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Category: News Headline

  • Tata Consumer brews a change as Sharat Verma takes the top role

    Tata Consumer brews a change as Sharat Verma takes the top role

    MUMBAI: The kettle’s whistling at Tata Consumer Products and this time, it’s not just the tea. The company has announced a leadership shake-up, with veteran marketer Sharat Verma set to take over as president of packaged beverages ford India & South Asia (including Organic India) from 1 December 2025.

    Verma, who moves from Procter & Gamble, brings over two decades of brand-building prowess, having helmed iconic names like Ariel, Tide, Gillette, Oral-B, and Olay across India, ASEAN, China, and the Middle East. At P&G, he led the 0.5 billion dollars Fabric Care business, clocking a 15 per cent CAGR in one of the most competitive categories. His “Share The Load” campaign remains a landmark in cause-driven brand storytelling, marrying social commentary with sales success.

    The appointment follows the resignation of Puneet Das, who exits after eight years at Tata Consumer to pursue new opportunities. Das, who played a pivotal role in the packaged beverages portfolio, leaves behind a strong growth legacy. His departure is effective 3 November 2025.

    Another notable exit is Soulfull business president Prashant Parameswaran who steps down on 15 December 2025 for personal reasons. Parameswaran, the driving force behind the Tata Soulfull brand, is credited with positioning the homegrown breakfast brand as a challenger in India’s healthy foods segment.

    With Verma’s appointment, Tata Consumer is signalling a renewed focus on consumer-led innovation and storytelling that resonates across Bharat and beyond. The move also reflects a broader trend of FMCG majors courting talent with both local insight and global polish.

    In a statement, Tata Consumer Products ltd. said the leadership changes form part of its ongoing transformation to strengthen its core businesses and unlock growth across markets.

    For Tata Consumer the company that put the world’s most loved chai on millions of tables this is more than a handover. It’s a fresh blend of strategy and storytelling, brewed perfectly for its next growth chapter.
     

  • Ankur Raghav levels up with Indian.now buzz

    Ankur Raghav levels up with Indian.now buzz

    MUMBAI: Ankur Raghav, the mastermind behind some of India’s biggest meme sensations, has switched gears from laughs to headlines. The digital veteran and entrepreneur has launched Indian.now, an Instagram-first news and motivation page that’s already crossed the one million–follower mark.

    Known for running Naughty World, a meme empire boasting 11 million followers, and Epic 69, with over three million fans, Raghav has long ruled India’s online entertainment scene. Now, with Indian.now, he’s out to inform and inspire, not just amuse.

    The page serves up global news bites, motivational quotes, and viral trends in snappy, scroll-stopping formats built for Gen Z. Whether it’s a world event, a sports update, or a business breakthrough, Indian.now delivers it in under a minute with bold visuals and cheeky captions that make even serious stories shareable.

    Raghav describes his new venture as “content that informs and inspires,” aiming to bridge the gap between traditional news and social media storytelling. It’s a space where current affairs meet creativity, turning daily updates into addictive digital moments.

    The results speak for themselves. In just weeks, Indian.now has become one of India’s fastest-growing Instagram news pages, lighting up feeds with viral engagement and a steady stream of story shares.

    As Raghav teases “exciting and ground-breaking” new projects on the horizon, one thing’s clear, the man who made India laugh is now making it think.
     

  • Ritesh Gupta takes charge of ad sales at OLX India

    Ritesh Gupta takes charge of ad sales at OLX India

    MUMBAI: After nearly two decades of steering digital revenue growth across India’s top media and auto-tech brands, Ritesh Gupta has taken on a new challenge as head of ad sales (direct) and partnerships at OLX India.

    At CarDekho, where he spent over seven years, Gupta was instrumental in scaling the new auto business to contribute over 20 per cent of company revenue. He also built strong alliances with top automotive brands such as Toyota, Hero, Hyundai, TVS, Honda Cars, and Ather, while spearheading digital innovations like AI voice bots, AR/VR tools, and chatbots to enhance engagement.

    His diverse career spans leadership roles at The Indian Express, ABP Group, Connecting Dots Asia, Hindustan Times, Nielsen Digital, Business Standard, and The Times of India, where he honed his expertise in digital transformation, strategic partnerships, and sales excellence.

    In his new role at OLX India, Gupta will focus on strengthening the company’s advertising ecosystem through direct brand collaborations, strategic alliances, and innovative monetisation models.

    With his rich cross-industry experience and a flair for innovation, Gupta’s appointment marks a strong step forward in OLX India’s mission to accelerate growth in the evolving ad and partnerships landscape.

     

  • Pratiman joins Bosch to power global growth

    Pratiman joins Bosch to power global growth

    MUMBAI: After over a decade of driving growth for some of the world’s biggest brands, Pratiman is now steering into a new chapter as senior growth & demand marketing manager at Bosch, based in Stuttgart, Germany.

    In his new role, he will lead global growth and demand marketing for Bosch Software & Digital Solutions, focusing on account-based marketing, campaign strategy, pipeline acceleration, and customer engagement across markets.

    Pratiman’s career is a masterclass in modern marketing. Before joining Bosch, he served as CRM marketing lead at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, where he drove global CRM transformation through Microsoft Dynamics 365, aligning marketing, sales, and IT to enhance customer journeys and operational efficiency.

    Previously, at SAP LeanIX, he honed his expertise in marketing automation and data-driven strategy, leading cross-channel campaigns via HubSpot and Salesforce while ensuring GDPR compliance and advanced analytics for global audiences.

    His freelance consulting years were equally prolific, advising brands such as Aviatrix, T-Systems, Rydoo, and Zeotap on intent-based marketing and CRM integrations. Earlier roles at Simba Dickie Group, Eran Group, and Audi shaped his early understanding of brand building, experiential marketing, and international market dynamics.

    Recognised as one of India’s youngest Top 100 Most Influential Marketing Leaders by the World Marketing Congress, Pratiman has built a career at the intersection of creativity, data, and technology.

    Now at Bosch, his focus is clear, to accelerate growth through precision marketing that fuses global insight with local relevance. For a marketer who’s driven results from Mumbai to Munich, this next pit stop at Bosch looks like another winning lap.

  • Zepto ties the knot with Britannia for a shaadi that wasn’t real

    Zepto ties the knot with Britannia for a shaadi that wasn’t real

    MUMBAI: Who says you need a bride and groom to have a big fat Indian wedding? Zepto just proved otherwise with its Great Indian Fake Shaadi, a no-nuptials bash that turned Chattarpur’s Ira Luxe into the wildest wedding that never was. In partnership with Britannia, the event saw 300 plus guests, top creators and brand partners show up for a night where nothing was real, but everything was reel.

    Britannia, the title sponsor, quite literally led the baraat kicking off the evening with the Britannia Pure Magic Baraat and a flash mob to Bingo!’s viral Tedhe Medhe Bhojpuri anthem. The result? A spectacle that felt like a cross between a shaadi, a music video, and a meme come to life.

    Shaadi.com joined the fun with a digital roast by founder Anupam Mittal, taking a hilariously self-aware dig at India’s dating scene, while Manforce Epic Condoms added some cheeky sparkle with a vibrating bed installation that had guests blushing and grinning in equal measure.

    The celebration was co-powered by a who’s who of brands Nivea, Haldiram’s, Bingo Tedhe Medhe, Manforce Epic Condoms, Shaadi.com, Close-Up, ITC Fabelle, and Minimalist making it less of a wedding and more of a brand baaraat. Rebound – Detox Shot, Hershey’s, Sugar, and Wildstone joined in as supporting partners, ensuring the party stayed powered through the night.

    The creative chaos was choreographed by Meragi, a real wedding planning startup that turned Zepto’s tongue-in-cheek concept into a content goldmine. With sangeet performances, spoof rituals, and brand-led installations, the venue became a playground for creators with over 100 influencers flooding social feeds in real time.

    “The fake shaadi trend isn’t just a meme anymore, it’s a cultural moment,” said Zepto chief brand officer Chandan Mendiratta. “We wanted to kick off the wedding season by owning that moment and turning it into something bigger. The fake shaadi reflects how Gen Z celebrates with irony, energy and endless content.”

    For Britannia general manager for marketing Siddharth Gupta the evening was a perfect fit for their indulgent new range. “The Great Indian Fake Shaadi was such a fun and unexpected way to start the wedding season. It was full of laughter, energy, and indulgence, much like Britannia Pure Magic. Guests experienced our new choco creations that turn every bite into an irresistible delight.”

    At the end of the night, there were no pheras, no tears, and definitely no bidaai but there was plenty of laughter, content and chaos. Zepto’s Fake Shaadi wasn’t just a stunt; it was a sly mirror to how India’s wedding season has gone from ceremonial to cinematic. Because who needs “I do” when you’ve got “I post”?
     

  • Zee Media appoints Raktim Das as new CEO

    Zee Media appoints Raktim Das as new CEO

    MUMBAI: Zee Media Corporation has named seasoned media professional Raktimanu Das, popularly known as Raktim Das, as its new chief executive officer, effective 4 November 2025. His appointment follows the resignation of former CEO Karan Abhishek Singh.

    The company’s board of directors approved the appointment at a meeting on 3 November 2025, as per its filings with the BSE and NSE. Das has also been designated as key managerial personnel of the company.

    A media veteran with over two decades of experience, Das has worked with leading organisations including TV9 Network, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Network18, Direct News, India Today, and The Times of India. His career spans revenue leadership, editorial strategy, brand monetisation, and digital transformation.

    Before joining Zee Media, Das served as chief growth officer (digital & broadcasting) at TV9 Network, where he played a key role in building high-performing teams and driving growth through innovation and intrapreneurship.

    A pioneer in the Indian media landscape, Das has been credited with creating industry-first branded content practices and media IPs across broadcast, digital, and OTT platforms.

  • Sonali Bendre brings back The Happy Pawdcast

    Sonali Bendre brings back The Happy Pawdcast

    MUMBAI: The fur’s flying again, in the best way possible. The Happy Pawdcast is back for Season 2 on RosePod, with actor Sonali Bendre and her fluffy co-host Icy Behl leading the way through laughter, lessons and lots of love.

    Produced by Rose Audio Visuals, the new season promises a richer format and a star-studded line-up of celebrity pet parents and animal experts. Viewers can expect heartfelt and hilarious stories from guests including Amala Akkineni, Rohan Joshi, Remo D’Souza, Diana Penty, Kubbra Sait, Karan Wahi and Tusshar Kapoor.

    Sonali Bendre shared, “Every episode is a gentle reminder that our pets are our greatest teachers, of love, patience and empathy. I’m thrilled to return with more stories, deeper conversations, and of course, Icy’s irresistible charm.”

    According to Rose Audio Visuals head of marketing & branded content Megha H Desai, “The Happy Pawdcast has always been about celebrating the human–animal bond. Season 2 takes that connection further, fostering awareness and compassion among India’s growing pet-loving community.”

    Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or just someone who smiles at dog videos, this “pawsome” show is bound to tug at your heartstrings. The Happy Pawdcast Season 2 drops its first episode on 7 November on RosePod’s Youtube channel.
     

  • Madrid meets Mumbai as Tata Communications kicks off Real connection

    Madrid meets Mumbai as Tata Communications kicks off Real connection

    MUMBAI: When the Bernabéu meets Bharat, football fever finds a new field to play on. Tata Communications has teamed up with Real Madrid CF and Footballerista Mobile (Suisse) AG to bring the iconic club’s Madridista Premium loyalty programme to India, a digital goal aimed straight at the hearts of over 22 million fans and 11 official fan clubs across the country.

    The collaboration marks a first-of-its-kind fusion of sport, technology, and fandom turning passion into participation. With this launch, Indian fans can now enjoy an exclusive peek into the Real Madrid universe through premium access to content, merchandise, and experiences designed to make every supporter feel closer to the club than ever before.

    For Real Madrid, one of the most followed football teams globally, India represents not just an audience but an untapped fan movement. Through Madridista Premium, the club is extending its digital ecosystem to Indian shores, deepening its connection with fans and nurturing football culture in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

    Tata Communications will power this connection through its cutting-edge digital infrastructure and MOVETM platform ensuring seamless connectivity, personalised engagement, and a 24/7 bridge between fans and the club. Footballerista, the customer-facing arm of Tata Communications’ MOVETM, will take the lead on fan experiences and digital onboarding campaigns to drive engagement.

    “This partnership isn’t just about digital innovation, it’s connecting Real Madrid to its Indian fanbase that goes beyond traditional fandom,” said Real Madrid CF institutional relations director Emilio Butrageño and one of the club’s most celebrated legends.

    Echoing the sentiment, Tata Communications MOVETM vice president and global head Marco Bijvelds added, “Our technology is designed to break down barriers and create connections. With Footballerista and Real Madrid, we’re not just providing a service, we’re building a stage for Real Madrid’s fan experience in India.”

    For Indian supporters who have long cheered from afar, Madridista Premium offers more than a membership, it’s a front-row ticket to the real experience. From exclusive emotional content and curated merchandise to local engagement events, the initiative turns every fan moment into a celebration.

    As Tata Communications, Footballerista and Real Madrid join forces, one thing’s certain the beautiful game just found a new home crowd. The Bernabéu might be miles away, but the Madridista spirit is now firmly kicking in India.
     

  • District by Zomato brings luxury to Kotak Solitaire

    District by Zomato brings luxury to Kotak Solitaire

    MUMBAI: Fine dining just got finer, and a little more exclusive. District by Zomato has teamed up with Kotak Mahindra Bank to offer Kotak Solitaire Credit Card holders a seat at India’s most coveted culinary tables.

    The partnership opens doors to extraordinary experiences curated by some of the world’s top chefs and mixologists. Think Himalayan air meeting Malaysian flair in Naar x Dewakan by chefs Prateek Sadhu and Darren Teoh, or the soulful Bhog Table experience by chef Auroni and Bengaluru Oota Company, each event crafted for those who treat dining as an art form.

    For Solitaire cardholders, the flavour of privilege continues long after dessert. They enjoy 20 per cent savings on dining via District (up to Rs 5,000 per bill, twice a month), priority access to India’s most sought-after restaurants, and Zomato Gold membership at just Rs 1.

    “At Kotak Solitaire, we believe true luxury lies in experiences that feel personal and effortless,” said Kotak Mahindra Bank executive vice president – head of affluent and salaried propositions Jyoti Samajpati. “For our clients, dining is not just a meal, but a celebration of taste, culture and identity.”

    A District by Zomato spokesperson added, “We’re not just creating events like the Naar x Michelin series, we’re building a movement to redefine India’s fine dining culture and make these collaborations more accessible.”

    Previously reserved for those with industry access or insider connections, such dining experiences are now discoverable through the District app. For Kotak’s elite, this is more than a card, it’s a golden ticket to a world where banking meets haute cuisine.

  • Fixderma Schools teens in smart skincare habits

    Fixderma Schools teens in smart skincare habits

    MUMBAI: Fixderma is giving acne a lesson to remember. The dermatologist-prescribed skincare brand has wrapped up its engaging school campaign, Skin Investment, aimed at helping teenagers make smart, science-backed skincare choices before problems strike.

    Targeting students aged 13 to 16, the initiative reached over 20 schools across NCR through dermatologist talks, interactive workshops and hands-on learning modules powered by Fixderma’s Salyzap range, a clinically formulated line for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

    Students not only soaked up expert advice but also showed surprising creativity, coining slogans like “Skin achi toh din acha” and “Treat your skin like a plant, hydrate it every day.” The campaign made skincare fun, relatable and rooted in confidence.

    “Too often, teens start thinking about skincare only after a breakout,” said Fixderma founder and CEO Shaily Mehrotra. “With Skin Investment, we wanted to shift that mindset from reactive to preventive. Just like financial literacy, skin literacy should start early, because healthy skin is a lifelong investment.”

    Fixderma chairman Anurag Mehrotra added, “The response from schools has been phenomenal. Our aim was not sales but awareness. When children understand their skin, they become more confident and responsible. Education is at the heart of our brand’s purpose.”

    Following its successful Pimple Police campaign for college students, Fixderma continues to carve a niche as a skincare brand that leads with science, empathy and education. With its philosophy skin first, confidence always, the company now plans to take skin investment nationwide, ensuring every young face gets a healthy head start.