ITV

Category: Marketing

  • Maruti Suzuki & Hero Fincorp offer customised car financing across India

    Maruti Suzuki & Hero Fincorp offer customised car financing across India

    Mumbai: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has entered into a MoU with Hero Fincorp Limited to offer tailored financial solutions for new and pre-owned car loans. The partnership aims to combine Maruti Suzuki’s extensive network with Hero Fincorp’s customised financing options, providing customers with a broader range of choices.

    The MoU was signed by senior officials from both companies, including Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer, Marketing & Sales, and Kamal Mahtta, vice president of allied business from Maruti Suzuki, alongside Abhimanyu Munjal, MD & CEO of Hero Fincorp.

    Banerjee stated, “At Maruti Suzuki, our focus is always on the customer. This collaboration with Hero Fincorp strengthens our ability to provide innovative, transparent, and attractive financing options, offering customers over 40 retail finance partners to choose from.”

    Munjal added, “This partnership further advances Hero Fincorp’s mission to make car ownership easier and more accessible across India, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Our seamless digital solutions ensure we continue empowering Indians’ aspirations for upward mobility.”

    The alliance is expected to offer a hassle-free, comprehensive solution for car financing, expanding access to a wider customer base.

  • Media Mantra sparks dialogue with MMDialogues365 anniversary celebration

    Media Mantra sparks dialogue with MMDialogues365 anniversary celebration

    MUMBAI: In an era where communication is both an art and a science, Media Mantra Group has once again taken the lead in shaping its future. To mark the first anniversary of its flagship knowledge-sharing initiative ‘MMDialogues’, the company hosted ‘MMDialogues365 – Decoding Effective Communications’ at The Roseate, New Delhi. The event gathered an illustrious assembly of 50 distinguished voices from the media and communications fraternity, engaging in thought-provoking discussions on PR’s evolving landscape, media’s transformation, and the trends redefining corporate storytelling.

    The event commenced with a special address by veteran journalist GonewsIndia founder Pankaj Pachauri who reflected on his journey from newsroom to entrepreneurship, sharing insights on adaptability and the shifting expectations from news media. Setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the communication industry, a fireside chat featuring Media Mantra Group Director Puja Pathak and BW Businessworld chairman & editor-in-chief Annurag Batra dissected the balance between technical expertise and emotional intelligence in communication.

    Two riveting panel discussions followed, where stalwarts from journalism and corporate communications offered their perspectives on the future of media and PR. The first panel, moderated by PRCAI CEO Deeptie Sethi featured Pankaj Doval (Times of India), Shweta Punj (Moneycontrol.com), and Shishir Sinha (Hindu Business Line). The discussion addressed pressing issues such as media fragmentation, AI’s role in journalism, and effective PR-media engagement strategies.

    The second panel, helmed by renowned communications expert Arun Sudhaman, featured corporate communication leaders like Nandini Chatterjee (Shree Cement), Ajey Maharaj (Fortis Healthcare), Arpana Kumar Ahuja (Jindal Steel & Power), and Abhishek Mahapatra (Independent Consultant). The discussion delved into the creator economy, regionalisation of media, the impact of AI in content creation, and the challenge of measuring PR impact.

    Reflecting on the journey of MMDialogues, Media Mantra Group founder director Udit Pathak said, “We launched MM Dialogues to bridge the knowledge gap in PR and communications by bringing together industry leaders for impactful conversations. MMDialogues365 celebrates this milestone while reinforcing our commitment to fostering learning and growth for communications professionals.”

    Puja Pathak founder director Media Mantra Group stated, “The communications industry thrives on agility and continuous learning. #MMDialogues allows our teams to interact with the brightest minds, gaining perspectives beyond textbooks.”

    Media Mantra Group CEO Rahul Mehta added, “MMDialogues has grown into an unparalleled knowledge-sharing platform, offering insights on strategic PR campaigns, digital transformation, impactful storytelling, and media engagement. As Media Mantra expands its presence both in India and internationally, initiatives like these will remain integral to training the next generation of communicators.”

    With MMDialogues365, Media Mantra not only celebrated a milestone but also reinforced its role as an industry pioneer in fostering learning and collaboration. Rekha Gehani, People & Culture Leader at Media Mantra, highlighted the platform’s role in enhancing employee training and making industry insights accessible through social media.

    As the event concluded, one thing was clear, the dialogue is far from over. With MMDialogues 2.0 on the horizon in 2026, Media Mantra is set to continue leading the way in redefining effective communication for the future.

  • Allied Blenders & Distillers appoints two marketing directors

    Allied Blenders & Distillers appoints two marketing directors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Media Distillery pours AI power into search with game-changing discovery suite

    Media Distillery pours AI power into search with game-changing discovery suite

    MUMBAI: Ever felt like finding the right show to watch is harder than choosing what to eat for dinner? Media Distillery has heard the struggle and is uncorking a revolutionary solution, its new Search and Discovery Suite. Designed to make finding content as effortless as a Tik tok scroll, this AI-powered suite ensures viewers spend less time searching and more time watching.

    The video streaming industry has long battled with decision fatigue, with research showing that consumers spend over 10 minutes deciding what to watch often giving up entirely. Media Distillery’s latest suite tackles this head-on, using cutting-edge AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Visual Language Models (VLMs), and semantic search to help viewers discover exactly what they’re looking for sometimes before they even know it.

    “2025 is the year of search and discovery,” said Media Distillery CEO and co-founder Roland Sars. “With so much content available, viewers can’t always see the forest for the trees. Our AI-powered suite ensures they never miss out on great content again.”

    Instead of the usual ‘because you watched xyz’ recommendations, the Search and Discovery Suite uses AI to dynamically generate suggestions across multiple sources. Say a viewer searches for the Academy Awards the tool doesn’t just show Oscar-winning films, but also TV shows featuring the winners, red carpet highlights, interviews, and more.

    A pilot test with a major cable operator delivered impressive results, with 75 per cent of viewers discovering sports content they wouldn’t have found otherwise, while 65 per cent received more relevant sports recommendations directly on the platform, reducing their need to search elsewhere. This AI-powered intelligence goes beyond on-demand content, enabling broadcasters, live TV providers, and OTT platforms to unlock the full potential of their catalogues and enhance viewer engagement.  

    Media Distillery’s Search and Discovery Suite complements its Preview Distillery solution, offering a seamless content discovery experience. By integrating real-time broadcast content analysis, the suite enables broadcasters, operators, and OTT services to boost engagement and monetisation while keeping viewers glued to their screens.

    So, if you’re tired of endless scrolling, Media Distillery’s latest innovation ensures your next binge-worthy show is just a smart search away.

  • SSBeauty unveils first fragrance-exclusive boutique in Bengaluru

    SSBeauty unveils first fragrance-exclusive boutique in Bengaluru

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • McDonald’s shakes things up with shakashaka fries and a musical twist

    McDonald’s shakes things up with shakashaka fries and a musical twist

    MUMBAI: McDonald’s India – north and east is striking a crispy, crunchy, and catchy chord with food lovers through its latest campaign, Shakashaka. This quirky, mockumentary-style campaign reimagines shakeshake fries as more than just a snack, it’s now a musical instrument, thanks to the eccentric and musically enlightened Papaji.

    The campaign follows Papaji, who discovers that the rhythmic shaking of the shakeshake fries bag produces the vibrations of the cosmos, leading to the birth of Shakashaka, a movement that teaches fans the art of Shak-ing, Shuk-ing, and Shik-ing their way to flavour-filled enlightenment. “Fries may be French, but the sounds they produce are universal,” declares Papaji, as he recruits a cult of Shakashakers, even hosting live classes at select McDonald’s locations to spread the joy of shaking.

    McDonald’s India – north and east has tapped into the insight that fans love the ritual of shaking the fries as much as eating them. With music playing a crucial role in gen z’s identity, the Shakashaka campaign transforms this simple act into an immersive and shareable experience.

    McDonald’s India managing director for north and east Rajeev Ranjan said, “At McDonald’s, we believe every meal should be more than just delicious! Our Shakashaka campaign is designed to turn dining into an interactive, fun-filled moment where great taste meets excitement. With every sprinkle, shake, and bite, customers become part of the flavour adventure, making each meal uniquely theirs.”

    To make the celebration even more appetising, the campaign also introduces McDeal meals—an affordable way for customers to enjoy their favourite McDonald’s flavours without breaking the bank. Starting at just Rs 69, the new offers include Mcchicken patty with piri piri seasoning for Rs 69, Mcaloo tikki burger with piri piri fries for Rs 79, and veg surprise or chicken surprise with piri piri fries for Rs 89, ensuring a deliciously pocket-friendly indulgence. 
     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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