Accor Appoints Vineet Mishra as Vice President – Operations, India & South Asia
NATIONAL, INDIA – Accor is pleased to announce the appointment of Vineet Mishra as Vice President—Operations, India & South Asia. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Vineet will oversee Accor’s operational strategies across its diverse portfolio reinforcing the brand’s presence in the region.
A seasoned hospitality veteran, Vineet brings a rich breadth of experience, along with an exceptional network in the industry. In his new position, he will resume an elevated leadership role, overseeing overall operations and driving business performance. His extensive experience with leading hospitality brands, strong business acumen, and meticulous operational strategies —combined with his distinctive ‘team first’ leadership approach—will be key in delivering exceptional guest experiences and promoting dynamic business growth.
Since joining Accor, Vineet has demonstrated strong leadership, most recently serving as Complex General Manager for Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, and later as Cluster General Manager of the Triguna portfolio in 2022, where he managed seven hotels.
Vineet’s professional journey includes senior roles at renowned hospitality brands like The Oberoi Hotels and Marriott International, where he developed expertise in strategic operations, hotel management, and elevating guest experiences. He holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Hotel Management from The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development, New Delhi; a Diploma in Hospitality Management from IHM Mumbai; and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Delhi.
Commenting on the appointment, Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Asia—Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, said, “We are delighted to welcome Vineet to this pivotal leadership role. His exceptional track record, operational expertise, and deep understanding of the hospitality landscape make him the ideal leader to drive Accor’s growth in India and South Asia. We are confident that under his leadership, Accor will continue to elevate its service standards and deliver unparalleled guest experiences.”
Vineet Mishra, Vice President – Operations, India & South Asia said, “It is an honour to take on this role at Accor. As the hospitality sector in the region continues to grow, I look forward to working with our talented teams to drive excellence, enhance guest experiences, and strengthen Accor’s position as a leading hospitality brand.”
Vineet’s leadership will be instrumental in improving business performance and service standards as Accor continues to expand its presence across India and South Asia. His expertise in fostering guest-centric experiences and visionary approach will reinforce the brand’s position as a leading force in the region’s evolving hospitality market.
PROZEAL Green Energy Limited Files DRHP with SEBI
PROZEAL Green Energy Limited, the fourth largest solar EPC company in India in terms of revenue from operations for Fiscal 2024 (source: Crisil Report), has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (“DRHP”) with market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”).
Initial public offering of face value of ₹ 2 each (“equity shares”) of Prozeal Green Energy Limited (“our company” or the “issuer”) aggregating up to ₹ 7,000.00 million (the “offer”).
The offer comprises of a fresh issue of face value of ₹ 2 each aggregating up to ₹ 3,500.00 million (the “fresh issue”) and an offer for sale of up of face value of ₹ 2 each aggregating up to ₹ 3,500.00 million (the “offer for sale”), consisting up to ₹ 1,685.00 million by Shobit Baijnath Rai and up to ₹ 1,685.00 million by Manan Hitendrakumar Thakkar (the “promoter selling shareholders”), up to ₹ 30.00 million by AAR EM Ventures LLP, up to ₹ 20.00 million by Bhaveshkumar Bachubhai Mehta, up to ₹ 60.00 million by Jaya Chandrakant Gogri and up to ₹ 20.00 million by Manoj Mulji Chheda (the “investor selling shareholders”) (the promoter selling shareholders along with the investor selling shareholders, the “selling shareholders” and such equity shares, the “offered shares”).
The company proposes to utilize the Net Proceeds from the offer towards Funding the long-term working capital expenditure of the company, investment in the subsidiary(ies) for repayment/pre-payment, in part or full, of certain borrowings, and general corporate purposes.
Nuvama Wealth Management Limited, and SBI Capital Markets Limited are the Book Running Lead Managers to the issue.
Prozeal Green Energy is focused on delivering end-to-end renewable energy solutions, including engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of solar energy projects on a turnkey basis, with an emphasis on serving clients in the commercial and industrial sectors. While the company executes independent solar EPC projects for its clients, its major focus is on implementing projects based on the “Plug-and-Play” solar park model. Under this model, the company facilitates seamless project deployment from conceptualization and land acquisition to commissioning and assists with obtaining the necessary approvals, including for evacuation lines from the solar power plant to the electricity grid. This process is complemented by its expertise in project design, execution capabilities, and procurement strategies.
The company provides clients with customized solutions, including options for Capex or Opex models, land purchase or lease, and the selection of suitable technology. Since its inception in 2013 through September 30, 2024, Prozeal Green Energy has successfully executed 182 solar power projects with a total installed capacity of 783.98 MWp across 17 states in India and one overseas location (Nepal) for 125 clients.
Prozeal Green Energy’s EPC clients include prominent organizations such as Torrent Power Limited, AM Green Energy Pvt Ltd, GHCL Ltd, Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited, Asahi Songwon Colors Limited, Mark Alloys Private Limited, Ajay Costspin Industries, Pashupati Costspin Limited, and ACG Associated Capsules Private Limited.
As of September 30, 2024, its order book, defined as the amount payable under EPC contracts minus the revenue already recognized from those contracts, stood at ₹22,209.22 million, of which ₹22,093.04 million, or 99.48%, was for ground-mounted solar power projects.
Prozeal Green Energy has demonstrated strong financial performance, with revenue from operations increasing from ₹2,871.85 million in Fiscal 2022 to ₹9,488.82 million in Fiscal 2024, representing a CAGR of 81.77%. Revenue from operations for the half year ended September 30, 2024, was ₹4,685.40 million.
The company’s EBITDA grew from ₹115.44 million in Fiscal 2022 to ₹1,247.36 million in Fiscal 2024, reflecting a CAGR of 228.71%. EBITDA for the half year ended September 30, 2024, was ₹687.13 million.
Additionally, profit for the year increased from ₹100.71 million in Fiscal 2022 to ₹922.44 million in Fiscal 2024, representing a CAGR of 202.64%. Profit for the period for the half year ended September 30, 2024, was ₹515.95 million.
Kiran Bhadoria Appointed Rooms Division Manager at Novotel Pune
Pune, 02nd April 2025
Novotel Pune is pleased to announce the appointment of Kiran Bhadoria as the new Rooms Division Manager. With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Kiran brings a wealth of expertise in housekeeping operations, guest service excellence, and team leadership.
A passionate animal communicator and animal lover Kiran is known for exceptional attention to detail, speed, and accuracy in operations. Kiran’s areas of expertise include guest room management, horticulture, team training, coaching, and time management. Having been instrumental in implementing brand experience standards and executing stringent hygiene measures during the pandemic, Kiran is known for leadership qualities that inspire teams and foster operational excellence.
Prior to joining Novotel Pune, Kiran served as the Executive Housekeeper at Westin Resort and Spa, Himalayas, and Grand Hyatt, Kochi. Kiran has also held leadership roles at Hyatt Regency Ludhiana, Hyatt Regency Pune, The Leela Mumbai, JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity, and The Oberoi Mumbai, among others.
On joining Novotel Pune, Kiran Bhadoria shared, “I am thrilled to be a part of Novotel Pune and look forward to elevating the guest experience while driving efficiency and excellence in room division operations.”
Anant Leekha, General Manager, Novotel Pune added, “We are excited to welcome Kiran to our team. Her vast experience and leadership skills will contribute to enhancing our service standards and operational efficiency.”
The team at Novotel Pune looks forward to achieving new milestones under Kiran’s leadership
Varaha Sells 60,000 plus Tonnes of Carbon Credits to Klimate
INDIA, New Delhi & Bengaluru, 1 Apr 2025– Varaha, a leading developer of carbon removal projects in Asia, has sold over 60,000 tonnes of carbon credits to Denmark-based Klimate across five contracts. These agreements span three projects – biochar in India and afforestation initiatives in both India and Nepal – reinforcing Varaha’s ability to repeatedly sell credits to US and European companies across diverse pathways spanning technology and nature-based projects.
This series of contracts, valued at several million dollars, strengthens Varaha’s position as a preferred partner for buyers such as Klimate. By leveraging its diversified portfolio of technology-based and nature-based carbon projects, Varaha has become a critical collaboration for Klimate, who seeks reliable, scalable, and high-integrity credits across multiple methods to create well-balanced portfolios on behalf of their clients.
This announcement follows Varaha’s recent project investment from UK-based Conductor Capital and builds on its growing track record of supplying high-impact carbon removal credits to global buyers. In January 2025, Varaha sold 100,000 carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits to Google – its first large-scale purchase of carbon removal credits in India. With repeat sales to Europe and other Western markets, Varaha continues to demonstrate its ability to serve corporate climate commitments across diverse carbon removal pathways, including regenerative agriculture, biochar, afforestation, and enhanced rock weathering.
“Our ongoing relationship with Klimate is a testament to the trust that global carbon credit buyers place in our platform”, said Madhur Jain, CEO and co-founder of Varaha. “By offering a broad portfolio of carbon removal projects, we provide flexibility and reliability to meet the diverse needs of our partners. Through partnerships with Klimate, Google, and others, we are scaling high-impact climate solutions that drive positive change for both the environment and the communities we serve.”
From Simon Bager, CIO and Co-founder of Klimate, “”Our partnership with Varaha is essential to our mission of scaling reliable, trustworthy, and impactful carbon removal solutions. Through this collaboration, we’re able to provide our clients access to a diverse range of carbon removal projects across multiple pathways and certification standards. Having a trusted partner in the south Asia region with expertise in local contexts ensures the development of high-impact climate solutions that resonate strongly with our clients’ priorities”
Pokiddo Junior Fulfills Wishes of Ill Children with Make-A-Wish Foundation
Mumbai 01th April 2025 – Pokiddo Junior, a premier indoor adventure zone exclusively for kids, one of South Mumbai’s most popular and expansive entertainment venues, is proud to partner with Make-A-Wish Foundation, India, to bring smiles to the faces of children battling critical illnesses. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Pokiddo Junior hosted a special event dedicated to fulfilling the heartfelt wishes of these young warriors, creating an unforgettable day filled with fun, laughter, and cherished memories.
The event, held at Pokiddo Junior’s state-of-the-art play zone, welcomed children from Make-A-Wish Foundation, India, providing them with an immersive and joyous experience. The kids had immense fun engaging in various activities such as enjoying the ball pit, go-karting, dressing up in beautiful princess costumes, exploring the farmland, playing in the arcades, and sliding through exciting play structures.
The wish ceremony took place at Pokiddo Junior, where a total of 17 wishes were granted. Big and small dreams came true, from cycles and TV sets to gear cycles and battery-operated cars, making their day even more special. Each wish created magical moments that will be treasured forever, bringing happiness and hope to these courageous young dreamers. Some children arrived straight from hospital sessions, while others left to make it to their appointments. But for a while, this wasn’t just a playground; it was a haven of happiness, a moment of respite between treatments, reflected in their beaming smiles.
These kids came from far and gathered for the occasion, traveling from states and cities like West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Nanded, Jalna, Belapur, Solapur, and Madhya Pradesh, adding to the diversity and joy of the celebration.
“Seeing the pure joy on a child’s face reminds us why we do what we do. Play has the incredible power to heal, to uplift, and to bring light even in the darkest times. Partnering with Make-A-Wish Foundation, India has been a deeply moving experience—creating moments of laughter, wonder, and happiness for these brave children. Giving them a space where their imaginations can run free and their smiles can shine brightest is truly priceless,” said Prasuk Jain, the founder of Pokiddo Junior.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation has been a beacon of hope for children with critical illnesses for decades, granting transformative wishes that bring joy, strength, and optimism. The organization’s mission is to enrich the lives of young dreamers by creating extraordinary experiences that inspire courage and resilience. Through this collaboration with Pokiddo Junior, the foundation granted countless wishes.
“We are immensely grateful to Pokiddo Junior for their generosity and dedication in making this day so special. Seeing the joy and excitement on the children’s faces was truly heartwarming, giving children a much-needed break from their daily routine of shuttling between the hospital and home,” said Sophia Falcao, Program Head, Make-A-Wish Foundation, India.
The initiative reinforces Pokiddo Junior’s commitment to giving back to the community and using the magic of play to make a positive impact. By continuing to support such meaningful causes, Pokiddo Junior aims to spread happiness and inspire more organizations to contribute to society.
Relaxo Footwears Wins SDG Achievers Award 2023-24 for Quality Education
New Delhi: 1st April: Relaxo Footwears Limited has been recognized with the prestigious SDG Achievers Award 2023-24 for SDG 4: Quality Education, presented by the Government of Uttarakhand, Centre for Public Policy and Good Governance (CPPGG), and UNDP India. This accolade acknowledges Relaxo’s efforts in transforming government schools through the Parivartan Model School Project, a dedicated initiative aimed at ensuring accessible and high-quality education for children.
The award was received by Mr. Sushil Batra, Executive Director & CFO, and Mr. Gambhir Agrawal, CSR Head, Relaxo, from Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand- Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami at a ceremony in Dehradun. The event was graced by Ms. Radha Raturi– Principal Secretary- Uttarakhand; Dr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram– CEO- CPPGG; Dr. Manoj Pant– ACEO- CPPGG; Dr. Angela Lusigi- Resident representative of UNDP and other senior state dignitaries.
The Parivartan initiative has made a tangible impact, improving 104 government schools in two blocks of Haridwar district namely, Khanpur & Laksar, in partnership with Samagra Shiksha. With plans underway to extend the program to Dehradun, Relaxo continues to scale on its emphasis to building inclusive, sustainable, and quality education systems that empower future generations.
Speaking on the recognition, Mr. Sushil Batra, Executive Director & CFO, Relaxo Footwears Limited, said, “Education is the foundation of a progressive society, and at Relaxo, we believe in taking meaningful steps toward its upliftment. Through the Parivartan Model School Project, we aim to bridge the gap in access to quality education, equipping children with better learning environments and opportunities. This award is an ode to our determination & goals, and we look forward to further expanding our efforts to make a lasting impact.”
Mr. Gambhir Agrawal, Head- CSR, told that, “Parivartan” Project model has been appreciated by the government agencies thus were able to scale up its coverage from initial number of 13 Govt. Schools to 104 Govt. Schools as of now. He expressed his gratitude towards Hon. CM, CPPGG, State Project Director- Samagra Shiksha, District Collector, Chief Development Officer, Chief Education Officer, Education Department of Haridwar District, implementing partners etc., for providing the required support in project implementation”.
With this milestone, Relaxo Footwears Ltd. strengthens its role as a responsible corporate entity, striving not merely for business excellence but also for sustainable community development.
Howden India Appoints Saurabh Verma as Chief Business Officer
Mumbai, 1st April 2025: Howden is pleased to announce the appointment of Saurabh Verma as the Chief Business Officer for its India operations. With nearly 25 years of extensive experience in the insurance industry, Saurabh brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the Howden India team. In his new position, Saurabh will be in charge of promoting regional growth and strengthening client connections.
Saurabh has held several key leadership positions in the past, including President & Head – Sales (CRS) and Strategic Account Management at Aon, Executive Vice President and Geography Leader at Willis Towers Watson, Practice Leader for Renewable Energy at Willis Towers Watson, and Regional Head at Chola MS GICL. His proven track record in building high-performing teams and developing market-leading risk solutions will be invaluable to Howden India.
Amit Agarwal, CEO of Howden India, stated “We are excited to welcome Saurabh to team Howden! His new perspective will undoubtedly enhance our growth trajectory. Moreover, Saurabh is a great fit for Howden’s culture and will play a pivotal role in fostering an exceptional workplace environment for our people.”
Saurabh Verma, Chief Business Officer, commented “I am excited and look forward to contributing to Howden India’s growth. Two and a half decades of my professional experience have taught me to stay continuously invested in forming exceptional teams that seek collaboration, operational brilliance, and client-centric solutions. As Chief Business Officer, I will further Howden’s unique endeavour to be an employer of choice and foster culture of empowerment and ownership.”
Saurabh holds a BE in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA in Marketing & Systems, and is a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of India (FII).
NMIMS Navi Mumbai’s Aarambh a Grand Success in Leadership and Diplomacy
Navi Mumbai April 1, 2025: NMIMS Navi Mumbai, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of NMIMS Sunrise, successfully concluded its two-day event, Aarambh, held on March 20th, 2025.The event set a milestone, achieving its goals of promoting academic excellence, fostering leadership skills, and driving social consciousness.
Aarambh’s Narsee Monjee Institute Model United Nations (NMIMUN), which provided a platform for students to engage in thought-provoking debate, critical analysis, and problem-solving activities related to major global issues.The MUN included diverse committees, catering to the wide range of interests and expertise of the participants.
There were various MUN committees ranging from national to global level. The highlight of the program was the Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) giving students a first hand experience of Humanitarian issues and welcomed thoughts from the perspective of multiple nations. The discussion went to a local scale in the Parliamentary level committee, where the delegates represented states and multiple famous politicians. Aarambh also featured masterclass sessions that provided students with valuable insights from experienced professionals.
The event also included a series of impactful social initiatives,the Aarambh Mahadaan, which included interesting activities for school children from the Raigad Zilla Parishad Shala. The children enjoyed their interaction as they participated in a choreographed dance competition. Other activities in Mahadaan included Squid Games, Hamare Hero for the service staff at the campus, allowing them a much appreciated relief from their mundane chores, and learning that they had a place in the hearts of the students. the Aarambh Mahadaan, which included interesting activities for school children from a local municipal school. The children enjoyed their interaction as they participated in a choreographed dance competition. Other activities in Mahadaan included Squid Games, Hamare Hero for the service staff at the campus, allowing them a much appreciated relief from their mundane chores, and learning that they had a place in the hearts of the students.
Dr. Aparna Rao, added “MUN Conferences include structured debates, documentation, resolutions, reading international policies and out of box solutions for issues in the world. They are an empowering experience for students as they bridge the gap between students and real-world diplomacy. Students develop skills necessary for asking the right questions, leadership, critical thinking, leadership and negotiation skills and most importantly, receive and provide criticism. These abilities help them to navigate through a world facing climate crises, conflicts, social inequalities where diplomacy is more crucial than ever.”
Aarambh witnessed a huge turnout, with significant participation from the student body and delegates from more than 20 institutions. The event successfully fostered collaboration and networking opportunities among students from diverse academic backgrounds.
NMIMS Navi Mumbai and the Rotaract Club of NMIMS Sunrise express their gratitude to all participants, partners, and sponsors who contributed to the success of Aarambh. Being the first-of-its-kind initiative, this event has set a strong foundation for future MUNs.
Is CARS24 Expanding into Aviation with Used Plane Purchases
Gurugram, 01 April, 2025: After transforming the way India buys and sells cars, CARS24 is reportedly eyeing the aviation space with the launch of Planes24, a platform for buying used aircraft. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the company is looking beyond cars to establish itself as a comprehensive mobility solution and planes seem to be the next logical step.
Talks around Planes24 have gained traction in recent months, with insiders hinting at a technology-driven approach to streamline aircraft transactions, much like CARS24 did with cars. The move is expected to cater to private jet owners, aviation businesses, and even commercial flyers looking for seamless, digital-first solutions.
An industry expert remarked, “If anyone can disrupt aircraft resale as they did for cars, it’s CARS24. Instant quotes for planes? Doorstep evaluations? It doesn’t sound too far-fetched.”
While specifics remain under wraps, whispers of ‘Sell Your Plane in 24 Hours’ and a Planes24 Global Marketplace have sparked curiosity among aviation enthusiasts. Some are even speculating whether the platform will include helicopters, seaplanes, and drones.
With CARS24’s track record of shaking up the automotive industry, this move could well be its most ambitious yet. If the rumours hold true, the next time someone thinks of selling their private jet, they might just log onto Planes24.
Samsung to Launch Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, World’s Strongest Cordless Vacuum
GURUGRAM, India – April 1st 2025: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the global rollout of the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, the world’s most powerful cordless stick vacuum cleaner,1 which was unveiled at the Welcome to Bespoke AI global event held this month. Featuring the upgraded AI Cleaning Mode 2.0 and advanced HEPA filtration system, this latest innovation builds on Samsung’s leadership in smart home cleaning appliances.
“Samsung has proven its next level innovation in the cordless stick vacuum cleaner segment by launching the most powerful model in the world,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “Building on the previous achievement of the Bespoke Jet AI, which was the world’s first UL verified AI-powered cordless stick vacuum cleaner,2 we’re confident that this new model will be a true game changer in the global market.”
The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra boasts suction power of up to 400W3 to tackle even the toughest cleaning tasks. The HexaJet Motor is the key component that generates high suction power. Its unique Hexagon stator structure with a second-stage diffuser and an impeller with the reduced thickness improve airflow and increase motor efficiency, thus enabling up to 400W of suction power. Plus, the motor allows the vacuum cleaner to run for up to 100 minutes on one battery when using Min mode,4 so users can clean their whole house in one go.
Intelligent Cleaning Support Through AI Cleaning Mode 2.0
The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra also introduces the upgraded AI Cleaning Mode 2.0.5 By sensing the brush load and vacuuming air pressure, this mode can classify a total of six different cleaning environments6 using Samsung’s AI Optimum Tech and automatically adjust the cleaning performance. When using the Active Dual Brush, it can recognize whether a carpet is normal or long-pile. The vacuum cleaner senses corners7 with the Slim LED Brush+, as well. And by adjusting the suction power and brush speed8 for the different cleaning environments, it uses power more efficiently, reducing battery power use by 21% and increasing maneuverability by 8% with performance akin to Mid mode.9
Advanced HEPA Filtration System
Complementing this powerful and intelligent experience, Samsung has enhanced the filtration system to ensure dust particles are captured when air is expelled from the vacuum cleaner. The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra features a Multi-layered Filtration system that effectively traps fine dust.10 When air comes in, internal compartments like the cyclone and a metal mesh grille filter catch dust particles in succession. As a result, it achieves a filtration efficiency of 99.999%.11
Another distinctive benefit is that Samsung has implemented HEPA filtration into its Multi-layered Filtration system. With this system, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra captures dust particles as small as 0.3µm, allowing less dust12 to escape into the air.