Future Generali India Insurance Inaugurates ‘Shakti’ in Kochi, Pioneering an All-Women’s Branch

Kochi, March 7, 2025: Future Generali India Insurance Company (FGII) is delighted to announce the inauguration of its first all-women’s branch in Kochi, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to empowering women in the workforce and enhancing customer service through gender inclusivity.

The branch, located on the 5th Floor of Pulikkal Estate, M.G. Road, Kochi, was inaugurated by Mr. Anup Rau, MD & CEO of Future Generali India Insurance, in the presence of senior leadership including Ms. Ruchika Varma, Chief Marketing, Customer and Impact Officer; Mr. Ramit Goyal, Chief Distribution Officer; Mr. Akshay Kashyap, Chief People and Organization Officer; Officer; Ms Ritu Sethi, Chief Internal Audit Officer; Mr Ashish Lakhtakia, General Counsel, Chief Regulatory Affairs & Company Secretary. The event marks a key achievement in the company’s long-term vision of fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment while providing top-tier insurance solutions to its customers cutting across various sections of society.

‘Shakti’, as the name suggests, symbolizes strength, resilience, and empowerment and the branch resonates the company’s commitment to fostering an environment where women lead with confidence and drive meaningful impact in the financial services sector.

Located in the heart of Kochi, the pioneering branch will be powered by an exceptional team of 12 women—with plans to onboard even more in the coming months. The dedicated all-women “shakti” sales team will provide expert insurance solutions while paving the way for greater representation of women in the industry. Moving forward, FGII plans to scale this model by expanding similar branches across other key cities, reinforcing its commitment to an equitable workplace.

Speaking at the inauguration event of the all-women’s branch in Kochi, Anup Rau, Managing Director and CEO, Future Generali India Insurance Company Ltd. said, “At Future Generali India Insurance, we have always believed that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are not just values but catalysts for meaningful change. On this International Women’s Day, I am immensely proud to announce another step in our DEI journey—the launch of ‘Shakti’, our first-ever all-women branch in Kochi, Kerala. Our dedicated all-women “Shakti” sales team will provide expert insurance solutions while paving the way for greater representation of women in the industry. We hope this initiative inspires more women to pursue careers in insurance and financial services, nurturing the next generation of women leaders at FGII.”

With DEI firmly rooted in the DNA of the organisation, FGII has been undertaking several measures to create a benchmark not just as an inclusive insurer and inclusive employer but also as an inclusive corporate citizen. As an inclusive insurer the company has been customising solutions to address every conceivable homogeneous group, however small. As an inclusive employer, it has been empowering women in leadership roles and operational excellence, not only to foster a stronger workforce but also enhance its ability to serve its customers with greater empathy and understanding.

“The inauguration of the all-women’s branch reinforces our commitment to building an inclusive future, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. As part of our ongoing efforts, we will continue to create more opportunities for women employees to showcase their sales and leadership skills,” Rau said.

For a country the size of India, where women comprise roughly half of the nation’s population, at around 49 per cent, less than one-third, or only about 30%, are covered under health insurance between 2019-21, as per data fetched from the National Family Health Survey India report. Around 34.20 per cent of women are covered under life insurance, IRDAI’s annual report 2022-23 suggests.

Understanding the need gap, the company had launched a comprehensive health insurance plan “HEALTH POWHER” to address the various needs of women across the different stages of their lives last year. Now the launch of this all-women’s branch is not only a reflection of Future Generali’s progressive approach to gender diversity but also demonstrates its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for women in the insurance industry. The branch aims to break barriers and establish a benchmark for other organizations to follow. With an all-women team leading the operations, the Kochi branch is poised to enhance the customer experience, provide specialized insurance solutions, and strengthen engagement with the local community.

The establishment of this all-women’s branch also underscores Future Generali’s resolve to expand its footprint in key regions, contributing to the company’s broader goal of providing accessible and inclusive insurance services across the nation. This milestone represents a growing trend within the company to drive innovation, inclusivity, and operational excellence across all levels of its workforce.

The company recently celebrated a significant milestone in its DEI journey of having 1% representation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in its workforce by launching a limited-edition collectible – ‘It’s a Onederful World’. Nearly 22 per cent of the company’s PwD hires are women, once again underscoring its efforts to build a workplace that is inclusive in every sense.

New Delhi Welcomes Nespresso’s First Boutique, Offering Coffee Lovers an Unmatched Experience

Bengaluru, March 7, 2025 – Nespresso, the pioneer in premium portioned coffee, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its first boutique at Select Citywalk Mall, Ground Floor, Saket, New Delhi. This launch marks a significant milestone in Nespresso’s global expansion following its initial entry into India in late 2024.

The new boutique offers coffee enthusiasts an immersive experience, showcasing Nespresso’s iconic range of high-quality coffees and state-of-the-art machines. Consumers can explore and savor a variety of coffee blends, receive personalized recommendations from trained coffee specialists, and learn about Nespresso’s commitment to sustainability.

Philipp Navratil, CEO of Nespresso, said: “The launch of the Nespresso boutique in Delhi is a testament to our commitment to the growing coffee culture in India. I’m very proud of this important milestone, which will help us bring Nespresso’s unforgettable taste to Indian coffee lovers. We believe that every cup of Nespresso coffee tells a story of quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. With this new space, we invite coffee lovers to immerse themselves in an unparalleled sensory journey, where they can explore our diverse range of exceptional blends and innovative machines.”

Speaking on the expansion, Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India, stated: “Coffee culture in India is evolving rapidly, and we are delighted to bring our globally renowned expertise and the premium and unique experience of Nespresso. Launching Nespresso in India reflects our quest for excellence and commitment to deliver world-class coffee experiences to Indian consumers. As India’s coffee culture continues to develop, we are excited to introduce an aesthetically befitting space where coffee connoisseurs can savor the brand and discover the extraordinary.”

Nespresso and Nestlé India are pleased to announce that its official distribution partner in India is Thakral Innovations Pvt Ltd, covering the full range of Nespresso coffee products across all channels.

Nespresso has been sourcing high-quality green coffee from India since 2011 and collaborates directly with around 2,000 coffee farmers in the country through its AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program. This initiative focuses on improving coffee quality, farm productivity, and sustainability, reflecting Nespresso’s commitment to creating a positive impact throughout the coffee value chain.

End the Financial Year on a High Note: GReaT Trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels Introduces Special Meeting Offers

Chennai, March 2025: GReaT Trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels is introducing exclusive Financial Year-End Meeting Offers, designed for corporate teams to unwind, strategize, and celebrate their achievements in a serene and inspiring setting. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Yercaud, the property offers relaxing open spaces, breathtaking views, and seamless connectivity from Bengaluru and Chennai, with Salem Airport conveniently located nearby. This all-inclusive retreat combines state-of-the-art meeting facilities, comfortable stays, curated dining experiences, and engaging recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for leadership retreats, strategy sessions, and team-building getaways. The weekday offers start from INR 5500 plus taxes per person on double sharing.

 Speaking on the launch of the offer, Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, said:
“At GRT Hotels, we understand the importance of an inspiring and distraction-free setting for corporate meetings and leadership retreats. GReaT Trails Yercaud offers the perfect blend of nature, comfort, and convenience, ensuring teams can recharge and refocus while enjoying a seamless experience.

 Beyond business, guests can embrace the tranquil surroundings, enjoy nature walks, bonfires, and adventure activities, ensuring a well-rounded experience that fosters both productivity and relaxation. Whether it’s a high-impact leadership meeting or a corporate offsite, GReaT Trails Yercaud provides the perfect blend of work and leisure, ensuring a memorable and rejuvenating experience for every team.

Arindam Mukherjee appointed as Chief Operating Officer, Srijan Realty

Kolkata, March 05, 2025 – Srijan Realty, a leading real estate developer in Eastern India, today announced the appointment of Arindam Mukherjee as its Chief Operating Officer for their business operations outside of West Bengal. Arindam in his new role will ensure efficiency to strengthen the business operations and design processes for Srijan Realty.

Speaking on the appointment, Mr. R N Agarwal, MD, Srijan Realty, commented, “We are pleased to welcome Arindam in the new role at Srijan Realty Team. This role will be key to advancing and strengthening the company’s strategic focus outside of West Bengal. He brings 25 years of experience with a deep understanding of the Real Estate market which will play a crucial role in steering this exciting journey”

Talking about his new role at Srijan Realty Arindam expressed “As India has one of the fastest growing real-estate markets I am excited to join Srijan Realty on this journey. With a strong foundation already in place in Eastern India, I look forward to working with the talented team at Srijan to build an exceptional real estate business outside West Bengal that resonates with both our customers and stakeholders.”

In his previous role as the Head of Land Acquisition and Special Projects at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., Arindam Mukherjee was responsible for overseeing the strategic procurement and management of land assets, ensuring seamless expansion and infrastructure development to support the company’s growth initiatives.

TEDxStLouis Hosts “Curiosity” Talks

Live and in-person TEDx series spotlights speakers with an intrinsic connection to the St. Louis region.

(St. Louis, Mo., March 7, 2025) – TEDxStLouis invites the community to spark new ideas and challenge perspectives at its upcoming “Curiosity” Talks on Saturday, May 31 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum located at 5700 Lindell Blvd. General Admission tickets are $37 per person.

The event features influential local voices exploring bold ideas on leadership, critical thinking, biodiversity, data literacy, and even the impact of lighting design. Each talk is designed to shift perspectives, ignite conversations, and inspire action.

Featured speakers and talks include:

• Yemi Akande-Bartsch, Ph.D., President and CEO of FOCUS St. Louis, “Leadership – What Problem Are You Solving?” Dr. Akande-Bartsch will explore rethinking relationships and unlocking new opportunities for success and societal progress.
• Tabari A. Coleman, Founder of The Coleman Group Consulting, “Thinking About Our Thinking: Exploring the Nature of Radical Candor, Self Awareness and Critical Thinking.” Coleman’s session will uncover how radical candor and self-awareness can support mental health and personal growth.
• Justin Grubb, award-winning filmmaker and Co-Founder of Running Wild Media, “Beyond the Lawn: Inviting Nature Home.” His presentation will focus on how swapping traditional lawns for native plants can support pollinators and boost biodiversity.
• Dr. R. Lauren Miller, activist and Assistant Professor at Saint Louis University, “Statistics Helps More Students Than Calculus.” Dr. Miller will show why statistics is the most valuable math course, as well as why more students should take it.
• Sean Savoie, Teaching Professor of Design at Washington University, “A Well-Placed Light.” He will review the surprising ways lighting design shapes our well-being and daily life.

Event-goers will enjoy live music from the Red and Black Brass Band, St. Louis’ premier New Orleans-style second line band, bringing high-energy, celebratory music rooted in African traditions.

The event is sponsored by COCAbiz, 100^th Monkey, RAC, RGA, and U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance.

TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.  At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.  Founded in 2013, TEDxStLouis provides the community with events, connections, and ongoing information.  For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.tedxsaintlouis.org.