Flipkart's old-timer Jha to head Ekart

BENGALURU: Right before the annual festive sale kicks off, Flipkart has moved one of its oldest ex ecutives Amitesh Jha to head Ekart, the logistics arm of the company , sources aware of the development said.

The e-commerce major's erstwhile COO Nitin Seth was heading Ekart till he was asked to leave abruptly in May. After Seth's exit, Ekart and other corporate functions were reporting to the company's chief executive Kalyan Krishnamurthy. Recently , Ekart's CFO Harish Abhichandani also quit to join the app-based cab-hailing firm Ola as its CFO.

Jha, who has been with Flipkart since 2010, had previously worked with the Ekart team, while most recently he was heading categories like electronics, computers, large appliances and furniture. His was earlier designated as VP (retail) at the e-tailer.

"Flipkart looked at external candidates to fill the position but Jha, being an old timer in the company , was chosen to head Ekart last month. In his appointment, timing is very crucial since the sale season is around the corner and logistics is a very important factor to beat rivals like Amazon," a person aware of the development said., adding that his earlier stint in Ekart would come in handy as Flipkart prepares for the demand rush next month.