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Category: News Headline

  • Federal Bank’s AI Onam wishes win hearts

    Federal Bank’s AI Onam wishes win hearts

    MUMBAI: When petals fall from the cloud, you know Onam has gone digital. This festive season, Federal Bank, in partnership with Hogarth, turned tradition into a tech-powered celebration, swapping generic greetings for personalised, AI-driven messages that felt anything but robotic.

    Using WPP’s AI tools and immersive tech from 8th Wall, the campaign let customers scan a simple QR code on posters, print or metro ads, and suddenly find themselves showered with virtual petals, greeted by a Kathakali dancer, or hearing the familiar trumpet of a vallam kali. And instead of a faceless message, it came directly from their own branch manager: part banker, part digital storyteller.

    “This Onam, we wanted to bring plug-and-play joy into people’s homes,” said Federal Bank, cmo, M V S Murthy. “Technology is at its best when it strengthens culture and community, not when it overshadows them.”

    Thousands of bespoke greetings were shared across Kerala and beyond, with customers responding with joy, nostalgia, and even surprise. For many in the diaspora, the greeting felt like a piece of home arriving at their phone.

    For Hogarth India, ceo, Karthik Nagarajan, the idea was simple: “We’re moving from creating content to crafting experiences. Tech should feel human, not heavy,” he noted.

    Backed by AI-assisted motion design, the experience was fully browser-based, no app required, making it as seamless as it was striking. Social chatter followed quickly, with younger audiences latching onto the novelty and sharing the moments widely.

    As WPP, global vp of Immersive tech & AI, Dale Imerman, summed it up, “This is India showing how creativity and technology can amplify cultural connection at scale.”

    For many, this year Onam didn’t just come home, it came alive on their screens. 

  • Mars appoints Nitin Guleria as head of media to lead global strategy

    Mars appoints Nitin Guleria as head of media to lead global strategy

    MUMBAI: Mars has announced the appointment of Nitin Guleria as its new Head of Media, effective September 2025.

    With more than 15 years of experience across global media, marketing, and communications, Guleria brings a wealth of expertise to the role. He joins Mars from Samsung Electronics, where he served as deputy general manager for over seven years, leading media and marketing initiatives across mobile and consumer electronics.

    Prior to Samsung, Guleria held leadership positions at Groupm’s Essence, where he directed cross-media planning for Google’s hardware division, and at Interpublic Group’s Cadreon, specialising in programmatic media strategy. He began his career with Optimise Media Group and Shoogloo, gaining early experience in business development, client servicing, and performance-driven marketing.

    At Mars, Guleria is expected to strengthen the company’s media strategy, drive integrated communications, and deliver impactful consumer engagement across key markets.

  • Portfolio Night 2025 opens for young creatives with Google live brief

    Portfolio Night 2025 opens for young creatives with Google live brief

    MUMBAI: Aspiring adlanders, polish those portfolios, your big night is here. ‘The One Club for Creativity’ has opened registrations for ‘Portfolio Night 2025’, with Google on board as exclusive global sponsor. In India, the event will be hosted by BBDO India, DDB Mudra Group and TBWA India. Budding creatives can log in online on 6 October or meet in person on 7 October, with entries closing on 3 October.

    Billed as the world’s premier speed-dating event for talent and top creative leaders, Portfolio Night gives young hopefuls the chance to showcase work, receive one-to-one feedback, and even spark their advertising careers.

    This year, Google is setting the live brief for the Portfolio Night All-Stars competition. Winners will earn a coveted trip to New York in 2026 to present their campaign during The One Club’s creative week.

    On the jury are some of the most celebrated names in Indian advertising, including Josy Paul (BBDO India), Kainaz Karmakar (Ogilvy India), Abhijit Awasthi (Sideways Consulting), Russell Barrett (TBWAIndia), Swati Bhattacharya (Lightbox), Rahul Mathew (DDB Mudra), and Ashish Khazanchi (Enormous), alongside a long list of national creative heavyweights.

    With humour, hustle and a shot at global glory, Portfolio Night 2025 promises not just feedback, but a foot firmly in the door of advertising’s big league.

    For registration visit:

    In-Person Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/portfolio-night-2025-mumbai-in-person-tickets-1672125625759

    Virtual (Non-Mumbai Residents): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/portfolio-night-2025-mumbai-virtual-tickets-1664770165379

  • Times OOH chief gets billboard industry throne

    Times OOH chief gets billboard industry throne

    MUMBAI:The billboards plastering India’s chaotic streets have found their new overlord. Narayanaswami Shekhar, chief executive of Times OOH, has been crowned chairman of the Indian Outdoor Advertising Association, handing the Times Group executive sway over an industry grappling with digital revolution and regulatory squeeze. Earlier the vice-chairman, he takes over from Jagran Engage COO Pawan Bansal.

    Shekhar’s ascent to the top of IOAA puts him at the helm of a lobby group that corrals more than 80 per cent of India’s leading outdoor media barons and boasts 220-plus members scattered from Mumbai’s traffic-choked arteries to Bangalore’s tech corridors. The association’s bread and butter involves fending off municipal crackdowns whilst championing the interests of companies that transform India’s urban jungle into a kaleidoscope of consumer messaging.

    The appointment comes as India’s outdoor advertising sector—worth billions of rupees—faces an existential reckoning. Digital screens are rapidly displacing static hoardings, whilst smartphone ubiquity threatens the traditional model of ambushing commuters with roadside pitches. Meanwhile, courts and municipal authorities have launched periodic crusades against “visual pollution,” threatening the very billboards that fund the industry.

    Shekhar’s new perch positions him as the industry’s chief evangelist at a pivotal moment. His Times OOH stable operates across India’s major cities, where the company’s digital displays compete for eyeballs against everything from Hindi film posters to political propaganda. The challenge now is ensuring outdoor advertising remains relevant in an increasingly screen-saturated landscape.

    For the Times group, Shekhar’s industry chairmanship represents a strategic coup. The media conglomerate can now influence regulations and standards that directly impact its outdoor advertising arm, whilst positioning itself as the sector’s thought leader.

    The association’s core mission—protecting and promoting outdoor advertising interests—takes on fresh urgency as Indian cities grapple with beautification drives that often view billboards as urban blight rather than legitimate business infrastructure.

  • Greaves Cotton reshuffles deck chairs as power veteran takes charge

    Greaves Cotton reshuffles deck chairs as power veteran takes charge

    MUMBAI:  Greaves Cotton has handed the reins of its energy solutions business to Swarnendu Jha, a 26-year power industry veteran who has hopscotched between diesel engine makers and generator specialists from Pune to the Gulf.

    The Mumbai-listed engineering firm promoted Jha to vice president of energy solutions on Sunday, whilst simultaneously making  marketing and sales head Abhijit Joshi report to the newly-minted Jha. With that, Joshi has lost his status as senior management personnel under stock exchange rules.

    Jha’s appointment caps a career spent navigating India’s stuttering power sector, from his early days at Kirloskar Oil Engines through stints at American heavyweight Cummins and a spell flogging Caterpillar generators across the Gulf states with distributor Mar Al Bahar. The mechanical engineering graduate from Pune University later topped up his credentials with a sales and marketing diploma from Symbiosis—academic armour for battling in India’s cut-throat industrial markets.

    The reshuffle comes as Greaves Cotton, founded in 1859 during the British Raj, grapples with India’s energy transition. The company has been pivoting from its traditional diesel engine roots towards cleaner technologies, including electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions, as environmental regulations tighten and customer preferences shift.

    Joshi’s reporting change, which is what Greaves Cotton has diplomatically framed it, suggests the company wants a more seasoned hand steering its energy portfolio. The move mirrors broader corporate India’s tendency to parachute industry specialists into key roles as competition intensifies and margins compress.

    The timing is telling: India’s power equipment sector faces headwinds from slowing industrial growth and delayed project approvals, even as the government pushes aggressive renewable energy targets. Companies like Greaves Cotton must thread the needle between supporting India’s coal-fired industrial base and positioning for a cleaner energy future.

    For investors, the appointment signals Greaves Cotton’s intent to professionalise its energy division management, though whether Jha’s considerable experience can translate into improved performance remains to be tested against India’s notoriously fickle power markets.

  • Vision beyond sight: Chokkhudaan ushers in Pujo with true inclusivity

    Vision beyond sight: Chokkhudaan ushers in Pujo with true inclusivity

    MUMBAI: Eye-opening celebrations marked the start of Devi Paksho in Kolkata, as Doctors’ Choice and the Kashi Bose lane puja committee hosted ‘Chokkhudaan – Pujo Dekho Moner Chokhe,’ a moving initiative that placed empathy and inclusion at the heart of Durga Puja.

    In a symbolic gesture, children with visual impairment inaugurated the Pujo festivities, reminding the community that the spirit of Sharod Utsav is as much about shared humanity as it is about grandeur.

    The occasion was graced by dignitaries including Government of West Bengal, hon’ble minister for industries, commerce & enterprises, dr Shashi Panja, alongside senior leaders of Doctors’ Choice. The event also honoured achievers from the visually impaired community: swimmer Chinmay Mondal, cricket administrator Kanai Lal Chakraborty, and theatre advocate Subhash Dey, recognising their resilience and contribution.

    Music then took centre stage, with a soulful performance by the visually impaired children that left audiences deeply touched. This year, the Kashi Bose Lane pandal has also introduced Braille descriptions of its theme, ensuring accessibility for visitors with special needs and truly making the festival one for all.

    “As we welcome Maa Durga, Chokkhudaan has reminded us that the essence of Pujo lies not only in its splendour but in inclusion and togetherness,” said Doctors’ Choice, head of marketing & strategy, Shivam Agarwal.

    Extending the theme of vision, a special eye donation booth in collaboration with Medical Bank has been set up at the pandal, while a selfie zone spreads awareness with a call to pledge sight as the ultimate gift.

    By turning the spotlight on the visually impaired and encouraging eye donation, Doctors’ Choice has ensured this Pujo begins not just with devotion but with compassion, proving that sometimes, the clearest vision comes from the heart.

  • Nielsen pushes case for independent audience measurement at India Brand Summit India ’25

    Nielsen pushes case for independent audience measurement at India Brand Summit India ’25

    MUMBAI: When brands can’t measure right, they can’t spend smart. That was the blunt message from Nielsen at the third India Brand Summit 2025, organised by Indian Television dot com, on 19 September.

    The summit brought together a heavyweight mix of marketers from leading FMCG firms, advertising agencies, media buyers, policymakers and digital innovators: all focused on rewriting India’s branding playbook with sharper, more cost-effective strategies.

    Speaking on the theme “The need for an independent audience measurement system for enhanced reach analysis,” Nielsen, senior director, Mridul Verma  made the case for breaking out of siloed metrics. He argued that platform-specific data clouds the true picture of audience reach, causing wasted ad spend and missed opportunities.

    To illustrate, he cited a Samsonite campaign that tapped Nielsen one ads to fine-tune in-flight advertising. By applying unified, cross-platform measurement, the brand was able to optimise outcomes across connected TV, mobile and desktop.

    Verma noted that such cross-channel clarity is critical in today’s fragmented media environment, adding that independent measurement is no longer a nice-to-have but a necessity for marketers seeking efficient and accountable growth.

    With digital advertising spend soaring in India, Nielsen’s pitch for a single yardstick was clear: only a unified view can keep campaigns efficient and effective in a crowded media landscape.

     

  • Movieverse and Jojo Studios roll out their first Gujarati family film

    Movieverse and Jojo Studios roll out their first Gujarati family film

    MUMBAI: Gujarati cinema is about to get a double dose of firsts this Navratri. Movieverse Studios and Jojo Studios are joining forces to launch their debut Gujarati film: a wholesome family entertainer designed to tickle funny bones and tug heartstrings alike.

    The collaboration is a milestone for both: Movieverse Studios, the mainstream content arm of IN10 Media Network, is stepping into Gujarati cinema for the first time, while Jojo Studios, the newly minted film arm of the country’s fastest-growing Gujarati OTT platform, is making its cinematic debut.

    The film stars Raunaq Kamdar, Mitra Gadhvi and Shraddha Dangar, and is directed by Kilol Parmar. Promising a mix of humour, emotion and cultural relatability, it taps into the recipe that has driven Gujarati films to growing box office success, not just in Gujarat, but in neighbouring states as well.

    IN10 Media Network, managing director,  Aditya Pittie said, “Regional cinema is the growth frontier for Indian entertainment. Gujarati films are leading that wave with stories that resonate far beyond state borders. Our collaboration with JOJO Studios reflects both the market’s potential and our commitment to rooted yet widely appealing storytelling.”

    Jojo Studios, founder, Dhruvin Shah added, “We are thrilled to partner with Movieverse Studios for our film debut. Gujarati cinema has evolved into a commercially robust and creatively exciting space, making this the right time to step into films.”

    Movieverse Studios, ceo, Vivek Krishnani summed it up and said, “This project balances creative strength with audience demand. With Jojo app already a leading platform in Gujarat, we are confident this is the first of many films audiences will wholeheartedly enjoy.”

    With regional cinema booming and family-driven narratives in demand, this Navratri release looks set to bring Gujarati culture, comedy and heart to screens nationwide.

     

  • ITC Sunrise honours Bengal’s dhakis with Dhaki Utsav

    ITC Sunrise honours Bengal’s dhakis with Dhaki Utsav

    MUMBAI: Drumrolls don’t just herald celebrations this Pujo, they’ve become the celebration itself. In a landmark cultural tribute, ITC Sunrise put Bengal’s beloved dhakis centre stage with a spectacular ‘Dhaki Utsav’ at Kolkata’s iconic Kumartuli Ghat on Mahalaya.

    Led by percussion virtuoso Tanmoy Bose and Padma Shri awardee Gokul Dhaki, the never-before-seen spectacle brought dozens of traditional drummers together in unison, unveiling a specially composed Durga Puja anthem for Sunrise.

    The riverfront reverberated with the thunderous rhythm of the dhak, weaving music into devotion against the sacred backdrop of Kumartuli, where idol-making and rituals mark the spiritual awakening of goddess Durga. The beats weren’t just performance; they were a collective heartbeat of Bengal’s biggest festival.

    “Durga Puja is not just a celebration, it is an emotion stitched together with rhythm,” said ITC Spices, business head, Piyush Mishra. “With Dhaki Utsav, we wanted to shine the spotlight on the artists who define the soundscape of Pujo.”

    For the dhakis themselves, the recognition was deeply moving. “Pujo is life for us,” said Gokul Dhaki. “To see our art celebrated on such a scale is an honour beyond words.” Bose echoed the sentiment, calling the performance “a privilege and a moment to cherish forever.”

    With this initiative, Sunrise has gone beyond spices to spice up tradition, not only creating a festive anthem but etching a new cultural legacy that honours the keepers of Bengal’s most iconic rhythm.

    From empowering women priests to celebrating self-defence through its Durgatinashini campaign, Sunrise has consistently blended tradition with progress. This year’s Dhaki Utsav reinforces its role as a brand deeply rooted in Bengal’s heritage, ensuring the drummers who fuel Pujo’s spirit are finally recognised as its soul.

  • Mondelez moves veteran to crack Asia’s snack market

    Mondelez moves veteran to crack Asia’s snack market

    INGAPORE: Mondelez International has handed the keys to its south-east Asian kingdom to Abhiroop Chuckarbutty, a battle-hardened consumer goods veteran who spent more than two decades navigating the treacherous waters of emerging markets from Mumbai’s bustling bazaars to Dubai’s gleaming malls.

    The 22-year industry stalwart, who orchestrated the messy separation of a $500m tea business from Unilever’s sprawling empire in 2024, will now steer the American snacking giant’s charge across a region where Oreos compete with local delicacies and Cadbury chocolate battles tropical heat.

    Chuckarbutty’s appointment as president comes after a year running Mondelez’s African operations from Johannesburg, where he cut his teeth on the company’s complex multi-market dynamics. Before that corporate musical chairs routine, he spent two turbulent years as president of ekaterra’s Africa, Middle East and Turkey tea business, shepherding the venture through its acrimonious divorce from Unilever in 2022.

    The executive’s résumé reads like a corporate fire-fighting courseware. At Unilever, where he spent 16 years climbing the ranks, Chuckarbutty wrestled with everything from sluggish west Asian markets to the herculean task of digitising India’s advertising landscape. He juggled profit-and-loss responsibility for a bewildering array of brands—from Lifebuoy soap bars to Kissan ketchup—across markets as diverse as Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates.

    His new perch in Singapore puts him at the epicentre of Asia’s snacking revolution, where rising incomes and urbanisation are fuelling an insatiable appetite for packaged treats. The region’s young, mobile-savvy consumers present both opportunity and headache for western brands trying to crack local tastes whilst fending off nimble domestic rivals.

    Chuckarbutty’s knack for “business turnarounds and accelerating scale businesses”—as his corporate biography modestly puts it—will be tested against south-east Asia’s fragmented markets, where regulatory tangles and supply-chain snarls can derail even the slickest marketing campaigns.

    The appointment signals Mondelez’s intent to double down on a region that represents one of the fastest-growing snacking markets globally, even as trade tensions and economic uncertainty cloud the broader Asian outlook