MAM
Venkatachalam H appointed as Tata AIA’s CEO and MD
Mumbai: Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Ltd, one of India’s fastest growing life insurance companies, has announced that its board has appointed Venkatachalam H as the new chief executive officer & managing director, subject to regulatory approval from IRDAI. Venkatachalam H. will take over from current chief executive officer & managing director, Naveen Tahilyani who moves to another role in the Tata Group and has been elevated as a non-executive director of Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Ltd.
Venky as he is fondly known, has over 27 years’ experience spanning life insurance, asset management and custodial services. He has expertise in sales & distribution, strategy, business and process development and key account management. He joined Tata AIA in 2016 and was president and chief distribution officer in his previous role. Venky has also led several initiatives in areas such as marketing, strategy, analytics, and direct digital business.
Naveen has been a visionary leader, spearheading the transformation of Tata AIA into a market-leading and digitally enabled multi-channel business. Tata AIA has consistently outperformed the market, with VONB increasing by three and a half times between 2018 and 2022. Under Naveen’s leadership, Tata AIA has risen to become number three company on retail-weighted new business premium and is ranked number one in retail sum assured among private sector life insurers. Tata AIA has been awarded the Kincentric Best Employer seven times in a row as well as certified as a Great Place to Work.
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
