CXO Movements: Key Leadership Appointments Across Industries

In a dynamic shift across India’s corporate landscape, several prominent companies have made strategic CXO appointments, signalling ambitious growth, innovation, and transformation goals. These leadership changes span industries including agri-tech, food services, digital technology, insurance, and electric mobility. The new appointees bring extensive experience and a vision to lead organizations into their next phase of expansion, digital transformation, and market leadership. From driving capital market readiness to reshaping storytelling through AI, these leaders are set to make a significant impact. Here’s a closer look at who’s taking charge and what their roles entail in this new chapter of corporate evolution.

Avinash Kasinathan appointed as Group Co-CEO, Innoterra

Avinash Kasinathan has been appointed Group Co-Chief Executive Officer at Innoterra, a Swiss-Indian food and agri-tech platform. Previously Head of India Businesses at Innoterra, he played a pivotal role in acquisitions like Fasal and partnerships such as the $40 million deal with Milky Mist. In his new role, he will work alongside Group CEO Pascal Foehn to scale Innoterra’s operations, particularly in India. With a background at McKinsey and deep experience in agri-tech, Kasinathan is poised to shape Innoterra’s next growth phase, reinforcing India’s role as a global innovation and export hub within the company’s strategy.

Pizza Hut Bolsters Leadership Team in Indian Sub-continent

Pizza Hut has strengthened its leadership in the Indian Subcontinent with the appointments of Nazia Abidi as Chief People & Culture Officer and Pranav Dahiya as Chief Financial & Strategy Officer. Abidi, with over a decade of HR leadership, including at CarDekho, will drive talent strategy and culture across five South Asian markets. Dahiya, formerly CFO at Chaayos, brings nearly 20 years of financial and strategic expertise to lead governance, efficiency, and long-term growth. Together, they represent Pizza Hut’s renewed focus on people-first transformation and strategic expansion, reinforcing the brand’s ambition to lead with purpose across a rapidly evolving market.

Arun Srinivas to become Managing Director & Head of Meta India

Effective July 1, 2025, Arun Srinivas will become Managing Director and Head of Meta India, reporting to Sandhya Devanathan. Currently Director and Head of Ads Business at Meta India, Srinivas has played a crucial role in advancing AI-powered advertising and Reels monetization. With nearly three decades of experience from companies like Hindustan Unilever, Reebok, and OLA, he brings a strong blend of traditional and digital expertise. In his new role, he will drive business growth, deepen client partnerships, and steer innovation in India, Meta’s largest user base globally. His leadership reflects Meta’s focus on localized strategy and long-term digital expansion.

Sumit Madan Elevated to Role of MD & CEO, Axis Max Life Insurance

Sumit Madan has been elevated to the role of Managing Director and CEO at Axis Max Life Insurance, effective October 1, 2025, pending regulatory approval. Currently serving as Chief Distribution Officer, Madan has been instrumental in building a strong multi-channel strategy and enhancing customer reach. With over 20 years in financial services, including leadership roles at IDFC First Bank and Citibank, he brings strategic depth and market insight. His appointment comes as Axis Max Life aims to deepen market penetration and maintain growth momentum in India’s competitive insurance landscape, with a sharp focus on operational excellence and customer value.

Vikas Singh Appointed as Managing Director, Greaves Electric Mobility

Vikas Singh has been appointed as Managing Director of Greaves Electric Mobility, bringing over 20 years of leadership across consumer sectors. Formerly MD and CEO of MMTC-PAMP, he is credited with tripling profits, launching new categories, and leading digital transformation. At Greaves, Singh will guide the company’s strategic vision and scale operations within India’s fast-growing electric vehicle ecosystem. Known for building resilient businesses in hypercompetitive markets, Singh’s approach emphasizes customer experience, product innovation, and team performance. His appointment marks a strong step forward as Greaves seeks to lead India’s transition to sustainable mobility solutions with agility and innovation.

Umesh Bude Promoted to Chief Technology Officer, Pocket Entertainment

Umesh Bude has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer at Pocket Entertainment, home to Pocket FM, Pocket Novel, and Pocket Toons. Previously SVP of Engineering, Bude now leads the company’s end-to-end tech strategy, focusing on AI-powered storytelling and product innovation. With nearly two decades of experience in engineering and data science, he has been instrumental in building Pocket’s robust technology stack. As CTO, he will drive generative AI capabilities and enhance digital storytelling experiences. His leadership is central to Pocket Entertainment’s vision to become a global leader in AI-driven entertainment, blending technology with human creativity in bold, immersive ways.

Final Thoughts

These CXO appointments underscore a larger transformation across industries, where innovation, digital agility, and strategic foresight are paramount. From AI-led storytelling to sustainable mobility and tech-powered agriculture, the new leaders are charting fresh paths aligned with future-ready goals. Their collective experience and domain expertise reflect a commitment to building agile, inclusive, and scalable organizations. As these leaders take charge, the companies they represent are not only strengthening internal capabilities but also preparing to lead in increasingly competitive and evolving markets. The road ahead promises bold vision, faster innovation cycles, and deeper alignment between purpose, people, and performance.