07-07-2025
ET Business Excellence & Innovation Summit 2025: A power-packed evening of ideas, impact, and inspiration
The HDFC Bank presents ET Business Excellence & Innovation Summit 2025, powered by Havendaxa Pvt Ltd. It unfolded as an extraordinary gathering of the brightest minds, pioneering entrepreneurs, and trailblazers who are reshaping India's economic and innovation landscape. Held amidst much anticipation at The Westin Gurgaon New Delhi, the event celebrated not just business milestones but the mindsets and missions behind them.
Insights that ignited conversations
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The Bennet and Bernard Company, Sagar Amlani, Vinkesh Gulati - United Automobiles, Rohit Sharma - KoreCent Solutions
The evening opened with a presentation session by The Bennet and Bernard Company. Vivek Vashist, Strategic Consultant and Communication Advisor, along with Sneha Naik, Interior Designer to the company, captivated the audience with a presentation session on the philosophy and vision behind The Bennet and Bernard Company.
This was followed by the fireside chat with Vinkesh Gulati, Managing Director, United Automobiles, who took the stage for a thought-provoking fireside chat on 'Disruption in the Automotive Industry and How Dealerships Are Facing It.' His insights into changing consumer behaviour, electric mobility, and the role of tech in dealership evolution brought home the real-time challenges and opportunities in the sector.
Next, keynote speaker Sagar Amlani took the stage with his session, 'The Invisible Edge: How Productive Minds Create the Greatest Innovations.' He redefined the starting point of innovation, not as creativity or talent, but mindset. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and his journey from Mumbai's slums to boardrooms, he explained how fear and worry silently block innovation. Introducing The Productive Mindset—a shift from fear to fulfilment—he shared his AIM framework (Awareness, Investment, Motivation) as a practical tool. The audience left with a striking insight: innovation begins not with tools, but with thought.
In the subsequent fireside chat, Rohit Sharma, CEO, KoreCent Solutions, emphasised the essence of true digital transformation. He stated, 'The dialogue today wasn't just about technology; it was about defining 'digital excellence' in today's economy. At Korecent, we see it as the seamless integration of technology into a business model to unlock its core potential. Our goal is to make this transition not a disruption, but a powerful, strategic advantage for our clients.'
Live Events
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Shaily Mehrotra – Fixderma, Akhilesh Sharma – Havendaxa, Monica Sagar - The Knowledge Habitat, Anubhav Khanna - HDFC Bank
Shaily Mehrotra, CEO & Co-Founder of Fixderma India Pvt. Ltd., led a discussion on 'India's Beauty Boom: What the Next Billion Consumers Really Want.' She highlighted how informed consumers now prioritise efficacy, authenticity, and dermatological credibility. 'At Fixderma, we see a shift toward science-backed, clinically tested skincare that delivers real results. The next billion aren't just buying products—they're choosing dermatologist-recommended solutions that align with their lifestyle, identity, and skin health,' she noted.
Akhilesh Sharma, Founder & CEO of Havendaxa Pvt. Ltd., delivered a standout presentation on the future of commercial real estate, highlighting the rise of Fractional Ownership. 'Once reserved for the ultra-wealthy, investors can now co-own premium assets like 5-star hotels, Grade-A offices, and logistics parks starting at ₹50 lakh,' he said. This tech-enabled model ensures stable rental yields, long-term growth, and professional management, making real estate more inclusive, low-risk, and future-ready. 'As markets fluctuate, this model transforms how India invests in its future,' he added.
Monica Sagar, Director of Education at The Knowledge Habitat, spoke on the Role of Technology in Personalized Learning. She quoted 'At The Knowledge Habitat, we are committed to embedding a personalized learning pedagogy that moves away from the traditional 'one-size-fits-all' model. By leveraging technology, we aim to create a learning environment tailored to each student's unique learning styles, preferences, strengths, and areas for growth.'
The evening's final fireside featured Anubhav Khanna, Exec. Vice President & Regional Head, Retail Branch Banking, HDFC Bank, who shared insights on Digital Transformation & MSME Empowerment. He said, 'HDFC Bank is deepening its commitment to MSME digital transformation through MyBusiness Digital Banking, designed to offer seamless current account solutions, working capital access, ERP integration, and multi-bank visibility via Account Aggregator. We aim to empower Indian MSMEs to compete and grow in a digitally connected global economy.'
Honouring excellence across sectors
The summit concluded with a felicitation ceremony that recognised extraordinary individuals and organisations for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields. The ceremony was held in the presence of renowned actor Kunal Kapoor, who served as the Chief Guest of the evening.
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Research methodology
The selection process for the felicitation was conducted by Avance Insights Pvt. Ltd., an independent market research agency ensuring transparency, merit, and credibility in every recognition. The process involved desk research, a factual survey, and follow-up through various channels to arrive at the results.
List of achievers:
Shaily Mehrotra, CEO & Co-Founder, Fixderma India Pvt. Ltd. - Emerging Power Brand in Dermaceutical Category
Sapna Sharma, CTO, KoreCent Solutions - Excellence in Technology and Digital Transformation
Dinesh Rathour, Managing Director, Mahesh Edible Oil - Saloni Oil - Leading Mustard Oil Brand of the Year
Yashank Wason, Managing Director & Varun Kumar Makhija - Director, Royal Green Realty - Emerging Real Estate Developer
Manoj Joshi & Subhash Pundir, Co-Founder and Director, 6Sigma Healthcare Communications - Iconic Brand Building In Healthcare Industry
Vinkesh Gulati, Managing Director, United Automobiles - Excellence in Automotive Retail Leadership
Dinesh Arora, Founder, Qavalli Aerocity & Qavalli Nehru Place - Visionary Leader in F&B Business
Shivam Maheshwari, CEO & Founder, REGex Software Services - Excellence in IT Training
Shilpa Bhagat, Founder, Fitistan - Excellence in Innovative Health & Wellness Leader
Maxemo Capital Services Private Limited - Leading Digital Financing Service Provider
Dr. Alok Gupta, Proprietor, AG Industries - Excellence in Tech Innovation Leadership
Lincoln Bennet Rodrigues, Chairman and Founder, The Bennet and Bernard Company - Excellence in Experiential Luxury Residences
Keystone Seasons - Innovation & Sustainability Leadership in Real Estate
Himanshu Sehrawat, CEO & Founder, Clean Craft Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in Laundry Franchise Model
Raghunandan Saraf, Co-Founder, Saraf Furniture - Visionary Leader in the Furniture Industry
Shrishti Bhandari, CEO & Executive Director, Mangalam Information Technologies Pvt Ltd - Visionary CEO of the Year
Nikhil Chandan, CEO & MD, Navyug Global Ventures Private Limited - Promising Young Business Leader
Kanishk Agrawal, Chief Technology Officer, Judge India - Visionary Leader in Technology and Innovation
Ankur Kumar, Founder, Brainyflock Pvt. Ltd (Peas in Pod Preschool) - Fast Growing Preschool in India
Aditya Pratap Singh, Owner, Nexon Legal - Innovative Leader in Strategic Negotiation & Legal Advisory
Abhishek Gilara, CEO, Advit Jewels Limited - Excellence in Luxury Jewellery Innovation & Craftsmanship
Niki Hingad, Founder, Thetapegaasi - Excellence in Sustainable Wellness Essential Oils
Nitin Jain- Founder, Saurav Ojha - Co-founder, Iberia Pharmaceuticals India Limited - Excellence in Skincare & Beauty
Bhavneesh Malik, CEO, BCV ClaimPro Assist Pvt. Ltd. - Leading Innovator in Logistics Solutions
Anushi Jain, Founder, Nutri Maven - Excellence in Innovative Leadership – Healthcare
Nishant Sonkar - Visionary Leader in Technology and Innovation
Mayank Goyal, Founder & CEO, moneyHOP - Fast Growing Cross-Border Payments Fintech
Harsh Jagwani, Managing Director, Notandas Realty - Urban Legacy in Luxury Development
Manavdeep Singh, Director, Jaygee Hospitality Services Pvt. Ltd - Leading Real Estate Advisory Firm
Vikrant Sood, MD & Founder, 360 Interior Designs (India) Pvt. Ltd. - Recognized Innovator in Architecture & Furniture Sector
Bhudev Deora, Partner, Rawat Empire - Excellence in F&B Business
Vikram Singh, Senior Partner and Head of Litigation, Circle of Counsels - Excellence in Dispute Resolution and White Collar Crime
Saurabh Luthra, Chairman & Co-Founder, Being Bharat Romeo Lane Hospitality LLP - Visionary Founder in F&B Business
Amit Agarwal, Managing Partner, Amit Transport Corporation - Visionary in Logistics Solutions
Sanjay Mendiratta, Founder & Director, Ivannkanxt Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. – HEATCURE - Excellence in the Field of Energy Saving & Sustainability
Mohana Rao Patibandla, CMD & CEO, Chief Neurosurgeon, Dr. Rao's Hospital / Patibandla Narayana Swamy Neurosciences LLP - Excellence in Neurology, Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery
Srishti Jupudi, Professional Athlete, Social IMPACT, Trade & Commerce, Intl. Collaborations - Inspiring Woman Leader - Exceeding Expectations
Dr. Sarvesh Tiwari, Founder, PR Professionals - Excellence in Public Relations
List of partners:
Presenting Sponsor – HDFC Bank, Powered by Partner – Havendaxa Pvt. Ltd., Luxury Car Partner – Audi Delhi South, Technology Partner – KoreCent Solutions, Good Times Partner – Kingfisher Packed Drinking Water, Celebration Partner – Dewar's Xperiences, Strategy Partner – Brands Impact, Hospitality Partner – The Westin Gurgaon New Delhi
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