MAM
Wing Commander RD Deshpande (retired) joins PR Professionals as president
Mumbai: PR Professionals, the flagship company of the PRP Group, announced the appointment of Wing Commander RD Deshpande (retired) as president of defence business and HR services. This strategic appointment marks a significant step in strengthening its leadership team and expanding the company’s expertise in the defence sector and HR services.
Wing Commander RD Deshpande joins PR Professionals following his tenure with Byju’s where he led the learning and development function and spearheaded critical initiatives aimed at organizational development. With a distinguished military career spanning 22 years, he brings a wealth of leadership experience and specialized knowledge to the existing, diversified, and experience-rich team at PRP Group.
A decorated military veteran, WinCo RD is a recipient of the prestigious “Chief of Air Staff Commendation” for exemplary leadership during his career in the Indian Air Force. He has also held leadership roles in esteemed organizations, such as; Reliance Retail Ltd., Byju’s, ISHRAE, and Critical Care Unified Pvt. Ltd. An alumnus of some of India’s most esteemed institutions, such as; IIM Ahmedabad, Air Force Academy, Air Force Administrative College, Air Force Intelligence School, and the National Defence Academy, WinCo RD has honed his expertise and developed niche through rigorous academic and professional training. Apart from these, he has also successfully completed courses from the globally renowned institutions, like; XLRI, Jamshedpur and Jack Welch Management Institute, Strayer University, U.S.
At PR Professionals, WinCo RD will lead its Defence business along with HR Services. It is aligned with the Vision of the Founder and Managing Director, PRP Group, Dr. Sarvesh Tiwari and this expansion marks the very thought-through and robust strengthening plans of the company.
Dr Sarvesh shared “We are delighted to welcome Wing Commander RD Deshpande to the PRP family. His extensive experience in defence and corporate leadership, coupled with his expertise in HR, PR and learning & development, will prove to be invaluable for the company as we expand our offerings and reinforce our commitment to excellence. His unique experiences and perspectives from the armed forces, sound knowledge and stellar educational background adds a professional flavor to the team. We are confident that his visionary approach and strategic insights will drive significant growth and innovation for our clients and the organization.”
With over 28 years of rich and diversified experience in “people functions”, WinCo RD is a visionary, strategist and an expert in defining policies, processes, and implementing reforms. He is a certified behavioral trainer, excelling in ‘outbound, facilitation, and experiential training’. He is also an ‘executive presence coach’.
Commenting on his appointment, Wing Commander RD Deshpande said, “I am thrilled to join PRP family and am eager to contribute to the company’s mission of excellence in Defence business and HR Services. I am excited and at the same time committed to drive impactful initiatives and support the growth of our clients and the organization.”
PR Professionals has significantly expanded its senior leadership team, further bolstering its ranks with seasoned professionals. Most recently, the company welcomed Nishant Singhal as president strategy. Furthermore, in the preceding year, PR Professionals made strategic appointments to enhance its leadership cadre. Varun Aggarwal was appointed as assistant vice president (AVP) for business development, bringing his wealth of experience and expertise to drive business expansion initiatives forward. Additionally, the company added Sanjay Singh to its team, a distinguished media and PR veteran, who assumed the role of vice president.
PR Professionals is an integrated communications company that has been delivering quality and excellence since 2011 and has also initiated several philanthropic activities. It provides end-to-end branding and customized public relations solutions that enable businesses to become market leaders. From humble beginnings, PRP today has 12 offices in India and six offices in offshore locations. The 150-member team shares Tiwari’s passion for doing extraordinary things in PR and making a difference to the underprivileged through philanthropic activities.
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
