MAM
Keshav Chandorkar to head rural marketing function at Carat Fresh
MUMBAI: Aegis Media’s Carat Fresh Integrated has launched its rural marketing vertical with KeshavChandorkar who comes in as National Head- Rural Marketing.
He will report to Carat Fresh Integrated VP Sampat Shenoy.
Chandorkar’s previous stint was as Dun and Bradstreet National Manager Rural Marketing. Prior to that, he was at rural marketing firm Linterland for nearly a decade.
Aegis Media South East Asia CEO and India Chairman Ashish Bhasin said, “Rural marketing, in a country like India, is probably the most important aspect for several marketers but is often ignored due to the lack of knowledgeable and professional agencies. Having worked on several rural brands myself, including the launch of Wheel by HUL, and having established Linterland from scratch, my learning is that rural marketing has an almost endless potential for our clients, particularly when urban markets are slowing down.”
Shenoy said, “In Keshav, we have a seasoned media professional with huge experience in the rural sector. His experience will help us in further strengthening our rural operations and in expanding our reach.”
Chandorkar said, “I wish to explore all growth possibilities and aspire to expand our presence to make it stronger in the years to come.”
He has around 17 years of experience in activation, profit centre management, key accounts management, rural marketing and strategy planning. His other stints during his career include Dr. Jain Video on Wheels and Selvel.
Brands
Devyani International names Sandeep Anand, Robinder Singh in key roles
Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee businesses see leadership refresh from April
MUMBAI: Devyani International has strengthened its senior leadership bench with a fresh set of appointments across its key brands, Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee, signalling a sharper focus on growth and brand momentum.
The company has appointed Sandeep Anand as chief marketing officer and business head for Pizza Hut. His appointment, approved by the board via a circular resolution on April 3, follows a recommendation by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, as reported by CNBC-TV18. Anand will officially step into the role on April 6, 2026.
He takes over from Vijay Gogate, who currently serves as chief executive officer for Pizza Hut within the company’s operations. The move marks a strategic transition as the brand looks to sharpen its marketing and business playbook in a competitive quick service restaurant market.
Anand brings over two decades of experience across the food and FMCG sectors, with a strong track record in brand building and innovation. His career spans roles at major consumer-facing companies including Domino’s, Zydus Wellness, Zomato, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Reckitt and Ranbaxy, giving him a well-rounded perspective on both scale and agility.
Alongside this, Robinder Singh has been appointed business head for Costa Coffee and the company’s airport operations. He too will assume his new role on April 6, bringing more than 18 years of experience in operations, business expansion and customer experience transformation.
The twin appointments come at a time when Devyani International is doubling down on leadership depth to steer its portfolio through evolving consumer preferences and heightened competition. With fresh faces at the helm of two key verticals, the company appears set to brew up its next phase of growth with renewed energy.
