7, Jun 2025
AI-Powered Travel Tech Startup The Tarzan Way Raises ₹2 Cr in Seed Round from Inflection Point Ventures
Noida, 7th June 2025– The Tarzan Way, an AI-powered travel tech platform redefining how the world travels, has raised ₹2 crore in a funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures. The funds will be utilised for product development (35%), operational streamlining (25%), marketing (20%), HR and admin (15%), and miscellaneous expenses (5%). The round also saw participation from Your Trips Limited (UK-based travel company), Prateek Maheshwari (Founder at PhysicsWallah) and other angel investors.
Founded in 2020 by Shikhar Chadha and Shivank Tripathi, The Tarzan Way is an intelligent travel companion that enables users to design hyper-personalised, authentic holiday experiences across the globe in just a few clicks. The company is driven by the mission to simplify and elevate travel through technology.
Both founders bring complementary skills and a shared passion for travel innovation. Shikhar and Shivank aim to break the clutter in the travel industry by combining deep tech with human-centric storytelling, enabling each trip to be memorable and meaningful.
Ankur Mittal, Co- Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, said, “As more people venture out to explore the world, the demand for experiential travel — journeys that are immersive, personalized, and meaningful — is rapidly rising. Yet, most travellers still rely on traditional travel agencies that offer rigid plans, or they find themselves overwhelmed trying to plan it all on their own. Tarzan Way bridges this gap by using AI and technology to create smart, tailored travel experiences that act as a true companion throughout the journey — making every trip not just a getaway, but a story worth remembering.”
The startup operates on a global scale and is fast emerging as a go-to platform for immersive travel experiences. The fresh funds will be deployed towards product development, operational efficiency, marketing, and team building, alongside the launch of its new “Exploration App.”
What makes The Tarzan Way stand out is its hyper-personalised itineraries, AI-backed booking engine, 24×7 live concierge support, and one-click booking experience. Their platform integrates local flavours and authentic experiences with tech-powered efficiency.
“Our passion lies in creating memories that last. We don’t just plan trips; we help people craft stories that stay with them forever. That’s the core spirit behind The Tarzan Way,” said Shikhar Chadha, Co-founder, The Tarzan Way.
In terms of performance, the company has witnessed a 300% YoY revenue growth and 70% MoM user growth. With 35K+ social followers and over 10M content views, it has already clocked ₹13.5 Cr in gross value of bookings.
The Indian travel & tourism sector contributed over $199B to the GDP in 2023 and is projected to touch $512B by 2028. The space is primed for disruption, especially with the rise of AI and experiential travel.
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- By Neel Achary
7, Jun 2025
IGP Cake Fest Brings Together Bakers and Cake Lovers for a First-of-its-Kind Celebration
Mumbai, 07 June 2025: IGP, a global D2C multi-category gifting platform, is set to host the country’s most indulgent event — the first-ever IGP Cake Fest — on Sunday, June 8, from 2 PM to 8 PM at Versova Social, Mumbai. This one-of-its-kind, community-led celebration will bring together bakers and dessert lovers for a high-energy experience that blends cake, culture, and creativity.
The festival aims to spotlight India’s freshest baking talent by crowning the best local bakers, creating iconic cake moments, and turning dessert into a full-blown cultural experience. Central to the event is “Battle of the Bakers” ,where one standout baker will win a grand prize of ₹1 lakh and the opportunity to feature their cake on igp’s D2C website which has a global customer base of over 5 million. The celebration will feature celebrity chef Natasha Gandhi as the headline judge – top finalist for Masterchef India. Attendees and cake lovers will also cast live votes to determine the Popular Choice Award, recognizing the crowd’s favorite creation.
Adding to the flavor of the day will be a stand-up performance by the much-loved comedian Shreeja Chaturvedi. The event promises a lively atmosphere with dessert tastings, live cake showcases, engaging games, photo ops, and branded giveaways.
The IGP Cake Fest isn’t just a fun competition; it’s a powerful testament to IGP’s position as a leading brand in cakes across India. More than an event, it serves as a vibrant platform for emerging bakers, creators, and dessert enthusiasts to connect, create, and be celebrated. It reflects IGP’s commitment to building communities around food and reinforces its role in shaping the future of India’s cake and gifting culture.
Commenting on the launch of Cake Fest, Tarun Joshi, Founder & CEO of IGP, said, “IGP has emerged as a leading platform in the cake category in India, delivering joy through thousands of celebrations every day. With Cake Fest, we’re creating a vibrant space for bakers and dessert lovers to connect, express, and be discovered. It’s a natural extension of our belief in celebrating people and their passions — and a step towards building a joyful, inclusive culture around cakes.”
7, Jun 2025
RBI’s 100 bps Rate Cut Boosts Housing Demand, Eases EMI Burden for Homebuyers
Mr. Amit Goyal, Managing Director, India Sotheby’s International Realty
The third consecutive rate cut by the RBI, amounting to a cumulative reduction of 100 basis points, is expected to have a meaningful impact on the borrowing landscape. This is particularly beneficial for big-ticket borrowers, especially those availing home loans. A 1% reduction in interest rates can lead to a noticeable drop in monthly EMIs, easing the financial burden for existing borrowers. For new borrowers, the lower interest rate not only improves affordability but also enhances their loan eligibility, enabling them to access higher loan amounts without increasing their monthly outgo. This move is likely to keep the strong housing demand momentum strong , especially in the mid and premium segments.
7, Jun 2025
World Brain Tumour Day- 8th June 2025
When it comes to brain tumours, the word “benign” can be misleading. One of the most common types — meningiomas — may grow slowly, but they can still cause serious and lasting neurological damage if left untreated. A meningioma is a typically slow-growing, extra-axial tumour that arises from the meninges, the protective layers covering the brain and spinal cord. These tumours account for 30–40% of all primary brain tumours in adults, with a strong prevalence among women aged 40 to 70 years.
“Meningiomas are often labelled harmless, but that’s not always the case,” explains Dr. Samir Parekh, Neurosurgeon from the Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai.
Origin and Risk Factors: Meningiomas originate from arachnoid cap cells and are most often benign (WHO Grade 1). However, some can behave more aggressively — Grade 2 (atypical) and Grade 3 (anaplastic/malignant) — with faster growth and higher recurrence risk. Their development has been linked to NF2 gene mutations, hormonal influences (especially in women), and prior radiation exposure to the brain.
While many meningiomas are found incidentally on imaging, symptomatic tumours can cause a range of issues depending on their size and location. These include:Chronic headaches, Seizures, Vision problems, Limb weakness or sensory changes, Cognitive decline or personality changes, Loss of coordination, Cranial nerve deficits. Diagnosis typically involves a contrast-enhanced MRI of the brain. A CT scan may also be used, particularly to evaluate bone involvement.
Treatment of choice is surgical excision, which includes removal of the tumour, surrounding dura, and affected bone if needed. This approach greatly reduces recurrence risk.
Dr. Samir Parekh, Neurosurgeon from Apex group of Hospitals adds, “The good news is, most meningiomas, once completely removed, do not come back. The key is not to delay. If you’re experiencing persistent neurological symptoms, don’t brush them off — get evaluated. At Apex Group of Hospitals , our focus is not just on removing the tumour, but also on preserving function and quality of life. Using cutting-edge tools and surgical precision, we ensure safe outcomes and faster recovery for our patients.With advances in neurosurgery and imaging, most patients recover fully and lead normal lives post-treatment. However, early detection remains the most powerful tool in managing these common yet potentially serious brain tumours.”
7, Jun 2025
RBI’s Rate Cut and Liquidity Push to Spur Private Investment, Support 7% Growth Potential
By-DK Srivastava, Chief Policy Advisor, EY India
“India’s GDP growth has performed admirably well in the post-COVID years. It has averaged 7.8% over the period 2022-23 to 2024-25. This is in spite of a challenging global economic environment where global GDP growth has been limited to 3.5%. Over this period, the contribution of net exports to India’s GDP growth has been 0.2% points, (-)2.8% points, and 2.3% points, respectively. Clearly, India’s growth has been largely driven by domestic demand. Within domestic demand, it is mainly the government’s capital expenditure which has been driving India’s growth. A more balanced profile of growth drivers would call for a tangible pickup in private investment demand and external demand. While much can not be said about the way external demand might evolve, domestic private investment demand can be stimulated. In this context, monetary policy is of considerable importance since it affects cost of capital.
The RBI, in its monetary policy review held on 06 June 2025, lowered the policy rate by 50 basis points to 5.5% with the objective of supporting growth. It projected real GDP growth at 6.5% in 2025-26 driven by private consumption and fixed capital formation. The RBI, however, changed its policy stance to neutral from accommodative. The frontloading of policy rate reduction is welcome. However, given the likely global growth slowdown and trade related uncertainties, the RBI may carry forward the momentum of the present interest rate reduction cycle at least until the policy rate reaches 5%. Conditions are ripe for maintaining this downward thrust since CPI inflation remains below the RBI’s target of 4%. In fact, the RBI has revised downwards its CPI inflation forecast for 2025-26 to 3.7% from 4.0% projected in April 2025. As private investment keeps improving, the ongoing rate reduction cycle could incentivize private investment and take India’s potential growth closer to 7% in the next few years.”
By-DK Srivastava, Chief Policy Advisor, EY India
The front loading of the rate cut action plus crr cut indicates focus is on enhancing the transmission of monetary policy . The neutral stance indicates that the bar for further rate cut is higher but isn’t completely off the table . In the next few policies we expect rbi to remain on pause.
The crr cut which will infuse liquidity in h2fy26 , will ensure system liquidity remains above the 1%of ndtl till March 2026. The need for further omo purchases is much lower now.
7, Jun 2025
RBI’s Timely 50 bps Rate Cut Aims to Boost Inclusive Growth and Lending Access
By-Tushar Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Stashfin
“The latest 50 basis point rate cut by the RBI comes at a pivotal moment for the Indian economy. Although inflation is easing gradually, global uncertainties remain. Therefore, the RBI’s intent to balance growth alongside stability is crystal clear. As India consolidates its position as the world’s fourth-largest economy and keeps growing rapidly, the rate reduction will help in lowering borrowing costs and expanding credit access, particularly in underserved regions and segments. For fintechs and other digital lenders, it’s an excellent opportunity to offer more accessible, fair and transparent loans. These conducive measures will facilitate the establishment of a lending ecosystem that supports long-term financial health while helping the economy grow inclusively and sustainably.”
6, Jun 2025
Sony Future Filmmaker Awards Announce Winners of 2025 Global Competition
New Delhi, 6th June 2025: The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards announced today the 2025 winners during a special ceremony hosted by Emmy-award winner Denny Director (Entertainment Tonight). The third edition of these global awards were held in the iconic Sony Pictures Studios Scenic Arts Building in Culver City, celebrating emerging visionaries, amplifying bold storytelling from different corners of the world. Among the standout talents recognized this year were Indian filmmakers Riah Taipodia and Muhammed Ashfaque. Riah Taipodia was shortlisted in the Non-Fiction category for her work, Khiew Ranei (Black Clay). In the Student category, Muhammed Ashfaque was shortlisted for his film URA, representing the K R Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts.
Chosen for their exceptional work from a pool of over 11,750 film submissions by more than 7,500 filmmakers representing 158 countries and territories, the 2025 Sony Future Filmmaker Awards winners were: Rossana Montoya (Colombia, Fiction), Juliet Klottrup (United Kingdom, Non-Fiction), Santiago O’Ryan & José Navarro (Chile, Animation), and Hayder Hoozeer & Franz Böhm (United Kingdom/ Germany, Student).
The jury comprised prominent industry leaders, including filmmaker and writer Minhal Baig (We Grown Now, Hala, BoJack Horseman); Elizabeth Gabler, President of 3000 Pictures (Where the Crawdads Sing, upcoming Klara and the Sun, Life of Pi); Academy Award®-nominated director Jason Reitman (Saturday Night, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Juno); and award-winning filmmaker Justin Chadwick (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, The Other Boleyn Girl, upcoming Sierra Madre), who served as Chair of the Jury. Together, they evaluated creative excellence and innovative storytelling to select the winners from a distinguished shortlist.
The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards jury shared their collective admiration for this year’s winners and shortlisted filmmakers: “It is truly exciting to look towards the future of filmmaking through the eyes of this incredible group of winners. As new custodians of the craft, each of them brings a particular vision that challenges the status quo as well as breathing new life into the stories we tell. The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards are not only about recognizing this talent — they’re about supporting and empowering those who will shape the industry for years to come, and we are eager to see how they continue to redefine the cinematic landscape.”
The Awards aim to inspire, equip, and empower the next generation of filmmakers at a crucial stage in their creative journeys. As part of their prize, this year’s winners—along with the wider shortlist across all four categories—took part in an immersive four-day industry program held at Sony Pictures Studios from June 2–5, 2025, culminating in the official Awards ceremony.
The program featured a thoughtfully curated line up of workshops led by Sony Pictures executives, film screenings, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Participants gained deeper insight into the filmmaking process, refined their skills, and built valuable connections with industry leaders and fellow creators from around the world. Topics included cinematography masterclasses, screenwriting, navigating talent agreements, innovative technology demonstrations, and the art of scoring a film. In addition to the professional development experience, the four winners also received cash prizes and Sony Digital Imaging equipment.
The winners of the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 are:
FICTION
The Fiction category rewards narrative-led submissions that convey an original fictional story or event. The category winner receives Sony Digital Imaging equipment and a $5,000 (USD) cash prize. In the Fiction category, the winner was presented by Jason Reitman, Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker and Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 jury member:
- Rossana Montoya (Colombia), My Demon – As they race to the hospital for the imminent birth of their first child, Eva and Jacobo clash over their relationship. Shot in a single 17-minute take, the film infuses the raw emotional intensity of two on-screen characters into this intimate narrative.
NON-FICTION
The Non-Fiction category awards short films that are predominantly factual in content. These can include archive footage, documentary footage, reenactments and animation. The category winner receives Sony Digital Imaging equipment and a $5,000 (USD) cash prize. In the Non-Fiction category, the winner was presented by Elizabeth Gabler, President, 3000 Pictures and Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 jury member:
- Juliet Klottrup (UK), Travelling Home – An English Romany Traveller reflects on his heritage and the annual pilgrimage to Appleby Fair. Shot on 16mm film, the analogue texture enhances the film’s exploration of time, tradition, and belonging, reflecting Klottrup’s collaborative approach with local communities and her visual artistry focused on rural identity.
ANIMATION
The Animation category embraces filmmakers using stop-motion, motion graphics, computer animation, drawn-on-film, rotoscoping, experimental animation, and additional available techniques. The category winner receives Sony Sony Digital Imaging equipment and a $5,000 (USD) cash prize. In the Animation category, the winner was presented by Minhal Baig, filmmaker, writer, and Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 jury member:
- Santiago O’Ryan & José Navarro (Chile), Hermanos Casablanca (Casablanca Brothers) – At the height of the Pinochet dictatorship, two divers agree to help an army official in the hope of receiving information on their missing sister in return. The film employs engaging visual storytelling and a muted and dark colour palette to evoke a sense of loss, uncertainty and danger.
STUDENT
The Student category rewards filmmakers studying a film course at a registered institution at a diploma or degree level worldwide. The category winner and their institution each receive Sony Digital Imaging equipment. In the Student category, the winner was presented by Tatsuhito Tabuchi, Head of New Contents Creation Business Unit, Sony Corporation:
- Hayder Hoozeer (UK) & Franz Böhm (Germany), The National Film & Television School, Rock Paper Scissors – Based on a true story, a father and son in a warzone hospital face life-or-death choices as their hideout becomes increasingly compromised. Their direction uses stark color contrasts and claustrophobic settings to heighten the film’s emotional impact, supporting the actors’ powerful performances.
6, Jun 2025
Toprankers Expands Educational Footprint with 50th Test Prep Centre in Bengaluru, Targets Deeper Presence in South India
Delhi India — 6th June 2025 — Toprankers, one of India’s leading ed-tech platforms guiding students toward careers beyond engineering and medicine, has launched its 50th offline learning centre recently, marking a major milestone in its mission to democratise quality education. The new centres in Whitefield and Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, represent Toprankers’ strategic foray into South India, aimed at delivering premium, accessible test preparation closer to students’ homes.
This expansion builds on the platform’s remarkable growth across North and Central India, where it has established 48 centres in 20 cities including Delhi, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ranchi and Patna. In FY 2024 alone, Toprankers trained over 25,000 students, achieved 5,000+ selections, and saw a 40% YoY growth in enrollments across its learning verticals — Law, Management, Design and Architecture.
“Where can my child train for competitive exams without compromising their mental well-being?” This recurring concern from parents at our webinars sparked our decision to scale responsibly. Bengaluru, with its rising demand for structured offline mentorship and with a strong student base in our online ecosystem, was a natural next step.
The newly launched centres feature hybrid classrooms, smart-learning infrastructure, and student-first zones aimed at replicating Toprankers’ trusted mentorship model — one that emphasizes small batch sizes, live doubt resolution, career mapping, and holistic preparation beyond textbooks.
Students, parents, and mentors enthusiastically participated in the event, which was graced by Saksham Gautam, All India Rank 1 in CLAT 2025 and a student of Toprankers’ LegalEdge program.
Gaurav Goel, Founder & CEO of Toprankers, said:
“Parents in Bengaluru juggle multiple responsibilities, and we understand the importance of making entrance exam prep both high-quality and convenient. Our entry into this city is not just about geography—it’s about empathy, and empowering students with on-ground, real-time mentorship that matches the pace of their dreams.”He added, “Toprankers has seen over 15,000 selections in the last 3 years alone, with students cracking top exams like CLAT, IPMAT, CUET, NID, CAT, NIFT and Judiciary. The Bengaluru centre is another leap toward our commitment to redefine what accessible, student-first education looks like across India.”
Powered by the House of Brands, Toprankers’ success is driven by its House of Brands—LegalEdge, SuperGrads, CreativEdge, Judiciary Gold, and Udaan, each dedicated to a unique learner profile and exam segment. Together, they’ve enabled lakhs of students to access curriculum-aligned, result-oriented preparation powered by live classes, national-level mocks, and personalised mentorship.
Students across India echo the impact:
“LegalEdge provided an ideal study environment for a prospective topper. The study material, particularly the CLATPost, was exceptional, and the faculty was highly effective. The mental fortitude to stay focused and disciplined was the final piece of the puzzle.”
– Saksham Gautam, All India Rank 1, CLAT 2025“The personalised attention and mentorship changed the game for me,”
– Sanya Gupta, cracked IPMAT on her first attempt
As India’s education landscape shifts toward career flexibility and multi-stream opportunities, Toprankers’ 50th centre is more than a number—it is a strategic commitment to meet learners where they are and move with them, every step of the way.
6, Jun 2025
Reviving a River, Rekindling a City: Groundbreaking Report Maps the Path to a Cleaner Yamuna
New Delhi, June 6, 2025: On the occasion of World Environment Day, a landmark knowledge report titled “Beyond the Froth: 22 Kilometres of Crisis, Over 20 Million Reasons to Revive Yamuna” was launched online. This report offers one of the most comprehensive, ground-up assessments of the Yamuna River’s deteriorating condition in Delhi. It is the result of extensive field research by Primus Partners, with direct inputs from stakeholders including fishermen, boatmen, priests, farmers, and vendors who live and work along the river. This initiative has received support from the Government of Delhi, which has made Yamuna rejuvenation a key urban and ecological priority.
The report highlights alarming trends:
Delhi contributes a staggering 76% of the Yamuna’s total pollution load despite accounting for just 2% of its length.
Untreated and partially treated sewage discharge remains the primary culprit —while the city generates 792 MGD of sewage, only 618 MGD is treated. Nearly 30% of this treated water still fails to meet prescribed discharge standards.
Over 500 unauthorized colonies and 160 villages still lack sewerage access.
37 of the city’s sewage treatment plants (STPs) fail to meet discharge norms, and several industrial areas continue to release hazardous effluents, compounded by a lack of environmental flow during lean seasons.
The Najafgarh and Shahdara drains—fed by waste from Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh—together contribute an estimated 80% of the river’s pollution load within the city.
What makes this report distinct is its powerful focus on community voices. These voices reveal that the crisis is not just ecological, but deeply social and economic. Fishermen report a tenfold drop in catch. Boatmen and vendors cite declining livelihoods due to reduced footfall. Priests say many ghats are no longer usable for religious rituals.
Residents living near the Yamuna and dependent on it lament the loss of a public space and their traditional way of life. These interactions underscore a deep emotional connection to the river and a shared concern for its health. These community members shared how pollution has disrupted their daily lives and contaminated water sources. Despite their profound sadness about the Yamuna’s condition, these communities still maintain a strong emotional bond with the river.
On the other hand, a survey of non-riverine residents found that while 83% of citizens agreed on the extreme importance of cleaning the Yamuna for the city’s health, there are signs of a waning emotional connection to the river. This highlights the need to revive the people-river relationship.
The report underscores that the Yamuna’s revival demands more than infrastructure upgrades. It calls for reimagining governance, rethinking public participation, and rebuilding trust between people and the river. It proposes a two-pronged strategy: addressing structural and systemic issues alongside reviving the people-river relationship. This includes bold reforms such as establishing an Interstate Yamuna Rejuvenation Compact and a Yamuna Cleaning Board, introducing a Treated Wastewater Reuse Policy, enforcing stricter zero liquid discharge norms for industries, and developing an integrated sewerage master plan.
Equally important is the second prong: reconnecting people to the river. The report recommends a Yamuna Citizen Connect Campaign that promotes grassroots-led action through cultural programming, micro-grants, promotion of innovation and community-managed ghats. These efforts aim to ensure that the river’s revival is not just a technical challenge, but a cultural and social renewal as well.
The Government of Delhi has responded with an action plan that includes constructing 40 new decentralized STPs, upgrading treatment capacity by 118 MGD, installing real-time water quality sensors, and reviving 1,600 hectares of floodplain.
Launched exclusively on June 5 to mark World Environment Day, the report offers a blueprint for inclusive and sustainable river restoration—one that blends engineering fixes with ecological thinking and deep public engagement.
6, Jun 2025
Edmund Sze-Wing Tse to Retire as AIA Group Board Chairman, to Be Succeeded by Sir Mark Tucker on 1 October 2025
HONG KONG, 6 June 2025 – AIA Group Limited (“AIA” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) announces that Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse, Independent Non- executive Chairman and Independent Non-executive Director, has informed the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) of his intention to retire from his positions with the Company effective 30 September 2025.
The Board is delighted to announce that Sir Mark Tucker, who previously served as Group Chief Executive Officer and President of AIA between 2010 and 2017, has, subject to regulatory approval, been appointed Independent Non-executive Chairman and an Independent Non- executive Director of the Company effective from 1 October 2025. Sir Mark has also been appointed as the Chairman of the Nomination Committee and a member of the Remuneration Committee, effective 1 October 2025.
Sir Mark has more than 40 years in-depth experience in the financial services industry, including in Asia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Africa. He will complete his tenure as the Non-executive Group Chairman of HSBC Holdings plc (“HSBC”) on 30 September 2025.
Edmund Tse said: “It has been the greatest honour of my professional life to serve AIA, both as an executive and as the first Independent Non-executive Chairman. Throughout more than six decades with AIA, I have benefited from the support of outstanding colleagues, and I would like to thank all of them, past and present, for their unwavering support and dedication.
“I would also like to thank my Board colleagues for their outstanding support during my 14 years as Board Chairman. AIA is very well positioned for continued and lasting success. I am immensely proud of all that we have accomplished together, and I know that, with Mark leading such an august board, AIA will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.”
Mr. Tse, who led the appointment process, added “Mark’s significant contributions to AIA during his tenure as the Group Chief Executive and President have been substantial and enduring. His experience and expertise, both as a Group Chief Executive and more recently his role as Group Chairman of one of the world’s largest financial institutions ensures that AIA will benefit from his strong leadership. I am truly delighted to welcome Mark to the Board.”
Lee Yuan Siong, AIA Group Chief Executive and President, said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to express my profound appreciation to Edmund. AIA owes him a great debt for his unparallelled contributions over a remarkable career. His leadership, through a host of increasingly senior roles as an executive and more recently as the Group’s first independent Chairman, has enabled the Group to put in place a strong and solid foundation.
“Edmund’s vision and ambition have been instrumental in shaping AIA into the leading franchise it is today. Under his guidance, we have achieved remarkable milestones including excellent growth, expansion into new markets and pioneering innovations that support our communities. He retires with an enduring legacy, having played a pivotal role in advancing the sustainable development of our industry across Asia. For all of these reasons, the Board has unanimously chosen to confer upon Edmund the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus for AIA Group, reflecting the high esteem in which we will continue to hold him and honouring his unmatched legacy at AIA.
“We are delighted to welcome back Sir Mark Tucker as our Independent Chairman. Sir Mark worked closely with Edmund in leading the Company through its initial public offering during which he laid the foundations for AIA as a world leading independent listed group. Sir Mark’s very strong international reputation has only grown in the intervening years, and we look forward to benefiting from his deep experience in financial services and his passion for Asia as he leads our Board forward.”
Sir Mark said, “I have known Edmund for many decades and have admired him as an executive, a fellow Board member and as a friend. He has done a remarkable job at AIA, and I wish him all the very best for a happy and fulfilling retirement.
“I am deeply honoured and excited to be taking on the role of Independent Chairman of one of the world’s largest insurance companies. AIA plays a critical role in protecting the financial wellbeing of millions of families across Asia, enabling them to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. I look forward to working with the Board, Yuan Siong, the Executive team, colleagues, agents and partners across the region to build on the Group’s success.”
