MAM
Swati Katakam to lead expansion of STC Associates in India
MUMBAI: STC Associates, the New York-headquartered global brand management firm, has roped in Swati Katakam as regional director for the Indian subcontinent. The company established its India presence with the acquisition of the VSNL International account.
In her new capacity, Katakam will report to STC Associates CEO Sophie Ann Terrisse and will be responsible for leading and building the organization across the India market. He will also play a pivotal role in representing the firm for India clients in and outside of India to help them build their global leadership.
Says Terrisse, “Her appointment affirms our ongoing commitment to invest in this region and in senior resources who will add superior value to our clients businesses.”
Adds Katakam, “My decision to move to STC Associates came with the clear realisation that clients must leverage every facet of their brands to strategically create and integrate brand experiences that drive business. I look forward to spearheading the growth of STC India to expand the integrated services proposition for marquee clients across this region.”
Prior to this appointment, Katakam was vice president of Grey PR cell. Some of the accounts on which she worked include Rolex, Spencer‘s Retail, CavinKare, MetLife, and the IPL Team Rajasthan Royals.
MAM
Tata Communications CEO A S Lakshminarayanan retires
Seasoned leader hands over reins after guiding the company through key growth years.
MUMBAI: Tata Communications is turning a new page and this time, the chapter is being written by a fresh voice from the same trusted book. The company has announced the retirement of its managing director and chief executive officer, A S Lakshminarayanan, effective at the close of business on 13 April 2026. Lakshminarayanan’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the company’s leadership journey.
The board expressed appreciation for his contributions during his tenure, acknowledging the role he played in shaping the organisation. In January 2026, the board had already appointed Ganesh Lakshminarayanan as managing director and CEO (Designate), ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
Ganesh Lakshminarayanan brings over three decades of experience across domestic and global enterprises. He currently serves as Managing Director and Group Vice President at ServiceNow India, where he has focused on driving enterprise adoption of AI-led digital transformation and strengthening go-to-market capabilities. Prior to this, he led Bharti Airtel’s enterprise business as CEO of Airtel Business and earlier headed its Enterprise division. His career also includes roles as Chief Operating Officer at Capillary Technologies, along with advisory positions at Ernst & Young and Sequoia Capital.
The transition reflects Tata Communications’ focus on continuity while bringing in fresh perspectives to navigate the rapidly evolving digital infrastructure landscape.
In the fast-moving world of global communications, leadership changes are like well-timed signal switches necessary to keep the network strong and the journey smooth. As A S Lakshminarayanan steps down, Ganesh Lakshminarayanan steps up, ready to carry forward the legacy while steering the company into its next phase of growth.
