MAM
Capgemini ropes in AI powerhouse Shashi Prabha Singh as VP of data and AI
MUMBAI: Capgemini is making a serious statement in the AI world, and they’ve just hired the right person to back it up. Shashi Prabha Singh, a digital transformation maestro, has stepped into the role of vice president – data and AI. Effective March 2025, Singh will be the mastermind behind driving AI-powered growth and cutting-edge data strategies for the global tech consultancy.
If there’s anyone who knows their way around AI, data, and digital transformation, it’s Singh. She has built an enviable career, seamlessly navigating the worlds of machine learning, AI, and digital strategy like a chess grandmaster plotting her next move. With leadership stints at Tietoevry, WNS, and Tata Consultancy Services, she has spearheaded large-scale transformations, managed P&L for businesses exceeding 500+ professionals, and incubated AI Centres of Excellence from scratch.
In her latest gig at Capgemini, Singh is all set to supercharge AI and data-driven innovation, ensuring that businesses don’t just collect data but actually know what to do with it. She aims to leverage AI and GenAI to create groundbreaking digital solutions, making businesses smarter, faster, and more efficient.
Beyond her corporate prowess, Singh is an influential mentor at Nasscom GenAI Foundry, where she nurtures emerging AI startups, turning their ambitious ideas into industry-changing realities. Whether it’s guiding AI-driven business strategies or launching next-gen digital products, she brings an unparalleled blend of leadership and innovation.
With the digital revolution accelerating, Singh’s appointment signals that Capgemini is not just riding the AI wave, they’re determined to lead it.
Brands
Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail reshuffles top deck; Nikhil Modha to take over as CFO
Phased transition sees Marco Agnolin head OWND!, Nikhil Modha lined up as CFO as company readies next growth leg
MUMBAI: Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail is redrawing its leadership map, lining up a new generation of executives across key roles as it prepares for its next phase of growth.
The company has named Suraj Bahirwani as chief executive (designate) of Pantaloons, effective April 1, 2026, with a full transition to the top role slated for October 1, 2026. He will also be designated as senior managerial personnel.
A two-decade veteran of the Aditya Birla Group, Bahirwani joined as a group management trainee in 2002 and has since held a string of leadership roles across retail and manufacturing. His resume spans stints at Aditya Birla Retail, a tenure as chief operating officer of Pantaloons, and most recently, head of global sales at the group’s cellulosic fibres business, where he drove international expansion and strengthened value-added portfolios.
Academically, he holds a PhD from the University of Mumbai, a postgraduate management diploma from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, and is a chartered accountant. Over the years, he has picked up multiple chairman’s awards, including distinguished achiever, exceptional contributor and accomplished leader.
The transition at Pantaloons will be staged. Incumbent chief executive Sangeeta Tanwani will continue until September 30, 2026, steering the handover before moving into an advisory role to the managing director from October 1, 2026. She is set to retire on January 31, 2027, at which point she will step down as whole-time director and key managerial personnel.
Alongside, the company has brought in Marco Agnolin as chief executive of OWND! and senior managerial personnel, effective April 6, 2026. Agnolin arrives with over three decades of global experience, having held senior roles at Inditex, where he helped expand Zara in Italy, and later served as chief executive of Bershka and Diesel. His track record spans fast fashion, brand turnarounds and youth-focused retail.
On the finance side, Nikhil Modha has been appointed chief financial officer (designate) and senior managerial personnel from April 1, 2026. He will assume full charge as chief financial officer and key managerial personnel from January 1, 2027.
Current chief financial officer Jagdish Bajaj will oversee a phased transition until December 31, 2026, before retiring and stepping down from his roles.
The reshuffle signals a calibrated succession plan rather than a sudden overhaul, with the company staggering exits and appointments to ensure continuity even as it refreshes leadership across verticals.
As Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail juggles legacy brands and new-age formats, the message is clear: steady hands for the present, sharper ones for the future—and no pause in the push for scale.
