MAM
Creativeland Asia ropes in Kantar’s Shalini Sinha
MUMBAI: Creativeland Asia (CLA) has appointed Shalini Sinha as CEO of its consumer intelligence unit and director of strategy.
Her new role will require her to build up the agency's growth and deliver integrated solutions, driven by a well-rounded view on consumer insights that can be translated into actionable brand insights.
Sinha’s previous stint was with Kantar South Asia as commercial lead for its creative division. During her 20+ years in the industry, she has deeply studied the heartland consumer, gaining insights into their motivations and evolving behaviours.
Creativeland Asia founder & chairman Sajan Raj Kurup said, "Given how rapidly consumer truths have changed in recent times, we felt we should make every investment needed to develop the most robust Consumer Insights and Intelligence unit in the business. I am delighted to introduce Shalini as the CEO, consumer intelligence and director of strategy. Previously, she has been involved with some leading names in the industry and has been instrumental in co-developing their brand and communication strategy. Her appointment further strengthens the senior management team at Creativeland Asia."
Sinha added, "I am pleased to join the leadership team of Creativeland Asia, one of the most well-respected creative agencies in India, as it looks to expand its footprint with an entry into the Consumer Insights business. I believe that taking a closer and sharper look at consumer truths has never been more important and that it will set the path for sharper brand strategies. Along with my respected colleagues at Creativeland Asia we aim to create holistic consumer and brand insights."
Brands
Apple CEO Tim Cook to step down after 15 years, John Ternus to take over
Leadership shake-up sees long-time hardware chief step up from September
CUPERTINO: Apple has confirmed that chief executive officer Tim Cook will step down from his role and transition to executive chairman, with senior vice president of hardware engineering John Ternus set to take over as CEO from September 1, 2026.
The transition, approved unanimously by the board, marks a carefully planned leadership shift at one of the world’s most valuable companies. Cook will remain CEO through the summer, working closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth handover before moving into his new role, where he will continue to support Apple and engage with policymakers globally.
In a memo to employees, Apple CEO Tim Cook reflected on his 15-year tenure, recalling the moment Steve Jobs asked him to step into the role. “It was an emotional and challenging moment for all of us at Apple,” he wrote, adding that the company’s core values, from simplicity and innovation to a commitment to improving lives, remain unchanged.
Explaining his decision, Cook said the company’s strong roadmap and future outlook made this the right time for a transition. “I have never been more optimistic about Apple’s future,” he noted, while announcing Ternus as his successor. He described Ternus as “a visionary in his own right” with “remarkable integrity” and the right leader to guide Apple into its next phase.
Cook said, “John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honour.”
Ternus, in his own note to employees, struck a steady, execution-focused tone. Ternus said, “It has been such a privilege to lead the hardware engineering team… I still plan to be very hands-on,” signalling continuity rather than a strategic reset.
As part of the leadership reshuffle, Ternus will step away from leading hardware engineering, with Tom Marieb taking over the role. Marieb will report to Johny Srouji, who assumes an expanded position as chief hardware officer, aligning hardware development more closely with Apple’s silicon and technology teams.
Cook also used his memo to thank employees, calling them “the most remarkable people in the world” and crediting them for building Apple into what it is today. A town hall has been scheduled at the Steve Jobs Theater to discuss the transition further.
The leadership change also sees Arthur Levinson move to the role of lead independent director, while Ternus joins Apple’s board.
Cook’s tenure has been defined by massive growth and expansion, with Apple’s market value rising from around $350 billion in 2011 to $4 trillion, alongside the launch of new product categories and a booming services business. Ternus, a 25-year Apple veteran, has played a central role in shaping the company’s hardware roadmap, from iPhone and Mac to newer innovations in materials and sustainability.
The transition signals a generational shift, but not a dramatic change in direction. If anything, both memos point to continuity, discipline and a belief that Apple’s next chapter will be built on the same values that shaped its last.
