MAM
Hero Motocorp appoints Michael Clarke as COO
NEW DELHI: Hero MotoCorp has appointed global mobility expert Michael Clarke to the newly created position of COO, with the additional role of chief human resources officer (CHRO).
Based out of India, Clarke will join Hero MotoCorp effective 1 January, 2021 and report to Pawan Munjal, chairman & CEO of Hero MotoCorp.
In the emerging “new world” of business, Clarke’s appointment comes close on the heels of recent augmenting of the leadership team at Hero MotoCorp.
As part of this process, Hero MotoCorp has earlier announced assigning the role of head of strategy to Malo Le Masson and expanded the role of Ravi Pisipaty as the head of plant operations.
Sanjay Bhan has returned to the company as the head of global business (GB) to play a key role in the rapid expansion and consolidation of Hero in the international markets.
Mahesh Kaikini, the head of Gurugram plant, has been appointed as the chief quality officer, while Ashutosh Varma has been elevated to the role of head of national sales.
Clarke is a business leader with more than 25 years’ global experience in publicly listed companies in the US and UK. He has worked extensively in building, leading and managing teams across geographies and functions. Having occupied leadership roles in some of the world’s top companies, such as Fiat Group SPA and Delphi Technologies, Clarke has also been in charge of operations and human resources functions in several other companies, including Tenneco Automotive and Hertz Corporation Breed Technology (formerly AlliedSignal SRS) across Europe.
He started his career with Delco Electronics Overseas Corporation (a subsidiary of General Motors) in Liverpool, before moving to Colgate Palmolive based out of Manchester.
Hero Motocorp chairman & CEO Pawan Munjal said, “Mike brings considerable global experience and expertise in managing complex operations, international restructuring, organisational and cultural change. His experience will be highly beneficial as we look to further consolidate our market leadership across continents. We have a clear focus to create benchmark products and facilities, including industry leading processes and operations. Mike will contribute by playing a vital role in providing strategic leadership in operational excellence and driving the Talent agenda at Hero MotoCorp.”
Clarke said, “We are in unprecedented times across the globe and it is clear that Hero MotoCorp is navigating successfully and maintaining its number one position in the industry. I am passionately looking forward to contributing to and continuing the journey globally as well as in the domestic market in India.”
MAM
Google appoints Karan Dugal as Head of Quick Commerce, FoodTech and Gaming
Veteran digital leader steps up to drive AI-powered growth in high-velocity consumer sectors at Google.
MUMBAI: Google has served up a fresh leadership move that’s anything but slow Karan Dugal is now officially in the driver’s seat for some of the fastest-moving parts of the digital economy. The tech giant has elevated Karan Dugal to Head of Industry for Quick Commerce, FoodTech and Gaming, a strategic role that puts him at the helm of sectors defined by speed, convenience, and instant gratification. The appointment comes after nearly six years at Google, capping a 15-year career in the digital ecosystem that includes previous roles at InMobi and Meta, where he served as Client Solutions Manager for over three years.
In a LinkedIn post announcing the move, Dugal described it as “a thrilling new challenge” and spotlighted the explosive “instant gratification” economy. He pointed to ultra-fast delivery models in quick commerce, the booming food technology space, and the continued surge in gaming as key areas ripe for transformation.
Dugal emphasised that artificial intelligence will act as a powerful catalyst, accelerating consumer journeys across these ecosystems by enhancing user experiences, streamlining operations, and capturing shifting demand in digital-first categories. He expressed excitement about collaborating with teams in this “high-velocity landscape” and thanked Roma Datta Chobey and Preeti Lobana for their support during the transition.
The timing is spot-on. As platforms and brands pour resources into AI-led solutions, Google is sharpening its focus on consumer-driven verticals where speed and personalisation are winning formulas. From 10-minute grocery deliveries to seamless food ordering and immersive gaming sessions, these sectors are reshaping how Indians live, eat, and play.
With his deep experience in sales, marketing strategy, and digital growth, Dugal brings the perfect blend of insight and execution to help Google and its partners stay ahead in an always-on world. In an industry that never hits pause, his new role promises to keep the momentum firmly on fast-forward.
Whether it’s lightning-quick deliveries or next-level gaming thrills, expect plenty of smart moves ahead after all, when it comes to quick commerce and tech, Google just levelled up its own game.
