Tag: HP

  • Bloomingdale PR grows its northern roots with Sanya Jain

    Bloomingdale PR grows its northern roots with Sanya Jain

    MUMBAI: Bloomingdale Public Relations is turning the spotlight on Delhi with a key leadership move. The boutique PR firm, known for its strategic storytelling and stronghold across Asia, has appointed Sanya Jain as strategic communications lead – north, reinforcing its focus on expanding operations in the capital.

    Based in New Delhi, Sanya will head Bloomingdale’s regional growth, client relations, and team culture across North India, reporting directly to Bloomingdale PR CEO Vikram Kharvi.

    With a decade of experience spanning consumer, corporate, crisis, and internal communications, Sanya has collaborated with industry giants including HP, Google, Microsoft, and TikTok. Her track record in shaping narratives and leading reputation strategies makes her a strong fit for Bloomingdale’s next growth phase.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Sanya to lead our Delhi operations,” said Bloomingdale PR CEO Vikram Kharvi. “Her strategic acumen and forward-looking approach will be instrumental in strengthening our presence in one of India’s most dynamic markets.”

    On her appointment, Sanya Jain shared, “I’m excited to take on this role and contribute to Bloomingdale’s creative and strategic legacy. I look forward to building impactful partnerships and meaningful campaigns across Delhi and beyond.”

    The move marks another step in Bloomingdale PR’s nationwide expansion, as the firm continues to deepen its roots in key Indian markets with a focus on innovation, talent, and impactful communication.

  • Loc8 by Osmo shifts OOH from counting impressions to capturing attention

    Loc8 by Osmo shifts OOH from counting impressions to capturing attention

    MUMBAI:  Having shaped impactful campaigns for brands like Renault, HP, Daikin and Max Estates, OSMO, one of India’s fastest-growing OOH agencies, has unveiled the power behind its success: Loc8, its proprietary planning platform.

    Loc8 is a first-of-its-kind tool built at the intersection of AI and human vision cognition that shifts out-of-home advertising from measuring reach to measuring attention. For the first time, Osmo is detailing how Loc8 delivers actionable insights that answer marketers’ most fundamental question: “Will people notice?” By transforming raw video data into quantifiable visibility and attention metrics, Loc8 provides advertisers with a sharper understanding of audience engagement and placement potential.

    “OOH stands at the brink of a transformation. Advertisers no longer want just eyeballs; they want evidence of attention and ground truth. Loc8 is the breakthrough the OOH industry has been waiting for – a next-generation metric that captures real-time audience attention,” said Osmo, co-founder, Mangesh Shinde.

    He added, “In a world where attention is the most valuable currency, Loc8 equips brands with the power of AI, enabling campaigns that are smarter, measurable and impossible to ignore. At Osmo, we say ‘Attention is the New Oil.’ And with Loc8, we’re helping clients harness it.”

    Loc8 works by combining real-world data collection, machine learning and cognition science into a seamless framework. Real-world site footage captured via IoT devices is analysed by machine learning engines, which generate attention metrics and a visual saliency score refined with live traffic conditions. These insights are then mapped across people, places and placements, measuring commute journeys, traffic speeds, impressions, points of interest, visibility, positioning, obstruction and dwell time. This process helps identify which OOH assets reach the right audience, how many they engage and the depth of attention they command. The results are made instantly accessible through an engagement console that presents clear attention metrics and effectiveness dashboards, enabling advertisers to plan smarter and more attention-led campaigns.

    Already embedded into several landmark campaigns across categories such as automobiles, real estate and consumer goods, Loc8 has been instrumental in unlocking deeper engagement and brand recall in crowded urban landscapes.

    “OOH is at a stage where advertisers increasingly demand accountability. As investments in the medium grow, LOC8 enables decision-makers to conduct a virtual recce with confidence. By combining AI, ML and cognition science, our attention metrics build trust, benchmark asset performance and ensure campaigns are noticed, not just seen,” said Osmo, co-founder, Nipun Arora. 

  • Assembly Global appoints Vivekanand Kini as regional director APAC

    Assembly Global appoints Vivekanand Kini as regional director APAC

    MUMBAI: From Yahoo to Hungama, from HP to Akzonobel and now, the Assembly hall. Vivekanand Kini has joined Assembly Global as regional director for client experience, a move that marks the next chapter in a 15-year-plus career spent shaping digital journeys for some of the world’s biggest brands.

    Kini, who steps into the role this September, brings 18 years of experience across digital marketing, e-commerce, and client strategy, including 8 plus years in leadership positions. Most recently, he was regional head of digital & e-commerce at Akzonobel (2022–2025), where he spearheaded digital growth across Asia. Before that, he helmed HP’s digital marketing for over six years (2016–2022), leading campaigns and customer experience initiatives out of Gurgaon.

    His career foundation was laid at agencies and media firms: Havas Media (2013–2016) as associate director for media, Saatchi & Saatchi (2012–2013) as senior manager for client servicing, and Yahoo (2011) where he drove online media spends in retail. He began his digital journey at Hungama (2010–2011), managing brand solutions for marquee clients such as 7UP, Bacardi, LG, and Maruti Suzuki.

    At Assembly Global, Kini will be tasked with deepening client relationships, scaling regional strategies, and ensuring Assembly’s philosophy of Showup, Makechange, and Winwell translates into measurable client success. His portfolio of skills spans Adobe experience manager, marketing mix modelling, conversion optimisation, growth marketing, customer insight, and media trends expertise Assembly hopes will fortify its client-first positioning in Asia.

    Kini described the new role as a “perfect fit” for his passion for partnership and impact: “Mobility, technology and customer behaviour are evolving rapidly. This is an opportunity to reimagine client experience at scale, powered by both empathy and innovation.”

    For Assembly, a company known for its digital-first, culture-driven marketing approach, Kini’s appointment comes as it doubles down on APAC expansion and builds on its strong momentum with global clients.

    Looks like Assembly has found its newest building block and Kini is ready to cement lasting partnerships.

  • Tejas Networks appoints Sanjay Malik as executive vice-president and chief strategy & business officer

    Tejas Networks appoints Sanjay Malik as executive vice-president and chief strategy & business officer

    MUMBAI: Tata group optical, broadband and data networking products company Tejas Networks has announced the appointment of Sanjay Malik as executive vice-president, chief strategy & business officer, and senior managerial personnel, effective 30 January 2025. His tenure will continue until his resignation or retirement, as per the company’s internal human resource policy.

    Sanjay Malik, a respected business leader in the ICT sector, brings extensive global experience and a proven track record in driving growth and transformative initiatives. Known for his integrity, ethics, and action-oriented leadership style, he has delivered exceptional results in challenging business environments. Malik will work closely with managing director  Anand Athreya and the senior leadership team to shape corporate strategy, oversee business management, and engage with stakeholders.

    During his tenure as senior vice-president and India country head at Nokia Networks, Malik transformed the company into an undisputed market leader within three years, achieving record revenues. He successfully grew Nokia’s market share across wireless and wireline portfolios by focusing on cross-portfolio solutions and new customer acquisition.

    Malik’s career spans roles at Cap Gemini, HP, and Tata Unisys. An alumnus of the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, he also holds a postgraduate degree in business management from the Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai.

    The appointment, approved by the board of directors based on the nomination and remuneration committee’s recommendations, aligns with Tejas Networks’ strategic goals.

  • Neha Bahl Gujral joins Apple India as partner marcom lead

    Neha Bahl Gujral joins Apple India as partner marcom lead

    MUMBAI: Who wouldn’t fall for the temptation of the juicy apple?  Especially when it’s the most valued firm in the world. 

    So, it’s very understandable why marketing veteran Neha Bahl Gujral has taken on a new role at Apple India as partner marcom lead, effective January 2025. With over 17 years of extensive experience across global brands, start-ups, and award-winning campaigns, Gujral’s appointment underscores her expertise in brand strategy, communications, and marketing innovation.

    Gujral’s career highlights include a recent tenure as CMO and head of communications at Savills India, where she served from April 2024 to January 2025. Prior to that, she was the IMC Head for flagship and wearables at Samsung Electronics, where she drove impactful campaigns and business growth for the mobile business for nearly two years.

    Her earlier experience includes serving as head of consumer brand and marketing at HP, where she increased brand saliency and achieved record consumer business growth through strategic marketing interventions in the PC arena. Gujral also led marketing efforts at National Geographic, earning numerous industry awards such as the Abbys, Kyoorius, and Promax Asia.

    As founder and CEO of Exclamation Point, she provided start-ups like The Moms Co. and Lifelong Online with comprehensive marketing strategies, helping them establish strong brand foundations. She has also held key roles at Microsoft, InterGlobe Technology Quotient, and Webchutney, showcasing her versatility in managing integrated marketing campaigns and building impactful brand narratives.

    Gujral is an alumna of Mica, Ahmedabad, and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration (marketing) from the Indian Institute of Learning and Management. Known for her strategic acumen, creativity, and leadership, Gujral continues to shape the landscape of marketing in India.

    Her appointment at Apple India signals an exciting chapter in her career as she contributes her expertise to one of the world’s most iconic brands.

  • 3AI Holding Ltd & SML India launch launch GenAI platform – ‘Hanooman’

    3AI Holding Ltd & SML India launch launch GenAI platform – ‘Hanooman’

    Mumbai: 3AI Holding Ltd and SML India has announced the launch of ‘Hanooman’, India’s homegrown largest multilingual and most affordable GenAI platform in 98 global languages, including 12 Indian languages, to build Gen AI ecosystem for India by leveraging the country’s diverse linguistic and cultural heritage.

    Derived from the name of Lord Hanuman, it symbolises the platform’s commitment to using the power of GenAI for greater good. Hanooman, with all his knowledge, power and strength always served Ram loyally and we want Hanooman to bring the same GenAI power to humanity. Hanooman has been developed by SML India in partnership with 3AI Holding. The platform aims to reach 200 million users within its first year of launch.

    As part of the launch, SML India announced its partnership with leading technology stalwarts and innovators like HP, NASSCOM, and Yotta. Through the partnership, Yotta will provide GPU cloud infrastructure to bolster SML India’s operations. Additionally, SML India’s partnership with NASSCOM is aimed at several initiatives, like supporting AI startups, fostering fintech innovation, engaging with 3000 colleges, and participating in research programmes.  The company has also collaborated with the Government of Telangana and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), to facilitate seamless translation between English and Telugu, enhancing accessibility and understanding of crucial documents like court orders. These strategic partnerships with leading tech players and government bodies signify a monumental leap forward in India’s GenAI landscape, and underscoring Hanooman’s capabilities and commitment to delivering innovative solutions to businesses and individuals alike. The 12 Indian languages that the web and app are currently available in include Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada, Odia, Punjabi, Assamese, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Sindhi. Additionally, Hanooman will support a host of global languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Korean, and 80 other languages worldwide.

    Powered by 3AI Holding’s cutting-edge technology, it combines specialised LLMs built with a dynamic integration synthesis matrix to deliver clear, adaptive insights and transform complex data into actionable intelligence effortlessly. It is presently accessible in its free version, with the premium subscription plan to be launched later this year. Along with its exceptional translation capabilities, Hanooman’s versatile features can handle everything from a casual chat to offering professional advice, as well as perform complex technical tasks like coding and tutoring.

    With integration-ready pipelines seamlessly integrating into existing products, Hanooman aims to cater to four sectors, including healthcare, governance, financial services, and education. Hanooman is set to offer an open-source alternative to commercially accessible Large Language Models (LLMs), while providing a closed-source model tailored for enterprises in need of on-premise solutions.

    3AI Holding MD Arjun Prasad said, “Our mission is clear: to ensure that AI is not just a privilege for a few, but a tool accessible to every Indian. Hanooman embodies this commitment of democratising access to cutting-edge technology to every Indian. What sets Hanooman apart is that it is built in India, built for India, and stored in India (data). Through our strategic partnership with SML India, we strive to cater to a diverse spectrum of users, making AI inclusive and available to everyone, regardless of their ethnicity or location. We strongly believe that by empowering individuals with GenAI, we can unlock unprecedented opportunities for innovation, thereby contributing to the growth of the country.”

    SML India co-founder & CEO Dr. Vishnu Vardhan said, “Hanooman represents a new era of AI innovation in India. With its launch, we aim to impact the lives of 200 million users within the first year alone. 80 % of Indians can’t use English, hence, Hanooman’s capabilities to support Indian languages will bring Gen AI to the reach of everyone in India and open massive opportunities for companies and startups bringing Gen AI products to the market.

    We envision Hanooman not only as a technological marvel but also as a catalyst for societal change. We see Hanooman as a cornerstone of India’s economic future, unlocking the vast potential of GenAI to drive innovation, productivity, and prosperity across various sectors.”

    The strategic partnership between SML India and 3AI Holding reflects a commitment to the fundamental mission of ‘AI for All.’ By jointly owning Hanooman, both the entities are dedicated to democratising the GenAI space and bridging the gap between urban and rural India. The platform’s launch marks a significant milestone in India’s AI journey, positioning the country as a global leader in AI adoption and innovation.

    Hanooman is now available for download in India and can be accessed through the web and mobile application for Android users on the Play Store. The forthcoming IOS app will soon be available for download on the App Store.

    To unlock the potential of Hanooman, please visit: https://hanooman.ai/ and download the app:

    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hanooman.ai&hl=en_US&pli=1

  • Hush Puppies unveils a larger-than-life installation of its iconic mascot

    Hush Puppies unveils a larger-than-life installation of its iconic mascot

    Mumbai: To commemorate the timeless elegance and comfort of Hush Puppies on its 65th birthday, Bata India organised a unique month-long celebration across all touchpoints to spread the message of living life on a brighter side. The celebrations commenced with a restorative yoga session with puppies, special discount offers at HP stores and bata.com, and were culminated by the unveiling of a larger-than-life installation of the brand’s iconic mascot – the Hush Puppies Basset Hound.

    A gigantic Basset Hound-themed van circled the streets of Gurugram capturing eye-balls, leaving a trail of smiles and wonder. Its vibrant and playful design drew the attention of both young and old, sparking conversations and igniting curiosity. As captured in the film, the excited faces of the passersby were a reminder that a touch of creativity and whimsy can bring unexpected delight in the midst of daily life. To share this moment with cherished consumers, the van visited the homes of select consumers distributing smiles, cakes & special offers.

    Speaking on the campaign Bata India head of category and communications Ullas Vijay said, “The initiatives for Hush Puppies’ 65th Birthday go beyond just brand activations. The brand’s mission is to inspire individuals to live life on the bright side and we, at Bata India, wanted to celebrate in a way that reflects the brand values of Hush Puppies: ‘Be True, Be Comfy, Be Bright, Be Bold.’ We commend Hush Puppies’ 65-year legacy of impeccable craftsmanship and innovative design. Here’s to more style, comfort, and positivity!”

    Speaking on the occasion, Xperia Group managing partner and CEO Saibal Gupta said, “Having carved a distinct niche for itself on key parameters such as comfort and style, brand Hush Puppies from Bata has been enjoying a huge recall and love from its customers for several decades. Hence our campaign was aimed to create a larger-than-life installation of the brand’s iconic mascot – the Hush Puppies Basset Hound which we took on the streets of Gurugram to capture and touch the emotions of people with smiles, remembering their association with the brand. Indeed, it has evoked massive eye-balls and has resonated with the sentiments of all Hush Puppies lovers.”

  • MMA Global India launches AI Advisory

    MMA Global India launches AI Advisory

    Mumbai: MMA Global India proudly announces the inauguration of the MMA Global India AI Advisory, a collaborative effort uniting the marketing ecosystem comprising members such as McDonald’s, HP, Microsoft, EY, ReBid, SAS, Netcore, Airtel, Aditya Birla Group, Tata Consumer Products, Bridgestone, CEAT, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, L’Oreal India, Mondelez, MakeMyTrip, and many others.

    Why AI Advisory?

    The subject of AI is fast-evolving, and keeping up with the pace can be challenging. The MMA Global India AI Advisory is here to provide the right platform for industry representatives to discuss challenges, engage in knowledge sharing, and drive collaboration for growth.

    “With 3 out of 4 companies already experimenting and scaling, especially in areas like marketing optimization and personalization, our AI Advisory will serve as a compass to enable marketers to harness intelligence and propel innovation. I wish to welcome our AI advisory members and the industry to help shape the future of AI in marketing and together tread the path to AI-powered marketing,” shared MMA Global India country head and board member Moneka Khurana. She further added that “this council serves as a testament to our commitment to fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and pushing the boundaries of AI applications in the Indian marketing landscape.”

    Objective of the AI Advisory:

    The AI Advisory at MMA Global India is committed to driving the adoption of AI applications in marketing at scale. It represents a working coalition of leading marketers and thought leaders focused on applying AI to marketing responsibly and effectively.

    What Sets the Advisory Apart:

    With a special focus on the Indian market, the MMA Global India AI Advisory ensures marketers have access to relevant content and resources needed to be at the forefront of technological innovation.

    Ernst & Young, head & partner and marketing advisory Amiya Swaru sharing his excitement for the launch, said, “The MMA India AI Advisory is a significant initiative; and a commitment to drive effective AI integration in marketing. Through thought leadership, the AI Advisory’s objective is to enable marketers to deliver business goals using effective use of AI and technology.”

    Our Experts on the Council Will aim to:

    1   Champion AI-Powered Marketing and Branding Tech

    2   Foster Knowledge Sharing via Thought Leadership

    3   Keep Members at the Forefront of AI Marketing Applications

     Establish Authority in Marketer Tech and Be the Go-To Council

    This group is laser-focused on driving conversations at a micro-level for the industry, with visible outcomes in reports, use cases, surveys, and more. Dedicated solely to the Indian market, the MMA Global India AI Advisory guarantees marketers access to content most pertinent to them, ensuring MMA’s members remain leaders in this generation’s most critical frontier of technological innovation.

    “In the realm of AI-driven marketing, the MMA Global India AI Advisory stands as a beacon of industry collaboration. The advisory’s collective mission is clear – to champion AI-powered marketing and pave the way for marketers to not just adapt but lead in this era of transformative technology,” were some strong closing words by another key founding member of the council, ReBid CEO & founder Rajiv Dingra. 

  • TV ad volume for laptop category dips 4 per cent in Jan-August

    TV ad volume for laptop category dips 4 per cent in Jan-August

    Mumbai: The advertising volumes for laptop/notebook category dipped by four per cent in January-August 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, according to TAM Media Research. HP and Lenovo were the only advertisers visible during this period, with Lenovo being the top advertiser, in terms of volumes.

    Lenovo Yoga was the most visible brand on TV with 52 per cent share of ad volumes. Other brands being advertised include HP Envy, HP Spectre 13 X360, HP Pavilion Series.

    The most popular TV channel genre for the laptop brands was the movie channel genre that had a 39 per cent share of ad volumes, followed by news (17 per cent), infotainment (16 per cent), music (15 per cent), GEC (9 per cent), other genres (4 per cent).

    The most preferred programme genre for laptop brands was feature films that accounted for 40 per cent share of ad volumes. This was followed by news bulletins at 12 per cent and film songs at 11 per cent. These three genres accounted for 60 per cent of ad volumes for the category.

    A time band analysis for the category showed that advertisers preferred rolling their ads during the evening primetime between 6 p.m and 10:59 p.m. This time band had 34 per cent share of ad volumes. The afternoon and morning time bands were also popular time bands for laptop ads following the evening primetime, with 20 per cent and 16 per cent of ad volume share, respectively. These three bands account for 70 per cent of ad volumes for the laptop category.

    Laptop ads of a length of less than 20 seconds and between 20-40 seconds dominated airwaves with a 95 per cent share of ad volumes.

    (Figures are based on secondages for TV; commercial ads only; excluding promos and social ads)

  • HP appoints Ketan Patel as MD of greater India

    HP appoints Ketan Patel as MD of greater India

    NEW DELHI: HP has appointed Ketan Patel as the managing director of HP greater India, responsible for the company’s business in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Patel replaces Vinay Awasthi who is moving to a new role as head of print operations for supply chain. Effective 1 August, Patel will report to Christoph Schell, HP chief commercial officer.

    “As one of the world’s fastest growing economies, India is on the cusp of a digital transformation revolution, where technology will play a central role in how we work, live and play,” said HP chief commercial officer Christoph Schell, “This is an opportunity for HP to deliver innovation and drive growth in the local economies where we operate. As a proven leader with rich experience and a deep understanding of the market, I am confident that Ketan will add immense value to our customer and partner ecosystem in the region.”

    Patel was previously the head of personal systems category for greater Asia, where he led the computing business that included hardware, services, and solutions across Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and Korea.

    Patel joined HP in 2005 and has held various leadership positions across HP’s Personal Systems, Print, and Graphics Solutions Businesses. From 2013 to 2017, he was senior director of personal systems at HP India.

    Prior to joining HP, Patel held positions at Wipro Infotech, Wipro Peripherals and TVS Electronics in India where he drove their printing business.