Category: Marketing

  • Britannia elevates Siddharth Gupta as new chief marketing officer

    Britannia elevates Siddharth Gupta as new chief marketing officer

    MUMBAI: Britannia Industries has appointed Siddharth Gupta as chief marketing officer, succeeding Amit Doshi who stepped down from the position last month.

    Gupta, who joined the foods company in 2018, is currently general manager of marketing, where he leads the premium creams, crackers, Marie and milk biscuits portfolio. He has progressively risen through the ranks at Britannia, having served as senior category head and category head.

    Prior to joining Britannia, Gupta spent nearly 11 years at Colgate-Palmolive in various marketing roles. As marketing manager in Mumbai, he handled the company’s toothpaste portfolio and was instrumental in launching new products including an over-the-counter toothpain relief gel. His earlier roles included positions in modern trade and sales across different regions.

    The appointment comes as Britannia looks to strengthen its marketing leadership in the Indian foods sector.

  • Adidas India appoints direct-to-consumer head in Bijit Nair

    Adidas India appoints direct-to-consumer head in Bijit Nair

    MUMBAI: Adidas India Marketing Pvt Ltd has appointed Bijit Nair as senior director of direct-to-consumer (DTC), based in Gurugram. Nair joins the sportswear giant from Pepe Jeans India Ltd where he served as sales director.

    A veteran with over 24 years of retail experience, Nair was previously president of retail at House of Anita Dongre Ltd, where he led the P&L responsibilities for brands AND and Global Desi. During his seven-year tenure, he doubled the business footprint and established the brands’ presence across major Indian malls.

    Prior to this, he spent over a decade at Benetton Group, rising through the ranks to become senior vice president of retail operations. His experience includes successful stints at Madura Fashion & Lifestyle, Unilever’s Caterplan division, and Taj Hotels.

    Nair brings expertise in retail business development, franchisee management, and e-commerce growth to his new role at Adidas India, where he will oversee the company’s direct-to-consumer operations.

  • Bhaskar Da, a month on: Ashit Kukian remembers an unforgettable professional

    Bhaskar Da, a month on: Ashit Kukian remembers an unforgettable professional

    MUMBAI: A heartfelt tribute to someone who was not just a boss, but a true mentor, guru, and friend.

    Under his guidance, I learned the intricacies of the media world, sharpening my skills and understanding through his profound knowledge and insight. His humility, paired with one-liners full of humor and wisdom, made him a beloved figure to all who had the privilege of working with him.
     

    To say I will miss him feels like an understatement—his impact on me was immense.

    The pride he took in our successes, as though we were his own, felt much like the pride a father has for his children.

    He often said  “if the student doesn’t learn, I will blame the teacher.”

    Such was his conviction that the success of juniors was the responsibility of senior leaders.

    And he truly walked the talk—investing in us, shaping us, and ensuring that we had everything we needed to thrive.

    The void he leaves behind can never be filled. I will have to learn to navigate an altered world without his steady presence.

    I can only hope that he finds the joy and peace he so richly deserves in heaven. People like him are rare, and it’s a loss that words cannot fully capture.

    Thank you, Boss, for everything you taught me, for the lessons you shared, and for being more than just a leader—you were a guiding light in my journey.
     

  • Bumble & Puma encourage singles to discover love while running

    Bumble & Puma encourage singles to discover love while running

    MUMBAI : This Valentine’s weekend, Bumble and Puma are redefining dating with the singles run in Mumbai on 15 February. Swapping candlelit dinners for running shoes, the event offers singles a chance to meet, connect, and find chemistry through a shared love of fitness.

    The reason the duo is taking this tack is because fitness has increasingly started shaping dating trends. And a Bumble survey highlights how singles are embracing active connections:

    Fitness as the new flirty date: Nearly half (49 per cent) of singles actively seek fitness or wellness- based dates, preferring a jog, yoga session, or hike over conventional outings.

    Sports as the ultimate first date: A staggering 95 per cent of singles find sports-driven first dates appealing, with 72 per cent strongly favouring activities like a 3 km run, padel, or tennis.

    No sports, no love?: For 44 per cent of singles, a lack of interest in sports could be a dealbreaker in romance.

    Gen Z’s fitness-focused romance: More than half (52 per cent) of Gen Z singles prioritise fitness and wellness activities in their dating lives.

  • Personal Loans for Weddings: The Smart Alternative to Using Your Savings

    Personal Loans for Weddings: The Smart Alternative to Using Your Savings

    Weddings are one of life’s most significant milestones, but they come with significant expenses from catering and venue to photography and décor. Even with meticulous budgeting, costs can quickly spiral beyond expectations.

    With the aspiration to make the events perfect, many people dip into their savings to cover the expenses. However, doing so can strain financial stability in the long run.

    Instead, opting for a personal loan for weddings, or a wedding loan, can be a smart alternative, as it can provide the necessary funds to cover upfront costs without depleting your hard-earned savings.

    In this article, we will explore why a wedding loan can be a smart alternative to using your personal resources.

    1. Quick Access to Funds     
    Instant* personal loans are known for their typically quick approvals and disbursals, providing the necessary funds without the long waiting periods associated with traditional offline loans.

    For instance, SMFG India Credit, a leading NBFC in India, disburses the funds shortly after final approval. This ensures that time-sensitive expenses, such as securing a limited-period discount on your preferred venue or a last-minute home repair, can be managed efficiently.

    Please note that the exact approval and disbursement times may vary depending on the applicant’s eligibility, the accuracy of the submitted documents, and the lender’s policies.

    2. No Collateral Required  
    Secured loans require collateral, which lenders can seize if the borrower fails to repay the loan on time.

    In contrast, personal loans are unsecured, meaning you do not have to pledge any assets. Instead, lenders assess eligibility based on several factors such as credit score, income, employment history, and existing debt obligations.

    This makes personal loans a less risky option for borrowers, as they do not have to worry about losing valuable assets like property or vehicles to finance wedding expenses. Additionally, the absence of collateral speeds up the loan processing time, eliminating the need for asset verification.

    3. Flexible Loan Tenures 
    Personal loans offer flexible repayment tenures, typically ranging from 12 to 60 months, allowing you to choose a duration that aligns with your financial comfort and budget.

    Additionally, with fixed EMIs (Equated Monthly Instalments), you know exactly how much to pay each month. This predictability enhances budgeting, helping you to manage your EMIs efficiently while covering existing expenses.

    4. Minimal Paperwork and Online Application Process 
    Planning a wedding involves multiple expenses and logistical considerations. In such times, traditional offline loan applications involving extensive paperwork and a lengthy application process can hinder your planning.

    Personal wedding loan offer a convenient solution, requiring minimal documentation. Lenders typically ask for only a few essential documents such as proof of identity, address, and income, with specific requirements varying for salaried and self-employed individuals.

    Moreover, personal loan applications can be completed entirely online, eliminating the need to visit a lender’s branch and ensuring a hassle-free borrowing experience.

    5. Avoid High-Interest Credit Card Debt 
    Many individuals rely on credit cards when wedding expenses exceed their budget. However, credit cards usually have higher interest rates than personal loans, which can lead to long-term financial strain.

    On the other hand, personal loans often come with competitive interest rates. Borrowers who have strong credit scores (generally 750+) and meet the overall eligibility requirements are more likely to qualify for lower interest rates, which help reduce the total cost of the loan.

    6. Preserve Savings for Your Future 
    Using personal savings to fund wedding expenses can impact long-term financial goals, such as buying a home or securing a child’s education fund.

    A personal loan can help you finance immediate wedding costs while preserving your savings for future needs.

    However, it is essential to borrow responsibly – you must assess your budget carefully and apply for only the necessary amount to avoid undue strain during repayment.

    To make informed decisions, you can use a personal loan EMI calculator – available for free on the websites of trusted lenders like SMFG India Credit – to estimate monthly payments based on different loan amounts, interest rates, and tenures.

    Conclusion

    An instant* personal loan can be a practical solution for managing wedding expenses while keeping your savings intact and maintaining long-term financial stability. However, before applying, it is essential to assess your financial situation, compare lenders, and ensure that the EMIs fit comfortably within your budget.

    Responsible borrowing, coupled with thoughtful financial planning, allows you to create the wedding of your dreams without compromising your future financial security.

    *T&C apply. Loan eligibility, loan terms, and loan disbursement processes are subject to the lender’s policy at the time of loan application.

  • Addverb unleashes Trakr 2.0 & more for India’s robotics future

    Addverb unleashes Trakr 2.0 & more for India’s robotics future

    MUMBAI: The future of robotics has just landed, and it’s not tiptoeing—it’s striding in on four mechanical legs. The global robotics and automation powerhouse, Addverb, has pulled back the curtain on three groundbreaking solutions at LogiMAT India 2025, held from 13–15 February at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. These game-changing innovations—Trakr 2.0, Hoca, and Brisk—are set to revolutionise warehouses, logistics, and automation, making them smarter, faster, and undeniably more efficient.

    With a flair for innovation and a knack for disrupting the norm, Addverb introduced India’s largest quadruped robot, Trakr 2.0, along with Hoca, a high-speed order consolidation and automation system, and Brisk, an intuitive user interface designed to streamline warehouse operations. These futuristic creations aren’t just about efficiency; they’re about making warehouses function with precision, safety, and adaptability like never before.

    Addverb’s Trakr 2.0 is India’s largest assistive quadruped. This powerhouse of a machine carries payloads of up to 20 kg, boasts a battery endurance of 90 minutes, and uses stereo cameras for enhanced vision. It also responds to gesture-based commands—because who needs buttons when you can command a robot with a wave of your hand?

    Addverb co-founder & CEO Sangeet Kumar couldn’t contain his excitement, “The debut of Trakr 2.0, Hoca, and Brisk at LogiMAT India 2025 represents a significant milestone in our journey of innovation. After the overwhelming response to Trakr last year, we were inspired to develop Trakr 2.0—an even more powerful version with enhanced vision and gesture-based controls.”

    Hoca is a high-speed order consolidation and automation system that takes batch picking to a whole new level, maximising space utilisation while delivering operational flexibility. With a modular design, a carousel spanning from 5,900 mm to 46,700 mm, and payload capacities reaching 900 kg, Hoca fits into existing warehouse setups effortlessly. The best part? It makes scaling up as smooth as a well-oiled machine—literally.

    Enter Brisk, Addverb’s user-friendly interface that makes warehouse operations as seamless as swiping on your phone. Using gesture-based technology and glove-based EAN scanning, Brisk adapts to different lighting conditions, ensuring smooth functionality across various warehouse environments.

    Addverb has its sights set firmly on the future. With these latest product launches, the company is charging ahead to introduce its first humanoid robot in 2025. Watch out, Musk! Beyond warehousing, Addverb is breaking new ground in logistics, defence security, and commercial robotics, ensuring its tech isn’t just cutting-edge but game-changing.

    The proof? Some of the biggest names in the industry—Reliance, HUL, PepsiCo, Maersk, Mondial Relay, DHL, and Landmark—are already on board, trusting Addverb to lead the automation revolution.

    Beyond its technological prowess, Addverb is championing India’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, reinforcing the country’s position as a global leader in robotics and manufacturing. With a presence across the US, Europe, and Asia, the company is poised to take its automation empire worldwide, reshaping industries one robotic revolution at a time.

     

  • Honda & Nissan scrap merger plans, maintain EV partnership

    Honda & Nissan scrap merger plans, maintain EV partnership

    MUMBAI : In a major shift, Honda & Nissan have officially called off their proposed business integration, citing the need for quicker decision-making in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) market. The breakdown of discussions stemmed from a disagreement over Honda’s proposed restructuring, which would have made Nissan its subsidiary through a share exchange rather than forming a joint holding company. Despite this, both automakers will continue their strategic partnership to advance intelligent and electrified vehicle technologies.

    The abandoned merger was part of a broader effort by Japan’s leading automakers to strengthen global competitiveness. Initially, Honda & Nissan had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in March 2024, focusing on next-generation vehicle intelligence and electrification. The agreement was expanded in August to include joint research on software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms. By December, talks had progressed towards a potential integration under a joint holding company, with Mitsubishi Motors also considering joining the alliance.

    Had the integration gone forward, Honda & Nissan aimed to combine their management resources, enhance R&D capabilities, optimise manufacturing, and create significant cost synergies. They projected combined annual revenues exceeding 30 trillion yen and an operating profit of more than 3 trillion yen. Mitsubishi, which was evaluating its role in the deal, planned to make a final decision by January 2025.

    Despite the setback, Honda & Nissan remain will continue to collaborate in key areas such as vehicle electrification and intelligence. While full-scale integration is off the table, their ongoing partnership signals a continued focus on innovation & market adaptability in an industry being reshaped by electric mobility & smart technologies.

  • Autopedia partners with Kapture CX to enhance customer support

    Autopedia partners with Kapture CX to enhance customer support

    Mumbai: Leading automotive platform Autopedia has partnered with Kapture CX to revolutionise its customer support operations. The collaboration will enable seamless omnichannel support across multiple touchpoints through a unified dashboard, reinforcing Autopedia’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

    Serving over 100,000 customers annually, Autopedia operates a vast business model encompassing car and motorcycle auctions, as well as an aggregator service for vehicle pricing. Maintaining its 40 per cent market share necessitates robust customer support, prompting the adoption of Kapture CX’s advanced customer experience automation platform.

    Kapture CX will integrate customer interactions from Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, email, and website forms, ensuring streamlined communication. Its automated ticketing system will enhance response efficiency by enabling swift escalations and resolutions. Additionally, built-in SLA tracking will ensure timely handling of each customer query.

    Kapture CX CRO Gaurav Juneja stated, “Kapture CX is thrilled to partner with Autopedia, Autopedia is making significant strides in Indonesia’s automotive sector, and we are proud to provide them with a comprehensive support management solution. This collaboration underscores our commitment to transforming customer experiences for Indonesian businesses.”

    Through this integration, Kapture CX will maintain detailed customer profiles and sync data with external systems, offering a holistic view of interactions. It will also optimise internal operations by managing agent availability, defining roles, and controlling user access for better resource allocation and security.

    Autopedia head of digital business Jonathan Weiyn commented, “We’re excited to join forces with Kapture CX to strengthen our customer support. Their robust platform will empower us to deliver seamless and personalised experiences to our expanding customer base in Indonesia.”

    Additionally, agents will benefit from an extensive knowledge base, including decision trees and SOPs, ensuring quick and effective ticket resolutions.This strategic collaboration is set to elevate Autopedia’s customer experience while optimising internal processes, reinforcing its leadership in Indonesia’s automotive sector.

  • Reliance’s Campa Cola secures major IPL deal, setting stage for summer cola wars

    Reliance’s Campa Cola secures major IPL deal, setting stage for summer cola wars

    MUMBAI: Reliance Consumer Products’ Campa Cola has secured the co-presenting rights for this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) for nearly Rs 200 crore, reports The Economic Times. The deal marks one of the tournament’s most visible sponsorship positions, previously held by Coca-Cola’s Thums Up. However, Indiantelevision.com sources informed us that the actual figure is about 50 per cent  higher than what The Economic Times estimated. 

    The acquisition signals Campa’s national ambitions, as the brand prepares for its first summer of pan-India competition in the cola market. Reliance is also planning to debut advertising for its sports drink Spinner and RasKik Gluco Energy, both priced at Rs 10, during the tournament.
    Spinner, co-created with former Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan, has separately partnered with five IPL teams – Lucknow Super Giants, SunRisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola will maintain its partnerships with Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.

    The combined advertising revenue from television and OTT platforms for IPL 2025 is expected to rise by 8-10 per cent over last year to approximately Rs 4,500 crore, according to media buying executives quoted by the newspaper.

    The tournament, scheduled from 21 March to 25 May, coincides with peak summer sales period, which typically accounts for over 50 per cent of annual soft drink sales

    Tata Motors remains the title sponsor, having retained the rights for five years for Rs 2,500 crore, making it the tournament’s most valuable sponsorship deal to date.

  • Love and offers are in the air for brands this Valentine’s Day

    Love and offers are in the air for brands this Valentine’s Day

    MUMBAI:  Cupid’s arrow  is getting ready to strike again this  14 February.  From candlelit dinners to surprise proposals, romance is in the air as India marks another Valentine’s Day with both traditional gestures and modern twists. It’s hearts and flowers  that are exchanging hands as Valentine’s day returns in style. India’s romantics are bringing out the chilled champagne and wrapped chocolate boxes as they  prepare to celebrate love’s special day as Valentine’s celebrations begin. 

    And brands are tracking the mushiness that’s pouring out: from solo travel rewards to luxurious getaways, brands across India are crafting innovative Valentine’s Day campaigns that are celebrating both romance and independence this February.

    Cadbury is leading the charge with a tempting Turkish holiday promotion for purchases above Rs 850, whilst confectionery rival Hershey India is taking a more emotional approach with its “Sometimes, Love Sounds Like…” campaign, featuring six short films celebrating everyday expressions of love.

    For those seeking culinary indulgence, Social outlets are offering retro-themed celebrations with KitKat-infused desserts and attractive “1+1” beverage deals. ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations is unveiling a limited-edition collection starting at Rs 179, featuring specialities like chocolate heart bento cakes and strawberry noir pastries.

    Fashion retailers are joining the celebration, with Pantaloons offering Rs 1,000 off on purchases above Rs 3,999, while Relaxo footwear is presenting tiered discounts up to 20 per cent across its brands. Beauty giant Nykaa’s “Pink Love Sale” is promising up to 60 per cent discounts on premium brands through 16 February.
    In a refreshing twist, redBus is celebrating singlehood with its “Sabse Single Kaun?” campaign, offering the winner free lifetime solo travel. Similarly, boAt and Flipkart Minutes are partnering with actor Arjun Kapoor for a witty campaign targeting singles, promoting noise-cancelling headphones as the perfect escape from Valentine’s Day festivities.

    FNP’s “Pyaar Aisa Karo” campaign is emerging as a marketing triumph, attracting 165 brand partnerships within 48 hours, demonstrating how the season of love is evolving into a significant retail opportunity across sectors.

    Says a marketing consultant: “Normally, Valentine’s Day only works for certain product categories and services in terms bumping up sales. This year, however, there’s a lot of optimism around as the government has given a heavy income tax incentive in the hope consumers will pump the extra savings back into the economy.”

    It’s  the consultant’s job to see  the cup as  half full, not half empty. 

    We shall only know if love triumphed, or the pocket did – a few months down the line.  Until then, fall in love, or at least enjoy the feeling of being in love with YOURSELF!