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Category: MAM

  • Kolkata gets a Big pat on the back at this year’s Impact Awards

    Kolkata gets a Big pat on the back at this year’s Impact Awards

     MUMBAI: It was a night of spotlights, salutes and standing ovations as Big FM rolled out the red carpet for Kolkata’s most impactful players one trophy at a time. The third edition of the BIG Impact Awards Kolkata, hosted by Big FM, lit up the Vivanta hotel with stories of disruption, innovation and deep-rooted social impact. From real estate visionaries and restaurateurs to neurosurgeons and literary pioneers, 23 exceptional awardees were honoured for redefining excellence in their respective fields.

    In keeping with the event’s tagline VG T Recognising Unconventional Excellence, the awards tipped their hats to businesses that are bold enough to break the mould and brave enough to build something bigger. Presenting the awards were top dignitaries including Debashis Kumar (MLA & Mayor-in-Council) and Partha Bhowmik (MP). Acclaimed actor Abir Chatterjee added to the evening’s sparkle as the special guest.

    The event wasn’t short on star power either. Guests included Sudipa Chatterjee, Churni Ganguly, Rooqma Roy, Shruti Das, Souraseni Maitra, Basabdatta Kar, chef Rongon Neogi, and composer Indradeep Dasgupta, turning the evening into a full-blown celebration of Kolkata’s cultural and entrepreneurial fabric.

    The list of winners offered a crash course in Kolkata’s rich and varied brilliance from the best biryani and pizza joints to top-notch hospitals and publishing houses. Narayan Banerjee was crowned Healthcare Influencer of the Year, while Nadia Cassam rose to confectionery fame. JIS University and Atri Group bagged honours in education and real estate respectively, and Soham Chakraborty & team took home the award for Best Hair Replacement Centre.

    Two special mentions went to Arindam Mukherjee, who clinched awards in both industrial automation and carbon emission reductio proof that innovation often wears multiple hats.

    Speaking on the occasion Big FM COO Sunil Kumaran said, “These awards aren’t just a celebration of business success, they’re about resilience, ingenuity and heart. At BIG FM, we believe honouring today’s innovators inspires tomorrow’s trailblazers.”

    Supporting partners for the event included LTK Industries (Fashion Partner), Tata Curvv, Saini MG Motor Kolkata, Krishna Chandra Dutta (cookme) Pvt Ltd., Suzuki (Ride Partner) and Glengrant (Celebration Partner).

    With this year’s resounding success, Big Impact Awards Kolkata continues to prove that when it comes to business with heart, Kolkata means kaarigar, creator and changemaker in equal measure.

  • Tyaani Jewellery unveils Shefali Shah as first face of ‘Forces of Tyaani’ campaign

    Tyaani Jewellery unveils Shefali Shah as first face of ‘Forces of Tyaani’ campaign

    MUMBAI: When Karan Johar isn’t directing blockbusters, he’s apparently scripting cultural movements in gold. The latest chapter of Tyaani Jewellery’s journey sparkles with rebellion, emotion, and unapologetic individuality.

    Enter ‘Forces of Tyaani’—a campaign that breaks the traditional bridal mould and instead makes space for women who own their story, one gemstone at a time.

    Tyaani Jewellery by Karan Johar launched the first leg of its campaign on 2 June 2025, with acclaimed actor Shefali Shah as its inaugural brand ambassador. Known for her fierce presence on screen and even fiercer opinions off it, Shah sets the tone for what the brand calls a new era of fine jewellery. Her campaign visuals flaunt heritage-inspired artistry—crafted in gold, cut and uncut diamonds, and precious gemstones—while weaving in a narrative that celebrates strength over sparkle.

    The campaign plans to introduce over 10 such ambassadors in the coming weeks. Each face, according to the brand, is a force of their own, having carved out success on their own terms. From actors and artists to changemakers, every reveal will add a new layer to the evolving idea of luxury, framed by real stories, real women, and real jewellery.

    “We are truly excited about this new chapter. ‘Forces of Tyaani’ lies at the very heart of our brand philosophy—redefining luxury not by uniformity or status, but by celebrating individuality”, said Tyaani Jewellery founder Johar. “At its core, the campaign champions strength, authenticity, and innovation—the very pillars on which Tyaani was built. It’s a moment of pride and sheer joy to welcome Shefali to the Tyaani family”.

    With a presence in seven Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, and Chandigarh, Tyaani is set to open its newest outlet in Ahmedabad on 8 June. The brand also retails online at tyaani.com, ensuring these talismans of self-expression are just a click away.

    Through this 360-degree roll-out, Tyaani aims to blur the lines between ornament and identity. Jewellery here is not just about aesthetics; it’s about emotion, intention, and self-affirmation—a fitting narrative for an audience that seeks substance with shine.

  • Aurionpro taps Sachin Salian as global CMO to fuel data-led marketing expansion

    Aurionpro taps Sachin Salian as global CMO to fuel data-led marketing expansion

    MUMBAI: In a fresh power play for its global marketing ambitions, Aurionpro Solutions has named Sachin Salian as its new chief marketing officer (CMO). The appointment signals the tech solutions major’s intent to double down on data-driven narratives and sharpen its brand playbook across core sectors including banking, payments, mobility, and government tech.

    With over two decades of experience spanning B2B and B2C marketing, Salian steps into a role designed to shape Aurionpro’s global brand strategy, digital transformation agendas, and go-to-market execution across international markets.

    “Aurionpro is uniquely positioned at the intersection of innovation and growth, and I look forward to contributing to its next phase of success”, said Salian. “As CMO, I’m excited to shape a brand narrative that reflects our bold ambitions through a marketing approach rooted in data, customer insight, and in creating long-term value for all our stakeholders”.

    Before joining Aurionpro, Salian held senior positions at marquee technology firms, driving brand expansion, digital engagement, and customer growth across fast-evolving market landscapes. His portfolio includes a consistent focus on scaling customer-centric digital strategies in enterprise-first environments.

    Salian will now work closely with Aurionpro’s leadership to lead global corporate and product-level marketing programmes aimed at amplifying visibility, strengthening stakeholder trust, and increasing competitive agility.

    The IIM Lucknow alumnus holds a PGDM with specialisation in Marketing and Strategy and brings with him certifications in advanced digital marketing. He’s also a known figure across industry forums, often advocating for forward-looking marketing practices.

    Aurionpro’s appointment of Salian comes at a time when the tech sector is fiercely evolving and demands strategic, insight-led marketing at every stage of growth. With this move, the company aims to not just stay relevant, but raise the bar.

  • Understanding Baggage Insurance in Travel Insurance in Detail

    Understanding Baggage Insurance in Travel Insurance in Detail

    Travelling comes with its fair share of uncertainties. Losing your baggage is one of the most common inconveniences that can disrupt your trip. This is where baggage insurance steps in, offering financial protection for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage. But how does it work with travel insurance? Let’s break it down.

    What is Baggage Insurance?

    Baggage insurance is a policy that covers the loss, theft, or damage of your checked-in or carry-on luggage. It provides compensation for your belongings, ensuring you don’t have to bear the financial burden.

    Key Features of Baggage Insurance

    ● Covers lost, delayed, or stolen baggage during your journey.

    ● Reimburses for damaged items in your luggage.

    ● Provides compensation for essential purchases if your baggage is delayed.

    ● May include coverage for valuables and important documents, subject to policy terms.

    ● Available as a standalone policy or as part of a travel insurance plan.

    How Does Baggage Insurance Work?

    If you lose your luggage during a trip, baggage insurance helps you recover the financial loss. Here’s how it works:

    ● Report the loss: Immediately inform the airline, transport service, or local authorities about the missing luggage.

    ● File a claim: Submit a claim to your insurance provider with the necessary documents like receipts, proof of loss, and the airline’s confirmation.

    ● Receive compensation: Once the claim is verified, you receive reimbursement based on the policy terms. 
    How Baggage Insurance is Included in Travel Insurance

    You can buy a travel insurance online or offline, as per your convenience. Most travel insurance plans include baggage coverage as part of the package. Here’s how it integrates: 

    ● Single trip travel insurance policies offer baggage coverage for one-time trips.

    ● Multi-trip policies cover multiple journeys within a year.

    ● Some policies allow add-ons for higher baggage coverage.

    ● Compensation varies depending on the policy limit and item category.

    ● The payout process may differ based on whether the loss occurred during air travel, rail travel, or at your accommodation.

    What is Covered Under Baggage Insurance?

    Baggage insurance typically covers:

    ● Lost baggage: Compensation for lost checked-in or carry-on luggage.

    ● Delayed baggage: Reimbursement for essentials if luggage is delayed beyond a specified time.

    ● Stolen baggage: Coverage for theft, subject to certain exclusions.

    ● Damaged baggage: Compensation for items damaged due to mishandling.

    ● Essential purchases: Covers necessary expenses such as clothing, toiletries, and medication in case of baggage delays.

    ● Loss of important travel documents: Some policies include coverage for lost passports, visas, and travel tickets.

    What is Not Covered Under Baggage Insurance?

    While baggage insurance is beneficial, it does not cover everything. Here are common exclusions:

    ● Loss due to negligence (e.g. leaving baggage unattended in public areas).

    ● Expensive items like jewellery or electronics, unless declared and specifically covered.

    ● Unreported losses without proper documentation from relevant authorities.

    ● Loss or damage due to war, natural disasters, or involvement in illegal activities.

    ● Pre-existing baggage damage: Insurers won’t cover items that were already damaged before travel.

    ● Losses not reported within the stipulated time frame: Most insurers require prompt reporting of baggage loss.

    How to Choose the Right Baggage Insurance

    When selecting baggage insurance under travel insurance, consider the following: 

    1. Coverage limits: Check how much compensation you’ll receive for baggage loss or damage.

    2. Claim process: Choose a policy with a simple and hassle-free claims procedure.

    3. Exclusions: Understand what is not covered to avoid surprises later.

    4. Premium cost: Compare different plans to get the best value for your money.

    5. Add-ons: Some policies offer additional coverage for high-value items, medical supplies, or business equipment.

    Steps to File a Baggage Insurance Claim

    Filing a claim is straightforward if you follow these steps: 

    1.    Report the loss immediately to the airline, transport service, or local authorities. 

    2.    Obtain a written report from the airline or relevant authority. 

    3.    Gather necessary documents, including receipts and proof of ownership. 

    4.    Submit the claim form with all required details. 

    5.    Follow up to track the status of your claim.

    Documents Required for Baggage Insurance Claims

    1.    Copy of the ticket and boarding pass 

    2.    Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from the airline 

    3.    Police report in case of theft 

    4.    Receipts of lost or damaged items 

    5.    Photographic evidence, if available

    Tips to Avoid Baggage Mishaps

    While baggage insurance is useful, taking precautions can help you avoid losses:

    ● Use baggage trackers: GPS-enabled devices can help you locate lost luggage.

    ● Label your bags clearly: Include contact details both inside and outside the suitcase.

    ● Take pictures of your luggage: Helps in identifying it and speeds up claim processing.

    ● Keep valuables in carry-on luggage: Avoid checking in important or high-value items.

    ● Arrive early at the airport: Reduces the chances of baggage mishandling due to last-minute check-ins.

    Baggage insurance is a crucial part of travel insurance, providing financial security against lost, delayed, or stolen luggage. Whether you’re opting for single trip travel insurance or a comprehensive annual plan, make sure your baggage is covered. Whether you are securing travel insurance online or offline, always read the policy terms carefully and choose a plan that best suits your travel needs. 
     

  • Signpost India’s profits fall; revenue grows sharply

    Signpost India’s profits fall; revenue grows sharply

    MUMBAI: Signpost India’s shareholders will have mixed feelings after the Mumbai-based advertising agency delivered a tale of two halves for the year ended March 31st, 2025. Whilst revenue from operations climbed a respectable 17 per cent to Rs 453.2 crore, net profit took a detour in the wrong direction, falling 23 per cent to Rs 33.7 crore from Rs 44 crore the previous year—suggesting this signpost may need recalibrating.

    The numbers paint a picture of growth without the corresponding profit punch. Total income, including other revenues, reached Rs 458.4 crore, up from Rs 395.5 crore the previous year. However, the company’s profit margins compressed, with costs rising faster than revenues—a classic case of losing one’s way despite knowing the destination.

    Managing director Shailesh Ashtekar and his team appear to have hit some speed bumps in their cost management. Total expenses surged 25 per cent to Rs 413 crore, outpacing the revenue growth. Employee benefit expenses climbed to Rs 42.7 crore from Rs 33.5 crore, reflecting both expansion and India’s competitive talent market—though the returns on this investment remain to be seen.

    The balance sheet still shows a company with solid foundations. Total assets grew to Rs 555 crore from Rs 475.6 crore, whilst shareholders’ equity reached Rs 223.4 crore. Cash and equivalents stood at Rs 22.2 crore, providing reasonable liquidity though down from previous levels.

    In a curious show of optimism despite the profit decline, the board has recommended maintaining a dividend of Rs 0.50 per share—a gesture that suggests confidence in weathering current headwinds. With earnings per share falling to Rs 6.34 from Rs 8.24 the previous year, Signpost will need to find its bearings quickly to restore investor confidence.

    The advertising industry’s fortunes often mirror broader economic sentiment, and whilst Signpost’s revenue growth suggests Indian businesses are still spending on marketing, the margin compression indicates fiercer competition and rising costs. For a company whose business revolves around pointing others in the right direction, Signpost India appears to have lost its way somewhat—though management clearly believes this detour is temporary.

  • Bright Outdoor outdoes itself in FY25

    Bright Outdoor outdoes itself in FY25

    MUMBAI: The lights are definitely on and someone’s at home at Bright Outdoor Media. India’s first listed out-of-home advertising firm has delivered a corker of a year, with total income soaring 19 per cent to Rs 128 crore and net profit jumping nearly 19 per cent to Rs 19 crore in the fiscal year ending March 2025.

    The numbers tell a gleaming story. Earnings per share climbed to Rs 13.11 from Rs 11.45, whilst EBITDA expanded a healthy 18 per cent to Rs 27 crore. The second half proved particularly bright, with income surging 22 per cent half-on-half to Rs 70 crore—suggesting the company’s momentum is accelerating rather than dimming.

    For a firm that started life in 1980 flogging billboard space, Bright Outdoor has certainly illuminated its path to prosperity. The Mumbai-based outfit now commands over 400 hoardings nationwide, including a hefty chunk of the city’s 85 large digital LED displays. That’s no small feat in a market where prime real estate comes at a premium and visibility is everything.

    The company’s recent coups read like a property developer’s wishlist. Bright Outdoor has bagged exclusive advertising rights for the entire Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1—a decade-long deal covering 85,000 square feet of prime eyeball territory. Not content with underground domination, it also secured a seven-year contract with Western Railways, adding another 17,555 square feet of high-visibility real estate to its empire.

    Chairman & managing director Yogesh Lakhani is clearly more than pleased with the results. His company has been on a billboard-buying spree, unveiling 13 new LED displays across Mumbai’s most coveted spots—from the Goregaon flyover to the Eastern Express Highway. The digital expansion adds 12,569 square feet of advertising space to Bright’s already impressive portfolio.

    Shareholders have reason to smile beyond the robust financials. The board has recommended a five per cent dividend (Rs 0.50 per share) and proposed a generous 1:2 bonus issue—one free share for every two held. It’s a clear signal that management believes the good times will keep rolling.

    The outdoor advertising market has been riding high on India’s economic growth and urbanisation boom. Digital displays, in particular, have become the new battleground as advertisers seek more dynamic, targeted campaigns. Bright Outdoor’s focus on high-traffic transit corridors and tech-savvy solutions appears to be paying dividends—quite literally.

    From cinema slides to full train wraps, the company’s diverse offerings have attracted over 5,000 corporate clients and facilitated campaigns for more than 200,000 movies, TV shows and events. Its claim to fame includes being the first globally to install solar panels on hoardings, supplying electricity back to Indian Railways—proof that being green can indeed mean more greenbacks.

    Trading on the BSE SME platform since March 2023, Bright Outdoor has certainly lived up to its billing as a “game changer” in the IPO landscape. With urban India’s appetite for advertising showing no signs of dimming, this billboard baron looks set to keep the lights on—and the profits flowing.

  • Marketing maven Nikhil Gupta climbs the ladder at Accenture

    Marketing maven Nikhil Gupta climbs the ladder at Accenture

    MUMBAI: Nikhil Gupta has landed himself a plum new role as marketing manager at Accenture, capping off what must feel like a victory lap around the corporate track. The marketing maestro, who has been grinding away at the consulting behemoth for the better part of a decade, will now orchestrate campaigns across Europe and beyond from his base in Gurugram.

    Gupta’s ascent through Accenture’s ranks tells the tale of shrewd corporate climbing. He spent 11 months as associate manager for opportunity-centric marketing in EMEA before snagging his latest gig in June. Prior to that, he cut his teeth as a platforms and processes strategist, helping wrangle a team of over 100 marketing mavens into shape.

    The promotion caps a career that began in the trenches of digital marketing back in 2011. Gupta previously wielded his creative powers at McCann Worldgroup, where he spent two years evangelising Google’s digital platforms to chief marketing officers across India. He also did stints at boutique agencies ToThe New, Olive Global and Blue Digital Media before joining Accenture’s marketing machine in 2016.

    Now ensconced in his corner office (or hybrid workspace, more likely), Gupta will be crafting “innovative, integrated strategic marketing campaigns” for Accenture’s most complex and transformational deals. Not bad for someone who started out as a digital marketer in Delhi’s agency scene over a decade ago.

  • In memoriam: Nirmal Suchanti- The man who made financial communication fashionable

    In memoriam: Nirmal Suchanti- The man who made financial communication fashionable

    MUMBAI:In the buttoned-up world of financial communication, few dared to inject creativity into compliance. Nirmal Suchanti was the exception that proved the rule, transforming a stodgy sector into something resembling art.

    The patriarch of Concept Communication Ltd, who died on 26 May aged 81, was a man who saw opportunity where others spotted only red tape. At a time when mainstream advertising agencies treated financial services like radioactive material, Suchanti had the audacity to make equity investments accessible to millions of Indians who had never heard of a prospectus, let alone read one.

    “Communication can never be ‘just a business’,” his son Vivek Suchanti, now chairman and managing director, recalls his father saying. “It should be about creating trust and empowering people with knowledge.”

    This wasn’t corporate waffle – it was Suchanti’s operating philosophy, one that built not just an advertising agency but an entirely new communication paradigm.

    Born on 28  January 1944, Suchanti possessed that rare combination of business acumen and genuine warmth that made him as comfortable in boardrooms as he was sharing chai with junior colleagues. His door remained perpetually open, not merely for business but for advice, laughter, and the sort of human connection that corporate India often forgets to prioritise.

    Those who knew him describe a man who listened more than he spoke, guided without imposing, and led with empathy rather than ego. In an industry notorious for its sharp elbows and sharper tongues, Suchanti’s approach was refreshingly different – he called spades, spades, certainly, but did so with enough grace to maintain relationships rather than torch them.

    His measure of success wasn’t found in balance sheets but in the carefully nurtured relationships that spanned generations. Colleagues became confidants, clients became friends, and even casual acquaintances found themselves valued in ways that left lasting impressions.

    I remember meeting him in his office in Nariman Point (if I correctly recollect the location, or am I confusing it with the office of Pressman Advertising run by Niren and Navin Suchanti),  as a young journalist in the late eighties and early nineties and spending a few hours chatting with him. I was with BusinessWorld then working as chief sub-editor of the magazine. And he had no business giving me that time, running a busy agency as he was at the height of the investment frenzy that had hit the bourses. But he did. For that I am thankful. He presented me with a memory I hold as a treasure to this day. 

    As an increasing number  of pioneers of the investment, advertising, and business community call it a day on earth, it reminds us of age that is creeping on us silently. Their passing reminds us of human frailty and that we are indeed caught up in the circle of life – and death.  

    “Dad, your spirit lives on in every life that you have shaped,” Vivek wrote in a heartfelt LinkedIn tribute that has garnered widespread attention in advertising circles. Along with his brother Vineet, Vivek promises to follow their father’s footsteps “with sincerity, humility and integrity” – qualities that made Nirmal Suchanti not just a successful businessman, but a genuinely beloved figure.

    In death, as in life, Suchanti’s legacy transcends the bottom line. He proved that even in finance – that most prosaic of sectors – there was room for creativity, compassion, and the sort of human touch that no algorithm can replicate.

    (PAINTED PICTURE OF NIRMAL SUCHANTI COURTESY VIVEK SUCHANTI LINKEDIN PAGE)

  • Varun T Wanvari circles back to Himalaya Wellness

    Varun T Wanvari circles back to Himalaya Wellness

    MUMBAI: Varun T Wanvari has pulled off corporate India’s latest U-turn, returning to Himalaya Wellness Company in May after an 18-month sojourn through Amazon’s retail machinery.

    “Some journeys come a full circle,” the category manager declared on LinkedIn, clearly pleased with his homecoming. He’s not wrong—Wanvari previously managed lotions and creams at The Himalaya Drug Company from 2016 to 2018.

    His career reads like FMCG bingo: systems engineer at Tata Consultancy Services, marketing intern for Hot Wheels at Mattel, brand duties at Reliance’s Hamleys, and five years flogging Good Day biscuits and Toastea at Britannia Industries. Amazon beckoned in late 2023 as senior category manager, but the wellness world’s siren call proved stronger.

    “Grateful for the continued trust,” Wanvari said, deploying enough LinkedIn enthusiasm to power a small ashram. His hashtag-heavy post (#NewBeginnings #WellnessWithPur) suggests genuine excitement about returning to products you can actually smell.

    Whether he’ll apply Amazon’s data wizardry to ancient ayurvedic wisdom remains to be seen. This boomerang has landed exactly where it started—with considerably more corporate spin.

  • Marketing maestro plugs into EV future at Astro Motors

    Marketing maestro plugs into EV future at Astro Motors

    MUMBAI: Aniruddha Khandekar, a true grand fromage in the marketing consultancy world, has just revved up his career with a cracking new gig. He’s been tapped as the fresh-faced marketing director at Astro Motors IN, an emerging electric vehicle manufacturer looking to absolutely revolutionise the industry. He’s only been on the job since March 2025, but one expects he’s already hitting the ground running in Pune, Maharashtra.

    Astro Motors isn’t just another tin box on wheels; it’s a disruption-focused outfit intent on combining sheer innovation with a dollop of education to cut through the noise in India’s bewildering EV marketplace. Its advanced vehicle design, superior performance, and integrated management systems are built to meet the demands of everyone from your individual punter to the largest fleet operators. It sounds like the folks there are not just selling cars, they’re selling a vision – and a very British one at that.

    Khandekar brings a truly impressive pedigree to the role, having clocked up over 20 years in the cut-throat advertising and media trenches. The strategy consultant and fractional CMO, formerly of G-S-D Consulting, has been a marketing gun-for-hire, delivering impact for a stellar roster of clients. He’s previously steered the strategic ship for heavy hitters like Marico, Colgate Palmolive, Dell, and Lenovo during his VMLY&R days. Before that, his brainy insights bolstered giants such as Bajaj Auto, P&G, Oreo, Asian Paints, and Tata Sky during stints at Leo Burnett and Ogilvy. He’s consulted for everyone from EdTech startups like Accreda to Web3 MarTech platforms such as Cultos, even dabbling in market entry strategy for an electric commuter motorcycle – quite the pre-nup for his current role, one might say!

    With a track record of shaping consumer insights and crafting go-to-market strategies, Khandekar’s arrival promises to inject a serious jolt of marketing wizardry into Astro Motors. The EV space just got a bit more exciting, and rather stylishly so.