Brands
Weekend Unwind with: AIWA India’s Ajay Mehta
Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.
In this week’s session, we have AIWA India MD Ajay Mehta.
Ajay Mehta has also been heading the MCC Group since its inception in 1991. Over the past three decades, Ajay has handled several brands, nationally, including, Canon, Polaroid, JVC, Mitsubishi Electric, and Toshiba. For Ajay, music is his first passion, and has had the privilege to play the Violin, Indian classical, live on stage with the late maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar. He spends as much time with music and his current preferences are Jazz, Delta Blues and Rock.
Without further ado, here it goes…
Your mantra for life
To embrace change, stay curious, and always strive for balance in all aspects of life.
A book you are currently reading or plan to read
I’m currently engrossed in ‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind’ by Yuval Noah Harari.
Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
During these challenging times, I’ve focused on daily meditation, yoga, and occasional indoor workouts to maintain both physical and mental well-being.
Your comfort food
Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, homemade bowl of lentil soup or ‘dal tadka’
A quote or philosophy that keeps you going when the chips are down
Adversity is the forge of character. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
Your guilty pleasure
Indulging in a classic movie marathon with a tub of buttery popcorn.
The last time you tried something new:
I recently ventured into learning the basics of pottery, finding solace and joy in creating something from scratch.
A life lesson you learned the hard way:
The importance of patience and resilience in navigating through both personal and professional challenges.
What gets you excited about life?
The prospect of continuous learning, discovering new horizons, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.
What’s on top of your bucket list?
Exploring the Northern Lights in person remains a top aspiration.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Embrace failures as stepping stones, for they pave the path to invaluable lessons and eventual success.
One thing you would most like to change about the world
To foster greater empathy and understanding among people, transcending boundaries and differences.
An activity that keeps you motivated and charged during tough times
Engaging in soulful music sessions, especially playing the violin, provides a therapeutic escape.
What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?
Connecting with nature, whether through a walk in the woods or enjoying the tranquility of a serene landscape.
Your go-to stress buster
To unwind and alleviate stress, I often find solace in the company of close friends and family. Engaging in meaningful conversations or simply sharing laughter together acts as an incredible stress buster for me.
Brands
HSBC names Gautam Anand to head global India private banking unit
The bank taps a 25-year veteran to run its franchise as the war for wealthy NRI clients heats up
MUMBAI: HSBC has handed Gautam Anand the keys to its global India private banking business, betting that a seasoned operator can squeeze more out of one of the world’s most lucrative pools of offshore wealth.
Anand, who joined HSBC Private Bank in December 2023 as global co-ordinator for Global India, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, steps up to lead the franchise outright. He will run the operation across India and its key international outposts in Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Kingdom, putting him squarely in the middle of the corridors through which Indian money flows abroad.
The appointment is a signal of intent. HSBC only launched its global private banking business in India in 2023, pitching hard at high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients as part of a broader assault on Asian wealth management. The bank now wants Anand to turn that beachhead into a fortress.
He comes well-armed. Before HSBC, Anand clocked time at UBS, Credit Suisse, ANZ and ABN Amro, a CV that reads like a roll-call of the banks that have long competed to manage the fortunes of India’s affluent diaspora.
With Indian wealth exploding at home and spreading fast across global financial centres, the race to capture it is only getting fiercer. HSBC is backing Anand to make sure it does not finish second.
