MUMBAI: Mumbai-based popular Indian gaming and entertainment centre operator Smaaash Entertainment Pvt Ltd, which had shuttered operations in the latter half of 2020 due to a severe downturn in business as a fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, is back up and running.
The company, which counted cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador pretty much from inception, used to operate in more than 40 locations across 19 cities in India and was a popular hangout for urban teens and tweens before coronavirus lockdowns and fears forced them indoors.
On Friday Smaaash announced the appointment of Shirish Kotmire as their new CEO.
Kotmire brings with him about three decades of experience in aggressive growth-oriented mature global companies, as well as successful new ventures and start-ups.
Kotmire, who is based out of Mumbai, has the immediate agenda to build a team of experienced CXOs who will be tasked with anchoring the transformation journey of Smaaash again to create new benchmarks in this industry.
On the appointment, Shripal Morakhia, founder & chief imagination officer, Smaaash, said: “We are elated to have Shirish Kotmire in our team at SMAAASH, he has experience in marquee retail, technology brands, and promoter-driven ventures. At 63, I worked hard to resurrect Smaaash in the last 6 months. It was high time that a professional leadership team took over to guiding Smaaash to new heights. The appointment of Shirish as the CEO is the first step in that direction. With his vast experience in creating value across businesses we look forward to his leadership to deliver same store growths as well as execute the blitzkrieg of new stores expansion nationally.”
On his new journey with SMAAASH, Kotmire said: “I am honored and pleased to accept the privilege of heading Smaaash and strengthening the position of Smaaash as the fun, party, play, bonding & entertainment destination for informal friends groups, corporate and retail customers along with building digital engagement with them.
“Our consumers have grown up on Smaaash over the last 11 years and have a strong affinity to the brand. In our second inning, we are giving a classy environment along with a potent combination of gaming-bowling, go-karting, arcade & VR games along with a pocket-friendly restobar to relax after a tiring but fun gaming time. To build stickiness and exploit opportunities in the growing gaming space, we are on the cusp of introducing exciting innovative formats in the physical edutainment space also.”
Kotmire’s previous companies in leadership positions include Reliance Retail, GVK-Mumbai International Airport, Bharti Airtel, Rediff.com and Asian Paints, among others.
Smaaash is setting a scorching pace for its existing centers as well as expansion plan, which matches the aspirations of growth and valuation of investors. Kotmirehas been tasked with fast-forwarding the strategy and syncing operations that the organization has experienced in the past and with new leadership make it possible again.
