MAM
Smooth sailing as Policybazaar for Business adds a marine veteran
MUMBAI: When it comes to navigating choppy insurance waters, experience counts and Policybazaar for Business has just added plenty of it. The corporate insurance arm of Policybazaar.com has appointed Balasundaram R as Senior Advisory Board member and Head of Marine Practice, bringing more than four decades of general insurance expertise into the fold.
A veteran of India’s general insurance sector, Balasundaram’s career spans underwriting, claims management and complex solution structuring across multiple lines of business. Marine Cargo, in particular, has been a long-standing area of specialisation, with his work often balancing technical rigour and commercial realities to address sophisticated corporate risk profiles.
Beyond the numbers and policies, Balasundaram is known for building strong teams and sharpening channel capabilities, with a leadership style rooted in negotiation, mentorship and long-term capability building. His influence extends well beyond the workplace: as a visiting faculty member at institutions such as the National Insurance Academy and the College of Insurance, he has played a hands-on role in shaping the next generation of insurance professionals.
A regular speaker at industry forums organised by bodies including IUMI, IBAI, III and NIA, Balasundaram is regarded as a consistent voice on core insurance education and evolving risk frameworks credentials that align neatly with Policybazaar for Business’s advisory-led approach.
Announcing the appointment, Policybazaar for Business director Sajja Praveen Chowdary said Balasundaram’s four decades of hands-on experience, particularly in complex marine cargo and hull exposures, would add significant depth as the company strengthens its technical and advisory capabilities.
The move signals Policybazaar for Business’s intent to deepen domain expertise as Indian enterprises grapple with increasingly complex insurance needs ensuring that when risks rise, the guidance remains steady and seaworthy.
MAM
Aparna Bhawal steps down as KFC India CMO after three years
Set to exit by May 2026, launches AB Advisory Group for growth strategy.
MUMBAI: From brand buckets to building her own playbook, Aparna Bhawal is swapping the CMO seat for the founder’s chair. Bhawal has resigned as chief marketing officer of KFC India and its partner markets, drawing the curtain on a three-year stint with the Yum! Brands portfolio. She is currently transitioning responsibilities through March and is expected to complete her exit by May 2026.
The move marks a shift towards entrepreneurship, with Bhawal setting up AB Advisory Group, a venture aimed at working with founders and scaling businesses on growth strategy, execution and commercial focus. The decision, she indicated, has been a long-considered one centred on building a platform that helps companies navigate growth with sharper strategic direction and stronger marketing fundamentals.
With over two decades of experience, Bhawal’s career spans leadership roles across HT Media, The Coca-Cola Company and Procter & Gamble, covering brand building, consumer engagement and business growth across categories.
Beyond corporate roles, she has remained closely involved with the industry ecosystem. She is part of the managing committee of The Advertising Club of India for 2025–26 and serves as an advisory board member at the Indian Influencer Governing Council.
Her contributions have also earned recognition, including features in BW’s Top 100 Marketers list and BW Marketing World’s Most Influential Women list in both 2024 and 2025.
As Bhawal steps into her next chapter, the shift reflects a broader trend in marketing leadership where seasoned operators are increasingly moving from building brands to building businesses.
