

Speakers
Ruchira Jaitly
Chief Marketing Officer, Diageo India
Ruchira is Chief Marketing Officer, Diageo India and is part of the India Executive
Committee. Ruchira leads Marketing and Innovation for Diageo’s award-winning
alcohol and beverage portfolio.
Ruchira is an experienced marketer who has played a pivotal role in building leading
consumer brands over the last 25 years. Prior to joining Diageo, she was with
PepsiCo India as Senior Director, Marketing, building some of their biggest brands,
including Kurkure and Mountain Dew. Ruchira led several award-winning consumer
campaigns across the Foods and Beverages portfolio of PepsiCo brands, including
the very popular Pepsi IPL campaign.
Ruchira started her career with Unilever India, and has worked at Nokia-HMD
phones, and Royal DSM, where she created an F&B nutrition start-up (MANDI) to
combat malnutrition at the bottom of the pyramid.
Ruchira is passionate about investing in talent; she is a co-founder at Ashoka
University, and has supported Vedica Women’s Alliance as a mentor, was a member
of the CII National Committee on Women Empowerment & Indian Women Network
(IWN), and part of the CII Marketing National Committee.
Ruchira is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and St
Xavier’s College Mumbai.
Aditya Krishna
Director - Sales & Marketing, McCain
Mr. Aditya Krishna is the Head, Sales and Marketing of
McCain India Retail division. A business leader with
diverse experience in the consumer goods industry, he is
an expert in front line sales, brand management, trade
marketing and product innovation in India and South East
Asia.
With a rich experience of 16 years, he has previously
worked with Mondelez International, Cadbury India and
Good Glam Group. He is an alumna of XLRI Jamshedpur
(MBA in Marketing)
Ashish Tiwari
Chief Marketing Officer - India, Home Credit
Ashish brings to the table 20+ years of corporate experience across consumer (FMCG/FMCD), insurance, telecom and new media domains. He practices the amalgamation of brand marketing, technology, and data analytics to transform brands and enrich consumer experience. At Home Credit India, he is responsible for using digital as a key medium for enablement & delivery and expand the brand’s reach across India. Prior to joining Home Credit India, Ashish was associated with Future Generali India Life Insurance (FGILI), Hero Group, Jubilant, Vodafone India and HCL. He has been a TEDx speaker, keynote panelist and jury member at various marketing summits, and a visiting faculty at IIMR. Ashish holds a post-graduate degree in Business Management from LBSIM, New Delhi, combined with a digital and social media specialization from IIM, Bangalore.
Kashish Vasishta
Deputy General Manager, Marketing & E-commerce, MMTC-PAMP
Kashish Vasishta serves as the Deputy General Manager of
Marketing & E-commerce at MMTC-PAMP, India’s leading
precious metals brand. With over a decade of experience
in marketing, Kashish spearheads the brand’s strategic
marketing, ecommerce and new product development
initiatives across the Indian market.
In his role, he leads the development and execution of
integrated campaigns to promote MMTC-PAMP’s Purest
gold and silver offerings. He oversees a team of marketing
professionals and collaborates closely with sales, agencies and business development teams to drive
brand visibility, customer engagement, and revenue growth.
Kashish brings deep expertise in digital marketing, brand marketing, ecommerce, new product
development and strategic partnerships. His efforts have been pivotal in reinforcing MMTC-PAMP’s
reputation as a trusted and innovative brand in India’s precious metals industry.
Neelima Burra
Chief Strategy, Transformation & Marketing Officer, Luminous India
Ms. Neelima Burra is the Chief Strategy Transformation and Marketing Officer at Luminous Power
Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a leading consumer goods and services company. With over two decades of
experience in diverse industries such as hospitality, FMCG, consumer durables, IT, consumer electronics,
and OTC, Neelima possesses an astute understanding of the Asian market and its intricacies. Her core
expertise lies in strategy formulation, market analysis, sales, marketing, and operational excellence
leading to business transformation.
Neelima's astute strategic acumen has been instrumental in propelling Luminous Power Technologies to
new heights. Her visionary leadership with forward-thinking approach and impeccable execution have
solidified the company's position as a prominent player in the industry. Not only has she positioned
Luminous as a market leader, but she has also ensured the organization's agility, resilience, and
readiness to navigate the ever-evolving business landscape.
Prior to the current role, Neelima served as the EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at The Oberoi Group,
where she spearheaded the formulation and execution of the commercial strategy encompassing sales,
revenue, and marketing for the entire group. Her strategies proved highly effective in driving profitable
sales and expanding the competitive advantage of The Oberoi Group.
Throughout her career, Neelima has held senior management positions at renowned companies such as
HP and Cargill Inc. She has also actively contributed to various industry bodies such as the Confederation
of Indian Industry (CII) for the food industry, the Indian Olive Oil Association as President, and the
Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) as a member. Neelima has also been a dedicated mentor in
women's leadership development programs at Cargill Inc and HP Inc.
Neelima's exceptional contributions to the industry have garnered significant recognition, with Femina
India honoring her as one of the top 100 influential women leaders in India. The World Marketing
Congress has also recognized her as one of the 100 Most Influential Marketing Leaders, and she has
been featured as an A-List Business Leader by Campaign Asia.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Neelima nurtures a deep passion for gardening and enjoys going on
solo travel adventures. Her genuine love for food motivated her to establish Ganymede Business
Ventures, her very own food tech startup. As a mother to a teenage daughter, she finds immense
fulfillment in nurturing and supporting her child's growth and aspirations. Neelima also takes pride in
being the owner of two delightful pet dogs named Bruno and Kiro, who bring her constant
companionship and joy.
Neelima holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from Xavier Institute of Management,
Bhubaneswar, and a Bachelor's degree in Science from Utkal University. Her exceptional education and
extensive industry exposure have endowed her with a profound understanding of industry best
practices, which she adeptly applies to drive the growth and success of Luminous Power Technologies.
NIKHIL GUPTA
Head of Marketing, Strategy, Govt. Affairs & CSR - Greater India, Signify
Nikhil Gupta serves as the Head of Marketing, Strategy, Government Affairs, and CSR at Signify, Greater
India. With over a decade at the company, Nikhil has excelled in various leadership roles, demonstrating
his expertise in driving strategic initiatives and leading diverse teams of senior professionals. In his
current role, Nikhil’s responsibilities span a wide spectrum including marketing, communications, pricing
and CRM, market intelligence, influencer programs, sales excellence, MIS and reporting, national order
desk and customer support, sales automation, and business strategy.
Nikhil brings over 23 years of experience across the Fast-Moving Consumer Durables (FMCD) and
Financial Services industries, working with world-class firms. His career is marked by significant
achievements in marketing, strategy, P&L management, and operations across multiple geographies,
where he has delivered results in both high-growth, dynamic markets and mature, challenging
environments.
Before joining Signify, Nikhil was the Vice President and Head of Portfolio Management at SBI Card,
where he led activation, usage, retention, and corporate card programs for the joint venture between
State Bank of India and GE Capital. Prior to that, he was the Product Head for GE Money Card and
Personal Loan Retention at GE Money India, focusing on retention strategies for personal loans and GE
Money Card. He began his career in the lighting industry as a Product Manager for CFL Lamps at Philips
Lighting, managing the product line across South Asia.
Nikhil's vision is centered on fostering innovation and sustainability. He is committed to driving
sustainable practices within the organization and the industry at large, ensuring that business growth
aligns with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. His work on sustainability initiatives has
been pivotal in positioning Signify as a leader in eco-friendly and energy-efficient lighting solutions.
Nikhil is also actively involved with industry forums such as XX, YY where he contributes as a board
member, shaping industry standards and policies.
Nikhil holds an MBA in Marketing from the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM), Delhi,
and a CXO Leadership Program, Business Administration from Cornell University, New York.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Nikhil is an avid sports enthusiast (TBD) who enjoys playing (any sport).
He is also passionate about (any hobby). His extensive experience and strategic vision have been
instrumental in advancing Signify’s market position in Greater India, driving growth and innovation in
the region.
Samir Sethi
Head of Brand Marketing, Policybazaar.com
Samir Sethi is the Head of Brand Marketing for Policybazaar.com , has extensive experience in leading brand and consumer marketing, with expertise in consumer communication, media planning and investment, content marketing, market research and social media marketing.
Arnab Ghatak Choudhury
General Manager Marketing, DS Spiceco Pvt Ltd.
20+Years of Experience in with experience in handling Sales and Marketing Roles in diverse categories within Foods Sector. Currently responsible for overseeing Brand promotion activities of Catch Salts and Spices for India and Export Markets. Responsible for New Product Innovation and Launches of different Categories under the Brand. Lead the repositioning exercise of the Catch Brand and launched a number of Award winning Campaigns. In his earlier stint with Cargill, in the Edible Oils space worked on building key brands like Gemini and Leonardo Olive Oil. Started the career in the Confectionary Sector with Perfetti Van Melle where he handled multiple Sales, Trade Marketing and Brand Marketing roles (Happydent and Chlor-mint).
Nisha Khatri
Head of Marketing, Libas
Nisha Khatri is a marketing leader with deep expertise in retail and digital brand-building,
currently heading marketing at Libas—one of India’s fastest-growing fashion brands. She has
been instrumental in scaling the brand's presence across online and offline channels, crafting
high-impact campaigns that not only drive visibility but fuel business outcomes. She firmly
believes: "It’s not anymore ‘you build it, they will come’ — but if you market it right, they just
might."
Hailing from New Delhi, Nisha has helped brands evolve with changing consumer behaviour,
using her keen understanding of data, trends, and storytelling. Her fascination with the human
mind led her to pursue formal training in psychology and counselling, earning credentials as a
certified therapist. She also hosts "Blessing in Breaking", a podcast that explores mental wellness
and human connection.
When she's not leading marketing strategy or producing thoughtful content, you’ll find her in
her terrace garden or on the hunt for the perfect tiramisu. Her ability to blend empathy with
strategy continues to make her a standout voice in the evolving world of marketing and retail.
Kanika Anand
GM - Media, Airtel
Kanika Anand is a seasoned marketing leader with over 15 years of experience in media strategy, digital marketing, and brand management. As General Manager – Marketing at Airtel, she leads integrated media across key business verticals and additionally manages overall marketing budgets across functions. Kanika has driven large-scale media investments, built data-driven marketing frameworks, and championed innovation in emerging formats like AR, VR, and CTV. She is passionate about data-led storytelling and creating meaningful consumer impact through integrated, insight-driven marketing.
Sumit Sonal
Associate Director & Head of Marketing - India,
Qualcomm
Sumit serves as the head of marketing for Qualcomm in India. In this role he uses his 14+ years of experience as a product marketing leader in building a successful brand. He directly contributes to the Qualcomm’s mission of connecting the world and enriching lives through innovative technology and strategic partnerships.
Sumit oversees all aspects of marketing in India including, corporate communications, advertising, social media, digital marketing, brand management and events, product and technology marketing.
Sumit Sonal joined Qualcomm in 2024, prior to which he was associated with Xiaomi as a general manager of marketing for 6 years, being the driving force behind increasing the visibility for all its various brands and categories. He was also associated with Myntra where he led numerous campaigns for traditional and digital marketing for Roadster, HRX, and Mast & Harbour. Additionally, he worked with OMD and Harman international strategies for brand leadership, campaign management and new product launch.
Sumit is a public speaker and strategic thinker, passionate about building strong brands and creating products that can have a positive impact in the dynamic world of today. On the education front, Sumit holds a master’s degree in marketing management.
Lakhan Arjun Rawat
Content Creator & Blogger
Lakhan Arjun Rawat, widely known and loved as Lakhan by his fans, is one of India’s
most celebrated social media personalities with an impressive Instagram following of
over 2.1 million. A dynamic content creator, former professional cricketer, and devoted
family man, Lakhan is a household name across Indian digital spaces. His unique blend
of sports, entertainment, and heartwarming family-centric storytelling has made him a
favorite among audiences of all ages.
Lakhan began his digital journey in 2018, creating short lip-
sync and dance videos on TikTok. His natural charisma and
on-screen charm quickly gained traction, turning him into a
viral sensation. Following the ban on TikTok in India, Lakhan
skillfully transitioned to YouTube, shifting focus to long-format
lifestyle vlogs. This pivot offered fans a deeper glimpse into his
daily life, solidifying his place as a relatable and engaging content creator.
Born in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, Lakhan had a strong background in sports. A
former batsman for the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association and a Ranji Trophy player, he
brought his cricketing passion into the digital space. This fusion earned him the title of
India’s first "Cri-Creator", symbolizing his unique journey from cricketer to creator.
Together with his wife, Neetu Bisht, Lakhan co-owns the immensely popular YouTube
channel ‘LakhNeet Vlogs’, which has garnered over 11.3 million subscribers. Their
chemistry, authenticity, and shared life experiences have struck a chord with millions of
viewers, making them one of India’s most adored digital couples.
In addition to vlogging, Lakhan has featured in several Hindi and Punjabi music videos,
further expanding his presence across entertainment mediums.
Lakhan completed his schooling at Nirmala Convent School DPS, Bulandshahr, and
holds a B.Com degree from Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, Delhi
University.
From cricket fields to camera lenses, Lakhan’s journey is a testament to adaptability,
passion, and the power of real, relatable storytelling.
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/lakhan_999?igsh=MTczanZnZmZtY3IydA==
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lakhneetvlogs?si=h1VPbIt-x_3wtKHW
NIDHI RASTOGI
Marketing Director - India, Uniqlo
Nidhi is currently working as Marketing Director at UNIQLO India. She's been with UNIQLO 2019, playing
a pivotal role in the brand's India launch. In 2021, she had the privilege of representing UNIQLO on a
global scale by joining the company's headquarters in Japan as a part of the global marketing and
strategy team. Upon returning to India in May 2023, she has taken on the responsibility of leading the
marketing efforts to fortify and elevate Uniqlo's brand positioning in the Indian market. Her strategic
vision and innovative approach have been instrumental in driving UNIQLO's growth in India.
With 18 years of rich experience in brand and digital marketing, Nidhi brings a wealth of expertise to the
table. As a seasoned marketer, Nidhi's forte lies in leveraging data and customer insights to craft and
implement dynamic marketing and branding strategies. She has a unique talent for striking the perfect
balance between brand and performance marketing, ensuring that both brand image and business
objectives are met.
Nidhi specializes in Brand & Digital Marketing Strategy, Content Marketing, PR, Influencer and Celebrity
Marketing, Growth Marketing, and Media Planning, making her a valuable asset to any project or
initiative.
Prior to UNIQLO, Nidhi has worked with leading names including Myntra for 5 years (2014 - 2019) where
she led brand campaigns; digital marketing, and content initiatives. She also headed marketing for
private label brands such as All About You, HRX, Anouk and Dress berry. She also serviced the Tata
Group and Publicis Group in the field of brand and digital marketing.
She is an MBA from SP Jain, Mumbai and graduate from Sukhdev college of Business Studies
Rahul Talwar
Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer
Axis Max Life Insurance
Rahul Talwar is the EVP & CMO at Axis
Max Life. In his current role he spearheads
comprehensive marketing strategies that
drive brand transformation, customer-
centric growth, and digital innovation. His
expertise encompasses integrated
marketing communications (IMC), digital
marketing, brand management, corporate
communications, consumer insights, and
customer experience (CX), ensuring a
holistic approach to marketing leadership.
He is a strong advocate of data-driven
marketing, strategic storytelling, and
building high-performing, agile teams.
Mr Talwar’s career trajectory uniquely
bridges FMCG (PepsiCo Foods & Beverages,
McVitie's Biscuits), Textiles & Strategy
(Aditya Birla Group), and BFSI fuelling his
ability to craft impactful campaigns,
connect-the-dots, challenge traditional
narratives and innovate with sector-
agnostic strategies.
At Axis Max Life, he has pioneered the award-winning ‘You are the difference’ brand
philosophy, and recently, led the 2024 brand refresh (Max Life is now Axis Max Life),
launching the 'Double Bharosa' campaign.