Mumbai: Bacardi India Private Limited, the world’s largest privately held spirits company, today announced the appointment of Mahesh Kanchan as the company’s new Bacardi India & Neighboring Countries marketing director. With a wealth of experience in leadership roles where he drove marketing for international brands across categories in South Asia, he will now spearhead marketing strategies for Bacardi’s portfolio of brands across India and surrounding markets, from the company’s office in Gurgaon.
Kanchan has built a distinguished career spanning over two decades, with expertise in growing brands through executional excellence, and steering companies towards profitable growth. Previously serving as the CEO of Del Monte Foods India, Kanchan played a key role in transforming Del Monte Foods’ market strategies to boost brand profitability and long-term growth.
Prior to his tenure at Del Monte, Mr. Kanchan led marketing efforts in the Indian alcobev sector in his role as Vice President – Marketing & Revenue Growth Management at Carlsberg India. Preceding this, he also helped shape Hershey India’s innovation blueprint and approach to growth as Vice President – Marketing & Sales; and led multiple verticals within Sales & Marketing during his time at Unilever India as Regional Marketing Director – South Asia, driving consistent growth for brands like Kissan & Knorr (in India), Blue Band & Flora (Pakistan) and Astra, Flora & Marmite (Sri Lanka).
“We are thrilled to have Mr. Mahesh Kanchan join Bacardi India’s leadership team,” said Bacardi India & Neighboring Countries managing director Vinay Golikeri. “His strategic expertise and proven ability to drive brand growth align with Bacardi’s vision for the Indian market. With India’s alcobev market continuing to grow into one of the largest globally across categories, we will look to his expertise and guidance to lead our strategic marketing in a direction that meaningfully connects and resonates with our audiences across the country.”
Commenting on his newly appointed role, Kanchan said, “I am thrilled to embrace the opportunity to enhance both the established and new age brands within the Bacardi portfolio across India and neighboring markets. I look forward to amplifying Bacardi’s consumer-first marketing efforts to bring fresh and meaningful experiences that resonate with our audiences and drive meaningful growth to continue elevating our brand presence.”
Gap, the iconic American fashion brand, is proud to debut its Spring 2024 campaign featuring linen as a canvas for original style. The campaign serves as a celebration of self-expression and individuality through fashion, music, and dance.
Starring GRAMMY® Award–winning artist Tyla, the campaign embraces Gap’s roots as a pop culture brand working with artistic originals across fashion and music. Each frame showcases the seamless motion and effortless movement of the brand’s newest Linen Collection, inviting wearers to make each piece their own.
Featuring worldwide hit “Back On 74” by the BRIT Award–nominated Jungle, with original choreography by Shay Latukolan, the campaign is directed by Jungle’s J Lloyd and Charlie Di Placido and inspired by the track’s official video, which became a global phenomenon on TikTok and inspired a dance craze with over a billion views.
Tyla, the 22-year-old sensation born and raised in South Africa, is making waves with her recent Billboard Hot 100 hit “Water.” With a massive following, she has captivated audiences with dance routines and song covers, showcasing her unique style and individuality. Tyla’s creativity and authenticity align seamlessly with Gap’s commitment to championing originality.
“It’s an absolute honor to be in a Gap campaign – so many iconic artists have worked with Gap and I now get to be one of them,” said Tyla. “I’m excited for my fans to see me do a new type of dance where I’m styled in comfortable clothes with my own personal touches. It was really fun – a true celebration of music, fashion, and dance.”
Founded by childhood friends J Lloyd and Tom McFarland, Jungle’s genre-blurring mix of timeless disco, hip-hop, funk, and future-facing production, along with their expressive and inventive visual aesthetic, have cemented their status as one of the UK’s biggest and most exciting bands.
Mumbai: Yatra Online (NASDAQ: YTRA), through its Indian subsidiary, Yatra Online Ltd (“Yatra”), India’s largest corporate travel services provider (Source: CRISIL Report) and a leading online travel company in India among OTA players in terms of gross booking revenue and operating revenue, for fiscal year 2023, has announced the appointment of Gaurav Luthra as chief business officer – new business development.
As a seasoned professional with over 28 years of experience, Gaurav brings extensive industry expertise to the table. He will lend his strategic leadership to drive the company’s corporate travel proposition focused on Mid-market customers and will play an instrumental role..
As a chief business officer at Yatra, Gaurav will leverage his extensive experience and proven track record, for building and further enhancing Yatra’s mid-market and SME corporate travel proposition, and developing new products such as visa facilitation and car rentals for business travelers, thereby delivering financial growth for the company. Gaurav’s appointment further strengthens Yatra’s commitment to excellence and its vision of providing exceptional travel experiences to customers.
In his previous role as managing director of FCM Travel, Gaurav showcased his prowess in overseeing Indian interests for Australia’s Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG). During his 25-year tenure at FCTG India, Gaurav emerged as a revered industry veteran, renowned for pioneering product innovations, leading technological advancements, and fostering fruitful supplier relationships to drive revenue growth.
Commenting on his appointment, Gaurav Luthra said, “I’m excited to embark on this new chapter with Yatra, and contribute to its continued success in the travel industry. Yatra’s current trajectory is incredibly promising, and I look forward to collaborating with the team to further fortify this growth. As the newly appointed Chief Business Officer at Yatra, my immediate focus will be on meticulous strategic planning to unlock the full potential of the brand, surpassing the expectations of both our customers and stakeholders alike. With innovative strategies, I’m confident we’ll lead Yatra to even greater success, delighting customers every step of the way.”
Yatra Online Ltd CEO & whole-time director Dhruv Shringi said, “Gaurav brings with him a wealth of knowledge, the right expertise, and capabilities that will be fundamental to help accelerate Yatra’s presence in the online travel aggregator space. I’m thrilled to have him come onboard as he will play a pivotal role in executing the many exciting opportunities we have on the horizon as we enter our next growth phase.”
Mumbai: Sportz Interactive (SI), a leading sports technology and content solutions company and a part of the Sportz Solutions Group, continues to expand its global footprint by strengthening its UK and EU lperations. To further strengthen its commitment to the region, SI announced the appointment of Alex Chamberlen as director – head of UK & EU operations. This marks another significant milestone in its journey towards becoming the world’s foremost provider of sports technology and content solutions, following its successful venture into Singapore.
Alex Chamberlen brings a wealth of experience in business development and operations across renowned organisations such as Cricinfo, Omnigon, Engage Digital Partners, and Trippant Communications. His profound understanding of the sports business sector across diverse regions including the UK, Europe, India, and North America will be instrumental in driving Sportz Interactive’s growth trajectory in the UK and European markets. Chamberlen will be based out of London, UK.
Commenting on his appointment, Alex Chamberlen expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am honoured to join Sportz Interactive at this pivotal moment in our journey. With a strong foundation built on 20 plus years of experience, SI is already making a significant impact on the global sports technology landscape. I am eager to leverage my experience and expertise to lead the company’s expansion into the UK and EU markets.”
Sportz Interactive chairman Arvind Iyengar remarked, “We are delighted to welcome Alex Chamberlen to Team SI. His proven track record and deep industry knowledge make him the ideal candidate to spearhead our global expansion efforts and further strengthen our existing relationships with 15 plus customers in Europe. This will help us drive our global growth as we look to help sports organisations maximise their fan affinity and supercharge commercial outcomes.”
With existing customers that include the likes of the International Olympic Committee, NBA, UEFA, Disney, Google and Formula One, Sportz Interactive’s continued expansion into the UK and EU markets reinforces its commitment to providing fanalytics offerings and digital transformation capabilities for sports organisations around the world.
Mumbai: Since its inception in 1976, The Body Shop has been advocating female self-love and body acceptance, through its campaigning, its products, and its communications. With International Women’s Day on the horizon, The Body Shop India teams up with acclaimed model and actress Diana Penty to deliver an empowering message in a short, yet powerful new film. This message encourages women to prioritize self-care and speak up for themselves, embracing an unapologetic stance in the pursuit of their own well-being.
Drawing inspiration from The Body Shop’s iconic British Rose collection, the film highlights the idea that every woman has the potential to bloom by caring for themselves and helping those around them to grow.
The Body Shop India VP, product, marketing & digital Harmeet Singh said, “At The Body Shop, our commitment to women’s empowerment runs deep, rooted in the visionary spirit of our founder, Dame Anita Roddick. As we honour International Women’s Day, we’re proud to celebrate our feminist heritage. Our iconic British Rose Bath and Body care collection embodies this spirit, going beyond beauty to include self-care and self-love. With Diana Penty as the face of this campaign, we embrace the essence of the modern woman – strong, beautiful, and unapologetically empowered.”
Penty said, “I’m delighted to partner with The Body Shop, to celebrate International Women’s Day and the exquisite British Rose collection, a personal favorite of mine. As an advocate for ethical beauty, partnering with The Body Shop on this project is a privilege. On Women’s Day, let’s come together to underline the significance of women embracing their strength and leading the way toward a more beautiful world. May the inner radiance of every woman shine bright and relentlessly, inspiring positive change.”
Mumbai: Following the resounding success of its association with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) during the inaugural edition of the Women’s T20 League that embraced beauty positivity, leading Wellness brand, Himalaya Wellness, is proud to announce its continued partnership with the team for the ongoing season. This year, with the #TakeMySPOT campaign, the focus shifts to celebrating their hard-earned spots and achievements on the field. Through this quirky campaign Himalaya acknowledges that while no one can take these well-deserved spots, for the unwanted spots on face, there’s Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Wash and Face Care Range.
As an extension of the #TakeMySPOT campaign, Himalaya is also breaking new ground by teaming up with the GoEqual Premier League, to celebrate women’s rightful spot in the realm of football. This thrilling collaboration isn’t just about scoring goals; it’s about breaking away gender stereotypes to level the playing field. By investing in grassroots football programs and engaging with local communities, schools, and professional teams to promote football, Himalaya aims to provide the much-deserved SPOT for every woman who dreams of being a part of this sport.
The new campaign, for Himalaya’s latest offering, the Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Wash #TakeMySPOT, carries a very powerful message. Just like the RCB players who fight relentlessly to secure their positions on the cricket pitch, women across all walks of life have diligently carved their own spaces and earned their rightful place. While women strive hard to earn their spots, the Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Wash & Face Care Range effortlessly tackles unwanted spots on the face. The turmeric face care range harnesses the power of organically sourced turmeric that is extracted using the time-tested Ayurvedic method called Svarasa.
Unfolding in two phases, the campaign cleverly used the concept of “spot” with a playful twist. The teaser phase, launched during the first RCB match, saw players sporting #TakeMySPOT on their caps, leaving viewers curious while sparking social conversations. A video featuring RCB star cricketers Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Shreyanka Patil alongside content creator Danish Sait who added a layer of humour into the video with his witty take on the “spot” theme kept the audience guessing. This effectively amplified the campaign’s message making the teaser hashtag #TakeMySpot trend no1 on Twitter during RCB’s first match. To build further excitement, the brand utilized a 360-degree strategy across radio, social media, outdoor advertising, and YouTube.
In the second phase of the campaign, the brand wittingly revealed that the spots reference was to the unwanted spots on the face that Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Wash & Face Care Range can effectively remove. This impactful reveal seamlessly tied the campaign’s message to the brand. With this campaign, Himalaya celebrates the unwavering spirit of women who have fought hard to claim their rightful positions—on the field and in life. It reminds everyone that while no one can take away their hard-earned spots, Himalaya can help tackle those unwanted spots on their faces. The campaign sustained its clever utilization of the “spot” concept through a series of videos featuring cheeky interactions between Danish and RCB’s star cricketers. The brand’s association was revealed on 29th February, with a change in the RCB players’ cap messages. The mystery finally resolving itself created excitement amongst the RCB fans, causing it to trend on twitter again on the no1 position.
For more than 90 years, Himalaya Wellness Company has been a leader in bringing Wellness in every Home and Happiness in every Heart.
Himalaya Wellness Company business director Rajesh Krishnamurthy expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The success of our partnership with the Women’s Premier League in 2023 inspired us to continue our association in this year’s edition. Along with the cricketers, we’re thrilled to bring the excitement of Danish Sait’s collaboration to the #TakeMySPOT campaign, adding a layer of humour and intrigue as we tackle the topic of stubborn spots with our new Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Wash and Face Care Range.
“We’re thrilled to see the incredible response to the #TakeMySPOT campaign teaser, which trended at Number 1 on Twitter on day 1 of RCB’s match and also with the reveal trending at no1 on 29th of February! We’re confident that this year’s partnership, much like last year, will not only generate excitement around the product, but also continue to solidify our connection with the women’s T20 league audience,” said Himalaya marketing director – personal care & hygiene Ragini Hariharan. “We’re proud to introduce this face wash and face care range, formulated using a unique cold-pressed extraction technology called Svarasa that preserves the essential components of turmeric. This research-backed formula empowers our consumers to tackle dark spots and achieve healthy, radiant skin.”
Speaking on the occasion, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) VP & head Rajesh Menon said, “We are glad to extend our partnership with Himalaya as we get into the second season. Both the brands share the same core values of inclusivity and diversity and care for the causes that matters to impact the society positively.”
The new Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Wash is made by harnessing the power of organically sourced turmeric extracted using the advanced Ayurvedic Svarasa Technique, which preserves its natural goodness. The non-staining formula helps you get bright, healthy, and radiant skin
Face Wash – category manager Gayatri Kabilan added, “This innovation marks Himalaya’s greater initiative towards tackling the growing problem of dark spots caused by sun exposure, acne scars, and previously overlooked concerns. While overcoming spots, we’ve also taken steps to care for the environment as the face wash comes in a fully recyclable and environmentally conscious tube.”
Mumbai: As the anticipation builds for India’s most awaited cricket spectacle, Star Sports, the official television broadcaster of the TATA IPL 2024, has launched an “ode to IPL fandom and its various expressions” in its campaign for season 17 of the tournament. Inspired by real-life fan stories, moments seen on social media and true events of fandom, the campaign brings alive moments of togetherness that unleash a plethora of diverse emotions. It celebrates the idea of “better together” by representing diverse groups of fans whose experience of TATA IPL 2024 and emotions attached with players, matches and match situations are elevated when they watch together.
The film features four IPL captains and Star Sports ‘Believe’ ambassadors – Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer – representing diverse fans in different situations, each representing different emotions which take over when one experiences key moments of the games in groups.
The momentary transformations of fans’ personalities are a true representation of the emotional roller-coasters that IPL 2024 promises to be. Rishabh ‘Gabroo’ Pant’s gang sheds its “macho personality” and tears up with emotions, Hardik ‘Corporate’ Pandya and his team forget they are in a boardroom with foreign clients and break into a dance to celebrate, KL ‘Padhakoo’ Rahul and his study circle drop their books and let their passions fly when an umpiring decision goes against them, Shreyas ‘Good boy’ Iyer drops his submissiveness around his family and rebels against his father-in-law. The teasers and BTS clips surrounding the campaign have been making waves on social media and have added to the anticipation. It will be released in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, and Malayalam to resonate with fans across India.
Disney Star head-sports Sanjog Gupta said, “TATA IPL 2023 was the biggest IPL in TV history and reiterated the belief that ritualism, community and togetherness are essential facets of the live cricket viewing experience. This year, our campaign is an ode to the plethora of emotions that fans around the country will experience over the next couple of months. Unlike Indian cricket, where pride is the pervasive fan sentiment across the nation, IPL allows different fans to take sides and experience distinct emotions in the same moment. And these emotions are elevated when they are experienced in the company of friends, families and/or community. The goal of the campaign is to elevate the stature of TATA IPL, drive fan tribes to support their teams even more passionately and excite viewers for an unparalleled experience on Star Sports.”
Star Sports ‘Believe’ ambassador, Hardik Pandya, said, “I’m thrilled to have participated in the ‘Ajab Rang Dikhega’ campaign. Playing the role of a fan in the campaign, brought back memories of me being a fan, celebrating happily with friends and family when emotions take over during memorable victories.”
“As a ‘Believe’ Ambassador, it is an honour to be a part of the ‘Ajab Rang Dikhega’ campaign. IPL is an emotion, and we love it as much as the fans do. Through the new campaign, we celebrate the unique community experiences that IPL evokes across the country making it a truly unforgettable experience. I’m grateful for the love showered by fans and I’m looking forward to IPL 2024”, added Rishabh Pant.
The campaign has been conceived and conceptualized by Tilt Brand Solutions, a Mumbai-based brand and communications consultancy that is a part of Quotient Ventures.
The ‘Incredible Premier League’ is best experienced with friends and family, capturing the essence of communal viewing that enhances the thrill of live sports on television. Star Sports has effectively placed fans at the heart of its coverage, fostering a sense of community and highlighting the excitement of watching the marquee tournament on TV. Through a series of on-ground events under the ‘Star Nahi Far’ activations, the broadcaster has successfully engaged audiences from all corners of the country, offering fans and fan communities a unique opportunity to connect with their favourite heroes. The ‘Incredible 16’ initiative featured legends selecting their all-time IPL squads, receiving widespread acclaim. Fans enthusiastically voted to back their favorite all-time stars, and created their versions of the ‘Incredible 16,’ amplifying the excitement surrounding the tournament as the opening day approaches.
Mumbai: Dolby Laboratories (NYSE: DLB), a leader in immersive entertainment experiences, is launching the next chapter of the “Love More in Dolby” global brand campaign with a new commercial celebrating the cinematic experience of watching movies in Dolby Atmos at your local movie theater.
Watching movies in Dolby Atmos at your local movie theater unlocks the full emotional impact of the film, allowing audiences to be fully immersed in the story. Whether it’s a blockbuster action film or award-winning drama, and every genre in between, Dolby Atmos brings the story to life through incredible immersive sound, creating a thrilling way to enjoy your favorite movies.
“Dolby Atmos transports fans into the heart of their favorite stories with sound that moves all around them,” said Dolby Laboratories senior vice president and chief marketing officer Todd Pendleton. “Dolby Atmos elevates the emotional connection to stories the way the creators intended, enabling an immersive experience that makes fans feel like they stepped directly into the movie.”
Directed by GRAMMY-nominated music video director and filmmaker Colin Tilley, the commercial explores the transformative experience of watching movies in Dolby Atmos. As three moviegoers step into their local theater, they find themselves instantly transported into the film through the visceral, emotional experience of Dolby Atmos. The commercial is the latest installment of Dolby’s “Love More in Dolby” campaign, which kicked off earlier this month in India with the debut of a short concert vignette starring Ed Sheeran.
Adding to the celebration, movie lovers are invited to step into the world of Dolby Atmos through a digital fan experience at LoveMoreinDolby.com/In. At the site, Dolby is also offering the opportunity to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win movie tickets which ends on 10 March 2024, at 23:59hrs IST. Terms and conditions apply. No purchase is necessary.
Mumbai: Natureland Organics, a prominent figure in the organic food sector, is delighted to unveil a pioneering initiative for women nationwide this International Women’s Day. In a bid to empower women, Natureland Organics cordially invites women to collaborate with the brand as entrepreneurs, advocating its products and reaping financial benefits.
As we are gearing up to celebrate International Women’s Day (8 March 2024), Natureland Organics extends an invitation to women residing in metropolitan and tier one cities across India to join them in their crusade to champion organic living, uphold local farmers, and empower women to embrace healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. This initiative will also help women work in the comfort of their homes while reaping the financial benefits.
This initiative involves imparting comprehensive knowledge about all the Natureland Organics products and the benefits of organic food. Women participating in this program will be registered as entrepreneurs/influencers with Natureland Organics. They will be given a unique code allowing customers to get a flat 25 per cent off on Natureland Organics website purchases.
The initiative aims to enable women to gain financial independence while contributing to society by promoting the benefits of organic food.
“The objective of this program is not only to make women financially independent but also to create awareness about the health benefits of organic food and support the development of farmers and organic farming practices,” said Natureland Organics co-founder and director Ajeet Godara.
“We believe in the power of women to drive positive change in their communities, and this initiative is a testament to our commitment to empowerment and sustainability. Through leveraging their social networks, women have the opportunity to promote our brand and experience financial growth,” he added.
This program is tailored for homemakers and housewives seeking to re-enter the workforce. Those interested in participating should hold a degree, possess a strong social network, be willing to multitask, maintain an active social media presence, and demonstrate a passion for healthy eating. Natureland Organics aims to establish a community of empowered women committed to spreading the word and awareness about organic living.
Mumbai: As excitement grows for the inaugural edition of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), Chennai Singams, the #RoartoRule cricket franchise, has secured significant jersey sponsorships across sports, hospitality, finance, banking, energy and food & beverages categories. ibis Hotels from the hospitality segment is among the major jersey sponsors for the franchise which is making its debut in the much-anticipated ISPL league. The inaugural edition of the Indian Street Premier League will get underway from 6 to 15 March 2024.
Apart from ibis Hotels, the Chennai-based team, led by serial entrepreneurs Rajdipkumar Gupta, Sandipkumar Gupta, and actor Suriya Sivakumar, has signed lucrative contracts with Nuwama Wealth, Hell Energy Drink, Yes Bank, TYKA and Route Energy, demonstrating their dedication to excellence and sportsmanship.
In response to these historic partnerships, Chennai Singams co-owner Rajdip Gupta said, “The team and I are very elated to join hands with such esteemed global brands. Such sponsorships and collaborations are important to increase team visibility and boost overall performance. Looking forward to a great season this year and tying up with numerous brands in the years to come.”
ibis, a globally recognised hospitality brand known for its modern accommodations and exceptional service, has joined forces with Chennai Singams as one of their premier jersey sponsors. Their association represents a shared commitment to excellence and performance, laying the groundwork for an electrifying debut in the ISPL.
Chennai Singams also welcomes Nuvama Wealth, a well-known financial services provider, as a jersey sponsor. This collaboration represents the convergence of sporting and financial expertise, as both organizations strive for success and growth in their respective fields.
Apart from that, Chennai Singams has joined hands with Hell Energy Drink as another valued jersey sponsor, adding vigor and vitality to their roster. Hell Energy Drink, with its invigorating blend and dynamic branding, complements the team’s energy and dynamism on the pitch.
In addition, the ISPL cricket franchise strengthens its financial base by securing Yes Bank as a key jersey sponsor. As India’s leading private sector bank, Yes Bank’s partnership demonstrates stability, growth, and a common vision for cricket success.
Chennai Singams has also partnered with TYKA, a well-known sports apparel brand known for its quality and innovation, to expand its roster of prestigious jersey sponsors. The TYKA association demonstrates a dedication to performance excellence and athletic prowess, which is consistent with the team’s philosophy.
Chennai Singams has also joined hands with Route Energy, an emerging solar energy solution provider with expertise in efficiency products, solutions, and consulting services. The brand offers consulting services in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors from technological, industrial, policy, socioeconomic, and collaborative perspectives.
ibis and ibis Styles India director of operations Tejus Jose said, “It’s going to be a great association with Chennai Singams as the popular game of cricket enters into different exciting formats. We, as one of the official jersey sponsors and partners of the franchise, wish all the luck and success to the team ahead of its ISPL debut.”
As ISPL gears up for its exhilarating T10 tennis ball cricket tournament, the Chennai Singams vow to enthrall spectators with their dynamic displays on the transformed streets of Mumbai, now turned into stadiums.
