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Kofluence onboards Priyadarshi Banerjee as VP – business development & account management
Mumbai: Kofluence, the world’s largest AI-driven ad-tech influencer marketing platform, has roped in Priyadarshi Banerjee as vice president of business development & account management. In his new position, Banerjee will be responsible for driving revenue and profit growth for the company’s existing business ventures, along with overseeing the company’s strategic business planning and sales operations.
Banerjee comes with over 20 years of diversified experience both on the client and agency side, working with the likes of Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd. (Times Group), Reader’s Digest Asia, Wunderman Thomson, Thomas Cook, Wipro and HSBC. Prior to joining Kofluence, Banerjee was with One Digital Entertainment followed by a brief stint as a strategic consultant providing independent consultancy to a few SMEs and start-ups in the media space.
Commenting on his appointment, Banerjee said, “I am thrilled to be a part of Kofluence leadership team. The vibrant energy of the teams and the platform’s unparalleled potential made Kofluence the perfect destination for my career transition. It has been an exhilarating move for me, and I am eager to work closely with the two co-founders Ritesh Ujjwal and Sreeram Vanga Reddy. I have been inspired by their vision and passion for reshaping the influencer economy. The platform’s ground-breaking approach to influencer marketing will truly revolutionize the industry. I look forward to driving value, fostering growth and forging strategic relationships. “
Kofluence co-founder & CEO Ritesh Ujjwal said, “As we continue to grow and expand our presence, I am happy to welcome Priyadarshi onboard as part of our leadership team. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will significantly benefit our organization. His deep understanding of the industry and network will play a key role in driving our company’s success and strengthening our position as a leader in the influencer marketing industry. I look forward to working closely with Priyadarshi as we begin this exciting chapter of growth and innovation.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
