MAM
Sharad Gupta joins GoKwik as senior director – products
Mumbai: GoKwik, an e-commerce enabler in India, has appointed Sharad Gupta as senior director of products. With over a decade of experience, Sharad will lead GoKwik’s custom checkout vertical, focusing on streamlining checkout and payment processes to enhance digital shopping and support brand growth across e-commerce platforms.
Before GoKwik, Sharad held key roles at Swiggy, Dineout, and Paytm. At Swiggy, he led initiatives including a partnership with IRCTC that expanded food delivery for train passengers. At Dineout, he contributed to customer loyalty and product development, and at Paytm, he strengthened customer support infrastructure. His experience in product strategy and consumer experience aligns with GoKwik’s goals.
GoKwik co-founder & CEO Chirag Taneja stated, “Having Sharad join our team is a significant step towards becoming deeply platform agnostic. We believe that every eCommerce brand should be able to provide a smooth, fast, and secure checkout experience regardless of the platform they are present in. That’s what Sharad is going to drive. Sharad’s expertise in building impactful products makes him an ideal leader to drive our checkout solutions forward. We’re excited about the potential his leadership brings in shaping GoKwik’s growth and increasing the value we deliver to our partner brands.”
Gupta said, “What excites me most about joining GoKwik is the team’s passion for making digital commerce easy and seamless for everyone. The eCommerce space in India is booming, with brands actively seeking innovative, frictionless ways to engage directly with consumers. GoKwik is at the forefront of this shift, setting new standards for a smooth, hassle-free shopping experience that keeps customers returning. I’m thrilled to be part of a team that’s redefining the online shopping landscape and championing the future of eCommerce in such a meaningful way.”
GoKwik’s network includes over 10,000 brands, such as Lenskart, Neemans, Man Matters, and Shoppers Stop, spanning categories like fashion, beauty, health, nutrition, and electronics. With over 120 million shoppers, its leadership team features talent from Amazon, Myntra, Google, and Nykaa. GoKwik anticipates continued growth during the festive season leading up to Diwali.
Brands
KITKAT India teams up with One Piece for anime-led campaign push
On-pack characters and digital film tap into India’s fast-growing anime wave
MUMBAI: KITKAT India has joined forces with the globally popular anime One Piece, rolling out a new campaign that brings fan-favourite characters onto its packaging in a bid to connect with India’s rapidly expanding anime audience.
The collaboration sees iconic characters from the series featured on KITKAT packs, adding a playful twist to the brand’s long-standing “take a break” proposition. By blending pop culture with confectionery, the campaign aims to make everyday breaks feel a little more adventurous.
The launch is anchored by a digital-first film released across YouTube and Meta platforms, supported by a broader push spanning outdoor media and interactive social content. The multi-platform rollout reflects a clear attempt to meet younger audiences where they already spend their time.
Nestlé India head confectionery business Gopichandar Jagatheesan said, “Anime is a rapidly growing genre in India, and we are excited to collaborate with one of the most popular shows, One Piece. Having championed breaks for decades, KITKAT now takes them to the next level, making every break more epic with the world of One Piece.”
The move comes at a time when anime is shifting from niche interest to mainstream entertainment in India, with brands increasingly tapping into its cultural currency to stay relevant with younger consumers.
By pairing a globally loved anime with an equally recognisable chocolate brand, KITKAT’s latest outing signals a simple idea with strong appeal. In a crowded market, even a small break can turn into a big moment when it comes with a side of fandom.
