MAM
Vanita Keswani exits Madison Media Sigma after 30 years
CEO bids farewell to Madison to begin independent venture
MUMBAI: After three decades of building brands, businesses and bonds, Vanita Keswani is stepping down as CEO of Madison Media Sigma and moving on from Madison World to begin an independent entrepreneurial chapter.
In a heartfelt note announcing her departure, Keswani reflected on her 30 year journey, writing, “They say time flies, but looking back at the last three decades, it feels more like time has built so much.” As she “steps out of the doors of Madison as an employee”, she says she leaves with “a trove of cherished memories and relationships”.
Keswani joined Madison in 1995 as an account manager on the Coca Cola business and steadily rose through the ranks. From account director on Godrej Consumer to business director and general manager, she went on to become COO in 2012 and was elevated to CEO in 2015. Over the last decade at the helm, she managed P and L, led the core business development and training teams, drove digital growth and championed media innovation aligned to client KPIs.
Her tenure saw significant new business wins and strong organic growth across existing accounts. Under her leadership, teams secured a gamut of media innovation awards across platforms including Emvies, Abby, Prime Time, OAC and Golden Mikes. She was also recognised among the top 50 most influential women in media by Impact magazine.
In her farewell message, Keswani thanked the “soul of the organisation” for its culture of transparency and growth. She acknowledged mentors who offered “tough love and honest feedback”, and teams who navigated midnight crises and midday celebrations alike. She also expressed gratitude to industry and media partners, noting that many professional associations evolved into genuine partnerships over time.
Before Madison, Keswani spent nearly four years at Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd, part of the Times Group, where she worked across sales, marketing and product roles, including with Femina and Filmfare, and was involved in early radio brand initiatives at Times FM.
A marketing MBA from Times School of Marketing and a psychology graduate from Indraprasth College for Women, Keswani has also completed leadership programmes at ISB and with global coaches, and has been a regular panelist and visiting faculty member at industry and academic forums.
“I am leaving a piece of my heart here, as I take with me the lessons of a lifetime,” she wrote, adding that she is excited to apply her learning to her independent entrepreneurial work.
For Madison Media Sigma, it marks the end of an era. For Keswani, it appears to be the start of another.
Brands
Malaika Arora launches Maejoy accessories brand with Myntra partnership
New label debuts with 250 plus handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery.
MUMBAI: When style meets sparkle, a new brand is ready to take centre stage. Actor and entrepreneur Malaika Arora has launched a lifestyle accessories label called Maejoy, developed in collaboration with Exceed Entertainment and Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL), the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra. The brand enters the market with a debut collection of more than 250 styles spanning handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery, two categories that continue to define everyday personal style for modern consumers.
The handbag lineup includes crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, backpacks, clutches and workwear inspired designs. The pieces are crafted using materials such as synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestones and metallic finishes.
Alongside the bags, Maejoy has introduced a jewellery range featuring lab grown diamond rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets. The pieces are set in 925 sterling silver bases with gold, silver and rose gold tones, and include diamonds certified by IGI and GCI.
Positioned as a premium yet accessible accessories label, Maejoy is built around the philosophy “The Joy of Being Me”, aiming to blend aspirational fashion with everyday usability. The brand’s positioning centres on three pillars: authenticity, empowerment and accessibility.
Arora described the venture as a natural extension of her long association with fashion and personal style.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business or through personal style, I have always believed fashion should feel empowering yet effortless. The Joy of Being Me celebrates individuality while making global fashion trends more accessible,” she said.
MJIPL, CXO and head of house of brands Suman Saha said the brand brings together Arora’s style perspective with a strong opportunity in the accessible premium accessories segment.
“Maejoy combines Malaika Arora’s distinctive style sensibility with fashion forward designs that we believe will resonate strongly with consumers looking for elevated yet wearable accessories,” he said.
Exceed Entertainment CEO Afsar Zaidi added that building celebrity led brands requires balancing authenticity with market viability.
“Malaika commands respect both as a fashion icon and a businesswoman. Bringing her creative vision together with Myntra’s brand building expertise creates a strong foundation for Maejoy,” he said.
The collection is available exclusively on Myntra through its website and mobile app, making the brand accessible to millions of shoppers across India as it steps into the competitive lifestyle accessories space.
