MAM
Kia shifts into top gear with Atul Sood as new sales and marketing head
MUMBAI: From driving growth at Toyota to taking the wheel at Kia, Atul Sood is all set for his next ride. Kia India has hit the accelerator on its leadership transformation, appointing Atul Sood as senior vice president of sales & marketing, effective 11 July 2025. A veteran of the Indian auto sector, Sood will lead Kia’s pan-India sales operations and marketing strategy, reporting directly to chief sales officer Joonsu Cho.
Bringing with him nearly 30 years of industry experience, Sood was most recently president and director at Toyota Mobility Solutions and Services India (TMSS), where he played a key role in steering innovation and business expansion. His previous stints at Toyota Kirloskar Motors and Toyota Motor Asia Pacific further cement his reputation as a strategic leader with a deep understanding of both market dynamics and customer needs.
Kia India’s MD & CEO Gwanggu Lee welcomed the appointment saying, “Atul’s proven track record in customer-first innovation and dealer network development makes him the ideal candidate to guide Kia through its next growth chapter. We’re confident his leadership will further our brand promise and strengthen our foothold in India’s mass-premium segment.”
An engineer from Thapar Institute and a PGDM holder from SCMHRD Pune, Sood brings a rare mix of operational rigour and marketing flair. His leadership comes at a time when Kia India is looking to expand its market share, grow its product footprint, and deepen customer relationships across metros and emerging markets alike.
Speaking on his new role, Sood said, “Joining Kia at such a pivotal moment in its India journey is truly exciting. The brand’s commitment to innovation, design, and customer delight aligns perfectly with my own values. I look forward to building on its strong foundation and driving sustainable growth across the country.”
With this appointment, Kia India signals its intent to keep up the momentum in one of the world’s fastest-evolving auto markets and if Sood’s track record is any indication, the ride ahead is going to be anything but ordinary.
Brands
Funskool enters vehicle toy segment with Blazetrix range
Three construction themed toys priced at Rs 549 mark Made in India push.
MUMBAI: Playtime is shifting gears and it’s revving up with a distinctly desi engine. Funskool India Ltd. has rolled into the vehicle toy segment with Blazetrix, a new Made-in-India range aimed at turning passive play into hands-on action. The debut line-up under Blazetrix leans into a construction theme, introducing three models Buzz Claw, Core Crush and Iron Hook. Built around movement and interaction, the toys are designed to encourage children to build, race and experiment, blending play with motor skill development and social engagement.
But this isn’t just about toy cars with a twist. The range comes wrapped in a narrative layer, complete with storylines and visually engaging packaging, pushing the experience beyond the toy itself into a more immersive play ecosystem.
Manufactured locally, the collection reflects Funskool’s ongoing push towards domestic production while maintaining global benchmarks in safety, durability and quality. The move also aligns with a broader shift in consumer demand, where parents are increasingly looking for toys that combine entertainment with developmental value.
At a price point of Rs 549, the range is positioned as an accessible entry into a category typically dominated by international brands. The affordability, coupled with its interactive features, signals a strategy aimed at scaling quickly across urban households.
With Blazetrix, Funskool isn’t just adding a new product line, it’s stepping into a high-engagement category with a clear pitch: less screen time, more hands-on play. And if the bet pays off, the brand could well find itself driving a new lane in India’s evolving toy market.
