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Category: MAM

  • Patanjali Group hard wires IBSFintech to transform treasury operations

    Patanjali Group hard wires IBSFintech to transform treasury operations

    MUMBAI: The Swami Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna founded Patanjali FMCG group, has collaborated with IBSFintech, a global leader in treasury management solutions, to integrate advanced treasury and trade finance functions into its operations. This partnership marks a significant step in Patanjali’s digital evolution, leveraging IBSFintech’s platform for seamless integration with its existing ERP ecosystem.

    The new system provides real-time analytics and actionable insights, enhancing risk management and boosting organisational agility and resilience.

    Patanjali Foods  CEO Sanjeev Asthana remarked, “This collaboration underscores our commitment to innovation and supports our global expansion strategy by addressing complexities in international operations, Forex management, and market volatility.”

    Patanjali Group CFO Kumar Rajesh highlighted the operational benefits, stating, “The adoption of real-time financial insights has strengthened governance and empowered Patanjali to navigate dynamic financial landscapes with confidence.”

    The initiative also integrates emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, reinforcing Patanjali’s leadership in digital transformation across the FMCG sector.

  • Fourth Dimension Media Solutions celebrates 14 years of industry excellence

    Fourth Dimension Media Solutions celebrates 14 years of industry excellence

    MUMBAI: Fourteen years ago, Fourth Dimension Media Solutions set out to revolutionise media outsourcing, strategic advertising sales, and digital marketing. Fast forward to today, and the company has not only cemented its place as a pioneer in the industry but continues to shape the future of regional media. From Puthiyathalaimurai News and V6 News to Republic Network and Siri Kannada, the firm has built unwavering partnerships with some of South India’s biggest news and entertainment networks.

    By blending data-driven insights with innovative media strategies, Fourth Dimension has helped brands connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Beyond media sales, it has played host to some of the industry’s most influential thought-leadership events, including the South India Media Summit, South India Digital Summit, Mobile Conclave, and Retail Conclave.

    Reflecting on this milestone, Fourth Dimension Media Solutions CEO Shankar B shared his excitement, “Our success has been driven by relentless dedication, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the media landscape. As we enter our 15th year, we are committed to strengthening South India’s media ecosystem, fostering brand growth, and embracing digital opportunities. All of this has been made possible by our incredible team.”

    Looking ahead, Fourth Dimension is gearing up to expand its regional media footprint, accelerate digital transformation, and roll out cutting-edge solutions to help brands navigate shifting audience dynamics. If the last 14 years were any indication, the next chapter promises to be even more game-changing.

     

  • Zepto and Škoda tease 10-minute car deliveries, but there’s a catch

    Zepto and Škoda tease 10-minute car deliveries, but there’s a catch

    MUMBAI: Last night, at precisely 9 pm, Zepto turned social media upside down with a cheeky new TVC that had people convinced they’d cracked the code to 10-minute car deliveries. Yes, you read that right.

    Imagine scrolling through the Zepto app, adding a Škoda Kylaq to your cart, and having it delivered before you can even pick a playlist for your first drive. Too good to be true? Well, it is.

    The ad, directed with a mischievous twinkle, never outright says that Zepto will deliver cars. But the visual storytelling cleverly nudged viewers into believing the impossible. The message? A bold synergy between Zepto and Škoda—without a single spoken word confirming the deal.

    And, naturally, media outlets pounced. Business Today, India Today, CarDekho, and a flurry of others sprinted to drop the juiciest headline first. “Zepto to Deliver Škoda Cars in 10 Minutes!” screamed one. “End of Dealerships?” suggested another. The internet had a field day.

    But before the world could collectively lose its mind, Zepto’s co-founder & CEO Aadit Palicha, stepped in at around 7 pm today to clear the air with a LinkedIn post that read: “No, We’re Not Delivering Cars in 10 Minutes… yet. We’ve seen the headlines—Škoda & Zepto delivering cars in 10 minutes?! We love the energy, but let’s clear things up: you won’t be ordering a Škoda Kylaq from the Zepto app (as tempting as that sounds).

    What you can get in 10 minutes? A test drive of the Škoda Kylaq for now 🙂

    But… who knows what the future holds?”

    Aadit

    That last line? A classic cliffhanger. Zepto may not be handing over car keys at your doorstep just yet, but they’ve certainly kept the audience hooked. And let’s be honest, with how fast commerce is evolving, nothing sounds impossible anymore.

    So, while you might not be able to get a brand-new Škoda delivered faster than your morning espresso, the hype around this stunt proves one thing: Zepto and Škoda know exactly how to grab attention.

    What’s next? Supercars on subscription? Jetpack deliveries? One thing’s for sure—2025 is looking exciting.

  • Amit Gujral joins Aarambh Communications as strategic advisor

    Amit Gujral joins Aarambh Communications as strategic advisor

    MUMBAI: When it comes to marketing mastery, few names shine as brightly as Amit Gujral—and now, he’s bringing his magic to Aarambh Communications as a strategic advisor. The former CMO of JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. and LG Electronics India Ltd. is swapping corporate boardrooms for brand storytelling, and with 29 years of experience in branding, advertising, and product marketing, he’s here to ensure Aarambh’s clients don’t just make noise but own the conversation. After all, why just shine when you can dominate?

    Aarambh Communications, co-founded by Sukriti Vajpayee and Himanshu Upadhyay, has carved a niche for itself across FinTech, Healthcare, Lifestyle, NBFCs, MarTech, Consumer, Real Estate, and Ed-Tech. Now, with Gujral at the advisory helm, the firm is poised to take brand storytelling to the next level, blending creative brilliance with sharp market strategy.

    Gujral is no stranger to game-changing campaigns. At JK Tyre, he led the celebrated “JK Tyre Desh Ka Tyre – Jab Hindustan Mile Hindustan Se”, an ad that didn’t just sell tyres—it ignited national pride. His tenure at LG Electronics was equally iconic, spearheading branding initiatives that cemented LG’s leadership in consumer electronics.

    Sharing his excitement, Gujral stated, “Marketing and branding are not just professions for me – they are a lifelong passion. As I begin this fresh innings, I’m excited to embrace this role of mentor, helping businesses navigate their growth journeys with impactful strategies. Aarambh Communications’ track record of creating lasting brand equity is remarkable. I’m looking forward to contributing to their mission and helping further elevate the brands they work with.”

    Vajpayee called this appointment a defining moment, “Having Amit Gujral join our advisory board is a huge win for Aarambh. His unmatched expertise in marketing and his visionary approach align perfectly with our mission to help brands achieve sustained success. Our growth has always been driven by the trust of our clients, and this step further accelerates our commitment to delivering exceptional value in the PR space.”

    Upadhyay echoed this sentiment, “Amit’s appointment comes at a critical juncture as we expand our service offerings. His deep understanding of consumer behaviour and ability to craft multi-channel marketing strategies will allow us to merge innovative marketing and PR tactics, ensuring that our clients receive holistic, results-driven solutions that strengthen their brand’s market presence.”

    With Gujral’s expertise, Aarambh Communications is set to redefine the future of PR and marketing, offering cutting-edge strategies that don’t just amplify brands but forge deeper, more meaningful connections with their audiences.

     

  • Shubhodip Pal named CEO of ITW Universe’s integrated marketing division

    Shubhodip Pal named CEO of ITW Universe’s integrated marketing division

    MUMBAI: ITW Universe just made a power move in the marketing world. The company has brought in Shubhodip Pal as the CEO of ITW’s Integrated Marketing Services (ITW IMS) division. With 27 years of experience and a reputation for turning brands into household names, Pal is set to supercharge ITW’s game plan across sports, media, and entertainment.

    Pal isn’t just a marketing pro—he’s a brand magician. He has led Samsung, ABN Amro Bank, Hewlett Packard, Micromax, Balaji Motion Pictures, and Revolt Motors to new heights. From launching Samsung’s legendary sports campaigns to transforming Micromax into a billion-dollar empire (yes, with Hugh Jackman in tow), his career is basically a masterclass in marketing wizardry.

    ITW Universe co-founder Bhairav Shanth welcomed Pal with enthusiasm, “We’re thrilled to welcome Shubhodip Pal to the ITW family. At ITW, we’ve always been at the forefront of innovation, and I have complete confidence that Shubhodip, with his groundbreaking ideas, will drive our vision even further. ITW IMS is a transformative division, and I can’t think of anyone better suited to lead it. Over the course of his career, Shubhodip has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to transform brands and leverage cutting-edge marketing strategies, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients.”

    Pal’s portfolio includes some of the biggest marketing campaigns in India:

    .  Samsung Cup – Spearheaded the brand’s cricket initiatives, including India’s tour of Pakistan after 13 years.

    .  Hewlett Packard’s Rebrand – Led HP’s transition from a B2B brand to a lifestyle powerhouse, introducing fashion-inspired laptops and the first digital cricket trophy with BCCI.

    . Micromax Boom – Took the brand from $350 million to $1.3 billion in 3.5 years, launched industry-first campaigns, and brought Hugh Jackman onboard.

    .  Googly Media – As CEO, built a Singapore-based gaming platform from concept to launch, securing major partnerships in less than a year.

    .  Balaji Motion Pictures – Oversaw blockbuster hits like Ek Villain, Udta Punjab, Veere Di Wedding, and Half Girlfriend.

    Pal is stepping into ITW IMS with a crystal-clear goal—giving brands a single-window solution for maximising media, sponsorships, and creative strategies. Sharing his excitement, he said, “I am very excited to be a part of ITW’s growing vision as one of the largest sports and entertainment agencies in the country. ITW has helped brands create a niche in sports and beyond, the need of the hour is a single window solution for brands to leverage which combines media, creative, maximising the Sponsorships which they invest in and actionable strategy across mediums and diverse platforms available today. With ITW working with 39 brands last year during the IPL was landmark on its own showing trust in us delivering solutions and activating rights be it Offline or online. I am looking forward to leading our dynamic team and spearheading our transformative approach across the BU’s in ITW and giving our clients bang for their buck. Customisation solutions for brands, understanding their needs and delivering is key to our success – we will always be part of the Brands CMO’s team for the brands we work with.”

    With Pal at the helm, ITW IMS is gearing up for major brand collaborations, data-driven marketing strategies, and deeper engagement in sports and entertainment sponsorships. The division has already bagged several high-profile mandates, with more announcements on the way.

  • S Chand Publishing rewards readers at NDWBF 2025 with exciting prizes

    S Chand Publishing rewards readers at NDWBF 2025 with exciting prizes

    MUMBAI: Winning prizes while buying books. Now that’s called motivation. Or else you would have just tossed it to your scarp collector making him rich.  

    S Chand Group turned up the excitement at the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) 2025 with a thrilling Prize Distribution Ceremony. Held on 4 February at stall number W-04 in Hall 06, the event celebrated the winners of the ‘Scratch and Win’ contest, a campaign designed to reward passionate learners and loyal readers.

    The contest, launched earlier this year, encouraged customers to engage with S Chand’s extensive range of educational resources, offering them the chance to win big-think laptops, scholarships, and exclusive merchandise. The goal? To make learning even more rewarding and strengthen S Chand’s connection with students, educators, and book lovers alike.

    The ceremony wasn’t just about applause-it was about real rewards:

    . Two grand prizes – Brand-new laptops to support digital learning journeys.

    .   Five scholarships – Rs 10,000 each, empowering academic excellence.

    .   More Giveaways – Gift vouchers, sippers, neckbands, and other exciting goodies.

    The event saw S Chand Group MD Himanshu Gupta, and S Chand Publishing (Higher Education) business head Sachin Sharma personally presenting awards to the winners, making the occasion even more special.

    Gupta shared his enthusiasm, “We are incredibly excited to celebrate the passion for learning that we have witnessed through this contest. This ceremony is a testament to our commitment to fostering a love of education and rewarding the dedication of our readers and learners. We believe this is a fitting way to acknowledge the support of our community at the prestigious New Delhi World Book Fair.”

    Adding to the sentiment, Sharma highlighted the significance of the event, “This prize ceremony is a way for us to give back to our loyal customers and readers, and a fantastic opportunity to share the fun and excitement with everyone at NDWBF. It’s also an opportunity to connect with our community, promote authentic books, and discourage piracy. Through this ceremony, we aim to celebrate the enthusiasm of our community and reward their pursuit of knowledge.”

  • Cashfree Payments secures $53 million in funding round led by Krafton

    Cashfree Payments secures $53 million in funding round led by Krafton

    MUMBAI: Digital payments are moving at breakneck speed, and Cashfree Payments is keeping pace like a fintech sprinter on a caffeine high. The company has just bagged a cool $53 million (Rs 450 crore) in a funding round led by Korean digital entertainment giant Krafton, with continued backing from Apis Growth Fund II, managed by Apis Partners Group (UK) Limited. This fresh infusion of cash is set to supercharge innovation, fuel market expansion, and catapult Cashfree onto the global stage.

    At its heart, Cashfree Payments is all about making transactions effortless—helping businesses collect payments, send payouts instantly, verify identities, and sniff out fraud before it even thinks about knocking. And the numbers don’t lie: merchant signups have skyrocketed 130% year-over-year, proving that Cashfree is scaling faster than your last online shopping spree.

    With a mission to redefine digital transactions, Cashfree enables businesses to start accepting payments within a day through popular platforms like Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce, and WhatsApp.

    Cashfree Payments CEO & co-founder Akash Sinha shared his excitement, “We are excited to welcome Krafton as a strategic partner with continued support from our existing investors, Apis Growth Fund II and the team at Apis Partners. Our mission at Cashfree Payments has been to empower Indian businesses with the ability to transact in the digital economy with unparalleled security and efficiency. This investment will help us accelerate our key efforts – across cross-border and security innovations and international expansion – as we enter the next phase of our growth journey. Growing sustainably has been core to our identity and how we function at Cashfree Payments. We are focused on driving profitable growth as we scale. Our mission is clear: to create long-term value for our customers and lead innovation in the payments space, both in India and internationally.”

    Krafton sees Cashfree’s market dominance as a springboard for global expansion. Krafton India CEO Sean Hyunil Sohn highlighted, “India’s fintech industry is experiencing remarkable growth, and we believe Cashfree Payment’s dominant position in India can be replicated globally. As the media and entertainment sector and content consumption patterns in India continue to evolve, full-stack payment systems that specifically address the needs and requirements of the sector are crucial for enhancing user experience. The investment is part of Krafton’s ongoing efforts to support innovative solutions that drive growth and foster a dynamic startup ecosystem. We look forward to further strengthening this partnership and exploring future opportunities.”

    Adding to this, Apis Partners co-founders & managing partners, Matteo Stefanel and Udayan Goyal stated, “As an industry leader with a history of pioneering innovations, Cashfree Payments’ proven track record continues to put it in a leadership position. We are excited to continue our support for its continued growth and success. Apis’ investment philosophy is that there should be no trade-off between returns for LPs and positive societal impact, and the investment in Cashfree is proving to be a perfect example of that.”

    Among Cashfree’s latest advancements is Secure ID, a comprehensive identity verification stack designed to curb fraud.

    . AI-powered KYC flows that minimise user input and reduce drop-offs.

    . Intelligent fraud detection that reads and verifies identity documents with pinpoint accuracy.

    . Over 1 billion identity and user verifications completed to date.

    As security threats evolve, Cashfree is doubling down on tech-driven solutions that protect both businesses and consumers.

    With $80 billion in annual transactions and a customer base of eight lakh businesses, including Swiggy, redbus, Zepto, bigbasket, and Bajaj Finance, Cashfree is not slowing down. The company is authorised by the RBI to operate as a payment aggregator for domestic and cross-border payments, making it one of the first entities in India with such approval.

    Beyond India, Cashfree is expanding into the UAE and exploring opportunities across the Middle East, further solidifying its global ambitions.

  • Shantanu Naidu to steer Tata Motors strategy in new leadership role

    Shantanu Naidu to steer Tata Motors strategy in new leadership role

    In a move that has the industry buzzing, Shantanu Naidu, the dynamic entrepreneur and close associate of Ratan Tata, has been appointed as the general manager, head of Strategic Initiatives at Tata Motors as of January 2025.

    In his new role at Tata Motors, Naidu is expected to spearhead strategic initiatives, leveraging his diverse experience in business strategy, engineering, and leadership. His appointment is anticipated to infuse fresh perspectives into Tata Motors’ strategic direction, aligning with the company’s vision for innovation and growth.

    Naidu, 31, is no stranger to innovation. He founded Motopaws in 2015, an NGO dedicated to animal welfare, and later established Goodfellows India in 2021, focusing on providing companionship to senior citizens. His entrepreneurial spirit is further showcased through his authorship with HarperCollins Publishers India and his role as the founder of On Your Sparks, a platform aimed at guiding young entrepreneurs.

    His journey with the Tata Group began in 2014 as a design engineer at Tata Elxsi. Over the years, he ascended to significant positions, including deputy general manager and later general manager in the office of Ratan Tata. His close association with the Tata patriarch led him to pen the memoir “I Came Upon a Lighthouse,” offering insights into their unique mentor-mentee relationship.

  • KidZania Mumbai takes learning to new heights with NMMC school visit

    KidZania Mumbai takes learning to new heights with NMMC school visit

    MUMBAI: When play meets purpose, the result is a lesson for life. That’s exactly what KidZania Mumbai delivered as 13,705 students from Navi Mumbai Municipal Corp (NMMC) schools embarked on a thrilling, interactive journey into the world of professions. Over 10 days from 20-29 January 2025, kids from grades two to five explored careers ranging from doctors to journalists, chefs to pilots, all while learning vital skills for the future.

    The massive school engagement program was orchestrated by NMMC, deputy commissioner for education department, Sangharatna Khillare.

    The aim? To use KidZania’s real-world role-playing activities as a fun and immersive way to teach financial literacy, teamwork, problem-solving, and career exploration.

    “Experiential learning is the cornerstone of shaping young minds,” said Khillare. “KidZania’s platform allows children to not only engage with different professions but also to gain essential life skills in a creative, hands-on way.”

    KidZania India, chief business officer, Tarandeep Singh Sekhon added, “It’s fantastic to see so many young minds so excited about learning through play. Our goal has always been to provide an environment where kids can have fun while developing important life skills. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to making learning both engaging and impactful.”

    From firefighting to journalism, kids got to role-play a variety of careers, stepping into the shoes of professionals and gaining firsthand experience in a safe and stimulating environment. The large-scale visit reinforced the power of experiential learning, highlighting the importance of creativity, curiosity, and teamwork in real-world scenarios.

  • Wider frames, bolder memories-Fujifilm’s instax Wide Evo launched!

    Wider frames, bolder memories-Fujifilm’s instax Wide Evo launched!

    MUMBAI: Fujifilm India is bringing a new era of instant photography with the launch of its high-end hybrid instant camera, instax Wide Evo. Unveiled by film star and brand ambassador Kartik Aaryan, this latest addition to the instax series promises creativity on a grand scale. Set to hit stores from 20 February at an sticker price of Rs 47,999, the Wide Evo comes in a premium edition combo pack with 20 wide shots. Pre-bookings kick off on 4 February via Instax.in and select retail outlets, with early buyers receiving a complimentary designer film worth Rs 1,299.

    The instax Wide Evo builds on the success of the instax mini Evo, offering a Wide format film for twice the image size. It allows users to preview shots on an Lcd screen before printing and can also function as a smartphone printer. Equipped with ten lens effects and ten film effects—including magenta, monochrome, light leak, and colour gradient—the camera enables up to 100 creative shooting combinations. The new degree control feature, introduced for the first time in the instax series, allows precise adjustments to light intensity and colour gradation across 100 levels, making every shot a masterpiece.

    The camera sports a sleek black and metallic finish, offering a luxurious, analogue-inspired design with intuitive dials and a manual Print Crank for a hands-on photography experience. Additionally, it introduces the Wide Angle Mode for capturing broader scenes and a Film Style feature to enhance printed shots.  

    Expressing his excitement, Kartik Aaryan stated, ‘The instax Wide Evo blends nostalgia with modern innovation. Its creative freedom, vintage charm, and dynamic shooting effects make it an essential companion for capturing life’s best moments.’

    Fujifilm India managing director Koji Wada, highlighted the brand’s commitment to innovation: ‘With the launch of instax Wide Evo, we continue our mission to bring joy to instant photography. This hybrid model embodies cutting-edge features while staying true to the classic appeal of the instax experience.’

    Fujifilm is also introducing the Wide format film Brushed Metallic, featuring a metallic-like texture, at an sticker price of Rs 1,299.