MAM
Prashant Peres takes on global role at Mondelez, Anil Viswanathan to fill his shoes
MUMBAI: Mondelēz International has made some key elevations in the company, with Prashant Peres, previously director – marketing for chocolates, Mondelez India, moving into a new regional role of senior director for chocolate equity and innovations, AMEA, Mondelēz International.
Furthermore, in line with the company’s ongoing commitment to develop and groom internal talent, it has announced the appointment of Anil Viswanathan as the new director of marketing for chocolates Mondelez India, succeeding Prashant.
Serving as the director of marketing for chocolates Mondelez India since 2015, Prashant has been instrumental in leading the chocolate category turnaround, achieving double digit growth despite external economic challenges, such as the sudden currency demonetisation and GST implementation. He is credited for launching various successful innovations under Mondelez India’s chocolate portfolio, including a made-in-India innovation like Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables in 2017, which is now a global best practice. Mondelez India is the undisputed chocolate category leader in the country and is currently in its all-time high, with respect to market share.
Stepping into Prashant’s role is Anil Viswanathan who has been with Mondelez India for about 18 years. His journey in the company has taken him into regional and global roles and into different categories including chocolate and biscuits. He has progressed through various product, brand management, and category marketing roles. Most recently, he was part of the global chocolate team driving chocolate innovation based out of Zurich, Switzerland. One of his achievements, during his stint here as senior innovation platform manager has been the launch of Cadbury 5Star globally, which is now present in three continents including markets like Brazil, South Africa and Southeast Asia. Viswanathan has also been instrumental in the launch of Cadbury Fuse in India, in 2016.
His close to two-decade long connection with the chocolate category and understanding of the Indian market will ensure Mondelez India’s continued reign as the undisputed market leader in the chocolate category in the country.
Mondelēz International is building the best snacking company in the world, with 2017 net revenues of approximately $26 billion.
Headquartered in Mumbai, the company has sales offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai and manufacturing facilities at Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh in addition to a vast distribution network across the country.
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
