ITV

Category: Marketing

  • Victorinox elevates Sengupta to top sales and marketing post

    Victorinox elevates Sengupta to top sales and marketing post

    MUMBAI:  Victorinox, the Swiss firm best known for its pocket knives and premium watches, has promoted Debraj Sengupta to managing director of sales and marketing, capping his impressive 15-year tenure with the company.

    Sengupta, who was previously country head for watches and chief marketing officer across four product categories, steps into his new role with over three decades of experience in the luxury watch industry under his belt.

    The promotion marks a crowning achievement for the executive who during his stint at Victorinox, has carved out an enviable position for the Swiss company in India’s premium watch segment, slicing through competition with a precision that would make one of the firm’s famous Swiss Army knives proud.

    Sengupta’s track record at Victorinox includes expanding the company’s distribution network to more than 150 multi-brand watch stores across India, forging partnerships with major retailers including Helios and Ethos.

    After joining Victorinox in 2010, he oversaw the successful launch and repositioning of the Swiss watch brand in the Indian market. His performance eventually earned him a promotion to chief marketing officer in 2016, adding responsibility for the firm’s travel gear, Swiss Army knives and cutlery divisions to his watch duties.

    Before joining Victorinox, Sengupta spent three years at LVMH Watch and Jewelry, where he managed the Tag Heuer and Dior watch brands. Prior to that, he put in nearly seven years at Swatch Group, working with its Rado and Balmain brands.

    In his LinkedIn profile—which reads like a luxury brand roll call—Sengupta describes himself as a “P&L maestro” and “market expansion specialist” who has “mastered the strategic oversight and development of elite watch brands.”

    Victorinox, which opened its first flagship store in Mumbai in 2011, now operates six exclusive boutiques across major Indian cities, selling everything from its iconic red pocket knives to high-end chronographs. 

    With Sengupta at the helm of sales and marketing, the Swiss firm appears poised to cut deeper into India’s luxury retail market.

  • Asian Paints brushes off worries with a campaign that’s a stroke of genius

    Asian Paints brushes off worries with a campaign that’s a stroke of genius

    MUMBAI: When it comes to painting their dream homes, Indian homeowners often find themselves in a tight spot juggling budgets while hoping for quality that lasts. Asian Paints is stepping in with a game-changing proposition through its latest campaign, Budget Kam, Warranty Mein Dum, spotlighting its ace exterior emulsion and tractor emulsion. These paints don’t just coat walls, they promise long-lasting beauty and durability, backed by a four-year warranty.

    Conceptualised by Ogilvy Mumbai and directed by Shayak Roy, the campaign brings a light-hearted, humorous take on consumer confidence. The TVC follows homeowners who repeatedly bet on their walls’ resilience and win every time, proving that with Asian Paints, there’s no need for compromise. The film cleverly underlines the brand’s core promise high-quality, long-lasting finishes at a pocket-friendly price.

    Commenting on the launch, Asian Paints MD and CEO Amit Syngle said, “At Asian Paints, we are committed to making quality offerings and innovation accessible to every homeowner. With Ace Exterior Emulsion and Tractor Emulsion, we have been delivering best in class performance, durability, and aesthetics all at a price that fits the consumer’s budget. This campaign reinforces our belief that homeowners should never have to compromise between affordability and excellence and reflects our ongoing effort to lead the market by anticipating and addressing evolving consumer needs. This value-offering has an unbeatable four-year warranty that fortifies our promise of unmatched quality to the end consumers”

    Ogilvy India chief creative officer Sukesh Nayak added, “Consumers often assume that budget-friendly paints may not offer long-term durability. However, Asian Paints Ace and Tractor Emulsions break this misconception by delivering a cost-effective yet superior finish with a warranty that assures reliability. Our campaign creatively highlights this proposition in an engaging and relatable way.”

    With these propositions, Asian Paints further strengthens its leadership position in the category. Ace and Tractor Emulsions are trusted by homeowners for consistently delivering beautiful, durable finishes for both interior and exterior walls, setting highest standards for value and reliability. Designed to protect and enhance every home, they offer the perfect blend of affordability, performance, and aesthetic appeal, making them a preferred choice for value-conscious consumers.

    With ace and tractor emulsions, Asian Paints continues to lead the market with its unbeatable blend of affordability and quality. Designed for both interiors and exteriors, these emulsions offer a superior finish, weather resistance, and long-term reliability.

    As homeowners look for cost-effective yet high-quality solutions, Asian Paints ensures they no longer have to choose between budget and brilliance because with this campaign, it’s clear that every home deserves the best, without breaking the bank.
     

  • Dabur Red brushes up awareness on fluoride-free oral care

    Dabur Red brushes up awareness on fluoride-free oral care

    MUMBAI: In a bold move to redefine oral health conversations, Dabur Red Paste has launched the ‘Switch to fluoride free’ campaign, questioning the long-standing presence of fluoride in toothpaste. The month-long initiative aims to spark a nationwide dialogue on the potential risks of fluoride, especially in regions where its overconsumption is already a concern.

    Taking the conversation beyond the toothbrush, the campaign will travel across multiple cities, educating consumers about oral care ingredients that are often overlooked. It aims to debunk myths surrounding fluoride’s role in oral hygiene and highlight the need for more natural alternatives.

    Dabur India has partnered with Mixed Route Juice, a Delhi- and Bangalore-based marketing agency, to execute the campaign through on-ground activations, influencer collaborations, and digital storytelling.

    Dabur India Ltd executive vice president for marketing Abhishek Jugran said, “With this campaign we aim to drive awareness towards a crucial but often times concealed issue. Our goal is to ensure that consumers make informed choices for themselves that will automatically lead to a healthy population. We are also aiming to shake up traditional marketing beliefs with this campaign. Everything that works for the international market isn’t in the best interest of Indian Markets. Our products are centered around effortlessly plugging in the need gaps in Indian markets with Natural Ingredients that have been tried and tested over years. Our call out to our consumers is simple. Read up, research and make independent informed choices.”

    Speaking about the campaign, Mixed Route Juice founder & creative director Amrita Sharma said, “At MRJ, we are all for meaningful, purpose driven communications. We are grateful that this opportunity came our way and we could add Dabur and the product Red toothpaste in particular to our portfolio. We’ve used a mixed media touch-points approach where digital becomes a central pillar, on-ground activations driven in priority markets to spread awareness and influencers as media vehicles for driving conversations.”

    For decades, fluoride has been positioned as a cavity-fighting hero in toothpaste. However, emerging research suggests that excessive fluoride exposure can lead to skeletal fluorosis, thyroid dysfunction, brittle bones, and cognitive issues in children. Studies indicate that fluoride levels exceeding 1.5 mg/L in drinking water could be linked to lower IQ levels in children.

    Despite its widespread use, fluoride can accumulate in the body over time, raising concerns about long-term health effects on bones, the liver, kidneys, and mental well-being. Given these risks, fluoride-free oral care is gaining global traction, with many experts advocating for a shift to safer, natural alternatives.

    With ‘Switch to fluoride free’, Dabur Red is challenging conventional wisdom and urging consumers to take a closer look at their toothpaste choices. As the movement gains momentum, one thing is clear, oral health conversations are getting a much-needed refresh.

  • Tata Motors revs up, hits the curvv with Indian cinema star Vicky Kaushal

    Tata Motors revs up, hits the curvv with Indian cinema star Vicky Kaushal

    MUMBAI: When Indian cinema charisma meets automotive innovation, sparks fly—quite literally. Tata Motors, not content with merely leading India’s automotive race, just turbocharged their brand appeal by roping in Indian cinema’s versatile superstar, Vicky Kaushal. Known for breaking barriers and roles alike, Kaushal is the perfect fit for Tata Motors, a brand always steering boldly off the beaten track.

    Launched with the vibrant ‘Take the Curvv’ campaign this IPL season, this high-octane partnership reflects Tata Motors’ commitment to rewriting the rules of mobility. ‘Take the Curvv’ isn’t just about taking turns; it’s about swerving boldly away from the ordinary, a philosophy both Tata Motors and Kaushal embody.

    “At Tata Motors, we are constantly pushing boundaries and setting new standards of excellence,” says Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd CCO Vivek Srivatsa. “We are proud to welcome Vicky Kaushal, whose values align with ours—authenticity and positive disruption. Both Vicky and Tata Motors share an unwavering pride in India. With innovation at the core of our brand, the ‘Take the Curvv’ campaign celebrates individuals who choose to carve their own path.”

    Equally thrilled, Kaushal expressed, “I am thrilled to make my foray into the world of cars with Tata Motors—a homegrown brand that has redefined how India travels. Tata Motors’ unwavering legacy, coupled with its relentless commitment to innovation and disruption, perfectly reflects my own passion, making this partnership a natural choice.”

    The campaign introduces the Tata Curvv, a mid-SUV designed to shake up the market with its striking aesthetics and category-first features. As Vicky speeds through dynamic 20-second IPL spots, he mirrors the spirit of the Curvv, championing boldness, innovation, and individuality.

  • Bergner & Shoppers Stop cook up a storm, stir the pot with Hitech Giro X

    Bergner & Shoppers Stop cook up a storm, stir the pot with Hitech Giro X

    MUMBAI: Let’s be honest, the only thing worse than burnt toast is pretending burnt toast is a culinary masterpiece. Luckily, Bergner and Shoppers Stop have joined forces with culinary superstar chef Vikas Khanna to rescue home chefs everywhere from kitchen disasters. Launching the ultra-advanced Hitech Giro X cookware, they’ve set out to turn amateur cooks into kitchen wizards—minus the magic wand (though we wouldn’t mind that either).

    In an exclusive event at HomeStop, Mumbai, Michelin Star chef Vikas Khanna unveiled Bergner India’s new cookware range, Hitech Giro X. This collection isn’t just cookware—it’s a ticket to culinary nirvana. Featuring cutting-edge Tri-Ply construction and Ceratech ceramic coating, the Giro X range guarantees even heat distribution, minimal oil use, and healthier meals, all while looking sleek enough to impress even your judgmental aunt Meena.

    “Exceptional cookware is the foundation of great cooking. Bergner India is dedicated to advancements that make cooking healthier, more accessible, and more pleasurable. Hitech Giro X exemplifies this, offering a seamless cooking experience through its durable, efficient, and thoughtfully designed features. We’re excited to partner with Shoppers Stop to bring this innovative cookware to Indian kitchens,” said Bergner India MD Umesh Guptaa.

    Khanna wasn’t shy about his enthusiasm either, stating, “In my line of work, I’ve learned that the quality of your cookware matters just as much as the quality of your ingredients. The Hitech Giro X makes cooking healthier, faster, and more enjoyable for anyone who loves spending time in the kitchen. It’s a privilege to be involved in this launch with Shoppers Stop and Bergner India. This range is a real game-changer, and I think everyone should see it for themselves at HomeStop.”

    Shoppers Stop MD & CEO Kavindra Mishra shared, “At Shoppers Stop, we are committed to bringing the best in lifestyle and home innovation to our customers. Hitech Giro X aligns perfectly with our vision of blending cutting-edge technology with everyday convenience. Through this partnership with Bergner India and Michelin Star Chef Vikas Khanna, we aim to redefine modern home cooking.”

    The launch featured an exclusive masterclass where Chef Khanna demonstrated the capabilities of Hitech Giro X, showing off its tri-ply technology and exceptional cooking performance. Attendees, mainly Shoppers Stop First Citizen cardholders, were left both inspired and ready to tackle cooking challenges head-on.

  • Hero Motocorp shifts gears, powers into electric three-wheelers

    Hero Motocorp shifts gears, powers into electric three-wheelers

    MUMBAI: Hero Motocorp is revving up its electric ambitions, acquiring a significant stake in Euler Motors, a fast-growing player in the EV space. The deal, worth up to Rs 525 crore, will give Hero a strong foothold in the booming electric three-wheeler market, where EVs are expected to hit 35 per cent of total sales in the near future.

    “Our strategic investment in Euler is a bold step towards realising our vision to ‘Be the Future of Mobility’,” said Pawan Munjal, executive chairman, calling the move a blend of innovation, sustainability, and smart expansion.

    The investment, approved by Hero’s board, will be made in one or more tranches and will see Hero take an approximately 32.5 per cent stake in Euler on a fully diluted basis. The funds will be a mix of primary investment in equity and Series D convertible preference shares, along with the option to buy shares from existing Euler shareholders.

    Euler Motors, already present in 30 Indian cities, is a rising force in electric three-wheelers and recently launched its first electric commercial four-wheeler. The company’s turnover has accelerated sharply, jumping from Rs 25 crore in 2022 to Rs 172 crore in 2024.

    For Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, this investment is more than just a new venture—it’s a clear signal that the future is electric, and Hero is here to lead the charge.

  • HUL picks up a stake in Lucro to turn plastic waste into treasure

    HUL picks up a stake in Lucro to turn plastic waste into treasure

    MUMBAI: Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) is putting its money where its sustainability pledge is, snapping up a 14.3 per cent stake in Lucro Plastecycle, a rising star in recycled flexible plastics. The deal, approved by HUL’s board today, marks a fresh push towards a zero plastic waste future.

    Lucro isn’t just in the business of recycling—it’s on a mission to turn trash into cash by converting post-consumer flexible plastics into high-quality recycled material. The tieup with HUL aims to boost the supply of recycled content for packaging, giving businesses a clearer path to sustainability and tackling the challenge of hard-to-recycle plastics.

    “This investment is a significant step in building the capabilities in recycling and developing the circular economy model for plastic, which is in line with our firm belief that what is good for India is good for HUL,” said  HUL CEO & MD  Rohit Jawa.

    Lucro managing director  Ujwal Desai said the deal will help ramp up recycling capacity and drive large-scale commercial adoption of post-consumer resin. “This investment by HUL paves the way for us to set a new benchmark for sustainable plastics,” he said.

    HUL, India’s biggest FMCG player, already reaches nine out of ten Indian households—and now, it wants to clean up the planet while it’s at it.

  • Hindalco gets a bold makeover, bets big on engineered solutions

    Hindalco gets a bold makeover, bets big on engineered solutions

    MUMBAI:  Hindalco, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has rebranded itself with a sharp new identity, shedding its image as a mere materials supplier to become a full-fledged engineered solutions powerhouse. With a fresh logo and a new tagline—’Engineering Better Futures’—the company is making an aggressive play in electric mobility, renewable energy, semiconductors, and high-end electronics.

    The rebrand was unveiled by group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla before an audience of industry leaders, policymakers, and business partners.

    “Hindalco is no longer just a metals player—it’s a mini-conglomerate in itself, with 52 plants across 10 countries producing high-quality products that shape the global economy,” said Birla. “We are committing Rs 45,000 crore to aluminium, copper, and specialty alumina businesses to deliver both upstream and next-gen high-precision engineered products. Our new identity reflects our role as a catalyst for change, a problem solver, and a co-creator of industrial progress.”

    The new Hindalco logo features a bold, dynamic ‘H’—symbolising forward momentum and innovation. But this isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade. The rebrand signals a shift towards high-performance materials and precision engineering, with a focus on sustainability, circularity, and cutting-edge applications.

     

    Kumar Mangalam Birla and Satish Pai

    Managing director Satish Pai called it a “pivotal moment” for Hindalco as it moves beyond being a metals manufacturer to an innovation-driven solutions provider. “Our investments in advanced materials, circular economy solutions, and state-of-the-art applications will redefine Indian manufacturing. The pillars of our transformation—sustainability, circularity, durability, and precision engineering—will ensure we create a lasting impact for generations,” said Pai.

    Hindalco is already shaking up industries with its engineered solutions:

    * Auto & EVs: Lighter, more efficient materials for electric vehicles, including battery enclosures that improve safety and extend range.
    * Packaging: A leader in aluminium can-body stock, pushing an 80 per cent recycled model for a truly circular economy.
    * Energy & storage: Partnering with battery makers to develop aluminium and copper materials for next-gen energy storage solutions.
    * Aerospace & defence: Supplying ultra-high-performance alloys for Isro’s Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions, while developing specialised defence-grade materials.

    And it’s not stopping there. Hindalco is building India’s first e-waste recycling plant at Birla Copper and has launched a 100MW renewable energy project in Odisha that combines wind, solar, and pumped hydro storage for round-the-clock power.

    Hindalco has been ranked the world’s most sustainable aluminium company in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for five consecutive years. Its focus on energy-efficient production, waste reduction, and green materials is in lockstep with India’s net-zero ambitions.

    “We invite our customers to demand more—not just materials, but co-designed, custom-engineered, next-generation products,” said Birla. “Together, we can power a more sustainable, more advanced, and more impactful future. ” 

    With its bold rebrand and an arsenal of game-changing solutions, Hindalco is making it clear: the future isn’t just being built—it’s being engineered.

  • Zomato changes corporate name to Eternal

    Zomato changes corporate name to Eternal

    MUMBAI; After gorging on acquisitions from Blinkit to Paytm’s ticketing business, the Indian food delivery giant formerly known as Zomato has rebranded itself as Eternal Ltd—though fans need not worry, as the familiar Zomato app will continue to serve up curry in a hurry.

    The company, founded by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah in 2008, received approval from the registrar of companies at the ministry of corporate affairs on 20 March, marking the culmination of a rebranding process first announced to stock exchanges in February. (read: Deepinder Goyal’s Zomato levels up to its final form: Eternal Ltd)

    What began as a restaurant discovery service has morphed into an ambitious conglomerate with fingers in many pies. After floating on the stock market in July 2021 at a whopping valuation north of $8 billion, Zomato—pardon, Eternal—has been cooking up a storm of diversification.

    The aptly named Eternal has shown a voracious appetite for expansion. In June 2022, it splashed out $568 million to snap up quick-commerce upstart Blinkit, allowing customers to receive groceries and essentials in minutes rather than hours.

    .Last August 2024, the corporate tentacles stretched further with the launch of District, an events and ticketing app built on the bones of Paytm’s ticketing business. It runs a B2B service company addressing procurement and supply chain challenges for the HoReCa industry, which includes hotels, restaurants, and cloud kitchens. It offers ingredient sourcing, a modern central kitchen, and temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics to support the growth of restaurants and quick commerce. 

    Zomaland by Zomato is India’s largest food and entertainment carnival to enjoy a wide range of culinary delights, an assortment of fun games and a fantastic artist line-up to ensure your weekend is truly what it should be – filled with food, fun and frolic!It also runs Weather Union  – which tracks weather across the country.

    While the corporate entity will henceforth answer to Eternal Limited, the food delivery app that made the company’s name will continue to operate under the Zomato brand, ensuring that hungry Indians need not learn a new name when their tummies start to rumble.

  • Hexaware builds a solid partnership with Rahul Dravid as cultural ambassador

    Hexaware builds a solid partnership with Rahul Dravid as cultural ambassador

    MUMBAI: Hexaware Technologies has bowled a winning move by bringing cricketing legend Rahul Dravid on board as its cultural ambassador. Known as The Wall for his unshakable presence on the field, Dravid’s leadership, perseverance, and quiet strength mirror Hexaware’s core values, making him the perfect fit to inspire and engage employees.

    “We are excited to welcome Rahul Dravid to the Hexaware family,” said Hexaware CEO R Srikrishna. “Rahul’s talent, humility, discipline, and ability to thrive under pressure reflect the qualities we believe in as an organization. This partnership is a celebration of teamwork, resilience, and shared growth.”

    Hexaware COO Vinod Chandran added, “Rahul Dravid is an inspiration not just for his illustrious achievements on the field but also for his ability to lead with trust and determination. His involvement will energize our teams and remind us of the power of collaboration and tenacity.”

    Dravid’s role as cultural ambassador will see him interacting with Hexaware employees worldwide, offering insights into leadership, collaboration, and performing under pressure. Through a series of engaging sessions, he will share his experiences, motivating teams to push boundaries, build stronger connections, and embrace challenges head-on.

    “I am delighted to partner with Hexaware, a company that values its people and their growth,” said Rahul Dravid. “I look forward to engaging with Hexaware’s talented teams and sharing experiences that inspire individuals to aim higher and achieve together.”

    With this partnership, Hexaware strengthens its commitment to fostering an empowering and growth-oriented work environment. By aligning with a sporting icon renowned for his discipline, adaptability, and resilience, the company reinforces its belief in teamwork, leadership, and a people-first culture, proving that whether on the cricket pitch or in the corporate world, success is built on a solid foundation.