MAM
Times of India hires WPP talent chief for recruitment overhaul
MUMBAI: Bennett Coleman & Co, publisher of the Times of India, has hired Roshin Mascarenhas as its new head of talent acquisition, luring her from WPP Media where she led recruitment across South Asia.
The appointment signals the Indian media conglomerate’s push to revamp its hiring strategy as traditional publishers grapple with digital disruption and fierce competition for top talent. Mascarenhas brings 15 years of recruitment experience, including stints at Viacom18, Disney, and the Aditya Birla Group.
Her move to the Times of India building in Mumbai marks something of a homecoming. Early in her career as a search consultant, she worked on critical roles for the newspaper group. Her husband also spent his formative professional years at the company, making this appointment as much personal as professional.
At WPP Media, Mascarenhas managed geographically dispersed recruitment teams and standardised hiring practices across the advertising giant’s Indian operations. She oversaw campus programmes, implemented data-driven recruitment metrics, and championed internal mobility initiatives.
Her LinkedIn announcement is peppered with rocket ship emojis and effusive praise for her new employer’s “heritage and integrity.” She describes herself as a “talent magnet” and “mindfulness champion” who believes technology cannot replace the “human touch” in recruitment.
The hire comes as India’s media landscape undergoes rapid transformation. Traditional publishers like Bennett Coleman face pressure to attract digital-native talent while competing with technology firms and streaming platforms for the best candidates.
Mascarenhas’s track record includes notable achievements such as recruiting 120 people in two months for UTV Stars’ Bollywood channel launch in 2011 and implementing hiring automation systems. Her appointment suggests Bennett Coleman is serious about professionalising its talent acquisition function.
Whether her “positive vibes” approach and emphasis on creating “meaningful careers” can solve the structural challenges facing India’s traditional media remains to be seen. But for a company seeking to blend legacy with innovation, hiring someone who describes every recruitment as “a story” seems oddly appropriate.
Brands
SBI General Insurance appoints Shrish Mahuli as chief business officer
Industry veteran with 24 years’ experience to drive growth and distribution
MUMBAI: SBI General Insurance has appointed Shrish Ramchandra Mahuli as chief business officer, strengthening its leadership team as it looks to accelerate growth and deepen market reach.
In his new role, Mahuli will oversee the company’s overall business strategy, expand distribution channels and drive customer-focused growth initiatives across key markets. The move comes as the insurer sharpens its focus on profitable growth and enhanced customer engagement.
Mahuli brings over 24 years of experience across the insurance and automotive sectors. He has previously held leadership roles at Reliance General Insurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance and Tata Motors, where he worked on scaling businesses and strengthening distribution networks.
SBI General Insurance managing director and CEO Naveen Chandra Jha said, “We are delighted to welcome Mr Mahuli at a time when the industry is witnessing strong momentum driven by rising awareness and evolving customer needs. His deep domain expertise and proven leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our distribution footprint and driving profitable growth.”
SBI General Insurance chief business officer Shrish Ramchandra Mahuli said, “I am pleased to join SBI General Insurance at a time when the industry is evolving rapidly. I look forward to working with the team to further strengthen the business and drive sustainable growth.”
The appointment underlines the company’s push to build leadership depth and deliver more accessible, customer-centric insurance solutions in a rapidly evolving market.
