ITV

Category: MAM

  • “We offer tailored assistance for growth in the creative and VFX sector”: London & Partners’ Hemin Bharucha

    “We offer tailored assistance for growth in the creative and VFX sector”: London & Partners’ Hemin Bharucha

    Mumbai: Standing as the driving force behind London’s economic expansion and tourism appeal, London & Partners embodies a commitment to sustainable growth aligned with the Mayor’s Economic Development Strategy. Through strategic investments, trade initiatives, and innovation, they prioritize “good growth” for the city, fostering prosperity for its residents. With a focus on attracting visitors and events, they elevate London’s global reputation and cultivate profitable partnerships for continued reinvestment. As they promote London to key markets such as North America, China, Europe, and India, their strategic endeavors fuel impactful economic development.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with London & Partners country director Hemin Bharucha to talk about their creative delegation to India, collaboration opportunities and much more…

    Edited Excerpts:

    On the specific goals that London & Partners hopes to achieve through their creative delegation to India

    The creative trade mission aims to bring together three leading creative tech ecosystems in London, Chennai, and Mumbai. Our delegates from London will take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions and foster new partnerships with significant industry players and corporate partners in these markets.

    We offer tailored assistance to facilitate the growth of businesses by providing crucial market insights, business support services, and networking opportunities specifically within the creative and VFX sector. Utilising our extensive network of partners and stakeholders, we assist Indian companies in navigating the complexities of the London market, empowering them to establish strategic relationships and expand their international footprint. Furthermore, our comprehensive support extends beyond initial introductions, as we continue to provide ongoing guidance and assistance to ensure the sustained success and growth of our partners. Through our dedicated efforts, we aim to foster a thriving ecosystem of collaboration and innovation within the creative tech industry, driving positive impact and opportunities for all involved stakeholders.

    On the key activities planned for the delegation during their visit to India

    The visit will feature the participation of London-based companies representing various sectors. The delegation’s agenda comprises a diverse array of engaging activities, including studio visits, panel discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions, and exclusive business speed networking events. This mission seeks to unite three prominent creative tech ecosystems from London, Chennai, and Mumbai.

    On London and Partners envisioning collaboration opportunities between the London-based companies and their counterparts in India’s creative sectors

    Our organisation is dedicated to assisting businesses in high-growth sectors, particularly the creative and VFX industries, by facilitating their expansion and scaling endeavors. Furthermore, London and Partners offer specialised support and resources crafted to empower small and micro businesses in London, nurturing an environment conducive to their success. London’s esteemed global reputation underscores its pivotal role in fostering overseas economic growth through the establishment of partnerships and profitable ventures. Our goal is to optimise our impact and efficiently scale initiatives, thereby fostering a robust and dynamic business ecosystem for Indian creative and VFX companies.

    In doing so, we aim to foster a thriving community of innovation and collaboration, where businesses can flourish and achieve their full potential. Through strategic partnerships and tailored support, we endeavor to drive sustainable growth and create lasting value for all stakeholders involved.

    On the strategies being undertaken to leverage India’s large consumer base and its readiness to experiment with technology in the media, advertising, gaming, and entertainment sectors

    Our organisation is executing a multifaceted strategy to capitalise on India’s extensive consumer base and its receptiveness to technological experimentation within the media, advertising, gaming, and entertainment sectors. This strategy encompasses conducting market research, fostering collaborations, investing in technology-driven innovations, and actively participating in industry events. These efforts include exploring advancements in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and other emerging technologies to enhance user engagement.

    Through these strategic initiatives, we aim to harness India’s vast consumer base and its enthusiasm for technological innovation in these dynamic sectors. By aligning with established companies in the UK market, Indian companies gain valuable insights, cultural understanding, and opportunities for expanding their business.

    On London and Partners perception of the current state of India’s creative economy, considering its recent downturn during COVID-19

    In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the creative industry has experienced substantial changes. Digital transformation has become increasingly essential, with virtual events and online platforms gaining significant traction. In alignment with the sector vision outlined in the previous year, the UK government aims to bolster the expansion of the creative industries by investing £50 billion and creating one million new jobs in creative vocations by 2030.

  • ITC Bingo! introduces three Korean flavour variants a new brand song

    ITC Bingo! introduces three Korean flavour variants a new brand song

    Mumbai: ITC Bingo!’s latest offering Bingo! 2X Hot and Spicy Korean-style chips are all set to delight consumers with its three sizzling formats – Bingo! Original Style, Bingo! Hashtags and Bingo! Potato chips. Recognising the Indian consumers’ undeniable love for all things Korean, from K-drama to K-pop and now Korean cuisine, Bingo! is the first brand in India to launch Korean-flavoured savoury snacks.

    To amplify the launch and tap into the K-wave, Bingo! has collaborated with popular South Korean singer Aoora, for a new song – Maeun Maeun, which means Spicy, Spicy in Korean. The music video has been conceptualised and developed by Tonic Worldwide. The song is fun, catchy and energetic, set to resonate perfectly with the vibe of the brand. This strategic collaboration leverages the immense popularity of Korean pop culture (K-pop) amongst the target audience, creating a wider buzz around the launch of Bingo! 2X Hot and Spicy Korean-style chips.

    The brand is planning a 360-degree media campaign to connect with the audience. Bingo! will leverage social media to engage users and generate pre-launch excitement. The brand will tap into the relevant online spaces by being present on K-Pop and Gen Z music lineups across leading platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Bingo! will leverage music channels to organically position the song as an engaging content. Promotional spots featuring the song will be strategically placed across movie, music, and general entertainment channels. The brand has also partnered with approximately 15 influencers across regions, including Korean influencers in India, Indian influencers in Korea and food vloggers, to spread awareness about the new launch.

    ITC Bingo! has always been at the forefront of bringing differentiated and innovative snacking experience to Indian consumers. It has carved a niche for itself by bringing several ‘industry–first’ products such Mad Angles!, Hashtags! that takes consumers on an adventure of textures and flavours.

    Today, consumers are increasingly looking to experiment with products and flavours. Research shows that there is a growing interest among consumers to try Korean flavours and engage with Korean culture. According to the Mintel Report, this is more evident among GenZ consumers, with about 30 percent GenZ females showing interest in new Korean flavours.

    Having identified a gap in the market for a Korean-inspired product in the snacking segment, Bingo! Korean style delivers an authentic taste experience that perfectly blends the essence of fiery Korean-style flavours with Bingo!’s potato chips.

    ITC Foods VP & head of marketing, snacks, noodles and pasta Suresh Chand commented on the launch, “The Korean culture has significantly penetrated in India especially among the GenZ audience. We, too, noticed that our consumers are seeking Korean experiences in snacking. Catering to this demand, we have launched the all new first-of-its kind spicy, tangy Korean-Style Chips in the Indian market. Infused with Korean-inspired flavours tailored to the spice-loving palates of India, we are confident that this range will delight our consumers.”

    Spokesperson from Tonic Worldwide said, “This collaboration between Bingo and Aoora is twice as spicy. ‘Maeun’ means spicy in Korean. The new flavour is so spicy that we had to add another ‘Maeun’! As an agency, we are obsessed with the consumer, their behaviour, so when it came to launching a product that is for the GEN-Z, we wanted to do it in their language. K-Pop, is way beyond a music genre for the audience, it’s a part of their culture. The catchy song captures the core essence of the new flavours Korean style. Super excited!”

    The new range will be available across all markets in India in convenient and pocket-friendly packs.

  • Aaiba Design & Two Brothers collab for innovative performance marketing campaigns

    Aaiba Design & Two Brothers collab for innovative performance marketing campaigns

    Mumbai: Aaiba Design, a pioneering creative agency renowned for its groundbreaking brand solutions and design, has announced its collaboration with Two Brothers Organic Farms in 2021 for its exceptional performance marketing campaigns. This partnership symbolizes a strategic alliance that magnifies the reach and impact of Two Brothers’ organic products by delineating brand identity, tonality, visual language, and targeted digital marketing endeavours.

    With a growing emphasis on health, sustainability, and ethical consumption, the demand for organic products continues to escalate. Two Brothers Organic Farms, distinguished for its dedication to organic farming practices and top-notch produce, has emerged as a trusted entity in the organic food industry worldwide, spanning over 1000 plus cities and 75 plus countries.

    Speaking about this, Aaiba Design creative director & co-founder Saurabh Chandekar said, “Our collaboration with Two Brothers Organic Farms marks an exhilarating opportunity to harness the power of performance marketing to spotlight their extraordinary products.”

    Furthermore, Aaiba Design client servicing director & co-founder Rasika Chandekar said, “We specialize in crafting data-driven design solutions and strategies that yield measurable outcomes. By harnessing the latest digital tools and techniques, we aspire to elevate Two Brothers’ brand visibility and foster engagement among target audiences.”

    Aaiba Design project manager and design lead Krutika Potdar remarked, “The performance marketing campaigns focus on optimizing online channels to augment brand awareness, generate leads, and propel conversions for Two Brothers. Employing dynamic designing, personalized messaging, and a strategic grasp of the brand, the campaign endeavours to resonate with consumers actively seeking organic, ethically sourced alternatives.”

    “We are thrilled to collaborate with AAIBA Design to amplify our digital marketing endeavours and extend our reach to a broader audience of health-conscious consumers. Through targeted performance marketing strategies, we aim to magnify the visibility of our organic products and reaffirm our commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical farming practices,” expressed Two Brothers Organic Farms founders Satyajit and Ajinkya Hange.

    Aaiba Design are inspired by music, color, and nature, and they consider them integral to their work ambiance. The brand has been recognized with various awards for its design and creative work in the industry. AAIBA currently works with prestigious brands, including Vedas Exports, Ayushakti, Absolut, Starbucks, Suzu Agro, Milletude, Lakme, Gargi by PNGS, MTV, Sun TV Network, HUL, Vodafone, and Gulf Oil, to name a few.

  • Jaypore’s New SS’24 collection redefines spring/summer fashion with timeless artistry

    Jaypore’s New SS’24 collection redefines spring/summer fashion with timeless artistry

    Mumbai: Jaypore, the artisanal lifestyle brand from the house of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., launches its Spring Summer ‘24 collection – amalgamating ease and elegance. With classic hues and breezy silhouettes crafted from airy cotton fabrics, each piece is perfect for a graceful summer ensemble. From flowing floral dresses to sartorial kurtis tunics and relaxed trousers, every piece exudes effortless style and breathability– ideal for the sunny days and balmy nights ahead.

    One of India’s leading destination brands for all artisanal finds, Jaypore’s range extends across apparel, jewellery, home accents, and accessories. India’s heritage of handmade crafts and traditional finds is honoured with the brand’s commitment to designing, sourcing, and retailing authentic Indian products suited for a contemporary lifestyle.

    Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd CEO, ethnic business Sooraj Bhat said, “The SS’24 collection highlights Jaypore’s steadfast commitment to harmonizing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. It reflects our firm dedication to providing customers with timeless apparel, jewellery and home accents that pay homage to our rich historical legacy while embracing modernity. The new SS’24 collection embodies a timeless elegance while prioritizing the comfort and crafts this season needs. The light fabrics, chic silhouettes, and crafts such as block prints, Ajrakh, Hand-embroidery, Chikankari, Ikat textiles, Tribal silver, Temple, and Filigree jewellery, and many more make a perfect addition to any summer wardrobe and home.”  

    Jaypore’s SS’24 collection curates authentic Indian crafts like block prints, ajrakh, hand embroidery, Chikankari, ikat, and more. Drawing inspiration from the sleek geometry emblematic of Bauhaus aesthetics is the ‘Lagom’ range which seamlessly blends modernistic influences with traditional craft. This unique collection harmonizes angular and abstract design cues with the heritage of Ajrakh, adorning contemporary cotton separates with a fusion of artistry and modern sophistication.

    Envisioning a canvas where line-drawn floral motifs waltz in harmony with the rich heritage of block printing is the Kaashni collection, resembling a vibrant tapestry of spring blooms adorned in mesmerizing reds and blues. Each cotton separate has a touch of carved wooden blocks, bearing witness to the age-old craft.

    Jaypore’s SS’24 Gauri range is an epithet to Goddess Parvati who signifies purity and sheer brilliance. This white-on-white collection celebrates classic ethnic silhouettes with the regal heritage craft of khadi block prints. The blossoming floral fluencies, traditional motifs, and tessellations are in a celebration on the splendid canvas of cotton.

    Casting a dreamy summer spell, the floral motif language of the Camilla collection is reminiscent of a verdant oasis, brimming with vitality. Each contemporary piece is variegated with lush botanical prints that breathe life into your summer silhouette, set against the backdrop of breezy linen blend textures.

    Naisha plays with a medley of sorbet-dipped hues, hand-embroidered nuances and block-printed spells for spring and summer. Crafted from cotton silk, these separate bloom with efflorescent motifs resembling a vibrant flowerbed, exuding a fresh and breezy vibe, delicately accentuated with skilful embroidery.

    For men, Jaypore’s SS’24 range offers Chippa and Aadir collections. Chippa is a modern translation of the craft with sublime silhouettes in cotton for men to define elegance. Carrying the earthy essence of hand-pressed block prints, dabu is an 8th century A.D. mud-resist technique from Akola in Rajasthan, that has been brought back from time.

    Aadir is a menswear range showcasing a tapestry adorned with the celestial dance of striped block prints. Each piece is a vivid canvas painted with lines reminiscent of sun-kissed horizons, mirroring the serene patterns of wind-swept sand dunes. Feel the harmonious symphony of earthy tones and lines that narrate stories of summer’s blissful essence.

    Every style from Jaypore tells a story that will make your summer more memorable than ever. It’s true, no ensemble is truly tied together without the right accessories, hence, the brand has launched artisanal accessories as part of the SS24 collection. Ornate tribal silver earrings and rings, Jodhpuri filigree necklaces, Ghungroo-adorned jhumkas, and gilded temple jewellery, from Jaypore’s SS’24 collection make for the perfect addition to every look.

    With prices ranging from Rs 3,000 onwards, Jaypore’s SS’24 collection invites crafts and fashion enthusiasts to explore and embrace the rich heritage of Indian artistry. The new SS’24 collection is now available at Jaypore stores across the country and on the brand’s website.

  • Ace Turtle teams up with Funky Monkeys to launch Indoor Play Areas across its Toys“R”Us stores in India

    Ace Turtle teams up with Funky Monkeys to launch Indoor Play Areas across its Toys“R”Us stores in India

    Mumbai:  ace turtle, a technology-native retail company and Funky Monkeys, India’s premier indoor play center today announced their partnership to launch Indoor Play Areas at Toys“R”Us stores across the country. The first collaborative venture between Funky Monkeys and ace turtle will unfold within the expansive 12,500 sq ft. Toys“R”Us flagship store is located at Linking Road, Bandra in Mumbai.

    The new space will showcase the best of what each brand offers and will ensure that kids who visit have the time of their lives from the moment they set foot in! Funky Monkeys will be opening its play center on the top floor of the Toys“R”Us flagship store, offering its signature play and birthday party experiences for kids. Spanning multiple floors with a wide assortment of international and Indian toy brands, the Toys“R”Us flagship store, launched in December 2023, has redefined the toy shopping experience. With the new addition of the Funky Monkeys Play Area, families and kids can now look forward to a greater experiential shopping experience in the store.

    “Partnering with Toys“R”Us India is a unique opportunity for Funky Monkeys to offer our unparalleled play experiences for kids in a fun, safe and clean indoor environment. Toys“R”Us globally has been the most trusted destination for children and parents looking for toys for more than 70 years and we are excited to partner with them and share our expertise in Indoor Play Management,” said Funky Monkeys Play Centers founder & managing director Binita Bodani Putcha.

    “We look forward to opening many more Centers along with Toys“R”Us as they expand to other cities across India. Kids and parents can now experience a world-class integrated experience of shopping for toys and playing within the same space!” said Sanjay Ghadiali, Co-Founder & Director, Funky Monkeys Play Centers.  

    Commenting on the partnership, ace turtle CEO Nitin Chhabra the exclusive licensee of Toys“R”Us in India said, “We are excited to have partnered with Funky Monkeys Play Centers, India’s premier indoor play centre & birthday party venue for kids and to launch a play area at our Bandra store. At India’s largest high-street toy store, we aim to offer more than just a visit – we want families to enjoy a memorable and delightful time together, creating moments of joy and recreation. We look forward to providing the globally renowned and signature toy shopping and playing experience to kids and their parents in Mumbai.”

    Funky Monkeys Play Centers are exclusively designed for children aged 6 months to 14 years and offer hands-on discovery and learning through spontaneous and unstructured ‘Free Play’, while incorporating elements of fun and entertainment. Each centre has two play zones – a Toddler Zone & a Junior Zone, offering a unique environment for kids to ‘Play & Learn’ in along with a full-service café and birthday party area.  

    In 2023, ace turtle unveiled the first Toys“R”Us store in India in Hyderabad and the flagship Toys”R”Us store in Mumbai both of which have received phenomenal responses from customers. ace turtle plans to expand the retail footprint of Toys“R”Us to other cities in India this year. Additionally, customers across India have been shopping for their favourite toys from the online store.

  • Beyours records exponential business growth; Targets 50 crore for the next fiscal

    Beyours records exponential business growth; Targets 50 crore for the next fiscal

    Mumbai: Beyours, a leading player in the direct-to-consumer fashion segment, has recently recorded a significant milestone in its growth journey. From bootstrap’s inception in May 2019, Beyours has rapidly scaled its operations, reflecting an unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

    Having witnessed a remarkable growth trajectory, the company reported a revenue leap from 6 crore last year to an impressive 14-15 crore this year and has set an ambitious target of 50 crore for the next fiscal year. This growth trajectory is backed by its robust sales strategy, with 90% of sales generated through the website and the remaining 10% through its partnership with Myntra.

    Commenting on the company’s remarkable growth, co-founder Nilesh Karnani said, “This expansion and revenue growth reflects our commitment to excellence and sustainability in the fashion industry. We aim to keep setting higher benchmarks for ourselves, contributing to the development of a more stylish and conscious world.”

    In tandem with the monumental financial growth, Beyours has also expanded its office space from 5,000 square feet to a sprawling 13,000 square feet. This expansion accommodates the company’s growing team, which has more than doubled in size, from 13-14 employees to 30 dedicated professionals.

    Co-founder Ashish Baheti expressed his enthusiasm about the company’s achievements, stating, “Our journey from a small office space to a significant footprint in the fashion industry is a testament to our team’s hard work and our customers’ trust. We are thrilled to see our vision materialize, as we continue to innovate and elevate the shopping experience for our valued customers.”

    A standout moment for the company was the Diwali sale, where Beyours generated revenue of 50 lakh in a single day, highlighting the brand’s strong market presence and consumer trust. The air joggers, Air cargo & classic shirts, have emerged as hit sellers, underscoring Beyours’ ability to understand and cater to the evolving needs of the fashion-forward consumer.

    As Beyours continues on its upward trajectory, the company remains dedicated to delivering high-quality, fashion-forward products to its growing customer base. With a solid foundation and a clear vision for the future, Beyours is poised to redefine the fashion landscape.

  • Callebaut Patissier of the Year 2024 announces its finale chefs line-up

    Callebaut Patissier of the Year 2024 announces its finale chefs line-up

    Mumbai: Callebaut, renowned for producing the finest Belgian chocolate, concluded the regional qualifying rounds of its flagship event, Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024 for India in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. The third edition of the competition aims to create a platform in India that enables chefs in the country to craft their signature creations and showcase their creativity.

    Each round announced two winners who qualified to compete in the finale event, which will be held in Mumbai in May 2024.

    Representing the West region are Chef Nilesh P Dewulkar, Pastry Chef of Sofitel BKC, and Chef Yash Chhabria, co-founder of Cacaobleu Haute Chocolaterie, Mumbai. Chef Anshul Grover, Pastry Chef, Indian Habitat Centre, and Chef Millan Shoran, Chef De Partie, JW Marriott Aerocity will represent the North region. Last but not least, Chef Sandeep Sharma, Commis Chef – JW Marriott Kolkata, and Chef Krishanu Dey, Chef De Partie, Ritz Carlton Bangalore will represent the South region.

    Talking about the competition, Chocolate Academy Mumbai head Chef Pratik Deshmukh said, “The Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year event is a prestigious event for chefs and chocolatiers to showcase their expertise and make a mark nationally. The 2024 theme ’Craft Your Signature’ is aimed at encouraging creativity and originality. The qualifier rounds were highly impressive, and we witnessed excellent designs and unique styles of creating signature dishes using the Callebaut chocolates. Now, we eagerly look forward to the magic our six finalists will unfold at the finale event in Mumbai.”

    “Callebaut’s aim is to enable chefs to craft at their best! With CPY, we are going a step further and providing a platform for talented Indian pastry chefs in India to showcase their craft to the larger community nationally and globally. Through the qualifiers, we’ve seen some really innovative thinking from the chefs in terms of bringing together flavour pairings and textures to represent their individual journeys. Callebaut Patissier of the Year upholds our commitment to supporting the chef community with not only great tasting chocolate but also a platform to showcase their signatures crafted using our Finest Belgian Chocolate”, said Barry Callebaut Cocoa & Chocolate Ingredients India managing direction Dhruva Jyoti Sanyal.

    After the intense qualifying rounds, the action is set to shift to Mumbai for the finale rounds. The 2-day finale will challenge the contestants to craft great tasting, signature dishes that reflect their originality across bakery, pastry, confectionery, and showpiece categories.

    Chocolate Academy Dubai head Chef Romain Renard and Chef Arvind Prasad, Founder & Executive Pastry Chef at Whitecaps International School of Pastry and Indian ambassador for Callebaut Chocolates, will join Chef Pratik Deshmukh as the jury for the final event to be held in May 2024.

    The qualifying events were organised in association with The Chocolate Academy as “Knowledge Partner,” Kitchen Aid as “Appliance Partner,” BW Hotelier as “Media Partner” & Zee Zest as “Lifestyle Partner.”

  • 315Work Avenue to host ‘Womenia 2024’: An event to celebrate International Women’s Day

    315Work Avenue to host ‘Womenia 2024’: An event to celebrate International Women’s Day

    Mumbai: In keeping with its philosophy of parity for women, leading coworking company, 315Work Avenue is hosting ‘Womenia 2024’ a prestigious event marking the celebration of International Women’s Day on 15 March 2024 in the vibrant city of Bangalore. This year, the event theme is #prosperitythroughparity and will feature a panel discussion comprising renowned personalities from the world of film, HR, Technology, F&B and other Corporates. The event will see meaningful conversations with dynamic individuals on a variety of topics ranging from overcoming adversity to tips for succeeding in the workplace as a woman and sharing personal experiences in the workplace to make the world a better place to live in.

    The event will also witness performances by Stand-up comedian, RJ and improviser Sonu Venugopal and Alankritha Bhat, renowned dancer and choreographer.  The invitees include Smitha Dixit, RJ and content lead, Radio Mirchi as Moderator, Skanda Ashok, Actor, Suma Rao, Transition Management, Merck Life Sciences, Balaji Kesavaraj, CEO, Make My Campaign, Amreeta Majumdar, Global HR Head, Avataar, Shenaz Bapooji, Founder, Skyful, Arjun Gowda, Actor, Soumya Rao, CEO and founder, Thrive Café, Chandu Gowda, actor, and Aishwarya Vasudevan, Group COO, Neuberg Diagnostics Laboratory. The conversations will provide an opportune moment to celebrate the contribution of women in diverse fields.

    Speaking about the occasion, 315Work Avenue founder Manas Mehrotra said: “Womenia 2024” is not just an event; it is a movement towards inclusivity and parity and recognition of the tremendous potential of women in shaping a more equitable and prosperous world. Women are the architects of our society and it’s our privilege to celebrate their myriad talents and contributions. Events like these serve as a reminder of the collaborative strength we possess in driving positive change. We urge all women to continue to aspire to their dreams and put in the right efforts to succeed. Our panel discussion will be bringing together a diverse array of voices from various sectors.”

    315Work Avenue is committed to focusing on pathways to enhance the economic inclusion of women. The coworking firm has curated the theme to reflect on strategies that would establish the parity of women through prosperity. Women have multiple identities and hence it’s crucial to conceptualise intersectionality that will capture their unique experiences while working as a collective too to achieve progress.

  • PE Mathai of Muthoottu Mini Financiers wins ‘Best CEO’ Award

    PE Mathai of Muthoottu Mini Financiers wins ‘Best CEO’ Award

    Mumbai: Muthoottu Mini Financiers Ltd, one of the country’s leading NBFCs, is proud to announce that PE Mathai, chief executive officer (CEO) of Muthoottu Mini Financiers, has been awarded the Best CEO in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) category at the Indian Leadership Summit and Awards by The Business Fame. This recognition highlights Mathai’s leadership, vision, and contributions to the financial sector.

    This acknowledgment as the Best CEO in BFSI reflects Mathai’s strategic leadership at Muthoottu Mini Financiers. Under his guidance, the company has achieved significant milestones, including 103 per cent QoQ profit growth in Q1 of this financial year, expanding to 900 plus branches of Muthoottu Mini Financiers nationwide, and working towards having 1000 branches nationwide by the end of 2024. Mathai’s commitment to financial stability is reflected in the company’s CARE rating improvement, rising from BBB- in 2019 to a commendable A- in 2022. The company has registered a cumulative asset under management (AUM) growth of 100 per cent over the past four years – averaging 25 per cent per year.

    When the pandemic struck, Mathai emerged as a steadfast captain, guiding Muthoottu Mini through uncharted waters. Branch networks expanded, diverse product offerings emerged, and the organization’s commitment to financial lifelines remained unwavering. Together with Muthoottu Mini’s other leaders, Mathai spearheads the ambitious goal of growing AUM to Rs 7,000 crores by 2027. A key facet of Mathai’s leadership is the drive at Muthoottu Mini to go ‘digital‘, aligning with the digitisation of the gold loan segment to reach those in need across the country.

    Expressing his gratitude, Muthoottu Mini Financiers CEO PE Mathai said, “I am humbled and grateful to receive the Best CEO Award in BFSI sector at The Business Fame’s Indian Leadership Summit and Awards. This recognition is a testament to the efforts of the entire team working hard at Muthoottu Mini Financiers to make common people achieve their dreams through our high-quality financial service products. We remain committed to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustained growth in the sector.”

    The Business Fame’s Indian Leadership Awards and Summit is a platform that acknowledges leaders and organizations across diverse industries in India. The awards recognise individuals and entities that have set benchmarks for success and made contributions to the country’s economic development.

    The award ceremony brought together leaders from various sectors to acknowledge individuals who have demonstrated commitment and impact in their fields.

  • “Security and privacy are top priorities for Single.ID in our collaboration with partners”: BishSmeir

    “Security and privacy are top priorities for Single.ID in our collaboration with partners”: BishSmeir

    Mumbai: Single.id is world’s first cross-reward-programme-identifier.

    Whenever a consumer claims a retailer’s special offer using a discount voucher, it’s easy for the retailer to attribute the source of such redemption, because they take delivery of the physical voucher.  When it comes to linking offers to payments, this is a lot more complicated.

    There are many players in the transaction value chain, from card issuers, payment gateways, card acquirers, card schemes and open banking, so attributing the source of an offer claimant is very hard. One payment only generates one payment transaction so it should only generate one reward, but this isn’t always the case.

    When many different transaction streams and payment apps are available, a lack of clear attribution for payment linked rewards results in Retailers paying out multiple times on each transaction, depleting their ROI and creating a strong resistance to participating in multiple Reward Programmes.

    Enigmatic Smile solves this very real concern for Retailers with its Single.id service. Because it operates as a cross-reward-programme-identifier for every individual and their payment cards, as a network effect kicks in, Single.id establishes itself as a provider of End User identity across the entire retail rewards space – something no other competing system has achieved. This single identity, ascertained and deduced from multiple sources, becomes a huge value over time for Reward Programmes, Retailers and End Users.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Enigmatic Smile’s CEO BishSmeir and country head Chandra Bhushan, where they talked about their recent collaboration with three new large partners in detail.  

    Edited excerpts

    On the significance of Single.ID’s collaboration with these three new very large partners

    The collaboration between Single.ID and our three new very large partners in Fintech/Retails industry represents a significant shift in the Reward tech landscape by revolutionizing the way rewards are attributed in payment transaction with user consent. This collaboration streamlines the process for retailers, offering clear attribution for reward claims, and enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of reward programs.

    On specific benefits can customers expect to see from this collaboration

    Customers can anticipate several benefits from this collaboration. Firstly, they’ll experience a smoother and more streamlined rewards claiming process, eliminating the confusion and frustration often associated with multiple reward programs. Secondly, by consolidating their rewards under a single identity across various merchants, customers can maximize their rewards potential and simplify their cashback earning and redemption across 20 thousand touch points by giving their consent.

    On ways you anticipate that this collaboration will differentiate Single.ID from other players in Fintech

    This collaboration positions Single.ID as a leader in Fintech by offering a unique solution to a longstanding challenge. Unlike other players, Single.ID’s cross-reward-programme-identifier seamlessly integrates with partners, providing unparalleled clarity and efficiency in reward attribution. This differentiation sets us apart as innovators inreward systems landscape.

    On maintaining the security and privacy of customer data within the framework of this collaboration

    Security and privacy are top priorities for Single.ID in our collaboration with partners. As part of our strict data protection measures, we adhere to industry-leading standards and regulations to ensure the highest standers of security and privacy for our users. We take explicit consent from users for everything we do, we are DSS PCI Compliant Level 1 Service providers and adhere to GDPR framework.

    On role of technology playing in facilitating this collaboration and maximizing its potential impact

    Technology plays a central role in facilitating our collaboration with various partners and merchants, enabling seamless integration and efficient reward attribution across multiple platforms.Single.ID harnesses the power of technology to optimize the effectiveness of reward programs and enhance the overall Reward Tech experience for customers and retailers alike.

    On future opportunities you envision arising from this collaboration

    We see tremendous potential for growth and innovation stemming from this collaboration. As the reward tech landscape continues to evolve, we aim to expand our partnership network, further enhancing the reach and impact of Single.ID’s cross-reward-programme-identifier. We remain committed to fostering long-term relationships with our partners in banking and non-banking segments, exploring new opportunities for collaboration and driving continued advancements in Fintech industry.