Category: MAM

Honor taps Zivpreet Kaur to lead India marketing

MUMBAI: Smartphone maker Honor has appointed Zivpreet Kaur as its marketing director for India from late 2024. Zivpreet brings substantial experience from her previous role as regional media, advertising & communications lead for the Middle East and Africa region, where she managed media strategy across multiple territories.

The appointment comes at a crucial juncture for Honor, which has been working to strengthen its position in India’s fiercely competitive smartphone market. Zivpreet’s expertise spans digital transformation, e-commerce, and cross-functional team leadership—skills that align with Honor’s ambitions in the Indian market.

Prior Honor, where she is celebrating her sixth year, Zivpreet held senior positions at Huawei consumer business group and Dentsu Aegis Network, where she managed global accounts including General Motors, MasterCard, and Philips. Her track record includes developing integrated marketing campaigns and optimising media investments across traditional and digital channels.

The move signals Honor’s commitment to bolstering its marketing operations in India, where the brand faces stiff competition from established players. Zivpreet has been tasked with shaping consumer engagement models and reinforcing brand recognition in what remains one of the world’s fastest-growing smartphone markets.

February 21, 2025
OMD APAC promotes Namrata Roy to vice-president strategy

MUMBAI: OMD APAC has elevated Namrata Roy to vice-president strategy, marking another step forward in her four-year tenure with the media agency network.

Roy, who most recently served as associate vice president strategy for OMD India, brings extensive experience in media strategy and client leadership to her new role. Her promotion comes after successfully leading strategy for OMD India and previously heading strategy for OMD Malaysia, where she managed key accounts including Danone, Nissan, and Allianz.

Prior to joining OMD in 2021, Roy held the position of strategy director at Zenith Malaysia, where she managed the Nestlé account. Her career spans over 15 years across leading media agencies, including roles at DDB Mudra Group, Madison Media, Dentsu Aegis Network, and Mindshare.

Roy’s experience includes working with prominent brands such as Cipla Health, State Bank of India, Mondelez India, and ICICI Group. She began her career as a management intern at Ogilvy, working on Unilever and Mondelez accounts.

An IPA Advanced Certificate holder in effectiveness, Roy’s appointment reinforces OMD APAC’s commitment to strengthening its strategic leadership across the region.

February 20, 2025
Kyn app names Lavina Rodrigues as assistant vice president

MUMBAI: Mumbai-based neighbourhood discovery platform Kyn has appointed Lavina Rodrigues as assistant vice president of brand communications, the company announced today.

Rodrigues, a Kingston University alumna with more than 15 years’ experience in marketing and communications, joins the rapidly growing tech startup as it approaches its first anniversary. Kyn, which helps users discover local events and businesses, has garnered over 900,000 downloads since its launch in February 2024.

In her new role, Rodrigues will work alongside the app’s founding team to shape the company’s market strategy and communications. She brings extensive experience from previous senior positions at prominent firms including Cleartrip, PVR, and Network18 Media & Investments.

“We’re delighted to welcome Lavina aboard as we enter our next phase of growth,” said Kynhood Technologies CEO & founder Gayathri Thyagarajan.

The appointment comes as the bootstrapped startup, which currently boasts 65,000 daily active users, looks to expand its marketing initiatives.

Rodrigues holds an MSc in Marketing from Kingston University, London, and a commerce degree from the University of Mumbai. Her expertise spans B2B marketing, public relations, and corporate communications across various sectors including technology, media, travel, and financial services.

Kyn, which positions itself as a hyperlocal discovery and connectivity platform, aims to help urban Indians better connect with their immediate neighbourhoods through targeted local content and community engagement.

February 20, 2025
Cleartrip’s new campaign books the right vibe with Dhoni and CarryMinati

MUMBAI: Not every hotel is a perfect match, just ask MS Dhoni and Carryminati, the unlikely duo starring in Cleartrip’s latest explore hotels by vibe campaign. The travel platform’s new ad cleverly plays on contrasting personalities, showing how the right vibe can make or break a trip.

The film follows Youtube sensation Carryminati, known for his high-energy, unfiltered style, as he hilariously struggles to match Dhoni’s legendary composure in a setting that’s clearly not his scene. The message? Finding a stay that matches your mood is just as important as the destination itself.

With the explore hotels by vibe feature, Cleartrip is shifting how travellers pick their stays. Instead of just focusing on location and amenities, the platform now curates hotels based on experience and mood—be it a peaceful retreat or an adrenaline-packed escape.

“At Cleartrip, we believe the right vibe can transform a trip,” said Cleartrip chief marketing & revenue officer Tavleen Bhatia. “Some travellers chase high-energy adventures, while others seek a slow, relaxing getaway. MS Dhoni and Carryminati bring this contrast to life, proving that, no matter your travel style, there’s a perfect hotel waiting for you.”

Cleartrip aims to tackle a major OTA (online travel agency) challenge simplifying hotel selection. By allowing travellers to choose stays based on mood, the platform makes travel planning effortless and personalised.

February 20, 2025
Air India expands Lufthansa partnership to spread its wings across Europe

MUMBAI: Air India is soaring to new heights in its partnership with the Lufthansa Group, expanding its codeshare network to offer seamless connectivity between India and Europe. The enhanced deal, which now includes Austrian Airlines, adds close to 60 new codeshare routes, bringing the total to nearly 100 flights across 12 Indian and 26 European cities.

For Indian travellers, this means greater access to 26 European destinations and three key American cities beyond Air India’s hubs in Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zurich. Passengers can now book Air India-coded flights on Lufthansa, Swiss, and Austrian Airlines, making travel to cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Munich, and Stockholm smoother than ever.

On the flip side, Lufthansa Group customers can now connect to 15 Indian destinations with Air India, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Goa, Kolkata, and Pune. The partnership also extends to Air India’s international routes to Kathmandu, Melbourne, and Sydney from Delhi and Mumbai.

Air India chief commercial officer Nipun Aggarwal stated, “Our goal is to enable our customers to travel seamlessly across the world via Air India and its partner airlines. Expanding our partnership with Lufthansa Group strengthens this mission and elevates the travel experience for our passengers.”

Lufthansa Group chief commercial officer Dieter Vranckx said, “We are thrilled to enhance our cooperation with Air India. This partnership will offer greater travel flexibility and reinforce Lufthansa Group’s commitment to the Indian market.”

As both airlines are part of Star Alliance, frequent flyers can continue to earn and redeem miles, while elite members enjoy priority services, additional baggage allowances, and access to premium lounges.

Subject to regulatory approvals, the expanded codeshare flights will soon be available for booking, promising a smoother and more connected travel experience for passengers across India and Europe.

February 20, 2025
Shreyas Iyer joins Incred as brand ambassador, following Rahul Dravid

MUMBAI : Incred Group has signed star cricketer Shreyas Iyer as its new brand ambassador, stepping into the shoes of the iconic Rahul Dravid. Known for its strong ties to cricket, Incred draws inspiration from the sport’s core values discipline, resilience, and high performance making Iyer the perfect fit to champion its vision of financial confidence and success.

Incred founder & group CEO Bhupinder Singh expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “Iyer embodies fearlessness and determination qualities that align perfectly with Incred’s mission of empowering individuals to achieve financial confidence. We are thrilled to have him on board as we continue to help people navigate their financial journeys with certainty.”

Iyer said, “Cricket is full of opinions, but in finance, true expertise stands out. I’m excited to partner with Incred, a leader in financial services, to help spread awareness about smart financial solutions.”

Incred group head of marketing Radhika Zingade highlighted how the association reflects the brand’s philosophy. “Iyers’ versatility his ability to anchor or accelerate as needed resonates with Incred’s role in guiding customers through different financial phases. This partnership is set to make a lasting impact.”

February 20, 2025
Artists and Coca-Cola India use comics to inspire change at Maha Kumbh 2025

MUMBAI : At Maha Kumbh 2025, comics and visual art are driving a powerful environmental message, turning the event into a catalyst for change. Led by Gaysi Family in partnership with Coca-Cola India and its foundation Anandana, the Maidaan Saaf campaign brings together renowned artists, including Aravani Art Project and Priyankar Gupta, to craft compelling visual narratives. Through striking illustrations, the initiative promotes waste segregation, recycling, and recognition of sanitation workers, making sustainability both engaging and impactful.

These illustrated panels, integrated into women’s changing rooms made from recycled plastic waste, span a 12-km stretch of the river ghats. They depict relatable characters and everyday scenarios, demonstrating the impact of responsible waste management. The initiative not only educates visitors but also highlights the dignity of sanitation workers, emphasizing how proper waste segregation supports their essential work.

“Using art to communicate complex ideas in a simple, accessible way is key to inspiring behavioral change,” said Gaysi Family creative director Priya Dali. Illustrator Gupta added that comics, like traditional Patachitras, are powerful tools for mass communication.

With millions attending the Maha Kumbh, Coca-Cola India’s ESG Value Creation senior director Saloni Goel, sees this as a unique opportunity to instill lasting environmental responsibility. “By blending art, culture, and sustainability, this campaign fosters meaningful shifts in public attitudes,” she stated.

Through creative storytelling, the Maha Kumbh is not just witnessing history it’s shaping a more sustainable future.

February 20, 2025
Snigdha Nandan steps up as Standard Chartered’s global digital marketing lead

MUMBAI: Standard Chartered has brought in a heavyweight for its digital marketing leadership. Snigdha Nandan, formerly the director of B2C and digital marketing for APAC at Mastercard, has stepped into the role of executive director and global head of digital marketing at Standard Chartered.

Nandan is now responsible for leading all digital marketing initiatives for the bank’s top markets in the wealth and retail banking (WRB) sector. From spearheading global campaigns to optimising performance marketing and driving digital transformation, she is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s consumer engagement strategy.

“This includes driving global marketing campaigns at scale, optimising performance marketing efforts for our key consumer segments and driving a digital transformation initiative that enables us to champion personalised marketing campaigns across the consumer lifecycle. I also lead marketing analytics and effectiveness in my role,” she explained.

Nandan brings a wealth of experience to Standard Chartered, having spent over 14 years in fintech and payments. At Mastercard, she played a crucial role in shaping brand marketing, paid media, and performance marketing strategies across Asia-Pacific. She also led Mastercard’s global launch of Gamer Xchange and introduced AI/ML-powered solutions like the Digital Engine in Asia.

Before her tenure at Mastercard, Nandan spent a decade at PayPal, holding leadership roles across consumer and B2B marketing. She was instrumental in driving strategic initiatives in international and regional markets, strengthening PayPal’s presence across APAC with expertise in strategic partnerships, performance marketing, and cross-border commerce.

Reflecting on how her past experience will shape her role at Standard Chartered, Nandan said, “With my almost 14 years of marketing experience in the fintech and payments space, I have a lot of learnings to take to my new role at Standard Chartered. I have worked across different players in the financial services ecosystem now–from a wallet, to a card network to now an issuer/bank.”

She added, “These organisations often work in partnership to meet a consumer’s financial needs. For example, the affluent customer segment has been a common one across various roles and I have seen these segments’ digital behaviours over the years. That, in my opinion, is definitely an advantage. I also carry my 14 years of experience in digital marketing to drive excellence as a subject matter expert.”

Nandan’s appointment comes at a strategic time as Standard Chartered prepares to roll out its ‘Now’s Your Time for Wealth’ campaign. Having already contributed to the campaign, she will now lead the digital charge, ensuring the message—‘The cost of waiting could mean falling short of one’s wealth ambitions’—resonates globally.

“One month into my role, I am amazed to see the innovation that is happening in the bank and in the financial services space. The way Standard Chartered is innovating with its products to provide more tailored solutions, creating seamless onboarding journeys for customers, driving personalisation across channels, and quickly adopting tools and technology backed by AI to drive this personalisation is impressive,” she stated.

She further added, “The Digital Transformation initiative that I will lead will be another step in future-proofing our marketing campaigns. There’s a lot more to come.”

With Nandan at the helm of digital marketing, Standard Chartered is set to amplify its global footprint and redefine personalised banking experiences through AI and data-driven insights.

February 20, 2025
Chinese Wok storms into Kolkata with a CGI-powered ‘Noodle Storm’ campaign

MUMBAI: Chinese Wok has made a sizzling entrance into Kolkata, unveiling a cutting-edge CGI campaign that captures its rapid expansion across India. Known for serving bold and flavour-packed desi-Chinese cuisine, the brand has now set its sights on a city with a rich legacy of Chinese food lovers. And what better way to make an entrance than with a ‘noodle storm’?

The campaign video features a striking visual—a dynamic whirlwind of noodles illuminating the Indian map—symbolising Chinese Wok’s 220+ locations across 35+ cities. More than just a stunning visual, it encapsulates the brand’s relentless growth and commitment to serving top-notch desi-Chinese food at affordable prices.

Blending technology with culinary passion, the CGI-led campaign reinforces Chinese Wok’s energetic and youthful personality. The ‘noodle storm’ is more than just a marketing gimmick—it’s a metaphor for the brand’s rapid expansion and its ability to bring people together over a shared love for bold, fiery, and umami-packed flavours.

Lenexis Foodworks founder & director Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign, “At Chinese Wok, we have always believed in blending innovation with tradition to create an unparalleled dining experience. Our journey has been about more than just expansion—it’s about redefining how desi-Chinese cuisine is enjoyed across India. The ‘noodle storm’ is a visual representation of this journey, symbolising our passion, rapid growth, and deep connection with food lovers nationwide. As we step into Kolkata, a city with a deep-rooted love for Chinese cuisine, we are thrilled to introduce our signature dishes to an audience that truly appreciates diverse flavours.”

The launch of Chinese Wok in Kolkata is a significant milestone, not just for the brand but for the city’s bustling food scene. From crispy honey chilli potatoes to spicy Sichuan noodles, the brand is bringing its much-loved menu to an audience that craves authentic yet innovative desi-Chinese fare.

With aggressive expansion plans and a commitment to quality, Chinese Wok continues to dominate the desi-Chinese dining space. Its unique blend of affordability, taste, and innovation positions it as a frontrunner in India’s fast-casual restaurant sector. And with Kolkata now on the map, the brand’s journey is only getting more delicious.

February 20, 2025
Top 5 Features that Make the Hyundai Venue a Great Choice for First-Time Car Buyers

Since its launch in 2019, the Hyundai Venue has emerged as one of India’s most popular subcompact SUVs. Its smart looks, feature-rich cabin, multiple engine-gearbox options, and relatively affordable pricing make it an excellent choice for young and first-time car buyers. This article will discuss the Venue’s top 5 features, reinforcing its credentials as an ideal entry-level SUV for new car owners.

An Overview of Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue is a stylish yet practical small SUV. Its eye-catching exterior pairs nicely with a modern, tech-filled interior. Under the hood, you can choose between three peppy engine options. Whether darting around the city or venturing on the highway, the Venue offers a comfortable, enjoyable driving experience. Clever use of space and numerous safety features make this an ideal vehicle for singles or small families looking for an affordable, efficient vehicle that doesn’t skimp on features.

If you’re considering purchasing the Hyundai Venue, ackodrive.com is an excellent platform to explore. Acko Drive offers transparent, credible automotive content, from detailed reviews to the latest tech insights, helping you make an informed decision.

Features that Make the Hyundai Venue a Great Choice

Here are the features of Hyundai Venue that make it an excellent choice for first-time buyers:

1. Compact Yet Spacious Design

The Venue measures just 3995mm in length, 1770mm in width, and 1590mm tall. Its compact dimensions make driving and parking in crowded urban streets very easy. Despite its compact footprint, the Venue’s intelligent packaging results in an airy and spacious cabin.

There is adequate room at the back to comfortably seat three average-sized adults during short drives. The 315-litre boot space can easily hold a couple of large suitcases. For a vehicle of this size, the Venue feels remarkably spacious inside.

2. Strong Safety Features for Peace of Mind

Safety is paramount for new car buyers. The Venue delivers on this front by offering 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and electronic stability control as standard across the range.

Other safety features include a tyre pressure monitoring system, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. In NCAP crash tests, the Venue scored 4 stars for adult occupants and 3 stars for child occupants.

3. Impressive Engine Options and Fuel Efficiency

The Hyundai Venue presents three powertrain choices to suit varying needs. The spirited yet frugal 1.2L petrol engine delivers 83bhp and is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. For enthusiasts, the 120bhp/172Nm 1.0L turbo-petrol motor is mated to a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic. Lastly, the proven 1.5L diesel churns out 116bhp/250Nm, prioritising highway cruising comfort over outright performance.

The petrol engines deliver up to 18.3 km/l, while the oil burner returns an impressive 22.7km/l. Such high fuel efficiency makes the Venue easy on the pockets, an essential consideration for new car owners with limited budgets.

4. Tech-savvy and Comfort-Oriented Features

Who doesn’t love a car that feels like it’s from the future? The Hyundai Venue is loaded with technology that makes every drive enjoyable and convenient.

. 8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: Comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, making it super easy to connect your smartphone.

. Connected Car Tech: Hyundai’s BlueLink system lets you remotely control various car functions, like locking/unlocking the doors or starting the engine.

. Comfort Features: A sunroof, cruise control, an air purifier, and wireless phone charging make every journey a breeze.

. Adventure Edition Perks: For the explorers, the Adventure Edition adds a dual-camera dashcam—perfect for capturing those scenic road trips.

First-time buyers often look for a car that’s easy to use but doesn’t skimp on modern features. The Venue strikes that perfect balance.

5. Budget-Friendly Pricing

Hyundai has left no stone unturned to make the Venue an aspirational product for young audiences. Fortunately, the pricing is on point for an entry-level SUV. The Venue retails between Rs 7.53 lakhs and Rs 13.62 lakhs ex-showroom. Compared to its immediate rivals, Kia Sonet and Maruti Vitara Brezza, which retail at similar price points, the Hyundai Venue manages to undercut them across most variants, making it a smarter choice for new car buyers.

The Bottom Line

The Hyundai Venue is a well-rounded sub-4-meter SUV targeting first-time buyers and young professionals on a budget. Its right-sized dimensions, coupled with a feature-loaded and safety-focused package, make it a great value proposition. If you are looking to enter the SUV segment without stretching your budget too far, the Venue emerges as a top contender that should be on your consideration set.

February 20, 2025