Brands
Ahead names Prajwal UI as director of people and operations
GURUGRAM: Ahead, the digital platform engineering and transformation firm, has appointed Prajwal UI as director of people and operations for India, adding a seasoned people strategist to its growing leadership bench.
In his new role, Prajwal will steer Ahead’s people agenda while sharpening operational efficiency and guiding organisational transformation across the company’s India operations. In simple terms, he will help the business grow fast, smart and human.
With more than two decades of experience across global enterprises, Prajwal brings a rare mix of HR leadership, business transformation and HR technology expertise. His track record spans talent management, performance and rewards frameworks, compensation and benefits, diversity and inclusion initiatives, HR automation and SAP HCM led process transformation.
Before joining Ahead, Prajwal was director of human resources at Unisys India, where he helped strengthen talent strategy and improve operational efficiency across hybrid and multi location teams. Earlier, he spent over a decade at Wipro Technologies as senior manager human resources and HR business partner lead for the Telecom Business Unit and the CTO function. During this time, he also led HR for a US acquisition and managed Wipro’s persons with disabilities programme under its diversity and inclusion charter.
Speaking on his appointment, Prajwal said, “Ahead’s focus on building strong, integrated platforms mirrors my belief that people, processes and technology must evolve together. I look forward to working closely with leadership teams to strengthen people practices, enable scalable operations and support the company’s growth in India.”
Ahead has expanded rapidly in India since opening its first delivery hub in Gurugram in 2023, followed by a Hyderabad facility in 2024. Its India Centre of Excellence plays a key role in delivering high impact services to Fortune 500 clients worldwide, covering managed services, cloud platforms, data protection, automation and ServiceNow.
Ahead India managing director Sumed Marwaha said, “Prajwal brings a strong blend of strategic HR thinking and operational depth. His experience managing complex global workforces will be vital as we continue to invest in India as a core delivery and innovation hub.”
Earlier in his career, Prajwal held HR and consulting roles at Infosys Technologies, SAP India and Comat Technologies. He holds a PGDM in Human Resources, a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a trained SAP HR functional consultant with hands-on experience in automating enterprise HR processes.
With this appointment, Ahead signals that as it builds cutting edge platforms, it is equally serious about building the people who power them.
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
