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Tag: Abhinav Kumar

  • TCS powers ahead on marathon track, sprinting past $21 billion in brand value

    TCS powers ahead on marathon track, sprinting past $21 billion in brand value

    MUMBAI: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) isn’t just clocking miles – it’s clocking brand mileage. The IT and consulting juggernaut has emerged as a front-runner in  Brand Finance ‘Marathons 50 2025’ report, which ranks global sponsors fueling the world’s top running events. With a $2.25 billion economic boost delivered through the marathons it backs, and $279 million raised for charities in 2024 alone, TCS is redefining what it means to be a marathon sponsor.

    The report finds that the world’s top 50 marathons together pumped $5.2 billion into their host cities and raised $425 million for charitable causes last year – proving that these 42.195 km spectacles are much more than finish lines and finisher medals. They’re engines of economic and social impact.

    TCS, now title sponsor and tech partner of 14 major marathons including five of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, has seen its brand value balloon from $2.1 billion in 2010 to a muscular $21.3 billion in 2025. Among non-runners, its brand consideration is a healthy 27 per cent, while among marathoners it surges to 67 per cent – underscoring the deep engagement running fans have with the brand.

    “The Brand Finance report confirms what we’ve known on the ground,” said TCS  chief marketing and communications officer Abhinav Kumar. “Marathons move more than bodies – they move hearts, communities, and economies. We’re proud to back 10 of the world’s top 50 races.”

    Beyond branding, TCS is fuelling the sport with cutting-edge tech. From AI-powered race-day engagement to the world’s first digital twin heart of a pro runner, the firm is bringing innovation to the track. It’s also leaving green footprints behind – its ReScore app, now used to certify 53 global sporting events, underscores its pledge to sustainability and community well-being.

    Brand Finance CEO David Haigh chimed in: “Marathons marry soft power, place branding, and purpose. They’re personal, they’re public, and they’re powerful. TCS is sprinting in the right direction.”

    From New York to London and Sydney, TCS is running not just with the pack – but ahead of it, transforming every race into a showcase for tech, sustainability, and shared humanity. A marathon effort that’s clearly paying off.

  • Diamond States Summit Uttarakhand edition culminates on a hopeful note

    Diamond States Summit Uttarakhand edition culminates on a hopeful note

    Mumbai: News18 India successfully organised the Uttarakhand edition of the Diamond States Summit in Dehradun, following the widely praised events in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Bihar. The summit provided a platform for meaningful discussions aimed at shaping a brighter future for Uttarakhand.

    It brought together prominent leaders, policymakers, and industry figures from across the nation, including Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, minister of agriculture & rural development Ganesh Joshi, finance & urban development minister Prem Chand Aggarwal, minister of women empowerment & child development Rekha Arya, minister of animal husbandry, fisheries, skill development & employment Saurabh Bahuguna, Uttarakhand’s former chief minister Harish Rawat, Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar, principal secretary to CM R.K. Sudhanshu, and IPS-ADGP, special principal secretary, sports & youth welfare Amit Sinha, among others.

    Dhami, stated, “The Congress only works to spread confusion and oppose good schemes like Agniveer, which offers better opportunities to soldiers. Our double engine government is focused on understanding the state’s needs and delivering real development. Despite natural disasters, we are committed to rebuilding Uttarakhand and making life easier for the people, especially women, with initiatives like 30 per cent reservation.”

    Joshi, said, “From a soldier’s duty to a leader’s journey, my family and I have always served the people. The struggles I faced made me who I am, and Uttarakhand’s vision remains strong. Today, we honor our martyrs and build a state that upholds their sacrifice.”

    Aggarwal, emphasised, “The Congress had 60 years in power, yet they never conducted a caste census—so why the need now? On the issue of ‘spit jihad,’ let it be clear that anyone engaging in such practices will not be tolerated. Our government is taking strict action. While we welcome people to come and work in Uttarakhand, we will not allow any instability to take root in our state.”

    Bahuguna, expressed “Carrying forward the legacy of my grandfather and father is both an honor and a challenge. My focus remains on serving the people of Uttarakhand, not seeking the limelight. The faith our people have in BJP and PM Modi inspires every effort we put forth.”

    Rawat, remarked, “In politics, there are wins and losses, but it’s troubling to lose even after winning. Haryana’s politics has shifted from development to divisions based on caste and religion. The time will come when people stop enjoying slogans and start focusing on real issues. The caste census is necessary as a one-time experiment to understand the true economic conditions of different communities and address their problems.”

    The event wrapped up on a hopeful note, outlining an ambitious and progressive vision for Uttarakhand’s future. It offered a crucial forum for thought leaders, policymakers, and specialists to engage in meaningful discussions, fostering collective efforts toward advancing the state’s growth and development.

  • Technology is central to our strategy: Abhinav Kumar

    Technology is central to our strategy: Abhinav Kumar

    Mumbai: BAGLINE House of Luxury Bags has announced the opening of its second store in Pune, enhancing the city’s vibrant shopping scene. Located on Jungli Maharaj Road in Deccan, Pune, the store offers an exquisite range of luxury bags and accessories for Pune’s discerning consumers.

    Each brand of theirs offers unique qualities and functionality, ensuring our customers discover the perfect blend of style and utility for both daily use and travel adventures.

    Indian Television caught up with Brand Concepts Ltd Whole-time director and CEO Abhinav Kumar where he shared a brief overview of his journey and much more.

    Edited excerpts

    Could you share a brief overview of your journey with Brand Concepts Ltd and how you came to lead Bagline?

    My journey with Brand Concepts Ltd. began in 2007 when I co-founded the company along with Mr. Prateek Maheshwari, to revolutionize the luggage and travel gear industry by infusing it with fashion. Drawing on a strong foundation in luxury brands and a deep passion for the retail industry, we initially focused on character licensing before strategically shifting towards building a fashion-forward portfolio. This portfolio now includes iconic global brands like Tommy Hilfiger, United Colors of Benetton, and Aeropostale, Juicy Couture alongside our innovative brands, The Vertical and Sugarush.

    BAGLINE, House of Luxury Bags, launched as a retail destination for Brand Concepts Ltd., to transform travel gear and bags into a premium lifestyle accessory. Leading BAGLINE has been an inspiring journey, as we’ve successfully positioned it as a leading multi-brand retail destination, offering premium and fashionable travel gear to discerning customers across India. It’s been incredibly rewarding to witness BAGLINE’s growth and its emergence as a significant player in the Indian retail landscape.

    Bagline has become one of India’s leading multi-brand retail destinations in the Travel Gear and Lifestyle Accessories domain. What were the key strategies that contributed to this success?

    BAGLINE’s success as a leading multi-brand retail destination in India’s Travel Gear and Lifestyle Accessories domain can be attributed to several key strategies:

    Fashion-forward portfolio: We aligned with global fashion brands like Tommy Hilfiger, United Colors of Benetton, Juicy Couture and Aeropostale, transforming luggage, handbags and accessories into stylish lifestyle products.

    Design excellence: By blending functionality with aesthetics, our in-house design team ensures our products resonate with contemporary trends and consumer aspirations.

    Omnichannel expansion: We’ve integrated digital technology into our retail model, offering a seamless shopping experience across online platforms and physical stores, including innovative digital stores.

    Sustainability focus: Incorporating eco-friendly practices in our operations and product lines has appealed to environmentally conscious consumers, setting us apart in a competitive market.

    What are some of the major challenges you have faced in expanding the brand’s reach across India, and how have you addressed them?

    Expanding BAGLINE’s reach across India has presented several challenges, particularly in catering to the diverse consumer preferences across different regions. We’ve addressed this by implementing a hyper-localized strategy, our licensed brands used GLOCAL strategy following those guidelines we customized our product offerings and marketing efforts to resonate with Indian tastes. Establishing a strong supply chain, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities, has also been challenging. To tackle this, we’ve formed strategic partnerships with local distributors and logistics providers to ensure efficient product delivery. Additionally, our digital transformation initiatives have played a crucial role in streamlining operations and enhancing our reach in these markets.

    How has technology played a role in enhancing your product offerings and customer experience?

    Technology is central to our strategy, enhancing both our product offerings and the customer experience. We’ve integrated advanced analytics to gain deep insights into consumer behavior, enabling us to personalize product recommendations and marketing initiatives. Our e-commerce platform utilizes AI-driven tools for intuitive navigation, effortless product discovery, and streamlined checkout processes. We have also integrated Quick Commerce and Endless Aisle store formats to mirror our phygital strategy, ensuring a seamless and efficient shopping experience. Our digital stores offer an omnichannel experience, allowing customers to explore our complete inventory, bridging the gap between online and offline shopping.

    How do you incorporate eco-friendly practices into your business operations and product development?

    At Brand Concepts Ltd., sustainability is a key pillar of our operations and product development. We’ve integrated eco-friendly practices across our business, including the use of recycled and sustainable materials in our products and minimizing plastic consumption. Our manufacturing processes emphasize energy efficiency and we are committed to further reducing our carbon footprint by optimizing our supply chain and logistics. We’ve also transitioned to biodegradable and recyclable packaging, ensuring our practices align with the growing demand for eco-conscious choices among our consumers. Our approach not only supports environmental conservation but also strengthens our brand’s resonance with fashion-forward, sustainability-minded customers.

    What are some of the current trends you see shaping the future of the travel gear and lifestyle accessories industry?

    Several trends are driving the future of the travel gear and lifestyle accessories industry. To start, the shift towards integrating fashion into luggage and accessories is gaining momentum, with companies like Brand Concepts leading the way in transforming traditional travel gear into style statements. This trend is evident as more people move away from conventional black and grey bags, opting instead for vibrant colors and unique designs that enhance their airport look. There is a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical production, as consumers seek brands that reflect their values. Additionally, the adoption of smart technology in travel gear, such as GPS tracking and smart locks, enhances functionality and security. The industry is witnessing a rise in versatile, multi-functional products designed to meet the demands of today’s dynamic, on-the-go lifestyles. Lastly, the digital-first approach is reshaping consumer interactions, with e-commerce and social commerce becoming crucial channels for product discovery and purchase.

    What are your top priorities for Bagline over the next five years?

    Over the next five years, our top priorities for BAGLINE include adding more international brands to diversify our portfolio and expanding our reach through exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) and dedicated Bagline stores. We’re focused on increasing market share while building strong brand loyalty, which we aim to boost through an enhanced loyalty program that encourages repeat purchases. Innovation in our product line, particularly with a focus on sustainable and eco-conscious products, is crucial to our strategy. Additionally, we are committed to digital transformation at every touch point, both in B2C and B2B channels, to create a seamless and modern customer. 

  • Arjun Rampal stars in Bagline’s ‘EVOLVE’ campaign as brand ambassador

    Arjun Rampal stars in Bagline’s ‘EVOLVE’ campaign as brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Bagline- ouse of Luxury Bags, the multi-brand retail store which specialises in travel gear and lifestyle accessories and features international brands like Tommy Hilfiger travel gear, United Colors of Benetton, Aeropostale, is delighted to unveil its newest campaign, ‘EVOLVE’. This new campaign is in partnership with Bollywood superstar and style icon Arjun Rampal. This exciting campaign marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey, further solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the world of fashion, travel gear, and lifestyle accessories.

    A premium destination for luxury bags, Bagline has gained recognition for its commitment to delivering trendy, innovative, and high-quality products. Specialising in travel gear, handbags, and lifestyle accessories, the brand has over 35 stores across 20 cities in India and a strong online presence, making its products accessible to a wide audience.

    Its latest campaign ‘EVOLVE’ is more than just a fashion endeavour- it’s a celebration of individuality and the diverse preferences of modern India’s discerning clientele. Rooted in the belief that customers seek a multitude of choices to express their unique style, this campaign empowers individuals to make a fashion statement with confidence. Arjun Rampal, who is known for his impeccable style, perfectly embodies Bagline’s fashion philosophy. His association with the brand adds a touch of glamour and sophistication to the campaign, making it a must-watch for fashion enthusiasts.

    As part of the EVOLVE campaign, Bagline will introduce the latest Fall/Winter 2023 styles of Tommy Hilfiger Travel Gear, ensuring that customers have access to the latest trends in the industry. Additionally, the brand will showcase a new collection of Travel Gear from United Colors of Benetton (UCB), offering customers top-quality accessories and luxury bags such as trolleys, backpacks, crossbody and duffle bags, that combine style with functionality.

    The ‘EVOLVE’ campaign will be launched during the highly anticipated World Cup, maximising its reach and impact among a global audience of fashion-conscious individuals. Bhargav Krishna, the creative genius behind the campaign, brings a wealth of experience and creativity to Bagline’s marketing efforts. His innovative concepts and keen understanding of advertising have contributed to the campaign’s distinctive appeal. For the stunning campaign visuals, Bagline collaborated with renowned photographer Arjun Mark, whose work captures the essence of the campaign beautifully.

    “We are thrilled to have Arjun Rampal as the face of our ‘EVOLVE’ campaign for Bagline,” said Brand Concepts Ltd whole-time director and chief executive officer Abhinav Kumar. “Arjun’s style, charisma, and his ability to effortlessly redefine fashion align perfectly with our brand’s vision. With ‘EVOLVE,’ we aim to inspire our customers to embrace their unique style and make a statement with our diverse range of luxury bags.”

    Arjun Rampal shared his excitement about the campaign, stating, “Bagline’s ‘EVOLVE’ is a celebration of individuality and style, something that I take very seriously. It’s about embracing your uniqueness and making a personal statement with your fashion choices. I am proud to be a part of this journey, and I hope that this campaign will inspire everyone to express themselves authentically through fashion.”

    To explore the latest Tommy Hilfiger travel gear styles and new UCB travel gear collection, visit Bagline’s stores and online platform.

  • Trivago guy Abhinav Kumar joins advisory board of PaisaDukan.com

    Trivago guy Abhinav Kumar joins advisory board of PaisaDukan.com

    MUMBAI: Digital marketing strategist and expert Abhinav Kumar, who is also known as the Trivago guy, has joined hands with NBFC-P2P (peer-to-peer) lending marketplace PaisaDukan.com as digital marketing and branding advisor and shall also be on the company’s advisory board.

    Commenting on the development, PaisaDukan founder and CMD Rajiv M Ranjan said, “Currently, PaisaDukan.com is growing at a very fast pace, and it is immensely gratifying to have a team of experts to guide us at such a crucial stage. Abhinav will be an asset for us with his vast knowledge and experience in digital marketing. Our aim is to bring digital revolution in Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending industry and now with Abhinav alongside we’ll definitely realise this goal. It is our pleasure to have such a credible person on the advisory board of PaisaDukan.com.”

    Abhinav Kumar said, “P2P lending has been emerged as an alternate banking option worldwide, in India, the industry is at a nascent stage. The industry needs to create awareness amongst unbanked citizens that will bring revolutionary change for the country’s financial sector. Digital marketing has played a key role in many awareness campaigns due to personalised and budget-friendly approach. I believe awareness campaign will also bring many potential investors on board.”

    “I am excited to be associated with this leading peer-to-peer (P2P) lending operator in India. I believe PaisaDukan.com has a lot of potency as a brand. I am now associated to take ahead strategy based digital marketing ahead with my expertise in digital marketing,” added Kumar.