India’s corporate leadership landscape is undergoing a significant shift, as top companies make strategic appointments to drive their next phase of growth and innovation. From technology giants to emerging consumer brands, here’s a roundup of the most notable recent CXO movements — and what they signal about the future.
Gunjan Soni Joins YouTube India as Country Managing Director
YouTube has appointed Gunjan Soni as the Country Managing Director for India, signaling its intent to double down on the creator economy and video commerce landscape. With two decades of leadership experience across ZALORA, Star India, Myntra, and McKinsey, Soni brings a powerful mix of technology, business strategy, and marketing expertise. Her appointment comes at a crucial time when YouTube is focusing on personalizing user experiences and expanding monetization opportunities for creators. Gautam Anand, VP at YouTube APAC, emphasized Soni’s role in accelerating creator growth and deepening YouTube’s engagement with India’s dynamic digital economy.
Mahindra & Mahindra Reshuffles Top Leadership
Mahindra & Mahindra announced major leadership transitions across its key businesses. R. Velusamy has been elevated to President of the Automotive Business, unifying leadership for SUVs and light commercial vehicles. Velusamy’s engineering background and innovation-driven mindset align with Mahindra’s ambitions to lead in electric and sustainable mobility. Meanwhile, Veejay Nakra, previously president of the automotive division, has transitioned to lead the Farm Equipment sector — a critical pillar of the group’s profitability. Nakra’s success in reviving Mahindra’s automotive fortunes positions him well to steer the agricultural machinery business to new heights.
iD Fresh Food Appoints Shobhit Malhotra as CEO of International Business
iD Fresh Food is preparing to take its fresh food movement global, appointing Shobhit Malhotra as CEO of its international business. Malhotra, who has a strong track record in business transformations across diverse markets, will focus on expanding the brand’s footprint beyond the GCC region. His mandate includes market-specific product innovation, building strategic partnerships, and scaling distribution. PC Musthafa, Chairman and Global CEO of iD Fresh, described Malhotra’s appointment as pivotal to their mission of promoting preservative-free food choices worldwide.
Strategic Appointments at Microsoft India and South Asia
Microsoft announced a trio of leadership appointments designed to deepen its commitment to innovation and AI-driven growth. Nitin Mittal steps in as Industry Leader, Digital Natives, bringing his expertise in building digital platforms. Himani Agrawal has been named Chief Operating Officer for India and South Asia, highlighting the company’s emphasis on strengthening operational excellence. Aparna Kondaboina will now lead Human Resources for Microsoft’s MCAPS division in the region, underlining the company’s efforts to build a diverse and resilient workforce. President Puneet Chandok stressed the importance of these leaders in shaping Microsoft’s future in a fast-evolving digital economy.
Honasa Consumer Elevates Internal Talent
Personal care giant Honasa Consumer, parent company of brands like Mamaearth, has elevated Karan Bajwa to Chief Human Resources Officer and Avinash Dhagat to Chief Supply Chain Officer. Bajwa, who has extensive experience in HR leadership roles at Airtel and Reckitt, will drive Honasa’s focus on diversity, inclusion, and building a performance-driven culture. Meanwhile, Dhagat, with leadership experience at L’Oréal, Supermax, and Ashok Leyland, will spearhead supply chain strategies critical to scaling Honasa’s operations. These internal promotions reflect Honasa’s commitment to nurturing talent aligned with the company’s long-term vision.
