ITV

Category: MAM

  • Nikhil Kant to ride with FlixBus India as marketing & sales team lead

    Nikhil Kant to ride with FlixBus India as marketing & sales team lead

    MUMBAI: Veteran marketing professional and angel investor Nikhil Kant has donned the mantle of  team lead for marketing &  sales at FlixBus India. This announcement coincided with the company’s first anniversary of operations in the country.

    Expressing his excitement, Kant remarked, “Ever since I took my first FlixBus, I’ve admired their transformative impact on the global mobility landscape. I am thrilled to be part of this mission to revolutionise inter-city travel in India, especially under the leadership of my former colleague and friend, Surya Khurana.”

    Marking this milestone, FlixBus India launched its first electric buses in partnership with ETO Motors on 7 February. These quiet, emission-free vehicles will operate on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada route, offering passengers a safer and environmentally friendly travel option.

    Kant brings a wealth of experience spanning over a decade across top-tier organisations, including Uber, BAT, Interactive Avenues, and Even. His expertise encompasses brand strategy, media planning, social media management, and public relations.

    At Even, Kant served as head of brand marketing, PR, and social media, where he led brand building, communication strategies, and creative development. He played a pivotal role in establishing the company’s visual identity and tone of voice.

    During his tenure at Uber, Kant held multiple leadership roles, including global social media lead and head of APAC social media and India media planning. He was instrumental in devising strategies for digital engagement, brand reputation management, and crisis handling.

    Previously, at Interactive Avenues, Kant managed major accounts such as Coca-Cola, Sony, and Reckitt Benckiser, leading initiatives that integrated digital strategies with offline media.

  • Layers of Love campaign by Bakingo makes Valentine’s Day extra sweet

    Layers of Love campaign by Bakingo makes Valentine’s Day extra sweet

    MUMBAI: Love is best served sweet, and this Valentine’s Day, Bakingo is layering up the romance with its “Layers of Love” campaign. The leading online bakery is crafting confections that don’t just taste divine but also tell a story, one delicious layer at a time.

    Bakingo’s Valentine’s collection features an exquisite range of desserts, each symbolising the depth and beauty of relationships. From multi-layered cakes representing strong, lasting connections to delicate pastries mirroring tender moments, every creation is designed to make celebrations extra special. Just like love, these desserts are built with care, precision, and the finest ingredients, ensuring every bite is a heartfelt indulgence.

    “At Bakingo, we believe love isn’t just about grand gestures, it’s the little moments that truly matter,” said Bakingo co-founder Himanshu Chawla. “With ‘Layers of Love,’ we wanted to capture those emotions in every slice, making Valentine’s celebrations more meaningful. Whether it’s our best-selling heart cakes or personalised treats, we aim to add a touch of sweetness to every love story.”

    Bakingo’s special Valentine’s range is available for order on its website as well as on food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato. 

  • ITBP deploys 60 Maruti Suzuki Jimny SUVs for tough border terrains

    ITBP deploys 60 Maruti Suzuki Jimny SUVs for tough border terrains

    MUMBAI : The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is adding the rugged Maruti Suzuki Jimny to its fleet, with 60 units set to tackle the harsh landscapes of Leh-Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. Designed for tough terrain, the off-road SUVs are expected to enhance mobility in some of India’s most challenging border regions.

    The handover ceremony took place at ITBP Headquarters in New Delhi, attended by ITBP additional director general (HQ) Abdul Ghani Mir (IPS), and Maruti Suzuki senior executive officer for marketing & sales Partho Banerjee.

    The ITBP operates in extreme Himalayan conditions, with temperatures plummeting to -45°C in winter and landscapes ranging from glaciers to snow-covered mountains. The rugged terrain necessitates reliable, all-terrain vehicles for patrolling and border security operations.

    Maruti Suzuki Partho Banerjee stated, “This is a proud moment for us as we deliver the Jimny to the ITBP. The Jimny’s ‘Never Turn Back’ spirit aligns with the unwavering resolve of our soldiers. Maruti Suzuki has a long-standing association with the Armed Forces, with the Gypsy serving as a trusted companion for decades. With the Jimny, we continue this legacy, providing a vehicle designed to tackle the toughest terrains and support our forces at the frontiers.”

  • Quest Retail shakes up leadership: Malhotra rises, Shanker takes charge

    Quest Retail shakes up leadership: Malhotra rises, Shanker takes charge

    MUMBAI: Quest Retail, India’s leading beauty-focused specialty retailer, is shaking things up at the top! In a bold leadership move, the company has promoted Shriti Malhotra to executive chair while bringing in seasoned industry leader Rahul Shanker as group CEO to spearhead its next ambitious expansion phase.

    From luxury skincare to cutting-edge cosmetics, Quest Retail has built a powerhouse portfolio, housing global brands like The Body Shop, Kiehl’s, Avon, Kylie Cosmetics, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Max Factor, Boddess, The Honest Tree, and more. Now, with Shanker at the helm, the company is gearing up for a bigger, bolder, and more digitally savvy future.

    After a transformational stint as group CEO, Malhotra steps into her new role as executive chair, where she will focus on long-term strategic planning and corporate vision. Over the years, she has redefined India’s beauty retail landscape, pioneering innovative concepts and expanding Quest Retail’s influence across the country.

    Malhotra’s journey in retail has been nothing short of legendary. With nearly three decades of experience, she has been instrumental in shaping global brands like Benetton, Nike, and Puma in India. But her biggest feat? Bringing The Body Shop to India and making it a household name in beauty and personal care. Talk about a glow-up!

    Reflecting on this transition, Malhotra shared, “A company’s true strength lies in the passion of its people, and leading Quest Retail has been an incredible journey. Rahul’s expertise in scaling businesses and driving innovation makes him the perfect leader to take Quest Retail to its next big milestone.”

    Stepping into the group CEO role, Shanker is no stranger to steering consumer brands to success. With nearly 27 years of experience across PepsiCo, Wrigley-Mars, Philips, Avon, and Modicare, he brings an arsenal of expertise in FMCG, personal care, and health & wellness.

    Shanker’s mission? Scale Quest Retail’s operations, supercharge omnichannel strategies, and reimagine the customer experience. His leadership will focus on enhancing operational efficiency, embracing digital innovation, and tapping into new markets to fuel growth.

    Excited about the journey ahead, Shanker remarked, “Joining Quest Retail at such a high-growth phase is incredibly exciting. The company has a stellar portfolio, a strong omnichannel presence, and an ever-evolving vision. My goal is to take Quest Retail to new heights by creating an unmatched shopping experience for our customers and a thriving environment for our brands.”

    With a dynamic leadership duo in place, Quest Retail is set to expand its footprint, push digital boundaries, and elevate beauty retail in India. As the company gears up for its next evolution, one thing is certain—the future is bold, beautiful, and built for success.

     

  • Maruti Suzuki Smart Finance accelerates past two million car loan mark

    Maruti Suzuki Smart Finance accelerates past two million car loan mark

    MUMBAI: Fasten your seatbelts! Maruti Suzuki Smart Finance (MSSF) is racing ahead, crossing the landmark of two million car loans in just five years. Bossing the car-buying experience since its launch in 2020, the platform has partnered with 28 finance institutions to offer seamless, transparent, and hassle-free financing solutions across the Arena and Nexa channels.

    Maruti Suzuki India senior executive officer for marketing and sales, Partho Banerjee, said, “Five years ago, Maruti Suzuki pioneered a digital, end-to-end car financing solution, transforming the car-buying experience in India. Today, almost 50 per cent of our car finance cases are being done through MSSF, reflecting our commitment to enhancing the convenience of our customers with innovative digital solutions. Furthermore, using this platform, customers can get their cars financed 24×7, 365 days a year from anywhere.”

    Designed to put customers in the driver’s seat, MSSF offers tailored loan plans, competitive financing options, and rapid approvals, sometimes within a day. The platform’s industry-first features, including on-road price configuration, credit score-based interest rates, pre-approved and customised loan offers, and real-time loan status tracking, have made car financing faster, more flexible, and effortless.

  • Zee5’s Hisaab Barabar gets a fresh twist with Paytm’s Soundbox-powered campaign

    Zee5’s Hisaab Barabar gets a fresh twist with Paytm’s Soundbox-powered campaign

    MUMBAI : Home-grown streaming platform Zee5 has teamed up with Paytm, the trailblazer in mobile payments and Soundbox techy, to launch a groundbreaking promotional campaign for its latest original film, Hisaab Barabar, featuring R. Madhavan.

    The campaign, which took place across 100+ cities, including key metro and Hindi-speaking regions, greeted Paytm Soundbox users with personalised audio messages from Madhavan when making payments. The initiative transformed everyday transactions into an engaging film promotion, resonating deeply with audiences and bringing the film’s themes of financial transparency and trust to life.

    Hisaab Barabar is a gripping drama focused on the consequences of financial fraud, aligning closely with Paytm’s ethos of promoting accountability in financial transactions. The collaboration showcases how modern technology can blend entertainment with everyday experiences, creating memorable moments for users.

    Zee5 vice president of Marketing Shresth Gupta  commented, ‘This campaign seamlessly integrates entertainment with daily life, demonstrating how tech innovations can connect brands and consumers in a meaningful way.’

    A Paytm spokesperson added: ‘We are excited to see the Soundbox being utilised as a creative marketing tool, proving that technology can transform everyday interactions into impactful experiences.’
     

  • Tinder launches dating guide in more Indian languages

    Tinder launches dating guide in more Indian languages

    MUMBAI: Blind dates can go wrong. And in a multilingual, multicultural  nation like India, even  more so. This despite, people are dating. 

    Keeping this in mind,  Tinder and the Centre for Social Research (CSR) have made their dating safety guide available in four Indian languages—Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, and Bengali. The move aims to make online dating safety advice more accessible, ensuring users can find essential guidance in a language they are most comfortable with.

    Originally launched in 2023 in English, the guide provides young adults with practical tools and insights to navigate online and in-person dating safely. The expansion reflects Tinder’s commitment to fostering a secure dating environment, responding to feedback from regional language speakers who feel more comfortable consuming educational content in their native tongues.

    A recent Tinder survey revealed that safety and security are the top priorities for Indian singles before meeting someone from a dating app, with 37 per cent opting for a video call before an in-person date. Since its launch, the guide has been accessed over a million times and downloaded 50,000 times. With localisation, Tinder and CSR aim to extend their reach and promote responsible dating across India.

    Throughout February 2025, Tinder users in India will encounter in-app cards featuring key safety tips from the guide and directing them to a dedicated online resource. These cards will reinforce essential safety principles while encouraging users to make informed choices.

    Trust & Safety at Match Group vice president Yoel Roth Tinder’s parent company, stated: “At Match group, we prioritise making dating safer for millions worldwide. With this multilingual launch, we are empowering young daters in India with crucial safety tools. Our collaboration with CSR strengthens awareness and reinforces our dedication to robust safety standards.”

    Added CSR director Ranjana Kumari “For over four decades, CSR has championed gender equality and worked to make online spaces safer. Partnering with Tinder on this guide allows us to reach a broader audience, equipping individuals—especially women—with the knowledge to navigate online dating with confidence and security.”

    Recognising respectful communication, active listening, and clear intentions while staying alert to concerning behaviour. Emphasising the importance of clear and enthusiastic agreement in all interactions, with resources such as Tinder’s ‘let’s talk consent’ initiative. Educating users on tools like photo verification, unmatch, and block contacts to ensure greater control over their dating experience. Guiding users on how to report harassment directly within the app and access trusted support organisations if needed.

  • Luxury gets a table at Bangalore’s new Sobé Decor store

    Luxury gets a table at Bangalore’s new Sobé Decor store

    MUMBAI: Bangalore just set the table for luxury, and it’s looking absolutely exquisite. Sobé Decor, the coveted name in premium home decor and tableware, has unveiled its latest store in Indiranagar, giving the city’s design aficionados a fresh reason to indulge. Nestled in the iconic Falaknuma building, this upscale destination promises an unparalleled shopping experience, blending elegance with world-class craftsmanship.

    Previously an exclusive Noritake showroom, the space has now been reimagined as Sobé Decor, expanding its repertoire to include a handpicked selection of premium brands. From the timeless charm of Chabby Chic to the refined aesthetics of Gloss from Norway, Copacabana, and Christina Oliver, the store offers a symphony of styles that elevate interiors to new heights.

    Bangalore, often celebrated for its cosmopolitan tastes, makes for the perfect setting for Sobé Decor’s expansion, says Sobé Decor founder, Nivedita Jegadeesh, further adding, “This city has always embraced a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. With our new store, we aim to provide a space where elegance meets functionality, offering homeowners an opportunity to curate interiors that reflect their unique personality.”  

    The store is more than just a retail space; it’s a destination designed to inspire. With India’s widest collection of Noritake under one roof, alongside other international luxury brands, it caters to those who appreciate the finer things in life. Whether you’re refreshing your dining space, adding a touch of sophistication to your living room, or seeking statement pieces for a personal retreat, Sobé Decor ensures every home tells a story of refinement and taste.

  • ITC makes a good catch with Prasuma frozen foods

    ITC makes a good catch with Prasuma frozen foods

    MUMBAI : It’s gotten hungry to grow and its gobbling up a company which has got urban food lovers smacking their chops in delight.

    Diversified FMCG giant ITC has sealed a definitive deal to acquire frozen, chilled, and ready-to-cook food brand Prasuma. Founded by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Lisa Suwal and Siddhant Wangdi, Prasuma has innovated on several fronts, especially in the area of advanced freezing technology that locks in freshness.

    Prasuma has built a reputation with its premium, preservative-free frozen momos, which it then expanded to cover Pan-Asian cuisine and deli meats.

    The company has recorded consistent, profitable growth since inception, without external funding. Currently, Prasuma operates in over 100 cities across online and offline retail channels, as well as cloud kitchens.

    Its direct-to-consumer platform, Meatigo by Prasuma, offers a curated selection of exclusive products, with delivery times as short as 30 mins in major cities. Notably, Prasuma manufactures all its products in-house, ensuring stringent quality control and flavour authenticity.

    “We are immensely proud of what we have built and excited to partner with ITC for the next phase of growth. Consumer love and trust have always been our driving force. ITC shares our commitment to quality and innovation, making them the ideal partner. This collaboration is not just a business deal; it is the realisation of our lifelong passion for exceptional food,” said Prasuma & Meatigo CEO Lisa Suwal.

    Added COO Siddhant Wangdi: “Frozen food is undoubtedly the future. With Prasuma’s expertise in manufacturing and innovation, combined with ITC’s strength in distribution and brand-building, this partnership is poised to create immense value for consumers in India and beyond. Together, we aim to revolutionise the frozen food industry with quality, convenience, and exceptional taste.”

  • South Korea’s NC& S1 Infinite dash cam wins CES’ top tech prize in transportation category

    South Korea’s NC& S1 Infinite dash cam wins CES’ top tech prize in transportation category

    MUMBAI:  There are dash cams and there are dash cams. South Korean company NC&’s Vueroid, a high-resolution dash cam technology brand,  says it’s S1Infinite dash cam is THE dash cam. And as proof of that it   points to the Techlicious CES 2025 Editor’s Choice Award in the transportation category that it has won for the S1 Infinite dash cam, an AI-powered high-resolution 4K automotive dash cam that captures reliable, high-quality evidence for accidents and other automotive incidents. 

    The S1 Infinite is designed to deliver superior video clarity and features AI technology via the Vueroid Hub app, capable of restoring license plate information even in challenging conditions. “Dash cams are essential for modern drivers, and Vueroid’s AI innovation addresses real-world frustrations, making all the difference when clarity matters most,” Techlicious stated.

    Other standout features include advanced image signal processing for enhanced brightness and noise reduction, low-power parking surveillance, rapid impact activation, and seamless Wi-Fi file transfers.

    NC& manager Jessie Lee said, “This award recognises our commitment to innovation and delivering impactful solutions that enhance driver safety.”

    NC&, South Korea’s largest dash cam manufacturer, has developed over four million devices in five years. Its proprietary ISP technology allows precise adjustments across 18 video categories, enabling up to 700,000 image outcomes for unmatched clarity.

    The S1 Infinite will be available in the US and Canada in March for an estimated retail price of $299.99. It will be sold at major outlets, including Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart, with models available for front-only, front-rear, and three-camera configurations.