MAM
Micromax associates with F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan
NEW DELHI: Micromax has announced its association with Indian Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan and the HRT Formula 1 team for the 2012 Indian Grand Prix, scheduled from October 26 to 28 at the Buddh International Circuit.
Micromax, a homegrown brand, regards this association with India’s first Formula One racing driver Karthikeyan extremely valuable. Known for boldness and metal, both brands represent India on the global map and have tasted unprecedented success with their unconventional methods.
Micromax co-founder Rahul Sharma said, “Being a homegrown champion, we think Narain Karthikeyan is pride of the nation and his success perfectly aligns with our brand values. We are extremely happy to associate with him and the Micromax team would be cheering him in all his races ahead.”
Brands
Radico Khaitan appoints Kunal Madan as chief marketing officer
Promotions signal focus on premium spirits, global expansion and homegrown leadership
UTTAR PRADESH: Radico Khaitan has elevated two long-serving insiders to its top leadership team, signalling a bold push into premium spirits and global markets. Kunal Madan steps in as chief marketing officer, while Sudhir Upadhyay takes charge as chief sales officer, both part of what managing director Abhishek Khaitan calls a consciously built next-generation leadership bench.
“At Radico Khaitan, our growth has always been powered by people,” Khaitan said. “True leadership is not imported, it is cultivated.” He added that empowering internal talent ensures continuity while keeping the company globally competitive and future-ready.
Madan, with over 20 years of experience across global sales and marketing, will drive brand architecture, marketing strategy, and the premiumisation agenda, including travel retail. Upadhyay, who has 25 years in the industry and was most recently national sales head, will oversee distribution expansion and execution across markets.
The leadership reshuffle comes amid Radico’s intensified focus on premium spirits, a segment driving higher margins and international growth. Last year, Ajay Kakkar was brought on to head the Premium On-Trade vertical, targeting modern and institutional channels to boost presence in high-growth segments.
Meanwhile, Amar Sinha stepped down as chief operating officer after contributing across multiple growth phases. Khaitan acknowledged Sinha’s role in supporting the company’s trajectory, while Sinha described his tenure as “an absolute privilege,” crediting Khaitan’s leadership for shaping the company’s strategic direction.
With a homegrown leadership bench and a clear premium agenda, Radico Khaitan is set to accelerate its global expansion while doubling down on brand elevation and market impact.
