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Category: MAM

  • Runwal Realty lays the foundation for legacy with Sonam Kapoor as brand face

    Runwal Realty lays the foundation for legacy with Sonam Kapoor as brand face

    MUMBAI: Hindi cinema meets blueprint as Runwal Realty rolled out its latest brand campaign, roping in actor and style icon Sonam Kapoor as its ambassador. With the tagline ‘Building for generations to come’, the campaign, executed by Thought Blurb Communications, aims to etch legacy into luxury real estate and shift focus from square footage to storytelling.

    Taking over Mumbai’s skyline via hoardings, print ads and digital banners, the campaign marks a strategic inflection point for the developer, known for upscale properties in high-value locations. It will soon extend into film and experiential formats, designed to resonate with a clientele that prefers purpose over pomp.

    “‘Building for Generations to Come’ is not just a brand philosophy—it’s our compass,” said Runwal Realty director – retail Sanya Runwal. “Sonam Kapoor brings that same timeless elegance and depth… Her understanding of personal space and design mirrors our own vision.”

    Kapoor’s selection as brand ambassador reflects Runwal’s intent to blend aesthetic refinement with cultural resonance. The company isn’t just selling homes—it’s selling heritage.

    Thought Blurb Communications MD & CCO Vinod Kunj unpacked the brand’s tonal shift, “Luxury cannot be sold too stentoriously. It has to be understated and nuanced… At this level, the need for meaning and creating a legacy is of much greater importance.”

    At the heart of the campaign lies the idea that real estate is more than a transaction—it’s a long-term emotional investment. In a sector often defined by noise, Runwal’s subtle messaging intends to cut through the clutter by appealing to values that last longer than granite countertops.

    As Runwal Realty positions itself for the long haul, its branding suggests it is no longer just constructing buildings but crafting relationships built on legacy, taste, and trust.
     

  • Icubeswire launches hyperlocal influencer feature to map India’s 19,000 pin codes

    Icubeswire launches hyperlocal influencer feature to map India’s 19,000 pin codes

    MUMBAI: If the future of marketing is personal, Icubeswire just took it hyperlocal. The Global Martech firm has unveiled a first-of-its-kind pin code–level targeting feature on its influencer marketing platform, opening up precision mapping across 19,000 Indian zip codes.

    The launch marks a major leap in influencer engagement, enabling brands to locate and partner with digital creators based on granular geography—from Mumbai’s buzzing streets to Tamil Nadu’s quiet towns. Armed with over one million influencers mapped across the country, Icubeswire aims to redefine how brands speak to India’s cultural and regional diversity.

    Co-founder & CEO Sahil Chopra said, “Just like Unilever’s CEO Fernando Fernandez highlighted, there is now a strong push to collaborate with influencers across all of India’s 19,000 zip codes. That level of precision demands tools that are not only intelligent but deeply local. And that’s exactly what our team here at Icubeswire is delivering.”

    The company’s consumer insights back the move—65 per cent of Indians prefer influencers who speak their language. With regional creators rising and demand for cultural authenticity growing, Icubeswire’s tool offers a strategic edge in content localisation.

    This tech update not only empowers brands to go hyper-personal with campaigns, it also amplifies the visibility and monetisation potential for micro and nano influencers—those who know their communities best.

    The platform already offers campaign tracking, analytics, and influencer management. The new localisation layer adds teeth to its ecosystem, letting marketers build community-driven narratives rather than one-size-fits-all posts.

    As India’s influencer economy continues to swell, this feature could shift the narrative from mass appeal to micro-impact—one pin code at a time.

  • Candere founder Rupesh Jain launches Lucira to reshape diamond game with ethical brilliance

    Candere founder Rupesh Jain launches Lucira to reshape diamond game with ethical brilliance

    MUMBAI: India’s fine jewellery scene just got a luminous new player—and it’s wearing a conscience. Rupesh Jain, the mind behind Candere’s meteoric rise, unveiled Lucira, a lab-grown diamond jewellery brand built for modern romance and meaningful milestones.

    Lucira launched with a clear purpose: to combine tradition, tech and ethics in a category still glinting with old-world opacity. Touted as the ‘Rings King’, the brand caters to proposals, weddings, and anniversaries with handcrafted jewellery that mixes AI-powered personalisation and certified diamonds—all at a lower cost to the planet and pocket.

    “Lucira is about elevating meaningful moments with timeless design and ethical brilliance. We’re not just shaping rings, we’re shaping what they represent in today’s world,” said Jain, who previously built Candere into a market leader before its acquisition by Kalyan Jewellers.

    Lucira’s entry comes as lab-grown diamonds gain serious traction worldwide. Offering the same visual, chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds, LGDs are increasingly seen as the responsible luxury choice. Lucira’s pieces are certified by IGI, GIA, SGL and Hallmark, and each design is crafted to reflect individuality and emotion.

    Backed by India’s booming diamond ecosystem and friendly policy climate, Lucira aims to be the country’s first global lab-grown diamond luxury house. Its omnichannel roadmap begins online, with flagship stores set to open in metros, followed by phased expansions into tier-two cities and select global markets.

    “Our vision is to create a premium, design-led fine jewellery destination that begins online and extends into beautifully curated physical spaces,” Jain added. “With AI-powered customisation, virtual try-ons, and seamless e-commerce, we’re meeting customers where they are.”

    Lucira launches with five proprietary signature cuts and a focus on solitaires, eternity bands, and convertible everyday rings. These aren’t just accessories—they’re declarations, reimagined as heirlooms for a generation that values purpose as much as sparkle.

    As Jain puts it, Lucira is not just a new chapter—it’s a future-forward manifesto for how jewellery should look, feel and matter.

  • Zone Media brings on Sahil Bisht as global sales director to turbocharge global sales and scale new market frontiers

    Zone Media brings on Sahil Bisht as global sales director to turbocharge global sales and scale new market frontiers

    MUMBAI: Zone Media has put a new engine in its global growth machine. The adtech and media solutions firm appointed Sahil Bisht as its global sales director, signalling a bold move to supercharge sales across continents.

    Bisht steps into the role with over 12 years of experience that spans aviation, media, and performance marketing. With stints at Lufthansa Airlines, Genpact India, Business Standard, Admitad India, and KIT Global, he brings a toolkit of cross-industry know-how and a reputation for building scalable, results-driven sales ecosystems.

    “From the moment we met Sahil, it was clear he brings more than just experience. He brings vision, integrity, and an intuitive grasp of what it takes to build lasting partnerships in a dynamic global landscape,” said Zone Media co-founder Sumit Gupta.

    Zone Media’s expansion blueprint includes pushing deeper into India, southeast Asia, the GCC/MENA region, Latin America, and Europe. Bisht will lead the charge, overseeing performance strategy, new market penetration, and relationship-building in established regions.

    “Joining Zone Media at such a pivotal moment is truly exciting. My role isn’t just about leading sales; it’s about contributing to something lasting,” said Bisht. “What excites me most is the opportunity to unite people, performance, and purpose on a global scale.”

    As the digital advertising ecosystem grows ever more competitive, Zone Media is betting on leadership with both vision and versatility. With Bisht at the helm, the company aims to cement its presence in the global adtech arena.

  • Funskool plays it smart, crosses Rs 300 crore turnover with 20 per cent export boost and desi brand wins

    Funskool plays it smart, crosses Rs 300 crore turnover with 20 per cent export boost and desi brand wins

    MUMBAI: India’s homegrown toy titan Funskool just levelled up in a big way. For FY 2024–25, the company clocked a turnover exceeding Rs 300 crore—powered by a potent mix of desi hits and global play.

    Recording over 20 per cent year-on-year growth, the brand credited its performance to a sharpened export strategy and deepening alliances with global toy majors. Exports alone surged by nearly 30 per cent, solidifying Funskool’s role as a serious player in the global toy trade.

    “We are moving in the right direction. With an impressive growth trajectory, Funskool continues to play a vital role in advancing the ‘Make in India’ initiative,” said Funskool India Ltd CEO K.A. Shabir. “We are focused on deepening our partnerships with global toy brands and further positioning ourselves as a quality toy manufacturer in the international supply chain.”

    Currently, Funskool contributes close to 20 per cent of India’s total toy exports. Its outbound shipments to the United States now account for around 40 per cent of that volume, giving the brand a strong foothold in one of the world’s largest toy markets.

    The company’s ambitions don’t end there. For the ongoing fiscal, Funskool has set its sights on USD 40–45 million in revenue, driven by capacity expansions and the global tilt toward Indian manufacturing. The firm recently doubled output at its Ranipet facility and is now planning further upgrades at both Ranipet and Goa plants.

    On the home front, the company has steadily built out its portfolio of Indian brands—including Giggles, Fundough, Handycrafts, Play&Learn, and its growing lineup of board and card games—cementing its reputation as a market leader.

    With exports scaling and domestic love holding firm, Funskool’s FY25 performance proves that playtime pays off.

  • Trilegal brings in finance ace Giya Diwaan to turbocharge its growth game

    Trilegal brings in finance ace Giya Diwaan to turbocharge its growth game

    MUMBAI: Trilegal has made a sharp legal move—but in finance. The firm announced the appointment of Giya Diwaan as chief financial officer, handing her the reins of its financial strategy during a time of expansion and digital disruption.

    Known for her financial finesse and track record in transformation, Diwaan steps into her new role with over 20 years of experience across M&A, IPOs, fundraising, and global expansion. Most recently, she served as CFO at Dreamfolks, India’s largest travel and lifestyle services aggregator listed on both NSE and BSE.

    “We are delighted to welcome Giya to Trilegal. Her multidisciplinary experience and deep understanding of business strategy, financial systems, and regulatory compliance will be invaluable as we continue to scale and innovate,” said Trilegal partners & management committee members Sridhar Gorthi and Nishant Parikh.

    Diwaan’s resume reads like a who’s who of corporate India: leadership roles at Ebixcash, Times Internet, PwC, Moody’s, RGP, and Musafir.com. She has led key initiatives spanning digital transformation, capital structuring, and international market entry.

    A chartered accountant since 2001 and an alumna of IIM Lucknow’s strategic management programme (2020–21), Diwaan brings academic rigour to her boardroom edge.

    “Joining Trilegal presents an incredible opportunity to help shape the future of a law firm already known for its excellence. I’m excited to build a growth strategy that supports scalable progress and empowers the firm to adapt, lead, and thrive in an evolving legal landscape in an exciting era,” Diwaan said.

    Her appointment signals a deeper push by Trilegal to integrate financial strategy with legal operations—an increasingly essential alignment as the firm eyes sustainable growth amid shifting regulatory terrain.

  • Nestlé brews up record sales in India as coffee, cocoa and cats fuel growth

    Nestlé brews up record sales in India as coffee, cocoa and cats fuel growth

    MUMBAI:  Nestlé India stirred up a storm this quarter, brewing its highest-ever domestic sales at Rs 5,235 crore. For the full year ended 31 March 2025, total standalone revenues topped Rs 20,078 crore, with net profit settling at Rs 3,315 crore, marking a modest jump of 3.7 per cent year-on-year. The board also declared a final dividend of Rs 10 per share, sweetening the pay out pot to Rs 27 per share for FY’25.

    A frothy combination of caffeine, confectionery, and kitty treats. Beverages, led by Nescafe’s cold coffee range, posted double-digit growth. The Gen Z-fuelled ready-to-drink variants are creating a whole new universe of coffee consumption moments. Meanwhile, Kitkat continued to crack the confectionery code — India is now its second-largest market globally.

    Maggi also slurped its way back to volume growth. With masala magic intact, Nestlé’s cooking aids and prepared dishes segment showed mid-single digit growth, keeping India firmly on top as MAGGI’s largest global market.

    The milk products & nutrition category saw launches of Cerelac and Ceregrow variants with zero refined sugar, bolstering Nestlé’s health-first pitch. Meanwhile, the petcare segment — now fully integrated — clawed its way to the top with high double-digit growth, with Purina Pro Plan and Felix driving demand among pet parents.

    Nestlé’s out-of-home business is emerging as a dark horse, now dabbling in professional spreads with Kitkat Professional Spread for dessert chefs. E-commerce contributed 8.5 per cent to domestic sales, helped by a fast-track into quick commerce.

    The company reaffirmed its Rs 6,500 crore investment commitment towards new capabilities and capacities between 2020 and 2025. Its tenth  factory in Odisha, focused on food manufacturing, is already underway with a Rs 900 crore first-phase spend.

    Sustainability wasn’t just lip service. The company highlighted efforts like renewable energy adoption, circular packaging, regenerative agriculture, and ‘Zer’Eau’ water-saving tech in its Moga and Samalkha plants, recycling milk-extracted water to slash groundwater drawdowns by 20 per cent.

    * Operating margins: 21.5 per cent
    * Cash from operations: Rs 2,936 crore
    * Contribution to exchequer: Rs 5,504.7 crore
    * EPS: Rs 34.38
    * Share capital: Rs 964.2 crore

    Despite strong fundamentals, net cash dropped sharply to Rs 761.8 million, down from over Rs 7.5 billion last year — partly due to capex, dividends, and increased working capital needs.

  • Hindustan Unilever lathers up growth in FY’25 with a five per cent profit shine

    Hindustan Unilever lathers up growth in FY’25 with a five per cent profit shine

    MUMBAI:Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has managed to keep its balance sheet gleaming, reporting a five per cent jump in profit after tax to Rs 10,644 crore for FY’25, even as topline growth remained modest at two per cent. 

    The year’s big soap opera? A slick pivot to premiumisation, digital demand drivers, and a hard scrub of its product portfolio.

    For the March quarter (MQ’25), HUL clocked an underlying sales growth (USG) of 3 per cent, with volumes up two per cent. The FMCG major’s EBITDA margin stood at 23.1 per cent, slipping 30 basis points year-on-year, largely due to higher investments in innovation and future-facing channels. PAT for the quarter rose four per cent to Rs 2,497 crore.

    The home care division sparkled, with mid-single digit volume growth buoyed by strong performance in fabric conditioners and a renewed push on premium liquids like Surf Excel Smart Shots. Liquids, in fact, are the brand’s current crush – the portfolio grew in double digits and is now being democratised with new formats and price points.

    Beauty & wellbeing rose three per cent with hair care flexing double-digit volume muscle. Despite softness in mass skin care, the segment rode high on emerging channels and product launches like Liquid IV hydration sachets and summer-targeted sun care under Lakme and Vaseline.

    The personal care vertical delivered three per cent USG despite a slight volume dip. Skin cleansing lathered up high-single digit growth in the non-hygiene segment, while Closeup ventured into whitening territory with its ‘White Now’ range. Lifebuoy took centre stage at the Maha Kumbh with a refreshed ‘skin protection’ pitch.

    Food sales slipped one per cent, thanks to a drag in nutrition drinks, still reeling from pricing resets and category challenges. But there was flavour elsewhere – tea and coffee brewed growth, while ice cream melted hearts with double-digit volume gains and indulgent launches like Magnum Pistachio.

    CEO Rohit Jawa highlighted a year of “competitive performance” driven by “portfolio transformation, premiumisation and digital-first growth”. Big moves included the Minimalist acquisition, Pureit exit, and ice cream demerger approval. HUL also declared a hefty Rs 53 per share dividend (including a special Rs 10) – a total payout of Rs 12,453 crore.

    Looking ahead, the company expects demand to warm up in FY’26. With commodities stabilising, HUL is betting on low-single digit price growth and a volume-led playbook to deliver double-digit EPS growth.

    While volume may not have exploded, HUL’s strategic polish, from digital detours to premium suds, helped it stay competitive, confident, and cash-rich. Not bad for a company that just turned 90.

  • TCS powers ahead on marathon track, sprinting past $21 billion in brand value

    TCS powers ahead on marathon track, sprinting past $21 billion in brand value

    MUMBAI: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) isn’t just clocking miles – it’s clocking brand mileage. The IT and consulting juggernaut has emerged as a front-runner in  Brand Finance ‘Marathons 50 2025’ report, which ranks global sponsors fueling the world’s top running events. With a $2.25 billion economic boost delivered through the marathons it backs, and $279 million raised for charities in 2024 alone, TCS is redefining what it means to be a marathon sponsor.

    The report finds that the world’s top 50 marathons together pumped $5.2 billion into their host cities and raised $425 million for charitable causes last year – proving that these 42.195 km spectacles are much more than finish lines and finisher medals. They’re engines of economic and social impact.

    TCS, now title sponsor and tech partner of 14 major marathons including five of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, has seen its brand value balloon from $2.1 billion in 2010 to a muscular $21.3 billion in 2025. Among non-runners, its brand consideration is a healthy 27 per cent, while among marathoners it surges to 67 per cent – underscoring the deep engagement running fans have with the brand.

    “The Brand Finance report confirms what we’ve known on the ground,” said TCS  chief marketing and communications officer Abhinav Kumar. “Marathons move more than bodies – they move hearts, communities, and economies. We’re proud to back 10 of the world’s top 50 races.”

    Beyond branding, TCS is fuelling the sport with cutting-edge tech. From AI-powered race-day engagement to the world’s first digital twin heart of a pro runner, the firm is bringing innovation to the track. It’s also leaving green footprints behind – its ReScore app, now used to certify 53 global sporting events, underscores its pledge to sustainability and community well-being.

    Brand Finance CEO David Haigh chimed in: “Marathons marry soft power, place branding, and purpose. They’re personal, they’re public, and they’re powerful. TCS is sprinting in the right direction.”

    From New York to London and Sydney, TCS is running not just with the pack – but ahead of it, transforming every race into a showcase for tech, sustainability, and shared humanity. A marathon effort that’s clearly paying off.

  • Wit & Chai stirs up a creative storm, ropes in Saurabh S as chief creative head

    Wit & Chai stirs up a creative storm, ropes in Saurabh S as chief creative head

    MUMBAI:  Wit & Chai Group, the funky creative agency known for culture-fuelled campaigns, has brewed a strong cuppa by appointing Saurabh S as its chief creative head. With a rollicking two-decade run across big-name agencies and brands, Saurabh steps in to lead the creative charge—and shake things up.

    Having done the rounds at FCB, Saatchi & Saatchi, DDB, Publicis and even Redder Vietnam, Saurabh  isn’t just another adland veteran. He’s the brain behind award-winning ideas for Volkswagen, MTV, Chupa Chups, Set Max and Virgin Mobile. Add stints at House of Anita Dongre and Nykaa, and you get a CV that blends sizzle with serious strategy.

    Saurabh’s remit at Wit & Chai? 
     

    To dream big, lead louder, and build a culture where risky ideas meet razor-sharp storytelling. He’ll work hand-in-hand with strategy and brand leads to ensure the creative spark translates into business firepower. From nurturing young guns to rolling out integrated campaigns, he’s set to steer the shop’s next big act.

    “As a chief creative head, I see Wit & Chai Group as more than just an agency—it’s a sandbox for fearless thinkers,” says Saurabh. “My vision is to turn up the volume on ideas that are disruptive yet deeply human. We’re building brands that resonate in the real world—work that gets people talking, sharing, and remembering.”

    The man isn’t afraid to take risks either—his creative playbook leans into experimentation, youth insights, and cultural resonance, all while keeping one eye on impact and scale. It’s a move that signals the agency’s intent to stay fresh, edgy, and unmistakably relevant.

    Wit & Chai group co-founder & partner Nihar Kolapkar  shared: “Saurabh’s track record of creative leadership and disruptive storytelling brings incredible value to our team. His ability to merge bold creativity with strategic clarity is exactly what we need to push the boundaries of what we deliver for our clients. We’re excited to see him shape a new era of work at Wit & Chai Group.”

    With Saurabh  now in the mix, Wit & Chai Group looks set to dial up the drama, crank the creativity, and cement its spot as a go-to name for bold, business-savvy storytelling.