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Category: MAM

  • Burger King India serves up a juicy collab with Zee5’s Detective Sherdil

    Burger King India serves up a juicy collab with Zee5’s Detective Sherdil

    MUMBAI: Burger King India has cooked up a cheeky partnership with ZEE5 to mark the release of Detective Sherdil, the new comedy caper starring Diljit Dosanjh as an eccentric sleuth with a taste for the unexpected. Directed by Ravi Chhabriya, the film also stars Boman Irani, Diana Penty, Chunky Panday, and Banita Sandhu, and premieres exclusively on Zee5 from 20 June.

    To celebrate the release, Burger King is rolling out the ‘Detective Sherdil Combo’, a limited-edition meal that packs as much punch as the film’s plot twists. For just Rs 299, fans can tuck into a veg or chicken whopper jr. with cheese, saucy fries, and a chocolate thick shake—available at all Burger King restaurants for a short time only.

    The campaign doesn’t stop at the counter. Burger King is also launching a Ugc meme challenge, inviting guests to craft quirky memes using stills from the film. With Dosanjh’s signature charm and Irani’s comic timing, the internet is in for a treat. Lucky winners can bag exciting prizes, with the brand serving a double scoop of fun and fandom.

    Burger King India CMO Kapil Grover shared, “At Burger King, we’re always looking for new ways to create memorable experiences that resonate with our guests. Our collaboration with ZEE5 for Detective Sherdil allows us to blend cinema and food culture in a way that excites our Gen Z and millennial audience. The exclusive ‘Detective Sherdil Combo’ reflects the charm and intrigue of the film while delivering the indulgent taste we’re known for.”

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd CMO Kartik Mahadev shared, “At ZEE5, we believe great stories deserve to be experienced beyond the screen. Our partnership with Burger King for Detective Sherdil is a fun, flavourful extension of the film’s quirky, entertaining spirit. Collaborations like these help us connect with audiences in fresh, unexpected ways and turn every new release into a shared cultural moment. We look forward to serving fans a generous dose of entertainment, both on and off the screen.”

    Whether you’re a burger buff or a Dosanjh devotee, this collab is your cue to bite into the action-literally.

  • Tata Motors’ Shubhranshu Singh earns spot on Forbes’ 2025 list of world’s top CMOs at Cannes

    Tata Motors’ Shubhranshu Singh earns spot on Forbes’ 2025 list of world’s top CMOs at Cannes

    MUMBAI: Some marketers chase trends.

    Others shape them.

    At the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Forbes tipped its hat to the latter by naming Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles CMO Shubhranshu Singh to its coveted World’s Most Influential CMOs list. Singh’s inclusion marks a high point in a career defined by strategic clarity, brand building, and sharp cultural insight.

    Forbes announced the list this week, spotlighting global marketing leaders who go beyond campaigns to redefine culture, drive purpose, and deliver business impact. It assessed contenders on digital engagement, campaign effectiveness, media visibility, and community resonance—placing Singh among the likes of Apple’s Greg Joswiak, Google’s Lorraine Twohill, and L’Oréal’s Asmita Dubey.

    “Being named to the Forbes World’s Most Influential CMOs List is more than an accolade—it is a recognition of marketing’s evolving role as a driver of business value, social relevance, and global reputation. CMOs on this list are not only architects of brand strategy but also leaders who influence culture, champion innovation, and create lasting business impact across industries and geographies”, Forbes noted.

    Known for leading transformative brand campaigns at Tata Motors, Singh has positioned the commercial vehicle division as a symbol of trust and innovation. His digital-first approach and focus on aligning business goals with societal narratives have drawn industry-wide admiration. His leadership reflects the new breed of marketers—part strategist, part storyteller, and full-time change-maker.

    “Shubhranshu Singh, stalwart marketeer, columnist and thought leader currently serving as chief marketing officer of Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, has been named to this year’s prestigious list, placing him among the most influential voices in global marketing today”, the announcement added.

    Singh’s recent appointment to the inaugural board of the Effie Lions Foundation further signals his growing influence. The nonprofit, headquartered in New York, aims to nurture diverse marketing talent worldwide. As a board member, Singh will help shape the future of industry leadership with a lens on inclusivity and global impact.

    “As a member of the board of directors, he will have a unique opportunity to: Have a voice in shaping the marketing industry’s future talent; Help ensure that the marketing industry attracts the diverse talent needed for its future success”, said the foundation.

    Over the last decade, Forbes’ annual list has recognised the likes of Disney’s Asad Ayaz, Coca-Cola’s Manolo Arroyo, and Netflix’s Marian Lee—each redefining how brands connect with a fast-evolving world. Singh’s addition not only adds an Indian voice to that conversation, but underscores the rising global relevance of purpose-led marketing from the subcontinent.

  • India Gate brings values to the table with Bachchan’s new brand film

    India Gate brings values to the table with Bachchan’s new brand film

    MUMBAI: In a country where dal-chawal is more than dinner, it’s comfort, memory, and belonging India Gate Basmati Rice has served up a new campaign that’s as warm as a freshly cooked meal. Titled “India Ka Swaad Chakhte Hai”, the 100-second brand film features none other than Amitabh Bachchan, lending gravitas to a message about values that simmer quietly through generations.

    In this emotive montage of four stories, food is more than nourishment, it’s a language of love and respect. From welcoming strangers to comforting students far from home, the film reminds us that “Atithi Devo Bhava” and “respect for elders” aren’t just taught; they’re lived, plated and passed on. And in this film, that passing down happens via a piping hot bowl of rice.

    Anchored by Bachchan’s baritone and laced with sentiment, the narrative rests on the idea that “Values Viral Banate Hai”. Whether it’s a neighbour’s warmth, a caregiver’s quiet gesture, or a mother’s care recreated miles away, the film captures how food becomes a bridge not just between people, but between values and memories.

    India Gate head of marketing Kunal Sharma summed it up, “This campaign is a tribute to the values that shape us. With Mr Bachchan’s voice, we’re hoping to stir hearts and highlight the emotional richness that food carries in Indian homes.”

    The rollout is ambitious: over 560 cinema screens across 32 cities, top national and regional TV channels (including Star Plus, Sun TV, Zee TV, and Star Jalsha), and a strong digital push via OTT, CTV, and influencer-led storytelling.

    More than a celebration of basmati rice, India Ka Swaad Chakhte Hai is a quiet ode to Indian culture where every grain has a story, and every meal is a reminder that we don’t just eat to live… we eat to connect.
     

  • Digiace lands in India with YMT Ads to decode the $4 bn programmatic puzzle with creative AI

    Digiace lands in India with YMT Ads to decode the $4 bn programmatic puzzle with creative AI

    MUMBAI: Mumbai just got another byte louder in the digital ad space. Digiace, the latest entrant in India’s programmatic scene, formally stepped into the ring on 20 June 2025 through a strategic collaboration with southeast Asia’s martech heavyweight, YMT Ads. The plan? To shake up how programmatic campaigns are conceived, delivered and measured—with artificial intelligence holding the brush and data calling the strokes.

    The company launches into a market pegged at approximately $4 billion, offering what it calls a ‘creative-first, AI-powered programmatic solution’ aimed at marketers and agencies looking to blend efficiency with innovation. Positioned at the crux of tech and storytelling, Digiace promises to unify what the industry often separates: data and creativity.

    “Digiace is transforming digital advertising by unifying creative intelligence and data—two assets traditionally managed in silos. This integrated approach enables us to deliver more efficient media performance, sharper targeting, and measurable business outcomes at scale”, said Digiace India business head Himanshu Nagrecha.

    Nagrecha, a veteran with stints at Yahoo, Microsoft Advertising, SVG, and Condé Nast, brings years of digital DNA to the table. His experience in building audience roadmaps and scaling marketing ecosystems makes him a fitting pilot for Digiace’s Indian ambitions.

    The firm has set up shop in Mumbai and plans to capitalise on a rising demand for programmatic advertising that offers both scale and specificity. Its AI-led solutions stand on three key pillars:

    . AI-led creative optimisation: Creatives that auto-personalise in real-time to suit behavioural and contextual    triggers.

    . Full-funnel data integration: Insights stitched together from multiple consumer touchpoints to power smarter  campaigns.

    .  End-to-end programmatic execution: Precision media buying across digital platforms, managed centrally.

    The alliance with YMT Ads adds global muscle to Digiace’s local ambition, offering Indian marketers access to tools that have already made waves across southeast Asia.

    As brands scramble for agility in an ecosystem that doesn’t sit still, Digiace bets on adaptive storytelling layered with intelligence. If done right, it might just turn media buying into media mastery—one real-time impression at a time.

  • RN Valves & Faucets aims Rs 500 cr mark by 2028, opens floodgates for South India expansion

    RN Valves & Faucets aims Rs 500 cr mark by 2028, opens floodgates for South India expansion

    MUMBAI: RN Valves & Faucets has turned on the tap to full flow with an ambitious expansion drive that kicks off in south India, setting the stage for national dominance. The company, already a household name in the sanitaryware and fittings space, announced its bold plans in June 2025 to scale operations across the country with its sights firmly set on becoming a Rs 500 crore enterprise by 2028.

    The move is more than just a regional push—it’s a full-blown transformation. RN’s revamped internal structure has set the plumbing in motion for a growth blueprint powered by operational upgrades and strong leadership. Executive assistant to the MD Rajeev Jain, who brings over 24 years of experience, including 14 working alongside top brass, is steering the company’s alignment with the 2028 growth vision.

    “We are growing, not just in numbers but in depth”, said Jain. “Our entry into south India is the beginning. Next, we move into Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and the far east. This is a company built on trust and transformation”.

    Backing this structural overhaul is senior HR manager Nidhi Singh, whose reforms in KRA transparency and employee engagement have played a central role in fortifying RN’s internal machinery. The company’s HR reboot under her watch reflects a sharp pivot toward people-driven growth.

    Joining the leadership is Dipgal Singh Gusain, an industry veteran from Dabur, who now heads operations. He is set to oversee moulding, assembly, production planning, and dispatch functions. Gusain’s arrival signals a renewed focus on innovation and seamless interdepartmental collaboration—key to meeting the firm’s pan-India targets.

    To anchor its southern thrust, RN Valves & Faucets will host a high-profile dealer meet in Hyderabad this July, underscoring its commitment to building regionally attuned partnerships. With over 4,800 dealers and more than 7,000 SKUs already in play, the company is primed for scale.

    From touchless solutions to premium PTMT and CP fittings, the company has earned credibility with precision-led engineering and homegrown excellence. Its long-standing market mantra, ‘RN ka Naam, Quality ka Kaam’, continues to resonate across showrooms and supply chains alike.

    As India’s housing and construction boom continues, RN Valves & Faucets is tightening every nut and bolt in preparation—not just to stay afloat, but to lead the current. From South India to the northeast, the company isn’t just expanding—it’s re-plumbing the map.

  • Aqua Plumbings taps Ogilvy to rebrand bathware with flair, finesse and a splash of storytelling

    Aqua Plumbings taps Ogilvy to rebrand bathware with flair, finesse and a splash of storytelling

    MUMBAI: There’s more to the bathroom these days than soap and solitude.

    For Aqua Plumbings, it’s a canvas for design, elegance and daily rituals—one that now gets a sharp creative partner in Ogilvy.

    The Mumbai-based bath solutions brand has officially partnered with the ad giant to reshape how India sees and experiences its bathroom fixtures.

    The collaboration marks a push by Aqua Plumbings to deepen its brand narrative in the booming bathware space, where design has gone from function to lifestyle statement. With Ogilvy, part of the WPP Group, Aqua Plumbings aims to elevate its two distinct brands—Plumber Bathware and Aquini—with strategic storytelling that blends luxury, design and consumer aspiration.

    “At Aqua Plumbings, we’ve always focused on quality, innovation, and understanding our customer’s evolving aspirations. Partnering with Ogilvy gives us the opportunity to take that story further—with clarity, creativity, and consistency”, said Aqua Plumbings Pvt. Ltd ED Sudhir Chaudhary.

    Aqua Plumbings operates through two verticals. Plumber Bathware, the flagship range, champions design, water efficiency and smart living—offering taps, showers and accessories with features like motor-driven, sensor-controlled fittings. At the upper end, Aquini caters to India’s ultra-luxury bath segment with sanitaryware and faucets built with high-end materials and European craftsmanship.

    Rooted in European design standards and tailored to Indian expectations, Aqua Plumbings has built its identity on precision, sustainability and form-meets-function. Its push to redefine how Indian consumers perceive bath spaces mirrors a broader shift in how interior luxury is being consumed in the country.

    Ogilvy Delhi (north) president & head of office Prakash Nair added, “This partnership brings together two companies with a shared belief in craft—whether in product or communication. We’re excited to work alongside Aqua Plumbings to build a brand presence that’s both culturally resonant and category-defining”.

    The campaign will aim to build enduring narratives around bathware’s evolution in India, balancing utility with an aesthetic that appeals to the growing tribe of home-upgraders and interior purists.

    As more Indians aspire to have spa-like bathrooms in their homes, Aqua Plumbings and Ogilvy have set their sights on making taps and tiles as much about aspiration as application.

  • Citiustech names Navneet Khandelwal as CFO to sharpen numbers, strategy and compliance game

    Citiustech names Navneet Khandelwal as CFO to sharpen numbers, strategy and compliance game

    MUMBAI: There’s nothing like a good spreadsheet to keep things in order—and Navneet Khandelwal knows how to balance more than just the books. The seasoned finance leader, who has spent the better part of 25 years navigating the numbers behind India’s IT services boom, has now taken the financial reins at healthcare tech firm Citiustech.

    His new title? Chief financial officer—and the job comes with no shortage of decimal points or strategic decisions.

    Citiustech confirmed Khandelwal’s appointment this week, signalling a sharper focus on fiscal rigour and operational clarity. As CFO, he now leads the company’s global finance, legal, and compliance functions—areas that have grown increasingly complex with Citiustech’s expanding global footprint.

    Navneet brings deep expertise in financial management, controllership, accounting, business process transformation, mergers & acquisitions, acquisition integration, and investor relations.

    Khandelwal started his career at Wipro Technologies and remained there for 16 years, rising through the ranks across audit, controllership, and business finance, eventually serving as VP – finance. He then served as CFO at several major firms, including ITC Infotech, Microland, and Zensar Technologies—both listed and unlisted—adding depth to his financial repertoire.

    Known for transforming processes without breaking the flow, Khandelwal has consistently led initiatives focused on strategic growth and performance efficiency. He has built finance teams from the ground up and led merger integrations with a steady hand.

    The appointment comes as healthcare IT companies face rising compliance expectations, global expansion challenges, and pressure to deliver value in a shifting regulatory climate. With Khandelwal on board, Citiustech seems to be hedging its bets on someone who doesn’t just crunch numbers—but also knows how to navigate them with purpose.

  • Hush Puppies laces up comfort with Vir Das in new ‘Ease Please’ campaign

    Hush Puppies laces up comfort with Vir Das in new ‘Ease Please’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Hush Puppies, the global comfort-first footwear brand retailed in India by Bata, is giving workwear a cheeky upgrade with its new campaign ‘Ease Please’, fronted by comedian and actor Vir Das. A new collection of office sneakers blends the cushy swagger of a sneaker with the sleek polish of formal shoes.

    The campaign is a sartorial nudge to overworked professionals—ditch the grind, not your style. The message is clear: success doesn’t need to pinch. And with Hush Puppies’ signature Zero G tech and ultra-light soles, these kicks prove you can race at your own pace.

    The playful campaign film taps into that familiar work-life blur with a message that lands gently but firmly—when you feel good in your shoes, you think better on your feet. Das walks the talk, literally, as the brand’s iconic Basset Hound trails him through moments of laid-back genius.

    “With Ease Please campaign, we want to inspire a refreshing take on modern work culture—where feeling good, staying confident, and being effortlessly stylish coexist. Hush Puppies has always stood for ease and sophistication, and with Vir Das bringing this thought to life, we’re excited to offer footwear that supports people in every step of their journey,” said Bata India head of marketing, Deepika Deepti.

    Das added, “Ease Please’ for me is a mindset. We often get so caught up in chasing goals that we forget to enjoy the ride. Hush Puppies brings a fresh perspective, proving that style and comfort can go hand in hand. I love how the office sneakers let me transition effortlessly through my day—whether I’m on stage, traveling, or just taking it easy.”

    Crafted for all-day comfort with classic Oxford silhouettes and sleek uppers, the new range is available at select Bata stores, Hush Puppies EBOs, and online at Bata.com. With this launch, Hush Puppies isn’t just putting sneakers in the boardroom—it’s putting ease at the centre of ambition.

  • Lucien Laviscount returns as face of Tommy Hilfiger SS25 watch line

    Lucien Laviscount returns as face of Tommy Hilfiger SS25 watch line

    MUMBAI: Tick, style, tock. Tommy Hilfiger is giving timepieces a dose of star power and this one comes with a British accent and signature smirk. Actor and Tommy Family brand ambassador Lucien Laviscount is once again the face of Tommy Hilfiger’s Spring Summer 2025 watch campaign. Following his Fall 2024 debut, Laviscount continues to bring “effortless cool and natural charisma” to the brand’s evolving vision of American classic-meets-modern swag.

    “It’s chic, elegant and hits all the right notes,” Laviscount said, waxing lyrical on the collection. “That’s pure Tommy through and through.” He’s not wrong.

    The SS25 men’s lineup hits the fast lane with the Bank, a motorsport-inspired model featuring a red aluminium pusher guard and an integrated silicone strap for peak performance. It’s style with speed on the wrist. Meanwhile, the TH85 Carbon Chronograph leans into the luxe lane with enamel dials, sub-dials, monograms, and Cordura straps that scream sport-meets-slick.

    Not to be outdone, the women’s range plays with poise and punch. From tank-shaped silhouettes with sculpted metal bracelets and sunray dials, to crystal-dotted “boyfriend watches” with sport-luxe vibes, these watches are all about timelessness with a wink.

    The SS25 collection is available across India via Titan World, Helios, Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, Tommy Hilfiger stores and other premium outlets. And of course, it’s all over Instagram.

    Whether you’re racing against deadlines or fashionably late to everything, these timepieces make every second count with Lucien Laviscount, quite literally, in your corner.

  • Karan Johar joins The Bridal Retreat to help brides-to-be script their inner fairytale

    Karan Johar joins The Bridal Retreat to help brides-to-be script their inner fairytale

    MUMBAI: Karan Johar’s latest role doesn’t come with a megaphone or a film set—it comes with a mirror. The renowned Hindi cinema filmmaker has been named the official brand ambassador for The Bridal Retreat, India’s first immersive platform designed to help brides-to-be navigate the emotional terrain of marriage beyond the glitz of the big day.

    The announcement marked a unique crossover of cinema, self-reflection and ceremonial celebration. The Bridal Retreat, conceptualised by E-Factor Experiences Limited, aims to offer brides a five-day wellness-infused journey with movement therapy, communication coaching, identity workshops and cultural reflection sessions. The idea is simple: prep for the vows, yes, but start with a vow to oneself.

    “I’ve spent years telling love stories through cinema—but The Bridal Retreat is about the story behind the scenes”, said Johar. “It’s not about perfect weddings—it’s about preparing women for what comes after. This retreat offers a rare opportunity: a chance for brides to meet themselves before the world meets the bride”.

    Johar’s involvement brings cultural cachet and emotional heft to the project. Known for his cinematic takes on love, longing, and personal evolution, the partnership aligns with his interest in identity and introspection—this time, off-screen.

    The first-of-its-kind initiative is led by co-founders Manika Garg and Sonali Thakore, and will span key Indian metros including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, and Goa through 2025. Participation is capped to ensure each bride receives one-on-one guidance and deep personal engagement.

    E-Factor Experiences MD Samit Garg explained the intent behind the venture, “The Bridal Retreat is not just a concept—it’s a commitment. It recognises that while weddings are important milestones, what truly shapes a woman’s journey is how she enters this new phase—mindfully, emotionally equipped, and in tune with her sense of self”.

    Designed to create meaningful change, the retreat will feature thought leaders from fashion, mental health, storytelling, and relationship coaching. It aims to offer not only tips for trousseau but tools for transformation.

    What started as an elevated bridal experience is quickly shaping into a social movement. The Bridal Retreat signals a shift from choreographed dances and couture fittings to inner clarity and emotional grounding. As Johar puts it, the real story starts not at the altar but within.