MAM
Kumar P V steps into VKC’s top sales role as chief sales officer to lace up expansion across channels
MUMBAI: In a move aimed at tightening its grip on the Indian footwear market, VKC has appointed Kumar P V as chief sales officer, tasking him with leading the company’s Channel One business operations. The portfolio spans General Trade, B2B online platforms, and institutional channels.
With over two and a half decades of sales and marketing experience, Kumar takes the reins at a time when VKC is actively pushing for deeper market penetration and sustained top-line growth. His mandate includes expanding the brand’s footprint across untapped regions, sharpening customer engagement strategies, and boosting productivity across VKC’s distribution channels.
Kumar previously held leadership positions at some of India’s most recognised names. His career features roles at Cavinkare, Cholayil (Medimix), P&G, Henkel, and Reckitt Benckiser. Most recently, he served as chief sales officer at a fast-growing startup, where he navigated volatile business terrain with a strong hand on sales targets and operational metrics.
“With Kumar’s appointment, we are doubling down on our growth ambitions for Channel One”, said a VKC spokesperson. “His proven leadership across diverse industries is perfectly suited to scale our operations and deepen customer trust”.
Kumar’s background also includes extensive work in trade marketing, distribution strategy, and category development across FMCG, personal care, food, snacks, beverages, and OTC pharma.
As VKC eyes a stronger hold on India’s competitive footwear market, Kumar’s entry signals a fresh drive to outpace rivals on shelf space, sales volume, and supply-chain finesse.
MAM
Indigo appoints Aloke Singh as Chief Strategy Officer
Air India Express MD joins to steer global growth and operational efficiency.
MUMBAI: Indigo just recruited its next big strategist from the rival camp because when you’re chasing the skies, sometimes the best way to fly higher is to borrow the pilot who already knows the route. InterGlobe Aviation, parent company of IndiGo, announced on 23 March 2026 that its board has approved the appointment of Aloke Singh as Chief Strategy Officer. Singh, who most recently served as managing director and CEO of Air India Express, will lead enterprise-wide strategic planning, operational efficiency initiatives and the airline’s aggressive push into international routes.
Reporting initially to managing director Rahul Bhatia and later to Indigo’s incoming CEO Singh brings over three decades of experience across strategy, operations and commercial functions in aviation. At Air India Express he drove network expansion and performance turnaround, earlier roles at Air India and Oman Air sharpened his focus on long-term planning.
“Aloke brings an exceptional blend of strategic vision and operational depth,” Bhatia said. “His experience will be critical as Indigo seeks to build a more agile, resilient and future-ready organisation.”
The appointment arrives at a pivotal moment. Indigo, India’s dominant domestic carrier, has faced intense scrutiny after operational disruptions in December 2025 thousands of cancelled and delayed flights due to crew scheduling misalignments with new pilot fatigue norms triggering fines, passenger chaos and regulatory heat. Former CEO Pieter Elbers resigned in March 2026 citing personal reasons, though his exit followed sustained pressure from those setbacks and rising costs.
Singh described joining Indigo as “a pivotal moment” for both the airline and Indian aviation, as the carrier accelerates beyond its domestic stronghold into a more competitive global arena.
In an industry where turbulence is measured in both altitude and headlines, Indigo isn’t just hiring a strategist, it’s recruiting a steady hand to navigate from domestic dominance to international takeoff, one calculated flight plan at a time.
