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Banking to pharma: A marketing maverick takes helm at Sun Pharma
MUMBAI: After an 18-year whirlwind of success in banking marketing, Pulak Sarmah has made a bold leap into the pharmaceutical arena, becoming the head of corporate marketing & brand at Sun Pharma.
Known for his strategic brilliance and brand-building acumen, Sarmah’s transition signals a pivotal moment in the marketing industry, blending two diverse worlds under the leadership of a proven marketing veteran. With Sun Pharma’s global ambitions in focus, his appointment is set to redefine the company’s brand narrative and solidify its position on the world stage.
Sarmah began his professional journey in 2006 at Ogilvy & Mather in client servicing, setting the foundation for an illustrious career. Over the next 18 years, he rose through pivotal roles within the Kotak Group, showcasing his expertise in branding and communication. Briefly stepping away to fulfil a long-standing entrepreneurial dream, he ran a food joint named “Not Just Momos!” for a year. Returning to the corporate world, Sarmah served as Vice President of Brand and Corporate Communication at Kotak Mahindra Bank, where he was instrumental in defining the bank’s identity and spearheaded successful campaigns such as #IndiaInvited.
His most recent position was executive vice president – brand, corporate communication, and consumer insights at Zurich Kotak General Insurance, where he spearheaded impactful marketing strategies, consumer insight initiatives, and brand-building efforts that set benchmarks in the industry.
Sarmah expressed his enthusiasm for the new opportunity via a LinkedIn post, “Today, I embark on a new professional journey as head of corporate marketing & brand at Sun Pharma. Having spent the last 18 years building various brands within the Kotak Group, I am looking forward to this exciting opportunity at Sun Pharma. Thank you, everyone, for your love and best wishes.”
At Sun Pharma, Sarmah will oversee corporate marketing and branding initiatives, leveraging his extensive experience to elevate the company’s global standing. His track record of delivering innovative campaigns and creating impactful brand narratives aligns seamlessly with Sun Pharma’s vision for the future.
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TIME100 2026 list names Sundar Pichai, Vikas Khanna, Ranbir Kapoor among global icons
Indian leaders across tech, cinema and cuisine feature on TIME’s list
MUMBAI: TIME has unveiled its 2026 TIME100 list, spotlighting some of the world’s most influential figures, with a strong Indian presence cutting across technology, entertainment and culinary arts.
Among those featured are Sundar Pichai, Vikas Khanna, Ranbir Kapoor and Neal Mohan, alongside public figures such as Zohran Mamdani.
The profile of Pichai highlights his role in taking artificial intelligence to the masses, with Andrew Ng noting that few leaders have expanded access to AI at such scale. Since becoming CEO in 2015, Pichai has steered Google towards a more agile, innovation-led approach, rolling out products like AI Studio and Gemini that are now used by billions globally.
Chef Vikas Khanna is described as a cultural bridge-builder, with Eric Ripert praising his ability to connect people through food while championing Indian traditions on a global stage. His New York restaurant, Bungalow, is positioned not just as a dining space but as a storytelling platform rooted in heritage and memory.
In the entertainment space, Ranbir Kapoor earns recognition for reshaping cinematic storytelling with restraint and emotional depth. Writing his profile, Ayushmann Khurrana notes that Kapoor’s performances quietly redefine audience sensibilities, making him a cultural voice for a changing India.
The annual TIME100 list brings together leaders, innovators and changemakers across sectors, from politics and business to science and the arts. This year’s edition also features global figures such as Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, alongside creators, athletes and entrepreneurs shaping the future.
With influence increasingly spanning industries and geographies, the 2026 list reflects a world where impact is not just about scale, but about shaping conversations and culture in meaningful ways.
