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Genesis Burson-Marsteller Announces Marketing & Talent Leadership Developments
GURGOAN: Genesis Burson-Marsteller, leader in integrated communications, specializing in public relations, public affairs, corporate responsibility, crisis communications and digital marketing, has announced the appointment of Deepshikha Dharmaraj, in a new leadership role, as Chief Marketing and Growth Initiatives Officer and Kavita Rao, joins the firm as Chief Talent Engagement Officer.
A seasoned communications professional, Deepshikha Dharmaraj, who has been with the firm for 19 years, will focus on Genesis B-M’s Marketing and Growth Initiatives, which include new business development, partnerships, external communication and thought leadership in the industry. She will also continue to oversee the Genesis B-M Learning School, which is a one of its kind in the PR industry.
An alumnus, Kavita Rao returns to Genesis Burson-Marsteller to lead the Talent function. Kavita has over 19 years of experience and until recently, she was the Global Head of Communications at HSBC Technology & Services where she spent close to nine years leading the development and deployment of the Communication strategy across multiple geographies. Kavita played a key role in the integration of the bank focusing on Change and Transformation Communication to support the priorities and achievement of HSBC’s changing business imperatives As Chief Talent Engagement Officer, Kavita will be responsible for developing and driving the People Strategy to attract, develop and maximize potential of the talent across the firm She will also provide strategic counsel to clients on internal communication campaigns, leveraging the experience she has gained in this area over the last decade. Speaking on her return to the firm, Kavita said, “Genesis Burson-Marsteller is a firm that puts its people at the heart of its strategy which is the key reason our people like to stay and grow with us, as well as have Alumni return to us as I have done. It’s wonderful to be back and I’m looking forward to contributing to the future growth of the organization.”
Speaking on these appointments, Prema Sagar, Principal and Founder, Genesis Burson-Marsteller said, “At Genesis Burson-Marsteller, we are committed to investing in exceptional quality talent and by appointing Deepshikha and Kavita in their new roles, we are strengthening our Marketing and Talent functions. This will further accelerate our continuing growth story. Kavita’s vast experience will bolster our talent-building efforts, while with her experience and understanding of the communications industry in India, I believe Deepshikha is the right person to deliver the marketing and growth strategy for the firm.”
Nikhil Dey, President, Public Relations said “Sheena Sharma, Chief Client Studio and Corporate Responsibility Officer who has spent over 19 years in the firm will focus and lead all executive communication trainings for our clients and the firm while she continues to be Mentor South. Kriti Makhija, Chief Financial and Compliance Officer, who has spent over 10 years at Genesis Burson-Marsteller ensures the financial health, compliance, governance and IT infrastructure of our business. We continue to grow and augment the backbone of the organization to reinforce the clients business.”
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Induction cooktop demand spikes 30× amid LPG supply concerns
Supply worries linked to West Asia tensions push households and restaurants to turn to electric cooking alternatives
MUMBAI: As geopolitical tensions in West Asia ripple through global energy supply chains, the familiar blue flame in Indian kitchens is facing an unexpected challenger: electricity.
What began as concerns over the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has quickly evolved into a technology-driven shift in cooking habits. Households across India are increasingly turning to induction cooktops and other electric appliances, initially as a backup but now, for many, a necessity.
A sudden surge in demand
Recent data from quick-commerce and grocery platform BigBasket highlights the scale of the shift. According to Seshu Kumar Tirumala, the company’s chief buying and merchandising officer, demand for induction cooktops has risen dramatically.
“Induction cooktops have seen a significant surge in demand, recording a fivefold jump on 10 March and a thirtyfold spike on 11 March,” Tirumala said.
The increase stands out sharply when compared with broader kitchen appliance trends. Most appliance categories are growing within 10 per cent of their typical demand levels, while induction cooktops have witnessed explosive growth as households rush to secure an alternative cooking option.
Major e-commerce platforms including Amazon and Flipkart have reported rising searches and orders for induction stoves. Quick-commerce apps such as Blinkit and Zepto have also witnessed stock shortages in major metropolitan areas including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
What was once considered a convenient appliance for hostels, small kitchens or occasional use has suddenly become an essential addition in many homes.
A crisis thousands of miles away
The trigger for this shift lies far beyond India’s kitchens.
Escalating conflict in the Middle East has disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Nearly 85 to 90 per cent of India’s LPG imports pass through this narrow waterway, making the country particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions.
The ripple effects have been swift.
India currently meets roughly 60 per cent of its LPG demand through imports, and tightening global supply has already begun to affect domestic availability and prices.
Earlier this month, the price of domestic LPG cylinders increased by Rs 60, while commercial cylinders rose by more than Rs 114.
To discourage panic buying and hoarding, the government has also extended the mandatory waiting period between domestic refill bookings from 21 days to 25 days.
Restaurants feel the pressure
The strain is not limited to households. Restaurants, hotels and roadside eateries are also grappling with supply constraints as commercial LPG availability tightens under restrictions imposed through the Essential Commodities Act.
In cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai, restaurant associations report that commercial LPG availability has dropped by as much as 75 per cent, forcing many establishments to rethink their kitchen operations.
Some restaurants have reduced menu offerings, while others are rapidly installing high-efficiency induction systems, creating hybrid kitchens where electricity now shares the workload with gas.
For smaller eateries and roadside dhabas, the shift is less about sustainability and more about survival.
A potential structural shift
The government has maintained that there is no nationwide LPG crisis and has directed refineries to increase production to stabilise supply.
Nevertheless, the developments of March 2026 may already be triggering a longer-term behavioural shift.
For decades, LPG has been the backbone of cooking in Indian households. However, recent disruptions have highlighted the risks of relying on a single fuel source.
Increasingly, households appear to be hedging against uncertainty by adopting electric cooking options to guard against price volatility and delivery delays.
If the current trend continues, the induction cooktop, once viewed as a niche appliance, could emerge as a quiet symbol of India’s evolving kitchen economy.
