MAM
Gitika Sharan takes charge of marketing at Wadhwani AI Global
MUMBAI: Gitika Sharan has been appointed head of marketing and communications at Wadhwani AI Global, the artificial intelligence non-profit applying technology to solve challenges in the Global South.
Sharan joins from Welspun World, where she was general manager martech. Before that, she spent over four years at Indira IVF group, heading internal and external communications, CSR and ESG initiatives, and franchisee operations. Her earlier stints included senior communications roles at Platinum Guild International, MSL Group, Ogilvy PR and Burson.
In her new role, Sharan will shape Wadhwani AI Global’s brand voice and outreach as it works on AI-led interventions in agriculture, public health and other development priorities.
“We are applying AI to address some of the most pressing challenges in the Global South… the focus is on ensuring technology truly serves communities and creates sustainable impact,” she said.
Brands
Pocket FM elevates Lalit Gangwar to COO to drive global growth
Founding member to lead operations, monetisation and expansion across markets
MUMBAI: Pocket FM has elevated Lalit Gangwar to chief operating officer, tasking the founding team member with leading global business operations as the company sharpens its international growth strategy.
In his new role, Gangwar will oversee end-to-end operations across markets, including growth, monetisation and execution for the company’s audio business. The appointment comes as Pocket FM looks to strengthen its operating foundation and build a more predictable, scalable global business.
Gangwar has been closely involved in shaping the company’s trajectory from its early days. He played a key role in building the growth and marketing playbook in India, helping the platform scale to over 150 million users within its first year and establish a strong foothold in the audio storytelling category.
He later led Pocket FM’s expansion into the United States, where he set up teams, defined market strategy and drove scale, contributing significantly to the company’s international ambitions.
Pocket FM co-founder and CEO Rohan Nayak said, “Lalit has been central to Pocket FM’s journey from the very beginning. He has built our growth engine and scaled our business across markets.” He added that the company’s focus on nurturing internal talent makes Gangwar a natural choice to lead the next phase.
Gangwar said, “Pocket FM has always been driven by a simple belief that powerful stories can travel across borders and create meaningful impact.” He noted that the company will continue to focus on scaling markets, investing in AI-led storytelling and strengthening monetisation.
As COO, Gangwar is expected to bring greater operating discipline while building systems, talent and processes to support long-term growth.
With leadership continuity and a clear global focus, Pocket FM appears to be turning the page to its next chapter, one that aims to take its storytelling playbook well beyond home turf.
