MAM
FCB Kinnect appoints Neha Mishra as chief talent officer
Mumbai: FCB Kinnect has announced the appointment of Neha Mishra as chief talent officer, a role she will also assume for FCB/SIX India. She moves from erstwhile VMLY&R, where she was chief people officer for India.
In this pivotal role, Neha will spearhead the development and execution of the agency’s talent strategy, with a focus on pioneering skill-building and talent initiatives across FCB Kinnect’s offices in Mumbai, Delhi NCR & Bengaluru. Her work will strengthen the agency’s dedication to fostering a people-centric and value-driven culture.
Her appointment is a strategic move to bolster FCB Kinnect’s dedication to fostering a collaborative environment and advancing the best talent across its diverse agency portfolio.
With over 23 years of experience, Neha has worked with companies like VML & Glitch, IL&FS, Bombay Dyeing and Birla Sun Life Insurance, among others. She is also a Clinical Psychologist by education and a certified Life & Leadership Coach.
She also transformed performance management processes into robust, technology-driven programs, and created career development opportunities to support professional growth. In her previous roles, Neha focused on enhancing workforce diversity, elevating inclusion standards, and fostering an emotionally supportive work environment.
Speaking on the appointment, FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India CEO Rohan Mehta said, “Neha’s depth of understanding of new-age talent practices, along with her warm and approachable demeanor will be instrumental in building a culture that is empathetic, insightful, and well-rounded. I am confident that, under Neha’s leadership, Kinnect will continue to strengthen its position as the country’s leading integrated agency, delivering world-class capabilities to its clients.”
FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India chief talent officer Neha Mishra added, “I deeply believe that a progressive and inclusive culture that promotes meritocracy, innovation and boldness is the bedrock of a successful organisation. I look forward to working closely with Rohan, Chandni and all kinnectors to accelerate the agency’s growth journey, with people at the heart of it all!”
Brands
Magnum Ice Cream Netherlands takes control of Kwality Wall’s India from Unilever
61.9 per cent stake transfer reshapes ownership as Unilever exits promoter role
MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited has entered a new chapter, with The Magnum Ice Cream Company HoldCo 1 Netherlands B.V. acquiring a controlling 61.9 per cent stake from a clutch of Unilever PLC-led entities, marking a significant shift in ownership.
The transaction, completed on March 30, 2026, follows a share purchase agreement signed in June 2025. The incoming promoter picked up over 145 crore equity shares, effectively taking control of the company and being formally classified as its new promoter under regulatory norms.
As part of the deal, the outgoing promoter group, including Unilever Group Limited and its affiliated entities, has fully exited its shareholding in the company. They have now been reclassified from promoter to public shareholders, closing a long-standing association with the ice cream business in India.
The board of Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited took note of the ownership change and approved a series of leadership updates alongside it. Ritesh Tiwari stepped down as director, while Abhijit Bhattacharya was appointed as chairperson and additional non-executive director. Tahir Toloy Tanridagli also joined the board as an additional non-executive director.
The reshuffle signals a broader strategic reset as the Magnum-led entity looks to steer the brand’s next phase of growth in India. The transition has been carried out in line with regulatory requirements, including disclosures tied to the open offer and reclassification norms under market regulations.
With Unilever stepping back and Magnum stepping in, Kwality Wall’s India is effectively getting a fresh scoop of leadership and direction. The coming months will reveal how the new promoter plans to scale the brand in one of the world’s most competitive ice cream markets.
