ITV

Category: Brands

  • TCS powers ahead on marathon track, sprinting past $21 billion in brand value

    TCS powers ahead on marathon track, sprinting past $21 billion in brand value

    MUMBAI: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) isn’t just clocking miles – it’s clocking brand mileage. The IT and consulting juggernaut has emerged as a front-runner in  Brand Finance ‘Marathons 50 2025’ report, which ranks global sponsors fueling the world’s top running events. With a $2.25 billion economic boost delivered through the marathons it backs, and $279 million raised for charities in 2024 alone, TCS is redefining what it means to be a marathon sponsor.

    The report finds that the world’s top 50 marathons together pumped $5.2 billion into their host cities and raised $425 million for charitable causes last year – proving that these 42.195 km spectacles are much more than finish lines and finisher medals. They’re engines of economic and social impact.

    TCS, now title sponsor and tech partner of 14 major marathons including five of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, has seen its brand value balloon from $2.1 billion in 2010 to a muscular $21.3 billion in 2025. Among non-runners, its brand consideration is a healthy 27 per cent, while among marathoners it surges to 67 per cent – underscoring the deep engagement running fans have with the brand.

    “The Brand Finance report confirms what we’ve known on the ground,” said TCS  chief marketing and communications officer Abhinav Kumar. “Marathons move more than bodies – they move hearts, communities, and economies. We’re proud to back 10 of the world’s top 50 races.”

    Beyond branding, TCS is fuelling the sport with cutting-edge tech. From AI-powered race-day engagement to the world’s first digital twin heart of a pro runner, the firm is bringing innovation to the track. It’s also leaving green footprints behind – its ReScore app, now used to certify 53 global sporting events, underscores its pledge to sustainability and community well-being.

    Brand Finance CEO David Haigh chimed in: “Marathons marry soft power, place branding, and purpose. They’re personal, they’re public, and they’re powerful. TCS is sprinting in the right direction.”

    From New York to London and Sydney, TCS is running not just with the pack – but ahead of it, transforming every race into a showcase for tech, sustainability, and shared humanity. A marathon effort that’s clearly paying off.

  • DeperAI plugs into India’s power surge with new CEO and Flipkart-Croma partnerships

    DeperAI plugs into India’s power surge with new CEO and Flipkart-Croma partnerships

    MUMBAI: Charging ahead with purpose, DeperAI has powered up its India game with a new captain at the helm and a duo of heavyweight retail partnerships. On 22 April, the fast-growing charging tech brand named Prabhjot Singh Malik as CEO of its India operations and announced strategic alliances with Flipkart and Croma.

    The brand, founded by former Oneplus executive Jim Zhang, is eyeing pole position in India’s fast-charging race. With its flagship Superpower 65W Adapter already moving 1,000 units a day across platforms, the stakes—and voltage—just got higher.

    “India is one of the most dynamic and promising markets for tech innovation. With our foundations laid, it’s time to accelerate,” Zhang stated. “Prabhjot’s deep knowledge of the Indian market, his retail acumen, and passion for tech make him the perfect fit to lead DeperAI into its next phase of growth.”

    Malik brings more than a decade of distribution muscle and retail finesse, having served as a PAN India distributor for Oppo and Oneplus across Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, and Croma. He also operates exclusive Oneplus stores and was instrumental in introducing UK-based health brand MyProtein to India.

    “I’m excited to join DeperAI at such a pivotal time,” said Malik. “My focus will be on expanding our footprint, listening closely to our users, and delivering future-ready charging solutions that combine AI, innovation, and everyday utility.”

    With Amazon and Reliance Digital already in its arsenal, the addition of Flipkart and Croma cements DeperAI’s omnichannel charge. The Superpower 65W Adapter, built on UFCS Fusion Fast Charging Technology, is now retailing across 4,457 outlets and major e-commerce platforms.

    The company is also looking ahead to AI-integrated chargers and wireless charging solutions, backed by its Noida-based Caria Factory, which supplies chargers for Oppo.

    With a two-year warranty and compatibility with all major fast-charging protocols, DeperAI’s vision is clear: to become India’s go-to charging brand—one socket at a time.

  • Birla Open Minds expands its reach, schooling east India with three new campuses

    Birla Open Minds expands its reach, schooling east India with three new campuses

    MUMBAI: A chalkboard revolution is underway in the east. Birla Open Minds has rolled out three spanking new campuses across Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar, bringing its vision of education with a conscience to the doorsteps of thousands more students.

    The latest openings-located in Koderma, Singur, and Punpun-add heft to the brand’s footprint and bolster its mission of making learning a liberating experience, not just a mandated task. With this launch, Birla Open Minds is scripting a new chapter in accessible, values-driven schooling in India.

    The campuses span preschool to grade 12 and operate on an educational model rooted in academic rigour, empathy, and experiential learning. Classrooms are digitised, science and maths labs are fitted for experimentation, libraries are wired for research, and arts and athletics are given a front-row seat.

    “Our mission is to build transformative learning ecosystems that ignite curiosity, nurture character, and empower students to question, imagine, and lead with purpose,” said Birla Open Minds MD Nirvaan Birla. “Each new campus brings us closer to a future where quality education is a powerful, accessible reality for every child – not a privilege, but a promise.”

    Director & COO Yatharth Gautam added, “As we extend our footprint into Koderma, Singur, and Punpun, our priority remains clear – to provide accessible, forward-thinking education that builds resilience, empathy, and innovation in every learner.”

    The new campuses, built to be more than just schools, include amphitheatres, arts hubs, and sports zones, designed to encourage balance between book-smarts and life-skills. These spaces aim to create future-ready learners with a global mindset and a rooted moral compass.

    This move marks a significant stride in the institution’s broader goal: reimagining Indian education as inclusive, intuitive, and deeply impactful-one inspired learner at a time.

     

  • SPF gets its glow up as Supergoop lands in India with Nykaa

    SPF gets its glow up as Supergoop lands in India with Nykaa

    MUMBAI: Move over sticky creams and white casts India’s sunscreen game just got a glow-up. Supergoop, the cult-favourite sun care brand that turned SPF into a skincare essential, has officially arrived in India, exclusively on Nykaa. And it’s not just sunscreen, it’s sun funscreen.

    Founded by Holly Thaggard with a mission to make UV protection an everyday no-brainer, Supergoop is beloved globally for its lightweight, clean, and effective SPF innovations. From the invisible protection of Unseen Sunscreen to the radiance-boosting Glowscreen and mattifying Mineral Mattescreen, the brand has an SPF for every vibe, every routine, and every skin type.

    Now, thanks to Nykaa India’s beauty bellwether, this sunscreen revolution is coming straight to your doorstep (and your makeup pouch). The launch spans Nykaa.com, Nykaa Luxe, and select offline stores, giving skincare enthusiasts across India their first taste of the SPF products that have gone viral worldwide.

    Commenting on the launch, Nykaa Beauty executive director and CEO Anchit Nayar said, “In a country where sun exposure is high year-round, the need for sun care awareness has never been more critical. We see this shift happening, sunscreen is now among the top three most-searched beauty categories on Nykaa, indicating growing curiosity but also a gap in daily SPF adoption. With Supergoop!’s innovative, skincare-first formulations, we aim to turn sun protection from an afterthought into a seamless and daily habit. This launch is not just about introducing a cult-favorite brand, it’s about redefining how India perceives SPF. As Supergoop!’s exclusive partner in India, we are excited for our consumers to try these globally loved products that provide next-generation sun protection that are effective and effortless.”

    “20 years ago, I launched Supergoop! to change the way the world thinks about sunscreen and I am super excited to partner with Nykaa to bring this mission to India, a land of heritage and energy! Our feel-good, game-changing daily SPF formulas are clean, efficacious, and created with UV-protecting ingredients perfect for both city and country living. Our brand is about empowering consumers to enjoy the sun confidently with protected and nourished skin. We hope everyone will join this revolution to make UV protection an instinctive daily habit and create a brighter, healthier future together,” said Supergoop founder Holly Thaggard.

    And what a line-up it is. From the cult-loved Unseen to the sweat-proof Play Everyday Lotion, the (Re)setting 100 per cent Mineral Powder for touch-ups, and the ultra-portable Glow Stick, Supergoop’s collection caters to beauty junkies and skincare sceptics alike. Whether you’re beach-bound, boardroom-ready, or battling Delhi’s midday sun, there’s a Supergoop! product for you.

    So if you’ve ever skipped SPF because it felt too heavy, too greasy, or too boring this might just be your skin’s new best friend. With Supergoop! now in India, the future’s not just bright, it’s sun-safe and super stylish.
     

  • Hyundai rolls out Smart Care Clinic nationwide to tune up cars and turn up customer care

    Hyundai rolls out Smart Care Clinic nationwide to tune up cars and turn up customer care

    MUMBAI: With summer already dialling up the heat, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is cranking up the customer care. Hyundai announced its pan-India service campaign, the Hyundai Smart Care Clinic—a 12-day pit stop for car owners seeking cool deals and hot benefits.

    Running from 25 April to 6 May 2025, the Smart Care Clinic will roll into more than 1,600 Hyundai service centres across the country. The campaign promises to give cars a summer-ready makeover while giving wallets a well-deserved breather.

    “At Hyundai, we have always prioritised our customers by delivering a seamless and rewarding after-sales experience. The Hyundai Smart Care Clinic is a reflection of our commitment to customer satisfaction, safety and sustainability… Backed by Hyundai’s vast network this campaign ensures convenient access to expert care and a one-stop solution for our customers across India,” said HMIL whole-time director & COO Tarun Garg.

    The offer list reads like a car owner’s wishlist:

    ●    A free 70-point inspection covering engine, brakes, suspension, and electricals

    ●    Up to 30 per cent off on extended warranties

    ●    15 per cent off on mechanical labour for periodic maintenance and running repairs

    ●    15 per cent off on wheel alignment and balancing, AC service, and interior/exterior beautification

    ●    10 per cent off on key mechanical and AC parts like compressors and condensers

    ●    10 per cent off on roadside assistance policy

    Timed perfectly with rising mercury levels, the campaign gives customers a chance to ready their cars for road trips, commutes, or just another showdown with Delhi traffic. Beyond the benefits, the initiative doubles down on awareness. Hyundai aims to nudge drivers to rethink vehicle care as not just a necessity but as a habit that enhances safety, longevity and overall driving joy.

    Whether it’s a deep clean, a fresh breeze from the AC, or just some TLC under the hood, Hyundai’s service blitz is designed to drive home the message: a well-maintained car is a happy car—and a safer one.

  • Rapoo aims for 40 per cent revenue spike in FY25 with 30+ launches and deeper offline retail push

    Rapoo aims for 40 per cent revenue spike in FY25 with 30+ launches and deeper offline retail push

    MUMBAI: India’s desk warriors and digital junkies are in for a treat. Rapoo has fired the first salvo in its FY25 growth playbook—and it involves an ambitious 40 per cent revenue surge, 30+ new product launches, and a retail footprint stretching far beyond the metros.

    The company, already present in over 4,000 touchpoints across the country, plans to double down on tier two and tier three markets, seeing them as the next frontier in India’s digital boom. From budget keyboards to gaming gear, Rapoo is laying the tracks for an accessory revolution.

    “India remains one of our top-priority markets globally. With increasing digitisation across every household and workplace, there’s a tremendous opportunity for reliable, user-friendly tech products. Our FY25 vision is to build to a 25 per cent market share, accelerate growth through innovation, and bring world-class wireless solutions to every corner of India,” said Rapoo country head – India & SAARC Mukesh Chaudhary.

    The FY25 strategy includes 30+ SKUs across wireless keyboards, mice, audio gadgets and gaming accessories—each engineered for longer battery life, ergonomic finesse and seamless connectivity. While performance takes centre stage, affordability remains the backstage hero.

    Rapoo isn’t here to price people out of good tech.

    Not stopping at consumers, Rapoo is also targeting enterprise buyers with customisable solutions. Businesses will now be able to access tailored wireless packages, merging slick functionality with price-conscious design.

    On the channel side, Rapoo is strengthening its presence across modern retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and its distributor network.

    The aim? Make sure no consumer—whether in Patna or Pune—waits too long to lay hands on Rapoo gear.

    With this aggressive roadmap, Rapoo is chasing not just growth, but dominance. It wants to sit pretty on every desk and in every backpack in digital India.

  • Jeff Ferro’s Baker Tilly and Eric Miles’s Moss Adams merge to create sixth-largest CPA firm in the US

    Jeff Ferro’s Baker Tilly and Eric Miles’s Moss Adams merge to create sixth-largest CPA firm in the US

    MUMBAI: Two accounting heavyweights are shaking up the middle-market landscape. On 23 April 2025, Baker Tilly and Moss Adams announced their planned merger in a strategic union set to create the sixth-largest advisory CPA firm in the United States. The deal is expected to close by early June.

    Uniting under the Baker Tilly name, the merged entity will deepen its specialisation in advisory, tax, and assurance services while significantly expanding its geographic footprint. The move is designed to help middle-market businesses navigate a tightening maze of regulation, innovation, and global competition.

    The leadership baton will pass in stages. Baker Tilly CEO Jeff Ferro will helm the combined firm until his retirement, after which Moss Adams CEO Eric Miles will take over on 1 January 2026. Ferro will stay on as a director on Baker Tilly’s board.

    Backed by private equity firm Hellman & Friedman—alongside an increased stake from Valeas Capital Partners—the merger includes a new equity structure. Post-merger, the firms’ audit arms will operate under Baker Tilly US, LLP, while their advisory, tax, and other services will function as Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP (BTAG). Both structures will remain partnerships with principals retaining equity.

    “Moss Adams is a great strategic fit with Baker Tilly. We’ve long respected the firm, its people and its industry-focused approach. By bringing together our strengths, we are expanding our ability to serve middle-market businesses with greater expertise, resources and insights,” said Ferro.

    L to R: Baker Tilly CEO Jeff Ferro; Moss Adams CEO Eric Miles

    Miles added, “The resources, geographic reach and go-to-market strength of the combined firm magnifies opportunities for our people to grow, collaborate and innovate. We are proud to offer our clients these expanded resources to deliver even greater value and set a new standard for advisory services in the middle market.”

    Hellman & Friedman partner Blake Kleinman called the deal a landmark step, stating, “This landmark merger between Baker Tilly and Moss Adams is an important step in creating a firm that will be the destination of choice for the industry’s best talent and for firms considering their strategic options in a rapidly evolving sector.”

    The firms bring with them over 100 years of experience and a shared ethos focused on people-first cultures and long-term client value. Baker Tilly International’s board chair-elect & former AICPA CEO, strategic advisor Barry Melancon remarked, “This combination brings together two firms at the forefront of the profession, further empowering them to deliver on their commitment to serving their clients as the needs of middle-market businesses evolve.”

    Legal advisory on the deal was handled by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Vedder Price PC for Baker Tilly, while Moss Adams was advised by Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Dechert LLP.

  • Clovia’s celeb squad springs into style with bold new summer collab

    Clovia’s celeb squad springs into style with bold new summer collab

    MUMBAI: Lingerie just got louder and loungewear livelier as Clovia, India’s premier brand for lingerie, sleepwear, and personal care, teamed up with four social media stars to breathe new life into its Spring-Summer 2025 collection. With Ridhima Pandit, Chetna Pande, Khanzaadi, and Shiny Doshi on board, this vibrant new campaign celebrates the power of comfort, expression, and style in every thread.

    Each of the four digital darlings takes the lead on a signature Clovia category, transforming everyday basics into confident statements of personal style. Ridhima Pandit, known for her energetic charm, embodies Clovia’s activewear and nightwear range, fusing fitness with fluidity for women who never sit still. Meanwhile, Chetna Pande lends her flair to Clovia’s cotton lingerie line spotlighting breathable, beauty-meets-function silhouettes that move with you.

    Rap queen and reality star Khanzaadi turns up the volume with Clovia’s boldest activewear co-ords yet three-piece sets built for performance, powered by personality. And Shiny Doshi brings the dreamy side of fashion to the fore with relaxed, fashion-forward nightwear that balances chic design with sleepytime ease.

    The campaign leans into each creator’s digital influence and individuality to break the mould showing that confidence doesn’t come from squeezing into the trend of the moment, but from choosing comfort that feels like you.

    Speaking about the collaboration, Clovia VP of digital marketing Rajeswar Rao said, “This collaboration is an extension of our belief that comfort and confidence should go hand in hand. Each celebrity represents a facet of the Clovia woman bold, expressive, and unafraid to choose comfort on her terms. We’re excited to bring our collections to life through their unique lens and continue building deeper connections with our community.”

    From breathable bras to binge-watch-ready nightwear and power-packed gym gear, Clovia’s latest campaign isn’t just about clothes, it’s about crafting a personal style rooted in ease. Whether it’s in the gym, on your couch, or scrolling the ‘gram, this collection proves comfort never goes out of style.

  • Paw-sitive steps needed as pet obesity balloons globally

    Paw-sitive steps needed as pet obesity balloons globally

    MUMBAI: In a world where pets are cherished like family, a weighty problem is growing literally. Nearly 40 per cent of adult cats and dogs are now considered overweight or obese globally, according to a recent study by Royal Canin, and the scale isn’t tipping in their favour anytime soon.

    As part of its 25th Vet Symposium held in Montpellier, the pet nutrition leader revealed findings from a multi-country survey of over 14,000 pet owners and 1,750 veterinary professionals that shines a spotlight on a creeping crisis: most pet parents are in the dark when it comes to managing healthy weight. In fact, 26 per cent of respondents admitted they don’t even know what their pet’s ideal weight should be.

    Even more alarmingly, 17 per cent cited misinformation as a major barrier to keeping pets fit. Social media emerged as an unexpected culprit while it’s the go-to for over 55 per cent of Gen Z pet owners seeking nutritional advice, it’s also where myths can spiral. As veterinary professionals struggle to cut through the noise, nearly one in three said mixed messages are making it harder to talk honestly with owners about weight.

    “At Royal Canin, we believe that better health starts with better conversations,” shared Royal Canin R&D team member and a veterinary nutritionist Tabitha Hookey  focused on obesity and diabetes. “Through providing accessible and credible information, we’re aiming to support pet owners with clear, science-based advice to help more pets live their healthiest lives. Through partnering with an expert panel and using social media to maximise our outreach, with this campaign, we hope to be able to empower even more pet owners with a better understanding of healthy pet nutrition and weight management and, ultimately, to promote dialogue with the veterinary professionals that care for their pets.”

    University of Liverpool Small Animal Medicine in UK Professor Alex German comments, “Pet obesity can have a serious impact on both quality of life and lifespan. Helping pets maintain a healthy weight is one of the most important things we can do to ensure they live longer, happier lives. Encouraging open, supportive conversations between veterinary professionals and pet owners is key to making good nutrition and weight management a natural part of everyday pet care.”

    The problem often starts early. The study revealed that nutritional imbalances during a pet’s developmental years can shape their lifelong health. Meanwhile, 41 per cent of owners confessed to offering treats when pets seem sad or lonely, and three in four admitted to feeding pets human food 31 per cent of whom believe it does no harm.

    Royal Canin’s survey pinpointed the top culprits of pet obesity as:

    1    Overfeeding (39 per cent)

    2    Lack of exercise (36 per cent)

    3    Poor quality food (17 per cent)

    4    Human food indulgence (14 per cent)

    5    Lack of awareness around weight issues (11 per cent)

    To counter this, Royal Canin has launched the #ScalingTheConversation campaign, a digital-first push targeting Gen Z pet parents via Instagram, Youtube, and creator-led content. The initiative focuses on empowering veterinary professionals to start more effective conversations with pet owners about nutrition and healthy weight management.

    This year’s symposium drew over 550 participants from 70 countries, all united by the belief that weighty conversations lead to lighter, happier pets.

    So, whether it’s fewer treats, smarter portions or more walks, one thing is clear when it comes to pet health, knowledge really is power, and the time to talk is now.

  • Kalon makes a spark with AI star Naisha Bose in blazing wildfire launch

    Kalon makes a spark with AI star Naisha Bose in blazing wildfire launch

    MUMBAI: Hyderabad’s boldest design house, Kalon Art Jewellery, has turned heads and algorithms alike by teaming up with Bollywood’s first AI sensation, Naisha Bose, for its new “Wildfire” collection. The campaign aptly titled #KalonXNaisha isn’t just jewellery marketing, it’s a cultural spark, fusing digital stardom with avant-garde craftsmanship.

    With this partnership, Kalon becomes the first Indian jewellery brand to appoint an AI muse, placing Naisha Bose among its glittering lineup of real-world icons including Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Malaika Arora, Bhumi Pednekar, and Kalki Koechlin. But this time, the sparkle isn’t just from the stones it’s from the code.

    “With Naisha Bose, we’ve found the perfect brand collaborator for our Wildfire collection. She is a digital pioneer whose bold presence mirrors our design philosophy,” said Kalon Art Jewellery creative director & founder Samyuktha Vallur. “This partnership represents our commitment to pushing boundaries in both craftsmanship and marketing. As the jewellery world evolves, we’re proud to lead the conversation by embracing AI to connect with the next generation of consumers.”

    The Wildfire collection itself is a fierce expression of raw elegance. Think sculptural cuffs, jagged-edge chokers, and molten gold forms that look more like wearable fire than fine jewellery. The aesthetic is bold, disruptive, and charged with the same unpredictable electricity that Naisha exudes.

    Behind the scenes, the campaign was brought to life by Amazing Indian Stories (AIS), the AI content studio responsible for Naisha’s upcoming feature film. Using generative tech and immersive digital design, AIS crafted a visual story that showcases Kalon’s craftsmanship through the lens of futuristic femininity.

    The team at AIS added, “Kalon Art Jewellery’s decision to collaborate with Naisha speaks volumes about their visionary approach. This isn’t just advertising; it’s a cultural moment where luxury welcomes digital innovation. What makes this partnership extraordinary is the perfect alignment of values: both Kalon and Naisha represent boldness, innovation, and future-forward thinking.”

    As AI weaves itself deeper into fashion and entertainment, collaborations like #KalonXNaisha point to a bold new frontier where creativity, code, and couture collide. With its latest move, Kalon doesn’t just embrace the future, it wears it proudly.