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Category: MAM

  • Healthy promotion Ekincare elevates Somak Ray as new co-founder

    Healthy promotion Ekincare elevates Somak Ray as new co-founder

    MUMBAI: Looks like Ekincare just gave its leadership a shot in the arm. The corporate health benefits platform has elevated Somak Ray from vice president of operations to co-founder, a move that underscores its ambitions for rapid global expansion. Ray, an NIT Surat and XLRI Jamshedpur graduate, has been with ekincare since 2016 and has been central to the company’s rise. He spearheaded India’s largest cashless COVID-19 vaccination initiative, expanded the provider network to over 50,000 partners nationwide, and rolled out new service lines that diversified revenue streams while bolstering ekincare’s market clout.

    “Somak’s experience and consistency have played a big role in shaping Ekincare’s growth story so far,” said Ekincare CEO & co-founder Kiran Kalakuntla. “As we set our sights on expanding globally, his leadership will help us scale faster, serve customers better, and create lasting impact.”

    In his new role, Ray will steer operations, strategic partnerships, and growth opportunities across domestic and international markets. For him, the promotion is less about the title and more about the mission. “My focus will be on advancing our mission globally; making preventive and primary healthcare more accessible, technology-enabled, and outcome-driven,” he said.

    With nearly a decade of experience in scaling teams, processes, and healthcare logistics across industries, Ray’s elevation signals Ekincare’s intent to fortify its leadership bench and reassure stakeholders of its global playbook.

    For a company built on health, ekincare has just prescribed itself the best possible medicine, an insider who knows the pulse of its business and the prescription for its next phase.
     

  • Metal of honour Vedanta’s Independence Day ode powers India’s rise

    Metal of honour Vedanta’s Independence Day ode powers India’s rise

    MUMBAI: When it comes to nation-building, Vedanta Aluminium is proving that not all heroes wear capes some shine in silver sheen. This Independence Day, India’s largest aluminium producer launched its campaign “Badhte Bharat Ki Pehchaan”, a tribute to the metal fuelling the country’s self-reliant march towards Viksit Bharat@2047. The campaign rolled out in cinematic style. It began with teasers that celebrated India’s progress without revealing the engine behind it. The suspense gave way to a digital film, unveiling aluminium as the invisible force powering India’s EVs, solar farms, defence systems, and smart infrastructure. The film closed on a resonant note: “Hum hai Vedanta Aluminium. Hum Badhte Bharat ki Pehchaan hain.”

    For Vedanta Aluminium CEO Rajiv Kumar the message is clear: “This year’s Independence Day theme, ‘Naya Bharat’, reflects a reality in the making. Aluminium is the ‘metal of the future’, enabling everything from clean energy to defence alloys. Our campaign is a salute to that spirit of innovation and resilience.”

    The tribute didn’t just play out on screen. Vedanta turned the spotlight on its employees, who shared selfies on social media with the campaign line, calling themselves the real faces powering India’s industrial leap. The company also kicked off a snippet series that zooms into its role in high-growth sectors like electric mobility, renewables, aerospace, defence and infrastructure industries critical to India’s ambition of becoming a $5 trillion economy and beyond.

    From EV batteries and solar panels to combat-ready alloys and metro rail structures, aluminium’s versatility is pitched as India’s growth catalyst. By positioning itself at the centre of this industrial shift, Vedanta Aluminium isn’t just selling a metal, it’s scripting a metaphor: India’s strength, resilience, and future, all rolled into one shiny sheet.

    So, while fireworks lit up the skies this Independence Day, Vedanta made sure aluminium lit up the nation’s imagination. After all, in the story of a rising Bharat, the real sparkle might just be metal deep.

  • Delhi set to take the catwalk as Lakmē Fashion Week turns 25 in style

    Delhi set to take the catwalk as Lakmē Fashion Week turns 25 in style

    MUMBAI: Delhi, dust off your heels the runway is calling. Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI is strutting back to the capital for its 25th anniversary showcase, scheduled from 8 to 12 October 2025 at The Grand, Vasant Kunj. Fresh off a glittering Mumbai edition earlier this year, which kicked off the silver jubilee celebrations, the spotlight now shifts to Delhi long regarded as India’s fashion nerve centre. Over the past quarter century, Lakmē Fashion Week has been more than just sequins and spotlight; it has launched careers, celebrated craft, and built India’s identity in the global style playbook.

    With its bi-annual format across Mumbai and Delhi, the platform powered by Lakmē, Reliance Brands Ltd., and the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) has been a springboard for iconic names while staying committed to sustainability, diversity, and innovation.

    “Each edition serves as a catalyst for the industry setting benchmarks, launching talent, and reimagining what fashion can be,” said Lakmē India VP Sunanda Khaitan hinting at a season where heritage will meet futuristic ideas.

    For Reliance Brands’ Group VP Jaspreet Chandok, Delhi offers the perfect stage: “With every edition, we aim to elevate the experience not just as a runway, but as a cultural moment.”

    Echoing the sentiment FDCI chairman Sunil Sethi framed the October showcase as both a celebration and a business opportunity: “Our endeavour is to empower designers, open new markets, and drive engagement between creativity and commerce. This edition will spotlight India’s craft, innovation, and diversity.”

    The fashion week’s legacy is undeniable. Since its inception, it has championed India’s handloom weavers and artisans, while opening global markets for contemporary designers. With over two decades of influence and a growing list of international collaborations, its catwalks have been as much about commerce as couture.

    Final details spanning designer line-ups, collabs, and headline shows remain under wraps, but one thing is certain: come October, Delhi will be where heritage and haute couture collide, and the runway will be louder than Diwali fireworks.

  • Fevikwik sticks to fun with AI mashups and Rs 5 lakh prize campaign

    Fevikwik sticks to fun with AI mashups and Rs 5 lakh prize campaign

    MUMBAI: When glue meets giggles, you know Fevikwik is up to something. This time, the quick-fix brand has gone from mending the broken to mashing up the bizarre with its newly launched Fevikwik AI Pack, powered by its in-house engine, KwikGPT. From Monsoon Beats (umbrella with headphones) to Time Waist (belt with a watch) and Cute Chops (a chopping board fused with a vanity mirror), the AI tool conjures up oddball hybrids that are as hilarious as they are shareable. The idea? To prove Fevikwik doesn’t just stick, it sparks imagination.

    The campaign, created by Ogilvy India, rides on India’s AI craze, where everything from movie scene swaps to fantasy cricket picks has gone viral. Now, Fevikwik’s twist lets users head to aipack.fevikwik.in, key in any two objects, and watch KwikGPT whip up an image of their invention along with a cheeky name.

    And the fun isn’t just virtual. Weekly winners pocket Rs 10,000, while the ultimate “Chutki Mein Kalaakari Champion” takes home a grand prize worth Rs 5 lakh. The most inventive creations also get a social media spotlight on Fevikwik’s channels, fuelling a leaderboard race for bragging rights.

    “We want to spark action through instant ingenuity, especially for younger audiences,” said Pidilite Industries Ltd CMO Sandeep Tanwani. “Fevikwik is evolving into a symbol of spontaneous creativity celebrating originality, humour, and the joy of making things happen in the moment.”

    Echoing the sentiment Ogilvy India chief creative officer Anurag Agnihotri added: “In a world where AI makes creators of us all, Fevikwik AI Pack spotlights the brand’s playful personality. It’s not just glue, it’s a spark of possibilities.”

    With influencers, creators, and digital buzz fuelling the campaign, Fevikwik is proving once again that it knows how to stick to culture and this time, with a big laugh and a bigger prize.

  • Hyundai drives ahead as 1 in 3 buyers unlock Digital Key convenience

    Hyundai drives ahead as 1 in 3 buyers unlock Digital Key convenience

    MUMBAI: No more fumbling for car keys Hyundai owners are now tapping their way into the future. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced that 33 per cent of buyers have signed up for its Digital Key feature, marking a sharp shift in how Indians want to interact with their cars. Rolled out first in the Hyundai ALCAZAR in September 2024, and extended to the Hyundai CRETA Electric in January 2025, the Digital Key uses NFC technology to replace the need for a physical key. Owners can simply tap their smartphone, smartwatch, or NFC card on the car’s door handle to lock or unlock, and place it on the wireless charging pad to start the engine.

    The feature’s versatility has struck a chord 35 per cent of users are actively sharing their keys with family, friends, or drivers. Each key can be extended to up to three users or seven devices at a time, offering both flexibility and control. And for the forgetful, it eliminates the age-old panic of misplacing the car key.

    HMIL managing director Unsoo Kim noted: “The enthusiastic response to Digital Key reaffirms our belief in creating technology that adds real value to everyday life. We were the first to launch connected car technology in India in 2019, and we remain committed to democratising such premium features.”

    With Hyundai steadily shaping India’s connected mobility landscape, the success of Digital Key signals that tech-driven convenience is no longer a luxury, it’s an expectation. As uptake climbs, HMIL is expected to roll out the feature across more models, making the smartphone the new car key for millions of Indians.

  • NDTV India gets its Suhail signal as prime-time champ joins the network

    NDTV India gets its Suhail signal as prime-time champ joins the network

    MUMBAI: The 9 pm battlefield has a new warrior, and he’s carrying numbers sharper than any sword. Syed Suhail, Hindi television’s undisputed prime-time champion for over 100 weeks, has joined NDTV India as senior executive editor and prime-time anchor. In a fiercely fought time band where star anchors jostle for dominance, Suhail carved his legacy with sheer consistency and clarity. His previous show not only ruled the 9 pm slot week after week but also became Hindi prime time’s most-watched broadcast, drawing nearly 19 million viewers on average. Even more telling audiences stuck with him longer than with any other face on screen at that hour, turning his dominance into a ritual for three straight years.

    Suhail’s rise is no overnight story. From his early days at Jain TV and a regional channel where he learnt humility, to P7 News and News Nation where he sharpened his storytelling, each stop added grit and finesse. At News24, he mastered viewer connect, and by the time he reached Republic Bharat, he had rewritten the rules of the 9 pm battleground. His 100-day trek across 45 districts of Uttar Pradesh meeting everyone from ministers to security guards and children in orphanages cemented his India-first philosophy of journalism.

    What separates him from the pack is not just ratings. Suhail personally reviews every show, swears by the power of visuals, and insists the story itself should be the star. For him, journalism is less about noise and more about keeping the ordinary citizen at the centre while putting the nation’s interests above all.

    On his move to NDTV India, Suhail said, “From the start of my career, I have admired NDTV for its credibility and ‘viewer-first’ approach. To be part of this network is not just a professional honour, it is a responsibility to remain true to the common man and to tell their stories simply, honestly, and with commitment.”

    Welcoming him, NDTV CEO & editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal, said: “Suhail is one of Hindi television’s most trusted prime-time voices. He brings not just ratings leadership but also credibility and an instinctive connection with viewers. We are delighted to welcome him to NDTV India as we strengthen our promise of meaningful, people-first journalism for a new India.”

    For viewers, the message is clear: at 9 pm, Suhail will now set the tone for NDTV India. For rivals, the battle just got that much harder.

  • Miracle PR gets a makeover as it marks five years with fresh identity

    Miracle PR gets a makeover as it marks five years with fresh identity

    MUMBAI: Reputation, it seems, now comes with a refresh. Miracle Public Relation, the Indore-headquartered regional PR agency, has celebrated its five-year milestone by rolling out a brand-new logo, a redesigned website, and an identity that mirrors its evolution beyond traditional press releases. Founded in 2019, Miracle PR has grown from a small-city outfit into a pan-India network of associates, managing clients across CSR, health, retail, and hospitality. The agency’s portfolio now stretches well past conventional media outreach, with influencer marketing and media monitoring rounding out its offering.

    “This transformation marks a defining moment in our journey,” said Miracle PR founder Akbar Ali. “Our new identity reflects our evolution into a broader role combining PR, digital outreach, and other media solutions into a seamless whole.”

    The rebrand also signals how far PR itself has come. Miracle PR PR lead Gaurav Jain, at the agen summed it up: “Gone are the days when PR was all about just sending the news to the media. The future is dynamic, and we’re positioned to lead this transition with agility and strategic impact.”

    From a standing start in Indore to a client base that spans industries and geographies, Miracle PR’s fifth-year milestone isn’t just about a new logo. It’s about keeping pace with a communications industry that’s evolving at lightning speed  and making sure its clients shine just as brightly.

  • Advertising veteran Srinivasan Swamy returns for fourth stint as industry chief

    Advertising veteran Srinivasan Swamy returns for fourth stint as industry chief

    MUMBAI: India’s advertising industry loves a comeback story—and Srinivasan K Swamy is giving it one. The executive group chairman of R K Swamy has been elected president of the Advertising Agencies Association of India for 2025-26, marking his fourth term in the role after an 18-year hiatus.

    Swamy, also known as Sundar Swamy, previously ran the 80-year-old trade body from 2004 to 2007, when India’s advertising market was a fraction of its current size. His return suggests the industry wants experienced hands to navigate an increasingly complex landscape of digital disruption, regulatory scrutiny and changing consumer behaviour.

    “I am deeply humbled that this marks my fourth term in this role,” said Swamy, whose lengthy CV reads like a who’s who of industry bodies. He has chaired everything from the International Advertising Association to the Audit Bureau of Circulation, earning a lifetime achievement award from AAAI along the way.

    Jaideep Gandhi was elected vice-president, while the 15-member board includes heavyweights from agencies spanning Leo Burnett to Grey Worldwide. The roster reflects the fragmented nature of India’s advertising market, where global networks jostle with homegrown shops for a slice of the action.

    Outgoing president Prasanth Kumar, who served three years during the turbulent post-pandemic period, handed over the reins with typical corporate grace. “I am confident that, with his vast experience and vision, he will steer AAAI to even greater achievements,” he said.

    Whether Swamy can repeat his earlier success remains to be seen. The advertising world he inherits is vastly different from the one he left in 2007—social media has upended traditional media planning, privacy regulations are reshaping data collection, and artificial intelligence threatens to automate creative work.

    Still, at an age when most executives are eyeing retirement, Swamy clearly believes there’s more work to be done. For an industry built on selling dreams, that kind of optimism is probably just what the doctor ordered.

    Other elected members of the Board in alphabetical order and the companies they represent on AAAI are: 
    * Anupriya Acharya,  Leo Burnett (TLG India Pvt Ltd) 
    * Sam Balsara, Madison Communications Pvt Ltd 
    * Tanya Goyal, Everest Brand Solutions Pvt Ltd 
    * Tapas Gupta, BEI Confluence Communication Ltd. 
    * Vishandas Hardasani, Matrix Publicities and Media India Pvt Ltd 
    * Mohit Joshi, Havas Media India Pvt Ltd 
    * Santosh Kumar, Innocean Worldwide Communication Pvt Ltd 
    * Kunal Lalani, Crayons Advertising Ltd 
    * Chandramouli Muthu, Maitri Advertising Works Pvt Ltd  
    * Vikram Sakhuja, Platinum Advertising Pvt Ltd 
    * Kartik Sharma,  Omnicom Media Group India Pvt Ltd 
    * Anusha ShettY,  Grey Worldwide (India) Pvt Ltd 
    * Shashi Sinha, Initiative Media (India) Pvt Ltd 
    * K Srinivas, Sloka Advertising Pvt Ltd  
    * Paritosh Srivastava, Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi Pvt Ltd 

  • Reliance gets high on health drinks with ayurvedic beverage bet

    Reliance gets high on health drinks with ayurvedic beverage bet

    MUMBAI: Reliance Industries is betting big on India’s growing thirst for healthy drinks, snapping up a majority stake in Naturedge Beverages, maker of the herbal functional drink Shunya. The deal marks the latest move by Mukesh Ambani’s conglomerate to build a beverage empire that can rival Coca-Cola and PepsiCo in the world’s most populous country.

    The acquisition brings Shunya—a zero-sugar, zero-calorie drink packed with ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha and brahmi—into Reliance Consumer Products’ expanding stable. The brand has caught on with health-conscious Indians seeking alternatives to sugary sodas, tapping into ancient wellness traditions that promise stress relief and mental clarity.

    Founder of Naturedge and scion of the century-old Baidyanath Group ayurvedic empire Siddhesh Sharma launched Shunya in 2018 with the aim of making traditional herbs palatable to modern consumers. “Super-herbs like ashwagandha and brahmi not only act as natural stress-relievers but also boost strength, stamina and focus,” he said.

    For Reliance, the deal is part of a broader push to dominate India’s beverages market. Since launching its consumer products arm in 2022, it has gobbled up the nostalgic Campa Cola brand and rolled out energy drinks and flavoured waters. The company is chasing what it calls a “total beverage portfolio” to capture Indian wallets from morning chai to evening refreshers.

    Reliance Consumer Products  executive director Ketan Mody said the partnership would help promote “India’s legacy” while offering quality products at affordable prices. With Reliance’s vast distribution network, Shunya could soon be available in corner shops from Mumbai to Chennai.

    The move reflects a broader trend as Indian consumers increasingly embrace functional foods and beverages that promise health benefits beyond basic nutrition. As lifestyles become more stressful and wellness awareness grows, traditional remedies repackaged in modern formats are finding eager buyers.

    Whether Reliance can crack the code on healthy drinks remains to be seen. But with deep pockets and distribution muscle, it’s certainly willing to pay for the privilege of trying.

  • Hansgrohe taps Abdulkader Bengali to make a splash in India growth plans

    Hansgrohe taps Abdulkader Bengali to make a splash in India growth plans

    MUMBAI: Hansgrohe is turning on the growth taps in India and Abdulkader Bengali is the man holding the handle. The premium German bathroom and kitchen solutions giant has appointed Bengali as managing director for India operations, effective 18 August 2025, signalling a fresh push in one of the world’s fastest-growing bath fittings markets.

    Bengali brings over 26 years of leadership experience across construction and building materials, with a flair for business turnarounds. At Sintex BAPL, he spearheaded the Water Management Solutions division, while at ALP Aeroflex he engineered a full-fledged transformation as COO. His earlier stint leading Owens Corning’s India and SAARC operations adds global heft. A gold medallist engineer from NIT Surat and an Executive MBA from SP Jain, Bengali has built a career turning underperformers into high-growth stories.

    The timing is no accident. India’s bath fittings market is pegged at 11.49 billion dollars in 2025, and set to surge to 16.67 billion dollars by 2030 at a 7.74 per cent CAGR. The luxury segment alone, worth 5.27 billion dollars in 2024, is forecast to nearly double to 10.93 billion dollars by 2032 with a robust 9.5 per cent CAGR. Hansgrohe, founded in 1901 in Germany and now present in over 190 countries, sees India as a key strategic play.

    “Bengali’s track record in transforming businesses makes him the ideal leader,” said Hansgrohe Group vice president Asia Thomas Stopper. With expertise in P&L management, sales excellence, and operational optimisation, Bengali is expected to scale Hansgrohe’s Indian footprint, bringing its famed Black Forest design and sustainable water technologies to a wider base of consumers.

    From Black Forest to Bengaluru, Hansgrohe’s bet is clear: India’s rising disposable incomes and urban aspirations make it the perfect market to flow into the future.