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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.


Saakshi Verma Menon


Previous: Senior marketing director, Africa, Middle East, South Africa, PepsiCo


Present: CMO, PepsiCo India


PepsiCo India has elevated Saakshi Verma Menon to CMO. She has worked across Colgate-Palmolive, The Coca-Cola Company, Nicobar Design and Kimberly-Clark.
 

Nilesh Mazumdar


Previous: CEO, Sheela Foam


Nilesh Mazumdar has moved on from Sheela Foam. He has worked across Asian Paints, Onida, Subhikhsha and Pidilite Industries. 


Varun Kandhari


Previous: Director - Marketing & Customer Marketing, Mars Wrigley


Present: Chief marketing and growth officer, Wellbeing Nutrition


Wellbeing Nutrition has appointed Varun Kandhari in a new role. He has also worked at Unilever.
 

Vijay Chauhan


Previous: SVP - International, American Eagle Outfitters


Present: General manager, Adidas India


adidas has appointed Vijay Chauhan as the new general manager for its India operations, effective August 2025, as the sportswear giant looks to deepen its presence in one of its fastest-growing markets.


Chauhan has worked across Lacoste and KSA Technopak.


Sujeet Behra


Present: President, Carat & Chief Strategy Officer, Dentsu Media


Sujeet Behra has assumed new positions. In his new roles, Behra will lead the strategic vision for both Carat and Dentsu Media, focusing on creating cross collaborative, insight-led solutions that align with evolving business priorities. 


He has worked across Zenith, Madison Communications, Starcom, Dainik Bhaskar Group, and GTB.



Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/cxo-moves-exec-movements-across-mercedes-benz-india-wpp-media-bajaj-consumer-care-prada-pg-india-and-more-72247.htm">CXO Moves: Exec movements across Mercedes-Benz India, WPP Media, Bajaj Consumer Care, Prada, P&G India and more</a> 


Chris Wade


Previous: Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, WPP


Chris Wade has stepped down from his position at WPP. He has worked across Trinity Mirror and Guardian Media Group.
 

Bikash Chowdhury


Previous: Chief marketing officer, InMobi


Bikash Chowdhury has announced his departure from InMobi Group after 14 years. He is launching storytelling venture Zebu. He has worked across Texas Instruments, SIRF Technology, and Intuit.


Mukund Olety


Previous: Chief creative officer, VML


Mukund Olety, who led VML as chief creative officer, has stepped down from his position. He has worked across i-Vista Digital Solutions, Triton Communications, DDB Mudra Group, JWT, Ogilvy & Mather, Leo Burnett and BBDO Worldwide. 


Saurabh Dwivedi


Previous: Head of Engineering, Mobikwik


Present: Chief technology officer, Mobikwik


Mobikwik elevates Saurabh Dwivedi to chief technology officer. He has worked across Satyam Computer Services, American Express and MakeMyTrip.


Compiled by Kashmeera Sambamurthy

CXO Moves: Exec movements across PepsiCo India, Mars Wrigley, Adidas India, VML and more

Susim Mukul Datta, who rose through the ranks of Hindustan Unilever to become its chairman and later held leadership positions across India’s corporate landscape, died in Mumbai. He was a pivotal figure in Indian industry, guiding the consumer goods giant as chairman from 1990 to 1996 after beginning his career there in the 1950s.

Over the course of his career, Datta served in leadership roles at several companies, including as non-executive chairman of IL&FS Investment Managers and chairing institutions such as the Administrative Staff College of India and Philips India. His corporate stewardship extended to Castrol India, Deutsche Postbank Home Finance, and Tata TD Waterhouse Securities, among others.

Beyond the boardroom, Datta was deeply engaged with industry bodies, serving as president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India, the Council of EU Chambers of Commerce in India, and the Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He also chaired the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.

Datta studied at Presidency College and the University of Calcutta, institutions that shaped a leader who would go on to leave an imprint on India’s business landscape.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/hul-leadership-changes-deepak-subramanian-to-move-overseas-shiva-krishnamurthy-and-srinandan-sundaram-get-new-roles-22216.htm">HUL leadership changes: Deepak Subramanian to move overseas, Shiva Krishnamurthy and Srinandan Sundaram get new roles</a>

Former HUL Chairman Susim Mukul Datta passes away

Nilesh Mazumdar, the Chief Executive Officer (India) of Sheela Foam Ltd, has stepped down from his role after a tenure spanning over two years. Mazumdar joined the company in February 2023, bringing with him more than two decades of leadership experience across India’s FMCG and consumer goods sectors.

Based out of Noida, Mazumdar spearheaded Sheela Foam’s India operations during a crucial phase of expansion and consolidation. The company, best known for its flagship brand Sleepwell, had been focusing on modernizing its retail footprint and enhancing customer experience under his stewardship.

Mazumdar in a LinkedIn post wrote, "But India isn’t a monolithic market - it’s a continent masquerading as a country. When I’ve worked on pan-India brands, I’ve seen first-hand how the challenges in each region vary dramatically. While the common goal might be growth or market share, the “How to Win” is always market-specific. And no, it’s not just about language."

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Before joining Sheela Foam, Mazumdar served in multiple senior leadership roles at Pidilite Industries Ltd, where he spent 14 years. His most recent role there was CEO of the Construction Chemicals Division, following earlier stints as Chief Customer Officer and President of Sales and Marketing for the Fevicol Division.

His career also includes leadership positions at Subhiksha, Onida and Asian Paints, reflecting deep expertise in marketing, retail, and operations across a diverse set of categories.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/indigo-appoints-niti-aayogs-former-ceo-amitabh-kant-as-non-executive-director-72921.htm">IndiGo appoints NITI Aayog's former CEO Amitabh Kant as Non-Executive Director</a>

Nilesh Mazumdar steps down as CEO of Sheela Foam

Chris Wade, who held the position of director of communications and corporate affairs at WPP, has stepped down from his position. WPP outgoing CEO Mark Read, in an email to the WPP staff, announced that Wade would be succeeded by Michael Frohlich, global chief client transformation officer and EMEA CEO, The Weber Shandwick Collective. 


In a note, Wade shared, "After 13 wonderful, eventful years at WPP, I've decided it's time for a change. I've been considering what's next and, as WPP prepares for a change of its own, it felt like a good moment to do something new."


He added, "Whether we were uniting adland to support the UN Development Goals, surviving the NotPetya cyber attack, navigating the CEO transition in 2018, relaunching the company under new leadership and a new brand, building a modern corporate affairs function, prioritising safety, mental health and jobs during the pandemic, etc, I am so proud of how the team has stepped up and delivered every single time - and always with skill, patience, good humour and total commitment."


Wade started his career as a senior press officer at Trinity Mirror and was elevated to communications manager. Guardian Media Group appointed him as head of communications, and he was then promoted to group director of communications.

Wade's innings at WPP began as head of communications for the EMEA region, and he was promoted to hold the position of chief communications officer.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/wpp-media-names-eeshita-ghosh-as-managing-partner-72805.htm">WPP Media names Eeshita Ghosh as Managing Partner</a>

WPP's Communications & Corporate Affairs' Director Chris Wade steps down

IndiGo has appointed Amitabh Kant as a non-executive director on the Board of Directors of InterGlobe Aviation Limited, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.


A member of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Kerala Cadre - 1980 batch, Kant has had a career spanning over four decades. 


Most recently, he served as India’s Sherpa to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 Presidency. His leadership delivered New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, which emphasised tackling global issues, catalysing growth, expanding India’s digital public infrastructure, and advocating ambitious reforms in climate finance, geopolitics, and technology, stated the company in its statement. 


He has also been the driving force behind several large-scale sustainability initiatives such as the Green Hydrogen
Mission and the National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage.


Kant was also the chief executive officer of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) for a period of six years spearheading the Aspirational Districts Program (ADP). During his tenure, he served in several key roles including Director on the Board of the National Highways Authority of India and Member of India’s National Statistical Commission.


Further, Kant’s leadership in culture and tourism, through Kerala’s branding as ‘God’s Own Country’ and later, the Incredible India campaign, reflects his deep understanding of branding’s multiplier effect on economic growth, further added the company. 


He has also led key infrastructure projects like the expansion of Calicut Airport and then Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. 


Kant said, “I am delighted to join the Board of InterGlobe Aviation Ltd. (IndiGo). In under two decades, IndiGo has transformed air travel in India, emerging as a global benchmark for operational excellence and customer experience. With its scale, efficiency, and international ambition, IndiGo will open up new markets for India, and transform our airports into global hubs of connectivity and commerce—driving tourism, trade, and investment, while linking people, markets, and opportunities across borders. I look forward to contributing to IndiGo’s, and India's, next chapter of trade, tourism, and economic growth.”


Vikram Singh Mehta, chairman of the Board of Directors of IndiGo, said, “IndiGo is delighted to welcome Amitabh Kant as a Board member. Kant is a distinguished personality with rich administrative experience at the national and global level. His leadership qualities developed over the years by managing and delivering successful projects of global scale will benefit IndiGo immensely, especially in its fast-paced international expansion. IndiGo’s team can leverage his broad based experience and knowledge in achieving its vision of becoming a global player by 2030.”


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/amitabh-kant-steps-down-as-indias-g20-sherpa-embarks-on-new-chapter-to-back-startups-free-enterprise-70375.htm">Amitabh Kant steps down as India’s G20 Sherpa, embarks on new chapter to back startups, free enterprise</a>

IndiGo appoints NITI Aayog's former CEO Amitabh Kant as Non-Executive Director

B9 Beverages, parent company of Bira 91, has restructured its leadership team. This comes at a time when the company is facing liquidity and repayment related issues to retail investors from fintech marketplace KredX.

Bira 91 has appointed Vikram Qanungo as its chief financial officer, after he held this position from 2015 to 2018. Qanungo succeeds Meghna Agrawal who was the CFO from 2019-2024. Bira 91 has also roped in Manoj Mishra as the vice president - manufacturing. Prior to this, Mishra was the head - supply chain, India & SEA, Ball Corporation.

Nayanabhiram Deekonda has been elevated to senior vice president - sales. Deekonda, who succeeds Deepak Malhotra who joined Inbrew (in 2023) as chief business officer - beer, previously was the SVP - chief of people, product and growth.

Deepak Sinha too has been promoted to SVP - brand and innovation. Prior to this, he was VP - international business. Sudhir Jain, who is the SVP and chief of integrated supply will also look into people functions at the company. And, Vandana Sahni, who was the head - financial planning and analysis at Bira 91, has been designated as chief of staff and head, strategy.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/bira-91-to-raise-new-round-of-funds-to-expand-business-portfiolio-18481.htm">Bira 91 to raise new round of funds to expand business portfiolio</a>

Bira 91's parent company B9 Beverages restructures its leadership team

WPP Media has named Eeshita Ghosh as the managing partner. Ghosh previously held the position of managing partner and office head at WPP Media's (previously GroupM) media agency Motivator.

Ghosh began her career as an assistant media planner at MPG and then joined Mudra Max as a media group head where she worked for Apollo Munich, Yamaha, Akzonobel, and was responsible for the planning of Dabur India's haircare portfolio.

MediaCom appointed her as the business director where she also worked with various other specialist units like OOH, internet, event management. As the client leader at Maxus, and was the general manager at Wavemaker, where she led strategy and media planning for ITC Foods, MAB and ESPB (Bangalore and Chennai).

In her previous role, her skills comprised of critical thinking, advertising, digital strategy, digital media, business strategy, leadership, and new business development. 


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/vmls-chief-creative-officer-mukund-olety-to-move-within-wpp-network-72329.htm">VML's Chief Creative Officer Mukund Olety to move within WPP network</a>

WPP Media names Eeshita Ghosh as Managing Partner

Dentsu India has announced the elevation of Sujeet Behra as President, Carat, with an expanded remit as Chief Strategy Officer, Dentsu Media. He will report to Amit Wadhwa, CEO, Dentsu Creative & Media Brands, South Asia. 

Meanwhile, Sanchayeeta Verma has moved on from her role as CEO - Carat, to pursue new professional endeavours.

Behra has been an integral part of Carat for over three years managing multiple responsibilities as Carat North business head, Chief Growth Officer and Chief Strategy Officer. He has been instrumental in shaping the agency’s strategic roadmap, driving innovation and positioning the agency as a future-ready media agency in the ever-evolving media ecosystem.

In his new roles, Behra will lead the strategic vision for both Carat and Dentsu Media, focusing on creating cross collaborative, insight-led solutions that align with evolving business priorities. Working closely with the leadership team, he will further advance dentsu’s innovation agenda by integrating data, tech and creativity.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/nissan-india-reshuffles-leadership-team-72777.htm">Nissan India reshuffles its leadership team</a>

Amit Wadhwa said, “Sanchayeeta has played an incredible role in shaping Carat’s growth story – driving momentum, nurturing talent, and strengthening the agency’s strategic foundation. As she embarks on her next chapter, we wish her continued success in all her future endeavours. As we look ahead, Sujeet’s expanded mandate comes at a pivotal time. He brings sharp strategic thinking, a collaborative mindset, and a deep understanding of the evolving media landscape."

Sujeet Behra added, “I am honoured to be part of dentsu and Carat at such an exciting and transformative time. My focus will be on fostering a collaborative and growth- oriented environment, where we can continue to push boundaries of creativity and deliver exceptional results for our client.”

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/zomatos-deepinder-goyal-forays-into-aerospace-biz-to-improve-regional-air-travel-72727.htm">Zomato's Deepinder Goyal forays into aerospace biz to improve regional air travel</a>

Dentsu India elevates Sujeet Behra to President – Carat & CSO – Dentsu Media; Sanchayeeta Verma moves on

Japanese automobile manufacturer Nissan has announced a key leadership transition in its India operations, stated an ET report. This move comes as the company is preparing for its next phase of growth, and navigate through a period of underperformance in the Indian market.


Saurabh Vatsa, the automobile manufacturer's managing director, will take up the responsibilities for commercial operations, starting August 1. Vatsa will report into Nissan's senior vice-president and chief commercial officer for the AMIEO region Leon Dorssers. 


Dorssers, who will look into the India business, succeeds Frank Torres, divisional vice-president, AMIEO region and business transformation, and president, India. Torres is stepping down owing to personal reasons and will support the transition till the end of August, further added the report.


In May, Nissan was set to cut an additional 11,000 jobs across its global operations, taking the total layoffs to a staggering 20,000 — roughly 15 percent of its entire workforce, according to media reports.


The move came ahead of Nissan's financial results, where the carmaker was expected to confirm a net loss of up to 750 billion yen ($5.08 billion) for the business year ended March 2025. This would mark the largest loss in the company's history, driven by impairment charges and a prolonged slump in key markets, the report added.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/nissan-to-cut-around-20000-jobs-to-reduce-global-group-workforce-by-15-65705.htm">Nissan to cut around 20,000 jobs, to reduce global group workforce by 15%</a>

Nissan India reshuffles its leadership team

Bikash Chowdhury has announced his departure from InMobi Group after 14 years to embark on a new entrepreneurial chapter. 

Chowdhury has been associated with the group across two stints spanning 12 years, recounted key milestones that shaped his career and the company’s evolution. These include launching multiple offices across Asia in 2012–13, spearheading Glance’s first-ever TV commercial in 2020 and leading high-impact campaigns such as the 2021 mass media blitz featuring Hardik Pandya, Rana Daggubati, Vir Das and Hina Khan, as well as a Bigg Boss integration in 2023.

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Chowdhury reflected on his time at InMobi and Glance, calling it a “scrappy, ambitious and full-of-promise” journey that began in a modest office above an Arrow showroom on Bangalore’s 100 Feet Road. “I stepped out for the last time yesterday. My heart is full – with gratitude for the experiences, the connections, and the memories we’ve built together,” he said.

Chowdhury gave a special mention to his marketing team, thanking them for their creativity and belief, and expressed his appreciation for the founders and leadership teams at InMobi and Glance for co-creating what he described as an “incredible journey.”

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/saregama-appoints-vinay-kumar-guwalani-as-svp-music-monetisation-and-marketing-72680.htm">Saregama appoints Vinay Kumar Guwalani as SVP - Music Monetisation and Marketing</a>

Now, turning the page, Chowdhury is diving full-time into a passion project he’s been nurturing since 2022 with collaborator K. Srikrishna. The duo is launching Zebu, a new storytelling-led training, coaching and consulting venture that blends their love for narrative craft with learning and development. 

“Storytelling has always been my passion, and as a marketer, I’ve been fortunate to pursue it through my work. Starting July 1, I’m turning that passion into a full-time venture,” said Chowdhury.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/pepsico-india-appoints-saakshi-verma-menon-as-cmo-for-india-foods-72695.htm">PepsiCo India appoints Saakshi Verma Menon as CMO for India Foods</a>

CXO MOVES