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The Standard sets its sights on India’s talent tide
MUMBAI: If talent were a currency, India just proved it is minting plenty. The Standard, the U.S. insurance, retirement and investment firm, has officially planted deeper roots in the country with the launch of StanCorp Global Services India Private Limited, its new global capability center set across Bengaluru and Pune.
The centre is designed to power technology transformation, accelerate innovation and support the company’s long-term growth. It also opens the door to high-value jobs as The Standard broadens its global footprint.
Leading the charge is industry veteran Mohua Sengupta, appointed senior vice president and country head for India. With close to three decades of experience across banking, financial services and technology, her résumé includes leadership roles at Novartis India GCC, 3i Infotech, ITC Infotech, Igate, Mphasis, Accenture, Wipro and the Royal Bank of Canada.
The Standard executive vice president of information technology Greg Chandler, said Mohua’s arrival marks an important step for the organisation. He added that her expertise and leadership style align strongly with the company’s culture and ambitions as it strengthens its U.S. operations.
Sengupta said she is energised by the opportunity, noting that The Standard India will tap into specialised talent in the country to deliver smarter, more scalable solutions for customers.
In her new role, she will oversee operations across Bengaluru and Pune, handling financial, compliance and regulatory responsibilities while leading the centre’s full employee base.
The Standard India begins with an experienced team. Its first 175 employees, formerly part of Allstate India Private Limited, officially move under its banner following The Standard’s acquisition of Allstate’s employer voluntary benefits business earlier this year on 1 April 2025.
MAM
Shoppers Stop elevates Biju Kassim as GSS Beauty CEO
Move comes as GSS Beauty scales global brand partnerships in India.
MUMBAI: From store shelves to global shelves, the beauty game is getting a sharper makeover. Shoppers Stop has elevated Biju Kassim as managing director and chief executive officer of Global SS Beauty Brands Limited (GSSBB), signalling a stronger push into the premium beauty segment. The move builds on Kassim’s role in setting up GSSBB, a wholly owned subsidiary that has quickly positioned itself as a fast-growing distribution platform for global beauty brands in India. The unit has been central to Shoppers Stop’s ambition of expanding its footprint in the high-margin beauty and luxury categories.
Chairman Nirvik Singh noted that Kassim’s experience across the beauty ecosystem and his understanding of premium and luxury consumers would help steer the next phase of growth. The focus, he indicated, will be on sharpening the company’s beauty portfolio and scaling partnerships with international brands.
Kassim, for his part, steps into the role at a time when India’s premium beauty market is undergoing rapid evolution, driven by rising consumer aspirations and increased access to global labels. He highlighted that GSSBB will remain a key strategic pillar, with an emphasis on expanding brand partnerships, enhancing consumer experiences and driving growth across markets.
As global beauty brands continue to eye India as a high-growth destination, Shoppers Stop’s bet is clear: owning not just the shelf, but the entire beauty ecosystem behind it.
