MAM
Hector the factor as Wondrlab’s mar-tech muscle flexes worldwide
MUMBAI: From backroom code to front-line growth engine, Hector has moved out of beta and into the big leagues. Wondrlab’s proprietary commerce-media platform now powers growth for over 350 brands across ecommerce, quick commerce and digital retail, underlining its rise as one of India’s most widely adopted deep-tech marketing platforms.
In just three years, Hector has scaled from an internal innovation project to a full-fledged platform managing more than Rs 3500 crore in advertising investments for digital-first disruptors and large enterprise brands alike. Along the way, it has also clocked a global milestone, earning a place among Amazon Ads’ Top 20 Innovation Partners worldwide the only Indian company to feature on the list.
Built with global-grade engineering standards, Hector is now ISO-certified and SOC-compliant, a move that positions it squarely for enterprise adoption. The certifications allow brands to deploy AI-led commerce-media strategies with stronger assurances around data security, governance and compliance increasingly critical as ad spends migrate deeper into retail and performance ecosystems.
The platform’s ambitions are no longer limited to India. Riding the surge in demand for AI-driven commerce media, Wondrlab has expanded Hector into the United States and Japan, with the US already emerging as its second-largest growth market. Faster SaaS adoption nearly twice the pace of India is accelerating uptake among American advertisers looking for scalable retail media solutions.
Commenting on Hector’s trajectory Wondrlab Network co-founder Rakesh Hinduja said the platform validates the group’s belief that India can build globally competitive technology IP. He noted that Hector was designed not as a marketing add-on, but as a core business transformation engine, with its adoption across 200 plus clients and overseas expansion signalling the next phase of Wondrlab’s global ambitions.
Echoing this, Neon and Hector AI founder, Meher Patel said the platform was built to deliver measurable outcomes at scale, a promise that has resonated strongly with ecommerce and quick-commerce partners spanning Amazon, Flipkart, Instamart, Blinkit and Zepto. International expansion, he added, is just the first step in building a globally relevant commerce-media ecosystem from India.
Today, Hector sits at the heart of Wondrlab’s full-funnel mar-tech stack, as the network records double-digit growth, widens its global footprint and sees rising demand from sectors such as retail, FMCG, fintech and mobility. As brands increasingly shift towards proprietary, scalable mar-tech platforms, Hector appears well placed to keep punching above its weight and well beyond India’s borders.
MAM
PwC India announces leadership change in Deals practice
Shashank Jain steps down as co-leader after nearly three decades with the firm.
MUMBAI: When one dealmaker steps off the pitch, another is ready to take the baton because in the fast-moving world of transactions, the game never really stops. PwC India has announced a leadership transition in its Deals practice, with Shashank Jain stepping down from his role as co-leader to pursue an opportunity in the industry. The practice will continue to be led by Mohit Chopra, ensuring continuity and sustained growth momentum.
PwC India partner and leader for advisory dinesh Arora paid tribute to Jain’s contributions. “We deeply appreciate the significant contributions made by Shashank over close to three decades he has spent with PwC, particularly his defining role in shaping and strengthening our Transaction Services practice in India,” he said. Arora highlighted Jain’s support for clients through some of the most complex and significant transactions in the Indian market, noting his deep technical expertise, sound judgment and nuanced understanding of the evolving M&A landscape.
The Deals practice remains a key growth driver for PwC India, and the firm expects continued expansion under Mohit Chopra’s leadership. He will continue to guide clients through complex transactions and transformational business moments, building on the strong foundation established over the years.
Reflecting on his journey, Shashank Jain said, “I have had an exceptional journey at PwC. I owe my growth and learning to the nurturing environment and leadership development that PwC provided.” He added that he had been working closely with Mohit and the larger team to ensure a smooth transition and expressed confidence that Chopra would take the Deals practice to newer heights.
From intern to respected deals leader, Shashank Jain has clearly closed many successful transactions and now, it seems, he’s ready to strike a new deal of his own.
