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Tag: Uber

  • Insured in the moment Generali’s here now backs life’s bold new beginnings

    Insured in the moment Generali’s here now backs life’s bold new beginnings

    MUMBAI: There are moments when life changes in a heartbeat, a new home, a long drive, a daring dream dusted off and revived. In those in-between moments, Generali Central Insurance and Generali Central Life Insurance want to be right there not watching from the sidelines but here now.

    With the launch of its first-ever joint brand campaign, aptly titled ‘Here Now’, Generali Central has brewed together its life and non-life arms under one vivid red umbrella. The campaign marks a new chapter for the brand after the Central Bank of India joined the Generali Group as a joint venture partner earlier this year, a union that marries European legacy with Indian trust.

    And it’s not just another glossy corporate film. From a father teaching his son to drive to a woman chasing fitness goals, the campaign celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things choosing hope, courage, and a future shaped by intention.

    “‘Here Now’ is a celebration of new beginnings, those brave, hopeful moments when people choose to move forward,” said Generali Central Insurance chief marketing, customer & impact officer Ruchika Malhan Varma. “Our promise of being a Lifetime Partner means standing beside our customers with empathy, protection, and unwavering support.”

    The idea is as simple as it is emotional that the future isn’t something distant and abstract, it’s built right here, in the choices we make now. “Life insurance is deeply personal, it’s about the people you love and the life you’re building,” added Generali Central Life Insurance chief marketing officer Geetanjali Chugh Kothari. “With Here Now, we wanted to speak to people on a human level, celebrating the everyday moments that make life meaningful.”

    The creative baton for this cross-category campaign was passed to VML India, while Dentsu Media India handled media duties. The result? A sleek, emotionally grounded film that trades boardroom jargon for genuine connection. Visually, it carries Generali’s global signature red wings, now framing life’s pivotal moments, a symbol of presence, partnership, and protection.

    In true Generali style, the campaign doesn’t just live on television screens. It rolls out nationwide in nine languages, spanning TV, print, digital, outdoor, and social platforms. To take it closer to consumers, the insurer has forged smart tie-ups with Uber in Mumbai and Delhi, the Mumbai Metro’s Ghatkopar–Versova Line 1, and even Swiggy’s Food and Instamart apps, a clever blend of mobility, daily life, and digital discovery.

    The brand is also going full throttle on sports and entertainment. Expect to spot Here Now during ad breaks in the India–Australia T20s and India–South Africa ODIs, as well as within Kaun Banega Crorepati and popular news shows tapping into audiences where emotion and engagement run high.

    With a national rollout strategy spanning premium OTT platforms like Youtube and Meta, Generali Central is betting big on both reach and recall.

    But beneath the red wings and media muscle lies something more timeless, a brand philosophy that began centuries ago in Trieste and now beats steadily in India’s heartland. “A Lifetime Partner who is always Here Now” isn’t just a tagline; it’s a promise stitched through the campaign’s storytelling, a reminder that protection isn’t about policies, but about presence.

    So as Generali Central steps into its rebranded avatar, its message lands softly but surely: life doesn’t wait, and neither should your insurance.

    Because the best time to be there for your dreams, your people, your tomorrow is here now.

     

  • Uber shifts gears with Rituraj Chaturmohta in the driver’s seat

    Uber shifts gears with Rituraj Chaturmohta in the driver’s seat

    MUMBAI: Uber for Business is cruising into a new chapter, and it’s Rituraj Chaturmohta taking the wheel. The enterprise arm of Uber has appointed him as senior country manager for India and South Asia, a move aimed at fuelling its next phase of growth across the region’s bustling corporate mobility landscape.

    From boardrooms to backseats, Rituraj’s mission is clear: strengthen partnerships, build smarter enterprise travel solutions, and keep innovation firmly in the fast lane. With over a decade of experience across two-sided marketplaces and platform businesses, he’s no stranger to navigating complex ecosystems.

    Before joining Uber, Rituraj led sales and business development at Airbnb, where he managed teams across supply and demand balancing the platform’s dynamic growth on both ends. A former entrepreneur in India’s hyper-local delivery space, he brings a sharp understanding of what drives both businesses and consumers in one of the world’s most competitive markets.

    Welcoming him aboard, Uber regional general manager and of Uber for Business head for APAC Eric Lee, said, “We are delighted to have Rituraj join our leadership team to drive Uber for Business’ growth and partnerships in India and South Asia. His experience in scaling platform businesses and understanding the Indian market will be instrumental in strengthening our enterprise offering.”

    Excited about the road ahead, Rituraj said, “I am thrilled to join Uber for Business to lead India and South Asia, one of Uber’s most dynamic growth markets. Uber for Business is reimagining how businesses move with scale, sustainability, and customer centricity at the core. My focus is to deepen Uber’s relationships with business clients, build tailored mobility solutions that drive measurable ROI, and make Uber for Business a growth partner for every company in this region.”

    Globally, Uber for Business powers mobility for over 200,000 organisations, helping them manage employee travel, meals, and commute programmes through Uber’s trusted platform. In India alone, more than 8,000 organisations are already on board, using its solutions for business travel, daily commutes, and employee shift transport.

    With Rituraj in the driver’s seat, Uber for Business seems ready to chart new routes merging convenience, technology, and enterprise efficiency into one smooth ride.

     

  • Uber hits the road with Motorhomes in more cities

    Uber hits the road with Motorhomes in more cities

    MUMBAI: Buckle up for a new kind of road trip. After cruising through Delhi NCR with a sold-out pilot, Uber is taking its Intercity Motorhomes experience to Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune. The limited-edition offering, which lets riders book caravan-style vehicles for outstation getaways, opens bookings on 13 October, with rides starting 15 October.

    Initially launched in August to promote premium outstation travel, the Delhi pilot saw 100 per cent occupancy throughout its run, prompting the expansion. Each Motorhome comes loaded with road-trip luxuries, a TV, microwave, mini-fridge, and even a lavatory, offering up to five passengers a lounge-on-wheels experience complete with a driver and helper.

    “Uber Intercity has become a preferred choice for dependable and comfortable travel between cities,” said Uber India and South Asia director – consumer growth Shiva Shailendran. “With the success of Motorhomes and expansion to new cities, we’re strengthening Intercity’s position as the go-to for long-distance travel.”

    The festive season, known for weddings, holidays, and spontaneous getaways, makes this expansion timely. Riders can book trips through Uber Reserve, add stops, track rides, and access 24 by 7 support, though early booking is advised given the surge in demand.

    With over 3,000 intercity routes now under its belt, Uber continues to steer India’s outstation travel scene into a smoother, smarter future, one comfortable kilometre at a time.

  • Animeta’s star power turns influence into real business currency

    Animeta’s star power turns influence into real business currency

    MUMBAI: When influence meets intelligence, the result is Animeta Brandstar’s latest winning streak. The tech-data enabled influencer marketing firm has been scripting campaigns that don’t just trend, they translate into measurable brand outcomes.

    Take Uber India’s campaign with cricket stalwarts Gautam Gambhir and Ravichandran Ashwin. Known for their stern on-field personas, the duo were reimagined in playful avatars, highlighting how Uber flips daily commutes from frustrating to delightful. Animeta managed the marquee talents and execution, sparking chatter across social feeds and proving its knack for stitching stars into relatable, mass-consumption narratives.

    And that’s just one play. Since July 2025, Animeta has rolled out 30 influencer campaigns, activating 1000 plus creators across Instagram, Youtube and Snapchat. In the same period, it has partnered with 20 new brands, while also retaining repeat mandates from stalwarts, a testament to its consistency.

    The roster spans global giants like Amazon Fashion, Starbucks, Warner Music and Uber, alongside homegrown champions such as GCPL and Jyothy Labs, whose everyday staples Cinthol, Maxo, Margo, Exo and Pril have been re-energised through creator-driven storytelling.

    Animeta also helmed influencer rollouts for fresh launches: Shotgun, Fratelli’s carbonated wine label; Ninja, GCPL’s pet food brand debuting in Chennai; and Reposenergy, a doorstep fuel delivery entrant making waves in a nascent category.

    At its core is the Animeta Brandstar platform, which powers creator discovery from a verified pool of 85,000 plus profiles, minimises spillovers, and tracks campaigns in real time. Performance isn’t just judged on reach but also advanced metrics shares, saves, click-throughs and trials linking influencer buzz directly to consideration, leads and even sales. The result: a 30 per cent ROI uplift compared to industry benchmarks.

    “Influencer marketing today is no longer just about amplification, it’s about authenticity, storytelling, and business outcomes. At Animeta, we take pride in servicing diverse categories and partnering with brands at every stage whether they are global leaders, homegrown stalwarts, or ambitious challengers. What sets us apart is our ability to consistently deliver across objectives, from awareness to trials, leads and even creator-led commerce,” said Animeta Brandstar SVP for branded content & creator strategy Biswamitra Ray (Vishu Ray).

    From scaling pop culture with Arijit Singh, Ed Sheeran and Guru Randhawa, to onboarding micro- and nano-creators for hyperlocal impact, Animeta has shown it can flex seamlessly across the spectrum.

    Looking ahead, the company is doubling down on its promise to unlock full-funnel influencer marketing. As advertisers increasingly demand conversion-driven storytelling over vanity metrics, Animeta is positioning itself as the partner that blends data, cultural relevance and creator firepower into campaigns that both trend and transact.

  • DDB Tribal ropes in Anusheela Saha as new creative head

    DDB Tribal ropes in Anusheela Saha as new creative head

    MUMBAI: Talk about a creative twist in the plot. DDB Tribal has brought on board Anusheela Saha as its new creative head, marking a fresh chapter for the Gurugram-based agency within the DDB Mudra Group.

    Saha moves from FCB India, where she was national creative director, spearheading campaigns that paired emotional resonance with cultural impact. With more than two decades of experience at agencies such as Cheil and FCB, she has built a portfolio spanning Unilever, KFC, Mahindra Automobiles, Uber, Google, Samsung, UN AIDS and the Times of India. Her work has earned recognition at Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, Clio Awards, Spikes Asia and Kyoorius.

    Notable among her projects is ‘Unbox Me’, which shines a light on gender identity in children and sparks conversations well beyond the advertising world. She marked a personal milestone when she stepped into her FCB role as a new mother.

    Saha will report to DDB Mudra Group, chief creative officer, Rahul Mathew, taking over from Iraj Fraz who transitions into a new role within the company.

    “Over the last few years, we’ve seen DDB Tribal grow stronger and more confident,” Mathew said. “Anusheela will help take this growth into its next phase. She shares many of the values we hold dear, especially when it comes to big ideas and craft.”

    Saha added, “For me DDB is the perfect alignment of culture, creative vision and leadership. I look forward to partnering with Rahul, Ashutosh and the team to take this legacy forward.”

  • Caller of the Wild: Truecaller Rings in Record Growth with 15m New Users

    Caller of the Wild: Truecaller Rings in Record Growth with 15m New Users

    MUMBAI: Truecaller has dialled into another stellar quarter and this time, it’s all about strong signals and even stronger numbers. The Swedish platform, best known for helping users identify who’s calling and block the rest, has reported a 21 per cent surge in net sales (in constant currencies) for Q2 2025, clocking in at SEK 496.4 million which is around 47 million dollars.

    Even in Swedish Krona, which saw a sharp rally, growth was a healthy 9 per cent. The company’s EBITDA margin (excluding incentive costs) rose to a punchy 42.6 per cent, with absolute EBITDA at SEK 211.6 million up 20 per cent year-on-year.

    More than just the money, the momentum was visible in user growth: Truecaller added 15 million monthly active users this quarter alone, pushing its non-iOS MAUs to 426.6 million. That’s a 55.3 million jump from Q2 2024, a clear sign that spam isn’t winning.

    Subscriptions were on a tear too, with paying users now crossing the 3 million mark including 1 million on iOS. Subscription revenues shot up by 48 per cent in constant currency, while Truecaller for Business climbed 53 per cent. Advertising revenue, despite currency drag, held steady with 11 per cent growth in constant terms.

    To boost its ads play, the company launched the Truecaller Masthead and Truecaller Play, expanding its video and display offerings. It also introduced an in-house AI recommendation engine, tested with Uber and Bajaj Auto, which showed promising upticks in click-throughs and conversions.

    India, its biggest market, recorded a 5 per cent growth in Q2 net sales. But the Middle East and Africa (MEA) stole the spotlight with a 23 per cent jump, followed by an 18 per cent rise in the rest of the world.

    Still, it wasn’t all sunshine profit after tax dipped to SEK 118 million (from 123 million), thanks in part to the strong Krona. Yet Truecaller CEO Rishit Jhunjhunwala remains upbeat: “We’re solving everyday communication problems and building long-term value. The future looks bright and spam-free.”

    With AI-fuelled growth, a booming subscriber base and a sharp eye on regional expansion, Truecaller’s trajectory might just be the one call everyone wants to answer.
     

  • 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.

  • Ashim Gupta’s role at Salesforce’s expanded

    Ashim Gupta’s role at Salesforce’s expanded

    MUMBAI: Ashim Gupta, a seasoned communications strategist, has expanded his remit at Salesforce, now overseeing communications for South Asia and South East Asia, after a successful tenure as vice president communications-India. This promotion underscores Gupta’s proven track record in building brand narratives across diverse sectors.

    Gupta, who joined Salesforce in January 2024, has swiftly ascended the ranks, joining the India leadership team and now extending his influence across a wider region. His career spans over two decades, featuring prominent roles at Uber, Samsung Electronics, Volvo group trucks operations, General Motors, The Economic Times, Max India and Healthcare, Spark Minda, and Tetra Tech.

    His achievements are notable: at Volvo, he boosted the company’s media share of voice, secured multiple media awards, and pioneered social media strategies. At General Motors, he earned a President’s Award and led the company’s social media foray in India’s automotive sector. At The Economic Times, he led an award winning brand communication team. At Max India he created strong brand equity. At Spark Minda, he initiated internal communication audits and innovative publications.

    Gupta’s experience extends beyond corporate communications. He founded Good Living, a trade journal, and launched the Solitaire brand of interior exhibitions. His expertise in media relations, social media management, and strategic communications positions him to amplify Salesforce’s brand presence in the dynamic markets of South and South East Asia.

  • Times Internet clicks refresh on M&A strategy with Johney Maheshwari hire

    Times Internet clicks refresh on M&A strategy with Johney Maheshwari hire

    MUMBAI: Times Internet has made a power move in its corporate playbook, appointing Johney Maheshwari as head of corporate development. With a decade-long track record in M&A and investment banking, Maheshwari is set to lead the company’s inorganic growth strategy, strengthening its foothold in India’s dynamic digital landscape.

    Bringing experience from Razorpay, where he orchestrated high-profile acquisitions of Ezetap, Billme, and Curlec, among others, Maheshwari is no stranger to deal-making. His past stints also include investment banking at EY, where he advised financial giants like SBI, ICICI Lombard, and NIIF on M&A and fundraising. Now, at Times Internet, a company that has invested over Rs 1,000 crore in the past decade in brands like Uber, Swiggy, and Ola, his mandate is clear: accelerate strategic investments and expand the company’s digital ecosystem.

    “We are excited to welcome Johney to the Times Internet family,” said Times Internet COO Puneet Gupt. “Strategic investments and M&A have been foundational to our growth story, and with Johney’s exceptional track record and deep industry insights, we’re reinvigorating this crucial aspect of our business.”

    Commenting on his appointment, Johney Maheshwari said, “I am excited to join Times Internet and contribute to its impressive growth journey. The company’s diverse portfolio and ambitious vision present tremendous opportunities for strategic investments and acquisitions. I look forward to working with the talented teams across the organization to identify and execute value-creating opportunities that will accelerate our growth trajectory and expand our digital ecosystem.”

    With Maheshwari at the helm of corporate development, Times Internet is doubling down on its commitment to shaping the future of India’s digital economy, one strategic move at a time.

  • Pi42 mines top Tech Talent as Satish Mishra Joins as CTO

    Pi42 mines top Tech Talent as Satish Mishra Joins as CTO

    MUMBAI: Pi42, India’s first Crypto-Inr perpetual futures exchange, has strengthened its leadership ranks by appointing Satish Mishra as its new chief technology officer (CTO). With an illustrious career spanning 18 years in cutting-edge technology, Mishra moves to Pi42 from Coindcx, where he served as vice president of engineering, playing a pivotal role in shaping India’s digital asset trading ecosystem.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Satish Mishra at a time when the crypto industry is at a crucial inflection point. His expertise in building resilient, high-availability blockchain systems will elevate Pi42’s technological prowess, helping us set new standards in decentralised finance,” said Pi42 co-founder & CEO Avinash Shekhar.

    Mishra expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in crypto adoption. Pi42 is uniquely positioned to capitalise on this shift, and I look forward to enhancing the platform with cutting-edge innovations that empower users and advance India’s role in the digital asset space.”

    At Pi42, Mishra will spearhead scalable, high-performance trading systems, reinforcing the exchange’s mission to become a dominant force in India’s crypto landscape. His extensive experience at Uber, Druva, Symantec, and Nvidia equips him with the expertise to drive trust, security, and efficiency in decentralised finance.