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Tag: Prabha Narasimhan

  • Streaming to the top: Karan Bedi named OTT Leader of the Year

    Streaming to the top: Karan Bedi named OTT Leader of the Year

    MUMBAI: When it comes to India’s streaming wars, Karan Bedi is clearly playing in the big league. The head of Amazon MX Player has been crowned ‘Leader of the Year OTT’ at the 12th IAA Leadership Awards, held on 7 August 2025 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. Instituted in 2013 by the International Advertising Association India Chapter, the awards celebrate excellence in business, marketing, and corporate leadership. This year’s jury, chaired by Colgate-Palmolive India MD & CEO Prabha Narasimhan, recognised Bedi’s role in steering Amazon MX Player to the forefront of India’s digital entertainment.

    Under his watch, the free streaming service has delivered a buffet of genres from cult thrillers like Aashram to emotionally charged dramas such as Mitti – Ek Nayi Pehchaan, high-octane action with Hunter S2 – Tootega Nahi Todega, and reality hits like Realme Hip Hop India Season 2. As per Ormax Media, 8 of India’s Top 50 digital shows in H1 2025 were from MX Player’s stable.

    The platform also boasts MX Vdesi India’s largest localised international content library, featuring dubbed global shows, anime, and films. It’s a strategy that has kept the service on advertisers’ radars while winning over audiences nationwide.

    “This recognition is for our entire team,” said Bedi. “Our mission is to deliver high-quality, free entertainment rooted in local stories, while enabling advertisers to reach audiences across India. Seeing our content resonate with millions is the most rewarding part of the journey.”

    With audience loyalty, advertiser trust, and an expanding content portfolio, Bedi’s leadership shows that in OTT, it’s not just about playing the game, it’s about changing it.
     

  • Colgate-Palmolive (India) Q3 brushes off rivals with Rs 1,452 crore sales

    Colgate-Palmolive (India) Q3 brushes off rivals with Rs 1,452 crore sales

    MUMBAI: Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd has reported a steady yet somewhat subdued financial performance for the third quarter and nine months ending 31 December 2024. In a world where Pepsodent, Sensodyne, and a slew of herbal toothpaste brands are fighting tooth and nail (quite literally) for consumer preference, Colgate remains the unshaken champion of oral care.

    While macroeconomic headwinds and intensifying competition have made the landscape tougher than biting into a frozen chocolate bar, the company has managed to keep its shine by leveraging premiumisation and technology-driven consumer engagement strategies.

    Can Colgate continue to outshine its rivals, or will Sensodyne’s sensitivity play and Pepsodent’s cavity-fighting pitch take a bite out of its market share? For now, Colgate is brushing aside the competition and keeping its growth streak minty fresh.

    Headline figures

    In Q3 FY25, net sales stood at Rs 1,45,221 lakh (Rs 1,452.21 crore), reflecting a 4.7 per cent year-on-year growth. Not the kind of jaw-dropping leap that makes investors do a double take, but hey, steady growth is better than a cavity-inducing decline! The domestic business, a key driver of performance, saw a 3.2 per cent growth in Q3 and an 8.8 per cent increase over the nine-month period—a testament to India’s undying love for minty-fresh breath and cavity-free smiles.

    For the nine-month period, net sales reached Rs 4,54,718 lakh (Rs 4,547.18 crore), an increase of 9.2 per cent compared to Rs 4,16,352 lakh (Rs 4,163.52 crore) during the same period last year. That’s a growth curve any dentist would approve of! It also suggests Colgate still holds its ground in an ever-growing battlefield of oral care brands trying to take a bite out of its market share.

    Gross margin and EBITDA margin improved sequentially compared to the last quarter, though they remain under pressure when measured against last year’s higher base. Net profit after tax (PAT) for Q3 FY25 stood at Rs 32,278 lakh (Rs 322.78 crore), a slight decline from Rs 33,011 lakh (Rs 330.11 crore) reported in Q3 FY24. Perhaps inflation took a bite out of those numbers?

    However, the nine-month period gave Colgate something to grin about, with PAT increasing 14.6 per cent YoY to Rs 1,08,181 lakh (Rs 1,081.81 crore), up from Rs 94,384 lakh (Rs 943.84 crore) in the previous fiscal period. Looks like strategic premiumisation and efficiency initiatives are keeping things sparkling.

    Profit before tax (PBT) for Q3 stood at Rs 39,505 lakh (Rs 395.05 crore), showing that operational efficiencies are still paying off. Meanwhile, basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) stood at Rs 11.87 for Q3 and Rs 39.77 for the nine-month period—numbers solid enough to keep shareholders smiling all the way to the bank!

    Colgate-Palmolive’s MD & CEO Prabha Narasimhan acknowledged that the quarter was marked by soft urban demand and heightened competition. Despite these challenges, the company exhibited resilience, with mid-single-digit volume growth in its core toothpaste category and competitive gains in the toothbrush segment.

    “While the near-term macro environment remains challenging, we are committed to driving growth through a strategy that works,” remarked Narasimhan, reiterating Colgate’s focus on premiumisation, digital engagement, and category expansion.

    A highlight of the quarter was the launch of India’s largest oral health movement, a digital-first, AI-driven initiative that offers personalised AI-generated dental screening reports and free dental check-ups in partnership with the Indian Dental Association (IDA). Available in nine regional languages, this initiative aims to enhance oral health awareness at scale.

    Furthermore, Colgate expanded its product portfolio with the “MaxFresh Sensorial” range, building on the success of the “Visible White Purple” series.

    But let’s be honest—can even the best toothpaste keep everyone grinning when inflation is chomping away at disposable incomes? While the recent numbers show resilience, the question remains: can Colgate continue to take a big bite out of market share, or will rival brands leave it with a mere nibble?

    For now, Colgate is holding its ground, refusing to be rinsed away by competition. With strong brand equity, a tech-savvy approach, and a strategy sharper than the bristles on a new toothbrush, Colgate is setting itself up to flash an even brighter smile in the quarters to come. Stick around—the next quarter’s numbers will tell the real story!

     

  • Business Today unveils 21st edition of the Most Powerful Women in business, honours winners

    Business Today unveils 21st edition of the Most Powerful Women in business, honours winners

    Mumbai: Business Today celebrated the 21st edition of the Most Powerful Women in Business list on November 8 in Mumbai. The event brought together visionary women leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives from diverse sectors to discuss key challenges and new opportunities for women in Indian business.

    Union minister of commerce and industry, Piyush Goyal, was the chief guest at the event. He alongside India Today Group vice-chairperson and executive editor-in-chief Kalli Purie, unveiled the MPW Special Issue of the magazine, which featured the inspiring stories of the women leaders who made it to this year’s prestigious list.  

    Addressing the stalwarts and guests, Goyal emphasised India’s enduring respect for female leadership and praised the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s initiatives to empower women.

    He also highlighted India’s resilience to potential tariff increases from the US after Donald Trump’s re-election, stating, “India is regarded as a trusted partner by the democratic world.” He also assured that India was willing to reduce tariffs on products where there is little competition, such as heavy motorcycles from Harley Davidson.

    This year, Business Today recognised 60 women leaders across various industries, with 12 new faces added to the list, showcasing the increasing diversity and dynamism of female leadership in India. Alongside these new honourees, four returning achievers highlighted the consistent excellence and evolution in their fields. Two leaders were inducted into the Hall of Fame, having been a part of the list a record seven times, underscoring their profound and enduring impact on the business landscape.

    This year’s event was centered around the theme “Balance. Work. Life. Safety” focused on the delicate balance women strive to maintain between their professional and personal lives. It also addressed the need for greater gender equity and inclusivity in business.

    Distinguished honourees were Schauna Chauhan, CEO of Parle Agro; Ananya Birla, Founder & Chairperson of Svatantra Microfinance; Prabha Narasimhan, MD & CEO of Colgate-Palmolive (India); Prativa Mohapatra, VP & Managing Director of Adobe India; Ameera Shah, Executive Chairperson of Metropolis Healthcare; and Padmaja Ruparel, Co-founder of Indian Angel Network, among others. To know about the full list, log on to https://btmostpowerfulwomen.com/2024/

    During a thought-provoking panel discussion, Prabha Narasimhan, MD & CEO of Colgate-Palmolive (India) highlighted the underappreciation of women’s contributions. “Grit, Gumption and Guts are common to men and women both. What makes it interesting for women as we tend to undersell ourselves a little bit,” she said.

    Indian Angel Network co-founder Padmaja Ruparel emphasized the societal barriers women face and the importance of embracing risk. “Women always had a tough time. In most societies, not just India, people have preconceived notions about women. That’s the first challenge. The second point is that the women are not grown or nurtured to take risks in their workplace,” said Padmaja.

    Prativa Mohapatra, VP & Managing Director of Adobe India and Pavitra Shankar, MD of Brigade Group also shared their personal journeys of resilience and leadership.

    In another insightful session, Edelweiss AMC MD & CEO Radhika Gupta, celebrated women’s innate multitasking abilities. “Women are natural multitaskers without any professional training and spreadsheets. Multitasking is a tremendous skill in leadership… So, what we traditionally refer to as feminine skill sets are those which are required in the workplace,” she said.

    Shefali Goradia, Chairperson of Deloitte South Asia, and Amisha Vora, Chairperson & MD of Prabhudas Lilladher Group, discussed the importance of self-belief and the need to close the gender gap in corporate leadership. Shefali said that in India there is still a lack of equal seats for women at the high table despite awareness, while Gupta urged women to move from being cautious savers to confident investors, encouraging them to extend their financial stewardship beyond the household.

    The theme of work-life balance was a key point of reflection throughout the day. Nirupa Shankar, Joint MD of Brigade Group, observed that the idea of “work-life balance” is evolving, with more emphasis now on work-life integration. Devita Saraf, Chairperson & CEO of Vu Group, echoed this thought and stressed the importance of setting clear boundaries to maintain focus and mental well-being.

    Since its inception in 2003, Business Today’s Most Powerful Women in Business list has served as an important platform to recognize women who have made significant contributions to their industries. This year’s event not only celebrated the accomplishments of these remarkable leaders but also underscored the critical need to address gender disparities and create an environment where women can truly thrive.

  • Colgate-Palmolive Q2 FY25 delivers record revenue, marks best quarter yet

    Colgate-Palmolive Q2 FY25 delivers record revenue, marks best quarter yet

    Mumbai: The toothpaste your dentist swears by in every ad has now cemented its dominance, not just in recommendations but in hard numbers. Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited has smashed expectations in Q2 FY25, posting its strongest quarter yet with an impressive 10 per cent increase in net sales, making it the company’s best-performing quarter to date.

    Announced on 24 October 2024, the unaudited financial results highlight the continued strength of Colgate’s oral care portfolio amidst a challenging market landscape. With revenues climbing to Rs 1,609.2 crore compared to Rs 1,462.4 crore in the same quarter last year, Colgate’s ability to navigate economic headwinds while expanding its consumer base has been commendable.

    Under the leadership of MD & CEO, Prabha Narasimhan, Colgate’s strategy to reinforce its core product offerings—particularly in toothpaste—has paid off handsomely. The toothpaste segment posted a high single-digit volume growth, driven by trusted brands such as Colgate Maxfresh and Colgate Strong Teeth. Colgate’s toothbrush category also saw double-digit growth, reflecting a rising trend towards premiumisation in the oral care market.

    Even with an increase in advertising expenditure by 17.8 per cent year-on-year, which was used to boost brand visibility and market reach, the company’s Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) rose by a robust 16.2 per cent, reaching Rs 395.1 crore, up from Rs 340.1 crore in Q2 FY24. This profitability boost was further supported by a one-time credit from interest on income tax refunds received during the quarter.

    Narasimhan attributed the success to a mix of consistent product innovation and consumer engagement. “This was a big innovation quarter with the launch of Colgate Visible White Purple, a product that uses colour theory and builds on our growing whitening business. Early response has been excellent. In addition, we aired new communication on our flagship global offering – Colgate Total. With its patented Dual Zinc and Arginine Technology, Colgate Total offers the best everyday protection and is the cornerstone of our premiumisation strategy. Colgate Strong Teeth saw new advertising, built on the very relevant insight for today of increased snacking leading to increased loss of calcium and Colgate Strong Teeth with its arginine + calcium boost builds back this lost calcium” she said.

    Innovation has been the cornerstone of Colgate’s growth strategy. Besides product advancements, Colgate continued its community outreach with the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program, extending its reach through partnerships with the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Goa. The program now aims to impact the oral health habits of over two crore children in Uttar Pradesh and two lakh children in Goa, solidifying Colgate’s commitment to creating a healthier future for India.

    Additionally, Colgate has kept sustainability at the heart of its operations. As part of its broader corporate social responsibility initiatives, the company has made strides in reducing plastic waste and promoting recycling in its product packaging, enhancing both its environmental impact and consumer goodwill.

    In another positive move, Colgate’s board has declared a first interim dividend of Rs 24 per equity share for FY25, with a total payout of Rs 653 crore to be distributed to shareholders. This signals Colgate’s strong cash flow position and its continued focus on delivering shareholder value.

    Despite Colgate’s current success, Narasimhan remained cautious about future challenges, particularly those related to economic conditions and inflation. “We expect continued difficult market conditions but remain committed to leverage our very strong P&L which allows us to continue to invest behind superior products and advertising while we maintain our focus on ensuring better oral health for everyone in India,” she noted.

    Colgate’s Q2 FY25 results reflect a balance of innovation, aggressive market strategies, and consumer-centric growth. With its premiumisation initiatives and strong oral care products, the company is well-positioned to maintain its market leadership in India’s personal care sector. Investors will be keenly watching how the company manages the upcoming quarters, especially amid market uncertainties.

  • Smarties India 2023 honours winners shaping the future of marketing

    Smarties India 2023 honours winners shaping the future of marketing

    Mumbai: The 12th edition of MMA Smarties India Awards 2023, one of the most prestigious events in the marketing industry, concluded with great acclaim, recognizing outstanding achievements in the realm of modern marketing. The awards ceremony, which took place on October 5th, 2023 at Taj Santacruz, Mumbai brought together the finest minds and innovators in the field of marketing.

    Smarties India – jury chair & Raymond CEO Sunil Kataria commented, “The 12th edition of SMARTIES™ India 2023 Awards has been an extraordinary celebration of marketing innovation and excellence. This year’s shortlisted nominees showcased the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, with campaigns that have redefined the boundaries of innovation and left an indelible mark on our industry. SMARTIES continues to push the envelope by introducing fresh categories and celebrating campaigns that not only drive business impact but also excel in various aspects of modern marketing. As we celebrate the winners at the gala event, I’m inspired by the ingenuity and creativity that have been showcased, and I look forward to how these campaigns will shape the future of marketing excellence in India.”

    The evening’s most prestigious accolade, the ‘Brand of the Year,’ was deservedly conferred upon Google Search, a testament to their unmatched innovation and substantial impact. Equally deserving, the ‘Advertiser of the Year’ title found its rightful place in the hands of Mondelez India Foods Private Limited, honouring their outstanding contributions and industry leadership.

    Further industry recognition saw Cadbury Silk and Google Search awarded as ‘Grand Prix/Best in Show’; Glance awarded as ‘Enabling Technology Company of the Year,’, alongside notable wins in categories such as ‘Media Agency of the Year’ and ‘Creative Agency of the Year’, by Wavemaker India and Leo Burnett India respectively.

    Amazon Ads was celebrated as the ‘Publisher of the Year’ while the esteemed ‘Most Resilient Brand of the Year’ title was claimed by Lay’s, Pepsico India and Leo Burnett India. Notably, the newly introduced categories also saw Schbang and WPP India excel, with wins in ‘Digital Agency of the Year’ and ‘Holding Agency Company of the Year’ respectively, firmly establishing their positions as trailblazers in their respective domains.

    In an impressive showcase of marketing excellence, a diverse array of brands emerged triumphant at the SMARTIES India 2023 Awards. The category of Personalisation, often regarded as the vanguard of modern marketing, bore witness to the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards being secured by Luminous Power Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and Wavemaker; Mondelez India Foods Pvt. Ltd. and Wavemaker and Mondelez India Foods Pvt. Ltd. and Wavemaker respectively. This impressive feat further solidifies their reputation as pioneers in this dynamic field.

    Smarties India – jury chair & Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd CEO & managing director Prabha Narasimhan added, “SMARTIES™ India 2023 Awards continue to celebrate creativity, innovation and the strategic acumen behind impactful marketing campaigns. I’m excited to see how these campaigns will continue to inspire and shape the future of marketing excellence in India.”

    All SMARTIES winners are listed and ranked in the MMA Business Impact Index, which uses a proprietary methodology developed in partnership with WARC to recognize the best of the best in the Advertising and Marketing industry. It is the first and only global modern marketing index that identifies, ranks and awards top agencies, advertisers, brands and solution providers driving significant business impact.

    The MMA Smarties India Awards 2023 spotlighted the categories that garnered the highest number of entries, namely Creator/Influencer/Celebrity Marketing, Data Insights/Contextual Marketing, and Brand Experience within the dynamic realm of modern marketing. The awards were presented in various categories, each showcasing remarkable achievements and ground-breaking strategies that have reshaped the industry.

    Smarties India – jury and MMA India county head & board member Moneka Khurana, expressed her excitement about the 12th edition of SMARTIES™ India 2023 Awards by saying, “The SMARTIES India Awards have consistently showcased the ever-evolving landscape of marketing in India. As we embrace digital transformation and witness innovative approaches in marketing, it’s inspiring to see the diverse and impactful campaigns that have made it to the shortlist this year. These campaigns reflect the spirit of innovation that drives our industry forward and sets the bar higher for future marketers. I’m thrilled to be a part of this celebration of excellence, and I can’t wait to see which campaigns emerge as the champions of innovation in marketing.”

    Out of 150 shortlisted entries, representing diverse sectors such as FMCG, OTT, retail, BFSI, technology, and more, a total of 94 metals were handed over at the gala. The winners will also be given digital awards or NFTs which they can claim or prove their contribution to the award and campaign with the information available on the blockchain at any time. The NFT holder will also be eligible to avail of gratifications and access to exclusive assets from MMA Global like events, case studies, seminars, workshops, and more.

    Smarties India – jury & MMA board member and managing director APAC- Rohit Dadwal commented, “The SMARTIES™ India 2023 Awards once again underline the pivotal role of modern marketing in shaping the future of our industry. It’s truly inspiring to witness how brands are continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity and harnessing the power of technology to drive innovation and engagement.”

    In a ground-breaking move, SMARTIES™ India 2023 introduced the inaugural edition of “Smarties Unplugged.”- a unique pre-gala event that brought together marketing thought leaders who shared innovative and creative work designed to benefit tomorrow’s marketers and cater to the changing mindset of consumers.

    Kick-starting the event with a warm welcome by Khurana with Tanya Saihgal as the host. The event featured several informative sessions. In the first segment, top SMARTIES India shortlisters engaged in a gamified conversation on Creativity, Content and partnerships and the second part explored Channels, Data and analytics, with nominees discussing marketing strategies in an insightful and enjoyable manner, facilitated by Saurabh Parmar. Saurabh Parmar, an eminent figure in the marketing landscape, hosted two insightful sessions at “Smarties Unplugged.” Key sessions included “Intelligent Effectiveness: Measuring the ROI of AI on Optimization & Personalization” by Dadwal. Soundsmith of BrandMusiq founder Rajeev Raja delved into “#TheFutureIsSound” and the role of sonic identities in today’s digital world. The event culminated in “Marketing Excellence Unplugged – Navigating New-Age Trends & Tech,” featuring industry leaders like Vikram Pandey, National Creative Director, Leo Burnett India Devika Sharma, VP and GM – India, InMobi; Sidharth Singh, Lead – Countline & Gifting Marketing, Mondelez India and Rohit Dadwal, MMA Board Member and Managing Director APAC, MMA APAC and other speakers, providing actionable insights for adapting and innovating in the dynamic marketing landscape.

     

  • Prabha Narasimhan takes over as managing director of Colgate-Palmolive India

    Prabha Narasimhan takes over as managing director of Colgate-Palmolive India

    Mumbai: After a stint of over two decades at Hindustan Unilever, Prabha Narasimhan has joined Colgate-Palmolive India as managing director. Previously, she served as an executive director at the FMCG major before moving on from the company earlier this year in May 2022. Narasimhan takes over the reins of the oral care major from Ram Raghavan, who has moved to a global role.

    Narasimhan confirmed the development through a post on LinkedIn: “Everyone deserves a future they can smile about is the core philosophy of the Colgate brand. Today, as I start my new journey with Colgate, this definitely made me smile. Over the last three months, I have had the opportunity to travel across 6 different countries and 7 offices to meet and understand this business and its people, and it has been an amazing experience. I am now excited and eager to work with the Colgate Palmolive team in India on brands that I have grown up with and a business that is an absolute powerhouse,” she wrote.

    “No post of starting would be complete however without a look back at my time with Unilever. I consider myself extremely privileged to have worked for over 2 decades in such a fabulous organisation and more importantly work with such amazing colleagues – many of whom are lifelong friends. I will continue to watch & cheer their progress. Thank you to everyone, far too many to name here, who have helped me get to this position and thanks in advance to my new Colgate colleagues who I am excited to get to know more,” she further added.

    Narasimhan joined Hindustan Unilever as a regional marketing manager in 2006. She worked her way up to become the vice president of the personal care category in 2015, before going on to become the vice president of the skin care category. In 2020, she was promoted to the position of executive director.

    In the past, she has also served a stint with the Aditya Birla Group as general manager – Strategy at Madura Garments.

  • Prabha Narasimhan to take over as Colgate-Palmolive CEO

    Prabha Narasimhan to take over as Colgate-Palmolive CEO

    Mumbai: Household and consumer products company Colgate-Palmolive India has announced the appointment of former HUL executive Prabha Narasimhan as its managing director and chief executive officer, effective from 1 September. Narasimhan takes over from Ram Raghavan, who is set to move to a global role.

    “The nomination and remuneration committee of the Board of Directors approved that effective 16th April, 2022, Ram Raghavan, managing director and CEO of the company has been promoted to president, enterprise oral care, for Colgate Palmolive Company. Raghavan will be based out of the company’s headquarters in New York,” the company said in a filing to the exchanges.

    Narasimhan is armed with over two decades of experience across consumer marketing insights, customer development and marketing roles in multiple geographies and across multiple categories including beauty, personal care, and refreshments.

    In her most recent role, she was associated with HUL as executive director – home care and Unilever South Asia as vice president – home care.