Brands
Poco partners with Akshay Kumar ahead of X7 series launch
MUMBAI: In a blockbuster move straight out of a high-octane action scene, Poco India has roped in Indian cinema’s quintessential Khiladi, Akshay Kumar, as its brand ambassador.
Just as daring and dynamic as its ambassador, Poco is gearing up to unveil its highly anticipated Poco X7 series, promising a launch event as thrilling as an Akshay Kumar stunt. His association aligns seamlessly with the X7 series campaign, “Xceed Your Limits,” which aims to motivate users to challenge conventions and aim for extraordinary possibilities.
Set to take place on 9 January at 5:30 pm, this collaboration isn’t just a partnership—it’s a story of two forces, ‘Made of MAD’, joining hands to redefine the way India sees smartphones.
The Poco X7 series promises revolutionary features in the premium affordable segment. The Poco X7 stands out with the most durable 1.5K AMOLED 3D Curved Display in its class, while the X7 Pro boasts the segment’s largest 6550mAh battery featuring advanced Silicon Carbon Technology and a solid electrolyte. Both models run on the cutting-edge Xiaomi HyperOS 2.0, delivering next-gen AI capabilities for an enhanced user experience. Engineered for durability, efficiency, and superior performance, the Poco X7 5G and X7 Pro 5G redefine value and innovation at pocket-friendly prices.
Speaking about the announcement, Poco India country head, Himanshu Tandon said, “At Poco, we’ve always embraced bold choices that reflect our vision of delivering innovative technology and empowering the next generation. Akshay Kumar’s fearless persona and mass appeal make him the perfect fit for a brand that thrives on breaking boundaries and redefining value. His partnership, coupled with the X7 series launch, highlights our strategic focus on scaling new heights and delivering transformative experiences as we gear up for an exciting 2025.”
Kumar shared his excitement, “Partnering with Poco is an exciting new chapter for me. I’ve always admired brands that dare to be different, and Poco’s fearless approach to innovation and its ‘Made of MAD’ philosophy truly resonate with my personality. The X7 series campaign, ‘Xceed Your Limits,’ reflects the energy and determination I believe in – pushing boundaries and striving for excellence. I’m thrilled to be part of this journey as Poco inspires India’s youth to embrace bold choices and redefine possibilities in technology.”
This dual announcement signals Poco’s growth trajectory and intent to dominate India’s tech landscape. With Akshay Kumar amplifying the brand’s visibility and the X7 series launch imminent, Poco is poised to deliver a bold and transformative user experience, capturing the market’s excitement.
Brands
YES Bank hands the keys to SBI veteran Vinay Tonse as it bets on a new era
Former SBI managing director appointed as YES Bank’s new MD and CEO
MUMBAI: YES Bank is done rebuilding. Now it wants to grow. The private sector lender has appointed Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as managing director and chief executive officer-designate, with RBI approval secured and a start date of April 6, 2026 confirmed. The three-year term signals the bank’s intent to shift gears from crisis recovery to full-throttle expansion.
Tonse, 60, is no stranger to scale. Most recently managing director at State Bank of India, he oversaw a retail book of roughly $800bn in deposits and advances, one of the largest in the country. Before that, he ran SBI Mutual Fund from August 2020 to December 2022, a stint that saw assets under management surge from Rs 4.32 lakh crore to Rs 7.32 lakh crore across market cycles. Add stints in Singapore and four years leading SBI’s overseas operations in Osaka, and the incoming chief arrives with a genuinely global CV.
His academic grounding is equally solid: a commerce degree from St Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bengaluru, and a master’s in commerce from Bangalore University.
The appointment follows an extensive search and evaluation process by the bank’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee. NRC chairperson Nandita Gurjar said the committee unanimously backed Tonse, citing his leadership track record, governance credentials and ability to drive the bank’s next phase of transformation.
Non-executive chairman Rama Subramaniam Gandhi was unequivocal. “I am certain that Vinay Tonse, with his vast experience as a senior banker, will propel YES Bank to its next phase of growth,” Gandhi said, adding that the bank remains focused on strengthening its retail and corporate banking franchises and expanding its branch network.
Rajeev Kannan, non-executive director and senior executive at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the bank’s largest shareholder, said Tonse’s experience across retail, corporate banking, global markets and asset management positioned him well to lead the lender. SMBC said it looks forward to working with Tonse and the board as YES Bank pursues its ambition of becoming a top-tier private sector lender anchored in strong governance and sustainable growth.
Tonse succeeds Prashant Kumar, who took the helm in March 2020 when YES Bank was in freefall following a severe financial crisis, and spent six years painstakingly stabilising the institution, rebuilding governance and restoring operational scale. Gandhi was generous: “The bank remains indebted to Prashant Kumar, who is responsible for much of what a strong financial powerhouse YES Bank is today.”
Tonse, for his part, struck a purposeful note. “Together with the board and my colleagues, I remain deeply committed to creating long-term value for all our stakeholders,” he said, pledging to build on Kumar’s foundation guided by his personal motto: Make A Difference.
Beyond the balance sheet, Tonse played cricket at college and club level and represented Karnataka in archery at the national championships — sports he credits with teaching him teamwork, situational leadership, discipline and focus. In quieter moments, he reaches for retro Kannada music, classic Hindi songs, and the crooning of Engelbert Humperdinck, Mukesh and Kishore Kumar.
YES Bank has its steady-handed rebuilder in Kumar to thank for survival. Now it has a scale-obsessed growth banker at the wheel. The next chapter starts April 6.
