ITV

Category: MAM

  • Navi Technologies Ltd renamed to Navi Ltd

    Navi Technologies Ltd renamed to Navi Ltd

    MUMBAI: Navi Technologies Ltd announced that it has officially changed its name to Navi Ltd, aligned with the company’s evolution from a technology-led disruptor to a holistic financial services destination built around the needs of Indian consumers.

    The rebranding underscores the company’s focus to position itself  as an integrated, customer-centric institution encompassing lending, insurance, asset management, and UPI services, committed to making money simple, seamless, and accessible for millions of Indians.

    “The new name fits who we are today. Not only are we a technology provider, we are a full-fledged destination for financial services for our customers,” said Navi Group founder and executive chairman, Sachin Bansal. “It signals both simplification and scale – two ideas core to our philosophy.”

    Navi Ltd MD & CEO Rajiv Naresh added, “This change aligns with the company’s evolution. While technology remains core to how we build, our focus today is broader. The new name reflects the company we’ve become: more integrated, more customer-focused, and ready for the next phase of growth.”
     

  • Indigo Paints brushes off slowdown with steady Q1 despite muted demand

    Indigo Paints brushes off slowdown with steady Q1 despite muted demand

    MUMBAI: Even a splash of rain couldn’t wash away Indigo Paints’ colours this quarter though the palette did lose some of its shine. For the quarter ended 30 June 2025, the company’s standalone net revenue from operations inched up 0.3 per cent year-on-year to Rs 94.9 crore, despite muted industry demand. Consolidated revenue, however, dipped 0.7 per cent to Rs 308.9 crore, with management citing early monsoons as a key drag.

    Margins showed signs of wear. Standalone gross margin slipped to 46.1 per cent from 47.0 per cent a year earlier, while EBITDA margin narrowed to 14.8 per cent from 15.6 per cent, largely due to higher fixed costs and slower scale-up. PAT margin held nearly flat at 8.8 per cent, with net profit easing just 0.4 per cent to Rs 26.4 crore.

    On a consolidated basis, gross margin stood at 45.9 per cent, EBITDA margin at 14.3 per cent, and PAT margin at 8.3 per cent. Net profit fell 2.2 per cent year-on-year to Rs 26.1 crore, while EBITDA excluding other income dropped 6.5 per cent to Rs 44.3 crore.

    The results suggest that while the paint maker Indigo Paints is holding its hue in a subdued market, it will need a stronger coat of demand in the coming quarters to restore the gloss.

  • TAM Adex: Indian TV advertising takes a breather as brands tighten purse strings in H1 2025

    TAM Adex: Indian TV advertising takes a breather as brands tighten purse strings in H1 2025

    MUMBAI: India’s television advertising market has hit the brakes. Ad volumes per channel tumbled 10 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year, signalling what industry watchers call a “strategic recalibration” in advertiser spending.
    top 10 brandsThe pullback comes as brands reassess their media strategies amid economic uncertainty. Yet some categories are thriving. Food and beverages maintained their dominance with a 22 per cent share of total ad volumes, followed by personal care and hygiene products at 16 per cent.

    The real winners were toilet and floor cleaners, which saw ad spending surge 16 per cent—the highest growth among major categories. E-commerce firms splashed out too, with online shopping platforms boosting their television presence by 48 per cent. Vocational training institutes went on the biggest spree, nearly quadrupling their ad volumes.
     

    Top 10 advertisers

    Hindustan Unilever retained its crown as India’s biggest television advertiser, with Reckitt Benckiser close behind. Together, the top 10 advertisers—dominated by fast-moving consumer goods companies—accounted for 47 per cent of all ad volumes.

    Toilet soaps led categories

    Reckitt’s aggressive push was evident in the brand rankings. Six of the 10 most-advertised brands belonged to the British consumer goods giant, led by Harpic Power Plus toilet cleaner. Dettol soap and antiseptic liquid also featured prominently.

    Top channel genres

    General entertainment channels edged past news networks to capture 31 per cent of ad volumes, reversing last year’s trend. The top five channel genres hoovered up more than 95 per cent of total advertising, underscoring the continued dominance of mainstream television over niche programming.

    Food and beverages

    The data, compiled by TAM AdEx from over 600 television channels, suggests Indian advertisers are becoming more selective about their television investments. With more than 6,600 brands vying for viewer attention, only the biggest spenders are breaking through the clutter.

    (The picture featuring the family watching the Surf Excel ad on TV is representational only. No brand infringement is intended)

  • Zomato onboards Shah Rukh Khan as its new brand ambassador

    Zomato onboards Shah Rukh Khan as its new brand ambassador

    MUMBAI – Zomato announces a landmark association with global superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, welcoming him as its new brand ambassador. The announcement follows Shah Rukh Khan’s recent appearance in Zomato’s latest campaign, Fuel Your Hustle, which celebrates the quiet grind behind some of India’s most celebrated names.

    Through the campaign and this association, Zomato aims to resonate with every individual who truly believes in hard work and consistency and reinforce its commitment to supporting their journey with food.

    Commenting on the association, Zomato marketing head, Sahibjeet Singh Sawhney said, “Shah Rukh Khan’s journey, from humble beginnings to global icon, mirrors the grit and persistence we believe in. No shortcuts, just relentless progress. We’re excited to welcome him as our brand ambassador, inspiring millions to keep showing up and fuelling their ambition. His influence transcends generations and borders and is a reminder for India to keep at it.”

    Shah Rukh Khan added, “Zomato’s story is one of hustle, innovation and a love for bringing people closer to what they cherish most—great food. It’s a journey that resonates with me deeply, and I am thrilled to be part of a brand that has become a household name across India.”

  • The International Advertising Association (IAA) inducted Prasoon Joshi into the hall of fame

    The International Advertising Association (IAA) inducted Prasoon Joshi into the hall of fame

    MUMBAI: McCann Worldgroup India of McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific chairman, CEO and chief creative officer, Prasoon Joshi joins a globally esteemed group of individuals recognised for shaping the future of marketing and communications.

    Established to celebrate pioneers who have advanced the advertising profession and inspired generations, the International Advertising Association (IAA) Hall of Fame includes among its ranks the industry’s most respected figures.

    Inductees are selected by a global panel based on their lifetime achievements and their influence on the direction of marketing communications in their region and beyond. The induction acknowledges Joshi’s extraordinary contributions as an industry leader, cultural commentator, and voice of purposeful storytelling in India and beyond.

    The IAA Leadership Awards Hall of Fame honoured Prasoon Joshi for his exceptional and multifaceted contributions across advertising, film, music, and public service; for visionary campaigns that blend creativity, culture, and emotion; for shaping Indian cinema and storytelling with poetic depth; for transformative leadership as CBFC chairperson; for championing social causes; and for inspiring meaningful change in the industry.

    Known for his deep sensitivity to social issues and his ability to elevate brands through human insight and emotion, Joshi has earned acclaim for work that consistently blends creative bravery with cultural integrity. Joshi’s career spans more than two decades across Advertising, Cinema, Music, Literature, and policy.

    In response to the honour, Joshi said, “Being inducted into the IAA Hall of Fame is a privilege and affirms what I have always believed: communication and creativity are not mere marketing tools – they are forces that shape perspectives and inspire thought. Advertising, in particular, both mirrors, and shapes popular culture. To be recognised alongside those who have defined the spirit of our industry is an honour and reminder of the responsibility to keep pushing the boundaries of ideas and impact . My thanks to the IAA and to the collaborators who have been part of this journey.”

  • No brother? No problem: This Raksha Bandhan do it the Godrej way with #WorkSibilings

    No brother? No problem: This Raksha Bandhan do it the Godrej way with #WorkSibilings

    MUMBAI: Raksha Bandhan has always celebrated the sacred chaos of siblinghood, the fights, the food thefts, the unspoken loyalty. But in today’s world, that bond is becoming rarer. Many of us don’t live in the same city, or even the same country, as our siblings anymore. With changing family dynamics or preferences leaning towards single children, an increasing number of children are growing up without siblings at all. A 2023 YouGov-Mint-CPR Millennial Survey said that among urban millennials in India, 47 per cent wanted only one child.

    At the same time, our workplaces have become our second homes. We spend more hours with colleagues than we do with friends or family. In that proximity, real bonds form, ones that go beyond job roles and coffee chats. We’ve all heard of “work spouses”, but what about the “work sibling”? The one who teases you endlessly in meetings, finishes your half-written decks, steals your snacks, and always has your back.

    This Raksha Bandhan, Godrej Industries Group (GIG), through its brand agnostic lifestyle platforms Godrej L’Affaire and Vikhroli Cucina, introduces a delightful campaign for the modern professional: ‘The Work Sibling – India’s New Badge of Workplace Bonding’

    Through a tongue-in-cheek digital film and an interactive social media activity, the campaign invites working professionals to “adopt” their favorite colleagues as official work siblings. From stealing your snacks to roasting your ideas (with love, of course), this satirical campaign brings the chaotic joy of siblinghood right into the workplace.

    https://youtube.com/shorts/ezSw3qMcQQY?si=M33hbyUlctaBYt6A 

    Set up like a parody infomercial, the film hits nostalgic notes from loud typers and pineapple-on-pizza debates to desk fights and lunch thefts, it turns everyday office chaos into classic sibling moments. This Raksha Bandhan, celebrate your ‘work sibling’ the colleague who roasts you in 4K but backs you in every pitch. Tag them with a message, and a personalised e-Rakhi card will quietly slide into their DMs because what’s Raksha Bandhan without a bit of emotional blackmail?

    The campaign sparked a wave of hilarious confessions and shoutouts, as professionals shared their own work sibling moments on the campaign comments section.

    Commenting on the campaign, Godrej Industries Group chief communication officer, Sujit Patil said, “With ‘The Work Sibling’, we wanted to celebrate the everyday bonds that make workplaces feel more human. At Godrej, we have always believed that strong teams are built on beautiful bonds of friendship and understanding, not just roles. This campaign reflects our continued focus on employee wellbeing, and we hope it brings a little joy to offices across the country by encouraging people to appreciate colleagues who feel like family.” 
     

  • Zepto zips into 10-minute medicine service

    Zepto zips into 10-minute medicine service

    MUMBAI: Zepto is betting that Indians want their paracetamol as fast as their groceries. On 7 August Aadit Palicha, chief executive of the quick-commerce firm, announced the launch of Zepto Pharmacy on LinkedIn. 
    The service promises to deliver common medicines—from headache tablets like Saridon to antibiotics—within 10 minutes.

    But the rollout is cautious. The pharmacy service is live only in select areas of Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR and Hyderabad. Palicha said his team has spent 12 months perfecting “the customer experience, supply chain, and compliance at a small scale” before this limited launch.

    “Our objective is to keep operational standards extremely high and not scale too rapidly given the complexity of this category,” he explained. The measured approach reflects the regulatory hurdles and safety concerns inherent in medicine delivery—a stark contrast to Zepto’s typically aggressive expansion in groceries.

    If executed well, Palicha believes the service could “seriously improve the lives of millions of customers across the country and help make important medicines easier to access when we need them the most.”

    The move marks Zepto’s latest attempt to diversify beyond groceries, where it competes fiercely with rivals like Blinkit and Instamart. Whether Indians will embrace ten-minute medicine delivery with the same enthusiasm they have shown for rapid grocery runs remains to be seen.

  • Gary Kirsten partners with Yugen Infra for cricket villas near Goa

    Gary Kirsten partners with Yugen Infra for cricket villas near Goa

    MUMBAI: Cricket dreams now come with a front porch and a golf course view. Yugen Infra, the real estate developer known for blending lifestyle with leisure, has roped in Gary Kirsten South African cricket legend and coach of India’s 2011 World Cup win to co-create 30 ultra-exclusive Cricket-Front Villas at its flagship Yugen Golf City near Goa’s MOPA International Airport.

    The announcement, made at The Lalit in New Delhi on 6 August, marked the start of a strategic partnership between Kirsten, Russel Symcox of GK Investments, and Yugen Infra. Together, they’ll shape a residential project designed for those who want cricket to be more than just a weekend pastime, a lifestyle where the pitch is as close as the patio.

    “These villas are more than homes; they are a celebration of India’s cricketing soul,” said Yugen Infra managing director Sheeshram Yadav. “We are transforming a nation’s passion into an everyday experience.”

    The second innings of the evening featured the unveiling of True North International School Asia’s first residential institution pairing world-class academics with elite sports training. Spread over 10 acres, the school, developed with True North Group, will follow a dual-track curriculum offering mentorship in cricket, chess, and other competitive sports alongside rigorous academics.

    “Education is the foundation of a progressive society,” Yadav added. “We want our students to have the discipline of athletes and the curiosity of scholars.”

    Kirsten called the collaboration “impactful” and praised the vision of combining education with high-performance sport. The launch included a fireside chat on nurturing tomorrow’s champions with panellists such as Aakash Chaudhry, founder of Sparkl Edventure, and Prof Harish Chaudhry of IIT Delhi.

    Guests ranged from school leaders of DPS, GD Goenka, and Heritage Group to global sports mentors, investors, and innovators all aligned with Yugen’s goal of building a community where the classroom and the cricket field are equally central to daily life.

  • Dentsu India unveils ‘Roaring Bengal’ report

    Dentsu India unveils ‘Roaring Bengal’ report

    MUMBAI: Dentsu India, in strategic partnership with The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCC&I), has launched the inaugural Roaring Bengal Report – a bold declaration positioning Bengal as the keystone of dentsu’s ambitious growth strategy for Bharat, beginning with the East.

    More than an insight report, Roaring Bengal represents a decisive shift in dentsu’s India roadmap, placing Bengal not at the periphery, but at the core of its multi-regional ambition. By unlocking the region’s powerful mix of culture, commerce, and creativity, the report signals dentsu’s commitment to building with Bengal, for Bengal, and from Bengal.

    Since 2017, Bengal has received investment proposals worth Rs. 13.55 lakh crore, underpinned by over 6,000 acres of ready industrial land and a progressive policy environment. The state is rapidly evolving into a national force across sectors such as green energy, smart infrastructure, fintech, artificial intelligence, and digital skilling – all contributing to a purpose-driven, innovation-led growth trajectory.

    With a projected Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs. 18.74 lakh crore by 2025, Bengal is among India’s fastest-growing consumer economies. The Bengal Silicon Valley is further accelerating the state’s digital economy, attracting substantial investment in future-facing technologies such as AI, IoT, and fintech.

    Report link: https://www.dentsu.com/in/en/reports/asset_single_article___the_roaring_bengal_report

    Narayan Devanathan, president & chief strategy officer, South Asia, dentsu said, “Bengal is not just part of our Bharat strategy, nor are we merely dipping our toes into the East. We are making a bold, long-term commitment. With this report and our partnership with BCC&I, we are planting our flag in a region where legacy meets leap – a centre of gravity for what is next. The Roaring Bengal Report is not commentary; it is our call to co-create Bengal’s future.”

    Abheek Biswas, AVP, consumer insights, dentsu India added, “This is a moment of inflection. From AI clusters and clean energy investments to inclusive skilling, Bengal is building with precision and purpose. The Roaring Bengal Report does not just map this momentum. It aligns us to it, firmly and fearlessly.”

    BCC&I is a long-standing catalyst for industrial growth in the region, welcomed the report’s launch. “This collaboration couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Arnab Basu, president, BCC&I. “Bengal is rising with intent, and the Roaring Bengal Report is more than insight: it is a navigational tool. It invites businesses to anticipate Bengal’s future and act on it today. Dentsu’s global expertise, paired with sharp regional relevance, makes this alliance both timely and transformative. This collaboration arrives at exactly the right moment. Bengal is building at scale, and the Roaring Bengal Report is more than insight; it is a roadmap. It equips brands to look beyond today and anticipate Bengal’s future. Dentsu India brings global scale with razor-sharp local relevance – a potent combination to deepen impact across industry, government, and civil society. Now is the time to act, and this report lights the way”, he added.

    Harsha Razdan, CEO, South Asia, dentsu commented, “This is not just a report. It is a roadmap backed by resolve. We are here to build real impact with Bengal, and our approach is deeply action-oriented. We will embed Eastern insights into Dentsu Lab India to shape innovation strategies at scale. We will convene co-creation workshops in Kolkata and across the state, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and creators to solve real-world challenges. And we will double down on skilling and capability-building efforts to empower Bengal’s next generation to lead in technology, media, and innovation. These are not gestures or slogans. They are measurable, mission-driven commitments. With Bengal, we are not just imagining the future. We are committing to building it together.”
     

  • Cred and T Rajendar show Chennai the rewards of paying bills on time

    Cred and T Rajendar show Chennai the rewards of paying bills on time

    MUMBAI: Cred invoked the iconic T Rajendar to spotlight the rewards of good financial behaviour in its new, quintessentially ‘TR’ brand film.

    Speaking directly to ‘TR Nation’, the campaign celebrates the legendary performer’s unmistakable delivery and presence as a multi-hyphenate actor, director, producer, lyricist, composer, and singer. Now, he dons one more hat: that of an explainer,  where he transforms creditworthiness from a concept to a conversation – a rewarding one.

    The campaign comes at a time when Chennai is emerging as one of India’s most financially aware cities. In a recent Cred–YouGov survey:

    ●     65 per cent of respondents in Chennai know their exact credit score, the highest among all Indian metros

    ●     52 per cent report credit adoption, indicating deeper engagement with formal credit systems

    ●     Nearly 1 in 2 residents (46 per cent) rely on personal finance apps to manage their money

    With the film, Cred and TR show this financially progressive community that creditworthiness can be rewarding too. In a few seconds, a late-night doomscroll turns into a walk through the rewards that Cred members earn by paying their bills on the app – jewellery, vacations, gadgets, makeovers, and other experiences.

    Launched yesterday, the film will run for six weeks across Tamil Nadu. The campaign continues on the app as well, with curated offers on brands like Butterheads, VS Mani, Bodycraft, Sangeetha Veg, Cha Republic, Giva, A2B, Lakme and many more. CRED members in Tamil Nadu can also access limited-edition TR merchandise on CRED Store.