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Category: Marketing

  • Gupshup hires marketing leader Salim Ali as chief marketing officer

    Gupshup hires marketing leader Salim Ali as chief marketing officer

    Mumbai: Gupshup, the leading Conversation Cloud, announced the appointment of Salim Ali as chief marketing officer (CMO). Based in Silicon Valley, Salim will lead full stack marketing across the entire value chain, and across all routes to market. He comes with close to three decades of experience and will be supporting Gupshup’s global growth and expansion with an expansive suite of solutions that comprise the Gupshup Conversation Cloud.

    Having led large and globally dispersed teams, Salim brings deep marketing experience, building and scaling business lines across large enterprises and startups. In his previous role, Salim was the chief marketing officer at WordPress VIP, where he was running all things marketing from amplifying the WordPress brand voice, product marketing, new demand to industry and customer marketing. Before WordPress VIP, he held senior roles at the likes of SAP, Avalara, and Veritas Technologies, managing global teams across North America, LatAm, UK/EU, MENA, and APJ Markets.

    At Gupshup, he will be at the helm of crafting a compelling and inspiring brand and platform story for the company’s key audience cohorts, scaling global demand generation, and amplifying customer marketing efforts by building out and expanding key GTM capabilities. This includes industry marketing, value messaging, ROI-based storytelling, and marketing operations- necessary for global coverage and accelerated growth.

    “I am excited to welcome Salim to Gupshup as we further strengthen our very capable marketing leadership. His established expertise in accelerating enterprise digital experiences across global markets will be instrumental in propelling our growth. I am confident that he’ll fit in well with our culture and help take marketing to the next level, driving great impact with customers and investors alike”, said Gupshup CEO & co-founder Beerud Sheth.

    Ali said, “I’m thrilled to join Gupshup at this stage of global growth. It’s an exciting phase for us as brands across the globe are investing in direct, contextual and immediate conversation capabilities to accelerate marketing, sales and CS imperatives. The 45,000+ brands powered by Gupshup is a sneak peek into how 1:1 conversations at scale is the inevitable future.”

    Salim holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern, and an M.S in Computer Science from Louisiana State University. He is an ardent movie buff with equal love for Hollywood and Bollywood creations.

  • Oakter launches smart meter for efficient energy management

    Oakter launches smart meter for efficient energy management

    Mumbai: Oakter, a leading provider of innovative consumer electronics has announced the launch of OAKMETER, a state-of-the-art Smart Energy Meter designed to revolutionize energy consumption management.

    Unlike traditional meters, Oakter’s Smart Meter employs advanced technologies such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure, real-time data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities. This enables two-way communication with the utility’s server via internet connectivity, facilitating seamless detection of tampering, real-time data transmission at intervals as frequent as every 15 or 30 minutes, outage identification and visibility of energy consumption on mobile devices. These features result in reduced manual intervention, increased operational efficiency, minimized error, and substantial cost savings for both consumers and utilities.

    Commenting on the idea behind making this Smart Meter, Oakter  CEO Shishir Gupta commented, “Sustainable energy is a primary need for our planet in current times. While India’s current capacity to produce more electricity than total demand is a positive development, coupled with the increasing deployment of renewable energy, there is still progress to be made. The big issue right now is losses in distribution, which can be attributed to power thefts, corruption, and inefficient infrastructure. Smart Meters are the solution to this problem by providing real-time visibility of distribution and consumption across the country. Hence the Indian government has launched the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to replace all energy meters with smart energy meters. Oakter’s competence in development and manufacturing of smart IoT devices is perfectly suited to manufacture high-quality smart energy meters in large quantities. Therefore, we have set up a manufacturing unit to produce 10 Lakh Smart Energy Meters per Month. We have made these investments and built these capacities to support the government initiative and mandate given to private industry.”

    Oakter’s Smart Meters have undergone rigorous testing in the company’s NABL-certified lab to ensure peak functionality, surpassing the accuracy of traditional Class 1 meters. Designed to meet the specifications of all utilities across the country, these meters leverage Oakter’s expertise in deploying over two crore IoT devices in the market. With 4G connectivity, low latency, and optimized communication protocols, Oakter has set a new standard in smart meter technology.

    OAKMETER is a high-quality Smart Meter that meets stringent quality standards, including BIS (ISI Mark as per IS16444 standard), CE Certified, RoHS, CBIP 325 Certified for Tamper Protection, CMMI level three certified, and ISO compliant.

    OAKMETER is a business-to-business (B2B) product supplied directly to utilities, with Oakter providing a 10-year warranty on all products. The typical contract for Smart Meters includes installation, support, and finance based on the DBFOOT (Design-Build Finance-Own-Operate-Transfer) Model, with contracts awarded at INR 8K to 10K per meter. With the launch of this product, Oakter reinforces its commitment to revolutionizing the consumer electronics space, offering a diverse range of products tailored for the Indian market. 

  • Kalamandir Jewellers onboards Shruti Haasan as its brand ambassador

    Kalamandir Jewellers onboards Shruti Haasan as its brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Kalamandir Jewellers, India’s premier jewellery chain, has onboarded talented and stylish actress Shruti Haasan as its brand ambassador.

    With a legacy of excellence and a commitment to timeless beauty, Kalamandir Jewellers has emerged as a leading jewellery retailer in India. Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, and showrooms spanning several cities, Kalamandir Jewellers continues to set the standards for elegance and luxury in the jewellery industry.

    Speaking about the collaboration, Kalamandir Jewellers director Milan Shah said, “We are thrilled to welcome Shruti Haasan, a popular actor and a style icon with fans across India and globally, to the Kalamandir family. Her unique blend of talent, style and grace embodies the essence of our brand and reflects our commitment to sophistication and tradition. I am confident that the association with Shruti will inspire our customers and create memorable experiences.”

    Ms Haasan commented on the association, “I am delighted to embark on this exciting journey with Kalamandir Jewellers. I believe in the power of elegance and individuality and can easily relate to Kalamandir as a brand. They are one of the most popular jewellery retail chains in the country, and partnering with them allows me to express these values and inspire others to embrace their unique beauty.”

    The partnership with Shruti Hasaan, the daughter of iconic actor Kamal Haasan and actress Sarika Thakur, will enable Kalamandir Jewellers to forge stronger consumer trust and brand loyalty and build further on its legacy of over 37 years.

    With Shruti Haasan as its radiant new face, Kalamandir Jewellers embarks on a journey of timeless elegance. Together, they inspire customers to embrace their unique essence, crafting moments of magnificence with exquisite jewellery. This collaboration promises to elevate experiences and leave an indelible mark on the world of luxury and style.

    Starting from a store of 200 sq ft in Kosamba in Surat district, Kalamandir has come a long way to establish a strong retail presence with showrooms across Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vapi, Bharuch, and Kosamba and at the airport in Surat, Chennai, Varanasi, Udaipur, and Vadodara. It has also introduced prominent national jewellery brands like Rishta, Kingly, Indo-Italia, Purusham, Platinum & Sajdhaj ke.

  • The power of failure: Lessons from a failed venture

    The power of failure: Lessons from a failed venture

    The word failure carries a negative connotation, it is so because people perceive failure as their ultimate defeat. It won’t be wrong to say that failure is an inevitable part of life and more so in business.

    However, one fails to understand that failures can act as a catalyst for growth. It can foster grave changes in the business and the way it operates. Thereby, encouraging you to build a more resilient business that can be profitable in the long run.

    So, take a deep dive and learn how the power of failure can transform you and your business.

    The need for flexibility-  

    In this ever-changing landscape of business. It is necessary to adapt to the changes and pivot when necessary. Failures can teach a person to embrace change. It makes you flexible and empowers you to adopt new policies and work on a different idea, even if it was not a part of your original plan.

    This implies, that one should be ready to work on your ideas, grab opportunities and take feedback seriously. As it could offer insight on your business model and whether your strategies are working or not.

    It fosters creative thinking

    Failure in business can make you consider ideas you once thought were outlandish. It can pester you to reassess your approach towards business and adopt strategies that you earlier dismissed as too risky.

    Taking market research seriously

    Market research can play a critical role in shaping your business from knowing the customers’ needs, identifying the target audience, competitive analysis, and the cost of labour. Which can offer you an insight into the profitability of your business.

    Many businesses fail because they don’t delve into market research and are too quick to invest in their project.

    Network expansion

    Having strong support is important in both business and life. It is when one fails at a venture, that one realizes the need for a strong support system and building a network. That can help provide advice and support in times of distress.

    Which can create opportunities for collaborations, partnerships, and mentorship. It can also help you find a co-founder, who can complement your skills and work like a team to achieve business goals.

    This quote by Thomas A. Edison resonates with my message, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

    So, instead of dwelling on past failures. View them as stepping stones toward exploring and seizing new opportunities in business and beyond.

    The article has been authored by visionary leader and inspirational mentor Suresh Meshramani.

  • OpenAI joins C2PA steering committee

    OpenAI joins C2PA steering committee

    Mumbai: The Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) announced that OpenAI, a leader in artificial intelligence research and deployment, has joined the C2PA as a steering committee member. This marks a significant milestone for the C2PA and will help advance the coalition’s mission to increase transparency around digital media as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent.

    Joining other steering committee members that include Adobe, BBC, Intel, Microsoft, Google, Publicis Groupe, Sony and Truepic — OpenAI will collaborate to further develop and promote the adoption of Content Credentials, an implementation of the C2PA’s open technical standard for tamper-resident metadata that can be attached to digital content, showing how and when the content was created or modified.

    The announcement today builds on OpenAI’s previously shared initiatives to improve transparency around digital provenance. Earlier this year, OpenAI began attaching Content Credentials to images created and edited by DALL•E 3, the company’s latest image model, in ChatGPT and the OpenAI API. In addition, the company also announced its plans to attach Content Credentials to video generations from Sora, the company’s text-to-video model, when the model is ready to be deployed to the public.      

    OpenAI’s membership and implementation of Content Credentials serve as a strong endorsement for the C2PA technical specification and advance the collective mission to help restore trust in the digital ecosystem.

    “C2PA is playing an essential role in bringing the industry together to advance shared standards around digital provenance,” said Anna Makanju, OpenAI’s VP of Global Affairs. “We look forward to contributing to this effort and see it as an important part of building trust in the authenticity of what people see and hear online.”

    “OpenAI is a long-time supporter of the C2PA’s mission and we’re thrilled that they’ve deepened their engagement by becoming a Steering Committee member,” said Andrew Jenks, C2PA Chair. “OpenAI’s existing adoption, advocacy, and ongoing commitment to Content Credentials will bring an important voice to our membership’s working efforts to guide the development of the C2PA standard.”

     

  • Tic Tac unveils limited edition mango flavour

    Tic Tac unveils limited edition mango flavour

    Mumbai: Are you looking to savour the spirit of summer? Then, Tic Tac, the confectionery brand of Ferrero India (part of Ferrero Group), one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sweet-packaged products, has the perfect summer surprise for you. The brand has launched a limited-edition Mango flavoured Tic Tac which will be available across urban markets in India.

    Indians look forward to the summer season because of the arrival of the king of fruits – Mango, and it forms an intrinsic part of our country’s culture. The juicy flavour of a ripe mango is always a treat, and the launch of this new Tic Tac flavour is an added indulgence for all consumers who love the fruit and want to experience its rich, fruity taste in a convenient, on-the-go pack. Unlike other mints in the Tic Tac portfolio, this new variant will give the tastebud of consumers the real mango taste not just in flavour but also in the packaging colours – a bright yellow, refreshing mint.

    Tic Tac’s study on consumer preferences identified mango as one of the favourite flavour, among Indian confectionery lovers. This new mango Tic Tac perfectly aligns with the brand’s commitment to placing consumers at the heart of everything, ensuring their preferences and demands translate perfectly into its product innovations.

    Ferrero India marketing head (pills & gums) Zoher Kapuswala said, “All our product innovations at Ferrero India, focus on catering to local consumer preferences to give them products better than what they expect. By offering this seasonal tropical flavour, Tic Tac not only wants to celebrate the summer season in India but also wants to give its customers a chance to experience the perfect mangolicious refreshment.”

    Reaching shelves exclusively in urban markets across India, the new Mango Tic Tac comes in two packs priced at Rs 15 (9.7g) and Rs 20 (13g). respectively. This launch is expected to fuel growth further for the brand and solidify Tic Tac’s position as one of the leading players in the Indian confectionery market.

  • Sara Tendulkar & FNP partner to make Mother’s Day special for her mom

    Sara Tendulkar & FNP partner to make Mother’s Day special for her mom

    Mumbai: Mother’s Day means leaving no stone unturned to make your mom feel special, and it is no different for Sara Tendulkar, an internet personality and daughter of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar and Anjali Tendulkar. FNP (Ferns N Petals), India’s most preferred gifting platform, has partnered with Sara to plan a special Mother’s Day surprise for Anjali. The video released on Instagram celebrates the special bond Sara shares with her mother through a heartwarming surprise.

    Diving into nostalgia, the video takes viewers on a journey of her childhood through never seen before family pictures full of love. Sara highlights how her mother has been the family’s pillar of strength through thick and thin. To thank her for everything she does, Sara plans a heartwarming surprise with FNP’s wide array of gifting options – ranging from floral arrangements and delectable cakes to gourmet chocolates and personalised gifts – to make Mother’s Day truly special.

    Speaking about the collaboration, FNP global CEO & director Pawan Gadia said “Mother’s Day is a momentous celebration that deserves the best expressions of love and appreciation. Our collaboration with Sara Tendulkar demonstrates the power of thoughtful gestures and our dedication to celebrating mothers in a meaningful way. FNP’s curated range of personalised gifts, flowers, cakes, plants & hampers will help you find the perfect way to convey heartfelt love and admiration to your mother.”

    FNP’s collaboration underscores the significance of expressing love and gratitude to mothers, who selflessly give without expecting anything in return but truly deserve all things special on their dedicated day. Teaming up with Sara perfectly resonates with FNP’s mission of fostering heartfelt connections through thoughtful gifts.

    If you are planning to surprise your mom, check out FNP’s Mother’s Day collection at https://www.fnp.com/gifts/for-mother-lp.

  • Cygnet Digital rebrands to Cygnet.One

    Cygnet Digital rebrands to Cygnet.One

    Mumbai: Business process digital transformation company Cygnet Digital has rebranded itself as CYGNET.ONE to help consolidate its products, services, and solutions offerings.

    With this consolidated portfolio of offerings, CYGNET.ONE will help organizations tackle industry challenges through business process transformation centred on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

    Niraj Hutheesing, founder and managing director of CYGNET.ONE said, “Every step, every innovation at CYGNET.ONE strives towards a future where technology converges with human creativity, emotions, and intuitive intelligence. We aim to unlock the power of the human mind through out-of-the-box ideation until last-mile execution for solving organizational challenges.”

    With this rebranding, CYGNET.ONE brings all its specialized offerings, such as compliance transformations, digital and quality engineering, enterprise modernization, data, AI & analytics hyper-automation, test automation, e-signing, and more, under one roof. Cygnet envisions to be one of the top three leaders in the tax technology space within India.

    Since the inception of GST in 2017, Cygnet has been a key enabler for India’s compliance journey, providing essential support and solutions for businesses navigating the complexities of tax regulations. This foundation serves as the cornerstone for Cygnet’s aspiration to emerge as a global compliance leader, particularly in the realm of e-invoicing on a global scale.

    To expand its services business and enhance in-house expertise, Cygnet is actively seeking partnerships in the tech sector, particularly with ERP and CRM providers. In a strategic move to accelerate growth, Cygnet aims to establish dynamic partnerships with industry-leading hyperscalers such as AWS, Azure, and Oracle, solidifying its position at the forefront of innovation and scalability. These collaborations will not only broaden Cygnet’s service offerings but also deepen its knowledge base, allowing for more comprehensive and effective solutions for clients. With deep roots in product engineering and unparalleled expertise in SAP testing, bots, and more, we stand as the foremost consultants, renowned for our ability to architect ideal solutions.

    Founded in 2000, the Ahmedabad-based IT firm has grown exponentially in the last 24 years. From a small office in Ahmedabad, Cygnet has emerged as a leading partner for business process transformation with a presence in more than ten countries and is strategically expanding its presence to African countries, the APAC region, and Europe, broadening its global footprint and enhancing its reach to diverse markets. Cygnet’s revenue has exceeded USD 25 million, growing almost three times in the past five years. With a plan for 30% year-on-year growth, the company is poised for significant expansion.

    With the world of technology rapidly evolving, Cygnet embraced AI to meet the industry’s changing demands. It has expanded its horizons to build solutions such as HR Automation tools, Tech Due Diligence, AI-based ETL tools, and more.

    “AI will significantly impact businesses, and we are prepared to help our customers make that leap. Our offerings will enable a seamless transition, all while adopting the latest technologies,” Abhijit Sen added, VP Head of Architecture and Innovation at Cygnet.One.

    Cygnet’s solutions, services, and other products will help organizations deploy AI across their value chains to reap the benefits of the technology. In HR, AI-driven tools streamline recruitment, improve employee engagement, and optimize talent management processes. Tech Due Diligence (DD) powered by AI enhances decision-making processes, accelerates M&A activities, and mitigates risks. With AI data converters, businesses can unlock valuable insights from their data, driving innovation and informed decision-making.

    Hutheesing said, “From North America to Europe, UK & Africa, from Asia Pacific to the Middle East, our local expertise, combined with a global perspective, enables organizations around the world to navigate cultural nuances and regulatory landscapes easily.”

     

  • Sternhagen partners with Sussanne Khan for bathware launch

    Sternhagen partners with Sussanne Khan for bathware launch

    Mumbai: Sternhagen, the prestigious German brand known for its luxurious sanitary ware and bathroom fittings, is thrilled to announce their new collection in collaboration with renowned interior designer Sussanne Khan. This collaboration showcases select designs by Sussanne Khan and marks a significant moment for both brands as they come together for the second time to present an exclusive range of products.  

    Sternhagen chairman and managing director Chirag Parekh said ‘’Our mission is to create bathroom suites with an unmistakable, visually exciting, artistic appeal so that when someone with an eye for superior design sees one of our products, they know that it could only be a Sternhagen.  We’re committed to offering top-quality, artistically designed products engineered with cutting-edge materials and technologies. Our aim is to exceed customer expectations by setting new standards in design. As a design-driven brand, we will continue to innovate, creating products with new  technologies and designs that uphold the Sternhagen name.”

    Interior Designer Sussanne Khan, founder of The Charcoal Project, designed Sternhagan’s SK 02  Collection of bath fittings to showcase the mesmerizing innovations of the brand. The products displayed at the event included Glass Basins, Metallic Basins and Ceramic Basins featuring art inspired by Moroccan tessellations and tilework. In essence, Sternhagen’s latest collection is more than just a range of bathroom ware; it’s a celebration of the enduring allure of the equestrian aesthetic,  reimagined for the modern luxury connoisseur. With its earthy tones and classic yet modern design elements, each piece pays homage to the timeless elegance of the equestrian world while infusing it with a contemporary flair. Additionally, Sternhagen also launched its Smart WC, a technological innovation that features smart controls and 15+ functions.

    Commenting on the collaboration Sussanne Khan stated, “We are excited for this collaboration with  Sternhagen to showcase our unique styles in a fun and engaging way, while also highlighting the exceptional functionality and elegance of the brand. We can’t wait for everyone to see the exciting  results of this campaign!”

    Born out of the prestigious Carysil Group, the world’s 4th largest quartz sink manufacturer, Sternhagen is setting new benchmarks in luxury bathroom design. The brand’s global presence continues to inspire homeowners, architects, and interior designers worldwide. Combining German precision engineering with artistic design, the brand offers a diverse portfolio that caters to a variety of design sensibilities.  From classic to contemporary, each product embodies sophistication, elevating the overall bathroom experience. From faucets to shower systems, bathtubs to vanities, basin mixers to tiles, every creation from Sternhagen reflects a harmonious blend of innovative technology and timeless aesthetics. 

  • Sunil Chhetri endorsed ACwO’s launch smartwatch

    Sunil Chhetri endorsed ACwO’s launch smartwatch

    Mumbai: Setting itself apart in a market that is cluttered with smartwatches that are generally unisex, ACwO today announces the launch of FwIT Play, created and #DesignedForWomen. While the average Indian woman’s wrist size ranges between 14 cm and 16 cm, most smartwatches do not keep this into consideration, along with design and aesthetics, leaving women with very limited choices.

    Sunil Chhetri endorsed, fast-growing consumer-tech lifestyle brand, ACwO introduces FwIT Play, 1.75-inch Always-On Luxury Smartwatch with in-built SOS and Compass, and a square display that is #DesignedForHer. With a screen-to-bezel ratio of around 0.32, FwIT Play is aesthetically pleasing and is designed keeping in mind an average Indian woman’s wrist size which is in the range of 0.25 and 0.45. FwIT Play’s key SOS safety feature can be a lifesaver for women in potentially unsafe situations.

    With 7 hallmark features, ACwO FwIT Play caters specifically to women’s needs, making it their true companion:

    Designed For Her Safety: With SOS on her wrist, women can be assured that a smart guardian is always by their side. A quick tap on the watch discreetly sends emergency calls and activates a loud siren to deter unwanted attention or scare someone away.

    Designed For Her Controls: Between work calls, errands, gym sessions, catching up with friends, and being constantly on the move, ACwO FwIT Play’s Smart Widget provides quick access to features women use most thus avoiding the hassle of digging through menus.

    Designed For Her Health: This smartwatch goes beyond steps. It lets women take care of their health 24/7 with heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen monitoring, calorie calculations, and most importantly female health cycle.  With all this data at your fingertips, ACwO FwIT Play empowers women to make informed choices about their health and well-being.

    Designed For Her Convenience: The Dynamic Island Notification integrates seamlessly with iPhones. For instance, users can effortlessly control their favourite songs without the need to scroll.

    Designed For Her Lifestyle: With over 100 sports modes in FwIT Play, users can accurately track their progress, helping them stay motivated and celebrate every fitness milestone.

    Designed For Her Vibe: ACwO FwIT Play is designed with a sophisticated aesthetic that complements women’s style, no matter the occasion. Whether it is leading a meeting or a social event,  ACwO FwIT Play only adds to one’s confidence.

    Designed For Her Looks:  FwIT Play smartwatches watch faces reflect a modern women’s ever-evolving style. Users can choose from a variety of customisable watch faces to match their mood, outfit, or occasion.  From sporty to elegant, there’s a perfect face to complement every style.

    Celebrating the launch of the FwIT Play, an ACwO spokesperson expressed views saying, “We’re thrilled to introduce FwIT Play, India’s first #DesignedForHer luxury smartwatch for women. For us, it’s more than just tech; it’s a celebration of womanhood. The FwIT Play is packed with features that help women take charge of their lives, including a discreet SOS function that can provide critical assistance in moments of need. This, along with the stylish design and fitness tracking features, empowers women to stay safe, achieve their goals, and live life to the fullest. This launch reflects our commitment to creating products that cater to the unique needs and aspirations of women.”

    Uniquely positioned, ACwO FwIT Play goes beyond the existing unisex smartwatches with a one-size-fits-all approach.

    The ACwO FwIT Play Smartwatch isn’t just a smartwatch; it’s a reflection of the women who are bold, fearless, and modern. The ACwO FwIT Play empowers them to feel secure, stay connected, prioritise their health, and achieve goals – all while looking fabulous.

    Currently available at an introductory price of Rs 3,499, ACwO FwIT Play is available on acwo.com, ONDC, Tata CLiQ, Snapdeal and other leading e-commerce platforms.