CBL Investments Limited (CBL Group) has announced the appointment of Sheamalee Wickramasingha as its new Chairperson, effective 6 July 2026. She will continue to serve as Group Managing Director, marking a significant leadership transition for one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most diversified food manufacturing conglomerates. The appointment follows the passing of former Chairman Ramya Wickramasingha, who had steered the Group since 2015.  

A food technologist by profession, Sheamalee Wickramasingha has been deeply involved with the Group for more than three decades. She joined Ceylon Biscuits Limited in 1991, became a member of the Board of Directors in 1996, and has held the position of Group Managing Director for over ten years. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Group’s long-term strategy, driving innovation, strengthening its market leadership, and expanding its international presence.  

Sheamalee Wickramasingha holds a Master of Science in Food Chemistry from Purdue University and a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Industry from Kansas State University in the United States. As the eldest daughter of the late Mineka Wickramasingha, founder of the CBL Group, her appointment continues the founding family’s stewardship of the business established in 1968.  

Industry observers note that her dual role as Chairperson and Managing Director underscores both continuity and renewal, ensuring the Group remains resilient and forward-looking in an increasingly competitive global food industry. Her appointment is seen as a reaffirmation of the Group’s commitment to innovation, quality, and family-led leadership, values that have defined its legacy for nearly six decades.  

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Aggarwal brings with her 25 years of experience in advertising and marketing, having worked with some of the industry’s most prominent agencies and brands. Prior to Kinnect, she served as Managing Partner at Leo Burnett Mumbai, where she oversaw diverse mandates and contributed to the agency’s creative and strategic growth. She had joined Leo Burnett from VMLY&R, further broadening her expertise in integrated marketing solutions and digital transformation.  

Her career spans categories including consumer packaged goods, telecom, automotive, e-commerce and digital-first businesses, reflecting her ability to navigate complex brand ecosystems. At Red Fuse Communications, WPP’s integrated agency for Colgate-Palmolive, Aggarwal served as Head of Business and Integration Lead for Red Fuse India, where she played a pivotal role in aligning business and creative strategies. Earlier, she spent nearly 11 years at JWT, sharpening her skills in brand building and client leadership.  

Aggarwal’s appointment underscores Kinnect’s ambition to deepen its presence across key markets and strengthen its integrated approach to brand storytelling. With her extensive background in digital operations, business transformation and cross-category expertise, she is expected to bring both strategic clarity and creative agility to Kinnect’s expanding portfolio.  

Her move comes at a time when agencies are increasingly focused on delivering culture-led campaigns and digital-first solutions to meet the evolving expectations of Gen Z and millennial audiences. Aggarwal’s track record of leading transformation initiatives and building scalable marketing frameworks positions her as a strong addition to Kinnect’s leadership team.  

By combining her experience across global and Indian brands with Kinnect’s integrated capabilities, Aggarwal is set to play a central role in shaping the agency’s next phase of growth. Her appointment reflects not only Kinnect’s confidence in her leadership but also its commitment to building a robust, future-ready organisation that balances creativity with business impact.  

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Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited has announced a significant leadership development, confirming that its Managing Director and CEO, Piyush Arora, will assume the additional responsibility of Executive Director for Sales and Marketing for the Group’s India operations. The change will take effect in September 2026, following the completion of Jan Bures’ global assignment in India and his transition to a new role at Volkswagen AG.  

The company expressed its gratitude to Bures for his contribution to the Group’s growth in India, acknowledging his role in strengthening the organisation’s market presence. His move to Volkswagen AG marks the continuation of his international career, while Arora’s expanded remit signals a renewed focus on strategic alignment within the Indian business.  

According to Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, the decision to entrust Arora with this dual responsibility is designed to enhance organisational efficiency. By consolidating leadership across sales and marketing under the CEO, the Group aims to accelerate decision-making processes, improve accountability and ensure sharper strategic direction. This move reflects a broader industry trend of integrating leadership functions to respond more effectively to evolving market dynamics.  

Arora, who has been leading the Group’s India operations since 2022, brings extensive experience in steering complex automotive businesses. His leadership has already been instrumental in driving operational improvements and strengthening brand positioning in a competitive market. With the additional responsibility, he is expected to further align the Group’s six passenger vehicle brands—Volkswagen, Škoda, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche—towards sustainable growth and customer-centric innovation.  

The company reiterated its commitment to the long-term development of the Indian automotive market, highlighting its focus on expanding product portfolios and introducing innovations tailored to local consumer needs. India remains a key growth market for global automotive players, and Škoda Auto Volkswagen India’s strategy under Arora’s leadership is expected to balance global standards with local market requirements.  

Industry observers note that the integration of sales and marketing leadership under Arora could provide the Group with a sharper competitive edge. By streamlining decision-making and reinforcing accountability, the company is positioning itself to respond more swiftly to shifts in consumer demand and regulatory frameworks. The emphasis on sustainable growth and innovation also aligns with broader industry priorities, particularly as automakers navigate the transition towards electrification and new mobility solutions.  

As Arora prepares to take on this expanded role, his leadership will be closely watched as a marker of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India’s ability to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. The move underscores the Group’s confidence in his vision and capability to drive growth across its diverse portfolio of premium and luxury brands in India.  

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In a defining career move, seasoned communications professional Mrinall Dey has announced the launch of Brevanta Communications, his independent advisory firm. The venture marks a new chapter for Dey, who has spent more than 25 years shaping narratives across journalism, corporate communications, public affairs, and agency leadership.  

Dey’s decision to step into entrepreneurship follows his tenure as Vice President and Head of PR & Corporate Communications at MobiKwik, a role he relinquished in April 2025. During his time at the fintech company, he spearheaded strategic communications, strengthened corporate reputation, and navigated crisis management challenges. After stepping down, Dey took a brief professional pause to crystallise his vision for Brevanta Communications, an advisory designed to deliver tailored strategies for organisations navigating complex reputational landscapes.  

His career trajectory reflects a breadth of experience across industries and disciplines. From journalism to corporate affairs, crisis communications to policy advocacy, Dey has consistently played a pivotal role in guiding organisations through transformation, reputation shifts, and milestone events. His portfolio includes leadership positions at BYJU’S, Weber Shandwick, and American Express Banking Corp, where he honed expertise in brand storytelling, IPO communications, and media strategy.  

Colleagues and peers recognise Dey’s ability to blend journalistic rigour with corporate insight, a skillset that has enabled him to advise businesses during periods of disruption and growth. His work has often centred on building trust and credibility, ensuring that communications strategies align with broader organisational goals while resonating with diverse stakeholders.  

The launch of Brevanta Communications underscores a growing trend of senior communications leaders embracing entrepreneurship to offer independent counsel. For Dey, the move represents both a personal milestone and a professional evolution, allowing him to channel decades of experience into a venture that prioritises agility, creativity, and strategic foresight.  

As the communications industry continues to adapt to shifting media landscapes, regulatory scrutiny, and heightened stakeholder expectations, Brevanta Communications aims to provide organisations with nuanced guidance. Dey’s entrepreneurial leap is not only a testament to his career achievements but also a signal of the expanding role of independent advisories in shaping corporate narratives.  

With Brevanta Communications, Dey positions himself at the intersection of experience and innovation, ready to help businesses navigate reputational challenges and seize opportunities in an increasingly complex communications environment.  

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IKEA India has announced the appointment of Jessamine Avila as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), a move that underscores the company’s commitment to deepening customer engagement and driving its omnichannel growth strategy in one of its most dynamic markets.  

Avila brings more than two decades of marketing and brand-building expertise, with a career that has spanned global and market leadership roles. Notably, she has spent 12 years with IKEA, working across Australia and the company’s global headquarters in Malmö, Sweden. Her experience in brand transformation, customer-centric marketing, and adapting global strategies to local contexts positions her as a strong fit for IKEA’s ambitions in India.  

In her new role, Avila will lead IKEA India’s marketing direction, focusing on strengthening customer connections and enhancing brand relevance. She will be tasked with ensuring that the brand delivers consistent experiences across both physical and digital touchpoints, a critical mandate as IKEA continues to expand its presence in India through a blend of large-format stores, smaller city outlets, and a growing e-commerce platform.  

India represents one of IKEA’s most promising growth markets, with rising consumer demand for affordable yet aspirational home furnishings. The brand has been steadily building its footprint since opening its first store in Hyderabad in 2018, followed by outlets in Navi Mumbai and Bengaluru, alongside a strong push into online retail. Avila’s appointment comes at a time when IKEA is seeking to accelerate this expansion and deepen its resonance with Indian consumers.  

Her leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping IKEA’s brand narrative in India, ensuring that the company’s global identity is translated into locally relevant experiences. By leveraging her expertise in customer-centric strategies, Avila will aim to strengthen IKEA’s emotional connection with consumers, positioning the brand not just as a retailer but as a trusted partner in creating better everyday living.  

The appointment reflects IKEA’s broader strategy of investing in seasoned leadership to drive growth in key markets. With Avila at the helm of marketing, IKEA India is poised to sharpen its positioning, enhance its omnichannel capabilities, and reinforce its commitment to delivering value-driven, sustainable, and accessible solutions for Indian households.

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Coty is embarking on a significant restructuring of its leadership framework as it advances its Coty.Curated strategy, a move designed to streamline operations, accelerate execution and bring commercial leadership closer to the market. The changes reflect the company’s ambition to simplify its operating model and strengthen focus on its core brands amid ongoing transformation.  

Executive chairman and interim CEO Markus Strobel will assume direct oversight of prestige commercial operations, with regional leaders now reporting directly to him. This shift is intended to sharpen accountability and improve responsiveness to market performance, ensuring that Coty’s prestige portfolio is more closely aligned with evolving consumer demands.

In parallel, prestige R&D, sustainability and supply chain functions will be consolidated into a single organisation. This new structure will be led on an interim basis by chief supply chain officer Graeme Carter, uniting innovation and operations under one umbrella. The integration is expected to enhance efficiency, foster collaboration and accelerate the pace at which Coty can bring new products to market while advancing its sustainability agenda.  

The restructuring also brings notable executive departures. Caroline Andreotti, chief commercial officer for prestige, will leave the company at the end of September after nearly two decades of service. Shimei Fan, Ph.D., chief scientific and sustainability officer, will depart at the end of August following her leadership of Coty’s R&D and sustainability initiatives. Additionally, chief people and purpose officer Priya Srinivasan will step down in August for personal reasons. She will be succeeded by Séverine Charbon, formerly chief talent officer international at Publicis Groupe, who will join Coty on 1 September.  

Strobel emphasised that the changes are designed to simplify Coty’s operating model and accelerate decision-making. “Priya has been a thoughtful and trusted leader, and a real champion of our people and culture,” he said of Srinivasan’s departure. “She has strengthened how we develop talent, deepened employee engagement, and helped make Coty a place where people can do their best work. We are grateful for everything she has given to Coty and wish her the very best in the future. We now look forward to Séverine joining Coty at this important time and continuing to build on the strong foundations in place.”  

The leadership overhaul underscores Coty’s determination to embed agility and accountability across its organisation. By consolidating functions and aligning commercial leadership more closely with market realities, the company aims to accelerate its transformation journey and reinforce its position in the global beauty industry.  

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Leo India has announced the appointment of Anish Kotian as its new Executive Director, a move that underscores the agency’s ambition to strengthen its leadership bench and expand its capabilities across diverse domains. Kotian’s arrival brings with it nearly two decades of experience spanning India, Vietnam and Southeast Asia, positioning him as a seasoned professional with a proven track record in both network and independent agency environments.  

Prior to joining Leo India, Kotian served as Chief Growth Officer at Ogilvy Vietnam, where he played a pivotal role in driving business expansion and client partnerships in one of the region’s most competitive markets. His tenure at Publicis Groupe Vietnam, which lasted four years, further honed his expertise in integrated communications and cross-border collaboration. Earlier, Kotian spent close to six years at BBH India, contributing to some of the agency’s most notable campaigns and building a reputation for creative and strategic excellence.  

Beyond his core advertising credentials, Kotian’s expertise extends into data, commerce, content, media and digital—areas that are increasingly critical to modern brand building. His ability to bridge traditional creativity with emerging disciplines is expected to add significant value to Leo India’s offering, particularly as clients demand more holistic, technology-driven solutions.  

Industry observers note that Kotian’s appointment reflects a broader trend of agencies investing in leaders who can navigate both creative and commercial imperatives. With his blend of regional experience and multi-disciplinary skills, he is well placed to guide Leo India through the evolving communications landscape, where agility and integration are key to success.  

Kotian’s leadership is anticipated to bring fresh energy to Leo India’s operations, reinforcing its position as a dynamic player in the Indian advertising market while strengthening its connections across Asia. His appointment signals a commitment to growth, innovation and the pursuit of creative excellence that resonates with both local and global ambitions.  

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Hemas Holdings PLC has announced the appointment of Sabrina Esufally as an Executive Director to its Board, effective 1 July 2026. The move underscores the Group’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team as it continues to expand into frontier markets and pursue long-term strategic ambitions.  

Esufally’s appointment brings a fresh dimension to the Board, combining commercial leadership experience with a strong consumer perspective. Her expertise is expected to complement the collective capabilities of Hemas’ leadership, reinforcing the company’s ability to navigate evolving market dynamics and capture new growth opportunities.  

Hemas Holdings, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning healthcare, consumer, and mobility sectors, has consistently focused on innovation and expansion. The addition of Esufally to the Board reflects its emphasis on aligning governance with strategic priorities, ensuring that the Group remains agile and responsive to emerging trends across regional and international markets.  

As Hemas positions itself to strengthen its footprint in frontier economies, Esufally’s insights into consumer behaviour and market development are anticipated to play a pivotal role in shaping the Group’s trajectory. Her appointment signals Hemas’ intent to balance operational excellence with forward-looking strategies that resonate with evolving consumer needs.  

The Board’s expansion with Esufally’s inclusion highlights Hemas’ ongoing investment in leadership diversity and expertise, reinforcing its vision of sustainable growth and resilience in an increasingly competitive business landscape.  

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VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle company backed by Vingroup, is intensifying its India strategy by bolstering its leadership team ahead of a crucial product launch. The company, which has already announced plans to expand its footprint in India, is preparing to introduce electric two-wheelers later this year. In a significant step towards this goal, VinFast India has appointed Vineet Srivastava as Deputy CEO for its e-scooter business.  

Srivastava, a seasoned sales strategist, brings with him over 15 years of experience from Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd., where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s sales and distribution framework. At Honda, he led enterprise-wide verticals including Sales Strategy & Planning, Institutional Sales and Retail Finance, establishing himself as a key figure in the company’s growth trajectory.  

His tenure at Honda was marked by notable achievements, including the onboarding of 894 Authorised Secondary Networks, which significantly expanded the company’s retail presence across India. He also mobilised over INR 2.7 billion in funding, strengthening Honda’s financial ecosystem and enabling greater accessibility for customers. These accomplishments underline his ability to drive scale and innovation in a highly competitive market.  

VinFast’s decision to bring Srivastava on board reflects its ambition to replicate similar success in India’s burgeoning electric mobility sector. The company is positioning itself to compete in the two-wheeler segment, which represents one of the largest opportunities for electrification in the country. With rising fuel costs, government incentives, and growing consumer interest in sustainable transport, electric scooters are increasingly seen as a practical and eco-friendly alternative for urban commuters.  

By strengthening its leadership team with experienced industry professionals, VinFast aims to ensure that its India operations are not only strategically aligned but also capable of delivering rapid growth. Srivastava’s expertise in building networks and driving financial solutions is expected to play a crucial role in establishing VinFast’s e-scooter business as a credible challenger to established players.  

The appointment also signals VinFast’s long-term commitment to India, a market it views as central to its global expansion plans. As the company prepares to roll out its electric two-wheelers, industry observers will be watching closely to see how its strategy unfolds and whether it can carve out a meaningful share in a segment dominated by domestic giants.  

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The HEINEKEN Company has announced the appointment of Rafael Oliveira as its new Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Executive Board, marking a significant leadership transition for the Dutch brewing giant. Oliveira will assume the role on 1 October 2026 for a four-year term, succeeding Dolf van den Brink, who stepped down on 31 May after nearly six years at the helm.  

The decision to appoint an external candidate underscores HEINEKEN’s intent to bring fresh perspective and renewed energy to its global operations at a time when the brewing industry faces mounting challenges. Rising input costs, shifting consumer preferences, and intensifying competition from both established players and craft brewers have created a complex environment for multinational beverage companies. Oliveira’s appointment signals the company’s determination to navigate these pressures with a leader who brings an independent outlook and proven international experience.  

Van den Brink’s tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen HEINEKEN’s premium portfolio, expand digital engagement, and drive sustainability initiatives across markets. His departure closes a chapter defined by resilience and adaptation, particularly during the pandemic years when the company faced unprecedented disruption in on-trade sales. The transition to Oliveira is expected to build on these foundations while introducing new strategies tailored to evolving consumer behaviours and market realities.  

Oliveira’s leadership will be closely watched as HEINEKEN seeks to balance tradition with innovation. The brewer, renowned for its flagship Heineken lager and a diverse portfolio of regional brands, has long emphasised its global reach and cultural resonance. With operations spanning more than 190 countries, the company’s ability to adapt to local markets while maintaining a consistent global identity remains central to its growth ambitions.  

Industry observers note that the choice of an external candidate reflects HEINEKEN’s recognition of the need for fresh thinking in a rapidly changing sector. Oliveira’s mandate will likely include accelerating digital transformation, strengthening sustainability commitments, and exploring new product categories to capture emerging consumer trends. His leadership style and strategic priorities will shape how HEINEKEN positions itself against rivals in both mature and developing markets.  

As the company prepares for this new chapter, stakeholders will look to Oliveira to deliver growth while safeguarding HEINEKEN’s heritage and values. The appointment represents not only a change in leadership but also a statement of intent: to confront challenges head-on with renewed vision and to ensure the brewer’s continued relevance in a dynamic global marketplace.  

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