ITV

Category: Marketing

  • Sneha Udyawar joins Marico as commercial marketing manager

    Sneha Udyawar joins Marico as commercial marketing manager

    MUMBAI:  Media professional Sneha Udyawar with over eight years of experience in marketing and advertising, has joined Marico as commercial marketing manager. With expertise spanning media planning, contract negotiation, and market strategy, Sneha brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role at the leading consumer goods company.

    “It was a warm welcome at Marico. With a fantastic onboarding process,” she said. . 

    She has worked in Zepto as a commercial manager for media & marketing  where she managed contract negotiations and strategic briefings. She had stints at Mindshare,GroupM, Starcom and R K Swamy BBDO.
    Sneha holds a master’s degree in entertainment, media, and advertising from the University of Mumbai, specialising in advertising, with a consistent academic record. She has also completed advanced certifications in digital marketing and brand communication from Mica.

    In addition to her corporate roles, Sneha has volunteered with U&I Trust and has experience as a social media executive, emphasising her dedication to community engagement and digital outreach

  • TCS releases global e-mobility 2025 study; preference shifting toward electric vehicles

    TCS releases global e-mobility 2025 study; preference shifting toward electric vehicles

    MUMBAI:  It’s an electrifying report which tells us so much about consumer  attitudes towards electric vehicles (EVs).  Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Future-Ready eMobility Study 2025 is filled with info nuggets to help those in the EV ecosystem to take some tips from it. 

    The study, conducted across 18 countries and 1,300 respondents, explores consumer preferences, industry challenges, and the roadmap to sustainable mobility.

    Key Findings:
    * Consumer adoption: 64 per cent of global respondents are likely or very likely to choose an EV for their next vehicle. Younger demographics (18–35 years) show the strongest interest.
    * Barriers to rowth: Charging infrastructure, cost, and range anxiety remain significant hurdles, with 74 per cent of manufacturers citing infrastructure as the biggest obstacle.
    * Budget constraints: Most consumers are willing to spend up to $40,000 on an EV, reflecting concerns about affordability. Only five per cent are open to paying a premium compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
    * Sustainability and costs: 63 per cent of EV influencers cite environmental sustainability as the primary motivation for adoption, while fleet adopters prioritise operational cost reductions.
    * Technological advances: Battery technology improvements are identified by 90 per cent of manufacturers as critical for enhancing range and charging speed. However, 70 per cent anticipate breakthroughs to take two to three  years or more.

    Regional Insights:
    * U.S. consumers lead in EV interest, with 72 per cent likely to consider an EV, compared to 31 per cent in Japan.
    * Hybrid EVs (HEVs) are emerging as a transitional preference, especially among older demographics.
    Industry 

    Challenges and Strategies:
    * Collaboration needs: Significant consolidation is expected among EV charging infrastructure companies, driven by scaling challenges. Partnerships with retail, government, and energy sectors are critical.
    * Environmental concerns: While EVs are seen as pivotal for sustainability, nearly 48 per cent of influencers believe their environmental impact is neutral, citing concerns over battery production and disposal.
    * R&D investments: Manufacturers are heavily investing in affordability and battery technology, with a focus on reducing costs and enhancing vehicle performance.

    TCS  president of manufacturing Anupam Singh said:“The EV industry is at a crossroads, navigating complexities while maintaining momentum. TCS is committed to leveraging AI and generative AI to drive smarter decision-making and sustainable transportation.”

    The report underscores that while EV adoption is accelerating, overcoming infrastructure and technological barriers will require collaborative innovation and systemic changes.

    (Picture courtesy: TCS Future-Ready eMobility Study 2025 )

  • Himalaya Wellness reaches out to thousands of teenagers through pimple campaign

    Himalaya Wellness reaches out to thousands of teenagers through pimple campaign

    MUMBAI:  Zits are popups on a teenager’s face which get him or her  all riled up. Riled up enough to lose sleep and shed a river of tears. 

    To address the knowledge gap about pimples, wellness firm Himalaya Wellness  organised its impactful My First Pimple campaign and even successfully wrapped it up. 

     It reached thousands of young girls in over 125 schools across west Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. The initiative aimed to empower adolescents with knowledge and confidence to navigate puberty-related skin changes, particularly pimples.

    The campaign educated participants on the hormonal shifts that cause pimples, emphasising that they are a natural part of growing up. Interactive sessions led by local skincare influencers offered insights into managing skin health, including practical tips and emotional support.

    Himalaya Wellness marketing director – beauty & personal care  Ragini Hariharan  stated, “Pimples are a common experience that shouldn’t undermine a young person’s confidence. With My First Pimple, we normalised these changes and equipped girls with the knowledge to embrace healthy skincare habits.”

  • Leadership Change at Diageo India

    Leadership Change at Diageo India

    MUMBAI: Diageo India, the nation’s leading beverage alcohol company, has announced a leadership transition. Praveen Someshwar, former MD and CEO of HT Media, will take over as CEO-Designate on 1 March  2025, succeeding Hina Nagarajan, who moves to a global executive role at Diageo globally.

    Hina, who led Diageo India through a period of remarkable growth, credited with doubling its market capitalisation to over Rs 1 trillion, will step down on 1 April 2025. Under her tenure, Diageo India expanded its portfolio and bolstered its market share across categories.

    Diageo chief executive Debra Crew said: “Under Hina’s leadership, Diageo India has combined strong top-line growth and margin expansion with impactful strategic initiatives, reshaping and premiumising our portfolio and positioning Diageo India as an innovative leader in the AlcoBev industry. As she moves on to a new role within Diageo, she leaves a significant track record of success and a highly engaged, talented and diverse team. Praveen joins us with an outstanding track record of leading consumer businesses, with a passion for both strategy and executional excellence that will serve us well as we plan for the next phase of Diageo India’s exciting growth story.”.

    Praveen, bringing decades of leadership experience from HT Media and PepsiCo, expressed enthusiasm for steering Diageo India into its next growth phase. 

    USL chairman Mahendra Kumar Sharma lauded Hina’s legacy while welcoming Praveen’s strategic acumen.

  • Keki Mistry joins Kedaara Capital as independent operating advisor

    Keki Mistry joins Kedaara Capital as independent operating advisor

    MUMBAI: Private equity firm Kedaara Capital has roped in one of the savviest, most respected and experienced minds in Indian financial services. The PE firm has announced the appointment of Keki Mistry as an independent operating advisor to its funds. A chartered accountant and a veteran of the banking & financial services sector, Mistry brings over four decades of expertise, having played a pivotal role in shaping some of India’s leading financial institutions.

    Keki MistryMistry began his career with AF Ferguson & Co before joining HDFC in 1981, where he rose through the ranks to become vice-chairman & CEO from 2010 to 2023. Under his leadership, HDFC transformed into India’s largest financial services conglomerate, founding key entities such as HDFC Bank., HDFC Asset Management Co, HDFC Life Insurance Co, and HDFC ERGO General Insurance Co.

    Following HDFC’s merger with HDFC Bank in 2023, Mistry joined the board of HDFC Bank as a non-executive director. He also holds board positions with several prominent companies, including Tata Consultancy Services, Flipkart, and Torrent Power.

    At Kedaara Capital, Mistry will act as a strategic advisor, offering insights into financial services and guiding investments in the sector. His unparalleled experience and leadership are expected to provide significant value to Kedaara’s portfolio. 

    The PE typically invests between $25-75 million in each investment, and it  can invest a significantly larger amount (>$200 million) in select situations. 

    Kedaara Capital is run  by three founders &  managing partners Manish Kejriwal, Sunish Sharma and Nishant Sharma. It is reputed to be amongst the top private equity firms in India. 

    In addition to his professional achievements,  Mistry is known for his love of cricket, theater, and golden era Hindi music. His contributions to the industry have earned him numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement award from the Financial Express and the Hall of Fame recognition from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

  • Indian navy riders embark on 1,649 km Dare2 rally with Bajaj Auto

    Indian navy riders embark on 1,649 km Dare2 rally with Bajaj Auto

    MUMBAI: In a celebration of daring spirit and patriotism, 15 Indian Navy riders began the 1,649 km Dare2 rally on Bajaj Auto’s Pulsar NS400Z motorcycles. The journey, from Visakhapatnam to Ayodhya, started on 13 January  2025, and aims to connect the armed forces with local communities while inspiring youth to serve the nation.

    Flagged off by vice-admiral Sameer Saxena, AVSM, NM, chief of staff, Eastern Naval Command, at the Eastern Fleet Headquarters, the rally’s route includes key stops like INS Chilka, a vital maritime defense post.

    Bajaj Auto  president of marketing Sumeet Narang  expressed pride in supporting the armed forces, stating, “Our collaboration inspires youth to follow the selfless path of serving the nation.” Vice Admiral Saxena lauded the partnership for fostering unity and patriotism.

    The Pulsar NS400Z, known for its performance and versatility, enables riders to navigate diverse terrains with ease. The rally concludes on  26 January 2025, at the Dogra regiment in Ayodhya, marking India’s seventh sixth Republic Day and honoring the armed forces’ role in national unity.

  • Angel One names Ambarish Kenghe as group CEO

    Angel One names Ambarish Kenghe as group CEO

    MUMBAI: Known affectionately in fintech circles as AK-no, not the Indian cinema stalwarts Anil Kapoor or Anurag Kashyap-Ambarish Kenghe is poised to script his own blockbuster.

    Angel One has unveiled its ace move, appointing Kenghe as group CEO effective March 2025, marking a bold step in its quest to revolutionise the fintech space. This leadership shake-up signals Angel One’s unyielding commitment to innovation, cementing its role as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving digital financial ecosystem.

    Kenghe is a renowned technology and product leader with a distinguished career spanning fintech, e-commerce, and consumer electronics. Most recently, as Google Pay APAC vice president & general manager, he played a critical role in expanding Google Pay’s footprint and strengthening India’s UPI ecosystem. He also contributed significantly to the development of Chromecast and Google TV.

    Before joining Google, AK served at Myntra as chief product officer, where he led AI/ML-driven innovations that transformed fashion e-commerce. Earlier in his career, he was a strategy consultant at Bain & Company in San Francisco and a high-speed switching engineer at Cisco Systems in San Jose. A prolific inventor with four patents, AK’s academic achievements include degrees from UC Berkeley, Purdue University, IIT Kanpur, and AMU.

    Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Kenghe said, “I am truly honoured to be part of Angel One, a brand that has been at the forefront of transforming India’s fintech landscape. With its focus on innovation and customer-centricity, Angel One has built a strong foundation. I am eager to work with the talented team to drive the next phase of growth and empower users with advanced financial solutions.”

    Angel One chairman & MD, Dinesh Thakkar welcomed Kenghe with optimism, stating, “Ambarish’s appointment as CEO marks an exciting new era for Angel One. With his proven track record of driving innovation and deep expertise in the industry, he is the visionary leader we need to propel us into our next chapter of growth. At Angel One, we believe strong leadership shapes the future of fintech. Ambarish’s guidance will position us not only to keep pace with the ever-changing financial landscape but also to lead the charge in transforming how financial services are delivered, empowering our customers with groundbreaking solutions and unparalleled value.”

    Angel One continues to drive the fintech revolution, with this leadership appointment reflecting its commitment to providing groundbreaking, customer-centric financial solutions.

  • DMart’s Q3 shows 17.7 per cent uptick in revenue growth; Profits struggle

    DMart’s Q3 shows 17.7 per cent uptick in revenue growth; Profits struggle

    MUMBAI: In a bustling FMCG retail landscape, where affordability meets aspiration, DMart emerges as the champion for value-conscious shoppers. Much like a modern-day Spiderman swinging through a web of rising costs and fierce competition, DMart’s Q3 FY25 results reveal its unwavering commitment to delivering affordability.

    The results, unveiled on 11 January 2025, showcase a robust revenue growth trajectory, driven by the brand’s steadfast focus on cost-effective retailing and operational efficiency.

    Yet, beneath the surface of this success lies a battle with tightening profit margins—a challenge that highlights the resilience and strategic adaptability of this retail giant in an increasingly competitive arena.

    As DMart continues to redefine FMCG retail with its unbeatable value-for-money offerings, the Q3 results provide a lens into how it balances growth aspirations with the pressures of a rapidly evolving market.

    This is the story of a retailer that, much like a superhero, delivers hope to neighbourhoods while navigating the complexities of its mission.

    DMart’s consolidated revenue from operations climbed to Rs 15,972.55 crore in Q3 FY25, marking a 17.7 per cent increase compared to Rs 13,572.47 crore in Q3 FY24. For the nine months ending 31 December 2024, revenue surged by 16.9 per cent, reaching Rs 44,486.19 crore compared to Rs 38,062.28 crore during the same period last year. This growth was driven by a combination of new store openings and robust demand in core categories.

    However, other income declined to Rs 24.14 crore in Q3 FY25 from Rs 32.92 crore in Q3 FY24, suggesting subdued performance in ancillary revenue streams.

    Despite the revenue upswing, DMart’s consolidated net profit for Q3 FY25 fell to Rs 723.54 crore, a 4.9 per cent decrease from Rs 759.44 crore in Q3 FY24.

    The nine-month net profit stood at Rs 2,156.66 crore, reflecting a marginal growth of 0.4 per cent from Rs 2,147.12 crore during the same period last year.

    Margins remained under strain, with the EBITDA margin compressing due to higher costs in employee benefits (up by 30.1 per cent YoY to Rs 304.83 crore) and depreciation (up 20.4 per cent YoY to Rs 228.12 crore).

    DMart’s purchase of stock-in-trade for Q3 FY25 escalated to Rs 13,376.72 crore, an 18 per cent rise from Rs 11,330.93 crore in Q3 FY24, aligning with its expansion strategy. However, changes in inventory of stock-in-trade presented a marginal increase, indicating effective inventory control amidst fluctuating demand.

    The company also reported a contingent liability of Rs 235.98 crore under the Goods and Service Tax Act, reflecting ongoing regulatory challenges.

    DMart’s robust revenue trajectory signals strength in its core retail operations. However, declining profit margins highlight the need for cost optimisation and operational efficiency. The company’s cautious approach to expansion and investment in digital initiatives will be crucial in navigating market challenges and enhancing shareholder value.

  • Archies-Magicpin partner to expand gifting to digital-savvy audience

    Archies-Magicpin partner to expand gifting to digital-savvy audience

    MUMBAI:  They have gifted a magical relationship to each other.  Gifting and social expression company Archies has partnered with hyperlocal discovery, delivery and savings platform Magicpin to create a seamless and impactful gifting experience. This collaboration leverages Archies’ legacy of thoughtful gifting with Magicpin’s robust digital ecosystem, targeting a wider, tech-savvy audience.

    Archies, with over 45 years of expertise in offering greeting cards, photo albums, perfumes, stuffed toys, and more, operates 325 exclusive outlets across 15 states and 66 cities. The brand has consistently evolved with modern culture and urbanisation, becoming synonymous with sentiment-driven gifting.

    Magicpin, with a user base exceeding 10 million across 20 cities, connects consumers with 275,000 plus retailers and 3,000 plus  brands across categories such as food, fashion, and entertainment. It processes over $3 billion in annual spending, offering substantial savings and rewards to its members.

    The collaboration aims to expand  Archies reach among Magicpin’s digitally-savvy audience as well as  enhance value for  the latter  which will be enriching its offerings for high-intent shoppers by adding a gifting option to its platform. .

    Archies executive director Varun Moolchandani said: “This collaboration allows us to engage with a dynamic audience, enhancing their gifting journey with our innovative offerings.”

    Magicpin, CXO of enterprise brands Naman Mawandia, highlighted the mutual benefits: “Our partnership with Archies reinforces our commitment to empowering businesses and customers. We are excited to offer additional savings to our users while helping Archies connect with a broader customer base.”

    The collaboration will feature seasonal campaigns and promotional activities to maximize impact during peak 
    gifting periods. Both brands aim to redefine the gifting experience by merging Archies’ expertise with Magicpin’s tech-driven marketing. Success will be measured through key performance indicators such as sales growth, customer engagement, and repeat purchases.

  • Nitin Bhandari appointed VP & general manager, India & south Asia beverages at PepsiCo

    Nitin Bhandari appointed VP & general manager, India & south Asia beverages at PepsiCo

    MUMBAI:  Nitin Bhandari has taken on the role of vice-president & general manager, India & south Asia beverages at PepsiCo. Based in Gurugram, Haryana, Bhandari will oversee the company’s beverages business in the region, focusing on unlocking growth opportunities and delivering value to consumers, communities, and stakeholders.

    He replaces George Kovoor senior vice-president & GM India beverage who has chosen to retire come 31 March 2025. 

    In his 19-year tenure at PepsiCo, Bhandari has held diverse leadership roles across India, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Most recently, he served as VP & chief growth officer for PepsiCo India, spearheading transformative strategies for its foods and beverages business in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Prior to this, he was general manager for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore, managing both beverages and foods.

    Bhandari’s career highlights include launching e-commerce initiatives in Asia, turning around PepsiCo’s Thailand foods business, and leading the marketing strategy for iconic brands like Mountain Dew in India. His achievements have earned him accolades such as the PepsiCo Chairman’s Award in 2015.

    All that experience will be put to the test  in the coming summer as Reliance Industries which has resuscitated the Campa-Cola brand and has proved a price warrior renews its assault on the Indian soft drink market, possibly with a few new variants as well as deepening its distribution. At the same time, the Jubilant Bhartia group is pumping in Rs 12,500 crore in Coca-Cola Co’s main Indian bottler Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages and acquiring a 40 per cent stake.

    An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Indore, Bhandari expressed gratitude to PepsiCo leaders Eugene Willemsen and Jagrut Kotecha for this opportunity and acknowledged George Kovoor’s contributions in building a strong foundation for the business over the past three years.