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Way2News expands expertise with Siddarth Kasturi as the new growth specialist
Mumbai: Way2News, a hyperlocal digital news app, has announced the appointment of Siddarth Kasturi as their first-ever growth specialist. With a wealth of experience in driving performance marketing and brand partnerships, Kasturi will play a vital role in enhancing Way2News’ growth trajectory.
“We are thrilled to welcome Siddarth on board. Way2News has always focused on delivering timely and relevant news to its users. With the appointment of Siddarth Kasturi, Way2News reinforces its dedication to providing an exceptional user experience by expanding its user base and enhancing user engagement. With a profound knowledge of the digital landscape and a remarkable track record in driving growth, Siddarth’s expertise will play a pivotal role in our ongoing efforts to expand our user base and elevate user engagement to new heights. The journey so far has been a fantastic one, and now that we have strengthened the team around us, we are gearing up for further aggressive growth in the market. We firmly believe that Siddarth’s strategic vision and hands-on approach will propel Way2News to unprecedented success,” said Way2News CEO & founder Raju Vanapala.
In his new position, Kasturi will spearhead developing and implementing brand partnerships and performance marketing. He will leverage his expertise in brand building, retaining growth, App-store optimization, developing strategic partnerships, and implementing a media mix of user acquisition strategies, to drive Way2News toward achieving its business goals.
Commenting on his appointment, Kasturi said, “I look forward to leveraging my expertise in growth marketing to drive user acquisition, engagement, and retention and contribute to the continued success and expansion of Way2News,” highlighted Kasturi. “I am humbled to be entrusted with this responsibility. I am eager to use my skills and expertise to foster sustainable growth and create lasting value for our esteemed users and stakeholders. Together, we will continue to provide relevant news that deeply resonates with billions of Indians and work towards making every Indian an informed citizen.”
Before Way2News, Siddarth was working as a senior marketing manager at Admattic, where he was leading and overseeing user acquisition strategies, including app monetization, Cross-functional collaboration, and Revenue Growth Initiatives. With over eight years of professional experience, Siddarth has worked with renowned companies such as Google Ads, Amazon, and Social Donut, among others.
eNews
Piyush Thakur steps down as Inshorts’ chief revenue officer
Former vice president and cro says exit marks a new chapter after close to a decade of building revenue and partnerships at Inshorts Group.
NOIDA: Piyush Thakur has stepped away from Inshorts Group after nearly 10 years with the company, marking the end of a long tenure that culminated in his role as chief revenue officer.
In a farewell note, Thakur said he was “turning a new page” after almost a decade at Inshorts, calling it one of the hardest professional decisions he has made. He added that his exit was not driven by uncertainty about the future, but by reflection on a long association with the company.
Thakur joined Inshorts in October 2016 as vice president and spent around seven years in the role before being elevated to chief revenue officer in April 2024, a position he held until April 2026.
He said his tenure was defined by “thousands of mornings, late nights, product debates and breakthrough moments”, as the company evolved into a large-scale digital news platform used by millions.
In his note, Thakur emphasised that Inshorts’ growth was a collective effort across teams, adding that engineers, designers, sales teams and customer support staff all contributed to building the platform. He said the company’s success was not the result of individuals but of “everyone who stayed, passed through, and left their mark”.
Before Inshorts, Thakur worked across several digital media and business development roles. At ESPN, he served as senior regional manager from October 2015 to October 2016, focusing on growth initiatives, strategic opportunities and video distribution.
At Times Internet, he worked for nearly three years, including as head of business development from April 2015 to September 2015 and chief manager from January 2013 to March 2015. His responsibilities included monetisation of mobile platforms, managing media and developer partnerships, and driving revenue across digital properties such as The Times of India and The Economic Times.
Earlier, he worked at Brandmovers as head of business development from June 2012 to June 2013, handling digital, mobile and social media marketing solutions, client development and strategic consulting. During this period, he also worked on advertising revenue, brand strategy and CRM-based solutions.
At Inshorts, Thakur’s role focused on revenue strategy, mobile and media partnerships, and growth initiatives across platforms. His profile highlights experience in mobile product management, digital business models, partner ecosystems and revenue expansion in high-growth environments.
