CXO Movements: Leadership Shifts Across Industries

Leadership transitions often signal new strategic priorities and organizational evolution. Recent CXO appointments across global firms reflect an emphasis on inclusive leadership, innovation, and operational excellence. From HR to finance, real estate, and AI, companies are positioning seasoned executives to lead in dynamic markets. Qualcomm, Character.AI, P&G Hygiene and Health Care, and Cushman & Wakefield have all announced significant leadership changes. These appointments not only highlight individual career progressions but also point to wider industry shifts toward people-first leadership, digital innovation, and global growth. Here’s a closer look at each new leader and what they bring to their respective roles.

Pooja Joshi – Senior Director, HR Business Partner, Qualcomm

Qualcomm has elevated Pooja Joshi to the position of Senior Director, HR Business Partner. This move underscores the company’s emphasis on people-first leadership and agile workforce strategies. Known for her expertise in implementing inclusive talent frameworks and driving transformational HR programs, Joshi brings a wealth of experience to the role. Her promotion is seen as a strategic step towards reinforcing Qualcomm’s culture in a rapidly evolving tech environment. Colleagues and industry leaders have lauded the decision, citing Joshi’s strong leadership and vision for inclusive organizational development. Her new role will be central to Qualcomm’s talent optimization and global HR initiatives.

Karandeep Anand – CEO, Character.AI

Karandeep Anand has been named the Chief Executive Officer of Character.AI, an AI-powered chatbot platform experiencing rapid growth, especially among Gen Z users. Anand previously held senior leadership roles at Meta, where he was Vice President and Head of Business Products, and at Microsoft. At Character.AI, Anand is expected to scale the company’s technological innovations and expand its user base. His appointment signals a push toward solidifying the company’s multimodal AI capabilities and its role in the entertainment space. With Anand at the helm, Character.AI is poised to bridge technology with user engagement, shaping the next phase of AI-powered digital interaction.

Gaurav Bhartia – Chief Financial Officer, P&G Hygiene and Health Care Ltd.

Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Health Care Ltd. has announced Gaurav Bhartia as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective July 1, 2025. Bhartia has spent over 11 years with P&G and currently leads Sales Finance for P&G India. An alumnus of IIM-Bangalore, his promotion reflects strong internal succession planning. He will succeed Mrinalini Srinivasan, who is departing after 17 years of service. In his new role, Bhartia will oversee the financial strategy for key consumer health brands like Vicks and Whisper. His deep knowledge of the company’s operations and finance will be pivotal in driving sustainable growth and financial discipline.

Sona Aggarwal – MD, Head of Retail Sales and Strategy, APAC, Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield has appointed Sona Aggarwal as Managing Director, Head of Retail Sales and Strategy for the Asia Pacific region. Based in Singapore, Aggarwal will lead the firm’s regional retail strategy and strengthen its client portfolio. Her mandate includes delivering tailored real estate solutions and enhancing cross-border collaboration across Cushman & Wakefield’s global network. This newly created role reflects the company’s increased focus on developing a profitable and sustainable retail business. With her strong leadership and strategic vision, Aggarwal is expected to drive operational excellence and client growth throughout the APAC region, positioning the firm for long-term retail success.

Final Thoughts

These executive movements reflect broader industry trends toward agility, innovation, and inclusive growth. Whether steering finance, shaping HR frameworks, or leading tech platforms, each appointee brings domain expertise and a fresh strategic outlook to their organization. As companies evolve to meet future challenges, the role of visionary leadership becomes even more critical. These appointments signal confidence not just in individual leaders but in the future trajectories of the companies they now guide.