MAM
Philips appoints Bharath Sesha as managing director for the Indian Subcontinent
Mumbai: Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), health technology and innovation, announced the appointment of Bharath Sesha as managing director for the Philips Indian subcontinent, effective 1 September 2024.
In this role, Bharath will spearhead Philips’ growth strategy in India, with a strong focus on enhancing customer satisfaction and driving operational excellence. He will manage the Healthcare business headquartered in Gurgaon and hold responsibility for Philips’ Licence to Operate in India, which includes the Philips Innovation Campus (PIC) in Bangalore, the Healthcare Innovation Centre (HIC) in Pune, and Global Business Services (GBS) in Chennai.
Bharath succeeded Daniel Mazon, who was vice chairman and managing director for the Philips Indian Subcontinent until 1 April 2024 and has since taken on a global role at the Philips headquarters in the Netherlands.
Bharath is a seasoned leader with over two decades of global experience, bringing a profound understanding of the Indian market, particularly within the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. His expertise spans strategic leadership, business development, and operational excellence. Before joining Philips, he served as managing director at Heubach Colorants India Ltd., Renowned for his ability to inspire and lead teams toward achieving world-class performance, he consistently delivers results while driving innovation. He holds a master’s degree in international management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and an MBA from the Institute for Technology & Management (ITM).
Commenting on his new role, Bharath said, “I am thrilled to join Philips and contribute to our mission of improving healthcare accessibility and affordability in India. I look forward to working with our talented team to bring our innovative technologies to address India’s unique healthcare needs. We will continue to collaborate with our partners and stakeholders to enhance our impact on the lives of millions by expanding access to quality care.”
Philips’ ongoing investments in India have been instrumental in solidifying the brand’s position as a leading Healthtech innovator, while also enhancing its presence across the country. Key initiatives such as the new Philips Innovation Campus (PIC) in Bangalore in 2023 and the announcement of a new R&D campus at the Healthcare Innovation Center (HIC) in Pune in 2024, have significantly strengthened the company’s operational footprint. These efforts have not only driven technological advancements but have also propelled India to the forefront of healthcare innovation and research.
MAM
Lego brings Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappé, Vinicius together
Campaign clocks 314 million views ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 buzz.
MUMBAI: Four legends, one frame and not a single tackle in sight. Lego has pulled off a crossover few thought possible, uniting Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in a single campaign ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 only this time, they’re building dreams brick by brick.
Titled “Everyone wants a piece”, the campaign features the quartet assembling a Lego version of the World Cup trophy, before placing miniature versions of themselves atop it, a playful nod to football’s ultimate prize. Shared widely across social media, the ad carries a pointed disclaimer: it is not AI-generated, a subtle but telling signal in an era where even reality is often questioned.
The numbers tell their own story. The campaign has already crossed 314 million views on Instagram across the players’ accounts, with fans hailing it as a rare, almost nostalgic moment particularly for the reunion of Messi and Ronaldo, whose last shared campaign ahead of the 2022 World Cup became one of the platform’s most-liked posts.
Beyond the film, Lego is extending the play with exclusive, player-themed sets tied to each of the four stars, part of a broader football-led programme designed to ride the global momentum building towards 2026. The idea, as echoed by the players themselves, leans into the parallels between football and play experimentation, creativity, failure, and triumph.
Messi described the sets as a way to bring on-pitch moments into an imaginative, hands-on world, while Ronaldo called the transformation into a Lego figure a rare honour, blending sport with storytelling. Vinícius, meanwhile, struck a more personal note, recalling childhood moments of building with Lego and framing creativity as a universal language that transcends borders.
The timing is no accident. With the 2026 World Cup set to run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and featuring an expanded 48-team format, global anticipation is already building. Argentina, led by Messi, will enter as defending champions, adding another layer of intrigue.
For Lego, the campaign does more than celebrate football, it taps into its mythology. Because when icons become figurines and rivalries turn into play, the beautiful game finds a new kind of pitch. one built, quite literally, by hand.
