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Abhineet Kothari, who led Apollo Tyres as category head - passenger vehicles, has been elevated to marketing head, India and South East Asia.

Kothari began his career at Shell Shipping as a merchant navy engineer officer, and then had a short stint at the Kellogg Company. He joined Castrol as a trainee and was elevated to category manager.

As the former AVP - payments at Paytm, Kothari was the brand marketing and communications lead for Paytm mobile gaming, and was the head of P&L recharge and bill payments business. 

In May, Apollo Tyres had announced the formation of a Global Marketing Division within its commercial organisation, as part of broader structural reforms aimed at boosting operational efficiency and enhancing customer experience.

The newly created division would be led by Udyan Ghai, who was promoted to group head, marketing. 

<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/apollo-tyres-reshapes-global-marketing-elevates-udyan-ghai-to-lead-new-centralised-team-68007.htm">Apollo Tyres reshapes global marketing, elevates Udyan Ghai to lead new centralised team</a> 

Apollo Tyres elevates Abhineet Kothari to Marketing Head, India & SE Asia

Apple announced that its senior vice president - operations, Sabih Khan will take on the role of chief operating officer later this month. Khan will succeed Apple veteran Jeff Williams. Williams will continue reporting to CEO Tim Cook in the interim. He will also oversee the design team, Apple watch and health initiatives. Upon his retirement, the design team will directly report to Cook.


“Jeff and I have worked alongside each other for as long as I can remember, and Apple wouldn’t be what it is without him. He’s helped to create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world; launched Apple Watch and overseen its development; architected Apple’s health strategy; and led our world-class team of designers with great wisdom, heart, and dedication,” said Cook. 


“I am and will always be beyond grateful for his numerous contributions to Apple over the years and his loyal friendship. Jeff’s true legacy can be seen in the amazing team he’s created and, while he’ll be greatly missed, he leaves the work of the future in incredible hands," he added.


During his career with Apple, Williams built out a supply chain that has supported Apple’s growth and customers around the world with expansion, including the United States, China, India, Japan, and across Southeast Asia. Williams played a key role in the introduction of iPod and iPhone programs. 


On Khan's elevation, Cook said, “Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain."
 

“While overseeing Apple’s supply chain, he has helped pioneer new technologies in advanced manufacturing, overseen the expansion of Apple’s manufacturing footprint in the United States, and helped ensure that Apple can be nimble in response to global challenges. He has advanced our ambitious efforts in environmental sustainability, helping reduce Apple’s carbon footprint by more than 60 percent. Above all, Sabih leads with his heart and his values, and I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer,” he added.


Khan has been with Apple for three decades and joined the executive team as senior vice president of operations in 2019. He has been in charge of Apple’s global supply chain for the past six years, ensuring product quality and overseeing planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment functions, as well as Apple’s supplier responsibility programs that protect and educate workers at production facilities around the world.


“I have a deep love for Apple. Working with all of the amazing people at this company has been a privilege of a lifetime, and I can’t thank Tim enough for the opportunity, his inspirational leadership, and our friendship over the years,” said Williams. 


“June marked my 27th anniversary with Apple, and my 40th in the industry. Beginning next year, I plan to spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Sabih for 27 years and I think he’s the most talented operations executive on the planet. I have tremendous confidence in Apple’s future under his leadership in this role,” he added.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/apple-set-to-rename-all-its-operating-systems-67875.htm">Apple set to rename all its operating systems</a> 

Apple names Indian-origin exec Sabih Khan as COO; to succeed Jeff Williams

Michael Burke, a longtime executive of LVMH, a luxury good conglomerate, has been named the chairman and chief executive officer of LVMH Americas. 


In this role, Burke will report to managing director Stephane Bianchi. Anish Melwani, CEO, LVMH, and Davide Marcovitch, president, LVMH Latin America will report to him, stated a media report. 


Burke's appointment comes as the luxury industry faces a deep downturn, with economic pressures and price fatigue weighing on appetite for high-end goods in China and the United States, highlighted a media report.


In his four decades career of working with Bernard Arnault, LVMH's chairman and CEO, Burke has held top management positions at Dior, Fendi, Bulgari and Louis Vuitton. 


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/louis-vuitton-secures-landmark-victory-in-trademark-infringement-case-48488.htm">Louis Vuitton secures landmark victory in trademark infringement case</a> 



LVMH Americas names Michael Burke as Chairman & CEO

Vikram Pawah, who led BMW Group India as president and chief executive officer, has been appointed by BMW Group ANZ as CEO. Pawah was succeeded by Hardeep Singh Brar at BMW Group India.


Pawah began his career at Jay Engineering as assistant manager - management control unit, and then moved to Honda Siel Power Products as an in-charge of corporate planning. At Honda Australia, from corporate affairs manager, he was promoted to general manager - power equipment and marine.


At Honda Cars India, as the AVP and operating head - sales, Pawah was responsible for sales pan India, corporate sales, dealer quality, training and product planning functions. 


Pawah was also the managing director of Harley-Davidson India. 


Brar joined Kia India in 2021, playing a key role in the brand’s post-launch momentum and retail network expansion in the country.


His departure from Kia India marked the latest in a series of leadership changes in India’s fast-moving auto sector, as global and domestic players recalibrate their strategies in response to evolving consumer preferences and electric mobility trends.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/bmw-group-india-appoints-hardeep-singh-brar-as-president-ceo-73381.htm">BMW Group India appoints Hardeep Singh Brar as President & CEO</a>



BMW Group ANZ names Vikram Pawah as CEO

Anil K Pandit, who led Publicis Media as executive vice president - head of programmatic, data, tech, has been elevated to managing partner - data and partnerships. In this role, Pandit will oversee the convergence of data-driven transformation, privacy-safe strategic alliances, and ethical innovation in advertising. 


In a note, he shared, "My journey in the world of data has been a fascinating evolution. As EVP - Programmatic Buying, I had a front-row seat to the power of data in action, optimizing campaigns and driving results. I'm thrilled to take this a step further in my new role as Managing Partner - Data Strategy and Partnerships."


Pandit began his career in media houses and then joined Apnapaisa as head - digital business. Then, People Interactive appointed him as branch head - digital. Then, he joined MicroAd as country head.


At Omnicom Media Group, he was elevated to hold the position of vice president - OMG Programmatic, lead - Accuen India. At Publicis Media, Pandit started out as senior vice president - programmatic. 


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/publicis-media-appoints-anil-k-pandit-as-executive-vice-president-head-of-programmatic-data-tech-24933.htm">Publicis Media appoints Anil K Pandit as executive vice president - head of programmatic, data, tech</a> 

Publicis Media elevates Anil K Pandit to Managing Partner - Data & Partnerships

Hardeep Singh Brar, who led Kia India as senior vice president and head of marketing - sales, has been appointed by BMW Group India as president and chief executive officer. Brar succeeds Vikram Pawah who is assuming the role of CEO at BMW Group Australia and New Zealand.
 

Brar joined Kia India in 2021, playing a key role in the brand’s post-launch momentum and retail network expansion in the country.


His departure from Kia India marked the latest in a series of leadership changes in India’s fast-moving auto sector, as global and domestic players recalibrate their strategies in response to evolving consumer preferences and electric mobility trends.


In a note, he had shared, "Over the past 4 years 4 months with Kia India, I have had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional team and ecosystem. Together, we have achieved milestones I’m deeply proud of."


He added, "Kia India stood out as the fastest OEM to cross 1 million domestic sales, achieved in just 59 months. And, it was the only new OEM entrant in the last 25 years to cross six percent market share; CY25 share stood at 6.5 percent ahead of many legacy players."


A veteran of the automotive industry, Brar began his career at Pertech Computers before moving to Maruti Suzuki, where he rose to the position of general manager overseeing corporate and rural sales. He later held senior roles at Volkswagen India, General Motors India, Nissan Motor Corporation, and Great Wall Motor Co., managing portfolios that included dealer development, commercial operations, and marketing.


Over the course of his career, Brar developed a reputation for driving channel growth, expanding retail networks, and leading large-scale sales operations. His exit comes at a time when Kia is reportedly looking to consolidate its position in India with new model launches and deeper market penetration.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/kia-indias-svp-head-marketing-sales-hardeep-brar-steps-down-69557.htm">Kia India's SVP & Head - Marketing & Sales Hardeep Brar steps down</a>

BMW Group India appoints Hardeep Singh Brar as President & CEO

Anany Agrawal, who led TVS Motor Company as global head - digital marketing and media has stepped down from his position.

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In a note, he shared, "After an unforgettable ride, I’m shifting gears from my time at TVS Motor Company. Grateful for the journey, for the chance to learn, build, and grow with some of the sharpest minds. From campaign chaos to GTM sprints, racetrack mornings to rider-first storytelling- it’s been real and it’s been worth it."


Prior to joining TVS Motor Company, Agrawal was the head of media and martech at ABInBev India. He started out his career at Quatrro and then joined DU BEAT as marketing head. Mogae Digital roped him in as the executive - BD and marketing, and then he joined Mudra Communications (now DDB Mudra Group) as brand communication executive.


He led Reprise Media as assistant manager - strategic planning, and then joined Royal Enfield as assistant manager - marketing, where he was elevated to global marketing manager (lead, media planning). He looked into global paid marketing strategy, integrated planning and media followed by martech projects.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/sudarshan-venu-to-take-charge-as-chairman-of-tvs-motor-69042.htm">Sudarshan Venu to take charge as Chairman of TVS Motor</a> 

TVS Motor Company's Ananya Agrawal steps down

Online grocer BigBasket is all set to appoint Deepika Khattar Bhan, president - packaged foods, Tata Consumer Products, to its board. Bhan will be replacing Aarthi Subramanian, executive director and chief operating officer, Tata Consultancy Services, who is stepping down in order to take up more responsibilities at the multinational IT and consulting company, stated a Moneycontrol report.


This move comes after BigBasket brought Manish Bajoria on board as the chief financial officer. BigBasket's board members include Saurabh Agrawal, group CFO and executive director, Tata Sons; Vishal Gupta, partner, Bessemer Venture Partners; and Vipul Parekh, co-founder, BigBasket. Parekh rejoined in 2024, after his fellow co-founder  VS Sudhakar stepped down from his position, further added the report.


It has also been observed that this move comes amid a reshuffle in the food and quick commerce sector. Eternal (formerly Zomato) appointed Aditya Mangla as chief executive of its food ordering and delivery business, succeeding Rakesh Ranjan. 


In May, Instamart appointed Ankit Jain as senior vice president - operations. And, in December 2024, Vipin Kapooria, who led Flipkart as vice president business finance, was appointed by Zomato's Blinkit as CFO. 


Bhan joined Tata Consumer Products in May 2021, as president - foods Business. Prior to this, she spent 15 years at Hindustan Unilever Ltd. As the former global brand director, she led the brand development, innovation and communication agenda for the Hair Care portfolio for South Asia. 


Having worked on leadership assignments across sales & marketing, Bhan brought her experience and expertise in brand crafting and communication, driving innovation, building new categories and P&L management combined with a strong understanding of frontline sales. 


Bhan is an Economics (Hons) graduate from St. Xavier’s’ College and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar, Orissa.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/bigbasket-appoints-manish-bajoria-as-cfo-73229.htm">BigBasket appoints Manish Bajoria as CFO</a> 


BigBasket to appoint Tata Consumer Products' Deepika Khattar Bhan to its board

Castrol India Limited has appointed Mrinalini Srinivasan as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective 28 July 2025. She succeeds Deepesh Baxi, who moved on from the role in March 2025 to pursue other opportunities.

Srinivasan joins Castrol with over 17 years of experience at P&G India, where she held a range of leadership roles across business units and geographies, including Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Over the years, she has led strategic planning, business forecasting, compliance and commercial finance assignments, building both financial resilience and operational discipline across the organisation.

In her most recent role, she served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Hygiene and Health business and was also the Group Controller at P&G India. Beyond her core finance responsibilities, Srinivasan has been an advocate for inclusive workplaces, having led Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts at P&G India. She is an alumna of FMS Delhi and a gold medallist in engineering from SGSITS Indore.

Kedar Lele, Managing Director, Castrol India Limited, said, “As we continue to transform our business, the finance function remains critical to enabling this journey—through discipline, agility, and forward-looking decision support. Mrinalini’s experience in navigating complex business environments and driving alignment across teams will be a real asset. We are pleased to welcome her to the leadership team.”

As the Chief Financial Officer, Srinivasan will lead Castrol India’s financial function and be a key member of the leadership team. She will help shape and support Castrol’s strategy, oversee financial planning, and guide risk and governance practices.

“It is a privilege to be part of a company with such a rich legacy and strong values. I look forward to working with colleagues across Castrol,” said Srinivasan.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/licious-appoints-pratik-vaja-as-head-of-marketing-73212.htm">Licious appoints Pratik Vaja as Head of Marketing</a>

Srinivasan will work closely with the interim CFO Vishal Thakkar through August to ensure a smooth handover. Vishal has been supporting the finance function during the transition, and the company thanks him for his leadership and steady guidance over the past few months.

Rakesh Makhija, Chairman of the Board, Castrol India Limited, added, “We are pleased to welcome Mrinalini to the board. Her experience and balanced approach will be key as we continue to strengthen our foundations and stay focused on long-term, sustainable growth.”

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/bigbasket-appoints-manish-bajoria-as-cfo-73229.htm">BigBasket appoints Manish Bajoria as CFO</a>

Castrol India appoints Mrinalini Srinivasan as CFO

Pratik Vaja, who led More Retail as head of marketing and CRM, has joined Licious as head of marketing. 


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In a note, he shared, "Even more special—my first day coincided with Licious’s 10th anniversary. What an incredible moment to become part of a brand that has redefined the way India experiences meat and seafood. Here’s to building the next decade with 'Thode Aur' bold ideas, 'Thoda Aur' customer love, and 'Bohat Aur' memorable experiences. Onwards and upwards!"


Vaja started out at Whirlpool India, and then joined ITC where he was elevated to senior brand manager - YiPPee! Noodles and Pasta. In this role, he managed integrated marketing interventions across traditional and digital media, activations, promos, and more.


He strategised for business growth in alternate channels, and led repositioning of YiPPee! Power Up Atta Noodles and QuikMealz with refreshed packaging and brand messaging based on consumer insights.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/licious-vice-president-marketing-santosh-hegde-moves-on-36719.htm">Licious' vice president - marketing Santosh Hegde moves on</a>

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