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Commvault Appoints Alan Atkinson as First Chief Business Development Officer

Commvault has appointed Alan Atkinson as its inaugural Chief Business Development Officer, a newly created role intended to spearhead the company’s strategic growth through technology and security partnerships. Atkinson, who previously revitalized Commvault’s Global Partner Organization, will now lead co-development efforts and forge new go-to-market opportunities alongside partners across cloud, AI, and cybersecurity domains.

In parallel, Michelle Graff has joined Commvault as Senior Vice President of Global Partners and Channel. Bringing over 25 years of partner ecosystem experience from her prior work with Securiti.ai, HashiCorp, Pure Storage, and Palo Alto Networks, Graff will oversee partner sales, alliances, and the execution of global partner programs. Together, Atkinson and Graff will collaborate under the leadership of Chief Trust Officer Danielle Sheer and Chief Commercial Officer Gary Merrill, with a shared aim to expand partner success and deliver co-developed solutions that enhance enterprise resilience.

Atkinson brings a rich background in cloud and data protection, having held leadership roles at Dell Technologies—including SVP, CTO, and GM positions—served as President and CEO of XIO Storage, and led WysDM Software prior to its acquisition. In his new capacity, he will prioritize building strategic partnerships and enabling joint innovation that drives customer value.

This leadership evolution reflects Commvault’s strategic focus on strengthening its partner ecosystem, aligning with its broader ambitions in cloud, hybrid environments, and AI-enabled data protection. With over 100,000 customers worldwide and a growing subscription base, these enhanced partnerships aim to deepen market reach and deliver scalable, secure solutions in a competitive data resilience landscape.

Biju Punnachalil Appointed at Bandhan Bank as Chief Risk Officer

Bandhan Bank has appointed Biju E. Punnachalil as its Chief Risk Officer for a three-year term, effective July 14, 2025, replacing interim incumbent Sundeep Bhan. Punnachalil brings over three decades of banking expertise, particularly in risk management, treasury, retail, and branch operations.

Prior to this role, he served nearly 29 years at South Indian Bank, including more than eight years as CRO, where he was instrumental in designing and implementing an enterprise-wide risk management framework. His domain knowledge spans credit, market, and operational risk, alongside substantial experience in asset-liability management and regulatory compliance.

A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala with a BSc and MSc in Physics, Punnachalil began his career at Federal Bank in 1993 before joining South Indian Bank in 1996. At Bandhan Bank, he will lead the expansion and refinement of risk systems to align with evolving regulatory landscapes and strategic growth objectives.

As head of risk, Punnachalil will assume responsibility for shaping risk policy, monitoring exposures, executing mitigation strategies, and ensuring robust governance—a critical mandate as Bandhan scales its operations across microfinance, small business lending, and general banking.

His appointment reflects the bank’s proactive stance on risk leadership at a time when financial institutions face rising pressures—from stricter regulations to dynamic market conditions. By bringing on a seasoned professional with deep institutional and technical experience, Bandhan signals its commitment to embedding a strong risk culture across its expanding business lines.

Punnachalil joins Bandhan’s leadership team amid a broader push to elevate risk oversight and accountability. His presence is expected to enhance the bank’s capacity to navigate credit cycles, manage portfolio quality, and strengthen enterprise resilience as it deepens its presence in both urban and underserved markets.

Google Cloud Leads $25 Billion U.S. AI Data Center Expansion Amid Broader Infrastructure Surge

Google Cloud is spearheading a massive $25 billion expansion of data center and AI infrastructure across the PJM Interconnection power grid—spanning 13 U.S. states—over the next two years. The commitment, announced at the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit hosted by Senator Dave McCormick and attended by President Donald Trump, comes alongside a plan to invest $3 billion to modernize two hydropower plants in Pennsylvania.

These investments form part of a nationwide surge: on the same stage, Blackstone revealed a matching $25 billion to build out AI-focused data centers in Northeast Pennsylvania, with natural gas power sources co-located to ensure reliable electricity delivery. Additionally, CoreWeave committed $6 billion for a state-of-the-art AI facility in Lancaster, and AWS reaffirmed its $20 billion pledge in the region supporting its Stargate infrastructure initiative. Altogether, these developments represent over $90 billion in new AI and energy investments in Pennsylvania.

Google and Blackstone’s decisions highlight a growing strategy among hyperscalers: investing heavily in AI-optimized data centers that are co-located with power generation sources—be it hydropower, natural gas, or even nuclear—aimed at solving both the compute and energy bottlenecks of AI operations.

For Google, this initiative builds on earlier infrastructure investments. The company spent $17.2 billion in the first quarter of 2025 alone on servers and data center capacity, and it plans to increase overall capital expenditure to approximately $75 billion for the year. Similar commitments from AWS and Microsoft—who are investing $30–35 billion in U.S. data centers—underscore a hyped “AI arms race” in infrastructure buildout .

Google’s $25 billion commitment is central to addressing intensifying demand for cloud compute and AI services across the PJM power grid. The funding will support the launch of AI Works for America—an initiative aimed at expanding AI skills training—and infrastructure upgrades like hydropower modernization, nuclear pilot projects with Westinghouse Electric, and grid resilience enhancements.

This expansion has broader policy significance: while it ushers in economic growth—by creating construction and tech jobs—it also responds to national competitiveness goals. These drawline investments are linked to strategic energy policy and executive initiatives supporting AI infrastructure as foundational to the nation’s technological leadership.

Tags: Google Cloud

F5 Empowers XOps Teams with AI-Driven Application Delivery and Security Tools

F5 has unveiled significant enhancements to its Application Delivery and Security Platform, introducing an advanced AI assistant and streamlined automation tools designed to support XOps teams including DevOps, SecOps, NetOps, and Platform Ops. These innovations aim to simplify complex hybrid and multicloud environments while strengthening security around modern, AI-enabled applications.

At the heart of the update is the expanded AI assistant, which now includes natural language–driven iRules code generation. iRules are critical scripts used in F5 BIG‑IP, NGINX One, and Distributed Cloud Services to manage traffic and enforce security policies. With AI-generated and validated iRules, operators can move from days-long coding cycles to minutes, reducing errors and accelerating deployment.

The AI assistant also provides actionable insights: it analyzes traffic patterns, flags vulnerabilities, summarizes security incidents, and recommends remediation steps in real time. Backed by F5’s AI Data Fabric, this tool helps teams respond swiftly to threats, optimize routing, and prioritize workload changes—all driven by contextual, domain-specific intelligence.

Security capabilities have also been reinforced. The platform now includes specialized scanning for large language models to detect vulnerabilities and protect against emerging attack vectors. An enhanced AI Gateway offers real-time data leakage detection and prevention, using F5’s LeakSignal technology to monitor encrypted traffic and apply custom policies before sensitive data can escape.

These enhancements arrive as companies increasingly rely on AI—F5 reports that 96% of organizations deploy AI models and predicts that 80% of applications will become AI-enabled within three years. By unifying application delivery and security under an AI-first framework, F5 aims to reduce operational overhead and defend against the escalating complexity and threats of modern digital infrastructures.

Analysts emphasize that this converged approach—often referred to as “ADC 3.0″—is crucial for maintaining performance, consistency, and resilience across distributed systems. Enterprise teams leveraging these tools can expect faster application rollouts, tighter security coverage, and streamlined workflows—signifying a strategic shift toward intelligent automation in infrastructure management.

With these updates, F5 is positioning its platform as a central hub for application delivery and protection in the age of AI. By embedding smart automation and adaptive defenses into existing operations, F5 empowers XOps teams to manage hybrid environments more safely and efficiently than ever before.

Tags: F5XOps

Kaspersky and SiS International Forge Cybersecurity Alliance Across Hong Kong

Kaspersky has entered into a strategic partnership with SiS International Limited to bolster cybersecurity capabilities across Hong Kong and Macau. Under this new agreement, SiS International will act as the official distributor of Kaspersky’s full suite of cybersecurity solutions—from endpoint protection and threat intelligence to advanced detection-and-response services.

Kaspersky Asia Pacific’s managing director emphasized that the alliance will significantly enhance access to industry-leading security tools, enabling businesses and individuals to safeguard their digital environments more effectively. Meanwhile, the general manager for Greater China noted that SiS International’s established market presence and deep local expertise will enable tailored security offerings for enterprises across sectors.

SiS International’s general manager expressed pride in collaborating with Kaspersky, citing the partnership as a milestone in delivering state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions to meet the evolving demands of Hong Kong and Macau’s digital landscape.

The rollout marks a timely expansion amid rising cyber threats in the region. By combining Kaspersky’s threat analytics and response capabilities with SiS International’s channel network and technical support, the partnership aims to create a more resilient digital ecosystem and elevate local organizations’ cybersecurity posture.

Together, the companies plan to drive widespread adoption of advanced protection technologies in both public and private sectors, reinforcing regional cybersecurity resilience and ensuring that users across Hong Kong have reliable access to top-tier defense solutions as digital challenges continue to grow.

Infomo Appoints Animesh Kumar as CEO of India Division

Infomo Digital Media has appointed Animesh Kumar as the Chief Executive Officer of its India division, a move that underscores the company’s aggressive growth strategy and commitment to transforming the advertising technology landscape in one of its most critical markets. With a career spanning over two decades in digital media, advertising, and marketing strategy, Kumar brings a wealth of experience from leadership positions at renowned firms including Google, WPP, and Digital Castle.

This strategic appointment signals Infomo’s intent to position itself at the forefront of AI-driven, privacy-centric advertising solutions that cater to agencies, enterprises, telecom partners, and small and medium-sized businesses. Kumar is tasked with not only accelerating Infomo’s operational momentum in India but also spearheading the adoption of its next-generation adtech platforms that align with global standards for transparency, consent, and data protection.

As the Indian digital advertising ecosystem becomes increasingly complex—driven by data localization laws, rising user awareness about privacy, and demand for high-performance, measurable campaigns—Infomo sees a clear opportunity to fill critical gaps with its proprietary technology. Kumar’s deep understanding of both the demand and supply side of the adtech ecosystem makes him uniquely positioned to bridge these divides and deliver solutions that are innovative, scalable, and compliant.

Infomo’s product suite is built around enabling telecom operators and publishers to regain control of monetization, particularly in an environment where third-party cookies are on the decline. With a strong foundation in consent-based advertising and deterministic targeting, the company is striving to create a more trusted and effective digital ad ecosystem. Kumar’s role will include fostering strategic partnerships, driving customer adoption across verticals, and localizing the platform’s capabilities to address the nuanced needs of Indian advertisers.

Kumar’s leadership is also expected to support Infomo’s global ambitions. As the India CEO, he will collaborate closely with the company’s international teams to align India’s growth roadmap with Infomo’s larger mission of redefining digital advertising in a post-cookie, AI-powered world. His previous work across Southeast Asia and with Fortune 500 clients gives him the international perspective necessary to steer Infomo’s regional and global initiatives in sync.

Speaking on his new role, Kumar emphasized the unique moment the adtech industry finds itself in—with artificial intelligence unlocking new potential for personalization and automation, while at the same time calling for greater accountability and ethical practices. He views India not just as a growth engine but as a sandbox for innovation, given its diverse user base, rapid digital adoption, and evolving regulatory landscape.

Industry observers believe Kumar’s appointment comes at the right time for Infomo, as the company aims to scale rapidly in a highly competitive market. With telecom partnerships forming a key part of Infomo’s strategy, Kumar is expected to lead key engagements that will bring telecom operators and large-scale publishers into the fold—enabling data-rich but privacy-conscious advertising opportunities for brands across sectors.

Headquartered in Melbourne with operations across Asia, Infomo has already made significant inroads into several APAC markets. With Kumar now leading the charge in India, the company is well-positioned to expand its footprint, attract enterprise clients, and cement its reputation as a new-age adtech disruptor offering an alternative to walled gardens and opaque ad supply chains.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, Kumar’s vision, combined with Infomo’s robust tech backbone, is expected to redefine how Indian marketers approach data, relevance, and customer trust in the era of intelligent advertising.

Opptra Names Afshan Banu as CEO of Fashion and Beauty Division to Fuel Growth

Opptra, a leading player in India’s fashion and beauty retail sector, has appointed Afshan Banu as Chief Executive Officer of its Fashion and Beauty Division. This strategic leadership move reflects Opptra’s ambition to accelerate its expansion and strengthen brand presence across key markets.

Banu brings over two decades of industry experience to her new role, most recently serving as Country Head for a prominent global personal care brand. She has overseen multi-category product launches, retail network growth, and innovations in e-commerce and omnichannel engagement. Her proven ability to lead transformation initiatives and drive profitable growth makes her ideally suited to spearhead Opptra’s evolution in a competitive landscape.

At Opptra, Banu will be responsible for shaping a unified and scalable strategy across the company’s fashion and beauty portfolio, which includes apparel, accessories, cosmetics, and personal care brands. Her mandate includes enhancing supply chain efficiencies, deepening relationships with brand partners and retailers, and exploring new segments such as direct-to-consumer launches, premium offerings, and beauty tech innovations.

Industry observers point to her appointment as a signal of Opptra’s long-range vision. As consumer preferences shift toward premiumization, sustainability, and digital-first experiences, Banu will be tasked with enhancing the division’s responsiveness to market trends and accelerating its digital transformation. Her leadership will be critical in driving collaborations with influencers, lifestyle partners, and platforms that can elevate brand visibility and relevance.

Under her guidance, Opptra plans to intensify its focus on data-driven decision-making, using analytics to tailor product assortments, optimize inventory, and fine-tune marketing strategies in real time. Early indicators suggest that the company is also exploring the integration of virtual try-on technology and personalized beauty consultations, signaling a move toward immersive retail experiences.

Sources within the company note that Banu has already initiated a series of cross-functional programs intended to unlock improved synergies between design, sourcing, marketing, and retail operations. She is scheduled to visit key markets in Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR, Karnataka, and Gujarat in the coming months to align teams and accelerate rollout plans.

Her appointment also highlights Opptra’s commitment to sustainable business models. With growing consumer demand for ethical, eco-friendly products, Banu is expected to enhance Opptra’s ESG credentials, working with partners to meet evolving industry standards and deliver value responsibly.

Based in Mumbai, Banu will report directly to Opptra’s Group CEO. Stakeholders say her industry insight, operational discipline, and customer-focused leadership style will be instrumental in guiding the fashion and beauty division through its next chapter of growth and differentiation.

As Afshan Banu steps into the CEO role, expectations are high that her arrival will reinvigorate Opptra’s product offerings, retail ecologies, and digital footprint—delivering both immediate momentum and long-term strategic impact in one of India’s fastest-evolving consumer segments.

PhonePe Names Former Meta Executive Shivnath Thukral as VP of Public Policy

PhonePe has appointed Shivnath Thukral as its new Vice President, Public Policy and Government Affairs, effective immediately. A former Meta executive, Thukral will spearhead the company’s regulatory engagement and advocacy efforts in India’s rapidly evolving fintech landscape.

At Meta, Thukral led policy strategy and stakeholder relations, focusing on technology regulation and financial inclusion. He previously held leadership roles in industry associations such as the Broadband India Forum and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, bringing deep expertise and strong government connections to PhonePe.

Thukral will report directly to PhonePe co-founders Sameer Nigam and Rahul Chari and join the senior leadership team. In welcoming his appointment, Nigam remarked that Thukral’s “rich experience and deep understanding of public policy, regulatory frameworks, and strategic advocacy” will bolster PhonePe’s efforts to shape the future of digital payments in India.

His arrival comes as PhonePe expands its offerings—ranging from payments and insurance to micro-lending—and navigates complex regulatory environments. With his proven track record at Meta and in policy forums, Thukral is expected to strengthen PhonePe’s engagement with government stakeholders and guide its strategic initiatives in the sector.

Kumar Chander Appointed as CEO & MD at Wipro Consumer Care

Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting, a division of Wipro Enterprises, has confirmed that Kumar Chander will take over as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director effective February 1, 2026, succeeding Vineet Agrawal who will retire after a 40‑year tenure at the company. The leadership change aligns with Wipro’s long-term strategy to deepen its FMCG reach and strengthen its global operations.

Chander currently serves as President for Southeast Asia and Yardley India within Wipro Consumer Care, overseeing markets across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, South Africa, and the Middle East. With 33 years of experience within the enterprise, he has been instrumental in driving market leadership—especially in Malaysia, where the business secured the top position in personal care under his guidance.

Vineet Agrawal, who guided the company from a ₹300 crore domestic business in 2003 to over ₹10,600 crore with presence in more than 60 countries, will step down in January 2026. His leadership included 15 acquisitions and the transformation of Santoor into one of India’s leading soap brands, significantly expanding the company’s global brand portfolio.

Azim Premji, Chairman of Wipro Enterprises, praised Agrawal’s legacy and expressed confidence in Chander’s ability to lead the next phase of growth. “Kumar’s strategic insight and execution capability, demonstrated across both domestic and international markets, make him exceptionally well‑placed to navigate Wipro’s future trajectory,” he stated.

Chander, reflecting on the announcement, described it as “an honour and privilege” to helm the company. He affirmed his commitment to building on Agrawal’s foundation and emphasized continuing the company’s mission to grow responsibly and innovatively across global markets .

Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting is a global FMCG entity with a workforce of over 10,000 across 16 manufacturing facilities, operating in product categories that span skin care, personal care, home care, lighting, and seating. Under Chander’s leadership, industry analysts expect the company to sharpen its focus on brand differentiation, explore acquisition-led expansion, and pursue opportunities in both emerging and mature markets.

This leadership transition marks a strategic pivot for Wipro’s consumer arm, signaling its intent to accelerate growth with renewed energy and a global outlook. Chander’s proven leadership in international markets positions him to guide the brand through evolving consumer preferences and competitive dynamics.

Hemant Rupani Appointed as CEO of Hindustan Coca‑Cola Beverages

Hindustan Coca‑Cola Beverages, the Indian bottling partner of Coca‑Cola, has appointed Hemant Rupani as its new Chief Executive Officer. With over two decades of cross-industry experience and leadership roles in global consumer goods, Rupani transitioned from his position as President of Mondelez South East Asia to lead one of India’s largest beverage companies.

In his new role, Rupani will be responsible for steering HCCB’s strategic growth across India, overseeing production, marketing, and distribution at scale. He succeeds Juan Pablo Rodriguez, the outgoing CEO, and is expected to build on HCCB’s strong financial and operational performance in recent years.

Rupani brings a track record of transformational leadership from his time at Mondelez, where he oversaw markets in Southeast Asia and Africa. Prior to this, he held pivotal roles with companies such as PepsiCo, Vodafone, Britannia, and Infosys. His diverse background in consumer goods, telecommunications, and consulting equips him to guide HCCB through evolving consumer dynamics, shifting retail formats, and sustainability-focused operations.

HCCB serves over seven thousand employees across India, operating one of the world’s largest non-alcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) bottling networks. Under Rupani’s leadership, the company is expected to intensify its focus on premiumization, rural market penetration, digital innovation, and eco-conscious packaging.

Industry insiders anticipate that his leadership will bring renewed energy to HCCB’s ambitions—balancing volume growth with margin improvement and deepening partnerships with retail, e-commerce, and supply-chain players. As consumer preferences evolve, Rupani’s mandate centers on driving agility, brand innovation, and responsible operations in one of the world’s most competitive beverage markets.

Rupani’s appointment reflects HCCB’s long-term strategy to reinforce its position in both urban and rural India, expand in emerging channels, and champion sustainability through efficient manufacturing and community engagement. His expertise across markets and industries positions the company to address growth opportunities and regulatory expectations head-on.

With Rupani now at the helm, HCCB is poised to strengthen its footprint in India—combining operational execution, marketing muscle, and consumer insight to lead in both growth and impact.

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