Raj Armani of IMbesharam has been nominated for the Progressive Leadership Award at the 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards. The annual awards recognize achievements in the adult business community, with voting currently open on XBIZ.net.

Raj Armani's Nomination and Background

Raj Armani, co-founder and CEO of IMbesharam, has been nominated for the Progressive Leadership Award at the 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards. The nomination was announced on November 4, 2026, at 8:33 AM PST in Los Angeles. The XBIZ Exec Awards, specifically the pleasure product and retail industry edition, are scheduled for January 9, 2027, as part of the XBIZ events series in Los Angeles.

Armani stated that progressive leadership involves advancing conversations and normalizing sexual health and pleasure. He aims to dissolve the shame associated with self-pleasure, advocating for open discussions about sexual health and pleasure with the same respect given to physical health, mental health, and wellness. IMbesharam was founded in 2013, addressing what Armani described as an underserved and taboo market for sexual wellness in India. He noted that people in India had questions, needs, and curiosities but lacked a safe, credible, or judgment-free resource. The company's approach involves normalizing conversations and listening to its audience, particularly women. Women now constitute nearly half of IMbesharam's audience and contribute 65% of its revenue, an increase from approximately one-third in 2020. Armani attributed this trust to building a platform where women feel respected, informed, and in control, rather than solely to marketing efforts.

In related news, Raj Armani was featured in a full-page brand showcase advertorial in Cosmopolitan India Magazine on November 3, 2026.

The 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards

The 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards honor individuals for their creativity and leadership, celebrating career achievements across various prominent industry roles within the adult business community. Nominees are selected based on factors such as business acumen, community standing, and overall leadership. The pleasure product and retail industry edition of the awards is presented by Svakom and Kaotik Labs.

Voting for the 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards opened on October 27, 2026, on XBIZ.net and will conclude on November 6, 2026. The awards ceremony for the pleasure product and retail edition is set for January 9, 2027. The Adult Entertainment edition of the XBIZ Exec Awards is scheduled for January 8, 2027. Brent Aldon, Director of Sales and Marketing for Aneros, and Erik Vasquez, VP of Marketing for Sliquid, are slated to co-host the 2027 XBIZ Awards, Pleasure and Retail Edition, on January 9 at Avalon Hollywood.

In addition to the nominated categories, five special awards recognizing human impact will be presented at the ceremony without nominees. These include the Brave Voice Award, Pulse of the People Award, Trusted Confidant Award, Heart of Gold Award, and Shining Spirit Award.

Other Nominees and Industry Developments

The 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards include nominees across various categories. For the Retail Buyer of the Year, nominees include Lindsay Allain of Pleasures N Treasures, Amber Baxter of Fairvilla, Jessica Beatty of Lion’s Den, Rachel Bertoglio of Fascinations, Amy Carnegie of Barnaby, Rico DeRobles of Romantix, Ali Ferreri of Hustler Hollywood, Chris Fleiger of Nice & Naughty, Sarah Franson of Adult Source, Jennifer Graham of Coral Reef, Signe Jarvis of Romeo & Juliet, Dave McDaniel of Adam & Eve Stores, Ionapearl Reid of Pleasure Chest, Abe Rojas of Condoms To Go / Sara’s Secret, and Jourdan Smith of Starship Enterprises.

Nominees for Distributor Account Exec of the Year include Chris Armstrong of Holiday Products and Crystal Bell of East Coast News. Other industry news includes Aneros launching its new Aneros Media Website, a digital platform for educational resources, product training, point-of-sale materials, and marketing assets for its partners. Liberator has introduced three curated holiday product bundles called Kinkmas Boxes. Paradise Pleasure Products plans to debut three new additions to its LED-enhanced Illumination collection at Sex Expo, taking place January 7-10 in L.A. COTR has released new clinician-reviewed educational guides through its b-Vibe Anal Academy platform. Paul Reutershan has joined East Coast News (ECN) as its new business development manager. Beisar has introduced its Pixel three-function anal vibrator. Xgen Products has added two new bullet vibrators to its Bodywand collection. Womanizer has debuted its new Snap stimulator, described as the company's smallest pleasure product.

Key Facts

  • Raj Armani of IMbesharam has been nominated for the Progressive Leadership Award at the 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards.
  • The 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards, pleasure product and retail industry edition, will take place on January 9, 2027, in Los Angeles.
  • Voting for the awards began on October 27, 2026, and concludes on November 6, 2026, on XBIZ.net.
  • IMbesharam was founded in 2013, with women now accounting for nearly half of its audience and 65% of its revenue.
  • Brent Aldon and Erik Vasquez are scheduled to co-host the 2027 XBIZ Awards, Pleasure and Retail Edition.
  • Five special awards recognizing human impact will be presented without nominees at the ceremony.