</a>

Former head of media and digital, Mohit Kumar, will join Mars Inc. as their new Head of Media, Digital and Data-Driven Marketing. 

"I'm happy to share that I'm starting a new position as Head of Media, Digital and Data Driven Marketing," Kumar shared on LinkedIn.

Kumar holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance from Shri Ram College of Commerce and is a B.A (Hons) in Economics from Delhi University. 

He brings to the table an extensive work experience of more than 16 years and has worked for McCain Foods, GSK, RB, IPG Mediabrands, Omnicom Media Group, GroupM, and HDFC.

Yum Brands' Mohit Kumar joins Mars as the new head of media

Gaurav Jeet Singh, who led Meta as head - agency business, has been elevated to the position of Director - Agencies & VC Partnerships, India.


Singh began his career as a sales officer at Loreal and went on to work across Unique Transport, and Unilever.


As the marketing manager at Unilever, he drove category growth and was responsible for the brand P&L. He disrupted the Water Purifier category with digital media deployment and differentiated retail presence. 


As he moved up the ranks and held the position of general manager - media, South Asia, his mandate was to buy and deploy one of the largest media investments in the world to drive business and brand growth across brands and categories at Unilever. 


The remit included digital and traditional media to drive business across DTC, Ecommerce and Offline platforms (Online and Offline media driven sales), through performance marketing and reach based media deployment depending on the brand's business objectives.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/australian-parliament-grills-top-meta-executives-over-digital-news-policy-41439.htm">Australian Parliament grills top Meta executives over digital news policy </a>

Meta elevates Gaurav Jeet Singh to Director - Agencies & VC Partnerships, India

In a significant turn of events, The Body shop, a brand synonymous with ethical beauty and environmental advocacy, has been salvaged from potential collapse by a consortium spearheaded by Mike Jatania. 

The deal, finalized on Saturday by Jatania's investment firm, Auréa, marks a pivotal moment for the iconic brand, promising not just survival but a revitalized push towards reclaiming its position as a leader in the ethical beauty sector.

A Strategic Acquisition

The Body Shop, founded in 1976 as an ethical beauty brand helmed by Anita Roddick, went into administration in February. 

Auréa's acquisition has brought a fresh wave of optimism about The Body Shop's future. With a leadership reshuffle of Charles Denton as Chief Executive, teaming up with Mike Jatania as Chair, sends a strong signal that the brand is set to undergo significant transformations aimed at boosting its market presence and ethical standing.

The company expressed in a statement that under the new leadership, The Body Shop is poised to "steer the brand's revival and reclaim its global leadership in the ethical beauty it pioneered." This move is seen not just as a rescue but as a strategic expansion by Auréa, which is keen on leveraging The Body Shop's pioneering status and wide customer base to strengthen its footprint in the global beauty industry.

Who is Mike Jatania?

Mike Jatania's journey from a Ugandan immigrant to a prominent British tycoon is a testament to his entrepreneurial acumen. 

Born in Kampala, Uganda, in 1965, Jatania moved to Britain with his family in 1969. His business career took off in the early 1980s when he joined the family-owned Lornamead business, a company that would grow under his leadership to encompass over 30 well-known brands selling in more than 50 countries. Some of the notable brands included Lypsyl, Woods of Windsor, Yardley and Harmony haircare - which he sold to rival Li & Fung for around £155 million more than a decade ago.

Jatania, a South Bank University graduate in Accounting, has been instrumental in transforming Lornamead into a powerhouse in the beauty and personal care industry, with successful acquisitions and strategic divestments that have shaped its global market presence. 

Jatania's role in Lornamead has been marked by notable acquisitions from giants like Unilever and P&G. Moreover, his leadership culminated in the successful sale of Lornamead in 2013 to several strategic buyers including entities from China, India, and the USA.

According to NRI Entrepreneurs, Jatania is a supporter of several charities like 'Save the Children' and the Prince's Trust, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and number of others. He is also a trustee of the Tamasha Theatre Company, underscoring his broader interest in cultural and social entrepreneurship.

Who is Mike Jatania - the Indian-origin tycoon who saved The Body Shop?

Zee Learn shares drop two percent in early trade on September 9, after COO Himanshu Yagnik resigns from his position.


According to a filing with the exchanges, the reason for Himanshu Yagnik's resignation from the position of Chief Operating Officer is due to his willingness to pursue his interests outside the organization.


At 9.50 am, shares of Zee Learn were down almost two percent at Rs 8.18 per share. Over the past month, shares of Zee Learn have plunged over 22 percent in trade.


"After a long association, I have decided to move out to pursue my interests outside the organization. I sincerely request that you kindly accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from my position as Chief Operating Officer of Zee Learn Limited," said Himanshu Yagnik, the former COO, in a letter to the CEO.


"I request you to please accept my resignation and relieve me from my duties and responsibilities. My last day of working shall be September 06, 2024," he added.


During the financial year 2023-24, Zee Learn's revenue clocked in at Rs 252.63 crore, higher by 33 percent compared to the previous financial year. The company's EBITDA jumped 55 percent to Rs 86.86 crore.


"This achievement is a testament to our commitment to enhancing our offerings and expanding our market presence," said the CEO in the firm's annual report, adding, "Notably, our EBITDA margin improved significantly from 29 percent to 34 percent, highlighting our operational efficiency, ability to drive profitability and expertise to gain a competitive edge over our peers."

Zee Learn sinks 2% as COO resigns, down 22% in one month

Keep up with all the key people movements in the brand marketing ecosystem in Storyboard18’s CXO Moves. Here’s a round-up of the executives who've moved jobs, got bigger roles, switched industries and more.


Kedar Lele


Previous: ED - HUL, Head of Sales & Customer Development, South Asia.ED - HUL, Head of Sales & Customer Development, South Asia


Kedar Lele has moved on from Hindustan Unilever. He has worked across Mudra Communications, Monster.com and Kimberly Clark Lever.


Ahmed Mazhari


Previous: President, Microsoft Asia


Ahmed Mazhari has moved on from Microsoft Asia. He has worked across Xerox, GE Capital and Genpact.


Arun Kumar


Previous: Independent consultant


Present: Global Head - Data and AI, Accenture Song


Arun Kumar, who joins Accenture Song after a period of independent consultancy, will report to Baiju Shah, global chief strategy officer, Accenture Song. Before venturing into independent consultancy, Kumar was the chief data and marketing technology officer at Interpublic Group (IPG).


Bharath Sesha


Previous: Managing director, Heubach Colorants India 


Present: MD, Philips India


Philips India has appointed Bharath Sesha in a new role. He has worked across Philips Semiconductors, Nalco Water and Solara Active Pharma Sciences. 


Dhruvish Thakkar

 
Previous: Senior Director, Head of Marketing & Revenue - Flipkart Epharma, Flipkart


Present: AVP - Revenue & Growth - Swiggy Dineout, Swiggy


Dhruvish Thakkar has joined Swiggy in a new role. He has worked across Xebec Communications, GlaxoSmithKline and Myntra. 


Mark Green


Present: Global CEO, Droga5


Mark Green, who was the co-founder and chief executive officer of Australia based creative agency, The Monkeys and who currently leads Accenture Song's Australia and New Zealand operations as president, has been named the global CEO of Droga5. He will assume the role starting in October 2024 and will relocate to New York city.


Shiva Chinnasamy


Previous: Director - engineering, Google


Present: Chief technology and product officer, Zee Entertainment Enterprises


Shiva Chinnasamy has joined Zee Entertainment Enterprises in a new role. He has worked across Verizon Labs, Amazon and Tesco.


Jaimit Doshi


Previous: Chief Technology, Digital and Marketing Officer - Driving Transformation, Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance


Present: Lenskart Global Marketing Head and CEO Hustlr, Lenskart.com


Jaimit Doshi has joined Lenskart.com in a new role. He has worked across Hiranandani Constructions, Kotak Securities, Kotak Wealth Management, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Coverfox Insurance. 


Amrita Asrani


Previous: Global brand marketing director - fabric care and fashion - strategy and innovation, Reckitt


Present: Chief marketing officer, Amway


Amrita Asrani has joined Amway in a new role. She has worked across Abbott Healthcare, GSK Consumer Healthcare and ITC Limited.


Tusharr Kumar


Previous: Chief operating officer, OML


Present: Chief executive officer, OML


Tusharr Kumar has been elevated in a new role. He has worked across Tata Steel, Parle Agro, Ducati India, Royal Enfield and Ola Electric.


Marc Grabowski and Srishti Gupta


Integral Ad Science (IAS) appointed Marc Grabowski as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Srishti Gupta as Chief Product Officer (CPO)

Grabowski, previously the Global Vice President of Oracle Advertising, will oversee the company’s global commercial organisation prioritising customer success, business strategy, and company commercial operations. Gupta, former Chief Product Officer at Rokt, will lead the company’s product strategy, product development, and go-to-market initiatives.


Sudarshan Sarma


Previous: Senior director, Flipkart


Present: Chief Business Officer- New Auto, CarDekho Group


Sudarshan Sarma has joined CarDekho Group in a new role. He has worked across Coles, General Motors, Google and Facebook. 


Punit Singh


Present: Chief strategy officer, FCB Group India


FCB Group India has appointed Punit Singh in a new role. He has worked across DDB Mudra Group, MullenLowe Lintas Group and Dentsu Creative.


Romit Nair


Previous: National Creative Director, FCB Ulka


Present: National creative director, Dentsu Creative


Romit Nair has joined Dentsu Creative as NCD. He has worked across Wunderman Thompson and Ogilvy.


Harshit Sahni


Previous: Director - South Asia (TV & OTT), Warner Bros Discovery


Present: Cluster Revenue Head - Factual & Lifestyle, Eurosport, International Business - South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery


Warner Bros Discovery has elevated Harshit Sahni in a new role. He has worked across Zee Media Corporation, Star News, Sony Entertainment and Discovery Inc. 


Mohit Rajani


Previous: VP - Product, Carta


Present: Chief product officer, Meesho


Meesho has appointed Mohit Rajani in a new role. He has worked across Google, Rakuten, McKinsey & Company, Instagram and Facebook. 


Sumit Aggarwal


Previous: SVP - Strategy, Data Science and Innovation, Viacom18 Media Private Limited


Present: Chief strategy and growth officer, Entertainment Network India


ENIL has appointed Sumit Aggarwal in a new role. He has worked across Madura Coats and Mirchi.


Japneet Singh Sethi


Previous: Country Manager - Southeast Asian Markets, Khelraja


Present: Chief marketing officer, DDL Game Ltd


Japneet Singh Sethi has joined DDL Game Ltd in a new role. He has worked across DigiSreet Media, Vermillion Communication, Span Communications, Adda52.com, 4RABET and Growe.


Compiled by Kashmeera Sambamurthy

CXO Moves: Exec movements across HUL, Dentsu Creative, Philips India, FCB Group India and more

X's global affairs head, Nick Pickles, announced his departure from the social media company on Thursday after a decade-long tenure. Pickles, who joined Twitter in 2014 and rose to the position of Vice President of Global Affairs at X, stated that he had made the decision to leave several months ago and was working closely with CEO Linda Yaccarino during the transition.

While the reasons for Pickles' departure remain unclear, his resignation comes amidst a series of high-profile exits from the company. In June, X's head of business operations, Joe Benarroch, left the company, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Pickles played a crucial role in X's interactions with various governments, serving as the company's spokesperson in battles with countries such as Brazil. Last week, Brazil suspended access to X after the company failed to meet a court-imposed deadline to appoint a legal representative. Musk has accused the Brazilian government of censorship, while the judge overseeing the case has insisted that X needs stricter hate speech regulations.

Twitter veteran Nick Pickles resigns from Elon Musk's X

Kedar Lele, who led Hindustan Unilever (HUL) as executive director - head of sales and customer development, South Asia, has stepped down from his role.

He stated, "Friday, 30th Aug I walked out of the Mumbai head-office as its employee for the last time. Only to become a life-long admirer of what this organization stands for – Integrity, Respect, Pioneering spirit, and Responsibility. With amazing brands and unmatched quality of people, there couldn’t have been a better combination creating a winning recipe. As I write this last note, I am filled with gratitude and memories of the time I have spent with this organization."


He added, "HUL is not a company but an institution. One that builds leaders. One that shapes character and personality, gives confidence and courage, teaches resilience and discipline. It fills its people with a sense of responsibility towards their teams, community, and environment. It also provides all the training, support, and opportunities to help the employees achieve their own potential and become the best version of themselves. So much that one can never repay the debt of this company. Only way is to pay it forward. Everyday."


Lele started his career in advertising as an account supervisor at Mudra Communications, and then went on to work at Monster.com and Kimberly Clark Lever.


He started his career at Unilever as a marketing manager for the ice cream department. At Kimberly Clark lever, as the head - sales and marketing, he led the sales and marketing function for Kimberly Clark Lever (joint venture of Hindustan Unilever & Kimberly Clark) based out of Pune. 


As the functional leader, he managed the brand team for infant & feminine care businesses with end to end marketing responsibility. 


He also played an active role in building functional capability of the marketing resources across the South & East Asian Developing & Emerging Counties (SADEC) in Kimberly Clark network.



Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/microsoft-appoints-rodrigo-kede-lima-as-president-asia-41505.htm">Microsoft Asia president Ahmed Mazhari to step down; Rodrigo Kede Lima to take over</a>

Kedar Lele moves on from HUL

Accenture Song, a tech powered creative group, has roped in Arun Kumar as the global head of data and artificial intelligence.


Kumar, who joins Accenture Song after a period of independent consultancy, will report to Baiju Shah, global chief strategy officer, Accenture Song.


Before venturing into independent consultancy, Kumar was the chief data and marketing technology officer at Interpublic Group (IPG).


In that role, he was responsible for developing its data and technology solutions globally and growing its addressable media buying practice, stated a media report. Further, he was also involved in IPG’s major acquisitions. 


On September 2, Mark Green, who was the co-founder and chief executive officer of Australia based creative agency, The Monkeys and who currently leads Accenture Song's Australia and New Zealand operations as president, has been named the global CEO of Droga5. He will assume the role starting in October 2024 and will relocate to New York city.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/droga5-names-mark-green-as-its-global-ceo-41050.htm">Droga5 names Mark Green as its global CEO </a>

Accenture Song appoints Arun Kumar as Global Head - Data and AI

Microsoft has appointed Rodrigo Kede Lima as the new President for Microsoft Asia, with immediate effect. He succeeds Ahmed Mazhari, who has served in the role for five years. 
 

In his new role, Lima will harness his experience in driving digital transformation and collaboration to spearhead Microsoft’s work in the region. He will lead a business that comprises 20 countries and a diverse team of 30,000 employees.  


He will report to Judson Althoff, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Microsoft Corporation.  


“I am thrilled to welcome Rodrigo Kede Lima as the new President for Microsoft Asia. Rodrigo’s extensive experience and proven leadership in driving digital transformation make him the perfect fit for this role. His commitment to empowering our people, customers and partners will be invaluable as we lead AI Transformation in the region and make a significant impact on the communities we serve. I would also like to thank Ahmed Mazhari for his key contributions in building Microsoft’s reputation as a trusted partner in Asia,” said Judson Althoff.   


Since joining Microsoft in 2020, he has held various leadership roles, including President for Microsoft Americas Enterprise, where he oversaw all Enterprise accounts across Canada, Latin America, and three US Geographic Operating Units. Under his leadership as President for Microsoft Latin America, Rodrigo spearheaded growth and innovation by empowering customers and communities across 30 offices in 22 markets. 
 

Prior to Microsoft, Lima held multiple national and international roles at IBM, including President of IBM Brazil and President for Latin America. He has a strong background in corporate finance and has led significant initiatives in the technology sector, stated the company.   


“I am truly honored and excited to take on the role of President for Microsoft Asia. This region is at the forefront of digital transformation and now has the opportunity to lead the world in the era of AI. I am committed to work with our talented teams to drive innovation and empower our customers and partners to ride this next wave. In doing so, we will unlock inclusive growth for all across Asia,” said Lima.   


He holds a degree in Mechanical and Production Engineering from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro; an MBA in Finance/Capital Markets from the INSPER Institute in São Paulo; and graduated from Harvard Business School, AMP Class 192. 


Read More: F<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/flipkarts-dhruvish-thakkar-joins-swiggy-as-avp-revenue-growth-swiggy-dineout-41454.htm">lipkart's Dhruvish Thakkar joins Swiggy as AVP - revenue & growth - Swiggy Dineout</a>

JioCinema appoints Mohit Bhatia as director - ad sales (sports)

Previously, Mohit Bhatia was the client partner lead - Snapchat ads at httpool.

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