Hires & Promotions: VML, Prosus and Naspers, Schbang

VML's President Saurabh Saksena steps down

Saurabh Saksena, former President of VML India, has decided to step down.

Saksena started his career at Clarion Communications and worked across Ogilvy Outreach, DDB Mudra Group, Mid Day, JWT, Red Fuse Communications and VMLY&R.

As the president of Red Fuse Communications, an integrated agency for Colgate Palmolive globally, Saksena managed the India office. His key objective was to offer the 'Best of WPP' to help drive growth outcomes for the client business. He worked closely with WPP agency brands like Ogilvy Group, Wavemaker, and VMLY&R, along with the WPP India leadership, as well as the larger WPP network to deliver growth for the business.

Fabricio Bloisi appointed CEO, Prosus and Naspers

Prosus N.V. has reported that the Boards of Prosus and Naspers have approved the appointment of Fabricio Bloisi as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prosus and Naspers Group. The appointment is effective as of 1 July 2024.

Bloisi assumes the role of Group CEO from his role as CEO, iFood. He acquired iFood in 2013 when it was a 20-person start-up.

The Board would like to thank Ervin Tu for his strong leadership of the Group over the last eight months as Interim CEO. Ervin will continue to play a critical role in shaping the Group’s future in a new position, President and Chief Investment Officer (CIO).

Koos Bekker, Prosus and Naspers chair says, “Backing exceptional entrepreneurs who improve people’s everyday lives through technology has brought us some success over the years. Fabricio is an entrepreneur with a proven track record. His appointment as CEO places innovation and entrepreneurship at the heart of the Group.

“Fabricio has established iFood as one of the most innovative food delivery companies in the world. Also, a famous brand in Latin America. He has a combination of vision, deep operational experience and strong discipline. It is this skillset that the Board believes make him the right person to now lead us.

“Ervin has done an outstanding job as our interim CEO. He navigated a challenging external environment, re-focussed our teams, and brought energy and vigour to bear. As our new President and CIO, he will play a fundamental role in shaping the Group’s future strategy, investments, and capital allocation.”

Bloisi adds, “It is an honour to be given the opportunity to lead Prosus and Naspers during a very exciting period of innovation and change within the technology space. I am proud that we have grown iFood into one of the largest and most successful brands in Latin America. This was driven by a passionate team balancing innovation with disciplined investment, while acting fast and empowering our great people. That combination is in my DNA, and I will bring it to my new role as Prosus and Naspers CEO.

“I believe we are in an amazing moment, where technology disruption can change the life of billions of people for the better. A company like Prosus must play an important role in identifying new technologies, such as AI, that impact the world and specifically emerging markets. Our focus on innovation and discipline, combined with our outstanding people, knowledge, and culture, is a recipe for better experiences for our customers, opportunities for employees and better results for our shareholders long into the future.”

Ervin Tu shares, “Fabricio has an incredible operating track record, founders’ passion, is a champion of culture and has the vision to think big and bigger. We’re in the midst of a fascinating time of change in the technology industry. There are many opportunities ahead and I couldn’t be more excited to work alongside Fabricio on this journey.”

Bloisi will join the Naspers board as an executive director on 1 July and the Prosus board following the AGM in August 2024, subject to shareholder approval.

The Group’s strategic goals remain unchanged, and it is on target to deliver on its commitments, including achieving consolidated ecommerce trading profit during the second half of FY24, and the continuation of the open-ended share repurchase programme. More information will be included in the year-end results to be published on 24 June 2024.

Schbang appoints Dhwani Shah as Head of Media

Dhwani Shah, who led Interactive Avenues as Associate Business Director, has joined Schbang as Head of Media.

Shah began her career as Iksula and went on to work across Performics India, Ethinos Digital Marketing, Unicare Ingredients and PHD.

As the Associate Director - Performance Marketing (Volkswagen | HSBC) at PHD, he led performance strategy and digital lead for BFSI & auto clients at PHD.