Archives November 2024

Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) Sees 160% MoM Growth in October 2024

Mumbai, Wednesday, 07 November 2024: The Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) traded 8 million MMBtu (201 MMSCM) gas volume in October’24, higher by 160% on MoM basis. Decreased APM gas allocations to the CGD sector and high global LNG prices have contributed to increased trade volumes.

GIXI for October 2024 was Rs 1098/$13 per MMBtu, lower by 4% last month. GIXI- South was Rs. 986/$11.7 per MMBtu and GIXI-West Rs 1102/$13.1 per MMBtu. Different spot international gas benchmark prices recorded were (monthly average): HH at ~$2.6/MMBtu (up by 9% MoM), TTF at $12.9 /MMBtu (up by 13% MoM), whereas LNG benchmark indices were: WIM – Ex Dahej ~14.3 $/MMBtu (down by 1% MoM).

A total of 124 trades were executed in October’24. The most active delivery point for free market gas was Dahej & KG Basin for Ceiling Price gas, other trading delivery points were- Hazira, Suvali, Mhaskal, Ankot, & Bokaro. Around 72% of the total volume was traded at Dahej delivery. GIXI – Dahej (Oct-24) was ?1100 or $13 / MMBtu lower by 3.4% MoM. WIM-Ex Dahej settled price for Oct-24 was also at similar level i.e. – $13.6/MMBtu.

Around 7.8 Million MMBtu of free market category gas was traded during the month & about 0.14 million MMBTU domestic ceiling price gas was traded at ceiling price (?854 or $10.16/MMBtu) at KG Basin delivery point. And about 0.2 Millon MMBtu domestic gas with complete pricing freedom was traded at Bokaro(CBM), Hazira (ONGC Hazira) & KG Basin delivery points.

During the month, the Exchange traded gas deliveries were 6.1 million MMBtu (~5 MMSCMD).

IGX currently offer trades at 15 delivery points. Out of which, 4 are LNG terminals, 3 are Pipeline Interconnection Points and 8 are domestic gas field land fall points & offers delivery-based trade in six different contracts such as Day-Ahead, Daily, Weekday, Weekly, Fortnightly and Monthly, under which the trade can be executed for twelve consecutive months. During the month, 40 trades (maximum number) were executed in Daily, followed by 29 trades in each Fortnightly & Monthly, 16 trades in Weekly, 8 trades in Day-Ahead & 2 trades in Weekday contract respectively.

Les Roches Unveils New Degree in Sports Business Management

November 7th, 2024 – Les Roches, one of the world’s leading institutions in hospitality management and luxury tourism education, announces the launch of a new Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Sports Business Management. This program is crafted for sports enthusiasts, professional athletes, and business-minded individuals aspiring to careers in sports tourism and sports business. The four-year program will be based at the Marbella campus in Spain’s Costa del Sol, a region renown for hosting over 90 golf courses in a 60 km radius, with two months of immersion at the Crans-Montana campus in Switzerland—home to major sports associations—as well as a two-week period at the newly established Abu Dhabi campus in the vibrant Zayed Sports City in a historic building which seamlessly blends tradition with modernity and a popular destination for hundreds of sports events such the FIFA Club World Cups, the Asian Cups, The Arabic Gulf Cups, the Special Olympics World Summer Games, the International Athletes Meet, and American Rodeos, amongst others.

Founded in Switzerland in 1954, Les Roches has established a campus in Marbella which stands as a prime destination for Les Roches students who aspire to a global career in sports business management, sports events, and sports tourism.

An unstoppable Sports Industry demanding the best talent

In recent years, hospitality and sports have grown in tandem. According to Global Market Insights’ Sports Tourism Market Report, sports tourism is expected to reach approximately  globally by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 10%. The 2023 figures showed a global total investment of around €500 billion, with Europe leading the sports tourism market, holding over a 40% share.

Increasing partnerships between sports and tourism companies are driving a tourism sector focused on sports with tangible growth potential. These collaborations have enhanced destination appeal, enriched visitor experiences, and contributed to sustained growth in sports tourism. Notably in Europe, sports vacations have surged, with over €200 billion invested in recent years. Travelers are increasingly drawn to these types of active adventures, blending cultural exploration with activities like hiking, cycling, and skiing.

The growing demand for sports tourism is driving a need for highly qualified personnel across the industry, especially in the Event Industry. Managing Sports Events usually involves a big Hospitality (Accommodation and F&B) component. This specific new BSc program has emerged in response to the boom in sports tourism, which now accounts for approximately 10% of global tourism, according to the UN Tourism.

Les Roches graduates each semester access already roles and internships in over 200 high-end companies in hospitality, tourism, and luxury sectors, including sports organizations like Formula 1, FIFA, Nike, and the International Olympic Committee.

An experiential approach for future leaders

Over four years, students will immerse themselves in both the sports and business ecosystems, graduating with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience and a comprehensive portfolio of academic projects that will add significant value in their future job search.

Designed to equip students with industry-specific skills as well as adaptable, transferable competencies, the Bachelor of Science in Sports Business Management offers targeted education in areas such as sports marketing and leadership, finance, data analytics, entrepreneurship, nutrition and performance, science and techniques in sports, and legal frameworks, as well as insight into the evolving landscape of sports, including e-sports and sustainable practices. Through experiential learning, applied projects, and internships, graduates will be prepared to lead in diverse roles across the sports sector, from managing professional teams to developing new business ventures in sports.

The program includes an initial immersion in the Sports Lab, where students will lead and manage real sports clubs designed to function as professional organizations. Under faculty mentorship, they’ll assume real-world responsibilities, including participating in university-level competitions and managing all aspects of club operations, from logistics, marketing, and communications to financial management, sponsorship acquisition, and event organization.

In addition to technical skills, students will develop key transferable competencies—strategic thinking, leadership, and cross-functional communication skills—through hands-on management experience and direct mentorship.

Furthermore, the program offers direct exposure to the sports industry and leading industry partners, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and insights into the operation of professional sports organizations. This includes visits to sports facilities, meetings with industry professionals, and workshops led by key partners.

Les Roches specialized programs in tourism sports management & events

The global sports and events industry offers exceptional professional opportunities, as various destinations, regions, and even countries utilize sports to diversify their economies while reinforcing their tourism and hospitality sectors.

Positioned at the forefront of hospitality management education with 70 years of history, Les Roches’ new BSc in Sports Business Management joins Les Roches’ programs focused on sports tourism and events: the Master of Science in Sports Management and Events, which has already launched its first cohort at the Crans-Montana campus with the next intake scheduled for March 2025, and the Diploma of Advanced Studies in Golf Management, which has also started at the Marbella campus with the next intake starting in March.

Unique location and flexible study options

The Marbella campus location gives students an opportunity to dive into the sports and hospitality markets, establishing initial industry contacts in a region renowned for hosting events and attracting elite athletes. Marbella, located in the Costa del Sol area, is the perfect place to enjoy unparalleled cuisine, stunning landscapes, rich history, and the warmth of its people. With a variety of cultural and tourism offerings available year-round, it’s easy to see why this region stands out as a top sports destination, led by disciplines such as golf, athletics, soccer, and swimming.

Les Roches also offers this degree a curriculum that allows students to tailor their training to the sports industry’s most in-demand areas, including technology and data, as well as health and wellness. Additionally, the program can be completed in a flexible hybrid format (online and immersion weeks), ideal for active professional athletes seeking an academic foundation to transition into the business world.

“With this new degree, Les Roches continues to lead in an industry that is constantly reinventing itself. Our new academic offering is marked by strong specialization, and we remain committed to this direction. We aim to channel the passion that defines top athletes into business leadership to develop the future leaders of the global sports industry. The academic structure of this program reflects our commitment to merging sports experience with business acumen, providing an entry path for both sports enthusiasts and elite athletes, as well as business professionals eager to explore this field,” said Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches.

Get Ready for the Ultimate Dance Showdown on IBD Vs SD: Champions Ka Tashan, with Remo D’Souza Leading the Charge

After the tremendous success of homegrown dance reality formats like India’s Best Dancer and Super Dancer, Sony Entertainment Television is all set to launch ‘India’s Best Dancer Vs Super Dancer: Champions Ka Tashan’, an exciting new dance reality format that pits the seasoned contestants of India’s Best Dancer against the young prodigies of Super Dancer in an electrifying battle for dance supremacy. Starting 16th November, the show will air every Saturday and Sunday at 7.30 PM on Sony Entertainment Television.

With a fresh approach to the reality genre, the show aims to captivate viewers by highlighting the grit and grind of those who have achieved excellence, with age no bar. The show will be a celebration of dance, with contestants pushing their limits and delivering jaw-dropping performances week after week, vying for the title of ‘Ultimate Champion’. Adding to the excitement, renowned choreographer and filmmaker Remo D’Souza will grace the judging panel as ‘Dance Ka Pitamah’, bringing his expertise and keen eye for talent to this one-of-a-kind competition.

Speaking about the unique format, Remo D’Souza said, “Dance has always been my passion and my life’s purpose. I believe that the spirit of dance transcends age, style, and experience, and that’s exactly what this show represents – a celebration of dance in its purest, most powerful form. It’s unlike anything we’ve seen before – bringing together two powerhouse teams, the seasoned dancers from India’s Best Dancer and the young, dynamic talent from Super Dancer. It’s going to be exhilarating to witness their journey and see how they inspire and push each other on this platform.”

FESA 24: India’s Largest National Seminar on Fire, Electrical, Security, and Automation Kicks Off

Hyderabad, November 07, 2024- A two-day National Seminar on Fire, Electrical, Security and Automation (FESA) 24 for Pharma Industry, the biggest ever Seminar in India on the subject begins at HICC on Thursday morning in the city

The seminar was inaugurated by Guest of Honor Mr.Y. Nagi Reddy, IPS, Director General of Fire Services and Chief Guest 
Mr.Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Spl Chief Secretary to the Govt of Telangana. Mr B. Raja Gopala Rao, Director of Factories, Govt of Telangana also graced the occasion

It was organized by the Fire & Security Association of India (FSAI).

Speaking on the occasion, Nagi Reddy said fire is important in industrial safety in Pharma. In the past 10 years, 97 major fires broke out in Pharma industries, and Rs 93 crore worth of property was lost. In another incident that occurred a day before yesterday, a property worth Rs 30 crore got burnt, he said.

Handling fire in the pharmaceutical industry is difficult due to the different kinds of gases and chemicals used. He explained the Telangana Fire Service Act 1999. Section 13 of this act requires that buildings and hazardous industries must get an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Fire Department. According to another section, 19, the owner or the occupant is responsible for the fire system in the establishment.

He spoke about the National Building Code 2016.

Pharmaceutical industries pose additional hazards compared to other industries, especially from the use and transfer of solvents. Hazards in this industry include fires or explosions in solvents or dusts. Several areas such as Cleanrooms; Laboratories; Warehouses; Utility/mechanical service rooms; Chemical rooms and Production areas need to be paid attention to he said

The regular fire safety Audit is a must he told 300 plus gathering. It has to be voluntary in the interest of the company, he said.

Speaking on the occasion Jayesh Ranjan said accidents of any kind derail an industry. Many Pharma companies are under the watchlist of many European Regulators for non-compliance of ESG guidelines, which are low in those companies. If not adhered they will stop importing pharmaceutical products from India. If that happens you will destroy your business prospects he said.

In my interactions with Pharma companies, I observed that they are facing a talent scarcity. Organisations like FSAI can address such concerns of the Pharma industry for effective fire safety

Mr Ranjan urged FSAI to get associated with Young India Skill University, which will be run on a partnership model. Unlike conventional learning, the way of learning here is through practice. FSAI can design some relevant, useful and customised courses, he said

The past Telangana government announced a Pharma city in 20,000-acre land but the new government would like to decentralise and set up Pharma villages, in some ten clusters. Here also FSAI can help us with the best possible fire safety by suggesting a default design.

He advised FISA leadership to come forward with technology providers and the problem statement The government will run a challenge on their behalf for using technology in fire safety and more mention.

B. Raja Gopala Rao, Directories of factories said more fire accidents are occurring in Pharma than any other sector.

FSAI is 22 years old, a pan-Indian, not-for-profit non-profit trade body representing the Fire Protection, Life Safety, Security, Building Automation, Loss Prevention and Risk Management domains. It has 25 chapters and 10,000 members all over India said Mr Srinivas Valluri, National President, of FSAI

Hyderabad is the hub for pharmaceutical companies not only in India but in the entire Southeast Asia. A lot of fire accidents have occurred in the Pharma industries in the recent past. In this light of background this national conference is happening in Hyderabad informed Mr. Srinivas Valluri, the national president of the FSAI. He is the first ever Telugu man to become the National President of the 22 year old body.

Though we are part of the advisory group of the proposed Skill University of the Government of Telangana, we are also exploring a possible association to offer structured training on fire. We are planning to open a Skill Development Center, a 3rd one in Mumbai and another in Hyderabad very soon. We are also planning to open a Chapter in Dubai, he said. There is a huge demand for resources

The FSAI formulated the Suraksha Index (FSI). This index was reviewed, developed and implemented by the FSAI. It is one of its kind in the world. Many countries are studying this to emulate this practice . FSAI Suraksha Index is a comprehensive evaluation system that assesses the fire and security readiness of buildings, he added

Mr Prasad Nishtala, Chapter President, FSAI Hyderabad; Mr Prasad Raju S, Regional Director-South, FSAI; Mr Manoj Balakrishnan, Chair FSAI Branding; Mr P. Sravan Kumar, Vice Chair-FSAI Operations and Mr Chandra Sekhar K, Secretary FSAI Hyd Chapter said that 300 Senior Managers from various pharma industries are participating and deliberating in the seminar. Representatives of over 100 pharma companies including 50 top pharma companies also participate.

Mr Prasad Nishtala, Chapter President, FSAI Hyderabad said, sessions on a wide variety of subjects of greater importance such as Industries Pharma in Application its and PHA (Analysis Hazard Process; Areas Production in Mitigation and Identification Risk; Areas Storage Hazard High of Safety Fire; Pharma in Safety; Pharma in BMS; Access Control and Surveillance; IoT in Pharma Safety; Fire Audit is scheduled. Several Technical sessions and two-panel discussions will be held. The panel discussion will be held on topics such as Risks in the Pharma industry and strategies to overcome and the Latest trends in Safety and Security in Pharma Industries.

KFC Brings the Heat with Iconic Fan-Favourites – A Celebration of Epic Taste

Bengaluru, 7th November 2024: KFC  EPIC TASTE. And that’s what the brand is now saying with its latest campaign – TASTE THE EPIC.

For almost three decades now, KFC has been delighting fans across the country with finger lickin’ good crispy chicken. This November, KFC celebrates its range of bestselling fan favourites – from the iconic Hot & Crispy Chicken, Hot Wings to the boneless Chicken Popcorn, and Peri-Peri Boneless Chicken Strips, to the variety of Zinger Burgers, Rolls and more.

Consumers across India can TASTE THE EPIC, with the unmatched, droolworthy taste and unbeatable crunch of KFC’s signature menu items.

Chicken lovers, be prepared to treat yourselves with a range of options across three categories of KFC’s bestselling menu items – Chicken on Bone; Boneless and Burgers & More – ensuring there is something for everyone.

The ‘Chicken on Bone’ category brings fans the iconic, finger lickin’ good taste and experience. The juicy and crispy signature Hot & Crispy Chicken served in the iconic bucket is best for sharing, while the crunchy Hot Wings add unparalleled taste to the table.

The ‘Boneless’ range offers a variety of convenient snacks and easy, on-the-go options including the bite-sized Chicken Popcorn and the crispy Peri Peri Boneless Strips.

‘Burgers & More’ presents the epic KFC taste in different formats. KFC fans can indulge in the range of Chicken Rolls, inspired by zesty flavours from around the globe such as Thai Spicy, Korean Tangy, American Nashville, or Indian Tandoori. There’s also the wide variety of Zinger Burgers, bringing together crispy chicken fillets and veggies doused with delectable sauces in between soft sesame buns. Pair these with the much-loved aromatic Rice Bowlz to make for a complete meal or indulge in them as is.

adidas and Arsenal Launch Retro-Inspired Adicolor Collection

New Delhi, November 7th, 2024 – adidas and Arsenal launch a brand new adicolor range of the 70s and 80s-inspired tracksuits and t-shirts, giving a fresh twist to the club’s retro colourways.

Designed with a slim fit in premium pique material, the track top features engineered 3-Stripes tape, a ribbed collar and cuffs, convenient zipped side pockets, and flock-printed trefoil and club crest on the chest. The pique track pants are tailored for a slim fit and include zipped side pockets and iconic 3-Stripes tape down each leg, blending functionality with classic style. The collection is completed with a slim-fitted crew neck tee with short sleeves, featuring engineered 3-Stripes tape along with a flock-printed crest and Trefoil branding on the chest.

The Arsenal adicolor collection captures a timeless retro class in bold red and blue shades, paying homage to the club’s heritage with a contemporary flair. This special edition revives the iconic crest that has been enhancing Arsenal’s jerseys from 1949 to 1994, a nostalgic nod to the team’s rich legacy. The vintage aesthetic is further elevated with the original club lettering on the back of both the tee and jacket, inspired by the classic font style from the old club badge. The result is a collection that blends the spirit of past eras with modern design, making it a must-have for fans who value both history and style.

Festive Season Sale Concludes with Impressive 14% Volume Growth Year-over-Year

07th November 2024, Mumbai : The festive season sale 2024 has wrapped up on a positive note, with order volumes higher by over 14% YoY. The period also witnessed a GMV growth of over 18% compared to the Diwali sales in 2023.

Analysis by Unicommerce, one of India’s leading e-co by Unicommerce, one of India’s leading e-commerce enablement SaaS platforms, highlights mmerce enablement SaaS platforms, highlights that while the entire sale period presented multiple purchase opportunities, most of the buying happened during the initial days of the season sale. Exciting discounts offered continued throughout the month-long sale event, including sales for Navratri, Dussehra, Dhanteras and Diwali followed by Govardhan puja and Bhai Dooj.

Based on the analysis of orders processed on Unicommerce’s platform, relatively new e-commerce categories that were the top performers this year included travel accessories and health devices which noted a significant over 100% YoY order volume growth for each category. The gaming accessories segment also witnessed a remarkable over 85% YoY order volume growth during this period.

Other traditional categories which made a strong impression this festive season were beauty & makeup products with a whopping over 100% order volume growth this season as compared to the previous year. Toys & baby products and kids apparel also recorded higher order volumes with over 50% and 30% YoY growth respectively. Dietary foods, healthy snacks & supplements as well as kitchenware products noted over 40% and 30% order volume growth respectively during this period as compared to the festive sale last year.

Tier III cities and beyond areas outperformed tier II towns with higher market share of 36.4% in terms of order volumes as compared to that of tier II towns which stood at 23.5%. The market share of tier I cities and metropolitans was however the highest this year at 40.1%.

Brands and e-commerce companies continue to tackle order returns with the help of technology as the festive rush puts a greater load of orders on these platforms. Some of the categories that saw reduction in order returns this year were electronics & gaming accessories where returns fell from 20.5% in 2023 to 16% in 2024. The Books segment also noted reduced returns which accounted for 14% in 2023 and were down to 11.5% in 2024. The travel accessories category also saw a decrease in order returns from 20.2% in 2023 to 18% in 2024.

Honasa Consumer Launches Winter Skincare Collections Across Mamaearth, The Derma Co., Aqualogica, and Dr. Sheth’s

07th November 24: With the onset of winter, Honasa Consumer has launched a new range of moisturizing products across its brands—Mamaearth, The Derma Co., Aqualogica, and Dr. Sheth’s for all skin types and concerns. This launch underscores Honasa’s strategy of catering to “Needs Differing by Skin Types, Seasons, and Special Occasions,” with a portfolio well-equipped to meet varied consumer demands. The new range also taps into rising demand, as moisturizing creams have grown more than 2X of the FMCG growth rate as per Nielsen highlighting the growing need for effective hydration solutions during colder months.

For consumers seeking the goodness of natural ingredients and toxin-free solutions, our flagship brand, Mamaearth, has launched two new Light Moisturizing Creams—Beetroot Hydraful and Vitamin C Daily Glow. These creams are lightweight, non-sticky, and safe for use on the face, hands, and body, with Made Safe Certification and dermatological testing ensuring quality and safety. For consumers seeking science-backed skincare, our active ingredients based brand, The Derma Co. has unveiled its Nia-Ceramide Deep Moisturizing Cream, combining powerful ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides to work effectively across all skin types, from dry to very oily.

Additionally, Dr. Sheth’s, with power of natural and active ingredients, has launched new moisturizing creams with Kesar Kojic Acid and Vitamin C & Ceramide, offering 48-hour hydration while targeting pigmentation for normal to combination skin. Completing the winter range, Aqualogica, skin hydration brand under the Honasa Portfolio has launched the new Milk Fluid Moisturizers in three variants and these come in playful popsicle-inspired packaging, delivering deep, 48-hour moisture without feeling heavy on the skin.

Ghazal Alagh, Chief Innovation Officer & Co-founder, Honasa Consumer Limited “We understand that skin needs special attention during winter, especially with India’s varied climate conditions. We at Honasa are focused on meeting the increasing consumer demand for hydration solutions by catering to diverse needs across skin types, seasons, and occasions. Our new moisturizer range across brands embodies this approach, with each product thoughtfully designed to provide effective, targeted care so consumers can find the perfect fit for their unique needs. With a commitment to sustainable and effective skincare, we are dedicated to serving all consumer types by delivering safe, high-quality solutions.”

The winter moisturizer lineup from Honasa Consumer will be available at leading retail outlets, e-commerce platforms, and the official websites of each brand. As the brand continues to grow its presence in the Indian personal care landscape, this launch reinforces Honasa’s dedication to providing well-rounded, skin-friendly solutions that resonate with the diverse needs of its consumers.

Serentica Renewables Announces Ambitious 10 GW Clean Energy Project in Andhra Pradesh

Mumbai, November 07th, 2024: Serentica Renewables, (“Serentica” or the “Company”), a leading renewable energy company in India, has announced its plans to establish renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of 10 gigawatts (GW) in Andhra Pradesh. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to supporting India’s clean energy goals and fostering sustainable growth in the region.

Andhra Pradesh, with its target of achieving 72 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, is opening avenues for industry leaders like Serentica to contribute to the state’s green vision. Through this 10 GW commitment, Serentica aims to establish a foundation for sustainable industrial growth in the region.

Commenting on this initiative, Mr. Pratik Agarwal, Chairman of Serentica Renewables, stated, ” Andhra Pradesh holds immense renewable energy potential, and our 10 GW commitment is a bold step toward unlocking it. This project will provide reliable, round-the-clock green power, supporting both regional growth and India’s vision for a sustainable, energy-secure future.” “

Mr. Akshay Hiranandani, CEO of Serentica Renewables, added, “. Our 10 GW development builds on our proven track record of executing complex renewable projects. We’re combining solar, wind, and storage technologies to develop Round-the-Clock projects to ensure green power on 24×7 basis”

Serentica Renewable’s 10 GW renewable energy projects is set to be a cornerstone in Andhra Pradesh’s renewable journey, driving regional development while contributing to India’s national goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy carbon reductions by 2030. Serentica targets developing 17 GW of Round the Clock renewable projects with 5,000 MWh of storage by 2030, of which 4 GW will be operational by 2025 to meet the round-the-clock green energy needs of its customers. The company has collaborated with Greenko Group for an energy storage capacity offtake contract, utilizing 1,500 MWhr from upcoming projects in Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and will be supplemented by 3,500 MWh of battery storage. With a vision to deliver 50 billion units of renewable energy annually by 2030 and cut carbon emissions by 47 million tonnes, Serentica is dedicated to leading India’s renewable energy sector and fostering a sustainable industrial future.

Guardian India Names Karunakaran Azhisur as New Chief Information Officer

Chennai, November 06, 2024 | Guardian India, the global capability centre for The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), today announced the appointment of Karunakaran (Karun) Azhisur as Chief Information Officer – India. In this role, he will report to Shiney Prasad, Country Head (India).

Karunakaran brings over 25 years of experience as a global technology leader, having led GCCs for Fortune 100 companies. Most recently, he held the position of Global CIO for the Hydro Power Business at GE Vernova.

Prior to his role at the Hydro business of GE Vernova, Karun spent eight years in a variety of senior roles at GE and GE Vernova. These include the position of Regional CIO for Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as heading GE Gas Power’s Global Software Engineering and GE’s India Digital Hub. Additionally, he served as a board member for GE India Industrials Pvt Ltd.

Commenting on the appointment, Shiney Prasad, Country Head, Guardian India, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Karun to Guardian India as we continue evolving our technology and operations capabilities. His appointment is progress in our commitment to bringing together exceptional talent and transformative technology – a combination that is core to our strategic vision.”

On his appointment, Karunakaran Azhisur, Chief Information Officer, Guardian India, said, “Leadership in an organization that places equal emphasis on innovation and well-being aligns perfectly with my vision for digital transformation. I am delighted to join Guardian and look forward to building technology and talent that can make a sincere impact in the lives of consumers and communities.”

Karunakaran holds a postgraduate degree in Management from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore, and a Bachelor of Technology degree from Anna University, Chennai. He will be based out of Guardian’s Chennai campus.

Guardian India:

Guardian India Operations Private Limited is the global capability centre for The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), headquartered in New York. Guardian India, located in Chennai and Gurugram, provides IT and ITES services, consulting, and business solutions to Guardian and its affiliates.  Guardian India delivers business value to the parent organization while maintaining a strong focus on mentorship programs, leadership development opportunities for women, employee health, and well-being. These competencies have ascended Guardian India’s path to multiple accolades, including being recognized as a Great Place to Work for several consecutive years.

Guardian:

Guardian makes a difference in the lives of people when they need us most. With over 160 years of stability and fiscal integrity, we are a trusted resource to generations of families and business owners, inspiring well-being and helping build financial confidence. Today, we stand behind millions of consumers, helping them prepare and plan for a bright future for themselves and their families. We help business owners care for their employees. And we help people recover and thrive in times of unexpected loss. As a modern mutual insurance company, we believe in driving value beyond dividends. We invest in our colleagues, are building an inclusive and innovative culture, and are helping to uplift communities through thoughtful corporate impact programs. Guardian, which is based in New York City, is a leading provider of life, disability, dental, and other benefits, and has received accolades for its culture and service. Our colleagues and financial professionals serve with care and experience, and our commitments rest on a strong financial foundation, which included a 2024 dividend allocation of $1.398 billion – the largest in the company’s history.