Brands
Glance-upGrad partner up to tackle India’s 13.4 per cent unemployment rate
MUMBAI: Imagine unlocking your phone and unlocking your future at the same time.
In a world where smart screens are as essential as the air we breathe, Glance and upGrad are reshaping how we learn and grow. This groundbreaking collaboration turns your lock screen into a gateway of endless possibilities, offering free, job-ready skills through upGrad’s Intern-Zip programme.
With the swipe of a finger, millions of young Indians now have access to life-changing upskilling opportunities, proving that in the 21st century, innovation and ambition go hand in hand.
Glance reaches 235 million users daily, nearly 47 per cent of whom are under the age of 24—making it a strategic platform to connect with young Indians. Within three weeks of the launch, upGrad’s content has garnered over 100 million views (glances) on lock screens, underscoring the programme’s reach and impact.
The Intern-Zip programme, designed for individuals aged 20-24, aims to address India’s 13.4 per cent unemployment rate among graduates by equipping them with skills for professional success. Courses include foundational topics such as technical expertise, soft skills, and professional development, all accessible directly from the users’ lock screens.
InMobi co-founder & Glance COO & president, Piyush Shah expressed optimism about the initiative, “With Glance, we’re not only reaching millions—we’re empowering them to seize opportunities and inspire them to discover something new every moment. By bringing upGrad’s workforce-ready content directly on smart lock screens, we’re equipping users with technical expertise, soft skills, and professional development tools.”
upGrad co-founder, Mayank Kumar highlighted the relevance of skilling in a transforming economy, “India has now become a global epicentre of learning and skilling, and this is the most opportune time to scale our value proposition to a different demographic altogether. Partnering with Glance allows us to expand our reach and leverage smart tech integration, further reinforcing our commitment to this cause.”
Glance chief marketing officer, Bikash Chowdhury underscored the programme’s alignment with India’s broader economic goals, “As India works towards becoming a $5 trillion economy, a skilled, adaptable workforce is essential for sustaining growth and solidifying the nation’s standing as a global talent hub. Our goal with the Glance for Good programme is to inspire positive behaviour and drive large-scale, real-world impact.”
By combining Glance’s AI-driven lock screen platform, available in seven Indian languages, with upGrad’s expertise in skilling, the initiative creates an unparalleled opportunity to empower India’s youth and address the evolving demands of a tech-driven economy.
Brands
Rohini Laya Venkateswaran named executive director at Gillette India
P&G veteran with two decades of experience steps into leadership role
NEW DELHI: Rohini Laya Venkateswaran has been appointed executive director at Gillette India Pvt. Ltd., bringing with her more than two decades of experience across sales, strategy and brand leadership within the consumer goods sector. In her new role, she will help steer the company’s strategic direction and growth while strengthening its footprint in the grooming and personal care category.
Venkateswaran joins the board after a long career at Procter & Gamble, where she spent nearly 21 years shaping sales strategy, building brands and driving market expansion across India and international markets.
Most recently, she served as chief sales officer for India at P&G. Prior to that, she was vice president and country manager for east gulf markets, overseeing operations in Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar while also guiding sales strategy across the Gulf region, including the UAE.
Earlier in her career, she led sales strategy and planning for India while serving as marketing leader for brands such as Olay and Old Spice. During this stint, she focused on reshaping go-to-market channels and building awareness through digital, social and influencer-led campaigns to drive growth.
Her journey at P&G also included roles such as director sales strategy and planning leader India, associate director modern retail and ecommerce, regional manager for Delhi and Rajasthan, and several key account and trade marketing roles across the country. She also spent time in the United States working on the P&G Walmart international team, collaborating on global retail initiatives.
Venkateswaran holds an MBA in marketing from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from RV College of Engineering.
With her mix of sales acumen, brand-building experience and global exposure, Venkateswaran’s appointment signals a sharpened focus on growth and market leadership for Gillette India.
