MAM
Deepesh Dhakad to lead tech at upGrad
MUMBAI: When upGrad said it was upgrading its tech game, it meant it literally. The skilling giant has appointed Deepesh Dhakad as its new chief product and technology officer (CPTO), effective October 2025, as it sharpens focus on innovation, scalability and next-gen learning experiences.
Based in Bengaluru, Dhakad will lead upGrad’s global product, design and technology ecosystem across its learner and enterprise verticals.
With nearly two decades of experience across powerhouses like Amazon, Flipkart, Unacademy and Games24x7, Dhakad has built and scaled digital platforms serving millions worldwide. His expertise lies in using AI-led design and data-driven experimentation to fuel growth and engagement.
“upGrad stands at a pivotal moment where technology is not just an enabler but the engine powering our next phase of growth,” said Dhakad. “Our goal is to design intelligent, AI-native systems that personalise learning journeys and deliver measurable results for individuals and enterprises.”
upGrad chief human resources officer Amit Mehta called the appointment “perfectly timed” as the company expands deeper into global markets. “Deepesh’s strong experience in building high-growth, tech-led ecosystems will further strengthen our ability to deliver outcome-driven learning at scale,” he said.
An alumnus of IIIT Allahabad and IIT Bombay’s Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, Dhakad brings a rare blend of strategic vision, product intuition and technological depth, just what upGrad needs as it gears up for its next phase of global growth.
Brands
ZEEL transfers syndication business, invests Rs 505 crore in IP push
Restructuring, stake buy and FCCB moves signal sharper content strategy
MUMBAI: In the content economy, owning the story is half the battle monetising it is the real game, and Zee Entertainment Enterprises is doubling down on both. The company has approved the transfer of its syndication and content licensing business to its wholly owned subsidiary ZI-IPR Enterprises, alongside an investment of Rs 505 crore aimed at strengthening its play in content intellectual property (IP) acquisition, management and monetisation. The move, effective April 1, 2026, will see the business transferred on a slump sale basis at book value, including all associated assets, liabilities and commercial rights effectively consolidating IP operations under a more focused structure.
At its core, the restructuring signals a strategic shift. As content consumption increasingly fragments across digital and global platforms, the value of IP lies not just in creation but in how efficiently it can be distributed, repackaged and monetised across markets. By housing its syndication engine within ZI-IPR Enterprises, ZEEL appears to be building a more agile and scalable ecosystem, one that can better extract value from its vast content library while adapting to evolving distribution models.
But the company’s ambitions are not limited to restructuring. ZEEL has also approved an investment of up to Rs 20.09 crore in Culture of Real Experiences (CORE), acquiring a 51 per cent stake in the entity. The move expands its footprint into the broader creative and experiential space, suggesting a push beyond traditional broadcasting into areas where content, culture and immersive experiences intersect.
At the same time, ZEEL has moved to tidy up its financials, approving the redemption of $23.9 million in outstanding foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) and cancelling an unused $215.1 million commitment. The twin steps are expected to ease pressure on its treasury, freeing up capital and improving financial flexibility as the company invests more aggressively in its IP strategy.
Taken together, the decisions reflect a company in recalibration mode streamlining legacy structures, sharpening its focus on content ownership, and exploring new avenues for growth. In a market where the lines between television, streaming and experiential entertainment are increasingly blurred, ZEEL’s latest moves suggest it is not just creating content, but building a system to make that content travel further and pay better.
