MAM
Andréa Mallard steps in as chief marketing officer at Microsoft AI
WASHINGTON: Microsoft AI has tapped Andréa Mallard as its new chief marketing officer, bringing in a seasoned operator with deep experience in product-led storytelling as the company accelerates its bet on responsible artificial intelligence.
Mallard took charge earlier this month, joining the leadership team led by Mustafa Suleyman. Her appointment signals Microsoft’s intent to shape not just the capabilities of AI, but how it is understood, trusted and adopted at scale.
In a post announcing her move, Mallard described AI as the most consequential technological shift of her lifetime, one that will shape how future generations live and work. That, she said, was precisely why she chose to join Microsoft AI, to help build technology that serves people rather than the other way around.
Mallard arrives with more than two decades of experience at the intersection of product, design and marketing. Most recently, she served as global chief marketing officer at Pinterest for over seven years, where she oversaw product marketing, design, communications, growth and an in-house creative studio. During her tenure, Pinterest scaled its user base and advertising business while sharpening its identity as a positive, discovery-led platform.
Her work at Pinterest earned repeated industry recognition, including being named to Forbes’ list of the world’s most influential CMOs, AdWeek Brand Genius and AdAge Marketer of the Year. Her teams launched several of the platform’s signature initiatives, including Pinterest Predicts, its annual trend forecast, and Pinterest Presents, its global advertiser summit.
Before Pinterest, Mallard held senior marketing roles across consumer, health and apparel brands. She was chief marketing officer at Athleta, where she helped drive double-digit growth and led the brand’s transition to B Corp status. She also served as chief marketing officer at Omada Health, a digital health company later named a World Economic Forum tech pioneer.
Earlier in her career, Mallard spent nearly eight years at design firm IDEO, where she helped establish and lead its global brand strategy practice across Europe and the US. She began her career in media and publishing, with roles at Forbes, Rodale and Canada’s CBC.
Alongside her executive role, Mallard serves as a board director at Hydrow, Kajabi and Twenty First Century Brand, and has previously advised electric mobility firm Unu Motors. She holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and has lived and worked across Europe and North America.
At Microsoft AI, Mallard will be responsible for shaping how the company communicates its AI ambitions to consumers, enterprises and policymakers at a time when scrutiny of the technology is intensifying.
Her brief is clear. Build belief. Earn trust. And make sure the story of AI keeps pace with its power.
Brands
Malaika Arora launches Maejoy accessories brand with Myntra partnership
New label debuts with 250 plus handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery.
MUMBAI: When style meets sparkle, a new brand is ready to take centre stage. Actor and entrepreneur Malaika Arora has launched a lifestyle accessories label called Maejoy, developed in collaboration with Exceed Entertainment and Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL), the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra. The brand enters the market with a debut collection of more than 250 styles spanning handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery, two categories that continue to define everyday personal style for modern consumers.
The handbag lineup includes crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, backpacks, clutches and workwear inspired designs. The pieces are crafted using materials such as synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestones and metallic finishes.
Alongside the bags, Maejoy has introduced a jewellery range featuring lab grown diamond rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets. The pieces are set in 925 sterling silver bases with gold, silver and rose gold tones, and include diamonds certified by IGI and GCI.
Positioned as a premium yet accessible accessories label, Maejoy is built around the philosophy “The Joy of Being Me”, aiming to blend aspirational fashion with everyday usability. The brand’s positioning centres on three pillars: authenticity, empowerment and accessibility.
Arora described the venture as a natural extension of her long association with fashion and personal style.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business or through personal style, I have always believed fashion should feel empowering yet effortless. The Joy of Being Me celebrates individuality while making global fashion trends more accessible,” she said.
MJIPL, CXO and head of house of brands Suman Saha said the brand brings together Arora’s style perspective with a strong opportunity in the accessible premium accessories segment.
“Maejoy combines Malaika Arora’s distinctive style sensibility with fashion forward designs that we believe will resonate strongly with consumers looking for elevated yet wearable accessories,” he said.
Exceed Entertainment CEO Afsar Zaidi added that building celebrity led brands requires balancing authenticity with market viability.
“Malaika commands respect both as a fashion icon and a businesswoman. Bringing her creative vision together with Myntra’s brand building expertise creates a strong foundation for Maejoy,” he said.
The collection is available exclusively on Myntra through its website and mobile app, making the brand accessible to millions of shoppers across India as it steps into the competitive lifestyle accessories space.
