Tag: President and CEO

Business

SKF to showcase new solutions with significant customer value at its first-ever Tech & Innovation Summit

Jun 17, 2024 by Sujata Muguda 0 Comments #Annika Ölme, #CTO and Senior Vice President, #GOTHENBURG, #President and CEO, #Rickard Gustafson, #SKF, #SKF Tech & Innovation Summit, #SKF to showcase new solutions, #Sweden, #Tech & Innovation Summit, #Technology Development

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, June 17, 2024– SKF is presenting its technologically innovative solutions tailored for customers in focused industrial segments at the virtual SKF Tech & Innovation Summit. The solutions are developed to address the needs of greater reliability, energy efficiency, and high-performance as well as to support customers on their sustainability journey.

“Our focus on developing advanced solutions reflect how we continue to collaborate with our customers and partners to reimagine innovation and contribute to a more sustainable world,” says Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO.

Tailor-made solutions addressing key challenges

The solutions to be showcased at the SKF Tech & Innovation Summit connect the customer needs in SKF’s global industries and product lines with the Group’s investments in innovation and technology development.

In close collaboration with customers, SKF develops products and solutions that create significant customer value. One of the main highlights at the Summit is the introduction of the SKF Extreme Super Precision Bearing platform. It combines the most advanced SKF bearing technology and knowledge with customer needs to create customized products that meet the ever-increasing performance requirements of precision applications in the machine tool industry. Condition monitoring and Lubrication systems that improve passenger journeys by reducing noise and innovative sealing solutions that lower downtime and maintenance costs are other examples of innovations to be presented at the Summit.

Speaking about the solutions to be showcased, Annika Ölme, CTO and Senior Vice President, Technology Development, says, “As a customer-centric organization, we recognize the growing need for performance, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility across diverse industries—be it food & beverages, railway, wind, machine tools, or heavy industries like metals and mining. These technologically innovative solutions reflect our commitment to help our customers enhance operational efficiency and prioritize sustainability while remaining competitive. As the industry landscape evolves dynamically, we remain focused on innovations that create value for our customers, stakeholders, and society.”

Collaborating to unlock real business value

This intelligent and clean portfolio of innovative products and technologies are aligned with the industry’s shift towards clean technologies and demonstrates how SKF together with its customers drive progress and shape the future of the industry. Other key highlights to be presented at the event include SKF Seal solution; the online selection tool, SKF Product Select; SKF’s Sealed split SRB (SKF Cooper) designed for heavy industries; and SKF DuraPro bearing solutions for wind turbine main shaft. These products and solutions create significant value for customers, such as increased reliability, improved service life, lower maintenance and downtime costs, higher performance, and safer work environment.

Business

Costa Coffee opens its first-ever 24*7 flagship store in Gurugram

Dec 4, 2021 by Agency 0 Comments #CEO, #Costa Coffee, #Devyani International Limited, #President and CEO, #Sundeep Chugh, #Virag Joshi

Gurugram: Costa Coffee, the world’s second-largest coffee chain, managed and operated by Devyani International Limited (DIL) in India, today announced its expansion in the Delhi NCR region with the launch of its first-ever 24*7 flagship store in Gurugram in a never-seen-before design. Strategically located in the heart of the city, at DLF Galleria Market, one of the prominent shopping areas of Gurugram, the new store will bring the authentic Costa experience on all channels – Dine-in, Takeaway, and Delivery to be primarily led by an all-women team.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Virag Joshi, President, and CEO, Devyani International Limited said, “The flagship store in Gurugram marks an important milestone in the brand expansion journey and will set the pace for future in making the Costa experience more accessible, exciting and interesting for coffee lovers, especially in Delhi NCR region. As a valued franchise partner of the brand, DIL is excited to grow the Costa brand in India and extend its strong coffee heritage built on passion and perfection, known and loved the world over.”

“It gives us immense pride to launch this store with a women team at the core. DIL remains committed to creating and strengthening opportunities for women and fostering diversity across all our brands – KFC and Pizza Hut where all-women teams have already been leading successful restaurant operations for some of the stores,” he added.

Mr. Sundeep Chugh, CEO, Costa Coffee, Devyani International Limited said, “We are delighted to launch our flagship store in Gurugram, which would be our second store in the city—but one which will offer many firsts from the brand. We want to meaningfully expand into cities and neighborhoods where we feel our customers want to see us. Gurugram has grown not only as a city but also as a conglomeration of people who not only enjoy but also understand and appreciate great coffee. And we feel proud to be able to serve our offering here in an exciting new design that aims to deliver an elevated experience and responds to the evolving appetite for fresh ways to enjoy coffee.”

New Breakfast Menu

The store will offer customers a wide range of Costa Coffee beverage offerings using our exclusive Mocha Italia blend. This includes our espresso-based beverages such as Flat White, Cappuccino, Americanos, Latte, Mocha, and Cortado. The store will also have our limited edition Tiramisu flavored drinks to ring in the Christmas season along with our signature creamy and indulgent hot chocolate.

With the launch of this store, an enhanced food menu, freshly made every day, will be available throughout the day featuring delicious new entrants such as Pancakes with a variety of toppings to make it a hearty breakfast or dessert. This comes along with our existing menu of savory and sweet delights which consists of sandwiches, wraps, pastries, cakes, ice-cream desserts, and cookies.

The store also introduced a dedicated range of breakfast options such as Pancakes, Bun Omelette, Croissant, Egg white, Cheese, and Chicken Ham in Multigrain Croissant and many exciting dishes on the menu. Consumers can even pair coffee with some of their breakfast favorites as breakfast meals are available at a special price.

New Store Design

The new store boasts an evolved interior design with a coffee-first approach anchored on Costa’s brand purpose – “To inspire the world to love great coffee.” The new interiors are lighter, brighter, and more human and aim to deliver a warm and welcoming store environment, in keeping with the feel Costa is known and loved for, whilst evolving the interior to suit the needs of the metropolitan customer.

The detail and handcrafted approach to the store design reflects Costa’s heritage and passion for coffee at every touchpoint and is graphically reflected through wallpaper, art, and installations. The new hand-drawn pattern of wallpaper, which gives the store an elevated and premium look, is inspired by the growth of the coffee plant and the destinations in which Costa’s coffee beans are grown. A second wall installation consists of layering laser cut latte art stencils of various scales to give a handcrafted feel.

Intuitive seating zones have been introduced for different customer mindsets and times of day, with more upholstered seating. Screens have been introduced to give a sense of privacy to the seats. Customers can also enjoy free Wi-Fi 24×7 at the store while relishing their favorite coffee and food. The new store will also offer branded merchandise including the coffee tumblers and our signature Mocha Italia Blend.

With this launch, Costa Coffee strengthens its presence with a total of 50 stores across all formats covering high street, shopping malls, airports, hospitals, corporates & highways. This new flagship store follows the recent store openings in Kochi, Mohali, and Bengaluru which came after Devyani International Ltd. formalized an extension of its partnership with Costa Coffee for a five-year period with pan- India development rights in a phased manner.

Business, Health

Enviro organises free Covid vaccination camp for underprivileged at Vatika INXT, Sec-82, Gurugram

Sep 13, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Enviro, #Mr. Ajay Kumar Singh, #President and CEO

Gurugram: Enviro―Integrated facility management arm of Vatika Group today organised a free vaccination drive for 938 underprivileged beneficiaries at RRC, Vatika INXT, in Sec-82 Gurugram. The camp was supported by Robinhood Army and vaccines were provided by Municipal Corporation Gurugram (MCG).

“As we ramp up efforts towards a Covid-free India, it is extremely crucial for us to ensure vaccines reach the underprivileged section of the society who don’t have the necessary means. We also want to thank MCG and Robinhood Army for supporting us in the successful initiative. We are looking forward to coming up with more efforts until our society completely eliminates the risks of coronavirus infection,” Mr. Ajay Kumar Singh, President and CEO, Enviro.

The vaccination camp received huge participation from beneficiaries. A dedicated team of medical experts was also available to take care of individuals in case of any emergency. All Covid-appropriate behaviors were strictly adhered and the participants were also sensitised on necessary precautions and best practices for their complete safety and awareness.

Business

Wadhwani Foundation salutes startup and SME entrepreneurs for converting the pandemic challenge into a lifetime opportunity

Aug 19, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Dr Ajay Kela, #President and CEO, #Wadhwani Foundation

India: On the occasion of World Entrepreneurs’ Day, the global not-for-profit WadhwaniFoundation salutes the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurs who have risen to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in a strong bounce-back that catapulted a record no. of startups to the unicorn club and also resulted in a record no. of M&A deals.

Celebrating the World Entrepreneurs’ Day, Dr Ajay Kela, President and CEO, Wadhwani Foundation, said, “With 21 Indian startups achieving the unicorn status in 2021, it is heartening to see that the Indian entrepreneurs converted the pandemic challenge into a lifetime opportunity. They did this by aligning their solutions with the behavioural changes of their customers, be it doctors and patients, teachers and students, retailers and consumers, organizations and employees, etc. As a result, India saw its first-ever unicorns in healthtech, e-pharmacy, and social commerce space. Wadhwani Foundation salutes startup and SME entrepreneurs that are accelerating the economic development of our country and creating much-needed good jobs. The Foundation endeavours to help these entrepreneurs realize their full business potential through year-long hands-on training and lifelong support via an AI-empowered 360-degree platform that proactively serves customized knowledge and network resources.”

In a nutshell, startup and SME entrepreneurs found new-born opportunities in challenges to ensure the growth of the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem in 2021 and are now beginning to reap the benefits of perseverance, seeing the transition from stabilization to growth.

With digital-focused business models, data-driven business decisions, investment in new technology and increased focus on innovation, the future points towards unparalleled growth for the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem at large!

Business World

Panasonic India launches a new range of Air Conditioners equipped with nanoe™X technology

Jan 28, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Manish Sharma, #Panasonic India & South Asia, #President and CEO

New Delhi: To ensure a safer and a healthier lifestyle amidst this pandemic, Panasonic India – a leading diversified technology company, today launched the new range of Air Conditioners (ACs) under the HU series enabled with recently announced nanoe™X technology.  nanoe™X  technology releases hydroxyl radicals contained in water. Hydroxyl radicals are also known as “nature’s detergent” that are capable of inhibiting bacteria and viruses, including 99.99% of the adhered novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Panasonic has successfully tested* the nanoe™X device as well as nanoe™X ACs for the inhibitory effect on the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) at Texcell Laboratory, France. The new line-up of the five-star inverter nanoe™X ACs will be available in 1-ton and 1.5-ton. The (CS/CU-HU18XKYF) will be priced at  INR 66, 000. Indian consumers can experience the new range of Panasonic ACs, across major retail outlets, online portals and Panasonic brand stores soon.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Manish Sharma, President and CEO, Panasonic India & South Asia, said “Panasonic has been a frontrunner when it comes to developing pathbreaking technologies over the years to cater to the ever-evolving needs of the consumers. Our new range of Air Conditioners come with the nanoe™X technology demonstrating our commitment of making products that are relevant and in line with consumer requirement. Panasonic first tested the nanoe™X device at Texcell Laboratory, France where we did see success in inhibiting novel coronavirus. We challenged Texcell Laboratory further to test the nanoe™X device with Panasonic AC and this was also successful in inhibiting novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).”

 

Mr. Suguru Takamatsu, Divisional Head – Consumers Sales Division, Panasonic India said, “India has one of the lowest penetrations of ACs in the world at 5% that holds immense growth prospects in the segment. Further, with deteriorating air quality and the spread of new diseases, consumers have become more health-conscious. Therefore, our new range of Panasonic nanoe™X ACs are capable of eliminating the growth of certain pollutants such as allergens, bacteria, viruses, moulds, odours, and certain hazardous substances to enable a healthier lifestyle for our consumers.”

Mr. Gaurav Sah, Business Head, Air Conditioners Group, Panasonic India said, “Our rich expertise of over 60 years in AC manufacturing has helped us innovate with products that add value to our consumers’ daily life. The new line-up of nanoe™X ACs are equipped with ECONAVI, Twin Cool INV, and Jetstream technology for maximum safety and comfort. Tested* under lab conditions in Texcell, the new Panasonic nanoe™ X ACs have an inhibitory effect on the adhered novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). These ACs are installed with the nanoe™X device which releases 4.8 trillion hydroxyl radicals in a second that cleanses and deodorizes the indoor air. These nanoe™ X ACs can operate in fan mode and do not always require a compressor/ air cooling feature to be turned on ensuring – energy efficiency and round the clock indoor safety.”

Dr. Prerna Kohli, a renowned Clinical psychologist and founder of MindTribe.in was invited at the Panasonic India press conference. Sharing her views on the situation Dr. Kohli said, “Contrary to the popular belief that Covid-19 only had a physical impact on people, no one was ready for the impact it had on the mental wellbeing. With little or, no control over external environment people, today, have become more anxious about – having a healthy lifestyle, falling ill and infecting others unknowingly, worries related to childcare and elderly parents. And, until the vaccine becomes accessible and compatible for all, this concern will remain in the near future.”

“However, we still have an option to take control of our mental stature and, our indoor environment by making smart choices. I believe, such breakthrough tech-innovations like Panasonic’s nanoe™X  are a reflection of our evolving lifestyle needs, takes care of our indoor safety and at the same time offers complete peace of mind.” Dr.Kohli further added.

The new range of Panasonic nanoe™X ACs i.e., HU series features Miraie – Panasonic’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and IoT platform to ensure connected living. Comfort factor is ensured through superior cooling via Twin Cool INV, ECONAVI and Jetstream. The promise of durability is assured through Shield-Blu and ecoTOUGH technology. The HU series have been designed aesthetically and will be available in Advance facia.

A safer and healthier indoor air quality is ensured through Panasonic’s original nanoe™ X  and nanoe-G technology. nanoe-G technology works on the principle of ionizer technology and is already present across our Air Conditioner range.

*Panasonic nanoe™ X Air Conditoners test report:

Air conditioner equipped with nanoeTMX inhibits activity of adhered novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)over 91% in 8 hours

 

Test Outline:

(1)Testing organisation: Texcell (France)

(2)Test subject: Adhered novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)

(3)Test volume: 6.7m3 room (1.7m×1.8m×2.2m)

(4)Test result: Virus activity inhibited 91.4% in 8 hours

(5)Report No.: 1140-01 C3

 

Test result 

Test subject Inhibition rate Capacity Hours
SARS-CoV-2 42.4% 6.7 m3 4 hours
SARS-CoV-2 91.4% 6.7 m3 8 hours
SARS-CoV-2 99.7% 6.7m3 24 hours

 

Test report for nanoe™X

Organisation:Texcell

Subject:Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2）

Device: nanoe™X device

Method：

– nanoeTMX device is installed at 15cm from the floor in the 45L test space.

– A piece of gauze saturated SARS-CoV-2 virus solution was placed in a petri dish and exposed to nanoeTMX for a predetermined time.

– The virus infectious titer was measured and used to calculate the inhibition rate.

 

Results data

Test subject Inhibition rate* Capacity Hours
SARS-CoV-2 99.99% 45L 2 hours

 

** nanoe-G test-

99% removal of PM2.5

– Basis the certification by a research institute

–       PM2.5: Cigarette Smoke (as PM2.5)

–       This removal effect is not proven for all the airborne toxic substances.

–       All results are based on specific testing conditions and may differ based on environmental factors.

–       All tests are not demonstrated under actual usage situations.

 

–       FCG Research Institute, Inc nanoe-G mounted AC was operated and tested in a 23m3 sized test room

–       Removed by 99% in 202 minutes (compared to the initial concentration)

 

All test results are based on specific factors/ conditions and may vary basis environmental conditions as tested in laboratory conditions different from those found in living spaces. nanoe™ X inhibits activity or growth of viruses, but does not prevent infection.

Business World

Wadhwani Foundation salutes the spirit of entrepreneurship on the occasion of World Entrepreneurs’ Day 2020

Aug 20, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Dr Ajay Kela, #President and CEO, #Wadhwani Foundation, #World Entrepreneurs’ Day

August 20, 2020: On the occasion of World Entrepreneurs’ Day, Wadhwani Foundation, a not-for-profit with the mission of accelerating economic development in emerging economies by driving large-scale job creation through entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development, salutes the startups and entrepreneurs hit badly by the COVID-19 related business slump and the National lockdown.

The Foundation gives guidance on how startups should ensure liquidity and slow-down the burn rate while diligently planning for an 18-month runway. Also, it strongly recommends that startups should not

waste the crisis, as it provides an unprecedented opportunity to pivot to new businesses and diversify into growth verticals like healthcare, emerging tech, online education, grocery delivery and e-pharmacies.

On the occasion of the World Entrepreneurs’ Day, Dr Ajay Kela, President and CEO, Wadhwani Foundation, has a few words of advice for startups and entrepreneurs – “The COVID-19 disruption has created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for entrepreneurs and startups. Behavioural changes of doctors and patients, teachers and students, retailers and consumers, companies and employees, policy evangelists and policymakers, etc., which would have taken years, have changed overnight and will become the new normal. New entrepreneurs should build solutions that align with these new behaviours, and existing entrepreneurs have the advantage of having started the journey to pivot quickly. Data suggests that the best time to start a company is during a crisis. This pandemic is the mother of all crises, hence, also offers the mother of all opportunities. Please don’t waste the crisis, start something new or pivot to the new norm, and I wish you the very best.”

Most of the sectors, barring a few, will struggle due to the declining demand and low consumer sentiment. Hence, this is the time for startup entrepreneurs to preserve cash, get nimble, be ready to pivot to meet new customer needs through change and innovation, and not hesitate to seek help.