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Leaders

Xbox Chief Asha Sharma to lead US jobs taskforce

Microsoft executive and Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has been appointed to lead a new US Jobs Task Force, a move aimed at helping workers prepare for the changing demands of an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

The announcement comes shortly after Microsoft laid off around 3,200 employees, including staff across several business divisions. While the timing has drawn attention, the company says the new task force is focused on the long-term challenge of equipping workers with skills needed for future jobs rather than responding directly to the recent layoffs.

The task force will bring together leaders from business, education and public policy to identify ways of improving workforce training, expanding digital skills and helping more people adapt to rapidly changing workplaces. Artificial intelligence, automation and other advanced technologies are expected to reshape millions of jobs over the coming years, increasing the need for continuous learning and reskilling.

Sharma, who has held leadership roles across Microsoft’s AI and consumer businesses before taking charge of Xbox, is expected to guide discussions on how technology companies can work with governments and educational institutions to create better employment opportunities.

Industry experts say the appointment reflects a growing recognition that AI will transform the nature of work rather than simply replace jobs. Many companies are now investing in programmes that help employees develop new technical and digital skills to remain competitive in the evolving job market.

The announcement has sparked discussion because it follows Microsoft’s latest round of workforce reductions. While some observers see a contrast between layoffs and the launch of a jobs initiative, others believe the move highlights the need to prepare workers for the next generation of careers shaped by AI and digital transformation.

Microsoft has said it remains committed to investing in artificial intelligence while supporting workforce development through partnerships and training initiatives. The company believes collaboration between businesses, governments and educators will be essential to help workers navigate technological change.

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Onida names Gunjan Srivastava CEO and MD

Consumer electronics brand Onida has appointed Gunjan Srivastava as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD), marking a significant leadership change as the company looks to strengthen its position in India’s competitive electronics market.

Srivastava, who has been associated with Onida as an Independent Director, will now take on executive responsibilities to lead the company’s overall business strategy, drive innovation and support long-term growth. The appointment reflects Onida’s focus on adapting to changing consumer preferences and expanding its presence across product categories.

Alongside the leadership change, the company has also appointed Manish Desai as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The move is expected to strengthen Onida’s financial planning and operational efficiency as it pursues its next phase of growth.

Srivastava brings over three decades of experience across technology, consulting and business transformation. During his career, he has held senior leadership positions at global organisations, working on digital transformation, strategic planning and business expansion initiatives across industries.

In his new role, he will oversee the company’s business operations while focusing on product innovation, customer experience and operational excellence. Onida believes his expertise in technology and business strategy will help the brand remain competitive in a rapidly evolving consumer electronics industry.

Commenting on the appointment, the company said Srivastava’s leadership experience and understanding of business transformation make him well placed to guide Onida through its next stage of growth. The company also expressed confidence that Desai’s financial expertise will support its long-term strategic goals.

Onida, known for its televisions, air conditioners, washing machines, microwave ovens and other home appliances, has been working to strengthen its product portfolio and improve its market presence amid intense competition from domestic and international brands.

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Truecaller CEO slams TRAI rules

Truecaller has blamed recent telecom regulations introduced by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for the sharp rise in spam calls, arguing that the new framework has unintentionally made it more difficult to identify and block unwanted callers.

Speaking on the issue, Truecaller CEO Rishit Jhunjhunwala said the regulator’s whitelisting rules have allowed more business calls to bypass existing spam filters. According to him, many callers now appear as verified entities even when users consider their calls intrusive or unsolicited, reducing the effectiveness of caller identification systems.

The company said the situation could become even worse if additional regulatory proposals bring caller identification apps under tighter oversight. Truecaller argued that its platform has played a crucial role in helping millions of users identify spam, fraud and scam calls, and warned that restricting such services could weaken consumer protection.

TRAI’s recent anti-spam measures were introduced to curb fraudulent communication by requiring businesses to register approved numbers before making promotional or transactional calls. While the regulator says the system is designed to improve trust and reduce spoofing, Truecaller believes it has created unintended consequences by making some unwanted calls appear more legitimate.

Jhunjhunwala said the increase in spam calls is not the result of caller identification apps but rather changes in the way business communications are now routed through approved channels. He stressed that the industry and regulators should work together to improve the system instead of limiting platforms that help users identify suspicious calls.

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Integral Ad Science appoints Lidiane Jones as CEO

Digital media measurement and advertising technology company Integral Ad Science (IAS) has appointed Lidiane Jones as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership change as the company looks to strengthen its position in the fast-growing digital advertising industry.

Jones succeeds Lisa Utzschneider, who stepped down after leading the company through a period of expansion and strategic growth. The board said Jones was selected for her extensive experience in scaling global technology businesses and driving product innovation.

Before joining IAS, Jones held senior leadership roles at several leading technology companies, where she built a strong reputation for developing customer-focused products and leading large international teams. Her experience spans enterprise software, cloud services and artificial intelligence, making her well suited to guide IAS through the next phase of its growth.

In her first statement after the appointment, Jones said she was excited to lead the company at a time when advertisers are increasingly seeking trusted solutions to measure media quality, improve campaign performance and ensure brand safety across digital platforms. She said IAS would continue investing in technology and innovation to meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide.

The appointment comes as the digital advertising industry undergoes rapid transformation, driven by artificial intelligence, changing privacy regulations and growing demand for transparent advertising measurement. Companies like IAS play a crucial role in helping advertisers verify that their campaigns reach real audiences in suitable online environments.

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Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announces 3,200 job cuts

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has announced a major restructuring of Microsoft’s gaming division, with around 3,200 employees set to lose their jobs as the company seeks to build a more focused and sustainable business.

In a message to employees, Sharma said the decision followed lessons from recent investments and highlighted the need to improve efficiency across Xbox operations. She reportedly noted that some investments had not delivered expected returns, with the company losing “64 cents for every dollar” invested in certain areas.

The layoffs will impact teams across Xbox, including game studios and development operations. Microsoft is also reviewing its studio portfolio, with some projects being cancelled or reconsidered as the company prioritises franchises and services with stronger growth potential.

Sharma said the restructuring was aimed at creating a more agile organisation and allowing teams to focus on projects that provide greater value to players and the business.

The move comes as Microsoft continues to reshape its gaming strategy after major investments, including the acquisition of Activision Blizzard and expansion of Xbox Game Pass. The company has been pushing beyond console sales through cloud gaming, subscriptions and multi-platform game releases.

However, the gaming industry has faced growing pressure due to rising development costs, slower market growth and changing player habits. Several global gaming companies have announced layoffs and project cancellations as they attempt to control expenses.

Also Read: Microsoft cuts 4,800 jobs as Xbox restructures

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Advertising veteran Jishnu Sen passes away

Jishnu Sen, a well-known advertising and marketing professional and former CEO of Grey India, has passed away after a prolonged illness. He was widely respected in the industry for his leadership, experience and support for young talent.

Sen worked in advertising and marketing for more than 30 years. He started his career at JWT and later joined Young & Rubicam, where he held important roles in India, Singapore, Hong Kong and the United States. During his career, he worked with several leading national and international brands.

He is best remembered for his time at Grey India. After joining the agency, he became Chief Operating Officer and later President and CEO. Under his leadership, the company expanded its business and strengthened its reputation for creative excellence.

After leaving Grey India in 2014, Sen moved into senior marketing and advisory roles with companies including Essar Telecom Retail, Big Bazaar, Porter, Bergner India and DealShare. In his later years, he worked closely with startups, helping them build brands and grow their businesses.

The news of his passing was shared by his cousin, who said Sen remained full of energy and optimism despite battling illness for the past few years. Soon after, tributes poured in from across the advertising and marketing industry. Former colleagues and friends remembered him as a kind leader, a trusted mentor and someone who always encouraged fresh ideas and young talent.

Jishnu Sen’s contribution to Indian advertising will be remembered for years to come. Beyond the brands and businesses he helped build, he leaves behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship and creativity that inspired an entire generation of advertising professionals.

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Indra Nooyi’s CEO remark sparks row

Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi has sparked a lively debate after saying she does not believe she could have become the head of a major company had she spent her entire career in India. Her remarks, made during a recent interaction, have drawn both support and criticism on social media.

Reflecting on her professional journey, Nooyi said the opportunities she received in the United States played a significant role in helping her reach the top of the corporate world. She suggested that the environment, workplace culture and leadership opportunities available there were different from what she might have experienced had she remained in India.

The comments quickly went viral, with many users agreeing that global workplaces often provide broader opportunities for women and professionals from diverse backgrounds. Supporters argued that merit alone does not always determine career growth and that organisational culture, mentorship and equal opportunities also play an important role.

Others, however, disagreed with Nooyi’s assessment, pointing to the growing number of Indian companies led by women and the country’s evolving corporate landscape. Critics said India has changed significantly over the years and now offers increasing leadership opportunities for talented professionals across sectors.

The discussion soon expanded beyond Nooyi’s personal experience, with many people debating whether career success depends more on individual ability or the ecosystem in which professionals work. Some viewed her remarks as an honest reflection on her own journey rather than a criticism of India, while others felt the statement unfairly overlooked the progress made by Indian businesses.

Nooyi has long been recognised as one of the world’s most influential business leaders. Her rise from Chennai to leading one of the world’s largest multinational companies has inspired professionals across generations, particularly women aspiring to leadership roles.

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PM Modi, Japan PM inaugurate Maruti’s Kharkhoda plant

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi jointly inaugurated Maruti Suzuki India’s new manufacturing facility at Kharkhoda in Haryana on Friday, marking a major milestone in the country’s automotive sector and the long-standing partnership between India and Japan.

Built with an investment of around ₹35,000 crore, the Kharkhoda plant is Maruti Suzuki’s fourth manufacturing facility in India and one of its largest. The project is expected to significantly boost vehicle production while creating thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities in the region.

The new facility has been designed with advanced manufacturing technologies and modern automation systems to improve production efficiency and support Maruti Suzuki’s future growth. The company plans to gradually expand the plant’s production capacity, helping meet rising domestic demand as well as export requirements.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said the plant reflects global confidence in India’s manufacturing capabilities and reinforces the country’s emergence as a preferred destination for industrial investment. He highlighted the government’s continued focus on infrastructure development, ease of doing business and policies aimed at making India a global manufacturing hub.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the project as another symbol of the strong strategic and economic partnership between India and Japan. She said the two countries continue to deepen cooperation across sectors including manufacturing, technology, infrastructure and clean energy.

Maruti Suzuki said the Kharkhoda facility will play a key role in its long-term expansion strategy as the company prepares for growing demand in India’s passenger vehicle market. The plant is also expected to support the production of cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles in line with changing consumer preferences and environmental goals.

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Tim Cook discusses Siri AI with EU

The European Union and Apple have held what officials described as “constructive talks” following recent disagreements over the company’s artificial intelligence features, particularly those related to Siri. The meeting signals an effort by both sides to ease tensions and find common ground as Europe strengthens oversight of major technology companies.

The discussions took place between European Commission officials and Apple CEO Tim Cook, who visited Brussels amid growing scrutiny of AI-powered services and digital platforms. While no specific agreement was announced, both sides described the interaction as positive and useful.

The recent friction centred on Apple’s AI-enabled Siri features and the company’s approach to rolling out certain artificial intelligence capabilities in Europe. Apple has previously expressed concerns that some requirements under the European Union’s digital regulations could affect the timing and availability of new AI features for users in the region.

During the meeting, officials discussed how innovation in artificial intelligence can continue while ensuring compliance with the EU’s evolving digital rules. The European Commission reiterated that its regulations are designed to promote fair competition, consumer protection and transparency without preventing technological advancement.

Apple, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with European regulators. The company said it supports responsible AI development and remains focused on delivering innovative products while complying with local laws.

Decisions taken by the EU often influence technology policies in other parts of the world, making cooperation between regulators and major technology firms increasingly important.

The talks also reflect the broader challenge facing global technology companies as governments introduce stricter rules for AI, data privacy and digital competition. Companies are expected to balance rapid innovation with growing regulatory expectations.

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Shankh Mitra second in global CEO pay

Indian-origin business leader Shankh Mitra has been ranked as the world’s second highest-paid chief executive officer (CEO) in 2025, placing him just behind Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who continues to lead global executive compensation charts.

According to the latest global CEO pay rankings, Musk remains at the top due to his performance-linked compensation structure tied to Tesla’s long-term valuation and stock performance. Mitra, meanwhile, has secured the second position, reflecting strong financial results and shareholder returns delivered under his leadership.

Mitra serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Welltower Inc., a major healthcare real estate investment trust. His total compensation package includes salary, bonuses, stock awards and long-term incentive payouts, which together form one of the highest executive earnings globally.

The rankings highlight how CEO compensation is increasingly driven by performance metrics such as revenue growth, profitability and market capitalisation. In Mitra’s case, Welltower’s strong performance in healthcare infrastructure and senior housing investments has significantly contributed to his high pay package.

Industry analysts note that while Tesla CEO Elon Musk continues to dominate global compensation lists, most of his earnings are linked to long-term stock-based incentive plans rather than fixed salary. His position reflects both company performance and market valuation milestones achieved over time.

Mitra’s inclusion in the top ranks has drawn attention in India and among the global business community, as it adds to the growing list of Indian-origin leaders holding influential positions in multinational corporations. Over the years, executives of Indian origin have increasingly risen to senior roles across sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare and manufacturing.

Corporate governance experts say such large compensation packages are typically structured to align executive interests with shareholders, rewarding sustained growth and long-term value creation rather than short-term performance.

Welltower has benefited from rising global demand for healthcare infrastructure, particularly driven by ageing populations and increasing investment in senior care facilities. This growth has played a key role in boosting investor confidence and executive rewards.

With Elon Musk at the top and Shankh Mitra in second place, the latest rankings underscore the widening gap in global executive pay while also highlighting the rising influence of Indian-origin leadership in major international corporations.

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