Brands
Axis Bank appoints Yatin Ashtekar as senior vice president
MUMBAI: Axis Bank has brought in Yatin Ashtekar as senior vice president and head of technology risk, betting on deep audit muscle as banks race to secure increasingly digital balance sheets.
Ashtekar takes charge at a moment when technology risk has moved from the back office to the boardroom. His remit spans enterprise-wide technology risk management, regulatory compliance and the secure adoption of emerging technologies, with oversight of IT risk assessments, KRIs, RCSAs and remediation across the bank.
With over 25 years in technology, audit and cyber security, Ashtekar arrives with a resume built for scrutiny-heavy environments. Most recently, he was group executive vice president at Yes Bank, where he helped shape audit strategy, internal audit policy and risk-based audit plans, and drove digitisation of audit processes using automation, AI and data analytics.
Earlier stints include vice president roles at Kotak Mahindra Bank, where he presented risk-based audit plans to board committees, and leadership positions at RBL Bank and AGS Transact Technologies, where he served as ciso and group head for risk and compliance. His career also spans consulting at KPMG and large-scale infrastructure programme delivery for global clients at HP.
Ashtekar’s technical credentials mirror his operational depth, with certifications across information security, risk, audit and project management, including cissp, cciso, ceh and iso lead auditor qualifications. At Axis Bank, he is expected to build and mentor a high-performing technology risk team while ensuring alignment with RBI master directions, CERT-In, NPCI and global standards.
As banks push harder into digital products, cloud infrastructure and automation, Axis Bank’s appointment signals a clear message: growth may be digital, but trust is built on control. Ashtekar’s mandate is simple and unforgiving — keep the system resilient, the regulators satisfied and the risks firmly in check.
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.
