Tag: Europe

  • IndiGo gets wings and a wink as It jets into Europe

    IndiGo gets wings and a wink as It jets into Europe

    MUMBAI: Forget layovers, Indigo’s new flights to Europe are taking off with sass, speed and a social media splash. On 1 July 2025, Indigo will launch its first-ever non-stop service from Mumbai to Manchester, followed swiftly by a Mumbai–Amsterdam route on 2 July. This bold expansion into Europe isn’t just a milestone for the airline, it’s a full-throttle rebrand as a global player, now powered by Dreamliners and digital dazzle.

    The airline’s entry into long-haul territory marks a pivotal leap from being India’s favourite low-cost carrier to a serious contender in premium international travel. Both routes will operate thrice a week on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, complete with complimentary hot meals and beverages, giving flyers a taste of comfort at 35,000 feet.

    But what really took off faster than a takeoff roll? Indigo’s viral tweet:
    “We’ll be in Manchester on 1st July. Anyone wants anything?”

    That off-the-cuff one-liner triggered a runway-wide brand fest. Over 25 top Indian brands joined the banter Durex asked for “a safe trip”, India Gate Foods wanted tulips, Taco Bell craved “Manchester masala”, and Blinkit cheekily offered to deliver in 10 minutes. From masalas to masala marketing, the tweet thread became a masterclass in brand engagement, reaching millions online.

    The new routes are now open for booking on the GoIndigo site, app, and through authorised travel partners. And while the Dreamliner promises a smooth ride, it’s IndiGo’s social media chops that are landing the biggest applause.

    With over 400 aircraft in its fleet and more than 2,200 daily flights, IndiGo continues to dominate Indian skies. Now, with a growing footprint that connects over 90 domestic and 40 international destinations, including two of Europe’s iconic cities, the airline is ready to go intercontinental without losing its irreverent edge.

    As IndiGo’s slogan suggests, it’s not just India by IndiGo anymore, it’s the world.

  • Marketing maven Nikhil Gupta climbs the ladder at Accenture

    Marketing maven Nikhil Gupta climbs the ladder at Accenture

    MUMBAI: Nikhil Gupta has landed himself a plum new role as marketing manager at Accenture, capping off what must feel like a victory lap around the corporate track. The marketing maestro, who has been grinding away at the consulting behemoth for the better part of a decade, will now orchestrate campaigns across Europe and beyond from his base in Gurugram.

    Gupta’s ascent through Accenture’s ranks tells the tale of shrewd corporate climbing. He spent 11 months as associate manager for opportunity-centric marketing in EMEA before snagging his latest gig in June. Prior to that, he cut his teeth as a platforms and processes strategist, helping wrangle a team of over 100 marketing mavens into shape.

    The promotion caps a career that began in the trenches of digital marketing back in 2011. Gupta previously wielded his creative powers at McCann Worldgroup, where he spent two years evangelising Google’s digital platforms to chief marketing officers across India. He also did stints at boutique agencies ToThe New, Olive Global and Blue Digital Media before joining Accenture’s marketing machine in 2016.

    Now ensconced in his corner office (or hybrid workspace, more likely), Gupta will be crafting “innovative, integrated strategic marketing campaigns” for Accenture’s most complex and transformational deals. Not bad for someone who started out as a digital marketer in Delhi’s agency scene over a decade ago.

  • MIP London debuts with strong attendance, sets sights on 2026 return

    MIP London debuts with strong attendance, sets sights on 2026 return

    MUMBAI:  The inaugural MIP London market  concluded its five-day run on 27 February  with metrics that suggest a respectable, if not quite revolutionary, entry into the crowded conference calendar. Some 2,800 delegates from over 80 countries descended upon the capital for what organisers hope will become a fixture in the global television industry’s peripatetic schedule.

    The event, which ran from 23-27 February, appears to have established itself as a new fixture in the global television industry calendar, with the IET London and The Savoy already confirmed as venues for 2026.

    “MIP London’s debut exceeded expectations. This is year one of a long-term commitment and we will be back in London next year,” said MIP London and MIPCOM Cannes director Lucy Smith. “This was new, a new format, bringing in new people, and it really feels that MIP London has found its place in this busy week.”

    European delegates comprised the largest contingent, followed by North Americans, with significant representation from Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Türkiye. More than 70 companies established meeting spaces, including country pavilions from Belgium, China, France, Korea and Spain.

    The event featured an extensive programme of international screenings, insight presentations, and industry matchmaking sessions. Notable highlights included presentations from YouTube and a headline conversation between Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria and David Beckham.

    Attendees reflected the evolving media landscape, with traditional buyers and sales executives joined by producers, content creators, and representatives from digital-first companies and streaming platforms, including Fast,  AVOD and CTV players.

    Smith emphasised that the new event was designed to complement existing industry gatherings. “Our plan has always been to complement existing events, and I thank everyone who came and engaged with the market. We will listen intently to every bit of feedback to evolve MIP London for 2026 and beyond, and to deliver what the international industry says it needs.”

    The 41st edition of MIPCOM  Cannes, MIP London’s established sister event, will take place from 13-16 October 2025, preceded by MIPJunior on 11-12 October.

  • Zensar Technologies reshuffles senior management in Europe & Africa

    Zensar Technologies reshuffles senior management in Europe & Africa

    MUMBAI: RPG group information tech and AI services/solutions firm, Zensar Technoloiges, has appointed two senior executives to head its operations in Africa and Europe. Kaushik Chatterjee becomes senior vice-president and head of Africa, while Anshul Srivastav takes the role of senior vice-president and head of Europe. Both appointments take effect from 1 April. Srivastav hitherto had just the sales portfolio under his belt, while Chatterjee was the global delivery head BFSI, healthcare and life sciences.

    Chatterjee brings 26 years’ experience in IT services, spanning business applications and infrastructure. His expertise lies in banking, financial services, insurance, and healthcare. Before joining Zensar, he held leadership positions at Cognizant and Citibank. Chatterjee holds a bachelor’s degree in electronics and electrical engineering, and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta.

    Srivastav, who joined Zensar in 2015, has worked across Europe, Asia and America over his two-decade career. His previous role was at Infosys’s financial-services division. With experience in banking, insurance, consumer services and retail, he specialises in business transformation and domain consulting. Srivastav studied electronics and communication at the National Institute of Technology Jaipur before earning his management degree from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.

  • Air India expands Lufthansa partnership to spread its wings across Europe

    Air India expands Lufthansa partnership to spread its wings across Europe

    MUMBAI: Air India is soaring to new heights in its partnership with the Lufthansa Group, expanding its codeshare network to offer seamless connectivity between India and Europe. The enhanced deal, which now includes Austrian Airlines, adds close to 60 new codeshare routes, bringing the total to nearly 100 flights across 12 Indian and 26 European cities.

    For Indian travellers, this means greater access to 26 European destinations and three key American cities beyond Air India’s hubs in Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zurich. Passengers can now book Air India-coded flights on Lufthansa, Swiss, and Austrian Airlines, making travel to cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Munich, and Stockholm smoother than ever.

    On the flip side, Lufthansa Group customers can now connect to 15 Indian destinations with Air India, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Goa, Kolkata, and Pune. The partnership also extends to Air India’s international routes to Kathmandu, Melbourne, and Sydney from Delhi and Mumbai.

    Air India chief commercial officer Nipun Aggarwal stated, “Our goal is to enable our customers to travel seamlessly across the world via Air India and its partner airlines. Expanding our partnership with Lufthansa Group strengthens this mission and elevates the travel experience for our passengers.”

    Lufthansa Group chief commercial officer Dieter Vranckx said, “We are thrilled to enhance our cooperation with Air India. This partnership will offer greater travel flexibility and reinforce Lufthansa Group’s commitment to the Indian market.”

    As both airlines are part of Star Alliance, frequent flyers can continue to earn and redeem miles, while elite members enjoy priority services, additional baggage allowances, and access to premium lounges.

    Subject to regulatory approvals, the expanded codeshare flights will soon be available for booking, promising a smoother and more connected travel experience for passengers across India and Europe.

  • EY’s Bhavisha Jogi: Scaling heights with determination and grit

    EY’s Bhavisha Jogi: Scaling heights with determination and grit

    MUMBAI: Scaling peaks gives her a high like nothing else.  Bhavisha Jogi, a seasoned marketer and branding strategist, is also an intrepid mountaineer chasing a dream that only a handful dare to pursue: the “seven summits challenge”—conquering the tallest peaks on each continent. With Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, and Kosciuszko in Australia already under her belt, Bhavisha now has her sights set on the remaining four summits.

    Her latest mountaineering effort – the fourth of the seven summits – was  a bold step into uncharted territory—South America. Fuelled by a desire to push her limits, she embarked on an expedition to summit Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the southern hemisphere. As a proud Bhramshatriya woman from Gujarat, Bhavisha carried the pioneering spirit of her heritage to the base camp of Plaza de Mulas and beyond, navigating rugged terrains and unforgiving conditions.
    Mt Elnrus
    Each phase of the climb was a test of her resilience, particularly the ascent to Camp 3, which she describes as one of the most challenging moments of her life. “The journey wasn’t just about reaching higher altitudes—it was about discovering what I’m made of,” she reflects.

    But for Bhavisha, mountaineering has always been about more than just summits and accolades. It’s a deeply personal endeavour—one that has taught her invaluable lessons about persistence, humility, and the importance of knowing her limits. 

    “At this point, I’ve decided not to push myself beyond 6,000 metres anymore—not because I can’t, but because I’ve learned to honour my body and the life I want to live,” she shares. 

    This decision marks a shift in her approach to extreme mountaineering. While her passion remains undeterred, Bhavisha now focuses on balancing ambition with self-care. “Know your limits, but don’t let them define you. Push when it matters, rest when it’s wise, and always be grateful for the journey,” she advises.

    But she also confessed that her mindset could change going forward in terms of going beyond 6,000 metres. “”It was brutal – the mountain terrain as well as the winds and temperature,” she shivers, even recollecting the experience. “And that’s why I am probably feeling the way I am now. But the feelings could change.”Bhavisha Jogi

    Bhavisha’s gratitude extends to her professional mentors, including Ruchi Chawla, Mayank Rastogi, Anurag Gupta, and Vivek Soni, who supported her in taking time off to pursue her dream. And of course her husband Bipin Mundada who’s stood by her side to help her  move closer to her dream.

     “Every time I go up into the mountains, his heart is in his mouth,” she says.”But he’s always encouraging me. I communicate with him too whenever I get a wifi signal to let him know I am all right. And this time Vodafone was good in south America.” 

     Her mountaineering pursuits serve as a source of inspiration, not only for her community but also for aspiring adventurers worldwide.

    Beyond the mountains, Bhavisha’s career as a marketing leader is equally impressive. Currently serving as associate director at EY, she has a robust track record of success in brand strategy, digital marketing, and customer experience. 

    Her previous roles at Edelweiss Financial Services and ING Vysya Bank showcase her expertise in crafting impactful campaigns and managing large-scale digital initiatives.

    Yet, despite her corporate accolades, it’s the mountains that have left an indelible mark on her. “The privilege to stand amidst such grandeur and the strength to endure it have profoundly shaped me,” she says. For Bhavisha, mountaineering is as much about inner growth as it is about physical achievement.

    As she continues her pursuit of the Seven Summits, Bhavisha remains a beacon of perseverance and inspiration. Her journey is a testament to the power of dreams, the courage to explore, and the wisdom to reflect. “In the end, the summit within is what matters most,” she concludes.

    With four summits down and four to go, Bhavisha’s story is far from over. Whether scaling towering peaks or leading transformative marketing campaigns, she is proof that determination and balance can lead to extraordinary heights—both literally and figuratively.

  • Truecaller appoints Hemant Arora as vice-president of global ad sales

    Truecaller appoints Hemant Arora as vice-president of global ad sales

    MUMBAI:  Global communications platform  Truecaller  has announced the appointment of Hemant Arora as the new vice-president of global ad sales business. This strategic move aims to bolster Truecaller’s advertising division, which represents the company’s largest revenue stream, while refining its global ad sales strategy.

    With over 25 years of industry experience, Arora has a proven track record of driving revenue growth and managing global operations for some of the world’s most recognized media and technology companies. His previous roles include serving as head of global accounts for Europe, APAC, and the METAP regions at TikTok, where he demonstrated his ability to foster relationships with key stakeholders and manage complexities in fast-paced environments.

    “Truecaller is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology, trust, and communications,” Arora stated upon his appointment. “I am excited to join a talented team and look forward to driving impactful growth while deepening our partnerships globally.” 

    His extensive experience includes establishing revenue growth business units, which will be crucial as Truecaller seeks to expand its advertising portfolio and integrate innovative solutions.

    Truecaller  CEO  Rishit Jhunjhunwala, emphasised the importance of Arora’s appointment, noting his extensive background in building scalable revenue models and navigating global markets. “Hemant’s leadership will further strengthen our vision to revolutionize how brands connect with consumers and maximize the potential of our platform,” Jhunjhunwala commented.

    Truecaller serves over 425 million active users worldwide, making it one of the most widely used communication platforms. The company’s growth has been bolstered by its ability to identify and block nearly 46 billion unwanted calls in 2023 alone, showcasing its effectiveness in improving user experience.

  • Zee launches French-dubbed Fast channel in France on Samsung, Rakuten TV

    Zee launches French-dubbed Fast channel in France on Samsung, Rakuten TV

    MUMBAI: Parul Goel has a grin he can’t stop beaming on his face.

    The  Zee Entertainment veteran and territory head UK, Europe & CFO UK, Europe, US & Canada  has just launched Zee Magic, the first ever 24 hour Indian entertainment channel fully dubbed in French in France. A free advertising supported television channel (Fast), it is available on Samsung TV Plus and on Rakuten TV.

    For him it’s a major victory.  The  17 year-long Zee Entertainment veteran has been pulling out all the stops to take Zee on the Fast route and in as many markets as possible.

    The French flagoff  is the third full European language Fast service that the Zee group has launched in the region over the past 12 months. Earlier, Zee Europe had successfully launched Zee One in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (known as DACH). This was a German dubbed service. 

    Zee World, dubbed in English,  is available in the UK, Nordics and the Benelux region.

    “Zee Europe is dedicated to bringing diverse and rich entertainment to audiences across the region, and this latest endeavor reaffirms our commitment to cultural exchange and media innovation,” said Goel on a post on linkedin.

    With many channels vying for attention in the digital landscape, offering generic content that mirrors traditional TV programming doesn’t resonate as strongly with audiences. Instead, channels that provide unique, specialized, or exclusive content—whether it’s targeted at a particular demographic, genre, or passion area—are able to stand out.The path to success for Fast channels lies in finding the right balance between curation and differentiation. The more distinct and tailored the content is, the better these channels are positioned to compete in an evolving media landscape where engagement is increasingly valued over sheer reach. Parul – great to see you leading this initiative and thanks to our partners, ” added Zee Entertainment CBO -international business  Ashok Namboodiri in response to Parul’s post. 
     

  • YuppTV bags broadcasting rights for T20 World Cup 2022

    YuppTV bags broadcasting rights for T20 World Cup 2022

    Mumbai: YuppTV, an over-the-top (OTT) South Asian content provider, has acquired the broadcast rights for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, scheduled to take place between 16 October and 13 November.

    YuppTV has bagged the exclusive broadcast rights for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022 for 75 countries, including Continental Europe, Malaysia (non-exclusive), Japan, China, Hong Kong (non-exclusive), Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Southeast Asia (except Singapore). The tournament will be telecast live over YuppTV’s platform.

    The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 is the 8th edition of the tournament and will be held across seven venues in Australia between 16 October and 13 November. The tournament features 16 teams competing for the world title of T20 champions. A total of 45 matches are scheduled to be played in the tournament.

    YuppTV CEO & founder Uday Reddy said, “Cricket is one of the biggest sports in the entire world, with more than one billion fans situated in different corners of the globe. T20 began as an exciting format, and in recent years, has become one of the most watched and loved forms of the game.”

    He adds, “The exciting match-up between international teams, nation versus nation, for world dominance is guaranteed to be an enthralling experience for viewers, who will be gearing up from the comfort of their homes to watch the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 to support their favourite teams and take them to victory. It brings us immense pleasure to bring the tournament to millions of people across Asia and Europe, and we look forward to having users tune in to the match on our platform to catch all the action live!”

    Fans from across the world await the most anticipated fixture, India vs Pakistan, which will take place on Sunday, 23 October in MCG, Australia. The final match of the tournament is scheduled on 13 November where the winning team will claim the ultimate prize in T20 cricket.

  • GoQuest Media acquires several dramas from Europe

    GoQuest Media acquires several dramas from Europe

    Mumbai: Global independent content distributor GoQuest Media has acquired several dramas from Europe. The deals finalised gives GoQuest Media distribution rights to Secrets of the Grapevine from Serbian telecommunications and cable TV operator Telekom Srbija, Crazy in Love from Polish broadcaster TVN, Still Waters from Estonian pubcaster ERR, and Sacrificiul (Sacrificial) from Romanian production company Dream Film Production.

    Commenting on the deal GoQuest Media manager – acquisitions Akshit Sandhu said, “We’re so pleased to continue our partnership with Telekom Srbija and ERR & build a new one with TVN and Dream Film Production.  These gripping series enjoyed high ratings and found great popularity with their local audiences, and we believe that these evergreen themes and performances will appeal to international audiences too.”

    Find below the details of each show!

    Winner of the most viewed series at the 11th International Drama and Series Festival FEDIS 2021 (Belgrade), Secrets of the Grapevine (72 x 50’) produced by MetRo Productions for Telekom Srbija, is a romantic drama that follows the incredible story of two winemaking families – the Tomovics and Smiljanics.  The intimate saga of the feuding families is rapt with devastating secrets, long-lost love, and heartbreak.  Former lovers Vuk Tomovic and Vera Smiljanic rekindle their romance after twenty years but they must make great sacrifices to realize a passion project they had dreamt of together a long time ago.

    The telenovela Crazy in Love (260 x 22’) which originally aired on TVN 7 is an entangled story of holiday love.  Piotr Nowak accidentally meets Joanna Popiel ten years after a holiday romance when she opens a veterinary office in the same building as his dental practice.  Will Piotr choose youthful love or stay with high school sweetheart and ambitious partner Sylwia Witos? Or will the holiday lovers fall crazy in love again?

    Still Waters (8 x 30’), produced by Zolba Productions for ERR follows teenager Marianne as she arrives at a new bilingual school far from the capital city.  She finds herself being blackmailed when someone launches an online smearing and digital bullying campaign against her.  As the events spiral into maddening terror threatening to destroy her fragile friendships and new stepfamily, Marianne has to find out who her friends and enemies really are and fight back with all means necessary.

    Broadcast on Romania’s free-to-air television network, Antena 1, owned by Antena TV Group and part of the Intact Media Group, the drama Sacrificiul (100 x 45’) revolves around the extraordinary stories of three sisters who were separated and were only reunited years later by the fortuitous connection of their children.