MAM
Deepesh Dhakad to lead tech at upGrad
MUMBAI: When upGrad said it was upgrading its tech game, it meant it literally. The skilling giant has appointed Deepesh Dhakad as its new chief product and technology officer (CPTO), effective October 2025, as it sharpens focus on innovation, scalability and next-gen learning experiences.
Based in Bengaluru, Dhakad will lead upGrad’s global product, design and technology ecosystem across its learner and enterprise verticals.
With nearly two decades of experience across powerhouses like Amazon, Flipkart, Unacademy and Games24x7, Dhakad has built and scaled digital platforms serving millions worldwide. His expertise lies in using AI-led design and data-driven experimentation to fuel growth and engagement.
“upGrad stands at a pivotal moment where technology is not just an enabler but the engine powering our next phase of growth,” said Dhakad. “Our goal is to design intelligent, AI-native systems that personalise learning journeys and deliver measurable results for individuals and enterprises.”
upGrad chief human resources officer Amit Mehta called the appointment “perfectly timed” as the company expands deeper into global markets. “Deepesh’s strong experience in building high-growth, tech-led ecosystems will further strengthen our ability to deliver outcome-driven learning at scale,” he said.
An alumnus of IIIT Allahabad and IIT Bombay’s Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, Dhakad brings a rare blend of strategic vision, product intuition and technological depth, just what upGrad needs as it gears up for its next phase of global growth.
MUMBAI: He may have clocked the fastest time on track, but Usain Bolt is now sprinting straight into cricket fandom again. The eight-time Olympic medallist has returned to spotlight his long-standing support for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, featuring in sportswear giant PUMA India’s latest #RCBEverywhere campaign. Dressed in the 2026 RCB jersey, Bolt shared the moment on social media, pairing it with a throwback to the kit he first received in 2021 marking a fandom that has only gathered pace since.
A self-confessed cricket enthusiast and admirer of Virat Kohli, Bolt’s association with RCB has evolved through Puma’s global athlete ecosystem. The brand, which has partnered with Bolt for over two decades, is now leveraging his cross-sport appeal to amplify RCB’s already global fan culture.
The campaign builds on a behaviour that fans have long embraced taking the jersey beyond stadiums and scales it with one of the most recognisable athletes in the world. Bolt’s earlier appearance alongside Kohli and RCB players in a viral reel last year further cemented his status as an unlikely yet enthusiastic member of the RCB faithful.
With #RCBEverywhere, Puma is not just selling merchandise, it is exporting fandom. The campaign invites supporters to join the movement, with opportunities to win match shirts and tickets, while participating in a global conversation that now stretches far beyond Bengaluru.
From Olympic tracks to IPL terraces, Bolt’s latest cameo proves one thing, speed may be his signature, but fandom travels just as fast.
