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Category: Brands

  • Allied Blenders & Distillers appoints two marketing directors

    Allied Blenders & Distillers appoints two marketing directors

    MUMBAI: Allied Blenders & Distillers Ltd  has announced the appointment of Arvind Hangal and Roshni Chatterjee as marketing directors with immediate effect from 6 March 2025.

    The board of directors approved both appointments, with the executives designated as senior management personnel of the company.

    Hangal has been with Allied Blenders since November 2011. He holds a bachelor of science degree from the university of Mumbai and a master’s in management studies in marketing from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies. Before joining Allied Blenders, he served as category manager at Novartis India.

    Chatterjee brings over 18 years of experience across FMCG and B2B sectors in the Asia-Pacific region. Her career spans roles at major consumer goods companies including Unilever, Kraft, and Heinz. Most recently, she served as global head of brand and communications at Sleek Tech in Singapore.

    Her track record includes successfully leading brand turnarounds for Vaseline in Thailand and Indonesia. While at Kraft Heinz, Chatterjee spearheaded the company’s expansion into the snacking segment across the APAC region and developed the strategy for India’s market turnaround.

    Allied Blenders & Distillers is one of India’s leading spirits manufacturers, with the appointments reflecting the company’s commitment to strengthening its marketing leadership.

  • Mufin Group bags LKP Finance in Rs 370 crore all-cash power move

    Mufin Group bags LKP Finance in Rs 370 crore all-cash power move

    MUMBAI: Mufin Group just made a big-money move. In an all-cash deal that sent ripples through the financial sector, Mufin Group has acquired a majority stake in LKP Finance Limited, boosting its net worth by a hefty Rs 370 crore. More than just an acquisition, this is a power play-one that positions Mufin as a dominant force in the lending industry.

    Mufin Group MD Kapil Garg described the move as a strategic game-changer, “This acquisition is a pivotal step in our journey to scale and transform our business. By leveraging LKP Finance’s capital base alongside Mufin’s expertise in lending, we will drive financial inclusion, enhance liquidity, and introduce cutting-edge financial products. Our vision is to empower businesses and individuals with seamless access to credit, fuelling sustainable economic growth.”

    The acquisition is not just about numbers; it’s about reach. LKP Finance brings with it a strong western India market presence, a deep-rooted financial legacy, and an established reputation. By absorbing LKP’s network and credibility, Mufin Group is gearing up to scale lending operations, expand financial services, and drive sustainable economic growth across key regions.

    With this deal, Mufin Group’s capital base swells by Rs 370 crore, giving it a significant liquidity boost to fuel expansion. LKP Finance’s industry experience, paired with Mufin’s aggressive lending approach, creates a formidable financial powerhouse. The acquisition is set to accelerate Mufin’s mission of providing accessible, innovative, and tailored financial solutions to businesses and individuals alike.

  • SSBeauty unveils first fragrance-exclusive boutique in Bengaluru

    SSBeauty unveils first fragrance-exclusive boutique in Bengaluru

    BENGALURU — Are you a fragrance-phile or perfumista? And if you are in Bengaluru, you can head to SSBeauty by Shoppers Stop  which has unveiled its first fragrance-exclusive store at Nexus Mall in Koramangala.  

    The gleaming new boutique presents itself as a sensory sanctuary, with elegant glass display cases housing crystal flacons that catch the light. Rich wooden accents and subdued lighting create an atmosphere of refined luxury as customers navigate the carefully curated collection of premium scents.

    Visitors can explore a handpicked selection of prestigious fragrances from both international luxury houses and celebrated Indian brands. The store features interactive scent profiling stations where patrons can discover their olfactory preferences, from fresh citrus notes to rich orientals and woody accords. Fragrance experts glide between displays, offering personalised consultations and helping customers uncover their signature scent through sampling stations that allow for an immersive experience.

    Shoppers Stop CEO of Beauty & customer care associate Biju Kassim explained the strategic vision behind the launch: “The Bengaluru market is dynamic, fashion-forward, and passionate about beauty. This boutique is designed to be a true fragrance destination where customers can immerse themselves in the art of perfumery.”
    He added: “Having established a legacy for curating the finest fragrance assortments, we plan to open many more fragrance-exclusive stores in the coming years.”

    The new store boasts an impressive array of prestigious perfume houses including Givenchy, Guerlain, Tom Ford, Armani, Gucci, Hermes, Prada, Valentino, and Creed, alongside artisanal and niche fragrance brands. The collection spans everything from timeless classics to contemporary blends.

    This opening marks a significant step in SSBeauty’s strategic expansion, with the brand positioning itself as Bengaluru’s premier destination for fragrance enthusiasts and novices alike. Beyond the new fragrance boutique, SSBeauty continues its commitment to “inspiring elegance” through its broader portfolio of beauty stores, which include dedicated treatment rooms offering indulgent facials and spa services.

  • MR Group appoints Divya Johari as head of marketing & brand development

    MR Group appoints Divya Johari as head of marketing & brand development

    MUMBAI: Sweety brand mouth freshener maker MR group has appointed Divya Johari as head of marketing & brand development, effective February 2025. In this on-site role, she will lead the company’s strategic brand development, marketing communications, and digital marketing initiatives.

    Johari brings extensive experience in marketing leadership, having previously served as head of marketing, branding, business development, sales, and client relations at SparkFuse. During her tenure there, she led the company’s rebranding from NexGenX Solutions, which boosted brand awareness by 20 per cent and helped the firm achieve its first crore revenue milestone.

    Prior to SparkFuse, Ms Johari was head of content at Nirva Health, where she developed content and branding strategies for holistic healthcare and wellness services. Her work on the 21-Day Natural Skin and Hair Care Bootcamp contributed to a 25 per cent increase in course registrations via referrals.

    Her career also includes leadership positions at BCPL India, Mocemsa, and Bella Vita, where she managed marketing, brand engagement, and corporate communications. Additionally, she has maintained a personal project since March 2020 as founder and host of Coffee Candids With Divya, an Instagram chat show featuring conversations with celebrities. She is also an award-winning published author of Little Do We Know.

    Her expertise spans content marketing, digital marketing, direct marketing, brand strategy, brand management, brand development, and marketing communications—skills that will be instrumental in her new role at MR group.

  • Bata India & Geisha Designs become a shoe fit for luxe wedding collection

    Bata India & Geisha Designs become a shoe fit for luxe wedding collection

    MUMBAI: Who says you can’t dance all night in heels? Bata India and Geisha Designs are proving otherwise with a dazzling new collaboration, just in time for wedding season. Bringing together Bata’s signature comfort and contemporary style with Geisha’s exquisite craftsmanship, the partnership delivers a seamless fusion of fashion and function. The result? A collection that lets you sparkle at the cocktail party while keeping you effortlessly on your feet through the last wedding toast.

    With Bata’s celebration collection and Geisha’s ‘Marquise – Evening Occasion Wear 2025’, this collaboration redefines wedding fashion by offering sophisticated silhouettes and metallic heels designed for maximum glamour with zero discomfort. Whether you’re twirling at the Sangeet, marching with the Baraat, or juggling bridesmaid duties with finesse, this collection is crafted for every high-energy wedding moment.

    Bata India head of marketing Deepika Deepti shared, “Our collaboration with Designer label Geisha for ‘Marquise – Evening Occasion Wear 2025’ is a natural synergy—bringing together their expertise in couture craftsmanship with our legacy of stylish comfort. Weddings today are about celebrating in style while staying on your feet from the first dance to the last toast. The Bata celebration collection is designed precisely for maximalist dressing for those cocktail parties during the wedding saga, where you want to shine brighter while having high-quality comfort.”

    Geisha Designs by Paras & Shalini, director & co-founder Shalini Jaikaria added, “This collection is a celebration of our commitment to detail and craftsmanship. We are excited to collaborate with Bata to present ‘Marquise,’ an evening occasion wear line, for the modern woman who seeks not just to make a statement but to tell her story—her every gesture a reminder of the beauty in authenticity and the magic of being unapologetically herself.”

    With prices starting at Rs 999, the footwear range is now available across 1,900+ Bata stores, Bata.com, and leading e-commerce platforms. Designed to elevate wedding wardrobes without compromising on comfort, the collection cements Bata’s reputation as a brand that seamlessly blends heritage with modern innovation.

    So, whether you’re planning to dance till dawn or own the room with effortless poise, this collaboration ensures that you do it in style—and without any foot pain regrets the morning after.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Bata India (@bata.india)

     

  • Airtel Payments Bank empowers 100,000 women to lead banking revolution

    Airtel Payments Bank empowers 100,000 women to lead banking revolution

    MUMBAI: Money talks, but not everyone gets to hear it. Airtel Payments Bank is changing that, one woman at a time. On this International Women’s Day, the bank is making a bold statement—financial empowerment isn’t just for the boardrooms; it starts at the grassroots. With an army of 100,000 women business correspondents (BCs) now in action, Airtel Payments Bank is rewriting the rules of banking accessibility in India.

    Airtel Payments Bank has long been at the forefront of bringing banking to the unbanked. With a sprawling network of 500,000+ banking points, the bank has reached the deepest corners of India, making financial services as accessible as the local kirana store. But the real game-changer? Women. These BCs are more than just intermediaries; they are financial lifelines, helping communities access essential services like account opening, fund transfers, bill payments, and micro-loans.

    “Women have always been at the heart of our mission to bring financial services to every corner of the country,” said Airtel Payments Bank COO Ganesh Ananthanarayanan. “Through our women BC network, we are not only promoting financial inclusion but also empowering women to become change makers in their communities. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate their incredible contributions to advancing banking access, especially in remote areas. We are committed to growing this network even further and bringing more women into the financial mainstream.”

    Over 80 per cent of these correspondents operate in tier three towns and beyond, proving that financial inclusion isn’t just a corporate buzzword—it’s a movement. By focusing on training and upskilling women entrepreneurs, Airtel Payments Bank is not just creating jobs; it’s unlocking financial independence for thousands of women who, in turn, empower millions.

    Looking ahead, Airtel Payments Bank plans to continue scaling this initiative, bringing even more women into the fold. Because when women hold the purse strings, entire communities thrive.

  • Kohler’s new brand film pours luxury and innovation into every shower

    Kohler’s new brand film pours luxury and innovation into every shower

    MUMBAI: Nothing quite washes away the stress of the day like the perfect shower—unless, of course, it’s a Kohler shower. With its latest brand film, Kohler isn’t just turning on the tap; it’s turning up the luxury, redefining what it means to refresh, recharge, and reclaim the day. Because if high-powered CEOs can conquer boardrooms, why shouldn’t their showers be just as powerful?

    Kohler has launched a cinematic tribute to the art of showering. Conceptualised by Tilt Brand Solutions and directed by Belief Films, the film follows a high-powered female CEO as she navigates the fast-paced world of corporate leadership. From tense meetings to split-second decisions, she tackles it all—until it’s time to step into her personal retreat: an immersive, technology-driven Kohler shower.

    “The bathroom is no longer just a functional space—it’s a sanctuary,” said Kohler MD-south Asia Ranjeet Oak. “At Kohler, we’re revolutionising the way people experience their showers. We believe a shower is not just a mundane routine, but a sanctuary—an opportunity for renewal and restoration. This film showcases how our innovative solutions transform showering into an unmatched sensory experience, shaping the future of what it means to indulge in true wellness.”

    The film seamlessly translates Kohler’s philosophy into visuals, highlighting its performance showering range, including the anthem + digital valve system, which boasts 12 customisable outlets and precision control, and the statement showering collection, designed with bold architectural forms and premium finishes. With multiple water spray modes and state-of-the-art digital controls, Kohler doesn’t just cleanse—it delivers an ‘Exceptional in Every Drop’ experience that is equal parts power, immersion, and rejuvenation.

    Adding another jewel to its crown, Kohler is set to introduce the radiance shoulder shower, a game-changing innovation designed especially for women ahead of Women’s Day. Engineered for ultimate relaxation, it features an adjustable height to keep hair dry when needed, a customisable fascia for enhanced comfort, and a luxurious shoulder-to-shoulder drenching experience. Available in premium finishes, this thoughtful addition reinforces Kohler’s commitment to making every shower a moment of indulgence.

    This brand film doesn’t just sell a product; it delivers a promise: that every drop should feel like an escape, a reset, and a moment of pure, unadulterated luxury.

    So, next time you step into the shower, ask yourself: is it just water—or is it an experience? Kohler already knows the answer.

  • T-Hub appoints ex-OYO executive as new CEO

    T-Hub appoints ex-OYO executive as new CEO

    HYDERABAD — Hyderabad-based start up incubator T-Hub has appointed Kavikrut as its new chief executive officer, the Telangana government  announced today.

    Kavikrut, who previously served as chief growth officer at OYO for 10 years, will take up his new role on 10 March. During his tenure at OYO, he was instrumental in expanding the company’s operations across more than 100 cities in India and spearheaded its expansion into Japan in 2018 through partnerships with Yahoo! Japan and SoftBank.

    The appointment reinforces Telangana’s commitment to strengthening its position as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. T-Hub has supported over 2,000 startups to date through its programmes, providing global market access and industry collaborations.

    Telangana government special chief secretary for information technology, electronics & communications and industries & commerce departments Jayesh Ranjan said: “Kavikrut’s passion for startups, global experience, and hands-on operational skills make him the ideal leader for T-Hub.”

    Before his role at OYO, Kavikrut began his career as a healthcare startup founder and held positions at Amazon and Piramal Group. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MSc in Finance from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani.

    Upon his appointment, Kavikrut, who hails from Hyderabad, expressed enthusiasm about returning to his hometown: “I am excited by the potential of Hyderabad as it steadily grows into a hub for startups building products and services from India for the world.”

    T-Hub aims to continue fostering entrepreneurship through mentorship, funding opportunities, and strategic support under its new leadership.

  • indē wild secures $5 million investment to fuel global expansion

    indē wild secures $5 million investment to fuel global expansion

    MUMBAI: indē wild, the beauty brand pioneering Ayurvedistry skincare and haircare, has secured $5 million in a funding round led by Unilever Ventures, the company announced  on 6 Marc 2025. 

    The investment round saw significant reinvestment from existing backers SoGal Ventures and True, marking a pivotal moment for the brand co-founded by entrepreneur and media personality Diipa Büller-Khosla.

    Within just two years of launching, indē wild’s signature Champi Hair Oil has claimed the top bestseller position on Nykaa, India’s leading beauty e-commerce platform, outperforming established brands including Olaplex, L’Oréal and Kama Ayurveda.

    The brand, which blends traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern chemistry, has achieved remarkable growth across India, the US and UK markets. Its community-driven approach involves extensive consumer engagement through focus groups across these regions, ensuring products align with consumer needs.

    “Today’s generation seeks brands that reflect their identity,” said indē wild founder Diipa Büller-Khosla. “The most impactful brands are built on deep listening, constant evolution, and empowering communities to co-create their journey.”

    Since its exclusive launch on Nykaa in India and direct-to-consumer platforms in the US and UK 18 months ago, indē wild has reported selling more than one unit per minute. This momentum has driven revenue growth of 400 per cent, with the company achieving double-digit contribution margins and EBITDA profitability during select periods last year.

    Unilever Ventures  partner Rachel Harris,  who led the deal, commented: “By blending the age-old wisdom of Ayurveda with the efficacy of modern science,indē wild meeting the holistic needs of today’s beauty consumer in an accessible way.”

    The fresh capital will primarily fund indē wild’s international expansion plans, focusing on its existing partnership with Sephora in the UK and upcoming launch in Sephora US. The company has also appointed Archit Vijoy, who served as the exclusive financial advisor on the funding deal, as finance director.

    “With Unilever Ventures’ expertise in the beauty space and deep understanding of consumer needs, ind? wild will scale even faster in this rapidly evolving market,” added Oleg Büller-Khosla, CEO of indē wild.

    SoGal Ventures  managing partner Pocket Sun  described iindē wild as “more than a beauty brand—it’s a symbol of the global South Asian community’s rise,” that honours heritage while embracing global ambition.

    The brand’s recognition continues to grow, having been invited to join Sephora’s prestigious Accelerate program alongside securing a strategic retail partnership with the beauty giant.

  • Birla Opus eyes expansion as paint industry newcomer makes its mark

    Birla Opus eyes expansion as paint industry newcomer makes its mark

    MUMBAI: Birla Opus, the fast-growing paint brand from Aditya Birla Group, is focusing on expanding its dealer network and widening its product portfolio for fiscal year 2026, according to CEO Rakshit Hargave.

    The brand, which entered the decorative paints segment in February 2024, has achieved high single-digit growth in FY 2025 despite being operational for only about 10 months. Hargave expects similar momentum to continue in the coming year.

    “There is a long journey ahead of us. We do not expect any major change in our strategy,” Hargave told the Press Trust of India. “We will drive more throughput for dealers and increase the range available at dealers.”

    Birla Opus is rapidly establishing its market presence. The company recently commercialised its fifth manufacturing plant in Mahad, Maharashtra, bringing its total installed capacity to 1,096 million liters per annum. A sixth plant in Kharagpur is scheduled to begin trial production in the next quarter, which will add another 236 million liters of capacity.

    Aditya Birla Group has invested Rs 10,000 crore in the paint business and aims to capture a double-digit market share and generate gross revenue of Rs 10,000 crore within three years of full-scale operations.

    Birla Opus has employed a multi-pronged marketing approach to establish its brand presence in a competitive market dominated by industry veterans. The company’s advertising campaigns—Naye Zamane ka Naya Paint (New Paint for a New Era) and Make Life Beautiful—have reportedly reached over 70 crore Indians, garnering positive responses across markets.

    The paint manufacturer has strategically positioned itself as a major sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL), one of India’s most-watched sporting events. The cricket tournament, which airs on the JioStar network of sports channels and JioHotstar streaming platform from 22 March, gives Birla Opus significant visibility among its target audience

    To enhance customer experience, Birla Opus is opening 10 Paint Studios across major Indian cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. The first such studio was recently launched in Gurugram.
    “The purpose of these studios is to provide a one-stop-shop experience for the end consumer,” explained Hargave.

    Currently, Birla Opus offers 145+ products and 1,200+ SKUs across water-based paints, enamel paints, wood finishes, waterproofing solutions, and wallpapers. The brand also provides direct painting services through its PaintCraft initiative.

    As a newcomer in an industry dominated by established players like Asian Paints, Berger, and Kansai Nerolac, Birla Opus is focused on getting “many of the basics right, but at the same time, creating differentiation for the consumer in paints,” Hargave added.

    With the Indian economy expected to reach $10 trillion by 2034 and the paints sector projected to surpass Rs 3,00,000 crore by that time, Birla Opus appears well-positioned to capitalise on the country’s growing infrastructure development and housing initiatives.