ITV

Blog

  • Shantanu Saran joins Prudent Insurance as CBO to sharpen growth and client relationships

    Shantanu Saran joins Prudent Insurance as CBO to sharpen growth and client relationships

    MUMBAI: Prudent Insurance Brokers has roped in Shantanu Saran as its new chief business officer (CBO), marking a strategic move aimed at boosting growth and deepening client engagement in a rapidly evolving insurance landscape.

    A seasoned insurance professional with over two decades of experience, Saran steps into the new role with an ambitious mandate: scale the firm’s footprint, drive innovation in service offerings, and strengthen stakeholder relationships. Prior to this, he spent 17 years at Marsh India Insurance Brokers, where he most recently served as MD – sales & claims. Earlier in his career, he was with ICICI Lombard for over four years as area head – corporate solutions group.

    In his new role at Prudent, Saran will lead business development initiatives and identify new growth opportunities, while aligning operations with market demands and risk management trends. His appointment aligns with Prudent’s aggressive expansion blueprint and its commitment to delivering comprehensive, client-centric insurance solutions.

    “Shantanu’s appointment marks an important step in the company’s growth journey. His track record in building stakeholder relationships, managing P&Ls, and innovating strategic growth opportunities aligns well with our focus on delivering value and trust”, said Prudent Insurance Brokers JMD Pavanjit Singh Dhingra.

    Saran holds an economics degree from Delhi University’s Ramjas College and a business administration degree from K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research. His leadership ethos has consistently revolved around delivering measurable outcomes while adapting to changing industry expectations.

    “I am honoured to be part of Prudent Insurance Brokers at a time when the industry is evolving rapidly, and client expectations are continuously rising”, said Saran. “Prudent’s strong foundation, client-centric culture, and clear strategic direction make it ideal to build meaningful and long-term value”.

    The company views this leadership addition as a pivotal move in reinforcing its industry positioning and enhancing its value proposition.

  • Confiance Communications wins PR mandate for Hoi, India’s rising airport-tech disruptor

    Confiance Communications wins PR mandate for Hoi, India’s rising airport-tech disruptor

    MUMBAI: With terminals turning into tech battlegrounds and flyers demanding seamless navigation, Hoi, the country’s fastest-growing airport tech concierge, has onboarded Confiance Communications as its official PR partner. The announcement comes as Hoi scales operations across India’s top airports—Delhi, Goa, and Hyderabad—bringing its AI-powered, service-first platform to the forefront of travel innovation.

    From lounge lizards to last-minute boarders, Hoi promises travellers real-time updates, smart gate tracking, and even a bite before boarding—via seamless food pre-ordering. Its menu of premium perks also includes exclusive lounge access, vip meet-and-greets, porter services, and a 24/7 AI-powered info centre.

    Confiance Communications will now lead Hoi’s brand narrative with a sharp focus on traveller-first storytelling and media partnerships. The mandate will include strategic outreach to aviation stakeholders, digital-first flyers, and tech-forward passengers looking for efficiency at every terminal touchpoint.

    “With airports becoming increasingly complex, Hoi’s tech-first approach in simplifying the entire airport journey directly addresses travellers’ key pain points. Our role here will be to showcase how Hoi’s innovative technology is setting new benchmarks in travel convenience, positioning them at the forefront of India’s travel-tech revolution”, said Confiance Communications founder & chief strategist Bushra Ismail.

    “This partnership is a key brand awareness lever — Confiance Communications will help us position Hoi as India’s most trusted travel companion and showcase how technology is reshaping air travel experiences”, added Hoi deputy CEO Dhruv Godara.

    As Hoi continues its mission to make airports smarter, Confiance aims to make its story impossible to miss.

     

  • Rattan Lal named global ambassador of regenagri to boost regenerative farming awareness

    Rattan Lal named global ambassador of regenagri to boost regenerative farming awareness

    MUMBAI: If soil had a spokesperson, it just found the best one. Rattan Lal, the globally celebrated soil scientist and advocate of sustainable agriculture, has been appointed the global ambassador of regenagri, a leading international standard for regenerative agriculture.

    The announcement was made on June 2, 2025, and signals a high-profile push to mainstream regenerative practices worldwide. Lal, a distinguished university professor of Soil Science and director of the Rattan Lal Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration at The Ohio State University, will now amplify regenagri’s message across geographies, guiding its global expansion and standardisation efforts.

    As the global ambassador, Lal will promote the ecological and economic benefits of regenerative farming—emphasising soil health, biodiversity, climate resilience, and community livelihoods. “Regenagri stands for innovative farming systems, which transform agroecosystems into a part of the solution to restore degraded soils, mitigate climate change, strengthen biodiversity, improve the environment and advance Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations while producing safe, healthy, accessible and nutritious food for all”, Lal said.

    His appointment comes at a critical time as nations struggle with deteriorating farmland, shrinking biodiversity, and climate disruption. Regenagri, which provides standards and certification for regenerative agriculture, has found in Lal not just a figurehead but a hands-on contributor to both advocacy and technical advancement. He will also participate in the development of regenagri’s evolving standards framework.

    A decorated scholar and one of the world’s most awarded soil scientists, Lal has received the World Food Prize (2020), Japan Prize (2019), Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity (2024), World Agriculture Prize (2018), M.S. Swaminathan Award (2009), and the Borlaug Award (2005). He previously served as President of both the International Union of Soil Sciences and the Soil Science Society of America.

    Regenagri CEO Franco Costantini noted, “We’re thrilled to have Professor Rattan Lal join us as regenagri’s global ambassador. At a time when restoring soil health on a global scale is more pressing than ever, Prof Lal’s wealth of scientific knowledge will be key to further drive the adoption of regenerative agriculture through regenagri’s robust standards”.

    With Lal at the helm of its advocacy efforts, regenagri aims to deepen its scientific credentials and broaden its impact in the global transition to sustainable, soil-first farming.

  • Delhi GM Open makes its next move with Triveni Sports in play

    Delhi GM Open makes its next move with Triveni Sports in play

    MUMBAI: When strategy meets sponsorship, it’s more than just a game,it’s a masterstroke. The 21st edition of the Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament better known as the Delhi GM Open is going all in with a new strategic ally. Triveni Sports Private Limited has joined hands with the Delhi Chess Association (DCA) as Associate Sponsor, powering India’s most prestigious classical-format chess event into its most ambitious edition yet.

    Backed by the All India Chess Federation and slated to unfold from 7 to 14 June at Tivoli Gardens, Chattarpur, New Delhi, the Delhi GM Open 2025 is gearing up to host over 2,500 players from more than 15 countries. This includes 20 Grandmasters battling it out across three rating-based categories. The pièce de résistance? A record-smashing Rs 1.21 crore prize pool up from previous editions with Rs 51 lakh for Category A (open to all rated players), and Rs 35 lakh each for Categories B (U-1900) and C (U-1700). Each category will run 10 rounds under FIDE’s Swiss system.

    Triveni Sports, a joint venture between Triveni Engineering & Industries Limited and Triveni Turbine Limited, is no stranger to the game. With consecutive Global Chess League titles to its name and deep roots in Indian chess, the company’s involvement brings both credibility and enthusiasm to the board. Expect brand visibility across the tournament from check-in counters to checkmates with digital campaigns and on-ground activations ensuring a seamless partnership presence.

    Adding ceremonial gravitas, Triveni Group chairman and MD former president of the All India Chess Federation, Dhruv M. Sawhney and will be the chief guest at the inauguration. A chess devotee himself, Sawhney remarked, “Chess has always held a special place in my heart… Through Triveni Sports, we are committed to supporting platforms that empower young talent and advance the sport in a meaningful way.”

    Echoing the sentiment DCA president Bharat Singh Chauhan added, “This is where norms are earned and future GMs are born. Triveni Sports understands the demands of chess and shares our vision of growing the game sustainably from the grassroots up.”

    With pawns poised and prize money piled high, the Delhi GM Open is setting the board for a tournament where every move matters. Checkmate never looked this grand.

  • Bag it like it’s sacred as Donna Vanni crafts divine design with soul

    Bag it like it’s sacred as Donna Vanni crafts divine design with soul

    MUMBAI: Some bags hold your things. These ones hold your aura. Born in the leather lanes of India and stitched with cosmic precision, Donna Vanni is the homegrown luxury brand that doesn’t just make handbags, it conjures them. Rooted in centuries-old Indian craftsmanship but infused with a global design language, each Donna Vanni piece is more than an accessory, it’s a symbol, a story, a spell.

    From the sculptural Garnet tote to the crescent-shaped Ruby top-handle, the label’s designs nod to sacred geometry and gemstone lore. Woven leathers pulse with hidden rhythms, while croc-embossed clutches shimmer like stardust at dusk. These aren’t just handbags, they’re handheld altars of artistry.

    Every silhouette is hand-crafted in India using ethically sourced leather by master artisans, an ode to slow luxury in an age of fast everything. The collections are named after Earth’s most potent minerals Tourmaline, Amethyst, Peridot each bag humming with the quiet intensity of its namesake.

    But make no mistake, Donna Vanni isn’t chasing trends. It’s forging icons. Objects that whisper of feminine power, mystique, and transcendence. A Donna Vanni bag doesn’t just complement your outfit, it completes your ritual.

    Call it fashion. Or call it alchemy. Either way, when you carry a Donna Vanni, you’re not just accessorising, you’re ascending.

  • Win blows into Cannes with ideas that are worth their metaverse in gold

    Win blows into Cannes with ideas that are worth their metaverse in gold

    MUMBAI: If Cannes is the playground for global creativity, Women Inspiring Network (Win) just brought the rulebook rewrite. On 18 June, amid the Riviera’s sparkle and the swirl of creativity at Cannes Lions 2025, Win is set to take over the iconic Hotel Martinez with the Win Lounge, a full day of boundary-breaking conversations on marketing, innovation, and leadership. But this isn’t just another panel fest. Think of it as a high-octane, insight-loaded salon for the world’s most disruptive thinkers.

    Adding sonic flair to the soirée is the debut of the Win Voices podcast, a platform spotlighting raw and unfiltered narratives from global game-changers. The vibe? Less conference, more cultural reset.

    The theme lineup reads like a cheat code to the future:

    1    Disrupting the Default: The New Playbook for Inclusive Innovation

    2    Culture is Capital: The New Frontier of Creative Influence

    3    Marketing in the Metaverse: Redefining Brand Engagement

    4    Beyond Advertising: Building Purpose-Driven Brands

    5    The Purpose Playbook: Philanthropic Families and the Art of Giving Big

    6    Metamorphosis of Marketing: Rebuilding Enterprises with Data, AI & Creativity

    The cast? Star-studded. From Snap’s Resh Sidhu, Spotify’s Bridget Evans, M·A·C Cosmetics’ Aïda Moudachirou-Rébois, and Samsung’s Antonia Faulkner, to Gumgum’s Phil Schraeder, Tigress Tigress’ Meera Sharath Chandra, Seeme Index’s Asha Shivaji, and WeTransfer’s Julia Linehan, the Win Lounge boasts a speaker lineup as sharp as a Cannes jury.

    And it’s not just media and tech titans. Voices from social impact and philanthropy like Neera Nundy of Dasra will add depth to the dialogue. “When families bring purpose to their philanthropy, they don’t just fund programmes, they shape futures,” she shared.

    Win founder Stuti Jalan summed it up with flair: “This is more than a gathering. It’s a game-changing celebration of creativity, courage, and connection.”

    Brands like Google, Apple, M·A·C Cosmetics, Samsung Electronics, Snap Inc., Publicis Groupe, and Influencer.com are already on the guest list. And this is just the start Win will next turn up at Climate Week in New York on 24 September, bringing its trademark fusion of inspiration and impact to the UNGA stage.

    So yes, Cannes might be about lions. But this June, the Win Lounge promises to roar the loudest and leave echoes of brilliance long after the rosé has run dry.

  • The Souled Store casts a retail spell in Colaba and rolls into Bhatinda in style

    The Souled Store casts a retail spell in Colaba and rolls into Bhatinda in style

    MUMBAI: Some brands hang up neon signs. The Souled Store builds a wizarding alley and paints an entire building like a truck. In its latest expansion, the pop culture-led fashion and lifestyle brand has opened two highly thematic stores—one in Mumbai’s Colaba and the other in Punjab’s Bhatinda—each tailored to offer an experience as unforgettable as the merchandise inside.

    In Colaba, The Souled Store has conjured up a Harry Potter-inspired wonderland, transporting shoppers straight into Diagon Alley. The store features atmospheric lighting, magical décor, and architectural details that echo the iconic wizarding universe. This is not a retail outlet—it’s a portal. Designed with intricate care, the space feels like a living tribute to J.K. Rowling’s world.

    Meanwhile, Bhatinda’s outlet is a roaring tribute to Indian roads. Crafted in the image of a giant colourful truck, the store’s façade mirrors the bold, playful, and kitschy aesthetic of Punjabi truck art. With its massive presence and unmistakable design, it functions not just as a fashion stop but a visual landmark celebrating desi street culture.

    “We’re incredibly excited about these two openings”, said The Souled Store co-founder Vedang Patel. “At The Souled Store, we believe that a store should be more than four walls—it should be an experience. Colaba and Bhatinda are two very different expressions of that vision: one magical, the other rooted in local culture. Both are unforgettable”.

    With 50 stores now across India, the brand continues its mission to redefine retail as a playground for fandoms, storytelling, and self-expression. From Hogwarts to highways, The Souled Store’s journey seems determined to colour outside the lines.

  • Idemitsu Honda Racing riders battle it out in Malaysia’s heat, gain ground in ARRC

    Idemitsu Honda Racing riders battle it out in Malaysia’s heat, gain ground in ARRC

    MUMBAI: Grit, grind, and throttle defined the second round of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit, where Idemitsu Honda Racing India’s riders Kavin Quintal and Johann Reeves turned up the heat in the Asia Production 250cc class (AP250).

    In an eight lap, tyre-burning contest against Asia’s finest, 19-year-old Quintal clawed his way from the 19 grid slot in race one to finish 18 with a time of 19:43.239. By race two, he dug deeper, rode smarter, and powered to 15 place with a time of 19:44.506, clinching one championship point.

    His fastest lap? A zippy 2:25.412 — a silver lining on a steamy Malaysian afternoon.

    Reeves, starting from the 24 grid spot, rode a composed first race to place 19 with a total time of 19:44.679. In race two, he crossed the line at 20 after clocking a best lap time of 2:29.021, wrapping up a learning-heavy weekend on one of Asia’s most complex tracks.

    With Kavin’s single-point gain in round two, the Indian team now sits with a total of five points in the AP250 class — slow and steady, but forward.

    “Today’s race at Sepang Circuit was challenging from start to finish. The technical track demanded complete focus and tested every move. It was a tough battle out there. I am taking away important lessons and remain determined to come back stronger in the upcoming races”, said Kavin.

    Johann echoed the sentiment, adding, “Today’s race at Sepang Circuit pushed me on every level. The competition was intense and the track demanding. I have gained valuable experience for the team. There’s a lot to build on. With the completion of Round two, I am focused on coming back stronger in the upcoming races”.

    While the points column may not scream dominance yet, the determination in the pit lane is unmistakably loud. With more rounds to go, both riders will look to translate momentum into podiums.

  • Salt with a side of sass Tata Salt revives its jingle with a sharp twist

    Salt with a side of sass Tata Salt revives its jingle with a sharp twist

    MUMBAI: Who knew a kitchen staple could hit all the right notes again? Tata Salt has turned up the flavour and the feels with a tuneful comeback. India’s No.1 iodised salt brand has rolled out a fresh take on its popular ‘Namak ho Tata ka… Tata Namak’ campaign, adding a modern spin to the jingle that once ruled Indian kitchens and TV sets alike. The reboot, a melodic mash-up of nostalgia, science, and family life packs in eight slice-of-life films with one unmissable message: iodine isn’t just essential, it’s brain food.

    Conceptualised by Ogilvy, the campaign brings back the catchy 80s-era jingle, now woven into lullabies, classrooms, wedding rituals and even kitty parties celebrating how Tata Salt quietly sharpens young minds across generations and geographies.

    “The jingle is a bridge between past love and present relevance,” said Tata Consumer Products president for packaged foods Deepika Bhan. “It’s not just salt. It’s Desh ka Namak, a promise of quality, trust and purpose that’s lasted four decades.”

    From a teacher humming it mid-lesson to a bride shedding a tear to its tune, the films reflect India’s cultural and linguistic diversity, Hindi heartlands, expressive Bengali families, and grounded Marathi homes. Whether it’s a mum feeding her child or a wedding caterer prepping a feast, Tata Salt is there, understated yet vital.

    Anurag Agnihotri chief creative officer Ogilvy added, “We took our iodine story, dressed it in 80s flair, and sent it dancing through vidaais, classrooms, and kitty parties. It’s a love letter to golden-age advertising, reimagined for today’s India.”

    The first four films were unveiled during the IPL, with the rest rolling out soon proving that when it comes to brand recall, sometimes all it takes is a pinch of salt and a perfectly pitched tune.

    Because if it’s Tata ka namak, it’s not just edible, it’s unforgettable.

  • Kolkata gets a Big pat on the back at this year’s Impact Awards

    Kolkata gets a Big pat on the back at this year’s Impact Awards

     MUMBAI: It was a night of spotlights, salutes and standing ovations as Big FM rolled out the red carpet for Kolkata’s most impactful players one trophy at a time. The third edition of the BIG Impact Awards Kolkata, hosted by Big FM, lit up the Vivanta hotel with stories of disruption, innovation and deep-rooted social impact. From real estate visionaries and restaurateurs to neurosurgeons and literary pioneers, 23 exceptional awardees were honoured for redefining excellence in their respective fields.

    In keeping with the event’s tagline VG T Recognising Unconventional Excellence, the awards tipped their hats to businesses that are bold enough to break the mould and brave enough to build something bigger. Presenting the awards were top dignitaries including Debashis Kumar (MLA & Mayor-in-Council) and Partha Bhowmik (MP). Acclaimed actor Abir Chatterjee added to the evening’s sparkle as the special guest.

    The event wasn’t short on star power either. Guests included Sudipa Chatterjee, Churni Ganguly, Rooqma Roy, Shruti Das, Souraseni Maitra, Basabdatta Kar, chef Rongon Neogi, and composer Indradeep Dasgupta, turning the evening into a full-blown celebration of Kolkata’s cultural and entrepreneurial fabric.

    The list of winners offered a crash course in Kolkata’s rich and varied brilliance from the best biryani and pizza joints to top-notch hospitals and publishing houses. Narayan Banerjee was crowned Healthcare Influencer of the Year, while Nadia Cassam rose to confectionery fame. JIS University and Atri Group bagged honours in education and real estate respectively, and Soham Chakraborty & team took home the award for Best Hair Replacement Centre.

    Two special mentions went to Arindam Mukherjee, who clinched awards in both industrial automation and carbon emission reductio proof that innovation often wears multiple hats.

    Speaking on the occasion Big FM COO Sunil Kumaran said, “These awards aren’t just a celebration of business success, they’re about resilience, ingenuity and heart. At BIG FM, we believe honouring today’s innovators inspires tomorrow’s trailblazers.”

    Supporting partners for the event included LTK Industries (Fashion Partner), Tata Curvv, Saini MG Motor Kolkata, Krishna Chandra Dutta (cookme) Pvt Ltd., Suzuki (Ride Partner) and Glengrant (Celebration Partner).

    With this year’s resounding success, Big Impact Awards Kolkata continues to prove that when it comes to business with heart, Kolkata means kaarigar, creator and changemaker in equal measure.