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Category: MAM

  • Stockmarket rumour verification: Esha Media says its media tool reduces company response time to Sebi’s questions

    Stockmarket rumour verification: Esha Media says its media tool reduces company response time to Sebi’s questions

    MUMBAI: This one is for communications folks or agencies and compliance executives in the top 250 companies (by market capitalisation)  listed on the stock exchanges.

    There are times when sudden sharp movements in share price  of listed companies can drive managements into a tizzy. An interested group can suddenly either ramp up or pull down a company’s share price by spreading  a rumour and the herd mentality can lead to a run on the stock.

    It is at this time that  the stock exchange  authorities can wag a finger in the company’s face and question its management about the drastic changes in transaction volumes or the spikes in the share price. This questioning can definitely  get the management scurrying all over to get at the source of  the stories and the gossip around the stock. And as per stock exchange laws they have to respond within 24 hours (more of that a little later.)

    It is at this stage where its broadcast media intelligence tool called Clipbyte can come handy, say the BSE-listed  media monitoring agency Esha Media Research. The tool allows companies to facilitate rumour verification and respond to the exchange with concrete details and thus safeguard their brand and comprehending investor sentiment.

    It may be recalled that since  1 June last year when rumour verification rules were made applicable, there  have been  around 170 instances or more as per stock exchange disclosures when these norms were triggered. These norms, which  were so far applicable to the top 100 companies, have been extended to the next 150 companies who will have to keep a close watch on material price movement of their stocks from 1 December 2024 onwards.  The first circular from Sebi was issued in January 2024 and the next in May 2024. 

    While companies need to have a robust in-house framework on leakages of unpublished price sensitive information, Clipbyte’s  monitoring services helps keep a  company’s compliance team prepared and equipped with data and insights to navigate the dynamic media landscape with complete nuggets of the coverage on the subject, says an Esha Media press release.. 

    “Our system detects and evaluates the impact of rumors, helping you track and  differentiate between market noise, significant events and its impact on price by providing real-time data, alerts, and insights, keeping you informed of any significant changes as they happen,” said  Esha Media Research founder Raman Iyer.

    Esha’s stock market vigilance service also offers conversation impact analysis. Companies can  track the influence of market conversations on stock prices.Its research time helps  analyse social media and  broadcast news outlets to help you understand the potential impact on price. 

    Additionally, real-time market updates received minute by minute from market open to close allow the platform to provide real-time data, alerts, and insights, keeping companies informed of any significant changes as they happen.

    In this fast paced corporate world, media monitoring services offer a competitive edge and prevent public relations disasters by keeping managements informed and responding quickly before issue emerge and escalate beyond repair, Iyer said. 

    As per Sebi  norms, a company has to confirm, deny or clarify the rumour within 24 hours once any material price movement occurs based on gossip that appears in mainstream  media.  

    With that kind of a deadline, any tool that can bring down response time should be in the consideration set, believes Iyer.

    True, Raman, but hopefully the corporate managements are listening and believing too. 

  • A billion journeys, countless stories: How India Ubered through 2024

    A billion journeys, countless stories: How India Ubered through 2024

    MUMBAI: The year 2024 raced by like a city cab weaving through rush-hour traffic, filled with moments of highs and lows, triumphs and challenges. 

    Yet, amidst the chaos, millions of Indians found their sanctuary in the backseat of an Uber, trusting the app to take them home safely, no matter the hour or occasion. From early morning commutes that witnessed dreams in the making to late-night rides after celebrations under city lights, Uber became the silent witness to India’s stories.

    With 9.2 billion kilometres covered, Uber’s wheels spun across highways and alleys, connecting lives and destinations. Each trip carried the essence of urban India—its resilience, ambition, and zest for life—cementing Uber’s role as more than a ride-hailing app, but a part of the nation’s daily pulse.

    This is the story of How India Ubered in 2024, a data-rich narrative of the trends, journeys, and choices that defined a year of movement and momentum.

    Uber trips covered a distance equivalent to the time it would take 8,752 years to traverse at 120 km/h – the same time humans evolved from the Stone Age to the AI era. Kochi riders emerged as the nation’s most loved, receiving an impressive average rating of 4.90, while Delhi-NCR topped the charts for total trips.

    Key highlights from 2024:

    Rider preferences and patterns:

    • Most popular products: Uber Auto and Uber Go.

    • Most active cities: Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata.

    • Peak travel time: 6 PM to 7 PM.

    • Top day for rides: Friday.

    • Busiest month: December.

    • Highest single-day trips: October 9, during Durga Puja and Navratri.

    Rider Ratings (Citywise)

    City

    Average Rider Rating

    Kochi

    4.90

    Chandigarh

    4.816

    Pune

    4.815

    Ahmedabad

    4.810

    Jaipur

    4.784

    Bangalore

    4.781

    Hyderabad

    4.779

    Chennai

    4.744

    National Average

    4.74

    Lucknow

    4.739

    Delhi NCR

    4.714

    Mumbai

    4.711

    Kolkata

    4.649

    Late-night trends

    • Mumbai recorded the most late-night rides, surpassing Delhi-NCR.

    Work commutes

    • Bengaluru had the highest number of office-hour rides.

    India’s intercity highlights:

    Top routes:

    • Mumbai – Pune.

    • Delhi – Agra.

    • Bangalore – Mysore.

    • Lucknow – Kanpur.

    • Ahmedabad – Vadodara.

    Longest trips:

    • Noida-Sasaram-Noida (1747 km).

    • Delhi-Ayodhya-Delhi (1464 km).

    Green mobility and new products

    • EV travel: Riders covered 170 million kilometres in electric vehicles, saving 8.5 million hours and contributing to reduced carbon emissions.

    • Innovative launches:

      • Uber Black (premium service).

      • Uber Shuttle (licensed app-based bus service).

      • Uber Pet (for domesticated animals).

      • Uber Shikara (Dal Lake rides in Srinagar).

    Most visited tourist spot:

    • The Taj Mahal in Agra topped the charts for Uber Intercity rides.

    Unique milestones:

    • Uber Courier completed the highest deliveries at lunch hour (1 PM), with one user booking 2,900 courier trips.

    • Uber Bus introduced 432,000 first-time users to app-based mass transit.

    Speaking about the report, Uber India country head, Himanshu Tandon said, “2024 was a landmark year for Uber India. Our data underscores the evolving needs of riders across the country, and we are thrilled to have played a pivotal role in their journeys. From green mobility to innovative services, Uber remains committed to redefining urban mobility while fostering sustainable development.”

    Uber’s report paints a vivid picture of how Indians embraced ridesharing to stay connected, marking 2024 as a transformative year for mobility.
     

    uber

  • Poco partners with Akshay Kumar ahead of X7 series launch

    Poco partners with Akshay Kumar ahead of X7 series launch

    MUMBAI: In a blockbuster move straight out of a high-octane action scene, Poco India has roped in Indian cinema’s quintessential Khiladi, Akshay Kumar, as its brand ambassador.

    Just as daring and dynamic as its ambassador, Poco is gearing up to unveil its highly anticipated Poco X7 series, promising a launch event as thrilling as an Akshay Kumar stunt. His association aligns seamlessly with the X7 series campaign, “Xceed Your Limits,” which aims to motivate users to challenge conventions and aim for extraordinary possibilities.

    Set to take place on 9 January at 5:30 pm, this collaboration isn’t just a partnership—it’s a story of two forces, ‘Made of MAD’, joining hands to redefine the way India sees smartphones.

    The Poco X7 series promises revolutionary features in the premium affordable segment. The Poco X7 stands out with the most durable 1.5K AMOLED 3D Curved Display in its class, while the X7 Pro boasts the segment’s largest 6550mAh battery featuring advanced Silicon Carbon Technology and a solid electrolyte. Both models run on the cutting-edge Xiaomi HyperOS 2.0, delivering next-gen AI capabilities for an enhanced user experience. Engineered for durability, efficiency, and superior performance, the Poco X7 5G and X7 Pro 5G redefine value and innovation at pocket-friendly prices.

    Speaking about the announcement, Poco India country head, Himanshu Tandon said, “At Poco, we’ve always embraced bold choices that reflect our vision of delivering innovative technology and empowering the next generation. Akshay Kumar’s fearless persona and mass appeal make him the perfect fit for a brand that thrives on breaking boundaries and redefining value. His partnership, coupled with the X7 series launch, highlights our strategic focus on scaling new heights and delivering transformative experiences as we gear up for an exciting 2025.”

    Kumar shared his excitement, “Partnering with Poco is an exciting new chapter for me. I’ve always admired brands that dare to be different, and Poco’s fearless approach to innovation and its ‘Made of MAD’ philosophy truly resonate with my personality. The X7 series campaign, ‘Xceed Your Limits,’ reflects the energy and determination I believe in – pushing boundaries and striving for excellence. I’m thrilled to be part of this journey as Poco inspires India’s youth to embrace bold choices and redefine possibilities in technology.”

    This dual announcement signals Poco’s growth trajectory and intent to dominate India’s tech landscape. With Akshay Kumar amplifying the brand’s visibility and the X7 series launch imminent, Poco is poised to deliver a bold and transformative user experience, capturing the market’s excitement.

  • Orient Technologies appoints Shrihari Bhat as CEO

    Orient Technologies appoints Shrihari Bhat as CEO

    MUMBAI: Orient Technologies Ltd., an IT solutions and services provider specialising in cloud and data management for enterprises in India, has appointed Shrihari Bhat as its chief executive officer, effective 1 January 2025. The board of directors approved his appointment in November 2024. With over 25 years of leadership experience, Shrihari will guide the company in enhancing its service offerings and expanding its market presence.

    He holds a degree in engineering and a Master’s in marketing management. Before joining Orient Technologies, he served as a division executive for International markets at FIS and held senior roles at NCR and FirstData (now Fiserv). In his new position, Shrihari will oversee technology transformation and business expansion, supporting the company’s goal of becoming a key player in the IT solutions landscape.

    Orient Technologies Ltd chairman and managing director Ajay Sawant said, “Shrihari is a highly accomplished business leader and we are delighted to welcome him on our team. Shrihari has demonstrated a strong track record in building high-performance teams and executing strategic growth initiatives. He will be working closely with Umesh, Jayesh, Ujjwal, and me to foster innovation and ensure our company’s success. His in-depth knowledge and industry expertise, combined with his visionary approach, will be instrumental in guiding the company as we continue to expand our presence and deliver innovative solutions to our clients.”

    Shrihari’s experience includes leading cross-functional teams and delivering advanced solutions, with over 20 years spent in international markets, including Singapore. His global perspective will aid in scaling innovative solutions across regions.

    “I am deeply humbled and grateful to the board of directors at Orient Technologies Ltd. for entrusting me with this exceptional opportunity,” Shrihari stated. “As I step into this role, I am keenly aware of the responsibility and privilege that comes with leading a pioneering IT services organization. My focus will be on empowering our teams to deliver exceptional solutions and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and customer-centricity. I am committed to building a resilient and agile organisation that not only adapts to the rapidly evolving IT landscape but also leads the way in digital transformation, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data management. Together with our talented team, I look forward to delivering operational excellence, driving innovation, and creating value for our customers, partners, and stakeholders.”

  • SW Network appoints Keerthi Kumar as business head for Bengaluru operations

    SW Network appoints Keerthi Kumar as business head for Bengaluru operations

    MUMBAI: SW Network, an advertising and marketing agency known for integrating creativity with technology, is expanding its presence in Bengaluru. The agency focuses on delivering innovative solutions that combine media, technology, and strategy to drive impact for clients in India and beyond.

    SW Network has appointed Keerthi Kumar as the business head for its Bengaluru operations. With over 14 years of experience at agencies such as Leo Burnett, Dentsu Webchutney, and FoxyMoron, has successfully managed award-winning campaigns for global and domestic brands. He has built high-performing teams and led initiatives that have garnered industry recognition and delivered measurable business outcomes.

    SW Network co-founder Raghav Bagai commented, “Bengaluru is India’s tech capital, and our expansion here reflects our ambition to be at the forefront of creative and technological excellence. Keerthi’s expertise in delivering integrated solutions that merge creativity with cutting-edge technology will enable us to provide even greater value to our clients and establish SW Network as a dominant force in the region and beyond.”

    SW Network co-founder Pranav Agarwal added; “At SW Network, we focus on creating meaningful impact through creativity, technology, and strategy. Keerthi’s expertise in market dynamics and team building aligns with our vision to set new benchmarks in Bengaluru. His leadership will drive our regional growth while shaping a future where brands, innovation, and value come together.”

    Keerthi Kumar sharing his vision said: “As SW Network deepens its presence in Bengaluru, the agency continues to uphold its commitment to adding value by merging creativity, media, technology, and strategy to offer transformative solutions for its clients. Building on our strong foundation and core values, we are dedicated to developing a high-performing team that delivers significant impact and enduring value to our clients.”

  • Tarandeep Singh Sekhon rejoins KidZania as chief business officer

    Tarandeep Singh Sekhon rejoins KidZania as chief business officer

    MUMBAI: In the vibrant world of tiny professionals and big dreams, KidZania India is stepping into 2024 with a blockbuster twist straight out of a storybook. As the bustling indoor theme parks in Mumbai and Delhi gear up for another exciting year, the spotlight shifts to a familiar face returning to lead the charge.

    Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, the seasoned strategist with a knack for weaving magic into brands, has rejoined the $554.8 million company, KidZania, as chief business officer. With his sights set on crafting new adventures, forging strategic partnerships, and elevating the brand to new heights, Sekhon is set to write the next thrilling chapter in KidZania’s journey.

    The ultimate playground of imagination is ready to dream bigger and soar higher—one little leader at a time.

    After previously serving as KidZania’s Marketing Director, where he played a key role in shaping the brand’s identity, Sekhon is rejoining with a renewed vision to enhance KidZania’s value proposition. During his earlier tenure, he created impactful experiences for children and families, which set benchmarks in the edutainment space.

    In his new role, Sekhon aims to steer the brand toward new heights by fostering innovation and building meaningful collaborations. “I’m thrilled to return to KidZania in a new leadership capacity at a pivotal time in the brand’s journey,” said Sekhon. “With a clear vision for growth, I look forward to collaborating with our partners to unlock fresh opportunities, drive innovation in strategic partnerships and sales, and solidify KidZania’s position as a leading global brand. Our mission remains clear: to be the preferred edutainment destination in each market and continue to create impactful experiences for children, families, and brands, while reinforcing our commitment to excellence and long-term value creation.”

    Sekhon brings over 20 years of experience in leisure, entertainment, and experiential marketing. His expertise includes strategic brand partnerships, leadership, and creating unparalleled consumer experiences. His stint in the sports and entertainment industry saw him deliver significant business growth, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic leader.

    KidZania operates in 30 locations across 20 countries, catering to over 10 million visitors annually. Sekhon’s leadership is expected to enhance the brand’s global footprint and reinforce its position as the top edutainment destination for children and families.

    With his focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, and long-term value creation, Sekhon aims to steer KidZania towards becoming the preferred choice for edutainment in every market it serves.

  • Manas Lahiri back at Havas India as chief growth officer

    Manas Lahiri back at Havas India as chief growth officer

    MUMBAI: After years of charting remarkable successes across the advertising world, Manas Lahiri returns to where it all began—Havas India.

    In a move that echoes both nostalgia and forward momentum, Lahiri steps back into the fold as chief growth officer, poised to reignite the spark of innovation and propel the network to greater heights.

    A seasoned leader with a knack for transformative growth, Lahiri’s homecoming marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of India’s fastest-growing communications networks.

    Lahiri’s appointment marks his return to Havas India, where he previously served in multiple roles, including MD of Havas Creative India (formerly Havas Worldwide India), between 2018 and 2023. In his new role, Lahiri will collaborate closely with the executive leadership team and report to Havas India, SEA, and north Asia group CEO, Rana Barua.

    Barua welcomed Lahiri’s return, emphasising the significance of his role in the network’s growth trajectory, “Manas’ return to Havas India comes at a crucial time as we continue our strong momentum as a proven integrated and future-facing network. With Havas India’s phenomenal transformation over the past few years, we needed a proven leader to scale our growth ambitions further. Manas’ strategic acumen, extensive industry experience, and deep understanding of our network’s values make him the ideal choice to take on this role.”

    Prior to rejoining Havas India, Lahiri held the position of executive growth partner at VML India, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the agency’s presence and securing key accounts. His career spans over two decades across advertising, brand marketing, and business leadership, including roles at Ogilvy, McCann, and Contract India. Lahiri has worked with marquee brands such as Samsung, Amazon, Coca-Cola, and Reckitt, providing him with a holistic perspective on brand strategy and growth.

    Sharing his enthusiasm, Lahiri said, “I am thrilled to rejoin Havas India at such an exciting juncture. Havas has always been close to my heart, and the network’s journey of transformation into a consolidated, client-centric ecosystem is truly inspiring. I look forward to contributing to this next phase of growth by driving meaningful partnerships, fostering innovation, and building on the strong foundation created by Rana and the team.”

    An MBA graduate from Bangalore University, Lahiri began his career on the client side, working with brands like Motorola and Samsung in sales and marketing before transitioning to advertising. During his previous tenure at Havas Creative India, Lahiri played a critical role in reshaping the agency, driving business wins, and strengthening client relationships. His expertise lies in fostering growth strategies, building high-performing teams, and delivering integrated solutions that yield tangible results.

    This appointment underscores Havas India’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team and fostering innovation across its integrated network.

  • Live Your City GM Sheetal Birla gears up to rev Indian live entertainment

    Live Your City GM Sheetal Birla gears up to rev Indian live entertainment

    MUMBAI: She’s hoping to get Indian live entertainment lovers swooning in feverish delight. As general manager, India, for  global live-entertainment discovery tech platform Fever Labs  – a position she took up in October 2024 – she will find the going easy.

    The reason: Live your City, the brand under which Fever operates has been running candlelight concerts in India since June 2024. And they have been a raging success starting with the first performances, in Mumbai and New Delhi at venues like Four Seasons in Worli, and Shri Ram Centre of Performing Arts in Connaught Place. These were followed up with venues like Pune’s  Radisson Blu, Jaipur’s  Rajasthan International Centre, Mumbai’s Royal Opera House,  and the JW Marriot,  Juhu, Benglauru’s  Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel and Thiruvananthapurm’s  Hyatt Regency and Hilton Garden Inn. Ticket prices have varied from Rs 500 to Rs 2,500. 

    While Sheetal is pleased about the progress Live your City has made so far, she is all charged up about leading the expansion strategy of the experience providing  company.  

    “From immersive experiences to sports events and music festivals, live entertainment has the power to unite people like nothing else. Now, combine that with the power of technology – and you’ve got Fever, the world’s leading platform for multi-category experiences, transforming the way we access culture and entertainment. With a data-driven approach, Fever not only inspires users but also empowers creators. The country’s rich cultural heritage, combined with its appetite for innovative experiences, presents unprecedented opportunities. I look forward to working with the talented team to expand our footprint and create memorable experiences that resonate with India’s diverse audiences,” said  Sheetal. “As Walt Disney said, ‘It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.’ Here’s to pushing boundaries, creating memories, and bringing people closer to the moments that truly matter. Let the adventure begin!”

    Sheetal’s career spans Fortune Global 500 companies and dynamic startups, and she brings extensive technology leadership experience and a proven track record in scaling businesses across diverse sectors. Her expertise in leveraging AI and data-driven strategies for business growth aligns perfectly with Live Your City’s vision for the Indian market.

    Prior to joining Fever Labs (Live Your City), Sheetal held transformative positions at several leading organisations, including Falkonry (deep tech and AI), Samsung (mobile), Tesco (retail), and Siemens (telecom), where she consistently demonstrated excellence in brand building, go-to-market strategy development, and revenue growth acceleration. Her global perspective, shaped by living in eleven cities across six countries, brings a unique understanding of diverse markets and consumer behaviours.

    Sheetal holds a bachelor’s in computer science and engineering and an MBA from Insead.  Her combination of technical expertise and business acumen positions her perfectly to drive Live Your City’s next phase of growth in India’s dynamic entertainment sector.

  • CS Tech AI: The right way to rebrand a technology solutions provider

    CS Tech AI: The right way to rebrand a technology solutions provider

    MUMBAI: You are a technology solutions provider. Your company and the solutions  you provide are well known to those involved in the automotive, architecture/engineering, transportation, telecom, water management, energy and geospatial engineering spaces.  And to top it all your company name is Ceinsys Tech. And most people find the name strange and difficult to pronounce. Especially in the domestic sector; internationally, things are good as the name looks fancy enough for a tech firm.

    So what you do?

    Do you run a campaign telling customers the right way to pronounce the company’s name?  Or do you  totally change your moniker? Or  do you take the tack that  Rs 250 crore plus turnover Ceinsys Tech India operations managing director  Kaushik Khona did?

    What Kaushik and team did is they took the C and the S from the name and removed the redundant “einsy.”  So they were left with CS Tech. Well, to everyone that looked like a great change , but they also wanted to make the  brand look edgy and very design-driven  like many a tech company  takes the effort to look (remember Apple and its classy designer look in everything it does).

    In line with its  strategy to grow globally and be seen as a cutting edge global technology company which is adding dollops of artificial intelligence into its solutions and processes, a decision was taken to add the words AI next to the logo as a suffix.  This change, for the company,  marked a strategic shift to underscore its  focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in driving technological innovation.

    “The move comes as Ceinsys positions itself for a future shaped by AI-driven solutions. The addition of “.ai” to the new rebranding reflects the company’s roadmap to integrate newer technologies including AI into the geospatial and technology solutions that enable smart infrastructure and utility development,” said the company.

    Hence the name of the company was changed to CS Tech AI.  

    Said Khona: “The rebranding of Ceinsys into CS Tech with inclusion of suffix ‘.ai’ is more than just a rebranding exercise—it represents our focus on the adoption of advanced technology into providing of solutions to our esteemed clients. AI is becoming the backbone of smart solutions, and this rebranding reinforces our commitment to innovation and relevance in a rapidly evolving landscape. It also allows us to communicate our vision more clearly and differentiate ourselves in the market.”

    A decision was taken to maintain the icon next to the logo as well as the tagline “Enhancing possibilities” as both only reinforced the high-tech look for the branding.  

    The corporate name Ceinsys Tech Ltd was maintained with  only the URL being changed to www. cstech.ai from www.ceinsys.com

  • Real estate developer Puravakara appoints Deepak Rastogi as group CFO

    Real estate developer Puravakara appoints Deepak Rastogi as group CFO

    MUMBAI: It’s strengthening its foundation. Real estate developer Puravankara has appointed Deepak Rastogi as the group chief financial officer (CFO), with effect from 15 January 2025

    Rastogi brings over three decades of extensive experience in finance, strategy, and transformation
    across diverse industries and international markets. He has held leadership positions, including
    president & group CFO at Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals and president & group CFO at
    Tata Autocomp Systems. His expertise encompasses driving profit and loss, growth strategies,
    mergers and acquisitions, digitisation, and enterprise risk management. 

    He has been exposed to working with markets like  China, Asean , Australia, Korea, Japan, Middle East, Sweden and the US to lead and develop diverse teams and hands on experience in debt raising. managing investors relations, investors road shows, enterprise risk Management, SAP implementation and business integration.

    Rastogi is a chartered accountant with an MBA from S P Jain Institute of Research & Management.
    He has a distinguished history of leading financial strategies and implementing transformative initiatives
    that drive efficiency and profitability. His insights and skills will help drive the company’s expansion and
    growth plans.

    Neeraj Gautam, who has been serving as the president – finance at Puravankara, has been
    elevated to the post of deputy chief fnancial officer.

    “We are excited to have Deepak on board to strengthen our operating efficiencies and financial
    controls in line with our future plans,” said Puravankara managing director Ashish Puravankara. ”His vast experience and strategic acumen will be instrumental as we pursue expansion opportunities. We are confident his leadership will contribute significantly to our ongoing success.”