Ageas Federal Life Insurance Appoints Mr. Jude Gomes As New Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Ageas Federal Life Insurance company limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Jude Gomes as the new Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, with the approval of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

Mr Jude Gomes brings more than 30 years of local and international experience in senior positions in insurance and banking. He had successful stints as CEO at Manulife China Bank in the Philippines and more recently as CEO at Union Assurance PLC in Sri Lanka. Prior to that, he was Chief Partnership Distribution Officer for Manulife in Vietnam, and at HSBC Head Office based out of Hong Kong. In the past, he was part of the core team to set up India’s first private Life Insurer, HDFC Standard Life Insurance and was also a founding member of HSBC Canara Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance in India. Until very recently, based out of Hong Kong, Mr Jude Gomes held the key position as Regional Director, Business Development at Ageas.

Expressing his views on the appointment, Mr. Jude Gomes said, “I am honored to take on the role of Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Ageas Federal Life Insurance. With the support of our Board and all our dedicated employees, I will continue to uphold our core values of Care, Dare, Deliver and Share for all our stakeholders. We will establish new benchmarks and strengthen our position in India's insurance landscape. I look forward to our new journey of growth and success - together - as Team Ageas Federal Life."

Ageas Federal Life Insurance extends a warm welcome to Mr. Jude Gomes and wishes him all the best in this exciting new chapter.

The Luxury Group By Marriott International Reveals Culinary And Beverage Trends In The Future Of Food 2025 Report

The Luxury Group by Marriott International today released its new comprehensive report, The Future of Food 2025, which highlights the transformative power of the Asia Pacific region in shaping global culinary and dining trends. With insights from more than 30 top chefs, mixologists, and industry insiders from the region, the report identifies 10 macro trends influencing the food and dining industry and the region’s impact on global gastronomy.

With the Asia Pacific region at the epicenter of culinary tourism, commanding a remarkable 37.8% share of the global market in 2023, with a projected growth of USD 6.2 trillion by 2033*, this vibrant culinary landscape is powered by both tradition and innovative dining experiences, making it a magnet for food and drink enthusiasts from around the world.

“The Future of Food 2025 report highlights Asia Pacific's pivotal role in shaping global culinary landscapes," said Oriol Montal, Managing Director of Luxury for Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. "With gastronomy having a significant influence on travel decisions, dining has become an essential component of the global tourism landscape. This report demonstrates our commitment to culinary excellence across all our Luxury Group brands. We will continue to evolve our gastronomy landscape alongside the F&B industry, providing our guests with dining experiences that highlight the region's rich heritage, flavors, and techniques."

Petr Raba, Vice President of Food & Beverage, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, added, "We're not just observing these trends; we are actively contributing to their creation and influence. We're investing in immersive food experiences, sustainable practices, and innovative technologies to enhance our restaurant and bar offerings in the region. By embracing these emerging trends, we're not only elevating our guests' dining experiences but also contributing to the evolution of the global culinary scene."

Key Trends Shaping The Future of Food

From Asia Pacific to the World

From the fusion of Japanese aesthetics into French cuisine, the rising influence of Korean flavours, to the innovative use of traditional spices and techniques from India and Mainland China reshaping Western norms, Asia Pacific is becoming a culinary export powerhouse. The return of diaspora chefs to their native countries infuses local scenes with international flair, showcasing native ingredients and revitalizing traditional recipes. This trend is further bolstered by a growing global appreciation for Asian hospitality and innovation, setting the stage for Asian cuisine to dominate global dining in the future.

Revival of forgotten ingredients and traditions

Amid rising environmental concerns, chefs have a deeper appreciation for labor-intensive traditions and forgotten ingredients, integral to Asia Pacific heritage. Across the region, chefs are not only preserving but innovating within their culinary traditions, from nose-to-tail cooking to artisanal jang production, making significant contributions to both their cultural heritage and global sustainability efforts.

Fine dining redefined: Hyperlocal hype and Superfine dining

Dining outlets are celebrating lesser-known regional cuisines, offering culturally enriching and gastronomically satisfying dining adventures. Fine dining establishments are pivoting towards exclusivity by elevating prices, limiting covers, and introducing membership-based access, creating unparalleled value for guests through exceptional experiences. Additionally, the emphasis on quality over quantity and shorter, faster, more relaxed dining experience in intimate settings is becoming prominent.

Wellness on the plate

The wellness revolution is influencing food choices. While anti-aging foods that support hormone balance and enhance dopamine levels gain popularity, longevity is the new luxury. Food is regarded as medicine, with restaurants shifting to offering nutritious, chef-curated menus that prioritize fresh, whole ingredients and transparent sourcing. Hyper-personalized diets powered by AI can provide meal recommendations based on individual physiological and psychological states.

Emerging Culinary Destinations

As infrastructure and digital connectivity improve, new hotspots for culinary tourism are emerging, solidifying the region's status as a global center for cultural and culinary excellence. The report identifies the diverse and vibrant food cultures in Bali, Busan, Ho Chi Minh City, Jeju, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Mumbai, Niseko, Shanghai, and Tasmania. They are redefining local dining scenes and setting new standards in global gastronomy with unique, hyperlocal dining experiences that celebrate indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.

Other trends identified in the report

Conscious Cuisine: Sustainability efforts include regenerative farming, addressing the water crisis, and digitizing the supply chain are seen to enhance food security and waste reduction.

Farm-to-Future: The integration of sustainable practices from biodynamic farming, plant-centric dining to upcycled ingredients are driving incremental improvements, ensuring that our future generations can continue to enjoy diverse cuisines.

Pour it Forward: Innovations in beverages, including craft cocktails and non-alcoholic options alongside the experience-driven spaces, are redefining bar experiences.

High-Tech, High-Touch: Technology enhances the dining experience without diminishing the personal touch that is central to hospitality.

Sensory Dining and Sustainable Spaces: Restaurants are becoming arenas for multisensory experiences integrated with technology that are both enjoyable and environmentally conscious.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,000 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 141 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program.  For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, , and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.  In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.

About Luxury Group by Marriott International

With an unrivaled portfolio of eight dynamic luxury brands, Marriott International is creating authentic, rare, and enriching experiences sought by today’s global luxurian. Spanning all corners of the world, Marriott International’s Luxury Group offers a boundless network of more than 520 landmark hotels and resorts in 70 countries and territories through The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels. From the world’s most iconic destinations to the ultimate undiscovered gems, the international hospitality leader’s collection of luxury brands is focused on elevating travel with highly contextualized, nuanced brand experiences that signal the future of luxury by allowing guests to indulge their passions while sparking personal growth.

Arvind SmartSpaces Adds New High-Rise Project In ITPL Road, Bengaluru With A Top-Line Potential Of Rs. 600 Crore

* The project is spread across 2.9 acre and has a saleable area of 4.2lakh sq. ft

Arvind SmartSpaces Limited (ASL), one of India’s leading real estate development companies, part of the Lalbhai group, today announced that it has signed a new residential apartment project in Bengaluru, with a total estimated saleable area of ~4.2 lakh sq. ft. and a top-line potential of ~Rs. 600 Cr. This project is located on ITPL road, near Whitefield, Bengaluru. The project is undertaken on joint development basis.

This addition follows the acquisition of the Bannerghatta high-rise project signed in FY24. This would be ASL’s 12th overall and 8thhigh rise project in Bengaluru. ITPL Main Road, near Whitefield is one of the most established residential micro markets in Bengaluru. It boasts excellent connectivity with a metro station nearby and seamless access to the IT/ITES hub in Whitefield, which is home to numerous IT companies and tech parks. The site benefits from well-developed social and civic infrastructure, including prominent schools, hospitals, retail, residential, and commercial spaces in close proximity. Additionally, the area offers quick access to popular hotspots such as the Phoenix Marketcity, Forum Shantiniketan, Inorbit Mall, and the Whitefield Railway Station, making it a highly desirable location for residential development.

Commenting on this development, Mr. Kamal Singal, Managing Director and CEO, Arvind SmartSpaces said, “We are happy to add another high-rise project in Bangalore, strengthening our vertical development portfolio in one of India's largest residential real estate markets. Brand ‘Arvind’ continues to resonate strongly with homebuyers and landowners alike, as we look to further deepen our presence in the Bangalore market.

With this project addition, our cumulative new business development topline potential for the year stands at ~Rs. 1,010 crore. The optimism in the real estate market remains strong and we are well on track to conclude our ongoing business plan of adding new projects across Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and MMR.”

ICICI Bank Partners With PhonePe To Offer Instant Credit On UPI

*     The Bank’s pre-approved customers can use credit for UPI transactions on the PhonePe app

ICICI Bank today announced that it has partnered with PhonePe to offer instant credit on UPI to its pre-approved customers on the app of the digital payments company. The partnership enables millions of pre-approved customers of ICICI Bank to activate short term credit line instantly on the PhonePe app, and use it for UPI transactions in a seamless and secure manner. The Bank offers credit line on UPI for up to ?2 lakh with a repayment period of 45 days.

The facility is announced during the festive season to empower customers to purchase high ticket items like electronics, travel and hotel bookings, bill payments, and much more.

Mr. Niraj Tralshawala, Product Head- Payment Solutions, ICICI Bank said, “We at ICICI Bank are delighted to partner with PhonePe to provide seamless and easy access of credit to millions of customers. At the anvil of the festive season, the pre-approved customers of ICICI Bank can activate the credit line instantly to make payments for their festive shopping needs on PhonePe. Aimed at providing seamless digital credit, this offering is likely to play an important role in the personal banking experience of our customers.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Deep Agrawal, Head of Payments at PhonePe said, “We are excited to partner with ICICI Bank to extend the credit line on UPI offering to pre-approved ICICI Bank customers on our platform. This partnership will enable customers to avail flexible short-term credit through a fully digital user experience from within the PhonePe app instantly. Credit Line on UPI is yet another innovative product offering that will unlock and revolutionize access and use of credit in the country. At PhonePe, we are focussed on maximizing the reach and availability of this product and this partnership with ICICI Bank is a key milestone in that journey.”

This credit line is interoperable across various UPI payment applications and provides customers the facility of transacting using any UPI payment app.

Steps to activate credit line on PhonePe:

?     Login to your PhonePe app

*     Click on the credit activation banner shown on the app

*     Check the product features, charges and proceed for activation

*     Complete all authentication steps

*     Once the credit line has been approved, the customer  can link it UPI, set up a UPI Pin and use it for UPI transactions.     

About ICICI Bank: ICICI Bank Ltd (BSE: ICICIBANK, NSE: ICICIBANK and NYSE:IBN) is a leading private sector bank in India. The Bank’s total assets stood at ? 18,92,697 crore at June 30, 2024.

For news and updates, visit www.icicibank.com and follow ICICI Bank on X at www.twitter.com/ICICIBank.

For media inquiries, contact corporate.communications@icicibank.com

About PhonePe Group:

PhonePe Group is India’s leading fintech company. Its flagship product, the PhonePe digital payments app, was launched in Aug 2016. In just 8 years, the company has scaled rapidly to become India’s leading consumer payments app with 560+ million registered users and a digital payments acceptance network of 40+ million merchants. PhonePe also processes over 280+ million daily transactions with an annualized Total Payment Value (TPV) of USD 1.5+ Trillion.

On the back of its leadership in digital payments, PhonePe Group has expanded into financial services (Insurance, Lending, Wealth) as well as new consumer tech businesses (Pincode - hyperlocal e-commerce and Indus App Store - India's first localized App Store). PhonePe Group is an India headquartered technology company with a portfolio of businesses aligned with the company's vision to offer every Indian an equal opportunity to accelerate their progress by unlocking the flow of money and access to services.

Mia by Tanishq Unveils India’s First Flagship Store In Bengaluru

~Spread across 2,000 square feet, the store features over 1,800 unique design pieces~

As the festive season begins, Mia by Tanishq, India’s trendiest fine jewellery brand, proudly unveils its first flagship store in India. Nestled in the high-street shopping area of Bangalore at Indiranagar, this new store sets the stage for a truly elevated shopping experience. The store located at 100 Feet Rd, Kodihalli, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, was inaugurated by Ms. Shyamala Ramanan, Business Head, Mia by Tanishq accompanied by Mr. Rajiv C Menon, National Sales and Retail Head - Mia by Tanishq. The launch of the 2000 sq.ft. store is a part of the brand’s strategic expansion plan to increase its retail presence in the southern market while providing an unparallelled customer experience.

The latest store offers a wide range of jewellery embodies Mia’s signature design language, showcasing a rich narrative of craftsmanship across over 1,800 exquisite pieces. In addition to the vibrant colors and architecture standard to Mia store, the Indiranagar flagship store features an array of highlights designed to offer elevated experiences and memories for their shoppers. One of the experience zones is the Gift Wrapping Nook, where customers can make their gifts truly special with customizable wrapping options. Shoppers can also take advantage of the Engraving station to add a personal touch to any jewellery. The Mia Kids Zone is sure to engage the little ones while you explore Mia’s stunning collections. For those looking to relax and unwind, the inviting Mia Moments Café offers a cozy space, further enriching the overall shopping experience.

The Silver lining of the store is a display of special Mia silver curations. Adding to its comprehensive offerings is an Old Gold Jewellery Purity Check facility with cutting edge Karatmeters and convenient parking space, ensuring a seamless and premium shopping experience for customers. Mia also has an inaugural discount of up to 20% off on Mia products and the offer is valid till 31st October 2024.

Commenting on the store openings, Ms. Shyamala Ramanan, Business Head, Mia by Tanishq, said, “At Mia, customers are always at the heart of our journey, and this Mia’s first flagship store in Indiranagar is a testament to that commitment. Designed to offer an experience that goes beyond jewellery shopping, this store invites customers to explore a world where every piece tells a personal story, and every visit feels like a celebration. With unique services like personalized engravings and a curated selection of exclusive designs, Mia ensures that every customer can make their purchase truly their own.

As the festive season brings with it moments of joy and togetherness, Mia is excited to present exclusive offers and exciting collections that blends elegance with nostalgia, offering jewellery that resonates with individual style and personality. For Mia, Bangalore is not just close to home but is also a key market in our retail expansion strategy, as the city’s retail landscape is rapidly evolving. The vibrant and diverse community here inspires us, and this flagship store is our way of connecting with customers on a deeper level, providing an inviting space where they can find pieces that resonate with their eclectic tastes.”

The store houses a wide selection of contemporary 14kt and 18kt jewellery designs. It features the new launched Diwali collection ‘Mia Disco’ inspired by the iconic 70s disco era. The collection includes wide range of earrings, hoops, bracelet, neckpieces, drawing inspiration from the designs and motifs of disco light, strobe lights and zig zag patterns. Mia’s disco-inspired collection is a striking blend of retro charm and modern chic, designed to add a radiant allure to every festive occasion.

Shoppers can look forward to exclusive festive designs that capture the essence of artisanal craftsmanship, while adding a stylish touch, making this an ideal destination to find the perfect festive jewellery. The wide assortment of earrings, studs, finger rings, bracelets, modular bangles and pendants, neckwear and Mangalsutras at the store caters to diversified consumer preferences of Bangalore. The store also features the exquisite ‘Lovestruck’ collection crafted in finest natural diamond, perfect for celebrating special moments and the ‘Evil Eye’ collection is all about keeping your energy in check while flexing cosmic style. The store has something special for every Bangalorean.

Diageo India Partners With The SCPwD To Train And Place Over 300 Students Under Its ‘Learning For Life’ Program

Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.) among the country’s leading alco-bev companies has partnered with the Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD) to train and place over 300 students in Food & Beverage Services under the ‘Learning for Life' program. The convocation ceremony for the first batch of 22 students trained in the Bengaluru centre was held in the presence of Ms. Shilpa Vaid, Chief Human Resource Officer, Diageo India, Mr. Ravindra Singh CEO – SCPwD, Ms. Lizanne Pinto, Area Director of Human Resource, South & East India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Marriot International, Mr. Amlan Kumar Dasgupta Vice President – Skill Development, Royal Orchid and Regenta Hotel, and other senior leaders.

In 2023, Diageo India expanded its ‘Learning for Life’ programme to include Persons with Disability, preparing them for roles in the Business and Hospitality sector. The three-month long residential training program is conducted at SCPwD-affiliated training centres in Delhi NCR (Noida) and Bengaluru by certified trainers and assessors. Students are trained in Food and Beverage Services, Interpersonal skills, Employability skills and Communication skills- this ensures they are equipped with the support needed to meet demands of the hospitality sector. Post completion of the program, students are employed by SCPwD’s placement partners including Accor Hotel, Lemon Tree Hotel, Marriott Hotels India, Hotel Royal Orchid and Regenta, and QSR chains like La Pino’z Pizza and Compass Office Cafeterias, all of whom have come together to build a more inclusive hospitality industry.

Shilpa Vaid, Chief Human Resources Officer, Diageo India, said, “We're proud to strengthen our partnership with SCPwD, advancing inclusion in line with our Spirit of Progress ESG action plan. Our 'Learning for Life' program seeks to support Persons with Disabilities, equipping them with vital skills and resources, while opening doors to employment and opportunity. We’re keen to work collaboratively, shaping a hospitality sector that works for all.

Ravindra Singh, CEO of the Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD), added, “Diageo India’s leadership in driving inclusion and diversity sets an example for others to follow. Together, we are not just creating job opportunities but breaking down barriers that have previously limited Persons with Disabilities from gaining mainstream employment.”

One of the program's beneficiaries, Ramya S, shared, "For the longest time, I wasn’t sure if someone like me could ever land a regular job. I worried about whether I had the right skills and how people would treat me at work. But the ‘Learning for Life’ program changed everything. It gave me the platform and the training I needed, and now I’m ready to join the hospitality industry with confidence and hopes for a bright future.”

About SCPwD: SCPwD was incepted in October 2015 jointly by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Confederation of India Industry (CII) under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), to fulfil the mission of mainstreaming ‘Persons with Disability’ (PwD).

About Diageo India: Diageo India is among India’s leading beverage alcohol (alcobev) companies with an outstanding portfolio of premium brands. A subsidiary of Diageo Plc., it is listed in India on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) as United Spirits Limited (USL).

Headquartered in Bengaluru, Diageo India has one of the largest manufacturing footprints in alcobev with 36 facilities across India. It manufactures, sells, and distributes Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, VAT 69, Antiquity, Signature, The Singleton, Royal Challenge, McDowell’s No1, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky from India, bringing together global expertise and local pride to deliver innovative, world-class products and experiences to consumers. With a strong focus on driving a positive impact on society, Diageo India has been working on collective action to improve livelihoods, championing Grain to Glass sustainability, responsible consumption and nurturing the alcobev ecosystem, to contribute to India’s growth agenda. 

For more information about Diageo India, our people, our brands, and our performance, visit us at www.diageoindia.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, http://www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

AiDash Expands Leadership With Key Appointments In India And Globally Amid Rapid Growth

AiDash, an enterprise SaaS company making critical infrastructure industries climate adaptive and resilient with satellites and AI, has announced the expansion of its leadership team with several key appointments both in India and abroad.

AiDash has welcomed Mrigank Shekhar as the Head of Product and Engineering for BNGAI – a fast-growing Biodiversity Net Gain solution. Prior to AiDash, Mrigank worked as the Chief Product Officer at Niyo, co-founded a consumer lending startup, Quiklo, and held senior engineering roles at RSA Security. An IIT Delhi alumnus with extensive expertise in product innovation and development, Mrigank’s leadership will play a pivotal role as AiDash continues to scale. He will be based in Bengaluru.

“AiDash brings the power of cutting-edge satellite and AI technology to help solve some of the biggest sustainability challenges that the world faces today,” says Mrigank. “I am passionate about building innovative products, which can help our future generations enjoy a greener and more secure future.”

Rahul Saxena, CPTO and co-founder of AiDash, expressed his excitement about Mrigank joining the team, stating, “Mrigank has had an outstanding career building large-scale enterprise products and leading engineering processes. His expertise will be instrumental as we continue to build world-class, satellite-first AI products to achieve climate-resiliency, sustainability, and biodiversity goals globally. We’re excited for him to lead this transformation.”

Company Adds More Top Talent to Global Team

In addition to Mrigank’s appointment, AiDash has strengthened its leadership team with strategic hires, including Samantha Hamlin (formerly of Cruise, Salesforce, LinkedIn, Facebook and Hewlett-Packard) as Chief People Officer, Angela Shi (formerly of Menlo Security, Wonolo, Turner Impact Capital, Barclays Capital, and Deutsche Bank) as Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis, and Gaurav Bawa (formerly of Balbix, Oracle, and NetSuite) as Head of Engineering, Platform, among others.

These additions reinforce AiDash’s commitment to driving innovation and scaling its operations both in India and globally as part of its ambitious growth plans. AiDash is witnessing significant demand for its biodiversity net gain solution in the UK, as well as its vegetation management and climate resilience products in the US, Australia and Europe. With these wide-ranging recruitments, AiDash is poised to lead the global market in climate technology solutions, further solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the AI and satellite technology sector.

About AiDash:

AiDash is making critical infrastructure industries climate-resilient and sustainable with satellites and AI. Using our full-stack SaaS solutions, customers in electric, gas, and water utilities, transportation, and construction are transforming asset inspection and maintenance – and complying with biodiversity net gain mandates and carbon capture goals. Our customers deliver ROI in their first year of deployment with reduced costs, improved reliability, and achieved sustainability goals. Learn more at www.aidash.com.