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Vidhya Srinivasan has been named Vice President of Ads and Commerce, taking over from Maria Renz, who is stepping away to pursue other opportunities.

Srinivasan will continue to report to Nick Fox, Google's senior vice president of Knowledge and Information.

In her new role, Srinivasan will oversee Google's shopping and payments products and services, expanding her already significant influence in shaping the company's ad offerings.

As a visionary in artificial intelligence, she has been central to Google’s AI transformation, leading major initiatives such as Performance Max and Demand Gen, introducing generative AI (GAI) capabilities for campaign and asset creation, and unveiling new ad formats in Google Search.

Srinivasan’s leadership also includes the rollout of interactive product listing ads with features like 3D rotation and Virtual Try-On experiences. She spearheaded the rebuild of Google Analytics, introduced the revamped Search Ads 360 platform, pioneered pixel-less measurement for YouTube, and developed Ads Data Hub to refine advertiser insights.

Before joining Google, Srinivasan held engineering, product management, and operations roles at Amazon, where she led the Amazon Redshift team. Her background also includes technical and leadership positions at IBM.

Google’s Vidhya Srinivasan expands role, now overseeing ads and commerce

Coca‑Cola India Southwest Asia (INSWA) Operating Unit has announced Desmond Nikhil D’Souza as new Vice-President of Customer & Commercial Leadership (C&CL). As per the company, the appointment is effective from February 1, 2025. 

D'Souza succeeds Greishma Singh, who recently transitioned to the role of Vice President, Marketing.

“With a distinguished track record of strategic vision and exemplary leadership in the FMCG industry, Desmond brings a wealth of experience and innovative ideas that align perfectly with our mission to drive customer satisfaction and commercial excellence. His understanding of market dynamics and customer engagement, will be a cornerstone in achieving our growth objectives,” said Sanket Ray, President, Coca‑Cola India Southwest Asia.

In his new role, D'Souza will be responsible for leading the C&CL function across INSWA, focusing on driving value growth, strengthening our customer partnerships, and aligning strategies to deliver long-term commercial transformation.

D'Souza joins Coca‑Cola from Mondelez, where he served as Vice President, Sales. Under his leadership Mondelez India grew significantly through footprint expansion, driving digital innovation in sales, and incubating and building new commercial capabilities to drive growth. 

Before his tenure at Mondelez, he held key roles at PepsiCo, both in transformation initiatives and sales leadership. At Zomato, he contributed to customer subscription strategy, showcasing his ability to operate across diverse sectors and functions. 

He holds a postgraduate management degree from XLRI Jamshedpur and a bachelor’s degree in engineering (BE) from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU).

Coca‑Cola India Southwest Asia appoints Desmond Nikhil D’Souza as Vice-President of Customer & Commercial Leadership

Deepak Agrawal has been appointed as LinkedIn's Chief AI Officer. The update was shared by Agrawal on his LinkedIn.

Agrawal previously led LinkedIn’s AI initiatives as Vice President for eight years, spearheading innovations that have become integral to the platform’s data-driven systems and personalized member experiences.

"I am thrilled to share that I’m joining LinkedIn as the company’s Chief AI Officer. This is my second stint leading AI at LinkedIn, with my last tour being VP of AI for 8 years where our team developed remarkable innovations at massive scale that serve as the foundation for much of the company’s AI efforts today," Agrawal shared.

"My mission as CAIO is to push the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring our AI innovations are not only cutting-edge and industry-defining but also ethical, inclusive, human-centric and empathetic," he added.

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Agrawal previously worked at Pinterest, where he served as the Chief AI Officer and VP of Consumer Trust Engineering. His previous stints also include Yahoo! and AT&T.

Deepak Agrawal appointed as LinkedIn's chief AI officer

Third Wave Coffee has appointed Akshat Arora as its new Marketing Director. As per the company, Arora in his new role will spearhead initiatives to enhance brand resonance, expand digital outreach, build consumer engagement through offline and online channels and strengthen the brand’s competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic market. 

With over a decade of experience in marketing and brand strategy, Arora brings a proven track record of driving growth, strengthening brand equity and creating meaningful consumer connections. His addition to the leadership team is poised to drive innovation, enhance customer engagement, and accelerate the brand’s growth in India’s dynamic specialty coffee sector. 

Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, “We are delighted to welcome Akshat to the Third Wave Coffee family. His extensive experience and innovative approach to business strategies makes him an invaluable addition to our team. Given the opportune stage the brand is at, we look forward to partnering with him as we embark on the next phase of our journey. We are confident that Akshat's leadership will elevate our marketing strategies and deepen our connection with coffee enthusiasts nationwide.”

Before joining Third Wave Coffee, Arora had contributed to the growth of several other renowned brands like Tim Hortons, Bisleri and Jaguar Land Rover. With more than 14 years of experience he has successfully navigated competitive markets across various sectors. With over 125 outlets across 10 cities and plans to grow further, Third Wave Coffee remains committed to leading India’s specialty coffee market by prioritizing quality, consistency, and community engagement.

Akshat Arora, Marketing Director, Third Wave Coffee, added, “Third Wave Coffee has already defined India’s coffee culture with its specialty coffee offerings and customer-first approach. I am excited to join this remarkable journey and contribute to the brand’s next phase of growth. My focus would be on creating a deeper preference for the brand and driving brand love as we continue to innovate and grow.”

Third Wave Coffee appoints Akshat Arora as Marketing Director

Publicis Groupe removes Geraldine White, the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer (DEI). In 2024, Publicis Groupe made cuts to the DEI teams, that affected not just the holding company, but its individual agencies too. 

It has been reported that along with her exit, nearly half of the 13 member team too were laid off. As the company is in the process of choosing a suitable successor, it has been reported that White continues to work at Publicis Groupe in a consulting capacity. 

In her role as the chief diversity officer, White was tasked with leading Publicis Groupe’s DE&I work, with a focus on elevating talent experiences; improving systems, policies and practices to create more equity across the employee base. This was followed by continually enabling an inclusive environment for all identities and communities within the Publicis Groupe network. 

White began her career as an account executive at DraftFCB, and then joined DDB as a senior account executive. Then, she moved to Publicis Modem as a senior marketing manager, and then joined SapientNitro, where she was the director - interactive program management. She led Publicis Sapient as the head of diversity and inclusion, North America. 

In October 2024, about 150 employees were asked to leave when to failed to comply with the return to office (RTO) policy.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/publicis-groupe-shaken-or-stirred-fresh-wave-of-ad-agency-consolidations-create-a-new-leo-53386.htm">Publicis Groupe shaken or stirred?: Fresh wave of ad agency consolidations create a new 'Leo'</a>

Publicis Groupe parts ways with its Chief Diversity Officer Geraldine White

Fintech company Paytm has roped in Bimal Julka as non-executive independent director. 


In a NSE filing, Paytm stated, "Appointment of Shri Bimal Julka (DIN: 03172733) as Non-Executive Independent Director of the Company with effect from January 20, 2025, for a term of five (5) consecutive years, subject to the approval of the members of the Company, as per applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI Listing Regulations."


Julka is an IAS officer of 1979 batch of Madhya Pradesh cadre. 


He has 41 years of experience with a demonstrated history of leading projects across Ministry of Defence, Civil Aviation, Information & Broadcasting, External Affairs, Finance, Commerce and Public Relations in Govt. of India. He is skilled in strategic planning, business development, business strategy and service delivery management.


In the latter years of his career, Julka held key positions in the Ministries of Defense and Finance. He became Secretary to Government of India in the Ministry of I&B. 


He has served as Nominee Director in Various Companies such as The New India Assurance Company Limited, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, IDFC Limited, National Skill Development Corporation, Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited and as Independent Director in Reliance Power Limited.


He also worked as Chief Information Commissioner, Government of India.


He completed his BA Hons in Industrial & Organizational Psychology from Delhi University in 1975, followed by MA in Psychology. Julka has the University of Oxford, Queen Elizabeth Fellowship for Government interventions in the SME Sector.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/hindware-appoints-nirupam-sahay-as-ceo-53906.htm">Hindware appoints Nirupam Sahay as CEO</a>

Paytm names Bimal Julka as Non-Executive Independent Director

Nirupam Sahay has been appointed by Hindware as its chief executive officer. In his new role, he will lead the brand's Sanitaryware, Faucets, Tiles, Kitchen Appliances and Home Appliances businesses. Sahay was previously the president, lighting solutions at Dixon Technologies India Limited where he worked for close to two years.

He is also on the board of Institute for Advanced Studies in Complex Choices. Sahay has handled B2C and B2B businesses, and grown market share and profitability in both high growth and declining businesses.

He has driven digital transformation in products, sales processes and marketing. With over 30 years of experience, he has worked in sales, marketing, innovation, operations and general manager/P&L roles for brands such as Philips Lighting, Signify, Surya Roshni, GE Capital, Whirlpool, Asian Paints and Dixon Technologies.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/cxo-moves-exec-movements-across-linkedin-truecaller-angel-one-and-more-53877.htm">CXO Moves: Exec movements across LinkedIn, Truecaller, Angel One and more</a>

Hindware appoints Nirupam Sahay as CEO

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.


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Michele Buck


Previous: President and Chief Executive Officer, The Hershey Company


Michele Buck will be stepping down from her position. She has worked across Frito Lay, Kraft General Foods and Nabisco.


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Jessica Jensen


Previous: Chief marketing officer, Indeed.com


Present: Chief marketing and strategy officer, LinkedIn 


LinkedIn has appointed Jessica Jensen in a new role. She has worked across California State office of Trade, Japan; Boston Consulting Group, Yahoo, Apple, Facebook, Booking.com etc.


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Hemant Arora


Previous: Head Global Accounts Europe, METAP & APAC (EMPAC), TikTok


Present: VP, Global Ad Sales Business, Truecaller


Hemant Arora has joined Truecaller in a new role. He has worked across Times of India, Discovery Networks India, Eternal Dreams, NDTV Media, ByteDance etc.


<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/2025/01/1-2025-01-265c83835c09eaf16a2f1437b3268f84.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="500" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-53880" />


Ambarish Kenghe


Previous: Vice president and GM, Google


Present: Group CEO, Angel One


Angel One has appointed Ambarish Kenghe as group chief executive officer. He has worked across Motorola, Cisco, Bain & Company, and Myntra.


Michael Komasinki


Present: CEO, Criteo


Michael Komasinki has been appointed as the CEO of Criteo and a member of the board, effective February 15. Komasinki has worked across AT Kearney, The Nielsen Company, SGK, Razorfish, and Merkle.


Suhalia Hobba


Present: Global client partner of transformation for APAC, Publicis Groupe


Suhalia Hobba has joined Publicis Groupe in a new role. Hobba will be responsible for leadership and transformation of the Groupe’s key global clients in APAC. 


Compiled by Kashmeera Sambamurthy

CXO Moves: Exec movements across LinkedIn, Truecaller, Angel One and more

Michele Buck, who serves as the president and CEO at The Hershey Company, recently announced her retirement. 

In a note, she shared, "As I approach my ninth year as CEO of The Hershey Company, I have shared with the Board my view that now is the right time to begin the transition to the company’s next leader and that I therefore plan to retire in the summer of 2026. This extended timeline will ensure a seamless leadership succession while allowing the company to maintain full momentum on our strategic priorities as we plan for our next chapter."


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She went on to add, "Reflecting on my 20-year career with this iconic company, I’m fiercely proud of what we have accomplished. We’re building one of the world’s most powerful snacking portfolios, delivering meaningful growth, and fostering a culture rooted in purpose, passion, and genuine care for our colleagues, our customers, and, most of all, our consumers."

 
Buck also stated, "And while the succession process is underway, I remain fully dedicated to delivering our ambitious 2025 plan, advancing our transformation strategy, and accelerating the portfolio needed to win with consumers. I am truly excited to continue to lead us forward as we realize our vision of becoming a Leading Snacking Powerhouse and strengthen Hershey’s foundation for generations to come."


Buck brings more than 25 years of consumer packaged goods experience. She has held several senior leadership roles within the company. She served as Chief Operating Officer, leading Hershey’s day-to-day North American operations and overseeing Hershey’s operations in Central and South America. And prior, she was president, U.S. and chief growth officer.

 
Before joining Hershey in 2005, Buck served 17 years at Kraft/Nabisco in numerous senior positions and at the Frito-Lay division of PepsiCo.

 
Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/linkedin-appoints-jessica-jensen-as-chief-marketing-and-strategy-officer-53436.htm">LinkedIn appoints Jessica Jensen as chief marketing and strategy officer</a>

The Hershey Company's President & CEO Michele Buck announces retirement

Stockholm-based called ID and spam-blocking service Truecaller has announced the appointment of Hemant Arora as its Vice President for the global ad sales business.

Arora, who brings 25 years of industry experience, will be responsible for refining Truecaller's global advertising strategy, as well as expanding its portfolio to cater to an increasingly diverse user base.

He joins with an extensive background in operations and revenue management across leading social media and technology firms, including TikTok, Times Network, Dainik Bhaskar Group, NDTV Media, and Discovery Networks South Asia.

During his tenure at TikTok, Arora led global accounts spanning Europe, the Asia-Pacific (APAC), and the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (METAP) regions.

CXO MOVES