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Category: MAM

  • Marks & Spencer India appoints Manish Kapoor as new managing director

    Marks & Spencer India appoints Manish Kapoor as new managing director

    MUMBAI: Marks & Spencer India has appointed Manish Kapoor as its new managing director, the company announced on 25 February.

    Kapoor joins M&S from Pepe Jeans London, where he has served as managing director and CEO since January 2022. His appointment is expected to strengthen the British retailer’s market presence in India and drive sustainable growth.

    With nearly two decades of experience in the retail and fashion industry, Kapoor brings extensive expertise in business expansion and digital innovation to his new role. His experience aligns with M&S’s international strategy focused on customer engagement and operational efficiency.

    Prior to his leadership at Pepe Jeans, Kapoor held several senior positions within the company, including chief executive officer (2019-2021), chief business officer (2019), and sales director (2017-2019), where he managed 200 stores, over 170 shop-in-shops and more than 800 sales points.

    His previous experience includes serving as COO for French Connection at Brand Marketing India and various leadership roles at Benetton Group, where he was responsible for operations across Southeast Asia and Australia. Earlier in his career, Kapoor worked as retail manager at Madura Garments and briefly as store merchandiser at Pantaloon Retail India Ltd.

    The appointment comes as Marks and Spencer continues to strengthen its presence in the Indian market, with Kapoor expected to play a pivotal role in the retailer’s expansion strategy. 

  • Britannia reinvents outdoor ads with nature-integrated billboards

    Britannia reinvents outdoor ads with nature-integrated billboards

    MUMBAI: Britannia, in collaboration with Talented, Coral Media, and Moms Outdoor, is revolutionising outdoor advertising with its innovative ‘Nature Shapes Britannia’ campaign. The initiative integrates billboards with existing trees rather than cutting them down, demonstrating how advertising can work in harmony with nature.

    Taking sustainability a step further, Britannia has now open-sourced the campaign’s blueprint, allowing other brands, agencies, and media planners to adopt this eco-friendly approach. The manual details the entire process from selecting resilient trees and mapping their silhouettes to designing and mounting billboards sustainably.

    By sharing its research and learnings, including trial-and-error insights, Britannia aims to inspire more brands to embrace this mindful approach to advertising. “It’s not just about billboards; it’s about changing the way we think about outdoor media,” the team stated. 

  • Greencell Mobility designates Manish Poddar as chief financial officer

    Greencell Mobility designates Manish Poddar as chief financial officer

    MUMBAI: Greencell Mobility has appointed Manish Poddar as its new chief financial officer (CFO), reinforcing its leadership in the electric mobility sector. Backed by Eversource Capital, Greencell is focused on driving sustainable transportation solutions in India. In his new role, Poddar will oversee fundraising, governance, compliance, treasury management, and investor relations, ensuring the company is well-positioned for future growth.

    Bringing over 24 years of experience, Poddar has held key leadership roles across GMM Pfaudler Ltd, Diversey, and Ranbaxy (Sun Pharma). His expertise spans financial strategy, capital structuring, and compliance, making him an ideal fit for Greencell’s ambitious plans. He has also worked with portfolio companies of Bain Capital, DBAG, and Chrys Capital, further strengthening his strategic and operational acumen.

    Greencell’s decision to bring Poddar on board highlights its commitment to strong financial leadership at a time when electric mobility is gaining momentum in India. As the country accelerates its transition towards green transportation, Poddar’s extensive experience will play a crucial role in driving financial stability and expansion for the company.

  • Nothing expands co-founder Akis Evangelidis’s role as India president

    Nothing expands co-founder Akis Evangelidis’s role as India president

    MUMBAI: Nothing is making a bold statement in India. The London-based technology company has appointed co-founder Akis Evangelidis as India president, a move that signals the brand’s commitment to one of its fastest-growing markets. In this expanded role, Evangelidis will steer Nothing’s strategic direction and growth in India, cementing the company’s foothold in the highly competitive consumer tech space.

    India has been a major force behind Nothing’s meteoric rise. In 2024, the brand became the fastest-growing player in India’s smartphone market, clocking an eye-popping +577 per cent year-over-year growth (source: Counterpoint Q4 2024 India Smartphone Tracker). The surge was powered by the Phone (2a) series and the success of CMF by Nothing, its sub-brand. Now, Evangelidis takes charge of ensuring Nothing’s next phase of expansion in the country.

    Evangelidis shared his vision, “India is one of the most important markets for Nothing, and we believe there is a tremendous opportunity to become a leading consumer tech brand in the country. I’m very excited to step into this new role and continue to bring distinctive, design-led tech innovations to Indian consumers. India will play a pivotal role in the global smartphone industry in the years to come, and we’re committed to accelerating our ‘Make in India’ initiatives and boosting domestic production. In 2025, we’re doubling down by ramping up our investments in India and expanding our offline presence to 12,000+ stores.”

    Reinforcing its commitment to manufacturing in India, Nothing recently announced that its much-anticipated Phone (3a) series—slated for launch on 4 March at 3:30 pm IST—will be manufactured in Chennai.

    Evangelidis’s appointment underscores the brand’s long-term vision—blending innovation, design, and accessibility to shape the future of consumer technology in India.

  • Golden Key Awards unlock excellence in market research with top honours

    Golden Key Awards unlock excellence in market research with top honours

    MUMBAI: The world of market research and insights had its moment in the spotlight as the Market Research Society of India (MRSI) hosted the Golden Key Awards 2024 on 21 February in Mumbai. Recognising trailblazers, innovators, and rising stars, the awards celebrated excellence across research, analytics, and storytelling—shedding light on the game-changers shaping business intelligence.

    From emerging talent to technological breakthroughs, the event honoured individuals and organisations that are redefining the way data drives decisions. Aadya Sinha (Third Eye Integrated Services) clinched the Best Researcher Under 30 title, while Datamatics Global Services took home The Most Humane Organisation Award for its people-first approach. Kantar made a double impact, winning Best Operations Team of the Year and Best Client Servicing Team of the Year, reinforcing its stronghold in research operations. Meanwhile, Flipkart & Myntra earned the title of Best Client Insight Team of the Year for their prowess in consumer analytics.

    Adding strategic depth to the evening, Indian Chess Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand took the stage in a riveting conversation with Shafali Arora (Hindustan Unilever Limited), drawing parallels between chess and leadership. Anand’s insights on decision-making, precision, and long-term vision offered the audience a masterclass in critical thinking.

    The second segment of the awards, powered by ITC, recognised pioneering research and innovation. Ipsos & Ikea bagged The Most Effective Storyteller Award, while Metrix Research & Analytics took home Best Data Collection Innovation. Hindustan Unilever Limited secured Best Research Methodology Innovation, and Datamatics Global Services was awarded Best Use of Technology for its AI-powered research solutions.

    A lifetime of contributions to the market research industry was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards presented to C.K. Sharma and Ashok Das, while Lalit S. Kanodia received a Special Award for his pioneering role in analytics and technology-driven insights.

    The final category, powered by Kantar, saw Hindustan Unilever Limited emerge as a dominant winner, securing multiple titles, including Best Work in Emerging Sectors, Best Business Impact Through Analytics, and Best Business Impact Through Research. Ipsos was recognised for Best Developmental Research, while Flipkart Internet Pvt. Ltd. clinched Best Communication Crafting Research for its excellence in shaping brand narratives.

    With support from industry giants like Hindustan Unilever Limited, Nestlé, ITC, Amazon, Datamatics, NielsenIQ, and TATA Consumer Products, the 6th edition of the Golden Key Awards was more than a night of recognition, it was a celebration of research’s transformative power. As the market research field continues to evolve, MRSI remains committed to fostering innovation and excellence, ensuring that data-driven insights continue to steer the future of business strategy.

  • Barista Coffee etches 25 years of brewing memories across India

    Barista Coffee etches 25 years of brewing memories across India

    MUMBAI: The homegrown pioneer of India’s café culture, Barista Coffee is celebrating its 25 anniversary on 28 February 2025. For over two decades, Barista has been serving up aromatic brews, nostalgic moments, and a sense of belonging, cementing its position as one of India’s most loved coffee chains. With 465+ outlets across India and beyond, the brand continues to redefine coffee experiences for every generation.

    To mark this milestone, Barista is treating its loyal customers with a special anniversary offer—free beverage upgrades from 28 February to 2 March. Adding to the celebration, the brand will unveil limited-edition anniversary coffee packs, blending nostalgia with innovation.

    Reflecting on this achievement, Barista Coffee CEO Rajat Agrawal expressed, “Celebrating 25 years is an incredible milestone for Barista Coffee. As India’s largest homegrown coffee chain, we have consistently evolved to keep pace with the ever-changing preferences of coffee lovers. Over the years, we have introduced innovative menus, unique campaigns, and experiences that resonate with generations. Barista Coffee is more than just a café—it’s a place where stories are brewed, friendships are forged, and memories are made. We are excited to continue this journey with the same passion and commitment.”

    Since its inception, Barista Coffee has been instrumental in shaping India’s coffee culture. Whether it’s a steaming cup of cappuccino on a busy morning or a relaxed evening with friends over a cold brew, the brand has been an integral part of countless moments.

    As Barista steps into its next chapter, it aims to further expand its footprint, introduce bold new flavours, and continue its mission of making coffee more than just a beverage—it’s a lifestyle. 

  • Cycle Pure & Flipkart Minutes light up Maha Shivratri with Re one offer

    Cycle Pure & Flipkart Minutes light up Maha Shivratri with Re one offer

    MUMBAI: Maha Shivratri is about to get even more fragrant! Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s leading agarbathi brand, has joined hands with Flipkart Minutes to add a divine touch to festive shopping. As part of this limited-time offer, Flipkart customers placing orders worth Rs 199 or more will receive a pack of Godhuli Agarbathi for just Rs one automatically added to their cart.

    Building on the success of their ‘Scent of Pongal’ initiative, this collaboration aims to elevate Maha Shivratri rituals in households across major cities. The Godhuli Agarbathi, crafted for serenity and devotion, will enhance the spiritual ambience of prayers and offerings.

    “We are delighted to bring this special offering through Flipkart Minutes,” said Cycle Pure Agarbathi managing director, Arjun Ranga. “This collaboration is about making traditions even more accessible, adding a divine touch to homes with every purchase.”

    Flipkart senior director – home business unit Yatish Bhargava added, “Cycle Pure Agarbathi is a brand that resonates deeply with Indian households. This partnership brings an auspicious deal to our customers while ensuring quick deliveries via Flipkart Minutes.”

    The offer is valid from 25 February to March 2025, giving shoppers a chance to celebrate with purity, devotion, and a touch of fragrance all at the speed of Flipkart Minutes.

  • Havells’ heated ad warms Maha Kumbh pilgrims amid freezing temperatures

    Havells’ heated ad warms Maha Kumbh pilgrims amid freezing temperatures

    MUMBAI: At this year’s Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, where icy winds tested the resolve of millions, Havells and Tribes Communication unveiled a groundbreaking campaign ‘The Coolest Hot Ad’. Unlike conventional advertising, this initiative didn’t just capture attention; it provided tangible relief.

    Strategically placed at key congregation points, the installation radiated heat, offering much-needed warmth to shivering devotees. The response was immediate people gathered, lingered, and spread the word, transforming the ad into an experiential attraction.

    Powered by advanced thermal technology, the campaign showcased Havells’ energy-efficient heating solutions in action. Havells vice president Mukesh Jain highlighted the deeper impact, “True brand engagement goes beyond visibility. This initiative wasn’t just an ad it was an experience that brought real comfort to millions.”

    The overwhelming response reinforced the power of innovation-driven advertising. Tribes Communication MD & chairman Gour Gupta described it as a fusion of tradition and technology, stating, “‘The Coolest Hot Ad’ reflects our approach to modern brand storytelling engaging, impactful, and unforgettable.”  

  • iPhone 16e arrives in India with A18 chip & big offers

    iPhone 16e arrives in India with A18 chip & big offers

    The iPhone 16e has arrived, and Ingram Micro is making sure it’s more accessible than ever. With breakthrough battery life, the blazing-fast A18 chip, and a powerful 48MP 2-in-1 camera system, Apple’s latest innovation is now available at 7,200 plus retail locations across India backed by exciting bank offers, exchange deals, and easy loan options.

    For those looking to snap up the iPhone 16e at a steal, Ingram Micro is rolling out a Rs 4,000 cashback offer on ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and SBI credit cards (EMI and non-EMI), as well as ICICI debit card EMI transactions. Additionally, the iPhone for Life plan allows ICICI Bank credit card holders to pay 75 per cent of the device cost over 24 months, with the remaining 25 per cent payable at the end of the term.

    Customers opting for loan financing can choose from Bajaj Finance Ltd, HDFC Bank, HDB Financial, ICICI Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, and TVS Credit, offering flexible EMI plans such as 13 per cent-0-21 (24/3) and 0-0-18 (18/0), along with short-term loan options. Exchange deals sweeten the deal further, with a bonus of up to Rs 6,000 available on transactions made through bank cards, loans, or the iPhone for Life programme.

  • Plum Bodylovin’ debuts India’s first scented billboard at Cyber Hub

    Plum Bodylovin’ debuts India’s first scented billboard at Cyber Hub

    MUMBAI: Plum Bodylovin’ just made advertising history. Teaming up with SW Network, the brand has unveiled India’s first-ever scented billboard at Gurugram’s Cyber Hub, turning the traditional ad space into an immersive, fragrance-driven experience.

    The show-stopping installation showcases Plum Bodylovin’s award-winning ‘Vanilla Caramello Body Lotion’, winner of the Elle Beauty Awards 2024 for best body moisturiser. But this is no ordinary ad—it’s a full-sensory experience that invites passersby to inhale the delicious blend of creamy vanilla, salted caramel, and nutty pistachios & almonds. The fragrance is a sweet but balanced treat, designed for those moments when you want to feel luxurious yet at ease.

    SW Network co-founder Raghav Bagai described the campaign’s impact, “We set out to revolutionise brand experience by moving beyond just visual engagement into the powerful realm of scent. The immediate and enthusiastic response from visitors confirmed our vision for this innovative campaign.”

    From the moment visitors stepped into the activation, they were enveloped in the dessert-like aroma of Vanilla Caramello, proving that body lotions can be as fun and indulgent as your favourite sweet treats. Many stopped in their tracks, describing the fragrance as reminiscent of freshly baked desserts and gourmet confections. And for those who can’t get enough, Plum Bodylovin’ has expanded this addictive fragrance into a full body care range, complete with an Eau de Parfum.

    Plum Bodylovin’ brand lead Stuti Sethi highlighted the strategic importance of the activation, “Fragrance has always been central to Plum Bodylovin’s identity, and Vanilla Caramello Lotion exemplifies this commitment. This installation transforms traditional advertising into an unforgettable sensory moment, allowing consumers to experience our signature scent in a way never done before.”

    This bold initiative cements Plum Bodylovin’s reputation as a leader in experiential marketing, while SW Network continues to push creative boundaries. With this scented billboard, the brand is creating moments, memories, and a whole new standard for consumer engagement in the beauty industry.