When a new leader takes the reins, it’s rarely just a formal title change.
Behind the press releases are shifts in priorities, fresh budget thinking, and a readiness to question old approaches. These are the moments when companies are more open to new partnerships, ideas, solutions, and when the right outreach can have outsized impact.
From consumer goods and hospitality to finance and media, there’s a wave of leadership updates. So, here’s a rundown of 11 key transitions, with insights into what they could mean for their organizations, industries, and collaborators.
1. Shailesh Jejurikar Takes the Helm at P&G
On January 1, Shailesh Jejurikar will become Procter & Gamble’s President and CEO, as Jon Moeller moves to Executive Chairman.
What to Watch: Possible recalibration of category focus, deeper sustainability commitments, and heightened attention on digital consumer engagement.
2. Raki Phillips Named Regional President, PME at Accor
Accor has brought in Raki Phillips to lead its Premium, Midscale & Economy portfolio across the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye. He will be responsible for driving growth, enhancing brand positioning, and shaping strategy in some of the world’s most competitive hospitality markets.
What to Watch: Strengthening of regional brand footprints, loyalty programs, and hospitality tech adoption - an opening for travel tech providers and destination marketing collaborations.
3. Stephane Maquaire Becomes Club Med CEO
Following a succession plan led by Henri Giscard d’Estaing, Stephane Macquarie steps in as President and CEO of Club Med Holding.
What to Watch: Potential acceleration into new geographies, upscale resort concepts, and multi-generational travel experiences, creating scope for joint ventures in tourism and lifestyle sectors.
4. Kirk Tanner Moves from Wendy’s to Hershey
The Hershey Company has announced Kirk Tanner as its next CEO, starting in August. Tanner moves from Wendy’s, where the CFO will step in as interim chief during the leadership transition.
What to Watch: Expect bold marketing partnerships, category diversification, and product innovation, particularly in snacking and beverages.
5. Cindy Rose Appointed CEO of WPP
WPP has announced Cindy Rose as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2025. She will succeed Mark Read, who will step down the same day but continue working with her to support the transition until the end of the year.
What to Watch: Likely acceleration of AI-powered creative, deeper integration across agency networks, and operational restructuring aimed at global efficiency.
6. Mary Ann Belliveau to Lead Snap’s North America Ad Sales
On Thursday, Snap has appointed Mary Ann Belliveau, veteran of Reddit, Twitter (X), and Google, as President of North America Sales.
What to Watch: Revitalized advertiser outreach, new monetization formats, and potentially greater integration of AR-driven campaigns for brand partners.
7. Artem Gonov Joins INFINOX as CTO
Retail FX and CFDs broker INFINOX has appointed Artem Gonov as CTO, tasking him with boosting the firm’s technology capabilities and optimizing trading platform performance from its Limassol, Cyprus headquarters.
What to Watch: Expansion of API capabilities, infrastructure scalability, and fintech partnerships around AI-powered trading solutions.
8. Varun Kandhari Becomes CMO & Growth Officer at Wellbeing Nutrition
Wellbeing Nutrition has brought on Varun Kandhari to lead marketing and growth strategy as the company scales in the health and wellness sector.
What to Watch: Multi-channel growth campaigns, aggressive DTC expansion, and category leadership through influencer and content-led strategies.
9. Sujeet Behra Elevated to President of Carat & CSO of Dentsu Media
Dentsu India has appointed Sujeet Behra to lead Carat as President while also taking on the role of Chief Strategy Officer for Dentsu Media. Reporting to Amit Wadhwa, CEO of Dentsu Creative & Media Brands, South Asia, Behra will drive greater alignment across media planning, performance, and strategy.
What to Watch: Greater integration between planning, performance, and brand strategy, opening avenues for innovative agency-client partnership models.
10. Jason Wilson Becomes CFO of Ahold Delhaize USA
Jason Wilson, a company veteran since 2000, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Ahold Delhaize USA. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Finance at Food Lion.
What to Watch: Heightened focus on operational efficiency, data-driven retail decisions, and selective investment in e-commerce capabilities.
11. Naveen Pandey Appointed Managing Director of Bajaj Consumer
Effective July 1, 2025, Naveen Pandey assumes the role of Managing Director at Bajaj Consumer Care, following the completion of Jaideep Nandi’s five-year term. His appointment, approved by the company’s Board on the recommendation of the Nomination, Remuneration, and Corporate Governance Committee, will span the next five years.
What to Watch: Renewed brand positioning in personal care, innovation in product lines, and expansion of digital retail presence.
Why Is It the Right Time to Act?
Every new leader comes with a mandate for change. These early months are when they’re most open to new partnerships, vendor relationships, and strategic ideas.
Proactive GTM teams should:
- Map new influence structures in these companies
- Position their solution as a fit for the leader’s early priorities
- Move before competitors adjust to the leadership change
In fast-moving markets, the advantage belongs to those who spot the signal and act on it first.
Stay tuned for more executive updates and industry insights withBizKonnect.