Category: Marketing

Deepti Sampat has transitioned to Air India following Vistara merger

MUMBAI: Deepti Sampat has officially transitioned to the role of vice president marketing at Air India, following the merger of Vistara and Air India. Her shift to Air India took place in November, but because this was not reported earlier, we are posting it now.

Having spent over five years at Vistara as VP-marketing, , Sampat reflects on her journey, expressing gratitude to her colleagues and the customers who supported the airline, helping build it into a strong brand within Indian aviation. She earlier has had stints with Oberoi group, tripadvisor, Expedia, Talent Edge, and finally Vistara. In various roles.

Sampat’s rich educational background includes an MBA in marketing from the Indian Institute of Planning and Management, and a certificate in business strategy from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Her career trajectory spans multiple senior marketing roles, showcasing her expertise in driving brand strategy and customer experience in highly competitive markets.

Her tenure at Vistara was marked by numerous accolades.As she embarks on this new chapter at Air India, Sampat aims to leverage her extensive experience to enhance marketing initiatives and further elevate the airline’s service standards in the Indian aviation sector.

This new appointment emphasises Air India’s commitment to strengthening its brand identity while integrating the values and services of Vistara into its operations.

January 19, 2025
Shivani Maira Shankar appointed as talent partner at Peak XV Partners

MUMBAI: Shivani Maira Shankar has been appointed as the talent partner at Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital), effective January 2025. In this role, she will lead talent acquisition efforts for the firm and its portfolio companies across various global regions, including India, Australia, MENA, and Southeast Asia.

With a robust background in executive search, Shivani brings extensive experience in helping organisations build high-performing leadership teams. She has a proven track record of partnering with founders to identify mission-driven leaders and tackling talent-related challenges within their firms.

Shivani’s history includes key roles at Sequoia Capital, where she served as vice president of human capital, and at Executive Access India, where she excelled as associate director. Her expertise encompasses strategic recruitment processes, client and candidate relationship management, and developing top-tier talent pipelines.

Shivani holds an MA in organisational behaviour from Amity University and a BA in psychology from Delhi University. Her educational journey includes valuable hands-on experience gained through an internship with Bharti Airtel.

As she steps into this new role at Peak XV, Shivani Maira Shankar looks forward to driving impactful talent strategies and contributing to organisational success in the dynamic investment landscape.

January 19, 2025
Saint-Gobain group appoints Ramya Sampath Sharma as CHRO

MUMBAI: It’s been a couple of months since she’s taken up her new assignment but it has come to our notice now; hence we are posting it as she has had a remarkable career trajectory and has built an impeccable reputation for herself as a human resource professional. .

Ramya Sampath Sharma, a seasoned chief human resources officer (CHRO) with a diverse background in global technology and services sectors, has been appointed as the new CHRO at Saint-Gobain group in India. In this position, she aims to leverage her expertise and drive organisational transformation through strategic HR leadership.

With over 27 years of experience, Ramya holds a proven track record of fostering high-performance cultures and driving growth. Prior to joining Saint-Gobain Group, she served as the CHRO at GreyOrange, where she spearheaded organisational design, implemented advanced HR technologies, and achieved significant increases in employee satisfaction and productivity.

Ramya holds an MBA in Human Resources from XLRI Jamshedpur and has pursued an executive program on board effectiveness at the Indian School of Business. Throughout her illustrious career, she has worked with prominent companies, including Accenture, Intel, and Microland. Her most notable achievements include transforming HR functions, driving business growth, and implementing innovative HR strategies.

At Saint-Gobain group, Ramya will lead the company’s HR efforts, focusing on driving business excellence through talent development, strategic organizational design, and employee engagement. Her appointment underscores Saint-Gobain group’s commitment to investing in its human capital and driving growth through HR excellence.

Ramya ‘s appointment is effective as of November 2024.

January 19, 2025
Burger King India joins the Loveyapa lovefest with exclusive combo & contest

MUMBAI: Romantic comedies and fast food—what could be a more perfect pairing?

Burger King India has teamed up with Phantom Films for the much-awaited Gen Z rom-com Loveyapa. Starring debutants Khushi Kapoor and Junaid Khan, this fresh take on modern relationships hits theatres on 7 February 2025. With a blend of quirky humour and painfully relatable breakups, this movie promises a ride as satisfying as a Whopper.

In true Burger King style, the brand has rolled out a special menu item to celebrate the film: the “Loveyapa Combo”. This indulgent set features a Whopper Jr. with cheese, saucy fries, and a chocolate thickshake. Whether you’re sharing it with bae or devouring it solo while scrolling memes, this combo is here to soothe your soul (and stomach).

Available both online and at all Burger King outlets nationwide, the combo reflects the playful chemistry of Khushi Kapoor and Junaid Khan. But is it better than your last date? That’s for you to decide.

What’s a Gen Z campaign without a meme fest? Burger King’s Loveyapa UGC Contest invites fans to create their own memes using screenshots from the film’s trailer. With exciting prizes up for grabs, it’s a perfect way to channel your inner content creator while hyping the movie’s release. Can you make the internet LOL? The challenge is on.

Burger King India chief marketing & digital officer Kapil Grover said, “Burger King has always been about meaningful connections with our Gen Z guests. Loveyapa’s script and cast perfectly fit into our brand world. With Junaid Khan’s much-anticipated debut and Khushi Kapoor’s charm, this movie promises to strike a chord with India’s youth, and we’re thrilled to be part of its journey.”

Phantom Studios CEO, Srishti Behl shared her excitement about the partnership, “The movie, with its fresh take on love and relationships, aligns perfectly with the dynamic and youthful energy of Burger King. The ‘Loveyapa Combo’ captures the playful spirit of the film, resonating with today’s Gen Z. It’s exciting to see this partnership come to life, reaching young audiences through a brand that truly speaks to them.”

Directed by Advait Chandan and produced by Phantom Studios and AGS Entertainment, Loveyapa isn’t just about the leading pair. With Ashutosh Rana, Kiku Sharda, and a talented ensemble cast, the film dives deep into the bittersweet truths of love, heartbreak, and everything in between.

Burger King’s cheeky, bold persona is a perfect match for Loveyapa’s modern take on romance. It’s a love story told through crispy fries, melty cheese, and of course, a side of laughs. The combo and contest are sure to make waves, drawing both foodies and movie buffs alike.

Grab your ‘Loveyapa Combo’ and tell us: does food really taste better when paired with rom-coms? Only one way to find out!

January 18, 2025
Amazon India boxes it up for 2025 Mahakumbh Mela attendees

MUMBAI: If you are Amazon, you have to do something different, something amazing, something out of the box, right? Which is what Amazon India has done.

In a heartfelt endeavor to enhance the experience of attendees at the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela, Amazon India is stepping beyond conventional boundaries with its innovative “dibbon se badhkar” (More than just boxes) initiative.

Amazon India director growth & marketing (CMO) Pragya Sharma emphasised that true innovation lies not just in creating new products, but in transforming lives by seizing meaningful opportunities.

In collaboration with the Mahakumbh Mela authorities, the ecommerce giant has repurposed its iconic cardboard boxes into portable beds. These thoughtfully-designed beds are providing a much-needed oasis of comfort for tired attendees at vital locations including the lost and found center, the Kumbh hospital, and for the Kumbh police. The beds serve as a sanctuary, offering respite to those navigating long festival days and nights.

“Our initiative goes beyond conventional thinking; we’re transforming the very boxes we use into a solution that brings comfort and convenience,” said Sharma. “This is a testament to our collective commitment to serving communities with care and thoughtfulness.”

This innovative idea aligns seamlessly with Amazon’s mission to enrich daily lives. As hundreds of millions gather in Prayagraj for this monumental event, the “dibbon se badhkar” initiative stands as a small yet significant step towards delivering much-needed care and comfort.

January 18, 2025
Akasa Air’s Belson Coutinho expresses gratitude for support

MUMBAI: Belson Coutinho, the newly-elevated (earlier this month) co-founder & chief operating officer (COO) at Akasa Air, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support and wishes he has received on his new role. In a statement, Coutinho said he was “deeply touched” by the kindness and generosity of everyone who has reached out to him.

Coutinho, who brings over 24 years of experience in the aviation industry, is an award-winning and entrepreneurial-minded senior management professional with expertise in marketing, eCommerce, and digital transformation. He has a proven track record of setting up and growing business units across various functions, including marketing, digital, social media, eCommerce, and customer service.

As COO at Akasa Air, Coutinho is expected to leverage his exceptional leadership skills and innovative approach to drive growth and success for the airline. Prior to his advancement as COO, Coutinho was co-founder & chief marketing & experience officer.

He has previously held senior roles at renowned companies such as Jet Airways and VFS Global, where he pioneered various industry-first initiatives in eCommerce, social media, digital, loyalty, and consumer experience.

Coutinho’s appointment as COO at Akasa Air marks a new chapter in his career, and he is “incredibly grateful” for the opportunity to be part of the team and contribute to the airline’s success. He thanked everyone for their unwavering support, saying it means more than he can express.

With his extensive experience and expertise, Coutinho is poised to make a significant impact at Akasa Air. His ability to see the “bigger picture” and his strong operational, strategic, and leadership skills make him an ideal fit for the role. As a team player with excellent communication skills, Coutinho is well-equipped to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and drive collaboration with partners, consumers, and colleagues alike.

As Akasa Air continues to grow and expand its operations, Coutinho’s appointment as COO is seen as a significant boost to the airline’s leadership team. With his innovative approach and exceptional leadership skills, he is expected to play a key role in shaping the airline’s future and driving its success.

January 18, 2025
Prateek Kathpal advanced to director – private capital ecosystem – Grant Thornton Bharat

MUMBAI: He has got a capital promotion. Grant Thornton Bharat LLP has elevated Prateek Kathpal as director of the private capital ecosystem. In this pivotal role, Prateek will lead initiatives related to private equity go-to-market planning, deals consulting, and all aspects of practice development, including deal structuring, investment banking, due diligence, valuations, and debt restructuring.

With a robust background in the financial sector, Prateek is an innovation enthusiast whose experience spans multi-sector corporate accelerator programs and advisory roles for startups on commercialisation and market entry strategies. The BSc in information technology also completed his post graduate degree in marketing, strategy & finance.

Prateek’s previous positions include director of private equity and deals at Grant Thornton, and strategy & practice development lead at Khaitan & Co, where he drove significant business engagements and client outreach. Additionally, he has a history of leading marketing and sales initiatives at Yes Bank and VCCircle.

Grant Thornton Bharat, part of Grant Thornton International Ltd., is one of India’s premier professional services firms, boasting a workforce of over 10,000 across 19 offices. The firm is dedicated to delivering assurance, consulting, tax, risk, and digital transformation services while prioritising client-centric solutions and positive ecosystem impact.

January 18, 2025
United Breweries launches Kingfisher Flavours, expands beer portfolio

MUMBAI: It’s brewing up new flavours for its bubbly and frothy beer. India’s largest beer maker United Breweries Limited (UBL) and part of the Heineken, has expanded its Kingfisher brand with the launch of Kingfisher Flavours, featuring two unique variants: lemon masala and mango berry twist. Inspired by the vibrant energy of Indian street culture, these new flavors aim to redefine the beer experience in the flavored beer category.

The Kingfisher Flavours range merges innovation with consumer preferences for premium beer experiences, appealing particularly to a younger demographic seeking bold and unconventional tastes.

UBL chief marketing officer Vikram Bahl stated: “With Kingfisher Flavours, we’re tapping into India’s vibrant street culture and reimagining it to resonate with GenZ consumers. These flavors celebrate local ingredients and the spirit of experimentation.”

Currently available in Goa and Daman, Kingfisher Flavours plans to expand to other regions soon, offering more consumers a taste of this innovative product line.

The launch event in Mumbai featured live performances and merchandise unveilings from artists including Karan Kanchan, Yung Raja, and Rhea Chakraborty, further amplifying the celebration of local culture and creativity.

January 18, 2025
Jaguar Land Rover-Tata Communications partner for connected, smarter cars

MUMBAI: They are moving ahead with a stronger relationship. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a deal with Tata Communications to improve the driving experience through smarter, data-driven connected cars. The new collaboration will leverage the Tata Communications MOVE platform, providing JLR’s next-generation vehicles with continuous connectivity in 120 countries.

This partnership aims to future-proof JLR’s digital transformation, enabling real-time vehicle location services, smarter driving experiences, and software over-the-air (SOTA) updates. As part of JLR’s broader innovation strategy, the MOVE platform will facilitate seamless transitions between mobile networks, allowing for personalised connected services such as media streaming.

JLR’s fleet currently generates over 2.5 terabytes of data daily, with the MOVE platform expected to enhance data exchange and vehicle performance monitoring, thus improving vehicle maintenance and servicing while reducing costs. New medium-sized SUVs built on the Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) are projected to launch in 2026.

“Our collaboration with Tata Communications is pivotal for our software-defined vehicle journey, ensuring secure and cost-effective data connectivity across our global operations,” said JLR. director of digital product platform off-board Mark Brogden.

Tata Communications vice president MOVE Marco Bijvelds , highlighted the opportunity to deliver advanced driving features and personalised customer experiences through enhanced data insights.

Additionally, Tata Communications will deploy cloud-first, software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) technology, connecting JLR’s 128 global sites to improve supply chain efficiency and security. This transformation will facilitate AI-driven data analytics to enhance vehicle production quality and accelerate manufacturing processes.

JLR group chief digital and information officer Tony Battle emphasised the importance of AI-powered automation in predicting vulnerabilities and boosting operational effectiveness across JLR’s networks.

The partnership continues to support JLR’s “Reimagine” strategy, which aims for carbon net zero across its supply chain by 2039, integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of vehicle production and operations

January 18, 2025
Maruti Suzuki drives out first electric SUV, e Vitara at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

MUMBAI: Maruti Suzuki India is moving int higher gear as far as its e-vehicles are concerned. The automaker officially launched its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV, the e Vitara, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The unveiling is part of the company’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation and customer convenience through its new ‘e for me’ electric eco-solutions.

The e Vitara is built on the all-new Heartect e platform, specifically designed for electric vehicles. This robust platform promises superior performance, an excellent driving range, and uncompromised safety features. MSIL plans to market the e Vitara through its premium Nexa channel, embodying values of innovation, sophistication, and premium customer experiences.

Suzuki Motor Corp president Toshihiro Suzuki addressed the gathering, emphasising the strategic approach to making BEVs appealing to consumers. “We are focusing on three main strategies: developing a dedicated BEV platform for optimal performance, evolving products tailored to meet customer needs, and leveraging our economies of scale through centralized manufacturing in India,” he stated, highlighting the alignment with prime minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” vision.

Maruti Suzuki India managing director & CEO Hisashi Takeuchi elaborated on the e Vitara’s technological features. “This SUV, equipped with an efficient 61kWh battery, can deliver ranges exceeding 500 kilometers on a single charge,” he said, adding that the car includes advanced capabilities such as Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and integrated digital displays for a seamless user experience.

In a bid to enhance electric vehicle adoption across India, MSIL introduced the ‘e for me’ initiative. “The goal is to create electric eco-solutions that cater to our customers’ needs,” Takeuchi explained.

This initiative includes smart home charging solutions with installation support, a plan for fast charging stations in over 100 cities, and the establishment of 1,500 EV-enabled service workshops nationwide. The company aims to ensure that customers can find a charging station every 5 to 10 kilometers in major urban areas.

The e Vitara will be gradually rolled out across Nexa dealerships, with a significant ambition to export the vehicle to over 100 countries, including major markets like Japan and Europe. This move reinforces MSIL’s commitment to position India as a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing.

The design of the all-new e Vitara reflects Nexa’s signature “crafted futurism” philosophy, merging advanced technology with a sense of adventure. Its striking exterior features a bold stance, aerodynamic details, and advanced lighting systems, while the interior boasts a modern digital cockpit, premium sound system, and thoughtful amenities designed for passenger comfort.

Constructed with high-strength, high-tensile steel, the Heartect -e platform enhances structural integrity and passenger safety. The e Vitara also incorporates cutting-edge technology to optimise driving performance under varying conditions, with a driving experience enriched by multiple driving modes, including eco, normal, and sports.

Safety is paramount in the e Vitara , featuring standard seven airbags, electronic parking brakes, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and built-in Level 2 ADAS. The next gen Suzuki Connect offers over 60 advanced features, enabling remote vehicle controls and real-time updates via a user-friendly mobile application.

The e Vitara will be available in two battery options and a palette of 10 colors, including four dual-tone variants. As Maruti Suzuki embarks on this transformative journey, the introduction of the e Vitara signifies the company’s dedication to reshaping the future of India’s automotive landscape, delivering unmatched value and innovation to its customers.

January 18, 2025