Author: Kashmeera Sambamurthy

From Benaras to Coimbatore: AI for the people, by the people

"The future of AI in India isn’t just about coding—it’s about collaboration. What if you could invest in an AI tool that helps your hometown? Whether it’s ₹100 or mentorship, every bit counts. Platforms like Milaap or ImpactGuru could soon host AI projects where you can back ideas that matter', writes Sagar Gosalia, COO of JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation. (Image Source: Unsplash)

The future of AI in India isn’t just about coding—it’s about collaboration, writes author Sagar Gosalia.

Paisabazaar names Santosh Agarwal as CEO

Naveen Kukreja, who ran Paisabazaar for 11 years, has decided to step away from running Paisabazaar operationally and explore other opportunities within PB Fintech.

Santosh Agarwal would report into Yashish Dahiya to drive the business starting March 1, 2025. In addition, Agarwal will continue to mentor and guide on the life insurance side for the short term.

Hina Nagarajan takes on the role of President, Diageo Africa

"While many companies worldwide are scaling back their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, diversity and inclusion remain deeply ingrained in Diageo’s strategy, regardless of external pressures," Nagarajan said.

Previously, Hina Nagarajan led Diageo India as managing director and chief executive officer.

Nothing’s Co-Founder Akis Evangelidis to lead India operations as President

In a note, the company shared, "As part of Nothing’s founding team, Akis has been instrumental in building the company from the ground up. His proven leadership, combined with his deep understanding of our brand, will be key in driving our growth and expansion in India."

Akis Evangelidis began his career at Universal Pictures and went on to work across Sony Electronics, and OnePlus.

Raymond Lifestyle names Neeraj Nagpal as Chief Business Officer – Apparel & Lifestyle

Neeraj Nagpal began his career at Ashima Ltd as assistant manager - operations, and then joined ITC Ltd as head - technical Services, lifestyle retailing business division. From there, he joined Aditya Birla Group - Madura Garments and was elevated to head - sourcing and supply chain, Allen Solly.

Neeraj Nagpal previously led Baazar Retail as chief executive officer.

Manchester City announces global partnership with Publicis Sapient

Leveraging its fully integrated SPEED – Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering and Data & AI – capabilities, Publicis Sapient will work closely with the Club to optimise operations, and elevate Manchester City’s digital experience off the pitch.

Through this partnership, Publicis Sapient will support Manchester City’s ongoing digital transformation strategy, helping the Club enhance its digital ecosystem.

Simply Speaking Shorts #6: The “—er positioning” – Logic loses to Magic

Your brand possesses only comparative value, rather than having its own inherent value, writes Shubhranshu Singh. (Image Source: Unsplash)

In this week’s Simply Speaking column, Shubhranshu Singh highlights that successful marketing isn’t about optimizing efficiency but about understanding human perception, emotion, and irrationality.

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals names Tanmay Prusty as CMO

In his previous role at Capital Foods, Tanmay Prusty was responsible for leading the integration of Tata Consumer’s recent acquisition, with a business size of ₹800 crores across multiple brands like Ching’s Secret and Smith and Jones.

Tanmay Prusty previously headed Tata Consumer Products’ Capital Foods as business unit head.