Category: Brands

  • Kiara’s scent of a woman moment as she joins Vanesa as brand ambassador

    Kiara’s scent of a woman moment as she joins Vanesa as brand ambassador

    MUMBAI: Kiara Advani has added another feather to her stylish cap this time with a hint of floral and a splash of amber. The movie actress has been named the new face of premium fragrance brand Vanesa, stepping into a role that celebrates individuality, grace and modern femininity.

    With her effortless poise and magnetic screen presence, Kiara’s journey mirrors the brand’s ethos: empowering women to embrace their true selves, unapologetically. Her signature scent preferences fresh and floral by day, warm and musky by night are now set to inspire a new chapter in Vanesa’s fragrance story.

    Expressing her excitement, Kiara Advani said,  “I’m beyond thrilled to be associated with Vanesa. For me, confidence is about embracing my true self, owning my strengths and vulnerabilities, and walking through life with authenticity. This is what makes working with Vanesa so special, as the brand celebrates individuality, and that’s something I truly believe in.”

    Hamilton Sciences Pvt. Ltd MD & CEO Saurabh Gupta said, “We are delighted to welcome Kiara Advani to the Vanesa family. Kiara embodies the essence of our brand with her elegance, charm, and relatable appeal. Her journey and personality perfectly align with Vanesa’s philosophy of celebrating individuality and modern femininity. We believe this collaboration will inspire women to embrace their individuality with confidence.”

    The move signals Vanesa’s intent to expand its emotional resonance with young Indian women who see fragrance as an extension of identity. Building on its legacy, which began with former ambassador Kareena Kapoor Khan, the brand is evolving with a fresh, contemporary appeal.

    As the face of Vanesa, Kiara is expected to front new campaigns and inspire a fragrance collection that captures the many moods of the modern woman bold, beautiful and completely herself.

  • Hero hits a hole-in-one with Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala

    Hero hits a hole-in-one with Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala

    MUMBAI: They’ve got the drive and now the ride. Hero Motocorp has signed rising PGA Tour talents Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala as its latest global brand ambassadors, teeing off a fresh chapter in its long-standing love affair with golf.

    The three-year partnership, unveiled just as the duo take to the greens this week, brings together two of the sport’s most exciting young names both of Indian origin with a brand known for fuelling ambition and performance on a global scale.

    Akshay, 22, has quickly built a reputation as a relentless competitor with laser focus and flair to spare. Sahith, meanwhile, has charmed fans and commentators alike with his daring shot-making and underdog energy. Together, they embody Hero’s ethos of passion, grit, and pushing limits whether it’s on the leaderboard or life’s fairways.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Akshay and Sahith to the Hero family. These exceptional young golfers, both of Indian descent, embody our core values of passion, integrity, and courage. Their dedication and achievements align perfectly with our mission to champion excellence in sports globally.

    As a proud Indian brand with a strong legacy of supporting athletes across disciplines, we take immense pride in fostering talent of Indian origin on the world stage. Hero MotoCorp is globally recognized for innovation and sustainability, and as we continue to expand our brand’s influence, we engage with youth icons who inspire the next generation. Akshay and Sahith’s journey will further strengthen our long-standing association with golf, and we wish them great success this week and in their future endeavors,” Hero MotoCor executive chairman Pawan Munjal.

    “Partnering with a global brand like Hero MotoCorp is truly a dream come true, especially given my ambition to compete and share my passion for golf around the world for many years ahead. India, and specifically the Hero Indian Open, holds special significance as an integral part of my family’s heritage,” said Akshay Bhatia.

    “I am honored to have been selected by Hero MotoCorp to represent them worldwide. Akshay and I are very good friends, and we are excited to be working with Hero to increase their brand visibility through all our appearances. Like Hero, we are both committed to encouraging the success of young athletes from around the world in their sports and personal endeavors,” Sahith Theegala.

    With its latest swing into action, Hero isn’t just riding alongside golf’s future, it’s helping shape it.

  • Yesmadam rolls out zero per cent commission for top gig workers across India

    Yesmadam rolls out zero per cent commission for top gig workers across India

    MUMBAI: Yesmadam, has rolled out zero per cent commission model for its top-performing service professionals marking a transformative moment in the gig economy.

    Announced by co-founder & CEO Mayank Arya via a touching Linkedin post, the decision reflects a shift not just in business policy, but in purpose placing financial dignity and fairness at the core of the brand’s ethos.

    The announcement followed an emotional gratitude lunch at Taj Palace, where Yesmadam’s top service partners shared moving personal journeys. It was here that the company’s founding team made the on-the-spot decision no cuts, no strings 100 per cent of the earnings would now go directly to the service professionals.

    The company had been inching towards this step, progressively reducing commissions from 20 per cent to 8 per cent, before finally erasing them entirely for top performers.

    The spark came from a viral LinkedIn post by Amit Singh, spotlighting Rita Devi, a Yesmadam service partner who transformed her life after joining the brand. Once a teen mother who gave up her dreams, Devi now earns Rs 70,000/month, supports her four daughters’ education, and has become a figure of pride in her community.

    “We have always believed that service professionals are the backbone of Yesmadam. Their stories of perseverance inspired us to act with intent and empathy. When we heard them speak with such honesty and strength at the celebration lunch, it became clear that true support goes beyond applause. Offering a zero per cent commission is our way of giving them the respect and financial freedom they deserve. It marks a step towards rewriting the rules of how the gig economy treats its people,” said co-founder & CEO Arya.

    Co-founder & CMO Akanksha Vishnoi added, “At Yesmadam, listening isn’t just a value, it’s our foundation. Whether it’s our customers, our team, or our service partners, we pay attention to every voice. The zero per cent commission model is a direct outcome of that principle. It’s not just a business decision, it’s a reflection of care becoming part of the system. By offering complete financial freedom to our top-performing partners, we’re not only recognizing their efforts but also setting a new benchmark for the gig economy, one that’s rooted in empathy, respect, and real empowerment.” 
     

  • Wings of Time returns as fireworks symphony with dazzling upgrade

    Wings of Time returns as fireworks symphony with dazzling upgrade

    MUMBAI: Singapore’s award-winning night show, Wings of Time, has soared to new heights with a spectacular transformation. Now rebranded as Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony, the upgraded show promises a richer, more immersive experience complete with a four times longer fireworks display lighting up Sentosa’s Siloso Beach.

    Presented by Mount Faber Leisure Group (MFLG), the revamped show launched on 1 February 2025 and celebrates over a decade of enchanting audiences with its signature blend of technology, storytelling, and beachside magic.

    “The Wings of Time show has long been a highlight for Indian tourists and MICE groups visiting Sentosa. With the enhanced fireworks display, featuring nearly 200 spectacular shots lighting up the sky above Siloso beach each night, we are elevating the experience to new heights. The fireworks, soaring up to 40 meters, are seamlessly synchronised with key moments of the show, creating an even more immersive and unforgettable spectacle,” said MFLG managing director Buhdy Bok.

    The narrative follows Shahbaz, a mystical prehistoric bird, on a journey through time with companions Rachel and Felix, brought to life through 3D projection mapping, lasers, water effects, and now, nearly 200 synchronised fireworks shots every night.

    Held at Beach Station, and easily accessible via Sentosa Sensoryscape, the show runs twice daily 7:40 pm and 8:40 pm with each performance lasting approximately 20 minutes. With a seating capacity of 2,500, it promises a breathtaking finale to a day on the island.

    Tickets for Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony are now available on MFLG’s official website, priced at Singapore dollar 22 for standard and Singapore dollar 27 for premium seats.

    For visitors of all ages, it’s a rare treat to witness a symphony of fire, light, and water unfold by the sea making this a must-watch spectacle in Singapore’s entertainment scene.

  • Dabur names new healthcare head, bids farewell to veteran

    Dabur names new healthcare head, bids farewell to veteran

    MUMBAI:  Dabur India has announced the appointment of Sriram Padmanabhan as its new head of healthcare business, effective immediately.This move comes as the company prepares to bid farewell to Philipe Joseph Hlaydon, the current healthcare head, who will retire on 1 July 2025.

    The decision was ratified by the board of directors. Hlaydon, a long-serving executive, will step down at the close of business on  1 July  2025, marking the end of his tenure. The transition, disclosed in accordance with regulation 30 of the listing regulations and SEBI directives, ensures a smooth handover.

    Dabur, known for its ayurvedic and consumer healthcare products, is positioning Padmanabhan to lead its healthcare division into a new phase

  • Lloyd launches Luxuria collection, expands manufacturing capacity

    Lloyd launches Luxuria collection, expands manufacturing capacity

    MUMBAI:  Lloyd, a consumer durables brand from Havells India, has launched its Luxuria collection, a new line of premium air conditioners and smart home appliances. To address increasing consumer demand, Lloyd has expanded its manufacturing capacity to 3 million AC units annually across its Ghiloth and Sri City plants.

    The Luxuria collection includes the StunnAir air conditioner, alongside enhancements to the Stellar and Stylus models. These products feature advanced technologies such as AI-powered cooling, voice command functionality, and customisable design elements.

    Said Havells India executive director  Yogesh Kumar Gupta: “Lloyd has always been at the forefront of innovation, and last year’s lineup was received exceptionally well, really solidifying our position in the premium AC market. Launching the Luxuria collection is our way of building on that success and responding to the increasing demand for thoughtfully curated cooling solutions. The StunnAir, with its features like AI-powered cooling and voice commands, sets our portfolio apart. The move toward luxury in air conditioning isn’t just about adding high-end features; it’s about creating a complete experience. With the StunnAir, Stellar and Stylus, we are reshaping what comfort means. Expanding our manufacturing capacity at Sri City reflects our confidence in this vision and our commitment to delivering outstanding value, all the while staying true to our high standards of quality.” 

    Lloyd executive vice president Alok Tickoo stated, “The launch of the Lloyd Luxuria Collection is a big moment for us. With the addition of the StunnAir to our lineup, which already includes the Stellar & Stylus models, we’re raising the bar in the premium air conditioning market. What really excites us is how these units not only perform exceptionally well but also fit beautifully into modern homes. The Luxuria Collection is part of our larger effort to enhance the way our customers live, creating environments where comfort and style can coexist.”

    The collection also features the Kolor refrigerator, Mini LED TVs, and the Novante washing machine. The Kolor refrigerator offers features like auto-defrost and express freeze, while the Mini LED TVs provide enhanced picture and sound quality. The Novante washing machine includes an in-built heater and IoT connectivity.
    The StunnAir air conditioner includes features like “Indri” technology, which differentiates between human and non-human presence, and voice command functionality. The Stylus model offers customizable fascia panels.

    “At Havells, we believe great appliances should do more than just perform—they should enhance the way we live. The Kolor Refrigerator, Mini LED TV, and Novante washing machine blends convenience, efficiency, and style to meet the evolving needs of modern homes. From immersive  entertainment to smarter laundry care, every product is designed to make daily life easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtfully crafted with a focus on real-world utility, the appliances bring together innovation and elegance in a way that truly matters. By continuously raising the bar in home solutions, we remain committed to delivering quality, reliability, and a reliable user experience,” said Havells India sales head & executive vice president Rajesh Rathi.

  • McKinsey pro makes atomic leap into venture capital

    McKinsey pro makes atomic leap into venture capital

    MUMBAI: Manish Jain has joined Atomic Capital as partner, swapping spreadsheets for seed rounds after nearly a decade at McKinsey & Co. The former associate partner at the blue-chip consulting firm will now hunt for high-conviction investments across India’s burgeoning startup landscape.

    At McKinsey Jain spent nearly four years as associate partner, following stints as engagement manager and associate. During his consultancy career, he advised leading conglomerates and high-growth businesses across logistics, e-commerce, industrials and technology sectors—experience that should prove valuable in his new venture capital role.

    Before donning the consultant’s hat, Jain cut his teeth at ITC, where he gained operational experience as assistant manager at the company’s second-largest food factory. There, he led a team of five functional heads managing a workforce of over 1,200 employees—reportedly becoming the firm’s youngest plant head.

    His relationship with ITC began during a summer internship in 2009, where he designed custom automation solutions that increased workforce productivity by 20 per cent at the company’s “ready-to-eat” food plant. The project impressed enough to secure him a pre-placement job offer.

    At Atomic Capital, Jain joins a firm that prides itself on backing founders “not just with capital—but with conviction, clarity, and company-building muscle.”

  • Nokia ropes in Hitesh Chhabra as sales director

    Nokia ropes in Hitesh Chhabra as sales director

    MUMBAI: Hitesh Chhabra, a veteran of the ICT world with over 23 years of experience, has jumped ship from Chinese tech giant Huawei to join Nokia as sales director this month. The move marks the end of a nearly 14-year run at Huawei, where he most recently served as director of enterprise solution sales and chief technology officer for the company’s enterprise business group in India.

    During his tenure at Huawei, Chhabra led solution sales operations across India, with responsibilities ranging from yearly business planning and pre-sales team management to strategic consulting and C-level engagement. His role involved extensive customer interaction and sales team leadership focused on technology strategy execution.

    Prior to his Huawei chapter, Chhabra cut his teeth at several tech heavyweights, including a two-year stint at Alcatel-Lucent (now part of Nokia), where he worked as a solution manager at the IP Transformation Centre. His CV also includes nearly four years at UTstarcom, where he served as senior network specialist and assistant manager at the Global Escalation Centre, and shorter tenures at Tata Consultancy Services and Cisco’s Technical Assistance Centre.

    Known for his team-oriented approach and customer relationship development skills, Chhabra brings to Nokia his expertise in ICT solution sales, campus and enterprise networks, and strategic leadership—precisely the toolkit the Finnish firm will be keen to deploy as it battles for market share in the enterprise space.

  • Canon shoots its shot with ‘Deep Dive’ masterclass for budding storytellers

    Canon shoots its shot with ‘Deep Dive’ masterclass for budding storytellers

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, level up! Canon India is stepping out from behind the camera and into the classroom with Deep Dive, an ambitious, first-of-its-kind masterclass series designed to empower the next wave of photographers, videographers, and filmmakers. But don’t expect a slideshow and a swag bag. This is Canon going full throttle into the creator economy lens-first.

    Launched in collaboration with IFP, a global creator-first community, Deep Dive is Canon’s answer to an evolving creative landscape where storytellers need more than just inspiration. They need a complete toolkit: creative, technical, and professional. And that’s exactly what this masterclass promises a crash course in the entire visual workflow, from pre-shoot vision to post-production precision.

    But what really gives Deep Dive its edge is its who’s who of mentors. Canon’s North Star Alliance has brought together industry powerhouses like Ravi K Chandran, Santosh Sivan, Anand Rathi, Sudeep Chatterjee, G Venket, and Siddharth Sharma names that carry weight not just in Indian cinema, but across international storytelling circles. Their mission? To share more than tips to pass on a legacy of craftsmanship in a world increasingly reliant on speed and surface.

    The series aims to do away with the ‘point and shoot’ mindset and usher in a ‘plan and produce’ approach. Participants won’t just fiddle with Canon’s latest tech they’ll deep-dive into real-world workflows, exploring everything from camera setup and lighting design to colour grading, audio layering and final delivery. With Canon’s partners Aperture, Eizo, and Sennheiser backing the experience, there’s no corner of the production puzzle left untouched.

    Each session is designed as a full-fledged, city-specific experiential journey, with experts from the wedding, cinema, and fashion industries leading live demonstrations. In Gurgaon, the first city on the map, Canon ambassador Siddharth Sharma kick-started the series with a session that blended insight with intensity and left participants clamouring for more.

    Canon India president and CEO Toshiaki Nomura said, “At Canon, we deeply value creators and believe in their limitless creative potential. We recognize that to truly excel, creators need more than just inspiration—they need the right knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and hands-on experience to push their boundaries. They must evolve beyond being mere visual storytellers to mastering the entire workflow, from capturing the perfect shot to delivering a polished final product. With Deep Dive, Canon is proud to create an experiential platform where young, talented filmmakers and photographers can gain real-world expertise, engage with industry leaders, and experience the transformative power of Canon’s advanced imaging technology. Through initiatives like these, Canon is proud to be facilitating the growth of the entire ecosystem, empowering the next generation of creative visionaries.”

    And it’s not just about upping individual skills Canon sees Deep Dive as part of a broader mission to nurture and elevate India’s creator ecosystem. It’s a signal that the brand isn’t just focused on selling cameras, but on investing in what comes after the shutter clicks: storytelling, innovation, and community.

    In a world flooded with content, standing out requires more than just talent, it needs technique, tools, and trust in one’s creative voice. Deep Dive is Canon’s attempt to offer all three, wrapped in a format that’s immersive, inspiring and packed with substance.

    With more cities queued up and interest already peaking, Deep Dive is shaping up to be more than just a masterclass. It’s a movement. And for the creators ready to stop shooting in the dark and start crafting with intention, Canon just lit the way.

  • Alife lathers up Bengal with a zesty punch of lime and neem in new soap

    Alife lathers up Bengal with a zesty punch of lime and neem in new soap

    MUMBAI: Skincare just got a whiff of nostalgia and a zesty twist in West Bengal. AWL Agri Business Ltd. (formerly Adani Wilmar) has taken a sudsy leap into regional sensibilities with its latest personal care offering: Alife Gondhoraj & Neem Soap. Think heritage, herbs, and a whole lot of Bengal pride packed into a bar.

    The soap pays homage to the state’s obsession with Gondhoraj lime — famously hailed as the ‘King of Limes’ — and marries it with the antibacterial powers of neem. The result? A fragrant cleansing bar that blends tradition with modern skincare goals.

    “Our latest variant, Alife Gondhoraj & Neem Soap, is a tribute to this unique regional beauty ritual… This launch reaffirms our commitment to crafting innovative and locally relevant products that resonate with our consumers,” said AWL Agri Business Ltd SVP – sales & marketing Mukesh Mishra.

    Alife has cleverly bottled Bengal’s cultural fondness for all things citrusy and antiseptic. With Gondhoraj delivering its signature burst of aroma and neem taking care of skin purification, the brand is betting big on beauty that’s rooted and relevant.

    AWL isn’t just stopping at pretty packaging. The launch is backed by a full-throttle 360-degree campaign. From a TVC directed by Dibyendu Bose (yes, that ad-film maverick from Happy Rabbit Films) to digital blitzes, cinema takeovers, and ground activations, Alife seems determined to ensure every Bengal nose catches a whiff of its latest invention.

    The soap has already hit retail shelves and e-commerce platforms across West Bengal, aiming to carve out a solid niche in the competitive personal care aisle. And it’s not just about cleansing — it’s about connecting. By tapping into local traditions and ingredients, Alife is clearly suds-deep in strategy.

    From fish curry to face packs, Bengal has always celebrated the power of ingredients. Now, thanks to AWL’s latest gambit, you can scrub up with cultural pride and smell like summer.