MAM
SW Network appoints Alin Choubey as business head – Delhi
Mumbai: Advertising agency SW Network has announced Alin Choubey as the new business head of its Delhi office. In this crucial management role, Alin will lead the agency’s strategic initiatives and operations at the Delhi office. His vision and leadership qualities will be instrumental in further steering the leading agency towards its growth objectives and enhancing operational capabilities.
Bringing a wealth of experience to SW Network, Alin has held influential positions at prominent agencies including Foxy Moron, Chimp&z Inc., Herald Digital, and many more. His extensive background in digital marketing and advertising has seen him drive impactful campaigns and build strong relationships with top brands, CMOs, and marketing leaders.
In his new role at SW Network, Alin will oversee client management, campaign innovation, P&L responsibilities, and the continuation of an already established collaborative team culture. He will directly work with SW Network co-founders Pranav Agarwal and Raghav Bagai to advance the agency’s strategic and operational initiatives.
Commenting on the appointment, SW Network co-founder Pranav Agarwal said, “Alin’s arrival marks a strategic move for SW Network. His deep industry expertise and track record of delivering immaculate and transformative results definitely align with our vision for expansion, creative and operational excellence, and delivering business impact for our partners. We look forward to leveraging his insights to drive continued success.”
SW Network co-founder, Raghav Bagai, added, “Alin’s appointment highlights our constant commitment to elevating our agency’s strategic capabilities and our never-ending quest to drive value for our clients. His history of innovative leadership in this industry will undoubtedly enhance our ability to deliver exceptional integrated advertising solutions and build robust client relationships.”
Reflecting on his new role, Alin Choubey expressed, “I am thrilled to join SW Network, at this critical juncture. Raghav and Pranav’s unwavering commitment to creative and operational excellence resonated deeply with me. I am eager to bring my experience to the table, contributing to the continued growth of our clients and enhancing the strategic capabilities of our agency. Together, we will strive to achieve a perfect balance between scale and innovation, delivering exceptional results for our partners.”
Brands
Nykaa eyes majority stake in Deepika Padukone’s 82°E brand
Deal could help scale premium label as Nykaa sharpens its beauty play
MUMBAI: Nykaa is in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in 82°E, the premium skincare label founded by Deepika Padukone, according to media reports.
The proposed deal signals Nykaa’s intent to deepen its House of Nykaa portfolio while giving 82°E the scale it has struggled to achieve independently. Padukone is expected to retain a minority stake if the transaction goes through.
For Nykaa, the play is both strategic and timely. With a customer base of over 42 million, the company is betting on its strong distribution, logistics, and repeat purchase ecosystem to revive the brand’s momentum. The two sides already share a working relationship, with Padukone serving as Nykaa’s global brand ambassador since September 2025.
Launched in late 2022, 82°E entered the market with a premium positioning but has faced headwinds. The brand reported revenue of Rs 14.7 crore in FY25, down 30 per cent year on year, alongside losses of Rs 12.26 crore. Industry observers have pointed to steep pricing, a somewhat diffused brand identity, and intense competition from digital-first labels as key challenges.
The potential acquisition also reflects a broader shift in India’s beauty and lifestyle space, where celebrity-led brands are increasingly partnering with larger corporates to unlock scale. Alia Bhatt’s Ed-a-Mamma, for instance, sold a majority stake to Reliance Retail, while Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty has emerged as a standout success within Nykaa’s portfolio, clocking Rs 132.4 crore in FY25 revenue.
Nykaa itself has been on a strong growth trajectory. Its parent, FSN E-Commerce Ventures, reported a 156 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 68 crore in the December 2025 quarter, with revenue reaching Rs 2,873 crore.
Nykaa has been steadily building its portfolio through acquisitions such as Dot & Key, Earth Rhythm and Nudge Wellness, signalling a clear push to own and scale homegrown brands.
If the 82°E deal materialises, it could mark a fresh chapter for the label, blending celebrity appeal with corporate muscle. For Nykaa, it is another calculated step in staying ahead in an increasingly crowded beauty aisle.
