Category: MAM

  • Hyundai rolls out Smart Care Clinic nationwide to tune up cars and turn up customer care

    Hyundai rolls out Smart Care Clinic nationwide to tune up cars and turn up customer care

    MUMBAI: With summer already dialling up the heat, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is cranking up the customer care. Hyundai announced its pan-India service campaign, the Hyundai Smart Care Clinic—a 12-day pit stop for car owners seeking cool deals and hot benefits.

    Running from 25 April to 6 May 2025, the Smart Care Clinic will roll into more than 1,600 Hyundai service centres across the country. The campaign promises to give cars a summer-ready makeover while giving wallets a well-deserved breather.

    “At Hyundai, we have always prioritised our customers by delivering a seamless and rewarding after-sales experience. The Hyundai Smart Care Clinic is a reflection of our commitment to customer satisfaction, safety and sustainability… Backed by Hyundai’s vast network this campaign ensures convenient access to expert care and a one-stop solution for our customers across India,” said HMIL whole-time director & COO Tarun Garg.

    The offer list reads like a car owner’s wishlist:

    ●    A free 70-point inspection covering engine, brakes, suspension, and electricals

    ●    Up to 30 per cent off on extended warranties

    ●    15 per cent off on mechanical labour for periodic maintenance and running repairs

    ●    15 per cent off on wheel alignment and balancing, AC service, and interior/exterior beautification

    ●    10 per cent off on key mechanical and AC parts like compressors and condensers

    ●    10 per cent off on roadside assistance policy

    Timed perfectly with rising mercury levels, the campaign gives customers a chance to ready their cars for road trips, commutes, or just another showdown with Delhi traffic. Beyond the benefits, the initiative doubles down on awareness. Hyundai aims to nudge drivers to rethink vehicle care as not just a necessity but as a habit that enhances safety, longevity and overall driving joy.

    Whether it’s a deep clean, a fresh breeze from the AC, or just some TLC under the hood, Hyundai’s service blitz is designed to drive home the message: a well-maintained car is a happy car—and a safer one.

  • Rapoo aims for 40 per cent revenue spike in FY25 with 30+ launches and deeper offline retail push

    Rapoo aims for 40 per cent revenue spike in FY25 with 30+ launches and deeper offline retail push

    MUMBAI: India’s desk warriors and digital junkies are in for a treat. Rapoo has fired the first salvo in its FY25 growth playbook—and it involves an ambitious 40 per cent revenue surge, 30+ new product launches, and a retail footprint stretching far beyond the metros.

    The company, already present in over 4,000 touchpoints across the country, plans to double down on tier two and tier three markets, seeing them as the next frontier in India’s digital boom. From budget keyboards to gaming gear, Rapoo is laying the tracks for an accessory revolution.

    “India remains one of our top-priority markets globally. With increasing digitisation across every household and workplace, there’s a tremendous opportunity for reliable, user-friendly tech products. Our FY25 vision is to build to a 25 per cent market share, accelerate growth through innovation, and bring world-class wireless solutions to every corner of India,” said Rapoo country head – India & SAARC Mukesh Chaudhary.

    The FY25 strategy includes 30+ SKUs across wireless keyboards, mice, audio gadgets and gaming accessories—each engineered for longer battery life, ergonomic finesse and seamless connectivity. While performance takes centre stage, affordability remains the backstage hero.

    Rapoo isn’t here to price people out of good tech.

    Not stopping at consumers, Rapoo is also targeting enterprise buyers with customisable solutions. Businesses will now be able to access tailored wireless packages, merging slick functionality with price-conscious design.

    On the channel side, Rapoo is strengthening its presence across modern retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and its distributor network.

    The aim? Make sure no consumer—whether in Patna or Pune—waits too long to lay hands on Rapoo gear.

    With this aggressive roadmap, Rapoo is chasing not just growth, but dominance. It wants to sit pretty on every desk and in every backpack in digital India.

  • Jeff Ferro’s Baker Tilly and Eric Miles’s Moss Adams merge to create sixth-largest CPA firm in the US

    Jeff Ferro’s Baker Tilly and Eric Miles’s Moss Adams merge to create sixth-largest CPA firm in the US

    MUMBAI: Two accounting heavyweights are shaking up the middle-market landscape. On 23 April 2025, Baker Tilly and Moss Adams announced their planned merger in a strategic union set to create the sixth-largest advisory CPA firm in the United States. The deal is expected to close by early June.

    Uniting under the Baker Tilly name, the merged entity will deepen its specialisation in advisory, tax, and assurance services while significantly expanding its geographic footprint. The move is designed to help middle-market businesses navigate a tightening maze of regulation, innovation, and global competition.

    The leadership baton will pass in stages. Baker Tilly CEO Jeff Ferro will helm the combined firm until his retirement, after which Moss Adams CEO Eric Miles will take over on 1 January 2026. Ferro will stay on as a director on Baker Tilly’s board.

    Backed by private equity firm Hellman & Friedman—alongside an increased stake from Valeas Capital Partners—the merger includes a new equity structure. Post-merger, the firms’ audit arms will operate under Baker Tilly US, LLP, while their advisory, tax, and other services will function as Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP (BTAG). Both structures will remain partnerships with principals retaining equity.

    “Moss Adams is a great strategic fit with Baker Tilly. We’ve long respected the firm, its people and its industry-focused approach. By bringing together our strengths, we are expanding our ability to serve middle-market businesses with greater expertise, resources and insights,” said Ferro.

    L to R: Baker Tilly CEO Jeff Ferro; Moss Adams CEO Eric Miles

    Miles added, “The resources, geographic reach and go-to-market strength of the combined firm magnifies opportunities for our people to grow, collaborate and innovate. We are proud to offer our clients these expanded resources to deliver even greater value and set a new standard for advisory services in the middle market.”

    Hellman & Friedman partner Blake Kleinman called the deal a landmark step, stating, “This landmark merger between Baker Tilly and Moss Adams is an important step in creating a firm that will be the destination of choice for the industry’s best talent and for firms considering their strategic options in a rapidly evolving sector.”

    The firms bring with them over 100 years of experience and a shared ethos focused on people-first cultures and long-term client value. Baker Tilly International’s board chair-elect & former AICPA CEO, strategic advisor Barry Melancon remarked, “This combination brings together two firms at the forefront of the profession, further empowering them to deliver on their commitment to serving their clients as the needs of middle-market businesses evolve.”

    Legal advisory on the deal was handled by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Vedder Price PC for Baker Tilly, while Moss Adams was advised by Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Dechert LLP.

  • Lenexis Foodworks appoints Milind Mhatre as IT head to spice up tech for pan-India expansion

    Lenexis Foodworks appoints Milind Mhatre as IT head to spice up tech for pan-India expansion

    MUMBAI: India’s QSR scene just got an upgrade. The fast-rising homegrown player in India’s quick service restaurant market, Lenexis Foodworks has brought in seasoned tech boss Milind Yashwant Mhatre to run point on its IT game plan. Appointed as business head of IT, Mhatre joins at a time when the company is cooking up serious expansion plans across metros and emerging cities.

    With over 19 years of experience in IT ops, Mhatre knows his way around everything from SAP S/4HANA rollouts to ERP and POS system overhauls. He’s handled both in-house tech and outsourced projects, led large teams, and built the kind of resilient infrastructure you want behind a growing food chain with national ambition.

    This appointment isn’t just about tech—it’s about scale, speed, and smarts.

    “We are at a pivotal stage of growth and our ability to scale responsibly depends on the strength of our leadership. Milind brings a blend of domain expertise, strategic thinking, and executional agility that aligns perfectly with our ambitions. We are building not just a QSR company, but a high-impact organisation driven by talent and purpose,” said Lenexis Foodworks founder & director Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal.

    Mhatre will also oversee technology operations at Inspira Global, bolstering the digital backbone of the Lenexis ecosystem. His entry reflects the company’s deeper push into operational efficiency and customer-centric innovation, with tech as the enabler.

    As Lenexis moves into its next phase, it isn’t just flipping burgers—it’s flipping the script on what modern Indian QSRs can achieve with the right tech leadership.

  • Clovia’s celeb squad springs into style with bold new summer collab

    Clovia’s celeb squad springs into style with bold new summer collab

    MUMBAI: Lingerie just got louder and loungewear livelier as Clovia, India’s premier brand for lingerie, sleepwear, and personal care, teamed up with four social media stars to breathe new life into its Spring-Summer 2025 collection. With Ridhima Pandit, Chetna Pande, Khanzaadi, and Shiny Doshi on board, this vibrant new campaign celebrates the power of comfort, expression, and style in every thread.

    Each of the four digital darlings takes the lead on a signature Clovia category, transforming everyday basics into confident statements of personal style. Ridhima Pandit, known for her energetic charm, embodies Clovia’s activewear and nightwear range, fusing fitness with fluidity for women who never sit still. Meanwhile, Chetna Pande lends her flair to Clovia’s cotton lingerie line spotlighting breathable, beauty-meets-function silhouettes that move with you.

    Rap queen and reality star Khanzaadi turns up the volume with Clovia’s boldest activewear co-ords yet three-piece sets built for performance, powered by personality. And Shiny Doshi brings the dreamy side of fashion to the fore with relaxed, fashion-forward nightwear that balances chic design with sleepytime ease.

    The campaign leans into each creator’s digital influence and individuality to break the mould showing that confidence doesn’t come from squeezing into the trend of the moment, but from choosing comfort that feels like you.

    Speaking about the collaboration, Clovia VP of digital marketing Rajeswar Rao said, “This collaboration is an extension of our belief that comfort and confidence should go hand in hand. Each celebrity represents a facet of the Clovia woman bold, expressive, and unafraid to choose comfort on her terms. We’re excited to bring our collections to life through their unique lens and continue building deeper connections with our community.”

    From breathable bras to binge-watch-ready nightwear and power-packed gym gear, Clovia’s latest campaign isn’t just about clothes, it’s about crafting a personal style rooted in ease. Whether it’s in the gym, on your couch, or scrolling the ‘gram, this collection proves comfort never goes out of style.

  • Paw-sitive steps needed as pet obesity balloons globally

    Paw-sitive steps needed as pet obesity balloons globally

    MUMBAI: In a world where pets are cherished like family, a weighty problem is growing literally. Nearly 40 per cent of adult cats and dogs are now considered overweight or obese globally, according to a recent study by Royal Canin, and the scale isn’t tipping in their favour anytime soon.

    As part of its 25th Vet Symposium held in Montpellier, the pet nutrition leader revealed findings from a multi-country survey of over 14,000 pet owners and 1,750 veterinary professionals that shines a spotlight on a creeping crisis: most pet parents are in the dark when it comes to managing healthy weight. In fact, 26 per cent of respondents admitted they don’t even know what their pet’s ideal weight should be.

    Even more alarmingly, 17 per cent cited misinformation as a major barrier to keeping pets fit. Social media emerged as an unexpected culprit while it’s the go-to for over 55 per cent of Gen Z pet owners seeking nutritional advice, it’s also where myths can spiral. As veterinary professionals struggle to cut through the noise, nearly one in three said mixed messages are making it harder to talk honestly with owners about weight.

    “At Royal Canin, we believe that better health starts with better conversations,” shared Royal Canin R&D team member and a veterinary nutritionist Tabitha Hookey  focused on obesity and diabetes. “Through providing accessible and credible information, we’re aiming to support pet owners with clear, science-based advice to help more pets live their healthiest lives. Through partnering with an expert panel and using social media to maximise our outreach, with this campaign, we hope to be able to empower even more pet owners with a better understanding of healthy pet nutrition and weight management and, ultimately, to promote dialogue with the veterinary professionals that care for their pets.”

    University of Liverpool Small Animal Medicine in UK Professor Alex German comments, “Pet obesity can have a serious impact on both quality of life and lifespan. Helping pets maintain a healthy weight is one of the most important things we can do to ensure they live longer, happier lives. Encouraging open, supportive conversations between veterinary professionals and pet owners is key to making good nutrition and weight management a natural part of everyday pet care.”

    The problem often starts early. The study revealed that nutritional imbalances during a pet’s developmental years can shape their lifelong health. Meanwhile, 41 per cent of owners confessed to offering treats when pets seem sad or lonely, and three in four admitted to feeding pets human food 31 per cent of whom believe it does no harm.

    Royal Canin’s survey pinpointed the top culprits of pet obesity as:

    1    Overfeeding (39 per cent)

    2    Lack of exercise (36 per cent)

    3    Poor quality food (17 per cent)

    4    Human food indulgence (14 per cent)

    5    Lack of awareness around weight issues (11 per cent)

    To counter this, Royal Canin has launched the #ScalingTheConversation campaign, a digital-first push targeting Gen Z pet parents via Instagram, Youtube, and creator-led content. The initiative focuses on empowering veterinary professionals to start more effective conversations with pet owners about nutrition and healthy weight management.

    This year’s symposium drew over 550 participants from 70 countries, all united by the belief that weighty conversations lead to lighter, happier pets.

    So, whether it’s fewer treats, smarter portions or more walks, one thing is clear when it comes to pet health, knowledge really is power, and the time to talk is now.

  • Kalon makes a spark with AI star Naisha Bose in blazing wildfire launch

    Kalon makes a spark with AI star Naisha Bose in blazing wildfire launch

    MUMBAI: Hyderabad’s boldest design house, Kalon Art Jewellery, has turned heads and algorithms alike by teaming up with Bollywood’s first AI sensation, Naisha Bose, for its new “Wildfire” collection. The campaign aptly titled #KalonXNaisha isn’t just jewellery marketing, it’s a cultural spark, fusing digital stardom with avant-garde craftsmanship.

    With this partnership, Kalon becomes the first Indian jewellery brand to appoint an AI muse, placing Naisha Bose among its glittering lineup of real-world icons including Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Malaika Arora, Bhumi Pednekar, and Kalki Koechlin. But this time, the sparkle isn’t just from the stones it’s from the code.

    “With Naisha Bose, we’ve found the perfect brand collaborator for our Wildfire collection. She is a digital pioneer whose bold presence mirrors our design philosophy,” said Kalon Art Jewellery creative director & founder Samyuktha Vallur. “This partnership represents our commitment to pushing boundaries in both craftsmanship and marketing. As the jewellery world evolves, we’re proud to lead the conversation by embracing AI to connect with the next generation of consumers.”

    The Wildfire collection itself is a fierce expression of raw elegance. Think sculptural cuffs, jagged-edge chokers, and molten gold forms that look more like wearable fire than fine jewellery. The aesthetic is bold, disruptive, and charged with the same unpredictable electricity that Naisha exudes.

    Behind the scenes, the campaign was brought to life by Amazing Indian Stories (AIS), the AI content studio responsible for Naisha’s upcoming feature film. Using generative tech and immersive digital design, AIS crafted a visual story that showcases Kalon’s craftsmanship through the lens of futuristic femininity.

    The team at AIS added, “Kalon Art Jewellery’s decision to collaborate with Naisha speaks volumes about their visionary approach. This isn’t just advertising; it’s a cultural moment where luxury welcomes digital innovation. What makes this partnership extraordinary is the perfect alignment of values: both Kalon and Naisha represent boldness, innovation, and future-forward thinking.”

    As AI weaves itself deeper into fashion and entertainment, collaborations like #KalonXNaisha point to a bold new frontier where creativity, code, and couture collide. With its latest move, Kalon doesn’t just embrace the future, it wears it proudly.

  • Acer races into quick commerce with gadgets that click in minutes

    Acer races into quick commerce with gadgets that click in minutes

    MUMBAI: Why wait for tomorrow when your tablet could arrive before tea? Acer India is flipping the script on traditional tech retail by diving headfirst into quick commerce, ensuring its gadgets get to you faster than ever before. With a strategic push into lightning-speed delivery, the brand has teamed up with leading platforms to offer select accessories, monitors, and tablets right to your doorstep often within minutes.

    Whether you’re an office warrior needing a monitor in a pinch or a student hunting for last-minute learning tools, Acer’s new initiative has your back and your gadgets in record time.

    Acer India chief business officer Sudhir Goel said, “At Acer, innovation isn’t limited to our devices, it’s reflected in the way we serve our customers. Our foray into quick commerce eliminates waiting times and delivers essential tech solutions right when people need them. Whether it’s for work, learning, or leisure, Acer’s premium technology is now just minutes away.”

    This shift mirrors India’s surging demand for instant gratification and convenience. In a world where attention spans are shorter than charging cables and work-from-anywhere is the new norm, Acer’s pivot to on-demand delivery aims to marry convenience with quality.

    By reimagining how tech meets its users, Acer is not just selling products, it’s setting a new benchmark in convenience-led retail. From living rooms to lecture halls, your next tech upgrade might just arrive before your coffee cools.

  • Omnicom brings global influencer capabilities under Creo banner

    Omnicom brings global influencer capabilities under Creo banner

    MUMBAI: Omnicom Media Group (OMG) has consolidated its global influencer marketing capabilities under a single brand—Creo—to deliver a consistent, data-led approach to clients across markets. This move puts influencer marketing firmly at the heart of OMG’s media offering, treating it as a fully measurable and strategic media channel.

    Since launching three years ago, Creo has developed influencer-led campaigns for major brands like Mountain Dew, Delta and State Farm. Now, as part of a global integration, clients everywhere will gain access to Creo’s partnerships with leading platforms including Amazon, Google, Snap, TikTok and Instacart—bridging the gap between content creation and commerce.

    The global influencer marketing market is set to reach $33 billion by 2025, up from $24 billion in 2024. In response, OMG is rolling out new tools through its Omni platform to enhance campaign planning and performance:

    * Creator Briefing Tool: Powered by Google Gemini, this helps creators shape content based on audience insights, cultural signals and brand data.

    * Creo Influencer Agent: An AI tool that identifies creators aligned with campaign objectives using Omni’s cultural intelligence suite.

    * Creator Performance Predictor: Built on Meta’s latest API, this machine learning tool forecasts which organic content will deliver stronger results when amplified with paid media—boosting outcomes by 38 per cent in early tests.

    “With influencers playing an increasingly important role in how audiences discover and engage with brands, bringing together our capabilities under Creo ensures clients in every market can access the same level of innovation, insight and strategic impact,” said Omnicom Media group CEO Florian Adamski. 

    In select regions, the brand will operate as OMGCreo. Backed by Omni, Creo positions influencer marketing as an accountable, data-driven channel designed to deliver results across the full marketing funnel.