Brands
Agoda ropes in Ayushmann Khurrana as AI-powered Mr. Vacaywala for travel planning stunt
MUMBAI: Agoda has packed its bags and brought Hindi cinema to the boarding gate. The travel-tech brand launched its limited-time AI Vacation Planner for Indian travellers, fronted by actor Ayushmann Khurrana who plays a charming new character — Mr. Vacaywala, chief wellness officer.
Built in collaboration with Google, the platform promises holiday solutions on command. It combines Gemini and Imagen technologies with Agoda’s travel inventory to generate tailor-made itineraries, complete with dazzling visuals and Ayushmann’s AI-voiced commentary — calling users by their first name, no less. The AI Vacation Planner is live on AgodaVacationPlanner.com till 30 June.
“Travel is all about discovery and inspiration. Agoda’s use of AI to create personalized recommendations and stunning visuals makes it easier for people to dream, plan, and book their next adventure”, said Khurrana. “We take away the stress of putting together an itinerary, because we do it for you!”
Users enter their preferences, and within seconds the platform assembles custom plans, cherry-picked from Agoda’s five million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities. Imagen renders this into an interactive visual story, and Mr. Vacaywala narrates the itinerary using text-to-speech.
Agoda country director for India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, Gaurav Malik said, “We’ve redefined the travel planning experience to be both personal and inspiring”.
Google’s Pulkit Lambah added, “We collectively embark on a journey to truly reimagine travel – moving beyond simple bookings to instantly personalized, vividly inspiring journeys”.
The campaign also showcases the work of Kulfi Collective and AI studio Truefan, with promotional pushes planned across Youtube and Meta. Through hyper-targeted ads and a Hindi cinema twist, Agoda’s AI-powered journey into Indian hearts is already on the runway.
Brands
KPMG names Gary Wingrove as global chairman and CEO from October
Record Gmada bids signal rising demand as Rs 1,000 crore bet reshapes Tricity skyline
MUMBAI: KPMG has chosen continuity with a forward tilt. The firm has announced that Gary Wingrove will take over as global chairman and CEO of KPMG International, beginning a four year term from 1 October 2026. Currently serving as global chief operating officer, Wingrove steps into the top role after being nominated by the global board and elected by the global council.
A KPMG veteran with over 25 years at the firm, Wingrove has been closely involved in shaping its recent trajectory. As global COO, he has helped drive the firm’s Collective Strategy, focusing on operational integration, global investments and the steady expansion of the KPMG Delivery Network. He has also been at the forefront of KPMG’s digital push, including the rollout of AI enabled solutions across its global operations.
Before his global role, Wingrove served as CEO of KPMG Australia for nearly a decade, where he led a period of strong growth, almost doubling revenue, profitability and headcount while steering a cultural reset.
He succeeds Bill Thomas, who has led KPMG since 2017 and will work alongside Wingrove over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition.
Thomas leaves behind a firm that looks markedly different from when he took charge. Under his leadership, KPMG’s global revenues have risen by 55 per cent, and its workforce has expanded to more than 276,000 people. He also unified the network of member firms under the Collective Strategy, aligning priorities and strengthening governance.
His tenure saw heavy investment in technology and partnerships, with alliances spanning Microsoft, Google Cloud, SAP, Oracle and ServiceNow. These collaborations, along with platforms like KPMG Clara, have helped the firm scale its AI-led offerings and sharpen its competitive edge.
Beyond growth, Thomas also pushed improvements in audit quality and sustainability. Initiatives such as a multiyear global sustainability strategy and the Our Impact Plan have aimed to embed long term thinking into the firm’s operations and client services.
For Wingrove, the brief is clear but evolving. He has signalled a focus on agility, deep expertise and technology driven solutions as clients navigate an increasingly complex business landscape. He also emphasised KPMG’s identity as a people first organisation, supported by technology and unified through its global network.
The timing of the leadership change comes as KPMG continues to grow, reporting a 5.1 per cent rise in global revenue in FY25, with gains across tax and legal, audit and advisory services. Growth was recorded across all regions, despite a challenging macro environment.
As Wingrove prepares to take charge, the firm appears set on a familiar path with a sharper digital edge. Same playbook, perhaps, but with a renewed focus on speed, scale and smarter solutions.
