Martin Schwenk India Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes- Benz Martin Schwenk took over the India operations a little over a year ago, at a time, when the taxation system had become a challenge. Under his leadership, Mercedes-Benz, in 2019, launched highperformance AMG cars, which as per the German carmaker will redefine India’s driving experience. The automobile giant has been sitting at the top position for the last four years in the Indian luxury car market, in spite of the economic slowdown. 2019 saw Mercedes complete 25 years in the Indian market and the automaker is aggressively growing its product portfolio in the country, especially with highperformance AMG models. “We believe that reduction in import duties will not only allow the luxury automotive sector to grow – resulting in a multiplier effect – it will also help us introduce newer technologies and models, which are technologically advanced and safer,” says Schwenk. “We believe that reduction in import duties will not only allow the luxury automotive sector to grow – resulting in a multiplier effect – it will also help us introduce newer technologies and models, which are technologically advanced and safer” Mira Kulkarni Mira Kulkarni is a veteran in the field of Ayurveda. Even as the beauty segment finds the Ayurveda market expanding, Forest Essentials, founded in 2000 is now one of the award-winning luxury beauty brands known for authentic, traditional skincare. Kulkarni has been honoured with prestigious awards, recommendations and won several awards as one of India’s most powerful women in business for consecutive years, from 2011 to 2020. Forest Essentials is backed by several industry experts and celebrities as a favourite. Ms Kulkarni has come a long way from starting the company with 50 honey soaps back in 2000, to their partnership with Estee Lauder in 2008, making it the first Indian brand to go global. The brand launched in international waters in 2021, with UK being its first market. Her exquisite taste, married with simplicity and belief in sustainability. “Luxury is being understated. My business advice for those seeking to become entrepreneurs in the luxury industry would be to learn to go into depth, and not to get bored too easily.” Founder & Chief Managing Director, Forest Essentials 10 | | 11
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