MAM
Niti Kumar returns to Mudra Connext as associate VP
MUMBAI: Mudra Connext, the integrated communications planning and implementation unit of Mudra Max, has appointed Niti Kumar as associate vice president.
In her new capacity, Kumar will head operations at Connext in North and East India and will be reporting to Mudra Connext executive VP Manas Mishra.
This is Kumar‘s second stint with the organisation. Earlier in 2003, she had joined Mudra Connext as business director and was with the company for five years and then took a one-year sabbatical.
Says Mishra, “Niti joins us at a very exciting juncture when our clients have major plans in the year ahead. Apart from consolidating and adding greater value to our current clients, she will also focus on new business acquisition.”
Kumar specialises in media planning and has over 10 years of experience. She started her career with FCB Ulka Advertising in 1999 where she handled clients including Whirlpool and Tropicana. She has also worked with Universal McCann and clients such as ICI Dulux Paints, Gillette and Mastercard.
Says Kumar, “While many things are the same, it is undoubtedly a new and recharged attitude at Mudra Max today. My attempt will be to ensure growth through exceptional work on our existing and new client base.”
Kumar specializes in media planning and has over 10 years of experience. She started her career with FCB Ulka Advertising in 1999 where she handled clients including Whirlpool and Tropicana. She has also worked with Universal McCann and worked with clients including ICI Dulux Paints, Gillette and Mastercard.
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.
