Brands
Billboard hits the right note with India debut
MUMBAI: The world’s most recognised music media brand is striking a new chord with the launch of Billboard India, in partnership with Other Side Ventures Pvt. Ltd., backed by media advisor Priyanka Khimani. The move marks Billboard’s entry into one of the world’s most vibrant and fast-evolving music markets.
Set to go live in early 2026, Billboard India will bring the brand’s signature offerings to the subcontinent, from its iconic charts, lists and music awards to exclusive editorial features, interviews, merchandise and events. The platform aims to celebrate India’s sonic diversity, spotlighting both the glitz of Hindi cinema soundtracks and the pulse of the indie scene making waves across streaming platforms worldwide.
Priyanka Khimani, the driving force behind the partnership, said the venture will provide “one unifying voice to measure and highlight the incredible growth and success of India’s music industry,” adding that Billboard India aims to be “a world-class experience powered by data, celebrating talent with pride and prestige.”
Echoing her enthusiasm, Billboard CEO Mike Van said, “India’s music scene is one of the most dynamic and culturally rich in the world. With Billboard India, we’re thrilled to recognise its extraordinary diversity while connecting the country’s thriving music community to our global stage.”
Based in Mumbai, Billboard India’s editorial team will be announced soon, setting the stage for a high-decibel debut that promises to amplify India’s music to the world.
Brands
Lululemon picks former Nike executive to be its next chief
Heidi O’Neill, who helped grow Nike into a $45 billion giant, will take the top job in September
CANADA: Lululemon has found its next chief executive, and she comes with serious credentials. The athleisure giant named Heidi O’Neill as its new CEO on Wednesday, ending a search that has left the company running on interim leadership since earlier this year. O’Neill will take charge on September 8, 2026, based out of Vancouver, and will join the board on the same day.
O’Neill brings more than three decades of experience across performance apparel, footwear and sport. The bulk of that time was spent at Nike, where she was a central figure in one of corporate sport’s great growth stories, helping take the company from a $9 billion business to a $45 billion global powerhouse. She oversaw product pipelines, brand strategy and consumer connections, and played a significant role in shaping how Nike spoke to athletes around the world. Earlier in her career, she worked in marketing for the Dockers brand at Levi Strauss. She also brings boardroom experience from Spotify Technology, Hyatt Hotels and Lithia and Driveway.
The board was unequivocal in its enthusiasm. “We selected Heidi because of the breadth of her experience, her demonstrated success delivering breakthrough ideas and initiatives at scale, and her ability to be a knowledgeable change and growth agent,” said Marti Morfitt, executive chair of Lululemon’s board.
O’Neill, for her part, was bullish. “Lululemon is an iconic brand with something rare: genuine guest love, a product ethos rooted in innovation, and a global platform still in the early stages of its potential,” she said. “My job will be to accelerate product breakthroughs, deepen the brand’s cultural relevance, and unlock growth in markets around the world.”
Until she arrives, Meghan Frank and André Maestrini will continue as interim co-CEOs, before returning to their previous senior leadership roles once O’Neill steps in.
Lululemon is betting that a Nike veteran who helped build one of the world’s most powerful sports brands can do something similar for an athleisure label that has genuine love from its customers but is still chasing its full global potential. O’Neill has done it before at scale. The question now is whether she can do it again.
