ITV

Category: MAM

  • Birla Opus rolls out the red wall with luxe new designer finish range

    Birla Opus rolls out the red wall with luxe new designer finish range

    MUMBAI: Why settle for beige when your walls can wear a masterpiece? Birla Opus Paints, part of the Aditya Birla Group’s Grasim Industries, has unveiled a stunning new Designer Finish range that brings together artistry, innovation, and a splash of Italian flair. With two premium collections, the Dream and Timeless, the brand is looking to elevate Indian interior design, one textured wall at a time.

    Launched alongside a growing footprint of retail and experiential stores across India, including Mumbai, Gurugram and Lucknow, the Designer Finish collection invites consumers to quite literally feel the difference. The Dream Collection dazzles with 3D patterns and over 150 water-resistant metallic shades, while the Timeless Collection leans into rustic, lime-based finishes inspired by the raw elegance of stone, clay, and marble.

    Commenting on the launch Birla Opus Paints CEO Rakshit Hargave said, “At Birla Opus Paints, we understand that today’s consumers are seeking more than just products; they desire experiences and products that reflect purpose and value. Our aim is not only to redefine creativity with advanced design technology and sustainable solutions, but to also set new standards in interior luxury. At the back of our Paint Studio and franchisee stores launches across India, we’re now presenting consumers with these exquisite finishes inspired from nature’s beauty and Italian artistry that will definitely add a taste of luxury to your home.”

    Each collection offers nature-inspired textures and colour combinations that aim to turn walls into canvas-like statements. Think sea swirls, dreamy clouds, earthy elegance, and handcrafted Italian craftsmanship, all rendered in eco-friendly, low-VOC paints that are as breathable as they are beautiful.

    The Dream Collection boasts 14 nature-themed designs, each available in 10 unique colourways offering a staggering 140 wall-finish variations. Meanwhile, the Timeless Collection brings 12 earthy, artisanal designs to life. All finishes are extra durable, scratch-resistant, and designed to offer a luxury look that lasts.

    The Designer Finish range is currently available at Birla Opus Paint Studios and franchisee stores, with plans to expand to Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Surat. With each new studio, Birla Opus is not just selling paint, it’s inviting consumers into a curated world of interior expression.

    So, whether you’re dreaming of drama or craving calm, there’s now a wall finish that speaks your language because in the world of Birla Opus, your walls do more than just hold up the roof. They make a statement.

  • Cleartrip appoints Manjari Singhal as new chief growth and business officer

    Cleartrip appoints Manjari Singhal as new chief growth and business officer

    MUMBAI: Cleartrip, has announced a key transition as Anuj Rathi exits his role as chief growth & business officer. Taking on the reins is Manjari Singhal, who will now oversee Business, Growth, Marketing, and Customer Experience at Cleartrip.

    Over the next month, Singhal will collaborate closely with Rathi to ensure a smooth handover. Rathi departs after a milestone year where Cleartrip surged forward on the back of enhanced user engagement and successful agship initiatives such as Novac 2025 (Nation on Vacation) which saw a record spike in bookings.

    Rathi said, “It’s been an incredible ride leading Cleartrip. From flagship events like Nation on Vacation and Big Billion Days to strengthening customer trust, our focus was always on creating a superior product experience. As I move on, I do so with deep pride in the team and confidence that Cleartrip will continue to raise the bar under Manjari’s leadership.”

    Flipkart senior vice president Ajay Veer Yadav acknowledged Rathi’s contributions and welcomed the incoming executive. “We thank Rathi for his immense contributions to Cleartrip over the past year. His leadership has helped the platform scale to new heights, and we wish him the very best as he embarks on his next chapter,” he said.

    He added, “Travel is a significant focus for us at Flipkart, and we are deeply committed to investing in and scaling the business to unlock its huge potential. We are excited to welcome Singhal into this pivotal role. With her proven leadership, strategic vision, and deep understanding of customer behaviour, we are confident that she will continue to drive growth and lead Cleartrip into its next phase of expansion.”

    Singhal said, “Cleartrip has built a strong foundation as a travel-first brand with a customer-first philosophy. I am excited to take on this role and work alongside an exceptional team to unlock the immense potential in travel. With 2025 being a critical year for growth, our focus will be on driving value, enhancing customer experiences, and delivering innovations that make travel simpler and more rewarding for every Indian.”

    Since joining Flipkart in 2019, Manjari has worked across various functions, including Events, Customer Growth, and Platform. She currently manages the Beauty, FMCG, and General Merchandise business and is known for her strategic execution and collaborative approach.

  • Shobhit Gaur puts his best foot forward with sock startup The Sock Street

    Shobhit Gaur puts his best foot forward with sock startup The Sock Street

    MUMBAI: There’s a new disruptor on the block, and it’s not in tech, crypto, or AI.

    It’s socks.

    Yes, socks—the humble, often-overlooked foot soldiers of fashion.

    And leading this sartorial rebellion is media industry veteran-turned-entrepreneur Shobhit Gaur, who’s ditching Powerpoint decks for power heels (well, almost) with his new venture ‘The Sock Street’.

    Launched in April 2025, The Sock Street (TSS) isn’t your average ‘pair and spare’ startup. It’s a direct-to-consumer lifestyle brand aiming to turn your toes into trendsetters. With a wild ambition to clock Rs 100 crore in revenue in just two years and open 500 dark stores, Gaur is clearly not here to toe the line.

    “At The Sock Street, we are aiming to be a Global Sustainable organisation and Redefining the Socks industry,” said Gaur. “With this vision, we want to be a 100 Cr company in the next two years. We are not only creating a company we are creating a movement that challenges traditional perceptions of everyday essentials.”

    Joining this sock-powered saga are two seasoned leaders: Udit Mayor as chief executive officer and Saurabh Srivastava as chief business officer. Between them, they bring decades of experience in manufacturing, branding, and digital wizardry. Mayor has been a staple in the sock industry for over 20 years, while Srivastava recently led digital marketing for Popeyes under Jubilant Foodworks.

    “I am honoured to lead The Sock Street into its next chapter of growth alongside a talented team committed to innovation and sustainability,” said Mayor.

    Srivastava echoed the sentiment, saying, “Joining The Sock Street is an incredible opportunity to drive meaningful impact through bold strategies that resonate with customers while building a sustainable future.”

    Gaur, who cut his teeth in media and advertising across Asia for two decades, founded TSS in 2024 with a mission to reimagine socks as bold lifestyle statements—not just footnotes in fashion. Now, as the brand steps into its second year, Gaur is moving into a more strategic role as founder and advisory member, focusing on mentoring his leadership team and steering the overall vision.

    With plans to roll out hundreds of dark stores—those mysterious, hyper-efficient online fulfillment hubs—and a sustainability-first playbook, TSS is shaping up to be a serious player in the lifestyle game. Think fewer boring black pairs, more electric patterns with purpose.

    Mayor, with his manufacturing pedigree, is tasked with scaling the business and making ‘premium men’s socks’ the next big lifestyle flex. Meanwhile, Srivastava will juggle procurement, supply chains, finance, sales, marketing, and production—all while keeping the company’s carbon footprint light and stylish.

    If socks were ever in need of a PR makeover, Gaur and his motley crew are here to give the industry a swift kick up the ankle.

  • Madhuri Singh joins Tamarind Global Dubai as client servicing manager

    Madhuri Singh joins Tamarind Global Dubai as client servicing manager

    MUMBAI: Tamarind Global Dubai has announced the appointment of Madhuri Singh as manager – client servicing, marking a strategic move to enhance client experiences across its MICE, weddings, and luxury travel verticals.

    With over 11 years of hands-on experience in sales and business development within the hospitality industry, Singh brings a refined understanding of client needs and operational finesse. Her strong industry networks and technical expertise in hospitality make her a valuable addition to the Tamarind Global team.

    Before joining Tamarind Global, Singh was at Media One Hotel as the corporate sales manager, Dubai, where she spearheaded business expansion initiatives and played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth and brand recognition.

    Her professional journey also includes notable stints at Equifax Travel & Tourism, Foodlink Global, and Millennium Group of Hotels, where she worked closely on high-profile luxury weddings and events. She has handled clientele and events for premium properties such as Armada Bluebay and Flora Creek Deluxe.

    Armed with an MBA in Marketing Management from Jaipur National University, Singh combines creativity, strategy, and a sharp customer focus—qualities she now brings to her new role.

    Tamarind Global managing partner Louis D’Souza said, “We are excited to welcome Madhuri to our team. A seasoned professional with in-depth experience, industry know-how, and commitment to incomparable client service together make Madhuri truly aligned with Tamarind Global’s vision. We look forward to her invaluable contributions in strengthening our position in the luxury travel and event management sectors in Dubai.”

  • Le Méridien checks into Mumbai with runway-ready luxury and charm

    Le Méridien checks into Mumbai with runway-ready luxury and charm

    MUMBAI: Suite dreams are set to land in Mumbai, as Marriott International and The Balwa Group ink a stylish new chapter with the upcoming Le Méridien Mumbai International Airport. Set just two kilometres from the airport, the hotel is slated for a January 2029 debut and promises to blend the city’s creative pulse with the brand’s signature mid-century modern aesthetic. The announcement marks Le Méridien’s grand arrival into India’s financial capital, a destination where tradition tangoes with modernity.

    With 161 sleek rooms and suites on the cards, the hotel will cater to global travellers seeking timeless style and curated experiences. Guests can expect a specialty restaurant, patisserie, and the signature Le Méridien Hub, an elegant reinterpretation of the hotel lobby, where espresso meets aperitifs at the Latitude/Longitude Bar.

    “Le Méridien has always inspired travelers to explore the world in style and savor the good life through the lens of its creative-minded spirit, and what better city to continue this journey than in the lively, ever-evolving city of Mumbai”, said Marriott International regional vice president for South Asi Ranju Alex. “The brand’s mid-century design, captivating spaces and chic, signature programming will offer a distinct stay experience to world travelers visiting the city. This signing marks a strategic step in expanding Marriott International’s lifestyle portfolio across the region, and we are excited to once again collaborate with The Balwa Group, ensuring delivery of the highest standards of hospitality, in line with our values.”

    “We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Marriott International through the signing of Le Méridien Mumbai International Airport,” said The Balwa Group  director and vice president Rafiq Balwa. “This marks the third hotel collaboration between the two groups, following the success of Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai International Airport and the soon-to-open The Ballard – A Tribute Portfolio Hotel. This hotel will be a landmark in our portfolio – combining global design sensibilities with the cultural richness of Mumbai. Le Méridien, a brand known for unlocking the charm of each destination through curated experiences and timeless style, will bring a fresh perspective to Mumbai’s hospitality scene. As we continue to expand our hospitality footprint, we are committed to creating iconic destinations that offer exceptional experiences and reflect our unwavering passion for excellence.”

    The hotel is the third partnership between Marriott and The Balwa Group, following Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai and the soon-to-open The Ballard – A Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

    The hotel will also house a 1,357 sq metre banquet area with expansive lawns and an open-air terrace making it perfect for everything from boardroom huddles to baraats. Leisure seekers can unwind in the open-air pool, spa, or at the fully equipped fitness centre.

    As Mumbai’s skyline evolves, Le Méridien’s arrival is poised to add a new layer of elegance to its hospitality map with a brand that believes the journey should be just as beautiful as the destination.

  • OML flips the script with Moto Edge 60 Fusion’s print-meets-viral campaign

    OML flips the script with Moto Edge 60 Fusion’s print-meets-viral campaign

    MUMBAI: When was the last time a newspaper ad made you do a double-take and go viral? That’s exactly what happened when Only Much Louder (OML) launched a full-throttle campaign for the Moto Edge 60 Fusion, which hit Flipkart on 9 April.

    Equal parts clever, cheeky and culturally bang-on, this multi-platform stunt didn’t just advertise a phone – it slapped every flat-screened competitor across the face with a broadsheet.

    At the centre of the spectacle? A full-page optical illusion in The Times of India that made the page look curved.

    The punchline: “Although it may seem curved, this newspaper page is still flat – just like most ‘quad-curved’ phones.”

    Boom.

    The ad landed like a mic drop, playfully mocking the pretenders while spotlighting the phone’s standout feature – a true all-curved 1.5K immersive display.
    And the internet? It did what the internet does best: ran wild.

    Within hours, meme lords like ‘therealshitgyaan’ and ‘BCBilliofficial’, as well as ‘Twitterati’ favourites like Sagarcasm and Gaurag, jumped on the trend. On LinkedIn, brand nerds Ashish Jhunjhunwala and Shitiz Dogra gave it the ol’ standing ovation for making “an old-school medium” pop again. The buzz generated a whopping 60 million+ impressions and sent #MotoEdge60FusionOnFlipkart straight to the top of X.

    But wait, there’s more.


    OML took the message beyond print with billboards screaming, “Your life is not boring, your display is.” A cheeky jab at humdrum smartphone screens, delivered with street-level sass.

    Then came a short digital film tapping into modern dating woes – where the only thing faker than a bio is the person’s display pic. Cue the hero: the Moto Edge 60 Fusion, armed with the world’s first true-colour camera.

    Finally, someone who looks like their profile picture.

    What a concept.

    OML SVP – revenue Pankaj Malani explained the thinking behind the creative blitz, “At OML, we focus on creating cultural moments by identifying real consumer pain points and addressing them through creativity. When it came to the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion, the idea was to spark curiosity and invite people to question what they see and experience. We didn’t just want to highlight the phone’s standout features—we wanted to tell a story that builds an emotional connection and shapes how people perceive technology.”

    It worked.

    The whole thing – the illusions, the memes, the billboards, the content creator love – stitched together a campaign that was far from formulaic. No dry spec sheets or droning product reveals here. Just smart hooks, viral bait, and a splash of satire.
    Exclusively available on Flipkart from 9 April, the Moto Edge 60 Fusion starts at Rs 20,999. Affordable, curvy, and apparently self-aware, this phone isn’t just bending screens – it’s bending the rules of marketing too.

  • HDFC AMC invests in emotion with heartwarming new SIP campaign film

    HDFC AMC invests in emotion with heartwarming new SIP campaign film

    MUMBAI: Love, dreams, and discipline. HDFC AMC’s latest film proves investing isn’t just financial. HDFC Asset Management Company is giving investor education a heartfelt makeover with the launch of its new film Hum Sab Investors Hain, part of its flagship Zindagi Ke Liye SIP campaign. Conceptualised by Publicis India, the campaign takes a warm, relatable approach to demystifying SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans), encouraging even the most hesitant of investors to take the first step by realising they’re already investors in life.

    The narrative gently unfolds through the story of a baby girl, as we watch her family nurture her, support her, and invest in her dreams emotionally, practically, and aspirationally. From “kisht jazbaat ki” (instalments of emotion) to “kisht sapno ke shuruwat ki” (instalments of dreams), the film paints everyday acts of care and discipline as powerful life investments mirroring the philosophy of SIPs in a deeply human way.

    Speaking on the campaign, Publicis India managing director Oindrila Roy said, “We always aim to simplify the idea of SIPs through emotional storytelling. With ‘Hum Sab Investors Hain’, we wanted to show that investing isn’t just about money; it is something we do every day through the choices we make for our loved ones and their future. This campaign strikes a balance between rational and emotional decision-making, while delivering a very simple and yet powerful message.”

    HDFC Asset Management Company MD & CEO Navneet Munot said, “Life’s greatest rewards often come from the consistent, thoughtful investments we make in our relationships, dreams, and aspirations. At HDFC AMC, we believe that the same principle applies to financial investments small, disciplined contributions through SIPs can lead to significant financial security over time. Our campaign, ‘Zindagi Ke Liye SIP,’ captures this essence beautifully, inspiring people to invest in their future just as they invest in life.”

    Publicis India, national creative director Aman Mannan added, “Once we landed on the insight that it takes a village to bring up a child, the film told itself. This emotional story is about every person in a child’s life who does their bit to make the child’s dreams come true. Thus, establishing that a child is an investment and every person in her/his life is an investor.”

    In an age of complex jargon and intimidating financial choices, Hum Sab Investors Hain simplifies the message with empathy and storytelling. Through this campaign, HDFC AMC continues to position itself as a trusted partner in both financial and emotional journeys reminding us that investing in life is already second nature, and SIPs are just a natural extension of that mindset.

  • Hitachi gives Bharat Kaushal the top job to power India’s next big leap

    Hitachi gives Bharat Kaushal the top job to power India’s next big leap

    MUMBAI: There are power moves, and then there are power-grid-level promotions. In a strategic reshuffle that signals its intent to double down on India, Hitachi Ltd. has elevated Bharat Kaushal to a triple-threat role: Executive chairman, acting managing director of Hitachi India, and corporate officer in charge of regional strategies (India). Effective 1 April 2025, this marks a milestone not just for the company, but for Indian corporate leadership.

    The announcement, made on 9 April 2025, cements Kaushal’s place as a central architect of Hitachi’s Indian ambitions. Already the first Indian MD of Hitachi India since FY2017, Kaushal now commands a wider brief to steer the tech giant’s India game plan, from urban mobility to financial inclusion.

    “I am truly honored and overwhelmed on the trust and confidence placed upon me in steering the future growth for Hitachi in India… Hitachi India is evolving and offering an unparalleled opportunity to further advance its vision of delivering cutting-edge, sustainable solutions…” etched Kaushal

    Kaushal has been no passenger in Hitachi’s Indian journey. Under his watch, the company expanded its presence in energy, infrastructure, healthcare, e-education, and urban mobility, building strong government and public sector alliances.

    Now, with India galloping toward its digital destiny, Kaushal’s elevation reads less like succession and more like strategic ignition. As corporate officer in charge of regional strategy, he’ll design Hitachi’s playbook for a market that’s already a tech titan in the making.

    And let’s face it—Hitachi is no stranger to Indian soil. It’s been around for over nine decades, partnering in everything from railway tech to rural empowerment. But this move signals a new tempo: local leadership for local impact.

    As Kaushal put it, the focus now is on last-mile delivery and solutions that create a “socially empowered society”. That’s not just corporate-speak. That’s policy-aligned, purpose-led growth.

    Hitachi is betting that innovation rooted in India, led by Indians, is the secret to not just surviving the future, but building it.

  • Dentsu South Asia fuses creative and media in leadership makeover

    Dentsu South Asia fuses creative and media in leadership makeover

    MUMBAI: dentsu south Asia is betting big on integration with a leadership shake-up that sees Amit Wadhwa ascending to chief executive of creative and media brands, south Asia while Anita Kotwani takes the reins as chief client officer, south Asia.

    The ad network’s bold restructuring aims to blend traditionally separated creative and media functions into a seamless operation, with both executives reporting to Harsha Razdan, dentsu’s south Asia boss, and Prerna Mehrotra, who oversees media operations across the Asia-Pacific region as CCO and CEO – Media, APAC.

    “Marketing today is more complex than ever, but complexity shouldn’t slow businesses down,” declares Razdan, touting the firm’s One dentsu  model as the solution to untangle clients’ thorny business challenges.

    In his expanded role, Wadhwa will lead dentsu’s creative and media practices, architecting seamless collaboration across three creative brands – Dentsu Creative Webchutney, Dentsu Creative Isobar, and Dentsu Creative PR, and five Media brands – Carat, dentsu X, iProspect, Posterscope, and Sokrati. His priority will be to break silos and establish a unified way of working across these disciplines, ensuring that media and creative function as a cohesive force.

    Says Wadhwa:  “This level of integration hasn’t been done in a long time, giving us the opportunity to shape a new way forward. Success isn’t about a single idea or individual – it happens when the right people collaborate, take ownership, and act with intent. That mindset is what’s driving the next phase of growth at dentsu South Asia. For years, Media and Creative have been distinct powerhouses, each delivering impact in their own way. But the future demands integration, not silos. We are bringing them together – not just for efficiency, but to create a more connected, agile, and strategic approach to solving challenges. 2024 laid the foundation for dentsu; 2025 is about momentum – bigger ideas, faster execution, and smarter impact. With some of the brightest minds in the industry, I’m excited for what’s next.”

    Kotwani will steer client-centric strategies that strengthen partnerships and align solutions with evolving business needs. As chief client officer for dentsu south Asia, she will champion transformative growth by embedding client-centricity into every strategic decision. She will oversee integrated client teams, expanding her remit to creative, media, and CXM, while also ensuring the expansion of the network’s presence in high-growth areas such as business transformation (BX), retail, and commerce. She will deliver bespoke, high-demand client centric solutions by combining expertise from across the network with cutting-edge technology, advanced commerce strategies, and strategic partnerships.

    Says Kotwani: “Clients power everything we do. This role is about creating high-impact partnerships by understanding their challenges and delivering solutions that generate measurable business growth. My focus is on accelerating their success through integrated capabilities, tailored strategies, and seamless execution. We are leveraging dentsu’s full ecosystem to create market-leading solutions that enable brands to scale, adapt, and lead with confidence. With extensive experience in building enduring client relationships and shaping large-scale media and marketing initiatives, I am committed to delivering long-term value. We are bringing together expertise, innovation, and deep market insights to help businesses unlock new opportunities, strengthen brand positioning, and create exponential impact. This is about setting new benchmarks for growth and ensuring our clients stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.”

  • Former JK Tyre and LG Electronics CMO Amit Gujral rolls out Alumvista to give interiors a shiny new edge

    Former JK Tyre and LG Electronics CMO Amit Gujral rolls out Alumvista to give interiors a shiny new edge

    MUMBAI: What do you get when a marketing maven swaps tyres for tiles?

    Apparently, revolutionary aluminium.

    Former JK Tyre and LG Electronics CMO Amit Gujral has pulled the curtain back on his next big act: Alumvista, a design-forward venture that’s here to slim down your interiors and bulk up your aesthetic credibility. Say goodbye to clunky doors and hello to minimalist mastery.

    The brand launched on 7 April 2025 in New Delhi with all the flair of a product drop and the elegance of an architectural gala. With its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Najafgarh and a sleek experience centre in the capital, Alumvista is peddling everything from aluminium doors and wardrobes to sliders, shower cubicles and space-saving partitions. And yes, there’s even a magnetic locking system for swing doors, because why not?

    “Is your home a true reflection of you?” asked Alumvista founder & managing partner Gujral. “Alumvista is not just about aluminium profiles; it is about creating a lifestyle. Our goal is to introduce home and office owners to a world where minimalism meets functionality – offering them slim, sleek, durable, and aesthetically superior solutions. With this launch, we aim to set a new standard in Indian interiors, bringing a fresh perspective to modern living and working spaces.”

    Backed by co-founders Sandeep Premsagar Dewan and Ajay Kumar Sharma, Gujral brings 30 years of brand-building mojo into the home and office space. But it’s not just about looking good—Alumvista has substance too. Using the Electrophoresis method (yes, that’s a real thing), the company ensures its aluminium coatings outlive even the most loyal of tenants.

    The launch saw design junkies, architects, and Insta-happy homeowners rubbing shoulders while previewing what could very well become the future of modular India. Swing doors, pocket wardrobes, hidden panels, and posh partitions aren’t just accessories – they’re statements. And Alumvista wants every home and office to shout style.

    “In Bollywood, where every frame is a canvas and every detail tells a story, design is not just aesthetic—it’s emotional. Alumvista brings a refreshing sense of premiumness and precision that resonates with the creative soul of our industry and every home. Its sleek innovation aligns perfectly with the kind of visual storytelling we strive for in cinema,” said Bollywood Projects music director & curator Shameer Tandon.

    With durability, design, and desi sensibility at its core, Alumvista is strutting into India’s interiors game with serious hardware and zero fluff. Gujral’s pivot from brand to build might just be the slickest transition since wall paint became matte.