ITV

Category: MAM

  • Hero MotoCorp appoints Latika Taneja to lead communications, corporate affairs and CSR

    Hero MotoCorp appoints Latika Taneja to lead communications, corporate affairs and CSR

    MUMBAI: Hero MotoCorp has strengthened its leadership bench with the appointment of Latika Taneja as head of corporate communications, corporate affairs and CSR. In her new role, she will be responsible for shaping the company’s brand narrative, deepening stakeholder trust and advancing its agenda of purposeful and sustainable growth.

    Taneja brings more than two decades of experience in building reputations for multinational corporations across energy, financial services, technology and insurance. She joins Hero MotoCorp from Shell, where she spent over three years leading corporate relations across government affairs, communications and sustainability. Prior to that, she held senior mandates at Mastercard, including director of public policy and government relations for South Asia and head of corporate communications.

    Her earlier career spans stints at DuPont, where she managed external and leadership communications across South Asia; Alcatel-Lucent India, where she developed integrated marketing campaigns; and MetLife, where she ran corporate communications for India. She began her career at Genesis Burson-Marsteller, supporting clients on insurance and financial services.

    Hero MotoCorp said Taneja’s appointment reflects the company’s sharpened focus on long-term value creation, stronger governance and broader stakeholder engagement as the mobility sector undergoes rapid transformation.

    Known for her passion for policy, partnerships and sustainability, Taneja has consistently worked at the intersection of communications, corporate affairs and social responsibility. Her remit at Hero MotoCorp will include aligning the brand’s voice with its strategy for an evolving global mobility ecosystem, while reinforcing its reputation with regulators, partners and customers.

    The company added that her leadership will play a critical role in energising its ESG commitments, strengthening corporate responsibility initiatives and amplifying Hero MotoCorp’s global brand positioning.

  • Jack in the Box Worldwide and Tidal7 merge to form J7

    Jack in the Box Worldwide and Tidal7 merge to form J7

    MUMBAI:  Independent agencies Jack in the Box Worldwide and Tidal7 have sealed a merger, creating a new entity called J7 that aspires to be a “future-ready” marketing powerhouse. The combined agency will pool strengths in creative storytelling, branding, data intelligence and technology-led marketing to deliver integrated solutions for clients in India and beyond.

    Jack in the Box Worldwide, founded by Roopak Saluja, has built its reputation on social media campaigns, design and consumer research. Tidal7, launched by Venkat Mallik, carved out its niche with data-driven branding, digital analytics and multi-channel creative services. Together, the two outfits aim to position J7 as a partner that can blend cultural insight with measurable business outcomes.

    “This is a major inflection point in Jack in the Box Worldwide’s trajectory,” said Saluja, who will continue as founder and chairman. “By joining forces with Tidal7, we are enhancing our culture of creativity with world-class data intelligence and strategic depth. J7 is not just a new name — it is a manifestation of our shared commitment to solving our clients’ most complex challenges.”

    Mallik, who becomes J7’s founder and chief executive, underlined the agency’s growth ambitions: “We have always believed that the most powerful marketing solutions emerge when brand thinking, creativity and data intelligence work hand-in-hand. With J7, that belief takes on a new dimension. The aim is not just to create campaigns but to build growth ecosystems for clients, empower teams with advanced tools and lead in an AI-driven future.”

    J7 will place particular emphasis on AI-led innovation, new media formats and tech-integrated tools. Plans are under way to expand service offerings, develop industry-specific solutions and pursue growth both within India and overseas.

    Team J7

    The leadership bench will include Farhatnaz Ansari as managing partner, Sivaram Subramaniam as executive creative director and Vikram Srivastava as director of data and strategy. Both agencies’ existing clients will continue to be served without disruption, now aligned under the J7 vision.

    By marrying Jack in the Box Worldwide’s creative flair with Tidal7’s analytical rigour, J7 is betting that the next era of advertising belongs to agencies that can move as fast as technology — and as imaginatively as culture.

  • Credit where it’s due Delhi tops Paisabazaar’s most credit healthy cities

    Credit where it’s due Delhi tops Paisabazaar’s most credit healthy cities

    MUMBAI: Looks like Delhiites aren’t just keeping up with the Joneses, they’re paying them back on time too. According to Paisabazaar’s insights report “How India Checked Credit Score”, the capital has emerged as India’s most credit-healthy city, with 46 per cent of its consumers scoring well and an average score of 746.

    Close on its heels is Pune, where 44 per cent of participants posted an average of 744, while Kerala (43 per cent at 745) and Chandigarh (43 per cent at 744) round off the top credit-conscious quartet. The findings were drawn from the Credit Premier League (CPL), a gamified contest that saw a whopping 4.7 million participants from 710 cities track and test their financial fitness over 30 days.

    The competition wasn’t just about averages, it also produced some standout high scores. Five participants from Bangalore, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kerala and Pune touched 861 out of 900, the highest in the country, while a Chennai contestant followed closely with 859.

    Interestingly, the most active cities weren’t the healthiest ones Mumbai, Hyderabad and Lucknow together clocked nearly 1.5 million participants. More than half of all players came from the millennial bracket (29–44 years), highlighting just how deeply younger Indians are engaging with financial health.

    Women may have been fewer in number, making up just 8 per cent of participants, but they left a mark too, one-third hailed from southern cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Adding to the fun was a quirky Ghibli-style selfie feature that allowed participants to generate animated selfies showcasing their credit scores, sparking a social media wave of “score-sharing”.

    “Consumers are engaging with their credit health like never before,” said Paisabazaar CEO Santosh Agarwal adding that CPL has helped make conversations around financial fitness truly mainstream.

    From quirky selfies to sky-high scores, the Credit Premier League has proved one thing, when it comes to money matters, India is ready to play the long game.

  • Mumbai’s gig economy: concerts spark hotel booking boom

    Mumbai’s gig economy: concerts spark hotel booking boom

    MUMBAI: The maximum city is fast tuning into a global music hub, with concert announcements triggering an expected fallout: a surge in hotel interest. Data from Agoda show that between February and July 2025, domestic searches for stays in the city during big-ticket shows soared compared with two weeks earlier.

    Travis Scott’s Circus Maximus Tour stop on 19 November fuelled a 110 per cent spike, Enrique Iglesias’ October double-header drove a 160 per cent rise, and Akon’s 16 November gig saw a 20 per cent lift.

    This momentum follows January’s Coldplay bonanza, which sent searches rocketing 3,300 times higher than the week before tickets went on sale.

    “Mumbai’s live music calendar is more diverse than ever, attracting fans from across the country to experience global artists in world-class venues,” said Agoda country director for the Indian subcontinent and Indian Ocean islands Gaurav Malik.

    As more global names plug Mumbai into their tour schedules, the city’s rhythm is resonating well beyond its borders—creating fresh opportunities for hotels, venues and local businesses.

  • Role of ESG Factors in Stock Trading Decisions

    Role of ESG Factors in Stock Trading Decisions

    Have you ever wondered why some investors look beyond financial statements before picking shares? In recent years, ESG factors, environmental, social, and governance considerations, have become an integral part of stock trading decisions across the world, including in India.

    For participants opening their first portfolios or those planning to open a demat account for long-term goals, ESG is no longer just a niche topic. This article explains how these factors shape decisions and what investors need to understand in a practical, easy-to-follow way.

    What Are ESG Factors?

    ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. These three areas provide a framework for evaluating how responsibly and sustainably a company operates.

    Environmental

    ●    Covers how a company manages its environmental footprint.

    ●    Energy use and efficiency

    ●    Waste management practices

    ●    Carbon emissions reporting

    Social

    Refers to how a business manages relationships with employees, customers, and communities.

    ●    Employee welfare and diversity

    ●    Labour rights and workplace safety

    ●    Community engagement

    Governance

    Looks at the internal structures and decision-making processes of a company.

    ●    Board independence and structure

    ●    Transparency in disclosures

    ●    Ethical business conduct

    Understanding these pillars gives investors a clearer picture of how companies operate beyond numbers and financial ratios.

    Why ESG Matters in Stock Trading?

    For many investors, stock markets are not only about returns but also about aligning investments with values and long-term stability.

    Risk Management

    Companies that ignore environmental or social responsibilities may face penalties, reputational risks, or operational setbacks. Factoring ESG into stock trading helps investors identify such risks early.

    Market Perception

    ESG-conscious firms often attract more positive attention from institutional investors. This sentiment can influence demand for shares in both primary and secondary markets.

    Long-Term Considerations

    While short-term gains may appeal to some, others opening a demat account for retirement or wealth-building often view ESG as a marker of sustainable performance.

    Growing Importance in India

    The conversation around ESG has gained momentum in India over the past decade.

    Regulatory Push

    Indian regulators have encouraged companies to disclose ESG-related information. With more transparency, investors can evaluate how businesses address sustainability and governance concerns.

    Rising Awareness Among Retail Investors

    ●    Social media discussions around responsible investing

    ●    Broking platforms highlighting ESG-focused funds

    ●    Greater curiosity from new investors about ethical practices

    As a result, even retail investors exploring open demat account options now find ESG-friendly products available to them.

    How Retail Investors View ESG Factors

    For retail participants, ESG may appear as a complex concept. However, it is increasingly being integrated into decision-making processes.

    Practical Filters

    ●    Checking company sustainability reports

    ●    Reviewing governance scores from rating agencies

    ●    Observing industry-wide environmental practices

    Everyday Influence

    For example, investors may prefer companies with clear environmental initiatives or transparent governance structures when selecting shares for stock trading.

    ESG and Investment Products

    The Indian market has gradually introduced products catering to ESG preferences.

    ●    ESG-Focused Funds: Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) highlight their ESG orientation, making them accessible for individuals without requiring advanced research skills.

    ●    Direct Stock Trading: Retail investors may also apply ESG filters before applying for IPOs or purchasing shares through their demat accounts.

    ●    Balancing ESG with Other Factors: While ESG is important, it does not replace traditional financial analysis. Investors often combine both approaches.

    Common Approaches

    Here are the common things you can consider:

    ●    Analysing balance sheets and profit margins alongside ESG disclosures

    ●    Considering industry-specific risks (for example, energy vs. IT)

    ●    Comparing governance practices across competitors

    By doing so, participants achieve a more balanced outlook on stock trading decisions.

    Role of Technology in ESG Evaluation

    Digital platforms are making ESG integration easier for investors.

    ●    Online Tools and Research

    ●    Broking apps highlight ESG scores

    ●    Independent agencies publish ESG rankings

    ●    Digital reports summarise environmental and social data

    This enables even new investors who recently open demat account to access ESG-related insights without specialised knowledge.

    Benefits Observed by Investors

    While experiences differ, several themes often emerge when investors consider ESG factors.

    ●    Greater trust in company practices

    ●    Awareness of broader market trends

    ●    Opportunity to support sustainable industries

    These aspects add depth to stock selection beyond traditional financial metrics.

    Challenges with ESG Integration

    Despite its rising importance, ESG investing is not free from challenges.

    ●    Lack of standardised disclosure formats

    ●    Subjective interpretation of what qualifies as ESG-compliant

    ●    Limited historical data in certain sectors

    ●    Investors must stay aware of these limitations when making decisions in stock trading.

    The Future of ESG in Indian Stock Markets

    The role of ESG in investment decisions is expected to expand as markets evolve.

    ●    More companies adopting sustainability disclosures

    ●    Improved rating frameworks for governance and social factors

    ●    Growing participation from retail investors through demat accounts

    As awareness grows, ESG is likely to become a mainstream consideration rather than a niche approach.

    Tips for Retail Investors Exploring ESG

    For individuals interested in ESG-focused investing, a few practical steps can simplify the process.

    ●    Start small by reviewing sustainability reports

    ●    Diversify holdings with ESG-focused mutual funds

    ●    Use broking platforms that provide ESG screening options

    ●    Keep financial goals aligned with risk appetite

    By taking such measures, investors integrate ESG into their approach without making the process overwhelming.

    Conclusion

    The integration of ESG factors into stock trading is steadily shaping how investors think about the market. ESG awareness has been adopted included within the learning curve of many Indians who are pondering the idea of opening a demat account or not. Between challenges and the trend, there is a greater change in investor priorities.

    Instead of paying attention only to the short-term key performance indicators, market actors will pay more attention to the way companies engage with the society, the environment and their domestic governance. This responsibility-performance balance has been slowly reconstituting investment behaviour in India. 
     

  • Digital marketing veteran leaves Reckitt after nine-year stint

    Digital marketing veteran leaves Reckitt after nine-year stint

    MUMBAI: Shashishekhar Mukherjee, one of India’s most decorated digital marketing executives, has ended his nine-year tenure as head of digital marketing at Reckitt, the British consumer health and hygiene giant behind brands including Dettol, Durex and Veet.

    The departure of the 18-year industry veteran, announced on LinkedIn this week, marks another high-profile exit from the fast-moving consumer goods sector as companies grapple with rapid digital transformation and fierce competition for top talent.

    Mukherjee, who joined Reckitt in April 2016, spearheaded the company’s data-driven marketing strategy across its marquee portfolio, which also includes Moov pain relief gel. His campaigns earned recognition at prestigious industry awards including the APAC Effies, Asian Warc and Emvies.

    The executive’s credentials include being named among Brand Equity’s top 30 digital marketers. He currently serves as a board advisor to the India Influencer Governing Council and is a member of the Mobile Marketing Association’s APAC retail media network.

    “After nine incredible years, I recently bid farewell to my team, coworkers, and friends at Reckitt,” Mukherjee wrote in his LinkedIn post, describing the role as having “profoundly shaped me both personally and professionally.”

    His exit comes as multinational consumer goods companies face intensifying pressure to digitise their operations and connect with younger consumers across India’s diverse markets. The sector has witnessed a wave of senior departures as executives seek new opportunities in the rapidly evolving landscape.

    Mukherjee’s departure follows a distinguished career spanning blue-chip agencies and brands. Before Reckitt, he served stints at GSK (now Haleon), where he led digital initiatives for wellness brands including Sensodyne toothpaste and Eno antacid, and at Mindshare, where he headed digital strategy for PepsiCo’s portfolio.
    His early career included roles at GroupM, handling accounts for Twinings tea, Kurkure snacks and Domino’s Pizza, and at Publicis Groupe, managing digital offerings for Hewlett-Packard and telecom operator MTS.

  • Spirits marketer Renu Yadav swaps Grey Goose for homegrown gin

    Spirits marketer Renu Yadav swaps Grey Goose for homegrown gin

    MUMBAI: Renu Yadav has traded the global sophistication of Grey Goose and Bombay Sapphire for the patriotic promise of Vanaha Gin, becoming marketing lead at Revelry Distillery in a bet that Indian spirits can conquer international palates.

    Yadav’s departure from Only Much Louder, where she shepherded premium Bacardi brands including Patron tequila, signals her confidence in homegrown distilling. At Revelry, she will champion Vanaha Gin, a craft spirit that founders Vaniitha Jaiin and Navvin Jaiin position as India’s answer to the global gin renaissance.

    The move caps a decade-long love affair with the spirits industry that began somewhat accidentally.  Yadav’s immersion in the alcoholic beverages world through Bacardi’s portfolio awakened what she describes as her “passion for building brands that create not just products, but experiences.”

    Her career trajectory reads like a route map in modern marketing evolution. From co-founding agency Notch It UP to producing content for Condé Nast India, Yadav has bounced between entrepreneurship and corporate roles with characteristic restlessness. A stint at Extento Experiences, where she managed experiential marketing for premium alcohol and lifestyle clients, provided the final polish to her spirits credentials.

    Yadav’s appointment comes as Indian craft distilleries eye international expansion, riding a wave of global curiosity about subcontinental flavours. Her dream of opening her own bar remains on hold, but this role represents what she calls “a big step in that direction.”

    Revelry Distillery will be banking on her knack for creating memorable brand experiences—a skill honed through years of managing everything from live activations to trade marketing. Whether Vanaha Gin can match the marketing panache of its international rivals remains to be seen, but Yadav’s track record suggests the spirit has found a formidable champion.

  • Roshan Salian joins Magnon Group as associate vice president – key accounts

    Roshan Salian joins Magnon Group as associate vice president – key accounts

    MUMBAI: Roshan Salian has been appointed associate vice president – key accounts at Magnon group, marking the latest step in a 15-year career in digital marketing.

    Salian, who has previously held leadership roles at Social Panga, Ogilvy, Schbang, Tonic Media and Gozoop, is known for crafting customer-first campaigns and building collaborative partnerships with digital-first brands.
    At Social Panga, he spent over three years as group head – brand solutions, overseeing client relations, creative strategy and integrated marketing. Earlier stints include account director at Ogilvy and group solutions manager at Schbang.

    With his new mandate, Salian is expected to drive strategic growth for key accounts at Magnon group, leveraging his expertise in campaign strategy, operations and brand development.

  • Hero worship 62 per cent of Indian dads see themselves as family protectors

    Hero worship 62 per cent of Indian dads see themselves as family protectors

    MUMBAI:  Looks like Indian fathers are donning more than just their Sunday cap, they’re putting on superhero capes too. A new PNB Metlife India Insurance survey, conducted across the country, finds that 62 per cent of fathers identify as “Hero Dads” guardians who see themselves as the primary protectors of their family’s financial security.

    The nationwide study, launched on Father’s Day and spread over June, July and August, engaged more than 6000 fathers across urban and semi-urban India through microsites and QR-code activations. The exercise grouped dads into three personas:

    .  Hero Dads: 62 per cent, the protectors of family finances.

    .  Thoughtful Dads: 29 per cent, cautious long-term planners.

    .  Disciplined Dads: 9 per cent, methodical savers with a love for structure.

    Beyond the labels, the survey painted a clear picture of evolving priorities. Children’s education remains the top concern for 51 per cent, but fathers are now increasingly thinking about themselves too. 14 per cent prioritise retirement planning and another 14 per cent dream of a big family holiday hinting at a shift towards security paired with experience-led living.

    What’s striking is the long-term lens fathers now wear. 53 per cent are willing to invest for 10–15 years, 14 per cent for 15–20 years, and 13 per cent for 20–30 years. Perhaps most telling, 20 per cent are in it for the very long haul over 30 years cementing a cultural tilt towards sustained wealth-building.

    When it comes to parking their money, dads are showing a clear preference for stability: 30 per cent opt for fixed deposits, 22 per cent choose life insurance, while 17 per cent favour mutual funds. The pattern points to a generation more comfortable with low-risk, predictable instruments that align with their extended horizons.

    PNB Metlife chief marketing & communications officer Sourabh Lohtia summed it up: “Today’s father is a provider, protector, and nurturer financially savvy and emotionally present. The ‘Dad Type’ survey shows how deeply fathers are committed to building secure futures for their families.”

    Turns out, the new-age Indian dad is not just about quick fixes or cautious saving, he’s evolving into a blend of protector, planner, and provider. And with nearly two-thirds proudly wearing the ‘Hero’ tag, it seems India’s dads are scripting their own blockbuster sequel in the financial universe.
     

  • Designs on growth LS Digital appoints Dipali Mahesh to lead UI/UX

    Designs on growth LS Digital appoints Dipali Mahesh to lead UI/UX

    MUMBAI: Looks like LS Digital is giving its design story a bold new stroke. The integrated Digital Business Transformation (DBT) company has appointed Dipali Mahesh as managing director – UI/UX, F1studioz, signalling its intent to put design at the heart of its global growth blueprint.

    Mahesh brings 28 years of leadership experience across media and technology, with senior stints at Sony Pictures and Extreme Reach (formerly Adstream). She has managed multi-market operations across India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, building high-performing teams and turning around businesses with a clear focus on profitability.

    At LS Digital, Mahesh will co-lead the UI/UX vertical with co-founder & chief designer, D. Dhayan Kumar, under the guidance of Prasad Shejale, founder & CEO. Her brief? To shape F1studioz’s global strategy, expand its footprint in the US, UAE, and Europe, and position the studio as the go-to partner for enterprises betting on UI/UX as a critical business transformation lever.

    “I believe agility and innovation will continue to be our strongest differentiators,” Mahesh said, underlining her focus on scaling impact in international markets.

    Dhayan Kumar welcomed her appointment, noting the “immense value” of her global perspective, while Prasad Shejale called her a “deep expert in design strategy” whose experience will be pivotal to LS Digital’s next phase of innovation.

    For a firm that has been building its design-led transformation playbook, this appointment is no cosmetic tweak. It’s a strategic brushstroke on a much larger canvas, one where LS Digital is sketching its vision of future-ready UI/UX solutions with measurable impact for enterprises worldwide.