Category: MAM

  • HMD promotes Abhishek Ranjan to CMO for India, APAC

    HMD promotes Abhishek Ranjan to CMO for India, APAC

    MUMBAI: HMD is ringing in a new chapter of marketing leadership with the elevation of Abhishek Ranjan to chief marketing officer for India and the APAC region.

    A seasoned brand strategist with over 17 years of experience, Abhishek has helped shape the narrative for some of the biggest names in tech, including Samsung, Micromax, Logitech, Philips Mobiles, Celkon, and Tecno Mobile India.

    Since joining HMD in 2022 as head of brand marketing, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the brand’s identity, leading product campaigns, and spearheading launches that have resonated strongly with Gen Z and millennial consumers. His work on unveiling HMD as an independent phone brand and introducing innovative products like Crest and Fusion has further cemented his reputation as a creative powerhouse.

    In his new role, Abhishek will lead marketing, communications, and brand strategy across India and APAC. His focus will be on innovation-led growth, digital-first engagement, and strengthening HMD’s human-centric promise in an increasingly connected world.

    With his track record of marrying creativity and strategy, Abhishek’s promotion signals HMD’s intent to build a future-ready brand that speaks to the new-age consumer, one innovation at a time.

  • Insured in the moment Generali’s here now backs life’s bold new beginnings

    Insured in the moment Generali’s here now backs life’s bold new beginnings

    MUMBAI: There are moments when life changes in a heartbeat, a new home, a long drive, a daring dream dusted off and revived. In those in-between moments, Generali Central Insurance and Generali Central Life Insurance want to be right there not watching from the sidelines but here now.

    With the launch of its first-ever joint brand campaign, aptly titled ‘Here Now’, Generali Central has brewed together its life and non-life arms under one vivid red umbrella. The campaign marks a new chapter for the brand after the Central Bank of India joined the Generali Group as a joint venture partner earlier this year, a union that marries European legacy with Indian trust.

    And it’s not just another glossy corporate film. From a father teaching his son to drive to a woman chasing fitness goals, the campaign celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things choosing hope, courage, and a future shaped by intention.

    “‘Here Now’ is a celebration of new beginnings, those brave, hopeful moments when people choose to move forward,” said Generali Central Insurance chief marketing, customer & impact officer Ruchika Malhan Varma. “Our promise of being a Lifetime Partner means standing beside our customers with empathy, protection, and unwavering support.”

    The idea is as simple as it is emotional that the future isn’t something distant and abstract, it’s built right here, in the choices we make now. “Life insurance is deeply personal, it’s about the people you love and the life you’re building,” added Generali Central Life Insurance chief marketing officer Geetanjali Chugh Kothari. “With Here Now, we wanted to speak to people on a human level, celebrating the everyday moments that make life meaningful.”

    The creative baton for this cross-category campaign was passed to VML India, while Dentsu Media India handled media duties. The result? A sleek, emotionally grounded film that trades boardroom jargon for genuine connection. Visually, it carries Generali’s global signature red wings, now framing life’s pivotal moments, a symbol of presence, partnership, and protection.

    In true Generali style, the campaign doesn’t just live on television screens. It rolls out nationwide in nine languages, spanning TV, print, digital, outdoor, and social platforms. To take it closer to consumers, the insurer has forged smart tie-ups with Uber in Mumbai and Delhi, the Mumbai Metro’s Ghatkopar–Versova Line 1, and even Swiggy’s Food and Instamart apps, a clever blend of mobility, daily life, and digital discovery.

    The brand is also going full throttle on sports and entertainment. Expect to spot Here Now during ad breaks in the India–Australia T20s and India–South Africa ODIs, as well as within Kaun Banega Crorepati and popular news shows tapping into audiences where emotion and engagement run high.

    With a national rollout strategy spanning premium OTT platforms like Youtube and Meta, Generali Central is betting big on both reach and recall.

    But beneath the red wings and media muscle lies something more timeless, a brand philosophy that began centuries ago in Trieste and now beats steadily in India’s heartland. “A Lifetime Partner who is always Here Now” isn’t just a tagline; it’s a promise stitched through the campaign’s storytelling, a reminder that protection isn’t about policies, but about presence.

    So as Generali Central steps into its rebranded avatar, its message lands softly but surely: life doesn’t wait, and neither should your insurance.

    Because the best time to be there for your dreams, your people, your tomorrow is here now.

     

  • LatentView adds power minds to its AI think tank

    LatentView adds power minds to its AI think tank

    MUMBAI: When it comes to sharpening its data game, LatentView Analytics isn’t just adding numbers, it’s adding names that count. The AI-driven analytics and consulting firm has welcomed Vandana Rana and Divesh Singla to its Advisory Council, signalling a bold move to strengthen its leadership in AI and digital transformation.

    Divesh Singla, a veteran with over two decades in analytics and life sciences, has helmed leadership roles at Signant Health, IQVIA, Eli Lilly, and Parexel. Known for building world-class Global Capability Centres (GCCs), he’s also among India’s top 100 AI & analytics leaders.

    Meanwhile, Vandana Rana, an AI and data science trailblazer, brings global experience from Walmart Global Tech, Microsoft, and T-Mobile. A champion of responsible AI, she’s known for building scalable, high-impact data systems that turn innovation into real-world value.

    Commenting on the appointments, LatentView Analytics CEO Rajan Sethuraman said, “Enterprises today are clear about their AI priorities. To deliver measurable impact, we must stay ahead. Strengthening our Advisory Council with industry experts enhances our ability to help clients make confident, data-driven decisions.”

    Both new members expressed excitement about shaping LatentView’s vision. Singla highlighted India’s 100-billion dollars GCC opportunity, while Rana pointed out the need to operationalise AI effectively, turning experimentation into enterprise success.

    With these appointments, LatentView’s Advisory Council grows stronger as a think tank of innovators, guiding the company’s next phase of AI-driven growth, global partnerships, and purpose-led digital transformation.

  • When no-show gym goers star in a fitness ad

    When no-show gym goers star in a fitness ad

    MUMBAI: What if your unused gym membership finally did some heavy lifting? That’s exactly the cheeky idea behind SW Network and Anytime Fitness India’s new campaign, a clever take on the universal truth that many people pay for gyms they rarely visit.

    The campaign’s heart lies in a playful ad film that swaps guilt for good humour. It shines a light on the relatable cycle of enthusiasm, excuses, and self-awareness, proving that everyone deserves a fresh start, no matter how many workouts they’ve skipped.

    Once the film struck a chord, the message spilled onto billboards across major cities, each carrying a witty reminder of India’s most common fitness confession, the ghost gym-goer.

    “We wanted to approach a very real human truth with warmth and wit,” said Sociowash co-founder Raghav Bagai. “This campaign is about saying we understand you, and we’re rooting for you.”

    Echoing that sentiment, Anytime Fitness India CEO Vikas Jain added, “At Anytime Fitness, we’re more than a gym. We know life gets in the way, and we want to help people find their way back, with positivity, not pressure.”

    The creative spark came from Sociowash creative director Vaibhav Mukim who said, “The truth itself was creative enough. We didn’t need to exaggerate it.”

    With its mix of storytelling, humour and heart, the campaign fits right into Anytime Fitness’s be fit fest initiative, proving that fitness doesn’t have to be perfect, just personal.

     

  • DriveX rides ahead with new CEO Devesh Taparia

    DriveX rides ahead with new CEO Devesh Taparia

    MUMBAI: DriveX is revving up for its next big ride. The pre-owned two-wheeler brand has appointed Devesh Taparia as its new chief executive officer, signalling a fresh phase of technology-led growth, retail expansion and customer-focused innovation.

    A mobility enthusiast with a flair for transformation, Taparia brings over a decade of leadership experience from Mahindra & Mahindra, Peugeot Motocycles and TVS Motor Company. At TVS, he spearheaded strategic initiatives across global markets, driving innovation and business transformation, qualities that make him a perfect fit for DriveX’s next lap of growth.

    At the heart of his new mandate lies a clear goal, to make DriveX the most trusted tech-enabled mobility brand in India. Taparia will focus on scaling DriveX Direct, the company’s direct-to-customer model, and strengthening its omnichannel retail network across the country.

    “Devesh joins DriveX at a defining moment in our journey,” said DriveX director on the board Sharad Mohan Mishra. “His deep understanding of mobility, technology and customer behaviour aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver trust, transparency and innovation.”

    Expressing his excitement, Taparia said, “DriveX represents the future of pre-owned mobility, where intelligent technology, data insights and customer trust come together. I look forward to scaling our presence through DriveX Direct and next-generation retail experiences.”

    With plans to boost its AI-driven operations, expand refurbishment centres and open new stores across key cities, DriveX is clearly in top gear, ready to steer India’s pre-owned two-wheeler market into a smarter, faster and more trusted future.

     

  • ANOR polishes a new era of modern luxury

    ANOR polishes a new era of modern luxury

    MUMBAI: Luxury just found its new sparkle. ANOR, the homegrown name redefining India’s lab-grown diamond jewellery scene, is setting a new benchmark for modern indulgence, one that blends innovation with intimacy, and brilliance with meaning.

    Founded by Bina Choksi, a fourth-generation diamantaire and self-taught designer, ANOR brings over 75 years of craftsmanship to a category once seen as accessible, now elevated to aspirational. Her creations, marked by architectural precision and soulful storytelling, capture personal milestones in pieces that radiate both artistry and emotion.

    From statement necklaces to timeless bridal keepsakes, each ANOR jewel is hand-finished using ethically grown diamonds and gemstones. “Our clients come to ANOR not just for jewellery, but for an experience,” says Choksi. “They value craftsmanship that feels personal and pieces that hold as much emotion as brilliance.”

    The brand’s latest jewel in the crown is its flagship boutique in South Extension I, New Delhi, a serene space that doubles as a private lounge for bridal collections. Designed around a hospitality-first philosophy, the store offers guests one-on-one interactions with jewellery specialists and Bina herself.

    At the invite-only launch, India’s style elite praised ANOR’s bespoke service and quiet exclusivity, with some calling it “the Zoya of lab-grown diamonds” and “the Tiffany of the new era.”

    With boutiques in New York, Mumbai and now Delhi, ANOR continues to shape the evolution of modern luxury, one shimmering, soulful creation at a time.

  • Hyundai races ahead with 69,894 sales in October

    Hyundai races ahead with 69,894 sales in October

    MUMBAI: Hyundai Motor India hit the accelerator on festive momentum this October, clocking total sales of 69,894 units, driven by buoyant consumer sentiment and a strong SUV line-up.

    The month saw domestic sales of 53,792 units and exports of 16,102 units, marking an 11 per cent year-on-year growth in overseas markets. Leading the charge were Hyundai’s power-packed SUV duo, Creta and Venue, which together notched their second-highest ever monthly sales at 30,119 units.

    “October was a month of festivals and fervour, boosted further by the positive impact of GST 2.0 reforms,” said Hyundai Motor India whole-time director and COO Tarun Garg. “Strong market demand and high consumer enthusiasm powered our SUV sales, and we expect this momentum to continue with the upcoming launch of the all-new Hyundai Venue.”

    With refreshed design, premium features and advanced technology, the upcoming Venue aims to steer Hyundai’s growth to the next gear, keeping the brand firmly in the fast lane of India’s SUV story.
     

  • Mars Cosmetics welcomes Anshu Arora Sindhwani to lead innovation

    Mars Cosmetics welcomes Anshu Arora Sindhwani to lead innovation

    MUMBAI: Looks like Mars just found its next shining star. India’s fastest-growing homegrown beauty brand, Mars Cosmetics, has roped in Anshu Arora Sindhwani as head of product, as it powers into its next phase of innovation and category expansion.

    With over 15 years of experience painting success stories across beauty, colour cosmetics, and FMCG, Sindhwani is no stranger to creating products that don’t just sit pretty on shelves, they fly off them. Her career spans top-tier brands such as Akzonobel (Dulux), Colorbar, Mary Kay, and Win-Medicare, where she crafted high-performance portfolios that blended strategy, science, and sparkle in equal measure.

    At Mars, Sindhwani’s mission is clear: to make “Makeup for Everyone” more than a tagline. She will steer end-to-end product strategy from new product development and category planning to lifecycle management and innovation architecture. Her focus will be on building a robust pipeline of launches that balance creativity with performance and affordability, the winning formula that’s fast turning Mars into the people’s beauty brand.

    “MARS represents a new era in Indian beauty, bold, experimental, and deeply attuned to its consumers,” Sindhwani said. “I’m excited to build on this energy by crafting innovations that not only perform but also connect bringing together creativity, technology, and inclusivity in every formulation and finish.”

    Her words mirror the brand’s growing confidence that beauty need not be imported or inaccessible. Mars has steadily carved a niche as the Indian disruptor redefining what affordable glam looks like, taking cues from its consumers rather than dictating trends from boardrooms.

    Founded with the vision of democratising makeup, Mars Cosmetics has been among India’s most dynamic homegrown names in the beauty space, capturing hearts (and vanities) across Tier 1 to Tier 3 cities. Its vibrant, high-performance products have found favour with Gen Z creators, beauty professionals, and everyday users alike, powered by a deep understanding of what Indian consumers actually want from their makeup: fun, functionality, and fair pricing.

    Adding Sindhwani to the mix signals a strategic leap towards design-led innovation and global competitiveness. “We are thrilled to have Anshu join the Mars family,” said Mars Cosmetics business administrator Rishabh Sethia. “Her deep understanding of consumers, strategic mindset, and innovation-driven approach will help us strengthen our position as India’s leading product-driven beauty brand.”

    Sindhwani’s career reads like a masterclass in product-led storytelling. Known for her consumer-first, design-thinking approach, she has pioneered several first-in-category launches that pushed boundaries of what Indian beauty could be playful, potent, and proudly local.

    Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for Mars, which is expanding rapidly and cementing its image as India’s fastest-growing beauty brand. The company’s focus on building high-performance yet accessible formulations has positioned it as a favourite among digital-native consumers who crave both authenticity and affordability.

    As the beauty industry becomes increasingly crowded, Mars is setting its sights higher and its strategy sharper. With Sindhwani at the helm of product development, the brand seems poised to blend science with sass, data with dazzle.

    In an era where every brand claims to “innovate,” Mars’ real edge may just be in how it listens and now, how it lets a product visionary like Sindhwani lead that conversation.

    Because when Mars and innovation align, beauty might just find its new orbit.

  • Samir Sagar joins TBWAIndia as senior VP

    Samir Sagar joins TBWAIndia as senior VP

    MUMBAI: Advertising veteran Samir Sagar has stepped into a new role as senior vice president at TBWAIndia, charting the next chapter of a career brewed in strategy, storytelling and brand wizardry.

    Before joining TBWA, Sagar helmed the business at Famous Innovations as Business Head, where he led integrated marketing and brand communication mandates for marquee clients. His longest stint, however, was at MullenLowe Lintas Group, where he spent seven years rising through the ranks from associate vice president to senior vice president, shaping campaigns across Mumbai and Bengaluru.

    Sagar’s early journey took him through McCann Erickson as brand leader and The Thinking Machine in Jakarta, where he worked as brand partner, experiences that helped sharpen his strategic lens and creative instincts.

    With this move, Sagar brings his trademark blend of insight, innovation and leadership to TBWA, an agency known for its “Disruption” philosophy. It’s a fitting match, one creative disruptor joining another.
     

  • Going Nuts Over Coffee as Barista Brews a Pistachio Winter Treat

    Going Nuts Over Coffee as Barista Brews a Pistachio Winter Treat

    MUMBAI: If winter had a flavour, Barista Coffee Company has just bottled it or rather, brewed it. This festive season, India’s largest homegrown café chain is going green (and not just environmentally) with a campaign that’s as indulgent as it is inventive. Titled ‘Barista Stars’, the new menu is a celebration of pistachio, that little nut that packs a big punch of flavour and warmth, perfect for the nip in the air.

    The festive spread, launched across 485 outlets in 165 cities, is an ode to indulgence meeting mindfulness. Think Pistachio Affogato, Pistachio Latte, Pistachio Cream Croissant, and even a Pistachio Kunafa Cheesecake, a Middle Eastern twist that’s as photogenic as it is decadent. And just when you thought that was nutty enough, there’s also a Valencia Orange Hot Chocolate in the mix, bringing a citrusy zing to the otherwise cosy affair.

    The menu isn’t just a creative experiment, it’s a full-bodied experience designed around taste, texture, and balance. Each dish reflects Barista’s knack for blending international café aesthetics with Indian palates, marrying creamy indulgence with a hint of wellness.

    Speaking on the campaign, Barista Coffee Company CEO Rajat Agrawal said the winter menu symbolises Barista’s evolving philosophy premium coffee culture with a conscience. “With the onset of winter, we’re delighted to launch our new festive campaign ‘Barista Stars’. Pistachio’s distinctive richness and warmth perfectly complement the season,” he said. “Our goal is to offer customers a wholesome yet indulgent experience, a celebration of flavour without compromising on quality or well-being.”

    The menu, available across all cafés from 20 October 2025, extends beyond the cup, it’s a nod to craftsmanship and café culture as an experience rather than a pit stop.

    Founded in 2000, Barista Coffee Company has long been synonymous with India’s early tryst with coffeehouse culture. Before latte art became Instagram gold, Barista was already pouring stories in ceramic mugs. Over two decades later, it remains the country’s most prominent indigenous chain, one that’s expanded across India and Sri Lanka, carving a niche between global giants and local favourites.

    Today, Barista isn’t just selling coffee, it’s selling conversations, comfort, and community. Its cafés are as much about creative ambience as they are about caffeine fixes. With every menu refresh, the brand continues to redefine what “homegrown” can mean in an industry once dominated by imported tastes.

    The new menu underlines a shift in consumer trends from pure indulgence to mindful luxury. Pistachio, often hailed as the “wellness nut”, fits right in. It brings a guilt-free edge to desserts and beverages, a theme that Barista has consciously leaned into as it strengthens its “premium yet health-conscious” positioning.

    Every offering, from the buttery croissant to the velvety affogato, reflects an obsessive attention to detail not just in flavour profiles but in ingredient sourcing, presentation, and consistency across outlets. That consistency is what’s fuelled Barista’s expansion and made it a comfort brand for café-goers who crave familiarity with a twist.

    In many ways, the ‘Barista Stars’ campaign is more than a festive menu, it’s a brand statement. As India’s café culture matures, Barista seems intent on proving that creativity need not come with a foreign accent.

    The brand’s steady reinvention, whether through curated menus or customer-centric design, has kept it relevant in a crowded market where novelty often burns out faster than a coffee machine at rush hour.

    And while pistachio may be the flavour of the season, the real takeaway is Barista’s ability to balance indulgence with intent, a blend as satisfying as a perfectly poured latte.

    So, if you’re looking to sip something that tastes like winter wrapped in a velvet blanket, you know where to head. Because this season, Barista isn’t just brewing coffee, it’s brewing a mood.