Hires & Promotions: Vector Brand Solutions, Vahdam India, FCB Kinnect

Vector Brand Solutions appoints Gaurav Soi as President - Business

Vector Brand Solutions has appointed Gaurav Soi as President – Business.

With previous stints at Grey, Havas and Dentsu Webchutney, Soi comes with over 20 years of experience in formulating marketing communications and business growth strategies. His experience spans all areas of the marketing funnel, for both digital-first and traditional brands.

Speaking about the appointment, Hari Krishnan, Group CBO, Quotient Ventures says, “We are very excited about Gaurav coming on board at Vector. His experience and expertise on offline and online brands make him the perfect choice to lead Vector as we continue to consolidate our position as a full-funnel, true-hybrid, creative brand. In the last 6-7 years, Gaurav has also been focused on driving growth, organic and inorganically, both of which are top priorities for Vector too.”

Soi adds, “What Vector is attempting to do for primarily digital-first brands, plays almost exactly to my experience, expertise and interests, and so I cannot be more excited with this opportunity. I am also thrilled that Vector has charted out an ambitious growth plan, and that is exciting too because driving growth is what I like to do best – be it for my client’s businesses or the agency.”
 

Akanksha Srivastava Byrnes joins Vahdam India as Senior VP - Marketing

Vahdam India has appointed Akanksha Srivastava Byrnes as Senior Vice President of Marketing. Based in New York, she will spearhead overall brand-building, global marketing strategy, and growth initiatives as the company embarks on its next phase of expansion.

Before joining Vahdam India, Byrnes held several marketing roles in the US, spanning innovation, activation and performance of brands under CPG conglomerates such as MARS (with Tasty Bite), PIM Brands (with Sun-Maid Chocolate Raisins, Welch’s Fruit Snacks) and Godiva Chocolates. She brings over 12+ years of experience in global and regional marketing.

Speaking on the news, Bala Sarda, Founder & CEO, Vahdam says, “As VAHDAM India continues to strengthen its position in the global market, Akanksha’s expertise in the US and international markets will be invaluable. She has a proven track record of working with global teams that can adapt to the ever-changing marketing landscape. Akanksha’s leadership will help us connect with consumers and enhance our brand relevance even further.”

Byrnes holds a Master of Business Administration from Yale School of Management. Speaking on her appointment, she comments, “I am honoured to join VAHDAM® India at this pivotal moment in the thriving global wellness market. Our exceptional portfolio of products and loyalty from our customers worldwide provide a robust foundation for growth. I am excited to collaborate with Bala and the talented team to not only expand our reach but also to innovate and excel in delivering wellness solutions. Together, we will explore new avenues and harness our strengths to unlock the full potential of the brand, bringing the best of VAHDAM® India to even more wellness enthusiasts around the world.”

The brand recently launched its range of wellness teas & spices at the World’s largest Retailer, Walmart in the United States, nationally.

FCB Kinnect onboards Sumera Dewan as Executive Vice President- North

Sumera Dewan, formerly president at Punt Creative, will now spearhead FCB Kinnect’s strategic growth in the North region. She will oversee the office, managing over 100 Kinnectors, and will be responsible for the P&L in this dynamic, high-growth area.

While collaborating with the Delhi team, she will work closely with Neville Shah – recently appointed CCO FCB Kinnect, to develop creative solutions for business challenges for our brands.

Her leadership is anticipated to further enhance FCB Kinnect's dedication to fostering a culture of both creative and strategic excellence. Sumera’s extensive experience and commitment to nurturing high-talent-density teams and long-term client relationships will be invaluable as she helps steer FCB Kinnect to new heights.

In a career spanning 14 years, Sumera has also had stints with Dentsu Webchutney, JWT (now part of VML), and Dentsu One (now part of Dentsu Creative). She’s excelled in both account management and strategic roles, forging meaningful partnerships with a diverse range of clients, including YouTube, Levi Strauss & Co., Nestle, Airtel, Under Armour, Tinder, Spotify, Unilever, Van Heusen, among others.

Speaking about the appointment, Rohan Mehta, CEO, FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India, shares, “Sumera’s energy is palpable. The varied experience she brings to the table will significantly enhance FCB Kinnect's full-funnel services for our clients. Her alignment with our ethos of leveraging creativity to solve real business challenges, combined with her strategic growth expertise, will be instrumental in deepening our relationships with both existing and potential clients in the North. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Kinnect family."

Sumera adds, “I’m thrilled to join FCB Kinnect at this pivotal moment in their journey. Chandni and Rohan’s dedication to delivering exceptional creative work and elevating the agency on a global stage drew me in. Kinnect is founded on a solid base with the ambition and resources to reach new heights of creative excellence, driving remarkable results for our client partners. I will aim to cultivate a culture of outcome-driven work that makes a tangible impact on the brands we partner with while also realising the agency’s creative aspirations.”