MAM
Guardian India names Karunakaran Azhisur as new country head
MUMBAI: A new chapter begins at Guardian India, and it comes with a familiar face at the helm. Guardian India Operations Private Limited, the global capability centre of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, has appointed Karunakaran “Karun” Azhisur as its country head for India.
In the expanded role, Azhisur will report to Michael Prestileo, chief strategy officer of Guardian and chair of the Guardian India Board, while continuing to serve as chief information officer for Guardian India. He will also work closely with Steve Rullo, chief digital and technology officer, to push forward technology-led transformation and operational excellence.
Guardian said Azhisur’s mix of global exposure and execution strength made him a natural fit for the role as the company sharpens its technology and innovation agenda. Prestileo noted that Azhisur’s experience in steering complex transformations would be key as Guardian advances its digital strategy for policyholders.
For Azhisur, the focus is firmly on people as much as platforms. “Guardian India’s strength lies in its people and culture,” he said, adding that the next phase of growth will centre on building leadership, nurturing talent and creating an environment where technology and teams evolve together.
With more than two decades of global technology and engineering leadership behind him, Azhisur has built and scaled software, data and platform teams across the US and India. His career spans senior roles in diversified global enterprises as well as Silicon Valley technology firms, with deep expertise in product-led operating models, enterprise-scale transformation and modern digital platforms.
Most recently, he has been leading AI-driven enterprise transformation initiatives, including the development of agentic AI capabilities, modernisation of core technology platforms and scaling globally distributed product and engineering teams.
As Guardian continues to deepen its India footprint, the appointment signals continuity at the top paired with a clear intent to accelerate innovation, one line of code at a time.
Brands
Samsung India elevates Aditya Babbar to lead mobile business
Exec takes charge of MX sales and marketing after Raju Pullan’s exit
NEW DELHI: Samsung India has elevated Aditya Babbar to lead its mobile phone business, following the exit of Raju Antony Pullan.
Babbar, who previously served as vice president within the mobile division, has been appointed head of sales and marketing for the MX (mobile experience) business, effective May 1. In his new role, he will oversee the company’s sales and marketing operations for smartphones and related categories in India, reporting to the executive vice president of the MX business.
A long-time Samsung executive, Babbar brings over a decade of experience within the organisation, having held multiple leadership roles across product, marketing and category management. Most recently, he led product marketing and e-commerce for the mobile division, following earlier stints as head of product and marketing and senior director roles.
His career within Samsung Electronics and its India operations has also included responsibilities for flagship devices, tablets and wearables, giving him a broad view of the company’s premium and mass-market portfolio.
Babbar succeeds Pullan, who stepped down from the role, marking a leadership transition at a time when India remains a key battleground for global smartphone makers.
The appointment signals continuity within Samsung’s leadership bench, with an internal candidate stepping up to steer one of its most critical business units in a highly competitive market.
