MAM
Lodestar UM collaborates with LGBTQIA+ owned businesses for impact day
Mumbai : Lodestar UM, the India unit of UM, a global media agency network of IPG Mediabrands, has announced its participation in the seventh global Impact Day, under the theme, “ONE Day, ONE UM, ONE Better World.” Launched in 2016 under UM’s corporate social responsibility unit, Better World, Impact Day reflects the agency’s commitment to its core values of community, curiosity and courage.
UM employees will participate in activities around three Impact Day pillars:
· Equity – Acts of service that directly impact underserved communities.
· Sustainability – Acts of service that directly impact our planet, locally or globally.
Wellness – Acts of service that directly impact the well-being of another person’s physical or mental health.
In India, Lodestar UM has collaborated with LGBTQIA+ owned businesses such as Kai By Mangi, Dopamore, Arttitty, Sabarshh, Ash.Co, Embarque.co, Queergaon, Astitva Jewelry, Podi Nan Maga, and Scoby Labs. These businesses offer a variety of products, including natural lip gloss and oil, stylish handcrafted accessories, elegant bags and purses, vibrant shirts, handmade exquisite stone jewellery, ceramic ware, fashion apparel, bags, stone and bead accessories, lip-smacking pickles, podis and snacks, resin art accessories, and fermented drinks. By providing a platform to showcase and sell their products, the agency aims to create meaningful, tangible benefits for the community.
“Our idea for Impact Day goes beyond commerce; we aim to foster enriching connections and meaningful experiences that positively impact the community,” said Lodestar UM CEO Aditi Mishra. “By supporting LGBTQIA+ businesses, we are not only contributing to economic empowerment but also celebrating diversity and inclusion in a tangible way. Impact Day is a powerful reminder of how our collective efforts can drive meaningful change and create a better world for everyone.”
“UMers from all over the globe look forward every year to volunteering as one connected team for our beloved Impact Day tradition,” said Global CEO, UM Andrea Suarez. “Our theme this year, ‘ONE Day, ONE UM, ONE Better World’ highlights the incredible impact we can have when we harness the power of our collective action to give back to the communities in which we live, serve and flourish.”
“Impact Day is a powerful reminder of the positive change we can create when we come together as a global community. It’s a chance for UMers across APAC to make a real difference in the lives of others, and I’m incredibly proud of the diverse and impactful initiatives happening across the region,” said APAC president UM Kasper Aakerlund.
Brands
Primus Partners appoints Akasa Air co-founder Neelu Khatri as independent director
Veteran aviation and defence professional joins as independent director
NEW DELHI: Primus Partners has appointed Neelu Khatri, a founding member of Akasa Air, as an independent director, strengthening the consulting firm’s board as it prepares for its next phase of growth.
Khatri brings more than three decades of experience across defence, aviation, aerospace technology and consulting. She was part of the core team that helped build Akasa Air from concept to launch, contributing to what has been widely described as one of the fastest airline scale ups in recent aviation history.
At Primus Partners, she will provide strategic guidance on corporate governance and help steer the firm’s long term growth plans. Her experience of building a start up into a full scale organisation is expected to support the consulting firm as it expands its footprint.
Primus Partners co-founder and chairperson Davinder Sandhu, said the appointment brings valuable expertise to the board. “Neelu’s journey across defence, aviation and consulting brings a rare blend of operational insight and strategic thinking. Her experience in rapidly scaling Akasa Air will be invaluable as we continue to grow while maintaining a strong focus on corporate governance,” he said.
Primus Partners, an India headquartered management consulting and solutions firm, has emphasised governance and board oversight since its early days. The company has also taken an unconventional approach by inviting its Gen Z employees to attend board meetings so that younger perspectives can contribute to discussions.
Speaking on her appointment, Khatri said the consulting sector is entering a transformative period shaped by emerging technologies. “The industry is evolving rapidly with the rise of AI. This is an exciting moment for an Indian origin consulting firm like Primus Partners to expand its product offerings and strengthen its presence globally,” she said.
She added that as the firm pursues ambitious expansion plans, her focus will be on ensuring strong governance frameworks and effective risk management as the organisation scales.
