MAM
Lynn and Meenakshi launch Social Access
MUMBAI: Media veterans Lynn de Souza (former Lintas Media Group chairman and CEO) and Meenakshi Menon (media audit company Spatial Access founder and chairperson) have joined hands to launch a one of a kind initiative named Social Access – India‘s first a communications firm to focus solely on the social sector.
The core objective of the company is to use strategic communication and creative ideas to re-orient society towards the social sector by building channels among the four key players – NGOs, corporates, government bodies and the society.
De Souza said, “The vision behind Social Access is to use the power of communications to help ideas travel across cultures, consumers and corporates to build a more equitable society with informed and involved participation from all constituents.”
Menon added, “Through our core values of equality, responsibility, sustainability and collaboration, Social Access aims to become the bridge between the corporate and the social sector. Monitoring and impact assessment will be a critical component of our offering”.
The launch of Social Access took place Radio Club in Mumbai on 11 April through an event themed ‘Bee the Change‘ and saw participation from the stakeholders of the company.
The event had international achievers seeking to inspire audiences with real action. These included Lt Cdr Abhilash Tomy, the first Indian to circumnavigate the oceans solo, nonstop and unassisted, Mark Inglis, the only double amputee in the world to scale Mount Everest who is also Para Olympic silver medallist in cycling and cancer and avalanche survivor Sarah Wilson. The three spoke about overcoming their limitations and ways to battle their fear.
The event was attended by over 300 guests including 50 children who participated in the demonstration, NGO representatives, corporate head honchos and media.
Social Access‘ launch event found quite a few supporters like Aquasail (sailboats), Radio Mirchi (venue and radio campaign), Mercury Integrated (alliances), Sound Corporate Communications (PR and media relations) Catalyst (event management), Foxymoron (digital communications) and National Geographic Traveller (clothing).
De Souza was the face of LMG till she quit the organisation in November 2012. She had a successful run at Lintas having served in various capacities and roles while at the group. The office will be based out of Khar and currently Social Access has a team of five people, with more likely to join in the near future.
MAM
HUL appoints Pavan Bedi as CMO for Foods business
Veteran marketer with 22-plus years at Unilever takes charge of foods portfolio in Mumbai.
MUMBAI: HUL’s foods division just got a seasoned flavour boost because when it comes to seasoning success, Pavan Bedi knows exactly how to stir the pot. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) has elevated long-time leader Pavan Bedi to chief marketing officer for its Foods business, the company confirmed on 23 February 2026. Bedi, who has spent over 22 years with the FMCG giant, shared the news himself on LinkedIn, writing: “I’m delighted to share that I will be stepping into a new role as CMO Foods, HUL”.
Before this Mumbai-based appointment, Bedi served as global brand vice president for more than four years. His career is dotted with high-impact global roles: he was global brand director for Pond’s (based in Singapore), driving innovation across South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, led the high-profile rebranding of Fair & Lovely to Glow & Lovely as global brand director; and spent six years shaping Lifebuoy’s “Purpose agenda” and “Social Mission”, forging public-private partnerships with the United Nations and other platforms.
Now overseeing HUL’s sprawling foods lineup from staples to snacks and everything in between Bedi steps into one of the company’s most dynamic verticals at a time when consumer tastes are evolving fast. His track record blending global scale, brand transformation, and purpose-led marketing makes him a natural fit for steering strategic growth and creative campaigns in the category.
In his LinkedIn post, Bedi underscored his enduring commitment to Unilever’s vision, framing the move as another chapter in a career built on long-term impact rather than quick wins.
For an organisation that thrives on trusted, household names, Bedi’s elevation is less a surprise and more a reminder, the best recipes for growth often come from ingredients that have been simmering for over two decades. Whether it’s rebranding icons or building purpose at scale, he’s now tasked with making sure HUL’s foods business stays as appetising tomorrow as it is today.
