Brands
Lockton India appoints Rahul Bhatia chief of staff for strategic growth
MUMBAI: Lockton India locked in a power move as the world’s largest independent insurance broker appointed Rahul Bhatia as chief of staff, a strategic addition to its leadership as it sharpens its focus on business growth, operational efficiency, and strategic excellence.
With over 17 years of experience spanning wholesale banking and consulting, Bhatia is stepping into this pivotal role with a wealth of expertise in strategy, operations, and financial planning. Translation? He’s got the chops to shake things up.
Before joining Lockton, Bhatia made his mark at Deloitte and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) India, where he held leadership positions that had him steering strategy, operations, and governance. At Deloitte, he served as operations controller & chief of staff, overseeing key functions across multiple locations. Meanwhile, at FAB India, he played a crucial role in designing and implementing strategies, launching new projects, and reinforcing governance frameworks. Add to that his tenure at RBS India, and you’ve got a resume that screams ‘game changer.’
As chief of staff, Bhatia will work directly with the CEO, advising on strategic initiatives and ensuring Lockton India’s business vision turns into reality. His mission? To fine-tune operations, optimise financial planning, and drive long-term growth. In short, he’ll be the brains behind the scenes making sure everything runs like a well-oiled machine.
“Rahul’s vast experience in strategy, financial planning, and corporate advisory makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team,” said Lockton India CEO & country head Sandeep Dadia. “As we continue to scale our presence in India, his expertise will be pivotal in driving operational efficiency and strategic growth initiatives. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the impact he will bring.”
Lockton India has been on a mission to expand its presence and strengthen its client service capabilities. Bhatia’s appointment aligns perfectly with the firm’s long-term vision of delivering cutting-edge risk management and insurance solutions to businesses navigating an ever-evolving market. Expect bold moves, strategic pivots, and a whole lot of innovation ahead.
Brands
Lululemon picks former Nike executive to be its next chief
Heidi O’Neill, who helped grow Nike into a $45 billion giant, will take the top job in September
CANADA: Lululemon has found its next chief executive, and she comes with serious credentials. The athleisure giant named Heidi O’Neill as its new CEO on Wednesday, ending a search that has left the company running on interim leadership since earlier this year. O’Neill will take charge on September 8, 2026, based out of Vancouver, and will join the board on the same day.
O’Neill brings more than three decades of experience across performance apparel, footwear and sport. The bulk of that time was spent at Nike, where she was a central figure in one of corporate sport’s great growth stories, helping take the company from a $9 billion business to a $45 billion global powerhouse. She oversaw product pipelines, brand strategy and consumer connections, and played a significant role in shaping how Nike spoke to athletes around the world. Earlier in her career, she worked in marketing for the Dockers brand at Levi Strauss. She also brings boardroom experience from Spotify Technology, Hyatt Hotels and Lithia and Driveway.
The board was unequivocal in its enthusiasm. “We selected Heidi because of the breadth of her experience, her demonstrated success delivering breakthrough ideas and initiatives at scale, and her ability to be a knowledgeable change and growth agent,” said Marti Morfitt, executive chair of Lululemon’s board.
O’Neill, for her part, was bullish. “Lululemon is an iconic brand with something rare: genuine guest love, a product ethos rooted in innovation, and a global platform still in the early stages of its potential,” she said. “My job will be to accelerate product breakthroughs, deepen the brand’s cultural relevance, and unlock growth in markets around the world.”
Until she arrives, Meghan Frank and André Maestrini will continue as interim co-CEOs, before returning to their previous senior leadership roles once O’Neill steps in.
Lululemon is betting that a Nike veteran who helped build one of the world’s most powerful sports brands can do something similar for an athleisure label that has genuine love from its customers but is still chasing its full global potential. O’Neill has done it before at scale. The question now is whether she can do it again.
