Category: Marketing

  • VIP Industries bags Orient Electric’s former boss as new chief executive

    VIP Industries bags Orient Electric’s former boss as new chief executive

    MUMBAI: VIP Industries, India’s largest luggage manufacturer, has appointed Atul Jain as its new chief executive and managing director. Jain previously transformed Orient Electric, where he delivered 60 per cent revenue growth and a 2.5-fold increase in market capitalisation during his six-year tenure.

    The executive brings a formidable pedigree in digital transformation and sustainability. At Orient Electric, a CK Birla Group company, he strengthened sales and product teams whilst launching premium offerings and investing in brand-building. His efforts yielded a 400 basis points improvement in margins between 2017 and 2023.

    Before Orient Electric, Jain spent six years at Samsung Electronics, rising to global senior director for home appliances with oversight of 20 emerging markets. He also served as country head for consumer electronics in India, where he grew the durables business at double the industry rate.

    His career spans blue-chip companies including a stint as chief operating officer at Chinese technology firm LeEco. Earlier roles included chief marketing officer at Bharti Airtel and brand manager at Coca-Cola.

    Jain has been an active angel investor since 2016, backing startups in consumer goods, education technology and sustainability. He also served as chairman of the Indian Fan Manufacturers’ Association from 2019 to 2021.
    VIP Industries, known for its Skybags and Aristocrat brands, has been seeking to revitalise its business as travel demand rebounds post-pandemic. The company’s shares have gained 12 per cent this year but remain below pre-Covid levels.

  • Tata Motors overhauls board as it splits commercial vehicle unit

    Tata Motors overhauls board as it splits commercial vehicle unit

    MUMBAI: Tata Motors is reshuffling its boardroom as India’s biggest carmaker prepares to spin off its commercial vehicle business into a separate listed entity. The Mumbai-based company announced sweeping changes to its leadership on 26 September, with three independent directors stepping down and a new managing director taking the helm.

    The biggest change sees Shailesh Chandra appointed as managing director and chief executive, replacing Girish Wagh, who will move to head the soon-to-be-listed TML Commercial Vehicles. Chandra, currently joint managing director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, will serve a three-year term from 1 October.

    Three independent directors are departing as part of the reorganisation. Hanne Sorensen, a former Tata Consultancy Services board member, will step down on 30 September  but remain on the board of Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Motors’ British luxury car unit. Kosaraju Veerayya Chowdary and Guenter Karl Butschek will both leave on 1 October  to join the commercial vehicles entity’s board.

    Replacing them is Sudha Krishnan, a former senior civil servant who retired in 2020 as member finance to India’s Space Commission and Atomic Energy Commission.  Krishnan, who has four decades of experience in public policy and finance, will serve a five-year term as independent director.

    The changes come as Tata Motors executes a composite scheme of arrangement approved by India’s National Company Law Tribunal. The demerger, which becomes effective on 1 October, will see shareholders receive one share in TML Commercial Vehicles for every share they hold in Tata Motors.

    In another significant move, P B Balaji will resign as group chief financial officer on 17 November  to become chief executive of Jaguar Land Rover. He will be replaced by Dhiman Gupta, currently chief financial officer of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility. Unusually,  Balaji will rejoin Tata Motors’ board as a non-executive director on the same day he steps down from his executive role.

    The restructuring reflects Tata Motors’ strategy to separate its commercial vehicle operations from its passenger car and Jaguar Land Rover businesses. The company is also transferring Rs 2,300 crore worth of non-convertible debentures to the commercial vehicles unit as part of the demerger.

    The board changes were approved at a meeting that ran from 2pm to 5pm on 26 September, with all appointments subject to shareholder approval.

  • Polycab sparks festive joy with safe and happy connections across India

    Polycab sparks festive joy with safe and happy connections across India

    MUMBAI: Festivals may be about faith and fireworks, but this year it’s Polycab India limited that’s turning up the voltage on celebration. As India steps into its busiest festive calendar from Navratri in Gujarat to Durga Puja in Kolkata and Dasara in Mysuru Polycab is proving that a safe connection can be just as powerful as a spiritual one.

    At the heart of it all is the brand’s promise: “India’s Safe & Happy Connection.” And Polycab is delivering it with community-first activations that blend tradition, comfort, and inclusion.

    In Ahmedabad’s Heritage Garba, revellers are welcomed with selfie installations and cooling zones to keep spirits high (and temperatures low). Vadodara’s VVN Garba takes it a step further with illuminated connect points designed to help people meet, plus mobile charging stations that keep phones buzzing long after the dandiya beats. At the iconic Nyay Mandir Garba, grand Polycab-branded entry gates greet thousands, lighting up the festive nights with style and safety.

    Polycab’s theme “Priyojoner Safety, Anonder Connection” (Loved ones’ safety, the connection of happiness) is making a cultural splash across the city’s pandals. At Samaj Sebi Sangha, Goddess Durga’s Vaahans come alive with Polycab products woven into their design, symbolising modern innovation anchored in tradition. Over at Ballygunge Cultural Association, a striking curved LED tunnel narrates Polycab’s journey through culture and light.

    For the crowds weaving through Kolkata’s Puja routes, comfort zones offer not just shade and seating but also mobile charging hubs, wheelchair assistance for the elderly, and baby care rooms for young mothers thoughtful touches that make pandal hopping more inclusive.

    In Karnataka, Polycab’s footprint shines during the grandeur of Mysuru Dasara. At the Chamundi Hill Temple, devotees find relief in cool zones with water and charging points, while the brand backs the Mysuru Traffic Police with branded jackets and booths to aid crowd management. High-visibility hoardings across the Nada Habba routes ensure that Polycab remains part of the city’s most iconic spectacle.

    “At Polycab, our purpose has always been to put people first, and India’s festivals are a natural extension of this belief,” said Polycab India senior vice president for brand & marcom Shwetal Basu. “By creating activations rooted in tradition yet aligned with evolving community needs, we aim to make celebrations safer, more inclusive, and truly memorable.”

    This isn’t Polycab’s first tryst with cultural milestones. From Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai to Rath Yatra in Puri, the brand has consistently delivered comfort zones, safety booths, and charging hubs to millions of devotees. With its 2025 festive activations, Polycab has cemented its role not just as an electrical brand but as a partner in India’s most cherished celebrations.

    In a season where lights, sound, and spirit converge, Polycab has managed to weave in its own sparkle ensuring that the connection of happiness is not just felt, but safely shared.

  • Jockey slips into seamless with new women’s range

    Jockey slips into seamless with new women’s range

    MUMBAI: Comfort has never been so well dressed. Jockey is taking innerwear to the next level with its new women’s collection under the Designed to disappear campaign.

    Launched by Page Industries, the range uses advanced bonding technology to create bras and shapewear that fit like a second skin. From T-shirt and strapless bras to lounge and shaping styles, the collection promises invisible support, sleek lines, and all-day ease in a versatile neutral palette.

    “This collection is for the modern woman who won’t compromise on either comfort or style,” said Jockey India CMO Nihal Rajan. “Bonding technology allows each piece to feel effortless, letting it disappear into the day as naturally as it fits.”

    To make the experience more personal, Jockey is also rolling out an in-store “Size Check” fitting service, helping women find their perfect match in comfort and style.

    Now available across Jockey exclusive brand stores, multi-brand outlets, and online, the launch is backed by a multi-platform campaign spanning digital, outdoor, and in-store media, ensuring seamless comfort makes a strong, and subtle, statement.

  • Sara Ali Khan adds star shine as new face of Streax Shine Hair Serum

    Sara Ali Khan adds star shine as new face of Streax Shine Hair Serum

    MUMBAI: Bad hair days just lost their drama. Streax, from the house of Hygienic Research Institute pvt ltd (HRIPL), has signed Bollywood’s sunshine girl Sara Ali Khan as the face of its Streax Shine Hair Serum, launching the sparkling new campaign “Frizz Gone, Smooth Shine On.”

    With her youthful charm, quick wit, and effortless sense of style, Sara mirrors Streax’s promise of helping women “shine on” with confidence. The new TVC captures everyday moments where frizz strikes windy rooftops, chaotic commutes, surprise selfies and flips them into smooth, glossy, camera-ready looks with just a quick touch of the serum.

    Enriched with Walnut Oil and Vitamin E, Streax Shine Hair Serum is known for its ability to instantly tame frizz while adding smoothness and radiant shine. Available in pack sizes of 45 ml, 100 ml, and 200 ml, the serum is designed for every occasion whether a casual college day or a red-carpet evening. The Streax haircare range extends further to Frizz Control Hair Serum, Heat Protect Spray, and Moisture Boost Spray, offering tailored solutions for every hair need.

    “Sara Ali Khan is the perfect face to front the Streax movement where haircare is not just about products but about confidence and everyday style,” said HRIPL sr. VP of marketing Priyanka Puri. “Frizz Gone, Smooth Shine On brings alive the idea that frizz can strike anyone, anywhere, and Streax Shine Hair Serum is a simple, everyday solution that transforms frizz into smooth, shiny, camera-ready hair in an instant.”

    Adding her own sparkle, Sara Ali Khan said: “I’m truly excited to join the Streax family! For me, hair isn’t just about style, it’s about confidence and self-expression. What I love about Streax Shine Hair Serum is how it instantly adds shine and smoothness, making every look feel complete.”

    With this campaign, Streax isn’t just selling a product; it’s amplifying a philosophy confidence as style, everyday radiance as empowerment. By placing Sara Ali Khan at the heart of this movement, Streax aims to inspire women across India to embrace their shine, whether they’re stepping into a boardroom, a classroom, or onto a dance floor.

    From battling frizz to flaunting gloss, the message is clear: with Streax Shine Hair Serum, every woman can shine on boldly, beautifully, and instantly.

     

  • ABD Maestro shakes up spirits with AI-driven marketing

    ABD Maestro shakes up spirits with AI-driven marketing

    MUMBAI:  ABD Maestro stirs up the spirits scene with a high-tech twist. The luxury and super-premium spirits company has launched India’s first generative AI-led consumer engagement initiative, putting Zoya Gin and Woodburns Whisky at the forefront of tech-driven marketing.

    Zoya Gin is unveiling AI-generated Value added packs (VAPs) alongside AI lifestyle influencer Kavya Mehra, while Woodburns Whisky teams up with AI influencer Kabir Manja to create immersive storytelling experiences for its community of “Bold Explorers.” The initiative combines AI-driven design, content creation, and influencer collaborations to engage consumers like never before.

    “Generative AI is reshaping how alcobev brands communicate,” said ABD’s director of marketing and special accounts Arvind Hangal. “It helps us reduce production timelines, push creative boundaries, and deliver culturally relevant narratives that resonate with today’s consumers.”

    By embracing AI, ABD Maestro is not just innovating product marketing, it is pioneering a new standard for personalised, meaningful engagement in the Indian spirits market.

  • Kareena shines in kids’ haircare’s starry new role

    Kareena shines in kids’ haircare’s starry new role

    MUMBAI: Talk about a hair-raising debut. Kareena Kapoor Khan is now the face of a kids’ care revolution. KT Kids, India’s first dedicated children’s haircare brand, has roped in the Hindi cinema icon as its brand ambassador, blending her glamour and credibility with the playful charm of Spongebob Squarepants. The collaboration promises to make haircare both safe and fun, turning daily routines into moments children look forward to.

    From shampoos and serums to protein creams, KT Kids’ Spongebob line delivers clinically tested, premium-quality solutions designed specifically for little ones. With age-specific ranges for boys and girls, the brand is already winning parents’ trust while adding a splash of colour and joy to everyday grooming.

    “As a mother, I know how important safe and effective products are for kids,” said Kareena, adding that KT Kids’ range balances science with fun.

    KT Kids founder Dhruv Sayani calls it a “bold leap,” combining science, trust and star power to set new standards in children’s haircare. 

    Looks like the kids’ aisle just got its most stylish upgrade yet.

  • Sweet notes as Mother Dairy stirs Puja nostalgia

    Sweet notes as Mother Dairy stirs Puja nostalgia

    MUMBAI: When it comes to Durga Puja, some cravings are simply set in stone, and Mishti doi tops the list. Mother Dairy has launched a heartwarming new campaign, Doi chai go, doi chai, bringing its beloved Mishti Doi to centre stage this festive season. Featuring popular Bengali actor Abir Chatterjee, the month-long campaign spans TV, print and digital, celebrating the joy of family traditions and sweet memories across West Bengal.

    Inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s lyric Doi chai go, doi chai,  the film shows a school choir breaking into the famous refrain when a girl spots her father carrying in packs of Mishti Doi. The moment, wrapped in innocence and nostalgia, becomes a chorus that fills the hall, and hearts.

    The campaign highlights how fathers in Bengal often affectionately call their daughters Maa, a tender cultural detail that echoes in the brand’s sign-off, Aamar Maa’er moto Mishti.

    For Mother Dairy, Mishti Doi isn’t just dessert: it’s tradition, tenderness, and the sweetest part of Puja.

  • Engines roar as JK Tyre racing hits Coimbatore

    Engines roar as JK Tyre racing hits Coimbatore

    MUMBAI: Fasten your seatbelts Coimbatore is set for a fuel-charged fiesta. Round 2 of the JK Tyre racing season 2025 kicks off this weekend at the Kari motor speedway, promising fans an adrenaline-packed two days of speed, skill and showdowns. From September 27–28, the action will span the JK Tyre Novice Cup, the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup and the much-anticipated debut of the single-make Levitas Cup.

    The Levitas Cup introduces identically tuned Maruti Suzuki Ignis race cars, pitting 14 rookies and gentlemen racers against each other on a level grid where sheer talent takes the wheel. Meanwhile, the GT Cup’s Pro-Am format will see champions and challengers battle it out on Royal Enfield GT-R650s, with Bengaluru’s Anish Shetty and Pondicherry’s Bryan Nicholas leading their respective tables after Round 1.

    In the Novice Cup, teenage sensation Bhuvan Bonu heads the pack, but close finishes from rivals mean the title chase is wide open.

    With new twists, debut races and nail-biting rivalries, JK Tyre Racing’s second round promises pure motorsport drama, streamed live for fans across Facebook and Youtube.

  • L’oréal Professionnel sets guinness record with ‘India’s biggest hair colour moment’

    L’oréal Professionnel sets guinness record with ‘India’s biggest hair colour moment’

    MUMBAI: L’oréal Professionnel has literally coloured outside the lines, bringing together 422 hairstylists and 422 models to set a ‘Guinness world records’ title for “Most people colouring hair” in India. The event, Hair Color Coders 2025, turned a Mumbai hall into the country’s biggest salon, celebrating the artistry, creativity, and skill of India’s professional hairdressing community.

    Global Color ambassador Min Kim and actress Kritika Kamra were at the heart of the record-breaking day, demonstrating advanced hair colour techniques while showcasing ‘Iconic browns,’ the brand’s trend of the year. From glossing to balayage and tonal layering, hairdressers proved their prowess, blending education with a dazzling live showcase.

    The event spanned a massive one lakh square feet space at Nesco, featuring 60 backwashes and over 5,000 hair colour tubes. It created a buzz online too, generating over 1,000 social mentions in a single day, highlighting the hairstylists’ skill and creativity while giving them a platform to inspire peers and clients alike.

    “Hair Color Coders 2025 showcases our ability to set global benchmarks while celebrating India’s hairstyling talent,” said L’oréal India, director, professional products division, Zeenia Bastani. “It was a mega masterclass in creativity, skill, and sheer passion for hairdressing.”

    In the months leading up to the event, participants honed their craft through intensive masterclasses, ensuring every transformation reflected precision, artistry, and innovation. L’oréal professionnel India, head of education, Priya Kasthuri Rangan added, “This platform allowed hairstylists to upskill, showcase expertise, and embrace a community built on passion and commitment.”

    The day ended with a show-stopping makeover for Kritika Kamra, her hair emerging vibrant, glossy, and perfectly styled in iconic browns. With Hair Color Coders 2025, L’oréal professionnel not only celebrated a record but reinforced its mission: to elevate professional hairdressing in India, combining education, creativity, and innovation in one unforgettable moment.