MAM
Media veteran Yesudas S Pillai and his personal Tata Mumbai Marathon triumph
MUMBAI: You don’t seem to be getting it right, no matter how hard you try, should you just surrender and give up?
Surrender yes, but, don’t give up , is the advice of media veteran Yesudas Pillai.
Yesu completed the Tata Mumbai Marathon half marathon with a time of 2:20 : 36 seconds on the morning of 19 January. In the process, he shaved 10-20 minutes off what he had managed to clock over the past couple of seasons. His determination and hard work paid off. This milestone victory is the culmination of months of intense training and dedication for Yesu.
After struggling with his fitness last season, averaging times between 2 hours 30 minutes and 2 hours 40 minutes he vowed to rebuild and push himself to new heights. The result is a testament to his unwavering commitment to fitness and his ability to overcome adversity.(His previous personal best is 2:02 minutes, however).
“I’m overjoyed and humbled by my achievement,” Pillai said. “It’s not just about the time; it’s about the journey, the struggles, and the triumphs. I believe that setbacks are an opportunity for growth, and this experience has taught me to stay focused and push through difficulties. “
“It’s hard to put into words how it feels to see the results of sheer determination and hard work. This is more than just about a marathon; it’s a reminder that setbacks aren’t the end—they’re just a setup for comebacks,” he added. “To anyone struggling in their own race, remember: progress is progress, no matter how small. Keep pushing, keep believing, and trust the process. The finish line feels that much sweeter when you’ve earned it.”
Yesu’s impressive feat showcases his remarkable resilience and perseverance. His journey to run long distance is a true inspiration to anyone striving to achieve their goals.
As a successful entrepreneur, Yesu has built a reputation for driving innovation and excellence in the business world. His company, Y&A Transformation, helps enterprises connect with their customers by simplifying complex practices and leveraging cognitive and intuitive approaches.
In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Yesu is an avid cyclist and marathon runner, with a proven track record of 28 years in business building. He has founded and led successful ventures like Triggerbridge and has been involved in various business initiatives, including the launch of Channel Factory, a YouTube measurement partner certified by Google.
Yesu’s achievements are a testament to his boundless energy, dedication, and innovative spirit. His remarkable accomplishment in the Tata Mumbai Marathon serves as a reminder that, with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
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.
