Tag: Gurugram

  • Google taps Raveesh Dev to chase small business growth across the Americas

    Google taps Raveesh Dev to chase small business growth across the Americas

    NEW DELHI: Climbing the ladder at Google takes stamina. Raveesh Dev has just demonstrated plenty of it. After nearly ten years shuttling between roles at the tech giant, Dev has been named head of en-Americas, SMB growth, a position that puts him in charge of scaling Google’s small and medium-sized business operations across the Americas from the company’s Gurugram office.

    The promotion, announced in October 2025, caps a rapid ascent through Google’s commerce division. Dev spent the past two years as head of commerce for India, leading go-to-market strategy for advertisers in travel, retail, beauty and healthcare. Before that, he briefly helmed multichannel and consumer packaged goods operations. His track record includes steering a business generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual recurring revenue and winning Google’s 2024 APAC sales leader award.

    Dev’s 15-year career spans media and technology. Before joining Google in 2016, he cut his teeth in advertising sales at Times Television Network, where he rose to associate account director, and earlier at Red FM and Reliance Broadcast Network. His pitch is straightforward: scale businesses, mentor teams, drive operational excellence. It’s corporate speak, but his promotions suggest he delivers.

    The Americas SMB role is no easy brief. Small businesses are notoriously fickle customers, quick to churn when platforms don’t deliver immediate results. Google’s challenge is keeping them hooked on advertising products whilst fending off rivals like Meta and Amazon. Dev’s experience in India’s chaotic, price-sensitive market may prove useful, though the Americas present their own headaches.

    Dev’s LinkedIn post struck the obligatory note of gratitude—thanking mentors, celebrating teams, expressing excitement. What matters more is whether he can translate India’s lessons into growth across vastly different markets. Google clearly thinks he can. Time will tell if they’re right.

  • Shryoan and abcoffee stir up matcha magic

    Shryoan and abcoffee stir up matcha magic

    MUMBAI: When skincare gets a caffeine kick, you know the beauty world is brewing something bold. Shryoan Cosmetics has teamed up with abcoffee in Gurugram to serve up its latest creation, the Super matcha pore tightening serum, and it promises to tighten more than just your daily routine.

    Unveiled amid swirls of artisanal matcha lattes and glossy skincare talk, the serum takes its cue from Camellia sinensis leaf extract (aka matcha), Niacinamide and a dose of natural moisturising factors. The recipe? Smaller pores, balanced oil, quenched skin and a luminous finish, all bottled for just Rs 199.

    “Super matcha is more than a serum, it’s a celebration of modern, multitasking skincare,” said Shryoan co-founder Drishti Madnani, adding that the serum’s fun, accessible vibe is every bit as important as its results.

    By mixing skincare with café culture, Shryoan’s launch felt less like a beauty pitch and more like a lifestyle experience, the kind where antioxidants, wellness trends and a silky finish collide over a matcha latte.

    With this collaboration, Shryoan signals that beauty is no longer confined to the vanity mirror; it’s about immersive, everyday rituals. And if this launch is anything to go by, the brand is just warming up before frothing up more trend-savvy skincare concoctions.

  • FCB India opens ‘Urban Jungle’ office in Gurugram, designed by Brawn Globus

    FCB India opens ‘Urban Jungle’ office in Gurugram, designed by Brawn Globus

    MUMBAI: Jungle fever has hit Gurugram — not in the streets, but inside FCB India’s brand-new office.

    The creative agency has swung into its freshly minted 28,000 sq. ft. space, designed and built by Brawn Globus, and it’s anything but a corporate cage. Themed “The Urban Jungle”, the workspace is a leafy, raw-edged playground where bold ideas are meant to grow as freely as the potted palms.

    Gone are the grey cubicles and hushed hallways. In their place stand open zones, nature-inspired corners and collaborative layouts that blur the line between imagination and reality. From biophilic design details symbolising growth to textures that invite conversation, every inch of the office feels less like a workplace and more like a living concept.

    “We are proud to have partnered with FCB India in creating a space that is as bold and inventive as the brand itself,” said Brawn Globus, managing director, Sandeep Singh. “The Urban Jungle office demonstrates our philosophy of blending design innovation with flawless delivery. Advertising thrives on imagination without boundaries. We wanted the workplace to be as inspiring as the ideas the FCB team creates every day”.

    For Brawn Globus, a heavyweight in design-and-build, the project is another feather in its architectural cap. For FCB, it’s a physical reminder of its ethos: fearless, inventive and always ready to colour outside the lines.

     

  • India’s first Lego store clicks into place with Ample’s Gurugram mega-launch

    India’s first Lego store clicks into place with Ample’s Gurugram mega-launch

    MUMBAI: The Lego dream just got bigger—and real. Ample group, the retail ace behind big-name brand tie-ups in India, has teamed up with the Lego group to launch the country’s first and South Asia’s largest Lego Certified Store at Ambience Mall in Gurugram.

    Spread across a sprawling 4,500+ sq. ft., this flagship retail paradise isn’t just another store—it’s a technicolour tribute to the power of play. Packed with interactive stations, digital experiences, iconic builds, and hands-on joy, it’s part toy box, part wonderland—and designed to hook everyone from toddlers to AFOLs (adult fans of Lego).

    Ample group founder & CEO Rajesh Narang said:  “At Ample, we have always believed in creating meaningful experiences for our customers by bringing some of the world’s most iconic brands closer to Indian customers, be it Apple, Bose, Under Armour, Asics, and now Lego group. With the launch of south Asia’s Largest Lego certified store, we are not just introducing a brand but offering families a space to imagine, play and create memories together. Our goal is to deliver experiences that go beyond shopping, where every visit feels special and interaction adds value.”

    This landmark opening comes as India’s economy is projected to grow by 6.3 per cent in 2025. With a surging middle class and rising appetite for premium experiences, Ample is betting big on immersive retail. It plans to open 30 Lego stores over the next five years, including the next one in Bengaluru’s Orion Mall.

    “Today is not just about opening a store—it marks a pivotal moment in Lego’s India’s journey, one that celebrates the power of play in its truest form,” said Lego India country manager Bhavana Mandon,. “We’re thrilled to finally bring the Lego brand experience to India in close partnership with the Ample Group. We’re laying the foundation for a strong retail presence and aim to help more Indians connect with the joy of play through multiple stores over the next two years. The energy, creativity, and passion we’ve witnessed today show that India’s Lego moment has truly arrived. As we enter this exciting phase of growth, we look forward to building spaces where people of all ages can build together.”

    Beyond retail buzz, the new store aims to cut screen time and boost cognitive skills with good old-fashioned hands-on play. From AI-powered displays to custom minifigs, it’s a bold mix of nostalgia and next-gen engagement.

    Established in 1996, Ample group has built a reputation for rolling out premium brand experiences, operating 100+ stores across the country and charming over a million customers. With a target CAGR of over 30 per cent over the next five years, the company shows no signs of slowing.

    Looks like Lego’s Indian adventure has finally clicked into gear—and it’s anything but child’s play.

  • Borosil serves hot news with launch of ‘Desh ka Dabba’ lunch box

    Borosil serves hot news with launch of ‘Desh ka Dabba’ lunch box

    MUMBAI: If your dabba’s still leaking and your sabzi’s gone cold, Borosil has news you can chew on. The kitchenware giant has just rolled out its superb stainless steel lunch box,a sleek, sturdy, and sentimental ode to the classic Indian tiffin at a cosy affair held at ITC Grand Bharat, Gurugram. And who better to unveil it than chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, who knows a thing or two about packing flavour with flair.

    This isn’t just another container, it’s a culinary wingman for rural India. Built with the hustle of long commutes and the nostalgia of ghar ka khana in mind, the Rs 1,599 lunch box features steel containers, a matching water bottle, and a smart lunch bag. The design speaks fluent practicality: leak-resistant lids, enough room for a full Indian meal, and the strength to survive a bumpy tractor ride or a packed bus.

    From dals to dry sabzis, every dish stays warm, snug, and mess-free. chef Sokhi called it a travel essential ensuring hot rotis and mood-lifting meals survive the journey just as deliciously as they began.

    Borosil Ltd. AVP marketing, Barnali Shankar added, “Food from home has a comfort of its own. Designed for real-life Indian kitchens, this lunchbox is more than just a container it’s a daily reminder of home-cooked comfort, no matter where your day takes you. It is a celebration of both practicality and sentiment. Keeping this simple joy in mind, every ‘Desh ka Dabba’ is a gentle reminder for those who go out each day carrying a home-packed meal with love every day. And we’re proud that this product is made in India and built for our rural kitchens, families, and daily lives.”  

    At the launch event chef Harpal Singh Sokhi said, ”As someone who travels often, I know how important it is to carry good food that stays fresh, spill-free, and neatly organized when traveling long distances. From the first bite, you know the food is just the way you packed it. Hot rotis, fresh sabzi, and the same familiar taste. That’s what makes this lunch box special. Made for Indian meals and made with care, this lunch box keeps your meals wholesome and your mood happy, even on the busiest days.”  

    So whether you’re crossing fields, factories or office floors, this ‘Desh ka Dabba’ is all about delivering taste, warmth and a spoonful of comfort just the way Mum packed it.

  • Uber hits a six with free fan shuttles to Arun Jaitley Stadium

    Uber hits a six with free fan shuttles to Arun Jaitley Stadium

    MUMBAI: In a move that’s set to bowl fans over, Uber has launched a free Uber Shuttle Fan Bus service for Delhi NCR cricket lovers heading to the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Just in time for the peak of the cricket season, this initiative promises to hit the sweet spot between convenience and cricket mania.

    From April 16, five specially curated Uber Shuttle routes will ferry cricket fans from across Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram straight to the stadium gates on match days i.e. 16, 27, 29 April  and 11 May. The service is Uber’s way of blending love for the game with seamless city travel.

    Speaking on the initiative, Uber Shuttle head of strategy Snehashish Nag said, “We’re turning up the game day experience with Uber Shuttle – fast, reliable, and with zero stress. Booking’s a breeze, rides are smooth, and getting to the match is effortless with drop-offs right in front of the stadium. In Delhi, this is the ride fans can count on. It’s our way of moving smarter while also helping decongest roads on match days.”

    To add to the cricketing spirit, the Uber app is also getting into match mode with vehicle icons sporting cricket-themed avatars for the duration of the tournament. Because, why should jerseys have all the fun?

    The Uber Shuttle programme aims to complement public transport, making travel safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Whether it’s airports, offices, or now stadiums, Uber is betting big on plug-and-play city mobility. And if you’re planning to ride in, here’s how to book your match-day magic:

    1.    Open the Uber app and enter Arun Jaitley Stadium as your pick-up or drop-off

    2.    Tap the Shuttle icon

    3.    Pick your preferred time and hit Confirm Shuttle

    4.    Reserve your seat early and carry valid match tickets

    With a drop that’s closer than the front row and a ride that’s easier than parking hassles, Uber’s cricket shuttle is turning transport into a team player. So, match-day plans? Sorted.

  • Birla Opus rolls out the red wall with luxe new designer finish range

    Birla Opus rolls out the red wall with luxe new designer finish range

    MUMBAI: Why settle for beige when your walls can wear a masterpiece? Birla Opus Paints, part of the Aditya Birla Group’s Grasim Industries, has unveiled a stunning new Designer Finish range that brings together artistry, innovation, and a splash of Italian flair. With two premium collections, the Dream and Timeless, the brand is looking to elevate Indian interior design, one textured wall at a time.

    Launched alongside a growing footprint of retail and experiential stores across India, including Mumbai, Gurugram and Lucknow, the Designer Finish collection invites consumers to quite literally feel the difference. The Dream Collection dazzles with 3D patterns and over 150 water-resistant metallic shades, while the Timeless Collection leans into rustic, lime-based finishes inspired by the raw elegance of stone, clay, and marble.

    Commenting on the launch Birla Opus Paints CEO Rakshit Hargave said, “At Birla Opus Paints, we understand that today’s consumers are seeking more than just products; they desire experiences and products that reflect purpose and value. Our aim is not only to redefine creativity with advanced design technology and sustainable solutions, but to also set new standards in interior luxury. At the back of our Paint Studio and franchisee stores launches across India, we’re now presenting consumers with these exquisite finishes inspired from nature’s beauty and Italian artistry that will definitely add a taste of luxury to your home.”

    Each collection offers nature-inspired textures and colour combinations that aim to turn walls into canvas-like statements. Think sea swirls, dreamy clouds, earthy elegance, and handcrafted Italian craftsmanship, all rendered in eco-friendly, low-VOC paints that are as breathable as they are beautiful.

    The Dream Collection boasts 14 nature-themed designs, each available in 10 unique colourways offering a staggering 140 wall-finish variations. Meanwhile, the Timeless Collection brings 12 earthy, artisanal designs to life. All finishes are extra durable, scratch-resistant, and designed to offer a luxury look that lasts.

    The Designer Finish range is currently available at Birla Opus Paint Studios and franchisee stores, with plans to expand to Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Surat. With each new studio, Birla Opus is not just selling paint, it’s inviting consumers into a curated world of interior expression.

    So, whether you’re dreaming of drama or craving calm, there’s now a wall finish that speaks your language because in the world of Birla Opus, your walls do more than just hold up the roof. They make a statement.

  • Paint it posh Birla Opus adds luxury strokes to Indian wall finishes

    Paint it posh Birla Opus adds luxury strokes to Indian wall finishes

    MUMBAI: Why just colour your walls when you can couture them? Birla Opus Paints is bringing the runway to the living room with its new Designer Finish range, two luxe collections that aim to give Indian interiors a high-fashion upgrade, one wall at a time.

    Unveiled by Aditya Birla Group’s Grasim Industries, the Dream and Timeless collections are part of a bold push to make walls more than just backdrops. Think high-definition 3D textures, metallic shimmers, and artisanal finishes inspired by nature and Italian craftsmanship, all underpinned by eco-friendly innovation.

    The Dream Collection leans into drama, offering 14 nature-themed designs across 140 permutations. Whether you fancy a wall that evokes the sea or the shimmer of clouds at dusk, the collection comes with water-resistant, long-lasting shades made to impress. Bonus: it’s not just beautiful, it’s built to last.

    Meanwhile, the Timeless Collection keeps things earthy and elegant. With lime-based finishes that mimic the raw textures of stone, clay and marble, it’s made for those who like their luxury with a little rustic soul. And both ranges walk the green talk, with low-VOC formulations that keep indoor air quality breathable and healthy.

    But the real flex? Experience-led retail. Birla Opus is not just selling paint; it’s selling inspiration. The brand is rolling out Paint Studios in cities like Mumbai, Gurugram and Lucknow immersive spaces where customers can see and touch the new finishes before committing to a makeover. These studios, along with a growing network of franchise stores, are part of the brand’s ambitious plan to make upscale design feel personal and accessible.

    Commenting on the launch Birla Opus Paints CEO Rakshit Hargave said, “At Birla Opus Paints, we understand that today’s consumers are seeking more than just products; they desire experiences and products that reflect purpose and value.Our aim is not only to redefine creativity with advanced design technology and sustainable solutions, but to also set new standards in interior luxury.At the back of our Paint Studio and franchisee stores launches across India, we’re now presenting consumers with these exquisite finishes inspired from nature’s beauty and Italian artistrythat will definitely adda taste of luxury to your home.”

    With plans to expand into more metros including Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata, Birla Opus is aiming for national saturation and wall domination.

    Because in 2025, walls don’t just wear paint. They wear personality.

  • Omnicom expands global solutions presence with new Hyderabad campus

    Omnicom expands global solutions presence with new Hyderabad campus

    MUMBAI: Data-inspired, creative marketing and sales solutions provider  Omnicom is getting omnipresent in India. It has announced the opening of its latest global solutions campus in Hyderabad, following the launch of facilities in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Gurugram in April 2024. This strategic expansion underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging India’s vast talent pool and driving innovation to enhance client services globally.

    The Hyderabad campus will bolster Omnicom’s global client solutions capabilities, offering expertise in media, technology, digital commerce, marketing science, market research, creative services, and business support functions.
     

    omnicom executives

    Annalect India &  Omnicom Global Solutions CEO Vishal Srivastava highlighted the importance of the new campus, stating: “This state-of-the-art collaboration hub will be a convergence point for brilliant minds, revolutionising the marketing landscape through innovation and excellence.”

    Credera India GDC CEO Gaurav Mathur added: “Hyderabad’s dynamic ecosystem and skilled workforce will further strengthen our ability to deliver transformative solutions for clients worldwide.”

    The four Indian campuses now host over 5,500 professionals across media, data and analytics, creative services, marketing technology, digital commerce, and artificial intelligence. The newly designed facilities provide collaborative work environments aimed at empowering Omnicom agencies globally and driving client value.

     

  • Blinkit launches 10 minute ambulance service in Gurugram

    Blinkit launches 10 minute ambulance service in Gurugram

    MUMBAI: Blinkit is taking this quick commerce thing a bit too far. It has promised to get an ambulance anywhere in Gurugram in 10 minutes. 10 Minutes? An ambulance anywhere in Gurugram in 10  minutes? Are you kidding, when to travel  a km in Gurugram can take thrice that much time.

    But Blinkit founder Albinder Dindsa has taken the risk to make the commitment  to provide succour and reach an ambulance to anyone injured or seriously unwell in Gurugram in 10 minutes. Five ambulances fitted with  gizmos were commissioned in Gurugram on 2 January 2025 to be able to offer this service.

    Dhindsa says that the ambulances are equipped with essential life-saving equipment, including oxygen cylinders, AED (automated external defibrillator), stretcher, monitor, suction machine, and essential emergency medicines and injections. Additionally,  a para medic, an assistant and a trained driver will be on hand to push on the pedal and get there on time.

    In the next phase, as the ambulances and the services are extended into newer areas, customers will be in  a position to book an ambulance through the basic life support option in  the Blinkit app.

    “Profit is not a goal here. We will operate this service at an affordable cost for customers and invest in really solving this critical problem for the long term,” he reveals. “We are carefully scaling this service up, as it is both important and new to us. Our aim is to expand to all major cities over the next two years. Let’s do our bit and make way for an ambulance always. You never know when you may save a life.”

    Hopefully, the road rage drivers and kids of the nouveau riche who drive around like crazy in Gurugram are listening to his plea.