MAM
Wunderman Thompson appoints James Hammond as APAC head of healthcare
Mumbai: Wunderman Thompson has announced the appointment of James Hammond to the newly created role of head of healthcare for the APAC region. Hammond is currently based in Hong Kong and shall begin his new assignment in November, said the company in a statement.
Hammond previously worked with WPP Health Practice International as APAC client lead and global client EVP for close to a decade. He then went on to J-lab Asia where he forged an independent network of healthcare agency partnerships across the APAC region as principal. During the same time, he was simultaneously working with Klick Health USA as a regional partner.
“James brings with him a deep understanding of the unique needs of the healthcare industry in APAC. We are thrilled to have such a prolific industry leader drive our health practice forward,” said Wunderman Thompson International CEO Ewen Sturgeon.
With over 25 years of experience, Hammond has led agencies across the United States, North Asia, and Australia, working with large multinational brands such as J&J, GSK, Nestle, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Gilead.
“This is a very exciting time to be joining Wunderman Thompson. The agency has built a unique offering at the intersection of creativity and technology. I believe this is a great fit for healthcare clients looking to build more integrated customer experiences,” said Hammond. “We have big ambitions in this region as we continue to build our consumer healthcare business and extend our offering to prescription healthcare clients.”
Brands
Ather Energy doubles service network to 500 centres nationwide
EV maker scales support alongside growth to keep riders on the road
MUMBAI: Ather Energy is quietly building more than just scooters. It is building the backbone to keep them running.
The electric two-wheeler maker has expanded its service network to 500 authorised centres across India, nearly doubling its footprint in a year from 277. The move mirrors its growing retail presence and signals a clear focus on one often overlooked part of EV ownership, what happens after the purchase.
From the outset, Ather has prioritised service support in every city it enters, aiming to make ownership as smooth as the ride itself. Its Gold Service Centres bring in upgraded customer lounges, modern equipment and processes designed to make servicing more transparent and reliable.
Speed, too, is part of the pitch. Through its ExpressCare initiative, riders can get periodic maintenance done in about an hour, now available across 82 centres, turning what used to be a chore into a quick pit stop.
Ather Energy chief business officer Ravneet Singh Phokela said, “Crossing 500 service centres is an important milestone as we scale across the country. Reliable after-sales support is central to the ownership experience, and our focus remains on consistent service quality and accessibility.”
The expansion comes as demand grows for models like the Ather 450 and the Rizta, which have helped the company reach a broader set of riders across metros and emerging cities alike.
Alongside servicing, Ather continues to power up infrastructure through the Ather Grid, now one of the largest fast-charging networks for two-wheelers, with over 4,300 charging points.
With plans to scale further and deepen its presence, Ather’s approach is clear. Selling the scooter may start the journey, but keeping it running smoothly is what sustains it.
