Tag: Somasree Bose Awasthi

  • Top marketer Somasree Bose Awasthi steps down from Marico amid shifting FMCG landscape

    Top marketer Somasree Bose Awasthi steps down from Marico amid shifting FMCG landscape

    MUMBAI: Somasree Bose Awasthi has stepped down as chief marketing officer at Marico Ltd, ending a nearly three-year stint at the helm of the company’s marketing function. The news was confirmed today by individuals familiar with the development.

    Somasree joined Marico in late 2022 after a distinguished 15-year career at Godrej Consumer Products, where she rose through the ranks and contributed significantly to brands such as Godrej Aer, HIT, Cinthol and Godrej No.1. At Marico, she focused on strengthening marketing capabilities, mentoring teams, and championing innovation across a wide portfolio.

    During her tenure, she was credited with bringing sharper consumer insight to the table and driving impactful brand work that resonated in an increasingly competitive FMCG landscape. Her approach combined strategic vision with deep empathy for the consumer—qualities that earned her recognition across the industry.

    Her departure comes at a time when Marico, like much of the sector, is navigating a complex retail environment shaped by evolving customer preferences and the convergence of digital and offline channels. The next marketing leader will inherit a strong brand foundation—and the challenge of building on it in a dynamic market.

    Somasree’s next move has not yet been announced, but industry observers and executive search firms will be watching closely.

  • H&C Triple Blend launches its newest campaign: ‘Repair Hair Damage the Smart Way!’

    H&C Triple Blend launches its newest campaign: ‘Repair Hair Damage the Smart Way!’

    Mumbai: Hair & Care, Marico’s youthful and contemporary hair nourishment brand, has unveiled a new digital campaign addressing the challenges of DIY hair hacks. The campaign humorously introduces a smarter solution to tackle damaged hair: Hair & Care Triple Blend.

    The latest digital video commercial (DVC) cleverly illustrates the often chaotic results of DIY hair remedies. While natural remedies may seem appealing, they don’t always go as planned—especially when it comes to repairing damaged hair. With a touch of humor and relatability, the video portrays the DIY hair care failure, emphasising the message: “Hair & Care as an easy solution to repair hair damage”

    DIY solutions, although promising, tend to be messy and time-consuming. In contrast, Hair & Care Triple Blend offers a simpler alternative to repair damaged hair in a hassle-free way.

    Speaking on the launch of the new campaign, Marico Ltd CMO Somasree Bose Awasthi said, “Our latest campaign aims to resonate with individuals dealing with hair damage who are frustrated with complicated or messy solutions. In today’s world, exposure to pollution and sun damage is inevitable, but the solutions don’t have to be complicated. While DIY hacks may seem like quick fixes, they often end up being more time-consuming. Hair & Care Triple Blend cuts through the clutter with its unique formula three unique ingredients: Aloe vera, Olive oil, Green Tea, delivering up to 100% damage repair in a simple, effective way. It’s the ultimate solution for nourished, healthy hair—minus the mess.”

    The digital-first campaign creates engaging content that highlights the limitations of DIY methods while showcasing how effortlessly Hair & Care Triple Blend repairs hair damage. With its triple-blend formula, the product nourishes, repairs, and revitalizes, leaving hair healthier, shinier, and easier to manage.

  • Parachute Advansed Jasmine supports Jyothi Yarraji for upcoming sporting event

    Parachute Advansed Jasmine supports Jyothi Yarraji for upcoming sporting event

    Mumbai: Athlete Jyothi Yarraji’s journey highlights the incredible potential of the human spirit. Rising from humble beginnings to become a star at the world’s biggest sporting carnival, this 24-year-old from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is India’s finest hurdler to date. At the age of 23, Jyothi became the first Indian woman to break the 13-second barrier, setting a national record by running the 100m hurdles in just 12.78 seconds.

    Known as a trailblazer who put India on the world map, Jyothi’s journey has been marked by numerous challenges and obstacles in her early days. However, through unwavering determination, she has overcome each one, paving her path to athletic success. This resilience and brilliance are why Parachute Advansed Jasmine Hair Oil has proudly partnered with Jyothi to support her ahead of her relay at the ongoing sporting event.

    Yarraji shines in all facets of her life, something that Parachute Advansed Jasmine as a brand advocates with their #ShineBejhijak campaign. This partnership celebrates Jyothi’s journey beyond her athletic achievements, highlighting her roles as a dedicated daughter, loyal friend, and passionate painter; putting her heart into every role she plays.

    Speaking about the partnership, Marico Ltd chief marketing officer Somasree Bose Awasthi said: “Parachute Advansed Jasmine wants to bring to the fore the inspiring story of Jyothi who is going to represent India at the biggest sporting stage. We celebrate her journey on the 100m track and also the multiple roles and avatars she plays as a human. She shines in all her avatars. And now she is ready to #ShineBejhijhak on the biggest stage.”

    Yarraji is known to experiment with different hairstyles to underscore the role her appearance plays in her confidence levels. “Indian women talk about beauty and hair in the same breath. When their hair looks beautiful, they feel a sense of confidence. That is the philosophy behind Parachute Advansed Jasmine’s #ShineBejhijhak. When you have beautiful shiny hair, you feel beautiful, and hence, more confident (bina kisi jhijak ke). We wanted to capture her story and the story that has gone behind the making of a high-performing athlete. This was only possible because at every hurdle she decided to be confident and shine,” Awasthi added.

  • Disney+ Hotstar introduces pause ads on CTV

    Disney+ Hotstar introduces pause ads on CTV

    Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar has launched an innovative advertising feature: pause ads exclusively for its connected TV (CTV) feed, making it the first platform in the country to introduce this cutting-edge format. This move follows the earlier introduction of 3-D breakout billboards for mobile, reaffirming Disney+ Hotstar’s commitment to pioneering unique advertising solutions.

    On average, users pause content four-five times a day, with over 90 per cent of these pauses lasting less than 10 seconds*. Pause ads offer a seamless, non-intrusive ad experience by integrating advertisements into these natural user-initiated breaks.

    Commenting on the launch, Disney+ Hotstar head of ads Dhruv Dhawan said, “We are thrilled to introduce another industry-first offering for our advertisers. The response to our CTV ads has been overwhelmingly positive. The launch of pause ads has generated significant excitement among our clients in the CPG, FMCG, F&B, and Auto sectors, Marico, Mondelez and ITC have been amongst the early adopters. We will continue to innovate and bring best-in-class solutions to our advertisers.”

    Marico Ltd CMO Somasree Bose Awasthi added, “At Saffola, our larger brand ethos is to encourage Indians to embrace a healthier lifestyle. This year, on the occasion of World Health Day we collaborated with Disney+ Hotstar to launch a contextual campaign via Pause Ads on CTV. A powerful context relevant occasion was activated for the initiative every time the Disney+ Hotstar user initiated a break, this was built on the consumer insight that a large majority of content pause occasions are initiated around snacking. A perfect time for brand Saffola to remind our consumer to choose “better for you” foods from the Saffola Franchise as a healthier alternative. Disney+ Hotstar’s CTV Pause ads served as the perfect platform for Saffola to advocate healthy eating, and we look forward to strengthening our association with the platform other innovative disruptions in the future as well.”

    Mondelez India director consumer experience Anjali Madan added, “At Mondelez, we have always been at the forefront of pioneering innovation in advertising and are thrilled to associate with Disney+ Hotstar to launch CTV ‘Pause Ads’ in India with our ‘Tang Summer Break Bestie’ campaign. Through this campaign, we wanted to provide an interactive platform for mothers and their kids to beat summer boredom, unleash their creativity and design their own animated bestie using fun AR-like effects. Leveraging innovative format of CTV ‘Pause Ads’ enabled us to reach our consumers seamlessly and convey our messaging in a more non-intrusive and effective manner, thus fostering a more positive and memorable brand interaction. We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration and leveraging such new marketing technologies for our future campaigns.”

    ITC Ltd VP – health & hygiene, personal care products business Sanjay Srinivas added, “Innovative ad formats, especially on streaming platforms, help transform brand connect with audiences. Pause Ad is an interesting innovation that helps break the clutter without intruding the viewing experience and attracts attention. ITC Savlon is one of the first brands to deploy pause ads to deliver contextual messaging for its campaign on handwashing. The innovation has helped the campaign amplify reach and views in an engaging way.”

    In addition to pause ads, Disney+ Hotstar offers advertisers a diverse suite of CTV ad formats including auto-expanding CTV billboards, prerolls & midroll ads, and click-to-WhatsApp integrations. These options are designed to enhance brand equity and maximize engagement with CTV audiences, who are among the most premium and attentive viewers, providing advertisers with an exclusive opportunity to connect with them during their most engaged moments.

    *Disney+ Hotstar internal analytics.
     

  • Saffola Gold launches a new ad film introducing the ‘Power of 3’

    Saffola Gold launches a new ad film introducing the ‘Power of 3’

    Mumbai: Saffola, a legacy brand synonymous with healthier living and heart health has launched a new ad film introducing the enriching “Power of 3” – the good balance of MUFA and PUFA, Antioxidants and Vitamins – present in scientifically formulated Saffola Gold Oil, making it a smart and convenient choice for people who want to make a positive change towards a healthier lifestyle.

    The TVC aims to promote the adoption of better practices and a healthier lifestyle by taking a “Roz Ka Healthy Step” to prevent the early onset of health issues that are typically experienced at the age of 60, arising now at the age of 40. It is widely known that diet is a major factor responsible for maintaining good health. Hence, it becomes critical to not just consume oil in moderation but also to choose the right oil to prepare daily meals for a healthier lifestyle.

    Conceptualised by Mullen Lintas, the TVC opens with a young 40-year-old man sharing the news of his promotion as the CEO with his family. Playfully, the father remarks on his son’s early achievement at 40, instead of the traditional 60. To this, the concerned sister points out that success can bring stress, potentially leading to health issues usually observed in individuals in their 60s, causing the elderly mother to worry.  However, the mood lightens when the wife reassures everyone that their daily meals are prepared using Saffola Gold, thus making their food healthier and contributing to their well-being.

    Embed Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7zUNsjOVsI

    The introduction of a joyful and light sonic identity created by BrandMusiq is a refreshing addition crafted to evoke feelings of care and reassurance through the Shanta Rasa and confidence through the Veera Rasa – values that the brand has stood for since its inception. The soothing melody created using various instruments and concluded with the sound of a healthy heartbeat conveys the brand’s commitment to care and nurturance towards its consumers’ health.

    Speaking about the campaign, Marico Ltd chief marketing officer Somasree Bose Awasthi said, “As a health-centric legacy brand, we’ve always prioritized consumer health. We are committed to educating them on the effectiveness of building lasting habits for healthier living including a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. The new ad reflects the brand promise and commitment towards the well-being of its consumers by encouraging them to take “Roz Ka Healthy Step” and the unique sonic identity brings with it a fresh promise of care and nurturance.”

    Echoing his thoughts, Mullen Lintas CCO Ram Cobain said, “In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, success often comes at a price, Our health. Young people are falling prey to conditions that were once seen as afflictions of old age. Our creative idea was to land this serious insight with a ‘lightness’ of touch, pretty much like how the oil is. Truth is, while there are many external stressors beyond our control, the one big step we can own (and take) to mitigate risk, is the small one of choosing the right cooking oil. And if good health is made mostly in the kitchen and not in the gym, then the tastiest way to get healthier is with Saffola Gold.”

    Speaking about his experience in developing the sonic identity of Saffola, BrandMusiq founder & soundsmith Rajeev Raja said, “It was fantastic to create a sonic identity for a brand as iconic as Saffola. The client ask was to ‘positivise’ heart health in sonic terms. Using our unique brand process, we created a MOGOSCAPE that was optimistic and cheerful yet balanced with the right amount of caring and reassurance. And of course, a MOGO (musical logo) which had a strong melodic hook and was signed off with the unmistakable sound of a healthy heartbeat!”

    Powered by LOSORB technology, Saffola Gold is available in one-litre pouch, two-litre, three-litre and five-litre jars across all leading stores and e-commerce platforms.

  • Nihar Kesh Utsav: A tribute to Maa Durga by Marico’s Nihar Naturals

    Nihar Kesh Utsav: A tribute to Maa Durga by Marico’s Nihar Naturals

    Mumbai: With a multi-touchpoint brand initiative “Nihar Kesh Utsav”, Marico’s Nihar Naturals embarked on a heartfelt journey to honour Maa Durga this Pujo. The initiative that spanned across two weeks had an array of extraordinary digital and on-ground experiences to build a deeper connect with the brand’s audience.

    The Nihar Kesh Utsav commenced with an advertisement on ZEE Bangla, featuring the well-known Bengali television actress, Divyani Mondal communicating the message that all hair types are beautiful as long as they are healthy. Through the ad film and her social media pages, Divyani invited viewers to enter a contest by submitting photos of their beautiful hair with Nihar Naturals via WhatsApp. Over the course of 15 days, the contest received 2000 entries and overall, the campaign achieved a whopping reach of close to 1.6Mn. Some of the best entries were featured in a Nihar Naturals Ad amplifying the campaign message “All hair is beautiful”. This ad will be aired exclusively on Zee Bangla for four days starting 5 December.

    Furthermore, in a heartfelt gesture to honour the rich culture of West Bengal and strengthen the bond with their consumers, Nihar Naturals crafted a magnificent 10-foot-tall Durga Maa idol, crafted entirely from approximately 300 coconuts, one of the core ingredients in Nihar Naturals Hair Oil. The idol was inaugurated by Actress Divyani Mondal at the Maddox Square Pandal on 18 October. The brand also set up a hairdo booth spearheaded by the most sought-after celebrity hairstylist in Tollywood, Jolly Chanda. Visitors were treated to a complimentary hairdo session by skilled experts from Jolly’s team.

    To generate excitement about the contest and attract visitors to witness the innovative Durga Maa idol, Nihar Naturals strategically positioned branded kiosks at 50 Resident Welfare Associations across Kolkata on the 14 and 15 of October. These kiosks engaged the residents with various games and activities. In addition, renowned Bengali actress Shweta Bhattacharya also visited the kiosks and interacted with the residents further intensifying the event’s anticipation and buzz.

    Marico Ltd chief marketing officer Somasree Bose Awasthi said, “The Nihar Naturals Kesh Utsav activation this Pujo marked a significant milestone for the brand, as we built a deeper connect with our consumers across touchpoints with a culturally immersive experience. Undoubtedly, the highlight was the awe-inspiring 10-foot Durga Pujo idol made from approx. 300 coconuts, an ingredient that consumers identify with when they think of Nihar Naturals. Our primary objective with this activation was to express our gratitude to our cherished Nihar consumers in West Bengal for their unwavering trust and support of Nihar Naturals over the years.”

  • Discover the secret to beautiful hair: Parachute Advansed Gold TVC

    Discover the secret to beautiful hair: Parachute Advansed Gold TVC

    Mumbai:  Marico Ltd’s Parachute Advansed Gold, a premium & contemporary hair-nourishment & beauty brand is thrilled to announce the launch of its new TVC campaign -#InnBaalonMeinJaanHain. This captivating film celebrates the vitality of hair brought about by Parachute Advansed Gold. Made with Coconut, Parachute Advansed Gold penetrates up to ten layers deep and provides deep nourishment, delivering vibrant, lively, and beautiful hair – hair that’s full of life.

    With the tagline, “Inn Baalon Mein Jaan Hain,” the TVC campaign takes viewers on a visual journey that is both compelling and poetic. It poses a series of thought-provoking questions like, “Kahan Se Aayi? Sundar Mein Sundarta… Leheratey Mein Leher… Ghaney Mein Ghana-pan…?”, intended to make the viewer think about the deepest essence of beautiful hair, highlighting the importance of oiling hair to truly bring its beauty to life.

    Speaking about the TVC, Marico Ltd chief marketing officer Somasree Bose Awasthi, said, ” Parachute Advansed Gold is a brand that is widely trusted by its consumers. Reiterating our commitment to delivering the best product that delivers hair nourishment, this TVC emphasizes that truly beautiful hair has a life force of its own, and the unique ability of Parachute Advansed Gold to penetrate up to 10 layers deep to nourish your hair from within has been brought out. Through this simple, delightful and altogether beautiful narrative. We aim to build a stronger connect with our audience, encouraging them to embrace what is best for their hair’’.

    Keeping in mind, the cultural nuances unique to the North and South of India, the TVC has been released with a cultural context unique to the North in Hindi and Marathi, and another one unique to the South in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.

    Parachute Advansed Gold is now available at all leading retail outlets across metro cities. Experience the deep nourishment of Parachute Advansed Gold to let your hair reveal its true vitality and beauty.

     

  • Kareena Kapoor Khan urges ‘Roz Ke Healthy Steps’ for World Heart Day

    Kareena Kapoor Khan urges ‘Roz Ke Healthy Steps’ for World Heart Day

    Mumbai: This World Heart Day (29 September 2023) Saffola, the legacy brand synonymous with healthy living and heart health, joins hands with Kareena Kapoor Khan to urge India to prioritise their health by taking #RozKaHealthyStep.

    The Saffola 40 Under 40 campaign, a movement aimed at addressing the pressing issue of 60 ki bimaryiaan 40 mein by inspiring India to embrace healthier living, has already inspired over 25000 individuals to take the Saffola Lifestyle Score and choose a healthier lifestyle over the past eight weeks. To spread this message far and wide Saffola partnered with 40 young achievers and influencers, under 40 years of age, from diverse backgrounds who urged young India to take #RozKaHealthyStep towards a healthier lifestyle.

    As World Heart Day approaches, Saffola aims to make this movement even larger and who better than Kareena Kapoor Khan, a living example of someone who has seen immense success in her career along with being an advocate for living a healthy lifestyle, to inspire millions more to join this health movement. The brand has released a video featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan, where she shares a powerful message with India about prioritizing their health.

    Kareena Kapoor Khan in her inimitable style emphasises how neglecting one’s health could lead to missing out on key opportunities to enjoy moments of joy that make up life. For instance, not being present to receive an award, missing out on your child’s school performance or being unable to accompany your parents on their special anniversary trip, all leading you to depend on others to stand in for you during life’s important occasions, all because your health is not supporting you. She goes on to emphasise that in the face of ’60 Ki Bimaariyaan 40 mein’, referring to the rising trend of lifestyle diseases among young Indians, people are missing out on special moments of happiness.

    Marico Ltd Somasree Bose Awasthi, Chief Marketing Officer, said, “The rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases among young Indians is a cause for concern, diseases that once happened at the age of 60 are now happening as early as 40. Hence, this World Heart Day, we want to remind everyone to take care of their health by eating right because if we truly want to enjoy moments of joy with our loved ones, we need to be healthy to be able to do so. We are proud to have partnered with Kareena Kapoor Khan, who is admired by millions, to encourage more and more people to take Roz Ke Healthy Steps and prevent 60 ki bimaariyaan in 40. As a health-centric brand, Saffola has always been committed to raising awareness about healthier living. With the Saffola 40 Under 40 initiative, our goal is to instil lasting habits that can enhance the lives of our consumers.”

    The campaign comes at a time when a lack of focus on health has led to a significant rise in lifestyle diseases like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes impacting young Indians. Conditions and health issues that were once commonly associated with individuals in their 60s are now affecting Indians much earlier, at the age of 40 and under.

    Start by checking your Saffola Lifestyle Score and Join the Movement today!

    Timesofindia

  • Mediker launches new campaign “Mediker On Juey Gone”

    Mediker launches new campaign “Mediker On Juey Gone”

    Mumbai: Mediker, an anti-lice treatment brand from FMCG major, Marico Ltd launched its new communication campaign – “Mediker On Juey Gone!”

    Lice infestation is a common problem for most households with young girls aged six to 15 years. According to a recent study conducted by IMRB, lice affect over 37 per cent of urban households in South & East regions and is an even bigger hair concern than dandruff*. The concept behind the ad film originates from a common worry among mothers regarding lice affecting their children’s hair, especially during school, at exam time & generally across Indian households, in hot and humid weather conditions.

    *As per Kantar IMRB Rider study’2020.

    The new communication attempts to educate consumers, that a mere lice comb is not enough to remove lice effectively. The conventional lice comb only targets the big lice, leaving behind small lice that stick to the scalp, inadvertently allowing further growth of their eggs and eventually new baby lice, which further become big and lay more eggs. Over time, this vicious cycle perpetuates, leading to a recurring problem.

    To address this persistent challenge, Mediker a market leader in anti-lice treatment, offers a safe-for-kids, doctor certified solution# Its breakthrough formula contains 100 per cent natural actives – Neem & Coconut, designed to break the life cycle of lice in just four weeks^.

    ^Use Mediker every Sunday for four weeks for effective lice removal #Mediker is clinically tested and safe to use. Basis Clinical Study, 2023

    Commenting on the importance of Mediker in the current context, Marico Ltd chief marketing officer Somasree Bose Awasthi stated, “Mediker’s new TVC encapsulates our commitment to providing effective solutions that address real-life challenges faced by our consumers Powered by 100% Natural Actives of Coconut & Neem, Mediker promises to solve the persistent issue of lice by breaking the life cycle from within thereby bolstering children’s self-assurance and overall well-being, something that is very important to every parent. We are thrilled to introduce this powerful solution that helps assure parents of their children’s well-being and nurtures healthy hair”.

    The TVC will make its debut in Telugu and Bengali, catering specifically to the vibrant markets of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and West Bengal. Through this compelling and informative brand film, Mediker aims to raise awareness about the comprehensive approach to lice removal and establish itself as a reliable partner in every family’s hair care journey.

    Speaking on the brand film, MYO founder Deepa Geethakrishnan said, “In a functional problem solution category, the big creative challenge was to demonstrate the expertise of Mediker while keeping the story authentic and something the mothers can instantly relate to, but with a smile”.

    Mediker is now available at all leading retail outlets pan India & e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart.

  • Somasree Bose Awasthi joins as CMO of Marico

    Somasree Bose Awasthi joins as CMO of Marico

    Mumbai: Marico, the Indian multinational consumer goods company, has roped in Somasree Bose Awasthi as chief marketing officer and will be an executive committee member at the firm.

    Awathi’s appointment was made public through a LinkedIn post that the company put up, congratulating her on her new role.

    Prior to this, Awasthi was chief marketing officer at Godrej Consumer Products; she joined the company in 2007.

    She has a total of about two decades of experience in the consumer products and FMCG industries.