MAM
Pinterest names Soniya Monga from TikTok as VP of global agency sales
MUMBAI: Whether you’re sketching the blueprint of your dream tattoo, curating the perfect product showcase for your e-commerce venture, or piecing together the wedding of a lifetime, Pinterest has become the visual sanctuary where ideas come to life.
It’s where inspiration takes flight, a platform transforming everyday moments into extraordinary visions.
And now, leading this global powerhouse into a new chapter of creativity and collaboration, Pinterest has appointed Soniya Monga as its vice president of global agency sales. With her at the helm, Pinterest’s connection to the world’s most creative minds promises to grow even stronger, blending innovation, strategy, and boundless inspiration into a canvas that’s truly global.
Monga brings a wealth of experience from her tenure at leading technology companies. She previously served as head of US agency partnerships at TikTok, where she managed relationships with major agency holding companies and developed go-to-market strategies for top agency groups in the United States.
Before her time at TikTok, Monga held leadership positions at Snap Inc., LinkedIn, and Microsoft. At Snap Inc., she led global agency partnerships, empowering agencies and brands to leverage the platform’s advertising opportunities. Her tenure at LinkedIn began in 2010 as one of the earliest employees of LinkedIn Canada, where she contributed to building the company’s advertising business. She later relocated to Hong Kong to manage strategic brand relationships across north Asia, including Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China.
Monga holds a bachelor of arts in international economics from McGill University. She has been recognised for her contributions to the industry, including being named to Marketing Magazine’s Top 30 Under 30 in 2013. Additionally, she has served on the board of New York Women in Communications, an organisation dedicated to empowering women in the communications field.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Monga stated, “Pinterest is a platform I’ve long admired for its vision and its unique position as a visual search and discovery tool. I’m excited to help grow its role as a positive space for consumers and brands alike.”
Pinterest’s chief revenue officer, Bill Watkins commented on the appointment, stating, “Soniya has a stellar record of building agency business from the ground up, combining strategic vision, product expertise, and operational excellence. We’re thrilled to welcome her leadership as we continue to strengthen our agency business.”
Monga’s appointment comes as Pinterest continues to expand its advertising offerings and strengthen its position as a visual discovery platform. Her extensive experience in building and managing agency partnerships is expected to play a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth in the advertising sector.
Brands
Nykaa eyes majority stake in Deepika Padukone’s 82°E brand
Deal could help scale premium label as Nykaa sharpens its beauty play
MUMBAI: Nykaa is in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in 82°E, the premium skincare label founded by Deepika Padukone, according to media reports.
The proposed deal signals Nykaa’s intent to deepen its House of Nykaa portfolio while giving 82°E the scale it has struggled to achieve independently. Padukone is expected to retain a minority stake if the transaction goes through.
For Nykaa, the play is both strategic and timely. With a customer base of over 42 million, the company is betting on its strong distribution, logistics, and repeat purchase ecosystem to revive the brand’s momentum. The two sides already share a working relationship, with Padukone serving as Nykaa’s global brand ambassador since September 2025.
Launched in late 2022, 82°E entered the market with a premium positioning but has faced headwinds. The brand reported revenue of Rs 14.7 crore in FY25, down 30 per cent year on year, alongside losses of Rs 12.26 crore. Industry observers have pointed to steep pricing, a somewhat diffused brand identity, and intense competition from digital-first labels as key challenges.
The potential acquisition also reflects a broader shift in India’s beauty and lifestyle space, where celebrity-led brands are increasingly partnering with larger corporates to unlock scale. Alia Bhatt’s Ed-a-Mamma, for instance, sold a majority stake to Reliance Retail, while Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty has emerged as a standout success within Nykaa’s portfolio, clocking Rs 132.4 crore in FY25 revenue.
Nykaa itself has been on a strong growth trajectory. Its parent, FSN E-Commerce Ventures, reported a 156 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 68 crore in the December 2025 quarter, with revenue reaching Rs 2,873 crore.
Nykaa has been steadily building its portfolio through acquisitions such as Dot & Key, Earth Rhythm and Nudge Wellness, signalling a clear push to own and scale homegrown brands.
If the 82°E deal materialises, it could mark a fresh chapter for the label, blending celebrity appeal with corporate muscle. For Nykaa, it is another calculated step in staying ahead in an increasingly crowded beauty aisle.
