MAM
Audible launches new sleep collection ahead of World Sleep Day
Mumbai: Audible, a leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, announced the launch of a new collection of podcast series in time for World Sleep Day. An annual event dedicated to emphasising the significance of sleep for overall health and well-being, World Sleep Day aims to address critical issues related to sleep, including medicine, education, social aspects and more.
The three Sleep Sound series are part of a new, curated Audible sleep collection, offering dedicated meditations, all-night soundscapes, ASMR and bedtime stories, designed to ease listeners into sleep. The collection includes the following:
. An enchanting bedtime story read by Pallavi Sharda: Australian actor and dancer of Indian origin, Pallavi Sharda narrates the tale of Princess Aubergine, a South Asian Sleeping Beauty fairytale, taking listeners on a magical journey towards slumber.
. Dreamy poetry read by Natalie Imbruglia: Inspired by the rugged Australian landscape, Natalie Imbruglia, an Australian singer-songwriter and actress, lends her voice to the series through a selection of verses from celebrated poet Dorothea Mackellar, creating a rich and immersive experience that leads listeners on a path to sleep.
. Water-based meditations performed by Cody Simpson: An Australian singer and actor, Cody Simpson, in his series, gently guides listeners to the land of nod with calming visualisations and enchanting soundscapes inspired by the serene beauty of water.
“Sleep is such an important part of our lives, especially in our society where hyper-productivity seems to be constantly rewarded,” said Audible Sleep Sound narrator Pallavi Sharda. “I really enjoyed my recording of a Sleeping Beauty tale with Audible, and hope it goes some way to helping listeners feel their nervous systems relax during their night time routine, and to feel more rested and rejuvenated when they wake up.”
“Good quality sleep is the most important gift we can give ourselves. Like a lot of artists, my most creative time can be late at night when everyone else is sleeping, so I can find it hard to get back into the routine of going to bed at a reasonable hour,” said Audible Sleep Sound narrator, Natalie Imbruglia. “Recording Dorothea Mackellar’s poetry was truly a magical experience. I was moved to tears while recording ‘My Country’, which made me fall in love with my homeland all over again.”
“I’ve changed, grown and evolved in many ways over the past few years, especially with the approach I take with my health and wellbeing as I set my sights on the Olympics,” said Audible Sleep Sound narrator, Cody Simpson. “As a training athlete, it’s so important to get plenty of quality sleep in order to recover effectively. I’ve enjoyed recording my guided sleep meditations with Audible and hope it will help others relax and unwind when they hit the pillow.”
Commenting on this launch, Audible, APAC VP and head of regional content Karen Appathurai Wiggins said, “In today’s fast-paced world, prioritising sleep is paramount for maintaining our overall well-being. Our 2023 wrap data also highlights that well-being and self-development top the charts when it comes to the most listened-to genres among Indians. This is why we are pleased to introduce our new sleep collection, further expanding our catalog to offer our members new ways to attain a good night’s rest. We wish them all sweet dreams!”
Audible’s Sleep Sound collection is available only on Audible.
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YES Bank hands the keys to SBI veteran Vinay Tonse as it bets on a new era
Former SBI managing director appointed as YES Bank’s new MD and CEO
MUMBAI: YES Bank is done rebuilding. Now it wants to grow. The private sector lender has appointed Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as managing director and chief executive officer-designate, with RBI approval secured and a start date of April 6, 2026 confirmed. The three-year term signals the bank’s intent to shift gears from crisis recovery to full-throttle expansion.
Tonse, 60, is no stranger to scale. Most recently managing director at State Bank of India, he oversaw a retail book of roughly $800bn in deposits and advances, one of the largest in the country. Before that, he ran SBI Mutual Fund from August 2020 to December 2022, a stint that saw assets under management surge from Rs 4.32 lakh crore to Rs 7.32 lakh crore across market cycles. Add stints in Singapore and four years leading SBI’s overseas operations in Osaka, and the incoming chief arrives with a genuinely global CV.
His academic grounding is equally solid: a commerce degree from St Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bengaluru, and a master’s in commerce from Bangalore University.
The appointment follows an extensive search and evaluation process by the bank’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee. NRC chairperson Nandita Gurjar said the committee unanimously backed Tonse, citing his leadership track record, governance credentials and ability to drive the bank’s next phase of transformation.
Non-executive chairman Rama Subramaniam Gandhi was unequivocal. “I am certain that Vinay Tonse, with his vast experience as a senior banker, will propel YES Bank to its next phase of growth,” Gandhi said, adding that the bank remains focused on strengthening its retail and corporate banking franchises and expanding its branch network.
Rajeev Kannan, non-executive director and senior executive at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the bank’s largest shareholder, said Tonse’s experience across retail, corporate banking, global markets and asset management positioned him well to lead the lender. SMBC said it looks forward to working with Tonse and the board as YES Bank pursues its ambition of becoming a top-tier private sector lender anchored in strong governance and sustainable growth.
Tonse succeeds Prashant Kumar, who took the helm in March 2020 when YES Bank was in freefall following a severe financial crisis, and spent six years painstakingly stabilising the institution, rebuilding governance and restoring operational scale. Gandhi was generous: “The bank remains indebted to Prashant Kumar, who is responsible for much of what a strong financial powerhouse YES Bank is today.”
Tonse, for his part, struck a purposeful note. “Together with the board and my colleagues, I remain deeply committed to creating long-term value for all our stakeholders,” he said, pledging to build on Kumar’s foundation guided by his personal motto: Make A Difference.
Beyond the balance sheet, Tonse played cricket at college and club level and represented Karnataka in archery at the national championships — sports he credits with teaching him teamwork, situational leadership, discipline and focus. In quieter moments, he reaches for retro Kannada music, classic Hindi songs, and the crooning of Engelbert Humperdinck, Mukesh and Kishore Kumar.
YES Bank has its steady-handed rebuilder in Kumar to thank for survival. Now it has a scale-obsessed growth banker at the wheel. The next chapter starts April 6.
