Nikhil Sharma has joined Italian confectionery major Perfetti Van Melle as its new managing director for the India market. Storyboard18 broke the news on January 30. 

Sharma was perviously the managing director of Perfetti Van Melle Vietnam. 

Sharma’s journey began with Perfetti Van Melle (PVM) in 1999 as a Management Trainee, serving various roles in Sales and Marketing. He was heading the Marketing function in 2012. From 2015 he moved to General Management and went overseas to head PVM Philippines, followed by being appointed the Managing Director of PVM Vietnam.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/sebi-set-to-summon-zees-punit-goenka-subhash-chandra-in-funds-siphoning-case-21346.htm">Read More: Exclusive: Nikhil Sharma to lead Perfetti Van Melle India as new MD of the confectionery company</a>

During his previous stint in India, under his leadership, PVM launched several successful campaigns - Alpenliebe Kajol & the Crocodile, Re-launch of Big Babol ads, Chlormint Salman Khan campaign of Dobara mat Poochna and Lollipops – Lagey Raho to mention a few. 





Nikhil Sharma joins Perfetti Van Melle India as managing director

Storyboard18 broke the news on January 30. Nikhil Sharma was perviously the managing director of Perfetti Van Melle Vietnam.

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Representational image via Unsplash

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Raghunandan Kamath, founder of Naturals Ice Cream, who was fondly called ‘Ice Cream Man of India’, breathed his last on May 17 after battling a brief illness. He was in his 70s and is survived by his wife and sons.

As the news of his death surfaced, tributes began to pour in.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;The Ice Cream Man of India &quot; Mr. Raghunandan Srinivas Kamath, Son Of A Fruit Vendor from the Icecream Capital of India - Mangalore, who Built The Rs 400 Crore Company Naturals Ice Cream is no more. Om Shanti ?<br><br>What is your favourite Naturals Icecream flavour ? ?? <a href="https://t.co/lSwXMMgbhi">pic.twitter.com/lSwXMMgbhi</a></p>&mdash; Visit Udupi (@VisitUdupi) <a href="https://twitter.com/VisitUdupi/status/1791788003750506502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A phenomenal journey comes to an end??<br><br>Saddened to know of the demise of ‘Icecream Man’ Shri Raghunandan Kamath, the founder &amp; force behind Natural Icecreams. <br><br>From Mulki to Mumbai with just a dream to creating a brand that became a ‘natural’ choice for every icecream lover,… <a href="https://t.co/nPRw8CHZZj">pic.twitter.com/nPRw8CHZZj</a></p>&mdash; Captain Brijesh Chowta (Modi Ka Parivar) (@CaptBrijesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/CaptBrijesh/status/1791631812990517487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So sad to hear this. <a href="https://twitter.com/Naturalicecream?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naturalicecream</a> has been the go to brand for years, for many of us. Their tender coconut, sitaphal, chickoo flavors were to die for. A fantastic brand. Go gently Raghunandan ji. Om Shanti.<a href="https://twitter.com/PadmajaParulkar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PadmajaParulkar</a></p>&mdash; Srikant Kesnur (@srikantkesnur) <a href="https://twitter.com/srikantkesnur/status/1791713105862590569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Very very sorry to hear about Shri Raghunandan Kamath, the owner of <a href="https://twitter.com/Naturalicecream?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naturalicecream</a> attaining Haripada! <br><br>Raghunandan Kamath maam was not only an entrepreneur who built a successful icecream brand, he was a philanthropist who supported several community initiatives. <br><br>Born in a… <a href="https://t.co/b3wSe8SWIS">pic.twitter.com/b3wSe8SWIS</a></p>&mdash; Shefali Vaidya. ?? (@ShefVaidya) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShefVaidya/status/1791707470588752099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Born to a fruit vendor in a small village in Mangalore, Karnataka, Kamath assisted his father in his business, and that experience helped him sharpen his business acumen and knowledge about fruits. It was the foundation that would help solidify his position as an pioneering entrepreneur in the ice cream business.


As a child, Kamath struggled academically and eventually had to drop out. He moved to Mumbai at 14, and was employed at his brother’s South Indian restaurant.


February 14, 1984 marked the period when Kamath cemented the foundation of Naturals Ice Cream by opening an outlet in Juhu with just four workers. Today, the company has grown leaps and bounds. 


But the journey of expanding its footprint nationwide and building a legacy has not been easy. When Kamath first started out, ice cream was sold as a side dish to Pav Bhaji, as a means to attract customers. His insight was simple: After a hot meal, people liked to end their dinner on a sweet note. The first flavour to be offered was of sitaphal and an average of 60 litres of milk per day was used. That yielded results.

And, the Juhu outlet for that year recorded Rs 5,00,000 in revenue. Ingredients such as fruits (regionally sourced), milk and sugar were primarily used.

As the ice cream business grew, Raghunandan's sole attention shifted to solidifying the business in the ice cream industry.

In 1991, Kamath’s son Siddhant said that tender coconut as a flavour was introduced, which was a result of experimentations from his grandmother’s kitchen. Today, the company boasts of 125 flavours.

In 2017, Naturals Ice cream underwent a rebranding effort and its tagline was changed to ‘Taste The Original’.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Naturals partnered with Rebel Foods to sell through cloud kitchens on Swiggy and Zomato.

Naturals launched mini packs and had rolled out ‘Tough Tub’ campaign, which assured the customers of their products being completely tamper-proof. In 2022, the mini packs contributed 8-10 percent of their sales.

Today, Naturals Ice Cream is present in 35 cities with more than 140 stores and distributed through 70 cloud kitchens. The brand is present in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Kerala, Delhi NCR, Goa and Rajasthan. As per a KPMG survey, Naturals Ice Cream was voted in the list of top 10 companies in terms of customer experience. 


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/wipro-appoints-sanjeev-jain-as-chief-operating-officer-31966.htm">Wipro appoints Sanjeev Jain as chief operating officer</a>




Legacy of Naturals Ice Cream founder Raghunandan Kamath aka ‘Ice Cream Man of India’

Leading consumer health and hygiene company, Reckitt has appointed Kanika Kalra as the Regional Marketing Director, Health & Nutrition at Reckitt - South Asia. In this role, Kalra will lead marketing strategies for Reckitt’s portfolio of health and nutrition brands across India and other South Asian markets.

Kalra brings with her over 20 years of experience in driving consumer, consumer technology and marketing practices ranging from a myriad of sectors, including personal care, beauty, food and beverage, fashion, and E-Commerce among others.

Before joining Reckitt India, Kalra was associated with McKinsey & Company as Partner and worked extensively across the firm’s Consumer, Consumer Technology and Marketing practices. She was also the Managing Partner of McKinsey’s Mumbai office from 2020-2023 where she spearheaded the building of the firm’s new Mumbai office. Kalra led the diversity and inclusion initiatives for McKinsey India.

Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt – South Asia, said, “At Reckitt, we are consistently working towards building a healthier world and we look forward to working with Kanika in her new role to help take this vision forward. As the Indian consumer is ever evolving, Kanika’s proven ability and expertise will further help us lead our strategic marketing in a direction that meaningfully connects and resonates with our consumer base across markets.”

Kalra added "Reckitt’s impressive growth as a leading health, hygiene and nutrition company is inspiring. I am excited about working with our portfolio of iconic brands and creating new experiences that address the deepest needs of our consumers, at a time when we are all resetting the way we think about our health and that of our family and community.”

Prior to McKinsey, Kalra has worked with Snapdeal, Unilever in Personal Care, and Pepsico as well as GSK Consumer. She holds a bachelor’s degree of Arts in Mathematics from Lady Shri Ram College of Commerce, New Delhi, and a PGDM in Marketing from Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow.



Reckitt appoints Kanika Kalra as Regional Marketing Director – Health & Nutrition

Anita Goyal, wife of Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal, passed away on May 16, 2024, due to cancer. Anita Goyal was the executive vice president of Jet Airways and in 2015 she took up the role of a non-executive vice president. Naresh Goyal was granted bail earlier in May by the Bombay High Court for two months on humanitarian grounds after he filed an application citing his wife’s ill-health.

A single bench of Justice NJ Jamadar granted him interim bail upon payment of a surety of Rs 1 lakh and under the condition that he will stay within the jurisdiction of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court of Mumbai. "The applicant (Goyal) shall be released on interim bail for a period of two months. He shall abide by all conditions imposed," the bench said.

The erstwhile promoter of Jet Airways has been facing trial in an alleged Rs 538 crore money laundering case involving a loan fraud complaint by PSU lender Canara Bank, after being arrested by Enforcement Directorate in September 2023. His wife too was arrested two months later after the ED submitted its chargesheet in the case.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/spicejets-turbulent-aviation-journey-explained-24596.htm">SpiceJet's turbulent aviation journey: Explained</a> 




Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal's wife Anita Goyal dies

Google chief Sundar Pichai shared his first-ever post on LinkedIn, a platform owned by Microsoft. Pichai shared, "For my first-ever LinkedIn post, I thought I’d share a sneak peek of the Shoreline Amphitheatre stage, as we put some finishing touches on our keynote for Google I/O tomorrow. Can’t wait to see those seats filled with developers from around the world who are building the next generation of AI experiences." 

He added, "Excited to join Demis Hassabis Elizabeth Reid Sissie H. James Manyika and others on stage. We'll share how our Gemini models are bringing breakthrough AI capabilities to people through our products, as well as innovation across safety, research, infrastructure…we’re going to talk about it all. Tune in if you can — 10 a.m. PT tomorrow!" 

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LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals, has more than 1 billion members and has offices around the globe. 

Earlier this month, Microsoft Corp. and LinkedIn released the 2024 Work Trend Index, a joint report on the state of AI at work titled, “AI at work is here. Now comes the hard part.” The research — based on a survey of 31,000 people across 31 countries, labor and hiring trends on LinkedIn, trillions of Microsoft 365 productivity signals, and research with Fortune 500 customers — shows how, just one year in, AI is influencing the way people work, lead and hire around the world. 

Microsoft also announced new capabilities in Copilot for Microsoft 365, and LinkedIn made free more than 50 learning courses for LinkedIn Premium subscribers designed to empower professionals at all levels to advance their AI aptitude.

“AI is democratizing expertise across the workforce,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “Our latest research highlights the opportunity for every organization to apply this technology to drive better decision-making, collaboration — and ultimately business outcomes.”

Sundar Pichai's first-ever LinkedIn post: What did the Google boss say?

Firstpost has issued an alert about fraudulent ads involving the misuse of the name and image of its Managing Editor, Palki Sharma by cyber criminals. Individuals have been deceived through false ads on social media, particularly Facebook and Instagram, claiming to offer stock market courses by Palki Sharma.

Bringing attention to the false ads, Palki Sharma posted on X and alerted the users. In her post, she said, “This is a scam. A lot of you have shared these posts with me in the last few days. (Thanks for flagging!) My photos are being misused and such fraudulent ads are being circulated on Facebook. Despite complaints, @Meta has not taken action.”

Palki Sharma does not provide any investment advice or stock market course through WhatsApp or any other social media platform. She is not associated with any group offering stock recommendations or financial advice, and people are urged to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities immediately.

To avoid falling victim to such fraud, it is recommended to ignore advice from unknown sources, verify information from official sources, and maintain secure practices for personal and financial transactions. It is important not to trust any information shared through unofficial channels and sources. In case of any suspicious activity, Firstpost advises people to report it to the appropriate authorities immediately.

For further information and to report fraudulent activities, please visit <a href="https://www.cybercrime.gov.in/">www.cybercrime.gov.in</a> or contact the helpline number – 1930 or the cyber cell of the local police department.

<strong>Link to the post on X:</strong> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is a scam. A lot of you have shared these posts with me in the last few days. (Thanks for flagging!)<br>My photos are being misused and such fraudulent ads are being circulated on Facebook. Despite complaints, <a href="https://twitter.com/Meta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Meta</a> has not taken action. <a href="https://t.co/B5zkQkDwGH">pic.twitter.com/B5zkQkDwGH</a></p>&mdash; Palki Sharma (@palkisu) <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu/status/1787546496956596362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Scam alert! Fake ads impersonating Palki Sharma of Firstpost

Games24x7 announced the elevation of Tridib Mukherjee to the position of Chief Data Science & AI Officer. In his new role, Tridib will continue to drive Games24x7's data-centric approach, leveraging his extensive expertise in data science and artificial intelligence to drive innovation and enhance user experiences.

Having served as the Vice President of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Games24x7 for over six years, Tridib played a pivotal role in implementing cutting-edge algorithms and AI-driven solutions that propelled Games24x7 to the forefront of the online gaming industry. Tridib will continue to spearhead data science & AI teams and enable product teams to create personalized and engaging experiences for players.

Commenting on the announcement, Bhavin Pandya, Co-CEO and Co-founder, Games24x7 said, “Our scientific approach to running business really goes all the way back to our inception and has been the primary force behind our success. We are delighted to announce Tridib's promotion to Chief Data Science & AI Officer. With his expertise and the exceptional talent of our AI and data science team, which has grown significantly over the past five years, we've continuously raised the bar when it comes to offering personalised gameplay experiences including responsible gaming.  We are confident that the organization will continue this tradition of innovation under his leadership, and we wish him the very best as he spearheads our data-driven journey to new heights.”

Tridib Mukherjee, now the Chief Data Science & AI Officer, Games24x7 said, “At Games24x7, we have always worked for the players and our operating ethos of 'Science of Gaming' has been the guiding principle behind every decision we make. Over the past six years, I've had the privilege of working alongside an incredibly talented team dedicated to advancing the frontiers of gaming through the lens of data science. And I look forward to many more years of collaboration and innovation as we continue our mission of leveraging technology to create even more engaging and enjoyable gaming experiences for our users.”

With over two decades of experience and a distinguished academic background, including a PhD in Computer Science & Engineering from Arizona State University, Tridib Mukherjee is uniquely positioned to lead Games24x7's data science initiatives to new heights. His prolific record as an author of over 70 research papers and multiple patents in AI and data sciences reflects his deep expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, and more. The talented team at Games24x7, along with Tridib's leadership and award-winning contributions, positions the organization to shape the future direction of the industry and deliver unparalleled gaming experiences to its users.

Games24x7 elevates Tridib Mukherjee as Chief Data Science & AI Officer

Unilever's Chief People and Transformation Officer, Nitin Paranjpe, took to LinkedIn to share a story about defying self-doubt and finding unexpected joys in embracing a personal challenge, even if the results are... well, let's just say entertaining.


“I am musically challenged. I struggle with rhythm; I don’t have any natural talent. Around twenty years ago, I decided to test this. I wanted to see, if you are challenged in a particular field, what can you do with effort and discipline,” he said in his post.


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Almost 20 years ago Paranjpe found someone to teach him the keyboard. “If you want to know the outcome of that study, I still play badly. That’s  how I challenged I am,” he said.


But then it was still a win for him because he always thought he wouldn't be able to string together a tune even if he was given the notes. Paranjpe goes on about his tryst with music. 


He didn’t find a lot of success in his learning story but definitely found joy. “Anyone who listens to me today could well say-My god! After so many years you still suck,” he said.


And to that he’d say, “Yeah, and that's okay. You have no idea where I was compared to where I am now.”  Paranjpe ended the note with a profound thought. He said, “What started off purely as a challenge has turned out to be a lot of fun.”


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/hul-appoints-vipul-mathur-as-executive-director-personal-care-takes-over-from-madhusudhan-rao-30619.htm">HUL appoints Vipul Mathur as Executive Director, Personal Care</a> 



Unilever’s Nitin Paranjpe shares an endearing story about his lack of musical talent

The marketing industry plays a dynamic role in influencing consumer behaviour and fostering economic growth. After the grand success of the first two editions of Storyboard18 Visionaries, held in Gurugram and Bengaluru, the program is now gearing up to be in the city of marketing and creative excellence, Mumbai. 


The third edition of Visionaries to be held on Friday, April 26th will witness some of the biggest names in brand marketing come together to celebrate the brilliance of marketing mavens.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/sustainability-at-heart-and-purpose-defines-the-path-diageos-hina-nagarajan-24779.htm">Sustainability at heart and purpose defines the path: Diageo India's Hina Nagarajan</a> 


Storyboard18 Visionaries celebrates luminaries from the world of brands and marketing who have disrupted and revolutionised the way we approach media and advertising. The Visionaries is a one of its kind platform that presents opportunities for the sharpest minds in the business to convene, celebrate excellence and exchange ideas that power growth. It is a night of gala celebration shaping the future of marketing in India.


The city chapters of Visionaries aim to bring together meaningful conversations, spotlighting path-breaking achievements and future gazing strategies.


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


The Mumbai event promises to be an evening to remember, with the coming together of iconic leaders and new-age marketers. The event will feature a keynote address by Bharat Puri, CEO, Pidilite Industries and a special address by Santosh Iyer, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India Pvt Ltd. The evening will spotlight leading marketers from a wide-range of brands including HDFC Bank, P&G, Mercedes, Hindustan Unilever, Visa, L'Oreal, Mondelez, Spotify, UltraTech and Mahindra Group, among others. It will also feature engaging conversations with Nishant Kalra, Country Vice President, Salesforce, and MVS Murthy, CMO, Federal Bank, among others. The Visionaries programme for CXOs and executives brings a ringside view into ways of shaping consumer behaviour.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/storyboard18-visionaries-bengaluru-chapter-blockbuster-celebration-of-marketing-brilliance-24771.htm">Storyboard18 Visionaries - Bengaluru chapter: Blockbuster celebration of marketing brilliance</a> 


The Visionaries programme for CXOs and executives provides unparalleled insights of how the best and brightest function in complex times. So, meet us at the point where cutting-edge ideas and visionary leaders who are changing our approach to media, marketing and advertising, converge to power transformation.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/the-visionaries">The Visionaries</a> 


Storyboard18 Visionaries Mumbai Edition is here!: Join the celebration of marketing mavens

The Derma Co., an active ingredient backed skincare brand from Honasa Consumer Limited, marked a milestone of achieving an annual revenue rate of INR 500 crore. "This achievement underscores Honasa Consumers’ capabilities to craft and scale new brands with strategic innovations, delivering exceptional skincare solutions to consumers across India," Honasa Consumer said in a statement. The milestone demonstrate the strength of the brand's on-trend, data-based innovation strategy, the company stated. 

Its focus on leveraging data for product innovation and responding swiftly to emerging trends continues to be a cornerstone of the strategy, the company added. 

Commenting on this milestone, Varun Alagh, Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Honasa Consumer Limited, says “The Derma Co.'s remarkable achievement of INR 500 crore annual run rate is a strong testament to our strategic brand-building approach at Honasa Consumer Limited. Our success is an output of in-depth consumer study of the evolving consumer demands and being able to innovate swiftly to deliver differentiated propositions to our consumers. This focus on excellence has helped us set new benchmarks across the active ingredient-based skincare segment. At Honasa, we are committed to continue our quest towards fueling our innovations and offer brands that serve the evolving consumer demands.”

Last month, Honasa Consumer Limited, the parent of Mamaearth, also launched ‘Staze’, a colour cosmetic line in a bid to enter the segment currently dominated by the likes of L'Oreal, Lakme, Sugar. “Staze is poised to carve its niche with a distinct emphasis on performance and innovation. We firmly believe that Gen Z consumers, who are seeking value and innovation, and Staze is uniquely positioned to meet and exceed their expectations", said Ghazal Alagh, Chief Innovation Officer, Honasa Consumer Ltd.

Varun Alagh added, “Honasa has always been at the forefront of innovation and being the pioneers in the BPC industry, we recognised a vital opportunity to address the burgeoning demand for innovative yet accessible colour cosmetics. And with the colour cosmetics segment boasting a remarkable CAGR of 12 percent and a substantial size of Rs 15,000 crore, it became evident that there was a gap in the market. These factors paved the way for Staze…”



Mamaearth-maker Honasa Consumer's second brand, The Derma Co., enters the Rs 500 crore ARR club

For Nidhi Mehta, director - finance, GOZOOP Group, Chief Financial Officers’ role extends beyond traditional finance boundaries. They are responsible for the finance and accounting professionals who perform operational functions and services in a strategic advisory role to the CEO and the rest of the C-suite peers. 


In a conversation with Storyboard18, she added, “A CFO's role commands a lot of respect in the ad agency as they advise other department heads, assist them in maximising revenues and controlling expenses without sacrificing customer needs and the agency's reputation.”


Edited Excerpts


<strong>Tell us about your career trajectory and journey. Where and how you started and what got you here.</strong>


I am a chartered accountant by profession. Post my three-year article ship, this is my first corporate job at GOZOOP Group. Years back I had not heard of GOZOOP but there was definitely a vibe when I entered the office for an interview. 


Digital Marketing was a thriving industry then and the core management at GOZOOP was impressive. The job profile offered was perfect and hence, there were no second thoughts. It's been years since that decision and since then there has been no looking back. 


<strong>What led you to join the advertising agency ecosystem in finance? What were your initial impressions and thoughts of the ad agency business?</strong>  


Advertising is always an exciting industry. In this new emerging era, where there is a wave of entrepreneurship and brand building, marketing today plays the most pivotal role for any new business start-up. Digital marketing helps thousands of new business entrepreneurs push boundaries and drive impact. 


<strong>How has the role of a CFO in an ad agency changed over the years? What does the job entail today? Where have you seen the biggest changes in what the role and function mean to the business?</strong> 


The CFO's role is extending beyond traditional finance boundaries and an increasing number of finance leaders view it as a pathway to the CEO position. The modern CFO is aspirational. 


Once mere observers in the boardroom, they are now crafting long-term strategies that ensure organisational stability. They are integral members of the top executive team, possessing a profound understanding of the company's vision. 


<strong>How do other departments and functions in the agency view the role of the CFO and the finance function?</strong> 


A CFO's and finance team's role in an ad agency is viewed as the most challenging role as they oversee the company's financial activities. This includes being responsible for the finance and accounting professionals who perform operational functions and services in a strategic advisory role to the CEO and the rest of the C-suite peers. 


A CFO's role commands a lot of respect in the ad agency as they advise other department heads, assist them in maximising revenues and controlling expenses without sacrificing customer needs and the agency's reputation.


<strong>How has the agency business model evolved? What have been the key changes and disruptions according to you and the impact of these shifts on the ad agency business model?</strong> 


Advertising agencies have evolved by leaps and bounds. It began with a simple printed ad in a newspaper and evolved into radio and television, commercials, billboards and digital advertising in the modern era. Advertising techniques have also become more sophisticated, incorporating psychology and consumer behaviour studies to create persuasive and effective campaigns.

 
<strong>Agencies are facing threats from all places. Is the business model future-ready?</strong> 


It is definitely future-ready as today the focus has shifted from the product to address consumer needs. With the emergence of new technologies and data-driven approaches, agencies can remain indispensable by tapping into this potential. 


However, with the pace of changes happening across the industry, agencies that do not develop a framework and plan for modernising their operational model that's inclusive of AI and technology will likely encounter increased challenges with both client and talent retention. 


<strong>From your observation, do you see any gender inequality or disparity in the finance function across levels? Agency leadership has traditionally been male dominated and advertising was seen as a boys club. Does that hold true for finance as well and the CFOs in advertising?</strong>


Not at all. The finance department at GOZOOP was and is always driven by women leadership. As far as the industry is concerned, there are several factors that lead to one's leadership goal.


<strong>What are the steps ad agencies must take to advance CFOs' role in advertising?</strong>


Agencies should enhance better communication between CFOs and other departmental heads. Regular meetings between them are needed to negotiate and discuss expenses and budgets that are aligned to the company's goals. 


A CFO should be made an integral part of all important decision-making of the agency as finance and marketers think and behave very differently. A combination of their brainstorming where marketers are driven by creativity and finance is driven by numbers and budgets could lead to some amazing outcomes for both the client and the agency.


<strong>What according to you are the biggest threats facing the advertising agency business today?</strong>

In-housing and talent retention are two of the biggest pressures that agencies face today. The threat remains that a brand will bring certain functions in-house, leaving agencies without that business. Brands are in-house because they believe they can do better work in a cheaper, faster and more transparent way. The other big issue is around both recruitment and retention of talent. There has always been volatility for agencies around talent. 


<strong>What are the trends you are currently witnessing in advertising, and what is the role of a CFO in such a scenario?</strong>


The rapid emergence of AI and the increasing role of technology within business operations is the current trend. CFOs should follow a test-and-learn approach where with their ability they are ready to take a smart risk and foresee how certain trends will impact their business. 


They should encourage the team to begin taking steps now to experiment with AI, explore how technology can drive operational value for the business, and help them understand how internal talent is spending their time and how to maximise their value for the business.  


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/managing-your-mind-at-work-and-beyond-isnt-easy-it-takes-a-lot-of-maturity-and-wisdom-says-bajaj-autos-deepika-warrier-16913.htm">Managing your mind at work and beyond isn't easy; it takes a lot of maturity and wisdom, says Bajaj Auto’s Deepika Warrier</a> 

CFOs breaking boundaries, crafting long-term strategies for organisational stability: Nidhi Mehta, GOZOOP Group

Wipro Limited, a technology services and consulting company, announced the appointment of Sanjeev Jain as the chief operating officer, effective immediately. Jain succeeds Amit Choudhary, who is stepping down to pursue opportunities outside the organisation. He will report to Srinivas Pallia and will continue to be a member of Wipro’s Executive Committee.

He will be based in Bengaluru.

Jain joined Wipro in 2023 as the global head of business operations. He has led large, diverse teams, scaling up global operations, and deploying Lean Six Sigma and design thinking principles.

Over the past year, Jain has been leading Wipro’s talent supply chain, including Wipro’s gig work platform, TopGear, as well as talent skilling, global mobility, talent acquisition, and business resilience functions. He has played a key leadership role in the development and deployment of Wipro’s AI training and upskilling strategy.

As COO, Jain will be responsible for continuing Wipro’s journey of building a client-centric delivery organization focused on driving sustainable, profitable, and delivery-led growth. He will oversee global business operations, the chief information office, the chief information security office, and the enterprise risk management function and continue to work closely with Wipro’s leadership teams across the organisation on transformation initiatives.

“In the short time that Sanjeev has been with Wipro, he has developed strong relationships with on-the-ground delivery teams and made a significant impact on our strategic thinking and execution prowess,” said Srinivas Pallia, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Wipro Limited. “Under his leadership, we’ve built out our approach to AI training and upskilling and trained over 225,000 of our people in AI principles. Sanjeev has also been instrumental in devising our career development strategy for next-gen associates and significantly enhancing our utilization. As COO, he will be responsible for continuing to simplify our operating model, building a client-centric delivery organization, and driving operational excellence with a focus on execution rigor and speed.

“I would like to thank Amit for his leadership over the last two years and for building a strong operations foundation and structure that will be invaluable as we move forward. Amit will be with us until the end of May, working closely with Sanjeev and me to ensure a smooth transition.”

Commenting on his appointment, Jain said, “I am honored and excited to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer. I look forward to further strengthening our operational and delivery capabilities to bring more value to our clients.” 

Prior to joining Wipro, Jain held leadership roles at Kyndryl Holdings (IBM spin-off), IBM, Cognizant, and GE. In his previous roles, he enabled profitable growth by integrating the end-to-end talent supply chain, driving margin expansion, simplifying processes, and strengthening the operating rhythm.



Shweta Jain has joined hospitality major The Leela Group as chief marketing and sales officer. Jain was the chief business development officer: Luxury Reserve and Craft – India and South Asia at Diageo. 

Jain who is also a member Board of Directors, Nao Spirits and Beverages Private Ltd, was with Diageo for over six years working across teams. Prior to Diageo, she was the head of marketing at William Grant & Sons. Jain has also worked in companies like ShopsClues, Pernod Ricard India, Ogilvy, McCann Worldgroup, Gillette India, Rediffusion DY&R.

Headquartered in Mumbai, the Leela brand today, is owned by a Brookfield Asset Management-sponsored private real estate fund and operates twelve award-winning properties in major cities and leisure destinations across India. These include the flagship hotel in the capital city of New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Udaipur, Jaipur, Gurugram, East Delhi, Mumbai, Gandhinagar and Kovalam and Ashtamudi in Kerala. 

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts was voted the World’s Best Hotel Brand twice in a row by Travel + Leisure, USA, World’s Best Awards Survey, 2020 and 2021. In 2023, the brand was once again featured in the top 3 World’s Best Hotel Brands. The brand has a marketing alliance with US-based Preferred Hotels & Resorts and is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/reckitt-appoints-kanika-kalra-as-regional-marketing-director-health-nutrition-31744.htm">Reckitt appoints Kanika Kalra as Regional Marketing Director – Health & Nutrition</a> 

DDB Mudra Group elevates Menaka Menon, current National Strategy Head, to take on the role of leading the south office. She will lead operations and strategic thinking for clients based out of the Bengaluru office. 

Ranji Cherian who ran and scaled the south office for over 16 years will now lead Client Excellence at the group.

Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra Group, said, “We believe that everything we do is built on strong strategic pillars; be it our work or how we do our work. In her new role, Menaka will use her strategic background to add more value to our client’s business, while building a strong culture of creativity in the office. Over the last few years, some of our best work has come from our South office and I’m really excited to work with Menaka to push us to newer heights.”

Menaka Menon said, “I am super excited about this new role and look forward to further strengthening the South operation and building a strong, closely knit team, geared towards creating great work that has the power to move people.”

With over 23 years of experience in business and strategy, she has experience across advertising, broadcast media and strategic consulting. Menaka has spent over 15 years in advertising with stints at agencies such as FCB, VML, and Leo Burnett.
 


Menaka Menon takes charge as president and managing partner - growth and strategy of DDB Mudra South

IMAGO, a global visual content provider headquartered in Berlin appoints Sanjay Trehan in an advisory role. Trehan is a seasoned digital and new media consultant and provides guidance to companies in the areas of digital media, marketing, adtech, content and subscription.

As Storyboard18 reached out to Trehan, he said, "India is a content rich market and a visual content player like Imago, which is a top-notch global player, would find a lot of opportunities in the growing Indian market. So, it’s an opportune time to look at content-guzzler India closely.”

Sophie Romeiss, chief operating officer (COO) at IMAGO, commented, “This collaboration with Sanjay, a digital media pioneer and expert, is set to mark a significant step forward in our commitment to expanding our reach and providing world-class services in dynamic markets such as India. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring and look forward to growing together.”

Trehan is currently associated with AdPushup and YuktaMedia, and also offers advisory services to PwC India's technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) practice. Prior to this, Trehan held executive positions at media organisations such as HT Media, Times Internet and NDTV, as well as spearheading initiatives at MSN at Microsoft India. He crafted their GTM strategies for global partnerships and facilitated expansion efforts. 

He also mentors emerging businesses, aiding them in scaling operations, enhancing audience engagement, and exploring innovative revenue channels.

IMAGO is a global visual content provider with headquarters in Berlin. Over 500 million images and videos from News, Sports, Entertainment and Creative can be licensed through IMAGO. Founded in 1997 in Berlin, IMAGO offers many years of expertise and solution-oriented customer service through personal contacts, daily availability from 6 am to midnight, commissioned photography, photo and video research, image selections, FTP feeds and newsletters for inspiration. IMAGO provides solutions for every need. Content can be licensed with one click via our webshop and larger projects can be implemented easily and successfully with our individual enterprise solutions.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/barc-appoints-dr-bikramjit-chaudhuri-as-its-new-chief-of-measurement-science-and-analytics-31868.htm">BARC appoints Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri as its new chief of measurement science and analytics</a> 

Sanjay Trehan joins as advisor for global visual content provider IMAGO

Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has announced the appointment of Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri as its new Chief of Measurement Science and Analytics. 

He will succeed Dr Derrick Gray, a veteran audience measurement and advanced analytics executive, who has been a member of BARC India for six years.

Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri (Bikram) is a Ph.D. from IIT Bombay and holds a Master of Statistics degree from the Indian Statistical Institute, Delhi. He comes in with experience spanning over three decades in the areas of Statistics, Stochastic Modelling, Market Measurement, Consumer Segmentation, AI and ML, Demand Forecasting and Big Data Analytics. He has several research papers, publications, and patents in these aspects under his belt.

Bikram is currently associated with the Datamatics Group of Companies as the Global Head of Data Science and Advanced Analytics, since 2016. Prior to Datamatics, Bikram has held multiple leadership roles, and has led large teams of senior talent across levels at KPMG, Nielsen and ZS Associates.

Chaudhari said, "I am excited to join BARC India as the Chief of Measurement Science & Analytics. It will be an absolute honour and privilege to be a part of a multitalented and versatile team that runs the largest Audience Measurement system in the world, in one of the most complex multimedia markets. I am looking forward to leveraging my deep expertise and diverse experience to further evolve the current measurement system to meet the growing needs of the industry. Looking forward to an exhilarating journey and a fulfilling association with BARC India."

Nakul Chopra, Chief Executive Officer, BARC India, said, “Derrick has been a wonderful partner, a mentor and a friend to numerous individuals and industry peers. We congratulate him as he embraces his next adventure and wish him nothing but the absolute best. In his stead, I’m happy to welcome Bikram to the BARC India family. He brings deep knowledge and rich expertise in Big Data, Research and Business Intelligence. I’m confident that with his strategic vision and passion for excellence, he will not only uphold the legacy Derrick leaves us with, but also help navigate our future in this fast-evolving environment.”



Hetarth Patel, who led WebEngage as vice president - MEA and managing director - UAE, has been elevated to the position of vice president - growth markets (MEA, Americas, APAC).

Patel began his career at Idea Cellular and went on to work across Comverse, Telenity, Flytxt and Oracle.

As the director - strategy and sales development, strategic accounts ECEMEA at Oracle, Patel headed strategy and sales development for strategic accounts across Eastern and Central Europe, CIS, Russia, Middle East and Africa with a focus on customer experience (CX) portfolio across industries. 

<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/modi-naturals-cmo-mukesh-ghuraiya-steps-down-31843.htm">Modi Naturals' CMO Mukesh Ghuraiya steps down</a>

WebEngage elevates Hetarth Patel to vice president - growth markets (MEA, Americas, APAC)

Mukesh Ghuraiya, who led Modi Naturals as chief marketing officer, has stepped down from his position.

He stated, "After a remarkable journey filled with growth, learning, and countless new friendships, I have decided to step down from my role as Chief Marketing Officer at Modi Naturals. I am immensely grateful for the experiences that have enriched my professional life and the relationships that have brightened my personal one during my tenure."


He further added, "As I close this chapter at Modi Naturals , I carry with me something far more valuable than just professional experience or personal growth. The biggest takeaway from my time here isn’t encapsulated by projects completed or skills acquired, but rather by the genuine, enduring friendships I've made along the way."


Ghuraiya began his career at Bloomberg TV India and went on to work across Network18, Lava International, Rado Watch and Philips.


As the category head - oral healthcare ( Electric Toothbrush ) at Philips, he was responsible for building the Electric toothbrush & Personal mask business from scratch for Philips India. He led marketing strategy, execution and deliver on brand metrics, sales and profitability targets.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/groupm-appoints-wavemaker-ceo-toby-jenner-as-global-president-groupm-clients-31823.htm">GroupM appoints Wavemaker CEO Toby Jenner as global president, GroupM Clients</a> 

Modi Naturals' CMO Mukesh Ghuraiya steps down

GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, today announced the appointment of Toby Jenner as Global President, GroupM Clients. Jenner will assume responsibility for leading GroupM’s global proposition and go to market strategy as well as its growth, marketing, and communications teams and functions. The move is designed to further accelerate the company’s growth and solidify its position as the industry’s leading media investment and marketing partner.


Jenner will continue to oversee Wavemaker alongside his expanded remit. He brings over two decades of leadership experience in driving growth and managing operations at GroupM agencies MediaCom and Wavemaker, working across local, regional, and global roles in markets such as Australia, Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom.


“Toby’s deep understanding of client needs, industry knowledge, and track record as the industry’s most successful new business leader make him the best possible candidate to lead our growth and marketing efforts going forward,” said Christian Juhl, Global CEO of GroupM. “We have the strongest agencies in the business backed by the world’s most advanced media delivery platform and codified way of working underpinned by our unrivalled, scaled intelligence. Putting our story in Toby’s hands will give us a significant edge as we further strengthen our position and look to accelerate our growth in the months ahead.”


In his new role, Jenner will oversee strategy and operations for GroupM’s business development, growth, marketing, and communications to clients, employees, and industry audiences. He will work closely with agency and GroupM leadership to identify growth opportunities, develop integrated solutions that leverage the skills and expertise of the industry’s deepest bench of talent, and effectively communicate GroupM’s value proposition.


“Over the past year and a half, we’ve demonstrated the success of combining agency talent with GroupM’s Globally scaled technology and activation capabilities,” said Jenner. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our networked capabilities which we have been developing across GroupM to drive the next phase of growth for our organization. I look forward to collaborating with Christian, our agency leaders, and, just as importantly, the incredible talent we have across the world’s #1 media group to help drive our clients’ business impact and deliver them exceptional growth.”


Jenner’s appointment is part of GroupM’s ongoing business transformation to accelerate growth and innovation by unifying its teams and capabilities to provide more integrated, agile, and effective solutions for clients.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/havas-media-network-india-elevates-uday-mohan-and-r-venkatasubramanian-as-chief-operating-officers-31724.htm">Havas Media Network India elevates Uday Mohan and R. Venkatasubramanian as chief operating officers</a> 

GroupM appoints Wavemaker CEO Toby Jenner as global president, GroupM Clients

Kartik Gupta, who has assumed the position of a chief financial officer of ANI Technologies, parent company of Ola Cabs in November 2023, has stepped down from his position, stated a Moneycontrol report. As the CFO, he was responsible for financial strategy, top/bottom-line growth, cost optimization and vendor negotiations, tax and treasury management and investor relations.

This development comes post two weeks when Hemant Bakshi, chief executive officer, OLA Cabs, too had stepped down.

As reported by Moneycontrol, currently, a restructuring is ongoing which is likely to affect 10 percent of the staff. Aimed at productivity enhancement in an AI-led era, the restructuring will allow Ola to strengthen cost structures, focus on growth and increase its bottom line.

Gupta began his career at Procter & Gamble as a financial manager, and held various roles in different capacities.

As the vice president and regional CFO, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Grooming (Gillette,Venus, Braun), Gupta was responsible for overseeing top-line, bottom-line, cash results, long-term strategy, supply chain, and capacity decisions for $1B business spanning 105+ countries across Africa, Middle East, India, and Asia-Pacific with complex go-to-market models and supply chains.

He managed a large India business as a focus market along with the listed legal entity - Gillette India Limited. 


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/unilever-exec-who-joined-ola-cabs-as-ceo-quits-after-four-months-30218.htm">Hemant Bakshi, the Unilever exec who joined Ola Cabs as CEO quits after four months</a> 


Ola Cab's CFO Kartik Gupta quits

Havas Media Network India, the specialized media division of Havas India has announced the elevation of two of its senior leaders. While Uday Mohan steps into the position of chief operating officer of Havas Media India, R. Venkatasubramanian assumes the role of COO of Havas Play. They will continue reporting to Mohit Joshi, CEO, Havas Media Network India.


In his new role as COO, Mohan will spearhead the comprehensive operations and strategic growth initiatives of Havas Media India. With more than two decades of expertise in the media industry, Mohan has been instrumental in driving the success of Havas Media India over a span of 16+ years in the agency. His adept leadership has led to the acquisition of several prestigious clients and garnered acclaim for the agency's innovation across sectors.

 

R. Venkatasubramanian took charge of Havas Play last year when the specialised function was launched in India along with several other countries globally. Under his guidance, Havas Play has championed numerous IPs and initiatives across its sports, content, and entertainment divisions, solidifying its position as a leading player in a highly competitive landscape.

 

Rana Barua, group chief executive officer, Havas India, South East Asia and North Asia (Japan and South Korea) said, “Uday and Venkat's elevations come at an important juncture for Havas Media Network India, as the agency experiences remarkable growth. Their strategic prowess and dedication have been instrumental in driving our agency's success over the years and their elevation reflects our confidence in their vision and ability to continue fostering innovation, collaboration, and client satisfaction. I wish them all the best.”


Mohit Joshi, chief executive officer, Havas Media Network India, said, “With Uday and Venkat at the helm of their respective business divisions, Havas Media Network India has made significant strides, evident in the agency's expanded client portfolio, new acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. This elevation underscores our unwavering dedication to fortifying our organizational framework by nurturing our in-house capabilities. Leaders like them are key to our goal of making media meaningful for our clients and the industry at large as their exceptional industry acumen is pivotal in leading a team as diverse as ours. I extend my sincerest congratulations to Uday and Venkat on their new roles and look forward to our continued trajectory of growth and success together.”


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Nikhil Sharma joins Perfetti Van Melle India as managing director

Storyboard18 broke the news on January 30. Nikhil Sharma was perviously the managing director of Perfetti Van Melle Vietnam.

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