MAM
Millward Brown appoints Surekha Poddar as MD
Mumbai: Brand media and communications research company Millward Brown has appointed Surekha Poddar as MD for its Mumbai operation. Poddar replaces Muder Chiba who has decided to leave the company to pursue other interests.
Poddar will report to recently appointed South Asiamanaging director Prasun Basu. In her core responsibility, she will lead the largest of Millward Brown’s operations in South Asia.
The company also has offices in Gurgaon, Bangalore, and newly-opened Dhaka.
Poddar has over 20 years of experience in marketing, research and strategic management from both, the agency and the client side.
Prior to this, Poddar worked as executive director of consumer research at Nielsen India. She has also worked with Bharti Airtel as VP market research and consumer insight. Apart from this, Poddar has worked in the capacity of VP in the CSMM division at IMRB and GM for Asian Information Marketing & Social Research (AIMS).
In 2005, she worked with Millward Brown as regional director for the company’s Asia Pacific region based in Singapore.
Talking about the appointment Surekha Poddar said, “I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead such a talented group of researchers and to represent a world leader in consumer insights in the Mumbai marketplace. The company works with some of the most respected brands in the region helping them to maximise their marketing investments so its a perfect fit given my passion for marketing, brand-building and consumer insight”.
Millward Brown MD of South Asia Prasun Basu said, “I am delighted to welcome Surekha to the Millward Brown family again. Her extensive experience will provide our clients and employees with a partner and trusted advisor who truly understand the important role research plays in building strong brands and making a meaningful impact in driving businesses forward.”
When you plan to apply for a personal loan, one of the first things that comes into focus is your credit score. Many people hear about it but may not fully understand how much influence it actually has on the application process. In simple terms, a credit score reflects how responsibly you have managed credit in the past.
It acts as a snapshot of your financial behaviour over time. This score plays an essential role in deciding personal loan eligibility and how smoothly the application moves forward. Being aware of how your credit score impacts the process can help you prepare well before applying for a personal loan.
Below are a few ways your credit score can influence personal loan approval.
1. It plays a key role in personal loan eligibility
Your credit score is often one of the primary indicators used to evaluate personal loan eligibility. A strong score of usually 750 and above reflects a history of paying dues on time and managing credit responsibly. This financial track record helps show reliability when applying for a personal loan.
On the other hand, a lower credit score might indicate missed payments or higher credit usage in the past. Because of this, the credit score becomes an important starting point in assessing whether an applicant meets the basic eligibility conditions.
2. It reflects your repayment behaviour
Your credit score is built from your previous financial behaviour, particularly how consistently you repay borrowed money. Timely payments on credit cards, loans, and other credit facilities contribute positively to the score.
When your repayment record shows consistency, it suggests that you manage financial commitments in a responsible manner. This positive history can support your personal loan eligibility and make the loan application procedure smoother.
3. It may influence loan terms
A good credit score does not just help with loan eligibility; it can also influence the overall terms linked with a personal loan. Applicants with stronger credit profiles might find that the available options are more flexible.
Since the credit score reflects financial reliability, it can shape how the loan structure is offered, including aspects such as repayment tenure or borrowing limits. Maintaining a healthy credit score, therefore, plays a vital role in shaping the borrowing experience.
4. It affects the speed of the approval process
Applications supported by a strong credit score often move through the process more smoothly. When your credit history clearly shows responsible credit usage, fewer clarifications may be required during the evaluation stage.
This can help speed up the approval timeline for a personal loan. In contrast, if the credit history contains irregularities or gaps, the review process may take longer, as additional checks may be required.
5. It encourages responsible financial habits
One of the most valuable aspects of a credit score is that it encourages responsible financial behaviour. Being aware that repayment history directly influences personal loan eligibility often encourages individuals to manage their credit more responsibly.
Simple habits such as paying dues on time, avoiding excessive borrowing, and maintaining balanced credit usage can gradually improve the score. Over time, these habits build a strong financial profile that supports future borrowing needs.
Ending note
A credit score may seem like just a number, but it carries significant weight when applying for a personal loan. It reflects your financial discipline, repayment history, and overall credit management.
By maintaining good credit habits, you not only strengthen your personal loan eligibility but also make the borrowing process smoother and more predictable. In the long run, a healthy credit score becomes more than a requirement; it becomes a reflection of consistent and thoughtful financial management.
