MAM
Debmalya Sen plugs into power as new IESA president amid green tech charge
MUMBAI: India’s clean energy movement just got a serious upgrade. The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) named Debmalya Sen as its new president, handing the reins to a man who knows his way around everything from green hydrogen to giga factories. With his appointment now official, IESA is doubling down on its mission to turn India into a global powerhouse for clean tech, storage solutions, and e-mobility innovation.
And let’s just say: this isn’t Sen’s first energy rodeo. The former India lead – advanced energy solutions at the World Economic Forum has been elbow-deep in the country’s energy transformation efforts, sparring with policy, partnering with ministries, and pushing for scalable, sustainable growth.
“With the increasing role of energy storage and clean technologies in achieving India’s net-zero goals, I look forward to driving innovation, policy support, and industry collaboration to accelerate the sector’s growth,” said Sen.
As president, Sen now spearheads strategic initiatives, high-voltage partnerships, and regulatory lobbying to expand the footprint of battery storage, green hydrogen, and smart mobility. Backed by a 180+ strong membership base, IESA has evolved into India’s largest industry alliance across cleantech, EVs, hydrogen, renewables, and microgrids. Founded by Customized Energy Solutions in 2012, the alliance has grown into a nerve centre for energy innovation.
“His experience in battery storage, grid modernisation, and green hydrogen development will strengthen IESA’s mission to create a sustainable and resilient energy future,” said Customized Energy Solutions India Pvt Ltd MD Vinayak Walimbe.
IESA has more tentacles than a clean-energy octopus. Its India Battery Manufacturing & Supply Chain Council (IBMSCC) focuses on localising the supply chain for India’s upcoming giga factories. Meanwhile, the India Electric Mobility Council (IEMC) zips ahead with R&D and clean transport manufacturing. The India Green Hydrogen Council (IGHC) and Stationary Energy Storage India (SESI) Council focus on R&D and deployment for industrial use and national grid resilience.
And that’s not all. The IESA Reuse & Recycling Council (IRRC) tackles end-of-life challenges with global best practices in battery recycling. The Startup and Innovation Initiative, meanwhile, scouts future disruptors in India and abroad looking to crack the market with breakthrough tech.
With Sen at the helm, expect less jargon and more joules.
MAM
Ogilvy appoints Carol Reed as Global Chief Innovation Officer
Advertising veteran joins to drive human-first innovation in an AI-powered world.
MUMBAI: Carol Reed has found a new creative canvas and this time, she’s bringing her innovation brush to one of advertising’s most iconic names. Ogilvy Group has appointed Carol Reed as its new global chief innovation officer. Reed, who previously served as Chief Innovation Officer at WPP Open X, brings deep expertise at the intersection of creativity, technology, media, and commerce.
In a note announcing her move, Reed said she was drawn to Ogilvy because of its unmatched legacy. “The most powerful thing AI can do is make human creativity more extraordinary not replace it,” she stated. “This is an agency with something no algorithm can replicate, a 78-year legacy of ideas that change culture and drive real business results.”
Reed will focus on building new products, platforms, and partnerships to amplify Ogilvy’s creative heritage for clients and its global talent network. She will work closely with Global CEO Laurent Ezekiel and global chief creative officer Liz Taylor.
Her career began at Publicis Groupe’s Digitas as an associate media planner. She later moved to Omnicom Media Group and rose to senior vice president and programmatic lead at Digitas, where she built an in-house programmatic team of over 40 members. Most recently, at WPP, she served as executive vice president for data and product marketing.
With her appointment, Ogilvy strengthens its innovation leadership as the industry navigates rapid advancements in AI and technology.
From building programmatic teams to championing human creativity in an AI era, Carol Reed has consistently stayed ahead of the curve. Her arrival at Ogilvy signals a fresh push to blend cutting-edge innovation with the agency’s legendary creative spirit.
