MAM
EaseMyTrip chairman & CEO Nishant Pitti departs; replaced by co-founder Rikant Pittie
MUMBAI: The transition has been rather smooth and easy, though we don’t know much about about the parting. Traveltech platform EaseMyTrip on New Year’s day announced that its its chairman & chief executive officer Nishant Pitti had said ta-ta to the company on 31 December, citing personal reasons. Media reports said that Nishant offloaded 1.4 per cent of his stake in Easy Trip Planners – the listed parent – in the open market for Rs 78 crore before departing.
The board met this morning and decided on the appointment of co-founder Rikant Pittie as his replacement for the chairman & co-founder’s position. In his new role, Rikant will lead the company’s strategic initiatives, drive innovation, and enhance customer experiences to further strengthen EaseMyTrip’s position in the industry.
What led to Nishant’s departure is not known, but a company press release emphasised on more than one occasion about Rikant’s ability to lead easemytrip going forward.
Rikant Pittie co-founded EaseMyTrip in 2008 with his brothers Nishant and Prashant Pitti. With over 16 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, he has a deep understanding of market trends and customer needs. Under his leadership, EaseMyTrip has achieved significant growth, reflecting its commitment to a customer-first approach.
“The travel industry is at a transformative juncture where technology and personalisation are redefining how people explore the world. At EaseMyTrip, our mission goes beyond simply offering an enhanced travel experience,” said Rikant, in the release. “It is about setting new benchmarks. We are dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions that empower travellers globally. I am both honoured and thrilled to take on this role and look forward to continuing the company’s journey.”
Rikant has also been recognised for his exceptional contributions to the business landscape, having won the prestigious Fortune India 40 Under 40 and Entrepreneur India’s entrepreneurship of the year in service business – travel category. Notably, Rikant is also the vice-chairman of the CII Delhi State Council for 2024-2025. Among his recent achievements, Rikant has been named among IDFC First Private & Hurun India’s Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennium 2024, a testament to his relentless drive and entrepreneurial excellence. He was also honored with the ET Inspiring Leaders Award North 2024 for his exemplary leadership and innovation.
Brands
Samsung India elevates Aditya Babbar to lead mobile business
Exec takes charge of MX sales and marketing after Raju Pullan’s exit
NEW DELHI: Samsung India has elevated Aditya Babbar to lead its mobile phone business, following the exit of Raju Antony Pullan.
Babbar, who previously served as vice president within the mobile division, has been appointed head of sales and marketing for the MX (mobile experience) business, effective May 1. In his new role, he will oversee the company’s sales and marketing operations for smartphones and related categories in India, reporting to the executive vice president of the MX business.
A long-time Samsung executive, Babbar brings over a decade of experience within the organisation, having held multiple leadership roles across product, marketing and category management. Most recently, he led product marketing and e-commerce for the mobile division, following earlier stints as head of product and marketing and senior director roles.
His career within Samsung Electronics and its India operations has also included responsibilities for flagship devices, tablets and wearables, giving him a broad view of the company’s premium and mass-market portfolio.
Babbar succeeds Pullan, who stepped down from the role, marking a leadership transition at a time when India remains a key battleground for global smartphone makers.
The appointment signals continuity within Samsung’s leadership bench, with an internal candidate stepping up to steer one of its most critical business units in a highly competitive market.
