Category Archives: Business

Ecole Ducasse Announces the Appointment of Karine Hyon-Vintrou as Managing Director

École Ducasse announces the appointment of Karine Hyon-Vintrou as Managing Director. Karine Hyon-Vintrou succeeds Elise Masurel, who spent five years at the helm of Ecole Ducasse, during which time she significantly accelerated the institution’s growth.

Karine Hyon-Vintrou began her career in the luxury hotel industry, joining Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in the USA, then in France. These experiences enabled her to build up solid expertise in this sector before joining the global headquarters of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in the UK. It was here that she discovered her passion for branding, a field that would soon become the core of her career. Karine continued her career in Bangkok to manage the Onyx Hospitality Group’s brand platform, before returning to IHG to join the global resorts strategy team. This international experience reinforced her strategic vision and ability to manage large-scale projects in a multicultural context. On her return to the UK, she was appointed Global Brand Director for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.

In 2018, Karine joined Sommet Education to reposition the Glion and Les Roches brands, strengthening their reputation in hotel management education. She implemented innovative strategies and led a high-performance team. In March 2023, she was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of the group, overseeing all marketing activities and contributing to its international expansion.

Today, Karine is taking over the management of École Ducasse at a time of rapid international expansion. Particularly motivated by the institution’s potential for global deployment, she aims to consolidate École Ducasse’s position as a world leader in gastronomy and culinary education. “École Ducasse is an iconic brand recognized for the excellence of its training and the influence of its graduates on the global culinary scene. I look forward to accompanying this institution in its international expansion, and to drawing daily inspiration from passionate teams, talented students and renowned experts”, she said.

Karine Hyon-Vintrou succeeds Elise Masurel after five years at the head of Ecole Ducasse. Under her leadership, École Ducasse has undergone major development, marked in particular by the launch of the new Meudon campus, the expansion of the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (ENSP), the largest pastry campus in the world, and international expansion with the opening of 3 new schools in India, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. These achievements testify to the leadership and strategic vision that have enabled École Ducasse to strengthen its global position.

On this occasion, Alain Ducasse said: “I commend the tremendous commitment of Elise Masurel, who has given Ecole Ducasse a remarkable dynamism both in France and worldwide. I welcome Karine Hyon-Vintrou. Her extensive experience of the hospitality sector on an international scale is a major asset in strengthening Ecole Ducasse’s strategic position.”

Benoît-Etienne Domenget, CEO of Sommet Education said: “I sincerely thank Elise for her contribution, particularly with the opening of Paris Campus, and I am delighted with Karine’s appointment, who will be able to put her extensive experience of education, marketing and luxury at the service of École Ducasse.”

Piramal Finance Partners with CSCs to Boost Credit Access for Budget Customers

New Delhi, September 16, 2024: Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Ltd. (Piramal Finance), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises Ltd., has partnered with Digital India’s Common Service Centers (CSCs) to meet the lending needs of Bharat by improving access to formal credit for underserved individuals and MSMEs.

Through this collaboration, over Rs. 100 Cr. has been successfully disbursed in August 2024 to boost credit availability in semi-urban areas, providing essential financial products such as home and business loans. By leveraging CSC’s extensive network of over 6 lakh centers, this initiative aims to support budget customers in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, effectively addressing the financial needs of underserved regions and advancing financial inclusion.

Jairam Sridharan, Managing Director, Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Ltd., said, “This milestone reflects our commitment to serving the budget customers of Bharat by making credit more accessible. Our partnership with CSC allows us to create meaningful financial opportunities in areas that have been overlooked. We are excited to expand this initiative further, helping more families achieve their financial goals and supporting small businesses in their growth.”

Mr. Sanjay Rakesh, MD & CEO, CSC SPV, said, “Common Service Centers (CSCs) are digital service hubs managed by local entrepreneurs under the Government of India’s Digital India initiative. They play a vital role in providing financial products and services to rural citizens. Our partnership with Piramal Finance aligns with our vision of financial inclusion, enhancing service reach in underserved areas of Bharat. Together, we aim to meet the financing needs of underserved MSMEs and promote a financially inclusive society across the country.”

Piramal Finance will expand its loan offerings through CSCs, targeting underserved regions to better serve individuals and MSMEs in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. By combining technology with local outreach, this partnership supports first-time borrowers and underserved communities, contributing to financial inclusion goals and fostering sustainable growth in lending. Customers can easily apply for loans at their nearest CSC with basic documentation, ensuring greater accessibility to financial services.

AISECT Seva Kendra Partners with NeGD to Provide Essential Government Services on UMANG Portal

Bhopal, September 16 2024: AISECT, a leading social enterprise dedicated to skill development and financial inclusion, has partnered with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) to integrate over 300 government services through the UMANG portal. This strategic collaboration, available via AISECT’s online platform, aisectonline.com, and ASK nationwide, will significantly enhance access to government services in rural and semi-urban areas.

Starting this month, ASK will offer vital services such as birth and death certificates, driving licenses, marriage certificates, and Income Tax Return (ITR) filing, transforming these centers into comprehensive hubs for government services. This initiative meets the demand for a more streamlined and accessible platform, similar to existing systems like CSC and e-Mitra, empowering millions in underserved regions with easier access to essential services.

By offering these services through ASK, the organization aims to empower local entrepreneurs and residents by providing tools to manage essential services closer to home, fostering economic growth and bridging the digital divide. AISECT has already facilitated over 430 ITR filings this year, with significant increases in remote districts. The organization aims to exceed 650 filings by the end of the fiscal year and plans to expand its offerings to include PAN card applications, railway ticket bookings, and more, further supporting business growth and digital accessibility.

Speaking about the services Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Executive Vice President of AISECT, said, “Our partnership with NeGD underscores our dedication to enhancing access to government services for all. Integrating UMANG services into our platform bridges the gap between government services and citizens, empowering local businesses and expanding their potential.”

Mr. Anil Kumar, Director of NeGD, added, “This collaboration exemplifies our mission to improve accessibility and efficiency of government services. The UMANG portal integration with AISECT’s platform will benefit citizens nationwide, especially in underserved areas, by offering a wide range of essential services through an accessible and user-friendly platform.”

Looking ahead, AISECT and NeGD are committed to further enhancing service offerings and expanding their reach, continuing to improve digital infrastructure and accessibility across India, and fostering inclusive economic growth.

MAGGI Crafts New ‘Happy Bowl’ with Love: Delightful Noodles for young ones

Bengaluru, 16th September 2024: Continuing with its spirit of culinary innovation, MAGGI has unveiled the Happy Bowl. The new product combines irresistible taste with goodness of atta, and is a source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, and fiber. Available in two delightful flavours, ‘Yummy Masala’ and ‘Twisty Tomato,’ this new offering is crafted to delight young palates while embodying MAGGI’s commitment to delivering great taste through innovation.

Mr. Rajat Jain, Director, Foods Business at Nestlé India, shared his enthusiasm for the new product and said, “At MAGGI, we are deeply passionate about the food we create, and MAGGI Happy Bowl holds a truly special place in our hearts. It promises to continue MAGGI’s legacy of creating beloved products for everyone in the family and provide them with more options. MAGGI Happy Bowl is our offering for the kids and a gift to moms, offering joyful simplicity in every bite”

Supporting the launch, MAGGI has rolled out a comprehensive marketing campaign that spans TV, digital media, print, and outdoor advertising across major cities. The campaign highlights the dual appeal of great taste and goodness, aiming to make the Happy Bowl a new favorite at family tables.

Zupee Enters into Strategic Partnership with ONDC to Boost User Acquisition and Thriving Gaming Community

Gurugram, India – 16th September, 2024 – In its bid to promote Indian board games , Zupee, India’s largest skill-based Ludo platform, has entered into an agreement with the Government-backed e-commerce platform, ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) to make skill-based games from Zupee more accessible to the masses.

Under the agreement, Zupee is registered as a Seller application on the platform, with the pioneering gaming company offering its popular game of Ludo, through ONDC.

Speaking about the partnership, Dilsher Singh Malhi, Founder & CEO – Zupee, said, “We are delighted to partner with ONDC and be listed on the platform. This collaboration strengthens our efforts to bring the joy of playing culturally relevant Indian games, responsibly, to a larger audience. We are excited to test the potential of the partnership for both Zupee and ONDC users.”

The partnership will also help the leading game developer to build trust around online gaming amidst existing and future gamers.

T Koshy, MD & CEO – ONDC said, “ONDC has been committed to delivering a range of products and services through a democratized digital commerce and a neutral ecosystem for sellers. The integration of Zupee, one of the largest skill-based online gaming companies in India, on ONDC Network will be a critical step to strengthen the open and diverse digital marketplace. Zupee’s integration on ONDC Network will not only facilitate offering of value entertainment to larger users in India but also allow them to access a wider range of products and services at a right price from a single, unified platform.”

In conclusion, this partnership will empower ONDC and Zupee to expand their reach, accelerate customer acquisition, and provide even greater value to their growing user base.

Radisson Blu Guwahati announces the launch of ‘Meetha by Radisson Hotels’

Guwahati, 13th September,2024 – Radisson Blu Guwahati announced the launch of “Meetha by Radisson Hotels,” a premium dessert destination that brings a curated selection of Indian sweets today. The launch event, held at the hotel on Thursday afternoon, was attended by prominent figures from Assam’s business and bureaucratic circles, making it a notable occasion in the city’s culinary scene.

Located within the sophisticated setting of Radisson Blu Guwahati, Meetha by Radisson Hotels offers a menu expertly crafted by renowned chefs, featuring a mix of regional favorites and classic Indian desserts. Signature items include Kaju Kamal Bhog, Diamond Cake, Pakiza, Kaju Hara Paan, Malai Roll, Kaju Kalinger, and Gulkand Ball, each meticulously prepared using the finest ingredients to provide an authentic and exceptional experience.

Meetha by Radisson Hotels offers an extensive variety of handcrafted sweets that reflect Radisson Hotels’ commitment to quality and excellence. Each dessert is made with high-quality ingredients, preserving the essence of traditional Indian mithai while catering to contemporary tastes. The menu also includes options for health-conscious guests, with a range of sugar-free and low-calorie sweets available for guilt-free indulgence.

“Guwahati is a city rich in culture and tradition, and we are excited to bring Meetha by Radisson Hotels to our guests. We believe that our guests will enjoy the unique culinary offerings we have designed, which reflect the diverse flavors of India,” said Mr Ankur Mehrotra- General Manager. “Our goal is to create a space where every bite is a celebration of Indian sweets, offering an unparalleled experience for locals and visitors alike.”

Mr Nathen Andrews, Business Head Hospitality, DS Group noted, “The vision for Meetha was to create a destination that not only satisfies sweet cravings but also connects guests with the rich traditions of Indian dessert-making. Each sweet at Meetha is a story, crafted with passion and the commitment to quality that Radisson Hotels is known for.”

Adding to this, Mr Rakesh Sethi, Corporate Executive Chef, Radisson Hotel Group South Asia, stated, “Meetha by Radisson Hotels is more than just a collection of desserts; it is a celebration of Indian culture. It is a place where every guest can experience the warmth of Indian hospitality, one bite at a time.”

Whether seeking a delightful post-meal treat or the perfect gift for festive occasions, Meetha by Radisson Hotels offers something for everyone. Guests are invited to visit Radisson Blu Guwahati and experience the sweet side of Indian hospitality.

chargeMOD Launches Kerala’s Largest EV Charging Hub at Angamaly

Kochi , September 12, 2024: In honor of World EV Day, chargeMOD, Kerala based energy tech startup and South India’s largest EV charging network, has launched Kerala’s biggest EV Charging Hub near Athani Junction, NH, Angamaly. The launch took place as part of Wattz-On 2024 ,an electric mobility event of chargeMOD that aimed at promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption and infrastructure development across the region.

The introduction of the hub, along with dining outlets and a lounge, which is in the pipeline transforms the space into a convenient and relaxing destination for EV owners to unwind while their vehicles recharge. With more chargers on the way, the overall EV charging experience is set to improve, making it more accessible and user-friendly for travellers, especially those near the airport.

The new charging hub allows six vehicles to charge simultaneously. The fast chargers installed include 60kW Dual Gun and 30kW Dual Gun, ensuring fast and reliable service for EV owners.

We are seeing a powerful shift in how we approach energy and transportation in the state. “Located near the NH and airport, the hub offers convenient access to this greener alternative for people on the move.”said M. Ramanunni, CEO and Co-founder of chargeMOD.

To mark the Onam festival, chargeMOD is offering EV owners a special rate of just 12.71+ GST per unit at chargeMOD stations across Kerala until September 16.

The company also presented new features on the chargeMOD app such as Wallet Option, in which users can preload money in the app for easy and convenient charging without needing a subscription. advanced filter options where users can filter chargers by area, network, and other criteria to find the most suitable charging stations.

The new feature EV routing allows users to plan their journey and locate chargers along their route, including filter options to identify compatible networks.

Liju George, Director -Colombier Lab, Hari Krishnan, Co committee member – EVOK and owner of Copper Temple Real Estate Company and the charging station, Hari Chembukav and his wife Vanaja Chembukavspoke during the event.

Spices Board Launches ‘CardsApp’ to Boost Cardamom Production

Idukki: The Spices Board India introduced the ‘CardsApp,’ a mobile application aimed at enhancing cardamom production, during the Spices Conclave and Buyer-Seller Meet held at the Indian Cardamom Research Institute in Myladumpara, Idukki.

 Dr. K.G. Jagadeesha IAS, Secretary of the Spices Board, inaugurated the event. He also launched the Spices Incubation Center at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, and the Kisan Seva Kendra, a dedicated farmer facilitation center. The Kisan Seva Kendra aims to support the spice farmers and provide solutions to various challenges in the agricultural sector.

During the conclave, the Spices Board showcased the ‘CardsApp,’ which provides vital soil test results, including a Soil Fertility Map, from samples collected across 19 villages in Udumbanchola and Idukki taluks—regions known for their cardamom cultivation potential. The app is expected to play a crucial role in increasing productivity by offering data-driven insights to farmers.

The event also featured addresses by key officials, including Dr. A.B. Rama Shree, Director of the Spices Board; K. Dhanapal, Head of the Crop Protection Department at Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Myladumpara; AV Gnanasambandam, CEO and Executive Director of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University -Agribusiness Incubation Society; Simanta Saikia, Deputy Director of Spices Board, Bodinaikkanur, and Dr. Jessy MD, Director of the Rubber Board.

During the event, Dr. T. Radhakrishnan, a renowned soil expert and Assistant Professor at Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology (DUK), conducted a session on utilizing the ‘CardsApp.’ Additionally, Dr. M. Murugan, Professor and Head at the Cardamom Research Station of Kerala Agricultural University, delivered a session on the impact of climate change on cardamom production.

Approximately 300 participants attended the conclave and buyer seller meet, including representatives from agricultural cooperatives, farmers’ organizations, cardamom producers’ federations, and the export trade sector.
The Spices Board aims to empower cardamom farmers by utilizing the latest technological advancements through initiatives like ‘CardsApp,’ which will contribute to the growth and sustainability of India’s cardamom production industry.