MAM
Ajay Kakar takes over as country head of Ogilvy PR
NEW DELHI: Ajay Kakar has been appointed as the country head of Ogilvy Public Relations. Kakar, who will also continue to be the executive director and head of finance practice, O&M India, was previously involved with one of the core practices of Ogilvy PR.
He succeeds Mahnaz Curmally, who retired after being involved with Ogilvy PR for a decade. “I have just taken over as the country head of Ogilvy PR, though I was partnering the consultancy for the last few months. I was previously involved with one of five core practices of Ogilvy PR, in corporate and finance. Now I would be responsible for the entire operations, which would be an additional responsibility,” said Kakar.
Ogilvy PR Worldwide chief executive Asia Pacific, Mathew Anderson said, “Ajay brings rare experience; he is a valued counselor to top executives, he understands PR within a broad framework of communications and he is a caring leader of people. His decision to take on the leadership of PR reflects how PR will develop as a specialist function.”
“In addition to our offices in India, we have an office in Colombo. Ajay’s main focus will be on India,” answered Anderson, in reply to operations in southern part of Asia.
On the Indian operations, he added, “In terms of potential, India will benefit enormously from more systematic linkages to our centres of excellence around the region and world. Combining unique aspects of India, with the latest thinking in such areas as brand protection, senior executive coaching, CSR and public affairs will make India one of the
world’s most interesting markets for PR.”
Anderson feels that there is also a substantial market for working with headquarters of multinationals outside India and helping them with the lifecycle of communications needs as their commitments to India grows.
“On the domestic side, one factor we have been paying attention to is the fact that the cost of capital for Indian companies has dropped significantly. This will propel more investment in production and in expansion outside of India. Both of these factors will create demand for higher end corporate positioning,” concluded Anderson.
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
