MAM
upGrad appoints Anuj Vishwakarma to head its online higher-ed programs
Mumbai: upGrad, one of Asia’s higher edtech companies has announced the appointment of Anuj Vishwakarma as president for its online higher-ed programs.
In his new role, Anuj will be responsible for building the online higher-ed vertical for creating a long-term strategic moat and also implement growth best practices for scaling the business.
Vishwakarma is a seasoned growth leader with over 10+ years of rich experience building high-growth consumer businesses in the fintech, online retail, and offline retail industries. Prior to upGrad he has driven growth for leading consumer internet players like Myntra, Paytm and Ola. He has led high-profile assignments at Ola as revenue & growth head and at Paytm as growth head for Travel Business.
An MBA degree holder from IIM Bangalore and a National Institute of Technology (NIT) Bhopal, alumnus, Vishwakarma has a constant hunger for growth and has a track record of building large businesses through sustainable growth strategies. He will operate from upGrad’s Bengaluru office and will also collaborate with the multiple teams across upGrad divisions to scale their program vertical.
Welcoming him, upGrad co-founder and managing director Mayank Kumar commented, “We operate in a golden era where the demand for online higher education will continue to propel and therefore, we need a solution-focused leader who comes with strong hands-on skills. Vishwakarma, for his domain inclination, is best suited to perform in-depth market research and consumer insights to spearhead our vertical growth. His efforts will further solidify our core business while also enhancing our domestic LifeLongLearning suite.”
“I am humbled to be a part of this dynamic leadership team who knows no limits. upGrad’s vision is synergistic and I look forward to utilizing my domain expertise for building a stronger business foundation for driving career outcomes of our potential learners. This will help me contribute towards strengthening the brand’s reputation across a wider audience,” concluded Vishwakarma.
MAM
Aditya Birla Group squeezes Joe & The Juice into Indian market
Strategic tie-up with Joe & The Juice brings Danish cool and healthy brews to India.
MUMBAI: India’s hospitality scene is about to get a healthy shot of adrenaline, and for once, the “daily grind” sounds like a very good thing. Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality (ABNAH) has officially shaken hands with the Danish cult-favourite Joe & The Juice, marking the conglomerate’s first serious foray into the scalable, fast-casual food sector. It’s a move that suggests the Group is thirsty for more than just industrial dominance; they’re eyeing the premium lifestyle cup, and it’s looking decidedly green.
Founded in Copenhagen in 2002, Joe & The Juice has spent two decades fermenting a global empire, boasting over 480 locations spanning Europe, the US, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Known for its high-octane atmosphere and health-conscious menu, the brand is as much about the “vibe” as it is about the vitamins.
The first Indian flagship store is slated to pop its cork in the second half of 2026.
ABNAH isn’t exactly a newcomer to the table. This partnership adds a fresh layer to a portfolio that already features heavy hitters like:
- International Stars: Yauatcha, Hakkasan, and Nara Thai.
- Home-grown Hits: Cincin, Ode, Waarsa, and Supa San.
ABNAH founder Aryaman Vikram Birla noted that India is currently at a “consumption inflection point.” With rising discretionary spending and a growing appetite for “premiumisation,” the Group is betting big that Joe & The Juice’s mix of health and convenience will hit the sweet spot for aspiring Indian consumers.
For Joe & The Juice, this isn’t just another pin on the map. Joe & The Juice CEO Thomas Noroxe described the move as their “first true strategic entry in Asia,” citing India’s rapidly evolving preference for wellness-focused offerings. With Ambit Capital advising the deal, the partnership aims to leverage the Aditya Birla Group’s massive operational muscle to scale the brand across the country.
While the Group continues to expand into everything from jewellery to paints, this latest venture proves that when it comes to the business of taste, they’re ready to serve up something refreshing.
