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  • Srini Kannan Takes Charge As Citi India’s New Head Of Digital And Technology

    Srini Kannan Takes Charge As Citi India’s New Head Of Digital And Technology

    Citi Commercial Bank has announced the appointment of Srini Kannan as the new Head of Digital and Technology in India. The appointment is set to take effect in early December.

    Srini Kannan’s Career and Expertise

    Kannan brings to Citi a wealth of experience in various fields such as equity, debt, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), financing, risk management, and payments. He recently held the post of Head of Innovation Economy and Venture Capital Coverage in India at J.P. Morgan. He also played a key role in the development of J.P. Morgan’s mid-corporate business in South India.

    Prior to these positions, Kannan began his career with Citi in 2002, as a part of the corporate banking team. He now returns to lead the charge in digital and technology.

    Expectations for Kannan at Citi

    Kannan’s addition to the team is expected to significantly boost Citi Commercial Bank’s operations in India, which is one of the bank’s largest markets globally. It is also projected that the bank will expand further in the coming years.

    K Balasubramanian, the CEO of Citi India, and Banking Head of the Indian subcontinent, expressed his optimism about Kannan’s appointment. The bank currently plays a major role in supporting India’s dynamic startup scene, catering to nearly half of the country’s unicorns.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Srini Kannan’s new role at Citi India?

    Srini Kannan has been appointed as the Head of Digital, Technology, Communication, Business & Professional Services and Industrials for Commercial Banking at Citi India.

    What previous positions has Kannan held?

    Kannan has held various positions at J.P. Morgan, most recently as the Head of Innovation Economy and Venture Capital Coverage in India. He began his career with Citi in 2002 as part of the corporate banking team.

    What is the significance of Kannan’s appointment for Citi India?

    Kannan’s appointment is expected to strengthen Citi India’s operations, which is one of the bank’s largest markets globally. His expertise and experience are seen as assets in the bank’s plans for expansion in the coming years.

  • Domino’s Japan Welcomes New Ceo Dieter Haberl Amid Leadership Streamlining Strategy

    Domino’s Japan Welcomes New Ceo Dieter Haberl Amid Leadership Streamlining Strategy

    Dieter Haberl has been named as the new CEO of Domino’s Japan business. The appointment, effective from October 20, sees Haberl bring over a quarter-century of executive experience in Japan to the role.

    Haberl has a distinguished history of leadership in the region, having guided the fortunes of prominent consumer brands such as Toys R Us, Reebok, Lacoste, and Furla. He has also held high-level roles within The Coca-Cola Company in Germany and Japan.

    Domino’s executive chairman, Jack Cowin, expressed his pleasure at Haberl’s appointment. He lauded Haberl’s proven ability to drive large-scale transformations, reposition brands, and foster team development in sophisticated consumer-facing operations.

    Cowin emphasized the critical importance of the Japanese market for Domino’s, highlighting its leading status in the pizza sector. He indicated that Japan is an advanced market that values high-quality food, especially from global brands with a proven track record of surpassing customer expectations.

    However, the appointment of Haberl coincides with the departure of the current acting CEO of Domino’s Japan and CEO of Domino’s Asia, Josh Kilimnik. He will be exiting the business on March 30 after a transition period with Haberl.

    Kilimnik’s departure follows the company’s decision to cut down general and administrative expenses by streamlining regional leadership. This strategic move is aimed at giving regional teams more responsibility and accountability. As a part of this decision, Domino’s confirmed that the roles of CEO Asia and the presently unoccupied role of CEO Europe will remain unfilled.

    Questions & Answers

    Who is the new CEO of Domino’s Japan?
    The new CEO of Domino’s Japan is Dieter Haberl, an executive with over 25 years of experience in Japan.

    When will the current CEO of Domino’s Asia, Josh Kilimnik, leave the business?
    Josh Kilimnik, the current acting CEO of Domino’s Japan and CEO of Domino’s Asia, will leave the business on March 30.

    Will the roles of CEO Asia and CEO Europe be filled after Kilimnik’s departure?
    No, Domino’s has decided not to fill the roles of CEO Asia and the presently vacant role of CEO Europe. This decision is part of a strategic move to streamline regional leadership and give more responsibility and accountability to regional teams.

  • Berta De Pablos-barbier Ascends As Pandora’s New President And Ceo: Driving Global Growth And Sustainability

    Berta De Pablos-barbier Ascends As Pandora’s New President And Ceo: Driving Global Growth And Sustainability

    Berta de Pablos-Barbier, currently acting as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Pandora, the well-regarded jewellery brand, has been appointed as the company’s incoming President and CEO, beginning her tenure from March 11.

    She will be filling the shoes of the outgoing leader, Alexander Lacik, who has served at the helm since 2019 and will officially retire following Pandora’s annual meeting.

    De Pablos-Barbier’s association with the Danish brand began last year and she has since then been instrumental in redefining the company’s strategic positioning. Her efforts have transformed Pandora from a brand primarily known for its charms to a full-fledged jewellery brand.

    Industry Experience

    With a career spanning three decades in the luxury and consumer goods sector, de Pablos-Barbier brings with her a wealth of international experience. She has previously enjoyed stints as President and CEO of champagne brands Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, and Mercier under the LVMH umbrella. Additionally, her portfolio includes roles as Chief Growth Officer at Mars Wrigley, CMO at Lacoste, and VP of marketing and communications at Boucheron, a part of the Kering group.

    Peter Ruzicka, Chairman of the Board of Directors, expressed his confidence in the appointment, stating, “She is a visionary leader with great analytical skills and a perfect mix of experience from top brands across luxury, fashion and fast-moving consumer goods. She is the right person to lead our continued growth, and I am pleased that we can maintain strategic focus and momentum during this smooth and orderly leadership transition.”

    Future Endeavors

    In her new role, de Pablos-Barbier’s mandate will be to fuel the global brand growth, building upon the Phoenix strategy. Additionally, the strengthening of Pandora’s sustainability and innovation agenda will also fall within her remit.

    Questions & Answers

    Who is the incoming President and CEO of Pandora?
    Berta de Pablos-Barbier is poised to be the President and CEO of Pandora, effective from March 11.

    What is one of de Pablos-Barbier’s significant contributions to Pandora?
    De Pablos-Barbier has played a pivotal role in Pandora’s repositioning strategy, which has seen the company evolve from a charm-focused brand to a comprehensive jewellery brand.

    What will be de Pablos-Barbier’s focus in her new role at Pandora?
    In her upcoming role, de Pablos-Barbier will concentrate on accelerating global brand growth, building on the Phoenix strategy, and further strengthening Pandora’s sustainability and innovation agenda.

  • Melodie Nye Takes Helm At Mars’ Pet Nutrition Division In Australia, New Zealand

    Melodie Nye Takes Helm At Mars’ Pet Nutrition Division In Australia, New Zealand

    Melodie Nye has been newly appointed as the managing director and general manager for the Pet Nutrition division of Mars in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). She will be succeeding Craig Sargeant, who has been promoted to the position of global vice president for strategic revenue management.

    Nye has been a part of Mars for more than a decade, occupying various key marketing, innovation, and leadership roles within the company across Europe and the US. Prior to Mars, she served in executive positions at Kraft Foods and as an intelligence officer in the US Air Force. She is currently the chief growth officer for Mars Pet Nutrition Europe.

    In a statement, Nye expressed her excitement about her new role. She said, “Working with a company that prioritizes bold innovation, meaningful community impact, and a forward-looking approach to pet nutrition has been a rewarding experience. I look forward to building on this foundation and staying ahead of the curve. I aim to strengthen our role as a reliable partner to our customers and continue to fulfill the needs of pet parents across Australia and New Zealand.”

    Deri Watkins, regional president for Mars Pet Nutrition in developed Apac, expressed confidence in Nye’s abilities to fulfill her new roles. Watkins said, “Melodie is perfectly placed to strengthen our customer relationships and continue to deliver the trusted, innovative products and brands that pet owners want and expect in the future.”

    He further noted the significant opportunity in Australia and New Zealand, as they are two of the most pet-friendly countries globally, with over 60% of households owning at least one pet. Watkins said, “This passion for pets offers a great opportunity for us to continue to evolve and meet the growing expectations of pet parents. Melodie is a dynamic, purpose-driven leader who brings a fresh perspective, especially in addressing the changing needs of pet parents and the fast-paced world of pet nutrition.”

    Questions & Answers

    Who has been appointed as the new MD and GM of Mars’ Pet Nutrition division in Australia and New Zealand?
    Melodie Nye has been appointed to this role.

    What was Melodie Nye’s position before the new appointment?
    Before this appointment, Melodie Nye was the chief growth officer for Mars Pet Nutrition Europe.

    What unique opportunities does the pet market in Australia and New Zealand present?
    Australia and New Zealand are among the most pet-loving countries worldwide, with over 60% of households owning at least one pet, offering significant opportunities for pet nutrition and care companies.

  • Karen Tan Assumes Role As Dhl Express’s Cio For Asia-pacific Region: A Stepping Stone For Digital Innovation

    Karen Tan Assumes Role As Dhl Express’s Cio For Asia-pacific Region: A Stepping Stone For Digital Innovation

    DHL Express, the internationally recognized express service provider, recently announced the appointment of Karen Tan as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Asia-Pacific region. Tan, who is based in Singapore, will assume the position currently held by Jimmy Yeoh, who is set to retire from the organization at the close of 2025 after thirty-three years of dedicated employment.

    Karen Tan’s Professional Journey

    Prior to accepting this new position, Tan held the role of CIO for DHL Express Singapore. In this capacity, she led the creation of a comprehensive digitalization framework. She also implemented robust data protection and information security practices, significantly enhancing both employee engagement and leadership scores within her IT team.

    Tan served as the company’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) Champion as well, collaborating with global DPO and legal teams to ensure the implementation of policies and procedures to effectively manage personal data. Furthermore, Tan was the DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging) Champion, leading initiatives such as International Women’s Day, International Men’s Day, and Generations Day, fostering an inclusive and empowered workplace culture.

    New Role Expectations

    In her new role, Tan will manage the region’s IT infrastructure, the digital acceleration plan, and the cybersecurity strategy, supporting a network that extends over 40 countries and territories. Her leadership will be central to promoting cross-functional collaboration and communication among various teams, essential for maintaining smooth cross-border trade and delivering superior service to customers across the region.

    Company Statements

    Ken Lee, the CEO for Asia Pacific at DHL Express, considers digitalization as one of the major trends that will impact the logistics industry. The company’s Strategy 2030 emphasizes the growth of this segment to expedite digital innovation for an enhanced customer experience. Lee praised Tan’s record of driving digital acceleration, data protection, and cross-functional collaboration, and her passion for innovation.

    On her part, Tan recognizes the importance of meeting the challenges of cybersecurity and data protection as digital ecosystems become increasingly complex. She expressed her honor in assuming her new role and her commitment to maintaining the standards and quality of the employee and customer experiences.

    Professional Background

    Tan commenced her career at DHL Express in 1990 in the role of a customer service trainer. She has held a variety of positions across the DHL Group in the ensuing years, including roles in IT, commercial operations, and regular operations. From 2014, she held the position of Vice President of Operations Programs for the Asia Pacific region, before being appointed the CIO at DHL Express Singapore in 2021.

    Questions & Answers

    Who has been appointed as DHL Express’s new CIO for the Asia-Pacific region?
    Karen Tan has been appointed as the new CIO for the Asia-Pacific region.

    What were some of Tan’s responsibilities in her previous role as CIO for DHL Express Singapore?
    In her previous role, Tan led the development of a nationwide digitalization framework and strengthened data protection and information security practices. She also worked to improve employee engagement and leadership scores within the IT team.

    What will be some of Tan’s main responsibilities in her new role?
    As the CIO for the Asia-Pacific region, Tan will oversee the region’s IT infrastructure, manage the digital acceleration roadmap, and strategize cybersecurity measures. Her leadership will be crucial in facilitating cross-functional collaboration and communication across multiple teams.

  • Veteran Leader Hiren Gor Appointed As Levi Strauss & Co.’s Managing Director For Emerging Markets

    Veteran Leader Hiren Gor Appointed As Levi Strauss & Co.’s Managing Director For Emerging Markets

    Levi Strauss & Co has appointed Hiren Gor as the Managing Director for the South Asia, Middle East, and Africa (SAMEA) region, effective immediately.

    Gor is a veteran leader with a 16-year tenure at Levi’s, with his previous role being the General Manager for South Asia. During his time in the company, Gor has spearheaded retail expansion efforts, implemented the iconic store strategy, and increased the company’s digital and omnichannel operations. His promotion is aimed at aligning with Levi’s strategic plan of enhancing its footprint in crucial emerging markets.

    In his latest position, Gor will manage operations across South Asia, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa. He will be focused on fostering growth and intensifying the company’s presence in these diverse and highly competitive markets.

    Gor’s strategic clarity, operational excellence, and strong affiliation with the brand have been highly praised by the company. Gianluca Flore, the Chief Commercial Officer at Levi Strauss & Co., expressed his confidence that Gor’s leadership will continue to enhance the company’s commercial performance and deepen its influence across these dynamic markets.

    Levi Strauss & Co. has recently reported promising second-quarter results, exceeding initial expectations. The financial report for the second quarter, which ended on June 1, revealed a 6% increase in net revenues on a reported basis and a 9% rise on an organic basis, amounting to US$1.4 billion.

    Questions & Answers

    Who is the newly appointed Managing Director for the SAMEA region at Levi Strauss & Co.?
    Hiren Gor has been appointed as the new Managing Director for the South Asia, Middle East, and Africa (SAMEA) region at Levi Strauss & Co.

    What were some of Gor’s achievements during his previous role at the company?
    During his tenure, Gor led retail expansion efforts, implemented the iconic store strategy, and grew the company’s digital and omnichannel operations.

    What were the second-quarter financial results for Levi Strauss & Co.?
    The company reported a 6% increase in net revenues on a reported basis and a 9% rise on an organic basis, reaching US$1.4 billion.

  • Lee Kent Takes Reigns As Pepsico New Zealand’s GM Of Foods, Aiming To Amplify Brand’s Impact

    Lee Kent Takes Reigns As Pepsico New Zealand’s GM Of Foods, Aiming To Amplify Brand’s Impact

    PepsiCo New Zealand has announced the appointment of Lee Kent to the position of General Manager (GM) of Foods, effective from the 1st of August. He is set to succeed Michelle Cassettari in this role.

    Lee Kent’s New Role

    In his new position as GM of Foods, Kent will oversee operations, strategy, and management of the Bluebird brand, which is part of PepsiCo’s portfolio in New Zealand. Additionally, he will spearhead a cross-functional team with a primary focus on expanding the presence of PepsiCo within the country.

    Alexia Horley, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PepsiCo Australia and New Zealand Foods, spoke highly of Kent’s abilities. She emphasized his bold strategic approach and his proficiency in establishing, managing, and executing business relationships. Horley believes that these skills will be a crucial differentiator in building effective leadership.

    Lee Kent’s Background

    Kent’s move to PepsiCo New Zealand comes after a notable tenure of more than 11 years at PepsiCo UK. In the UK, he held a number of senior commercial roles spanning organized trade, traditional trade, e-commerce, and value retail.

    In his most recent role, Kent served as the Senior Sales Director for PepsiCo’s Tesco business. He was an integral member of the UK sales leadership team. Additionally, Kent was responsible for leading cross-functional collaboration across marketing, supply, and finance sectors as the commercial lead for UK snacks.

    Questions & Answers

    Who is the new General Manager of Foods at PepsiCo New Zealand?
    Lee Kent has been appointed as the new General Manager of Foods at PepsiCo New Zealand, succeeding Michelle Cassettari.

    What will Kent’s responsibilities include in his new role?
    Kent will oversee operations, strategy, and management of the Bluebird brand, and lead a team aimed at expanding PepsiCo’s presence in New Zealand.

    What was Kent’s role at PepsiCo UK?
    Lee Kent served as the Senior Sales Director for PepsiCo’s Tesco business in the UK and was responsible for cross-functional collaboration across marketing, supply, and finance.

  • Indonesia provides free domain names for SMEs

    Indonesia provides free domain names for SMEs

    The Communications and Information Ministry is trying to propel small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into regional and global markets, by providing free domain names to help them take advantage of the country’s growing e-commerce sector.

    The government will provide the free domain names to about 8 million SMEs in all parts of the country until 2020, Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara said on Wednesday.

    In the first stage, the ministry would provide free domain names to 1 million SME customers of stateowned Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) by 2018, he said. The ministry, in partnership with BRI, has also developed a digital platform for SMEs.

    “We want to speed up the [1 million free domain name] program and BRI has a lot of SME customers,” Rudiantara said on the sidelines of the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Jakarta, adding that that it might collaborate with other companies if necessary.

    Under the current cooperation with BRI, the SMEs will be given a free domain name for a year. At present, a commercial domain name in Indonesia costs between US$10 and $20 a year.

    BRI president director Asmawi Syam said the free domain would directly involve SMEs in the e-commerce business and expand their market, while the digital platform would help transform the SMEs which are the backbone of the Indonesian economy.

    Currently, BRI has 9.5 million SME debtors in total. The program, launched in August, has managed to facilitate free domain names for 5,000 of them. As of September, BRI’s outstanding loans to SMEs stood at Rp 397 trillion ($30.4 billion).

    According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), there are more than 54.5 million SMEs in Indonesia. Accounting for around 60 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), they provide jobs for almost 99 percent of Indonesian workers.

    BRI consumer banking director Sis Apik Wijayanto explained that not all of the lender’s clients in the SME segment would participate in the program, as it was only aimed at companies with good business prospects.

    The domain names, he further said, would allow them to sell their products nationwide and even abroad.

    “If they are growing, it will be also good for BRI. When they have wider market, their turnover will increase and they will need bigger financings or loans from BRI to expand their business,” Sis said.

    The ministry’s target of 1 million domain names, he added, could be easily achieved due to the large number of BRI’s SME customers.

    The lender has been disseminating information related to the program in its 12 regional offices in 10 provinces and aiming to do so in all 34 provinces in the country. It has also provided training for its clients in Yogyakarta, and in seven cities of West Java, on how to manage a website.