Google India has appointed Shekar Khosla as its VP- marketing. With almost three decades experience, Khosla joins from Kellogg Company, where he was the chief commercial officer (digital transformation, revenue growth management, sales and marketing). He was with Kellogg for almost nine years.

Prior to that, Khosla was with Unilever for over 20 years in different capacities. 

Simon Kahn, vice president-marketing for Asia Pacific, Google, wrote about this development on LinkedIn. "Shekar brings a wealth of experience in developing purpose-driven brands across both emerging and developed markets of Asia pacific, Middle East and Africa. He is a strong advocate of inclusion and allyship, which is central to our Culture at Google"
 

Google India appoints Shekar Khosla as VP marketing

Shekar Khosla was earlier the chief commercial officer at Kellogg.

Greenply's Sanidhya Mittal on leveraging IPL, partnership with Lucknow Super Giants and more

How to making a winning pitch: Your input defines your output, says 22feet Tribal Worldwide's Shikha Davessar

How to make a winning pitch: Your input defines your output, says 22feet Tribal Worldwide's Shikha Davessar

Ipsos Strategy3 appoints Rajashree Ivaturi as partner

75 percent people use AI at work: Report

HT Media reports net loss to Rs 31 lakh in the fourth quarter

Zoomcar hosts earn $4 million in Q3 of 2023

Representational image via Unsplash

Zee-Sony merger saga ends: Timeline of the failed merger

Why are Indian brands advertising in NYC's Times Square?

What Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick teaches us about leadership

Advertising is in the position where tobacco was: IPG's Arun Kumar 

Biz Moves: Interactive Avenues, Verve Media, Foxymoron and Grapes

There is an opportunity for building a better agency, not just a different one: Manja's Prajato Guha

Reliance-Disney merger likely to close by first half of 2025

Patanjali misleading ad fiasco: Are celebrity endorsements about to get real?

Disney and Warner Bros. to team up: Streaming bundle to challenge Netflix and Amazon

Dentsu appoints Abhinay Bhasin as senior vice president - product and technology

Piyush Pandey

Adtech regulation a priority for Modi govt in third term: MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Credibility of news and platforms are as important as monetisation challenges: Anurag Thakur

HUL: Meet the leaders who have emerged from "The CEO Factory"

Punit Goenka addresses Zee employees; ensures no layoffs due to failed merger

Disney's strategic sale to Viacom18 set to boost market share to 40 percent

The Leader's Edge: Storyboard18 in conversation with leaders, decision makers and disruptors

Nobody’s Perfect Retro Porsche Ad

In Conversation With Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard

Shahid Kapoor And Varun Ganjoo Speaks On PokerBaazi's Campaign

In conversation with IHCL’s Puneet Chhatwal & GroupM’s Kate Scott-Dawkins

Why are brands including e-sports in their sports marketing itinerary?

Storyboard18 x The English Nut: How to pronounce these 10 brand names

Experts' Take On Reinvention Of Ad Campaigns Through Technology

Experts Speak On Key Emerging Trends In Cannes Lions Entries

Leaders of the future have to be outstanding human beings: Nestle MD

In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

Firstpost has issued an alert about fraudulent ads involving the misuse of the name and image of its Managing Editor, Palki Sharma by cyber criminals. Individuals have been deceived through false ads on social media, particularly Facebook and Instagram, claiming to offer stock market courses by Palki Sharma.

Bringing attention to the false ads, Palki Sharma posted on X and alerted the users. In her post, she said, “This is a scam. A lot of you have shared these posts with me in the last few days. (Thanks for flagging!) My photos are being misused and such fraudulent ads are being circulated on Facebook. Despite complaints, @Meta has not taken action.”

Palki Sharma does not provide any investment advice or stock market course through WhatsApp or any other social media platform. She is not associated with any group offering stock recommendations or financial advice, and people are urged to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities immediately.

To avoid falling victim to such fraud, it is recommended to ignore advice from unknown sources, verify information from official sources, and maintain secure practices for personal and financial transactions. It is important not to trust any information shared through unofficial channels and sources. In case of any suspicious activity, Firstpost advises people to report it to the appropriate authorities immediately.

For further information and to report fraudulent activities, please visit <a href="https://www.cybercrime.gov.in/">www.cybercrime.gov.in</a> or contact the helpline number – 1930 or the cyber cell of the local police department.

Link to the post on X: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is a scam. A lot of you have shared these posts with me in the last few days. (Thanks for flagging!) My photos are being misused and such fraudulent ads are being circulated on Facebook. Despite complaints, <a href="https://twitter.com/Meta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Meta</a> has not taken action. <a href="https://t.co/B5zkQkDwGH">pic.twitter.com/B5zkQkDwGH</a>&mdash; Palki Sharma (@palkisu) <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu/status/1787546496956596362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Scam alert! Fake ads impersonating Palki Sharma of Firstpost

Games24x7 announced the elevation of Tridib Mukherjee to the position of Chief Data Science & AI Officer. In his new role, Tridib will continue to drive Games24x7's data-centric approach, leveraging his extensive expertise in data science and artificial intelligence to drive innovation and enhance user experiences.

Having served as the Vice President of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Games24x7 for over six years, Tridib played a pivotal role in implementing cutting-edge algorithms and AI-driven solutions that propelled Games24x7 to the forefront of the online gaming industry. Tridib will continue to spearhead data science & AI teams and enable product teams to create personalized and engaging experiences for players.

Commenting on the announcement, Bhavin Pandya, Co-CEO and Co-founder, Games24x7 said, “Our scientific approach to running business really goes all the way back to our inception and has been the primary force behind our success. We are delighted to announce Tridib's promotion to Chief Data Science & AI Officer. With his expertise and the exceptional talent of our AI and data science team, which has grown significantly over the past five years, we've continuously raised the bar when it comes to offering personalised gameplay experiences including responsible gaming.  We are confident that the organization will continue this tradition of innovation under his leadership, and we wish him the very best as he spearheads our data-driven journey to new heights.”

Tridib Mukherjee, now the Chief Data Science & AI Officer, Games24x7 said, “At Games24x7, we have always worked for the players and our operating ethos of 'Science of Gaming' has been the guiding principle behind every decision we make. Over the past six years, I've had the privilege of working alongside an incredibly talented team dedicated to advancing the frontiers of gaming through the lens of data science. And I look forward to many more years of collaboration and innovation as we continue our mission of leveraging technology to create even more engaging and enjoyable gaming experiences for our users.”

With over two decades of experience and a distinguished academic background, including a PhD in Computer Science & Engineering from Arizona State University, Tridib Mukherjee is uniquely positioned to lead Games24x7's data science initiatives to new heights. His prolific record as an author of over 70 research papers and multiple patents in AI and data sciences reflects his deep expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, and more. The talented team at Games24x7, along with Tridib's leadership and award-winning contributions, positions the organization to shape the future direction of the industry and deliver unparalleled gaming experiences to its users.

Games24x7 elevates Tridib Mukherjee as Chief Data Science & AI Officer

Unilever's Chief People and Transformation Officer, Nitin Paranjpe, took to LinkedIn to share a story about defying self-doubt and finding unexpected joys in embracing a personal challenge, even if the results are... well, let's just say entertaining.


“I am musically challenged. I struggle with rhythm; I don’t have any natural talent. Around twenty years ago, I decided to test this. I wanted to see, if you are challenged in a particular field, what can you do with effort and discipline,” he said in his post.


<iframe src="https://www.linkedin.com/embed/feed/update/urn:li:share:7191801373401792512" height="747" width="504" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Embedded post"></iframe>


Almost 20 years ago Paranjpe found someone to teach him the keyboard. “If you want to know the outcome of that study, I still play badly. That’s how I challenged I am,” he said.


But then it was still a win for him because he always thought he wouldn't be able to string together a tune even if he was given the notes. Paranjpe goes on about his tryst with music. 


He didn’t find a lot of success in his learning story but definitely found joy. “Anyone who listens to me today could well say-My god! After so many years you still suck,” he said.


And to that he’d say, “Yeah, and that's okay. You have no idea where I was compared to where I am now.” Paranjpe ended the note with a profound thought. He said, “What started off purely as a challenge has turned out to be a lot of fun.”


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/hul-appoints-vipul-mathur-as-executive-director-personal-care-takes-over-from-madhusudhan-rao-30619.htm">HUL appoints Vipul Mathur as Executive Director, Personal Care</a>

Unilever’s Nitin Paranjpe shares an endearing story about his lack of musical talent

The marketing industry plays a dynamic role in influencing consumer behaviour and fostering economic growth. After the grand success of the first two editions of Storyboard18 Visionaries, held in Gurugram and Bengaluru, the program is now gearing up to be in the city of marketing and creative excellence, Mumbai. 


The third edition of Visionaries to be held on Friday, April 26th will witness some of the biggest names in brand marketing come together to celebrate the brilliance of marketing mavens.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/sustainability-at-heart-and-purpose-defines-the-path-diageos-hina-nagarajan-24779.htm">Sustainability at heart and purpose defines the path: Diageo India's Hina Nagarajan</a> 


Storyboard18 Visionaries celebrates luminaries from the world of brands and marketing who have disrupted and revolutionised the way we approach media and advertising. The Visionaries is a one of its kind platform that presents opportunities for the sharpest minds in the business to convene, celebrate excellence and exchange ideas that power growth. It is a night of gala celebration shaping the future of marketing in India.


The city chapters of Visionaries aim to bring together meaningful conversations, spotlighting path-breaking achievements and future gazing strategies.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/storyboard18-visionaries-britannias-varun-berry-shares-leadership-lessons-24840.htm">Storyboard18 Visionaries: Britannia's Varun Berry shares leadership lessons</a> 


The Mumbai event promises to be an evening to remember, with the coming together of iconic leaders and new-age marketers. The event will feature a keynote address by Bharat Puri, CEO, Pidilite Industries and a special address by Santosh Iyer, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India Pvt Ltd. The evening will spotlight leading marketers from a wide-range of brands including HDFC Bank, P&G, Mercedes, Hindustan Unilever, Visa, L'Oreal, Mondelez, Spotify, UltraTech and Mahindra Group, among others. It will also feature engaging conversations with Nishant Kalra, Country Vice President, Salesforce, and MVS Murthy, CMO, Federal Bank, among others. The Visionaries programme for CXOs and executives brings a ringside view into ways of shaping consumer behaviour.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/storyboard18-visionaries-bengaluru-chapter-blockbuster-celebration-of-marketing-brilliance-24771.htm">Storyboard18 Visionaries - Bengaluru chapter: Blockbuster celebration of marketing brilliance</a> 


The Visionaries programme for CXOs and executives provides unparalleled insights of how the best and brightest function in complex times. So, meet us at the point where cutting-edge ideas and visionary leaders who are changing our approach to media, marketing and advertising, converge to power transformation.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/the-visionaries">The Visionaries</a>

Storyboard18 Visionaries Mumbai Edition is here!: Join the celebration of marketing mavens

The Derma Co., an active ingredient backed skincare brand from Honasa Consumer Limited, marked a milestone of achieving an annual revenue rate of INR 500 crore. "This achievement underscores Honasa Consumers’ capabilities to craft and scale new brands with strategic innovations, delivering exceptional skincare solutions to consumers across India," Honasa Consumer said in a statement. The milestone demonstrate the strength of the brand's on-trend, data-based innovation strategy, the company stated. 

Its focus on leveraging data for product innovation and responding swiftly to emerging trends continues to be a cornerstone of the strategy, the company added. 

Commenting on this milestone, Varun Alagh, Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Honasa Consumer Limited, says “The Derma Co.'s remarkable achievement of INR 500 crore annual run rate is a strong testament to our strategic brand-building approach at Honasa Consumer Limited. Our success is an output of in-depth consumer study of the evolving consumer demands and being able to innovate swiftly to deliver differentiated propositions to our consumers. This focus on excellence has helped us set new benchmarks across the active ingredient-based skincare segment. At Honasa, we are committed to continue our quest towards fueling our innovations and offer brands that serve the evolving consumer demands.”

Last month, Honasa Consumer Limited, the parent of Mamaearth, also launched ‘Staze’, a colour cosmetic line in a bid to enter the segment currently dominated by the likes of L'Oreal, Lakme, Sugar. “Staze is poised to carve its niche with a distinct emphasis on performance and innovation. We firmly believe that Gen Z consumers, who are seeking value and innovation, and Staze is uniquely positioned to meet and exceed their expectations", said Ghazal Alagh, Chief Innovation Officer, Honasa Consumer Ltd.

Varun Alagh added, “Honasa has always been at the forefront of innovation and being the pioneers in the BPC industry, we recognised a vital opportunity to address the burgeoning demand for innovative yet accessible colour cosmetics. And with the colour cosmetics segment boasting a remarkable CAGR of 12 percent and a substantial size of Rs 15,000 crore, it became evident that there was a gap in the market. These factors paved the way for Staze…”



Mamaearth-maker Honasa Consumer's second brand, The Derma Co., enters the Rs 500 crore ARR club

For Nidhi Mehta, director - finance, GOZOOP Group, Chief Financial Officers’ role extends beyond traditional finance boundaries. They are responsible for the finance and accounting professionals who perform operational functions and services in a strategic advisory role to the CEO and the rest of the C-suite peers. 


In a conversation with Storyboard18, she added, “A CFO's role commands a lot of respect in the ad agency as they advise other department heads, assist them in maximising revenues and controlling expenses without sacrificing customer needs and the agency's reputation.”


Edited Excerpts


Tell us about your career trajectory and journey. Where and how you started and what got you here.


I am a chartered accountant by profession. Post my three-year article ship, this is my first corporate job at GOZOOP Group. Years back I had not heard of GOZOOP but there was definitely a vibe when I entered the office for an interview. 


Digital Marketing was a thriving industry then and the core management at GOZOOP was impressive. The job profile offered was perfect and hence, there were no second thoughts. It's been years since that decision and since then there has been no looking back. 


What led you to join the advertising agency ecosystem in finance? What were your initial impressions and thoughts of the ad agency business? 


Advertising is always an exciting industry. In this new emerging era, where there is a wave of entrepreneurship and brand building, marketing today plays the most pivotal role for any new business start-up. Digital marketing helps thousands of new business entrepreneurs push boundaries and drive impact. 


How has the role of a CFO in an ad agency changed over the years? What does the job entail today? Where have you seen the biggest changes in what the role and function mean to the business? 


The CFO's role is extending beyond traditional finance boundaries and an increasing number of finance leaders view it as a pathway to the CEO position. The modern CFO is aspirational. 


Once mere observers in the boardroom, they are now crafting long-term strategies that ensure organisational stability. They are integral members of the top executive team, possessing a profound understanding of the company's vision. 


How do other departments and functions in the agency view the role of the CFO and the finance function? 


A CFO's and finance team's role in an ad agency is viewed as the most challenging role as they oversee the company's financial activities. This includes being responsible for the finance and accounting professionals who perform operational functions and services in a strategic advisory role to the CEO and the rest of the C-suite peers. 


A CFO's role commands a lot of respect in the ad agency as they advise other department heads, assist them in maximising revenues and controlling expenses without sacrificing customer needs and the agency's reputation.


How has the agency business model evolved? What have been the key changes and disruptions according to you and the impact of these shifts on the ad agency business model? 


Advertising agencies have evolved by leaps and bounds. It began with a simple printed ad in a newspaper and evolved into radio and television, commercials, billboards and digital advertising in the modern era. Advertising techniques have also become more sophisticated, incorporating psychology and consumer behaviour studies to create persuasive and effective campaigns.

 
Agencies are facing threats from all places. Is the business model future-ready? 


It is definitely future-ready as today the focus has shifted from the product to address consumer needs. With the emergence of new technologies and data-driven approaches, agencies can remain indispensable by tapping into this potential. 


However, with the pace of changes happening across the industry, agencies that do not develop a framework and plan for modernising their operational model that's inclusive of AI and technology will likely encounter increased challenges with both client and talent retention. 


From your observation, do you see any gender inequality or disparity in the finance function across levels? Agency leadership has traditionally been male dominated and advertising was seen as a boys club. Does that hold true for finance as well and the CFOs in advertising?


Not at all. The finance department at GOZOOP was and is always driven by women leadership. As far as the industry is concerned, there are several factors that lead to one's leadership goal.


What are the steps ad agencies must take to advance CFOs' role in advertising?


Agencies should enhance better communication between CFOs and other departmental heads. Regular meetings between them are needed to negotiate and discuss expenses and budgets that are aligned to the company's goals. 


A CFO should be made an integral part of all important decision-making of the agency as finance and marketers think and behave very differently. A combination of their brainstorming where marketers are driven by creativity and finance is driven by numbers and budgets could lead to some amazing outcomes for both the client and the agency.


What according to you are the biggest threats facing the advertising agency business today?

In-housing and talent retention are two of the biggest pressures that agencies face today. The threat remains that a brand will bring certain functions in-house, leaving agencies without that business. Brands are in-house because they believe they can do better work in a cheaper, faster and more transparent way. The other big issue is around both recruitment and retention of talent. There has always been volatility for agencies around talent. 


What are the trends you are currently witnessing in advertising, and what is the role of a CFO in such a scenario?


The rapid emergence of AI and the increasing role of technology within business operations is the current trend. CFOs should follow a test-and-learn approach where with their ability they are ready to take a smart risk and foresee how certain trends will impact their business. 


They should encourage the team to begin taking steps now to experiment with AI, explore how technology can drive operational value for the business, and help them understand how internal talent is spending their time and how to maximise their value for the business. 


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/managing-your-mind-at-work-and-beyond-isnt-easy-it-takes-a-lot-of-maturity-and-wisdom-says-bajaj-autos-deepika-warrier-16913.htm">Managing your mind at work and beyond isn't easy; it takes a lot of maturity and wisdom, says Bajaj Auto’s Deepika Warrier</a>

CFOs breaking boundaries, crafting long-term strategies for organisational stability: Nidhi Mehta, GOZOOP Group

Anupam Mittal, the founder and CEO of People Group and Shaadi.com, and a prominent investor on Shark Tank India, is widely recognized for his strategic investments in renowned startups and unicorn companies such as Ola Cabs, BigBasket, Druva, among others. Mittal is also one of the leading voices to take on big tech firms like Google and Meta, slamming them for their "unfair" monopolistic practices in markets like India. 

On April 9, Meta "arbitrarily" disabled his company's account, prompting Mittal to call out the Mark Zuckerberg-led company on social media. Mittal also tagged Meta's India operations' head Sandhya Devanathan in the post. 

A frustrated Mittal said, "So, shockingly our Meta account was arbitrarily disabled this morning with nobody in the know or able to help, even at our scale. This is the dysfunction of Big Tech & monopolies, something hashtag#cci must take note of. Sandhya Devanathan" 

Netizens chimed in with sympathies and suggestions. Relating to Mittal's frustration users said Meta is "only sale no support" while some urged Mittal to assemble all the Sharks and create their own Made-in-India social media platform like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. 

When Mittal took on Google 

On March 1, Google announced it would remove apps from 10 Indian developers, including Shaadi.com, Naukri.com, jeevansathi.com, and Bharat Matrimony, from its Play Store in India for non-compliance with its billing policies. Among the most prominent voices that spoke out against Google's practices, was Anupam Mittal. 

“Today is a dark day for India Internet,” Mittal said as he came out hitting hard against Google’s action of delisting Indian apps. 

Mittal wrote on X, “Google has delisted major apps from its app store even though legal hearings are underway @CCI_India & @indSupremeCourt Their false narratives & audacity show they have little regard for India. Make no mistake - this is the new Digital East India Co and this #Lagaan must be stopped! Pls RT and #SaveOurStartups”.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/anupam-mittal-asks-is-google-evil-as-the-battle-between-google-and-indian-app-developers-rages-on-25363.htm">Read more: Anupam Mittal asks, "Is Google evil?", as the battle between Google and Indian app developers rages on</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/interactive-avenues-anupam-mittals-first-investment-as-an-angel-investor-25997.htm">Read more: Interactive Avenues: Anupam Mittal’s first investment as an angel investor</a>

Angry Mittal?: Anupam Mittal "shocked" after Meta disables his company's account

DTDC Express Ltd., a leading express logistics provider in India has elevated Abhishek Chakraborty as its Chief Executive Officer. In his new role, Chakraborty will continue to propel DTDC forward, solidifying its position as a front-runner in the logistics industry with the aim to drive substantial growth and innovation for the company.

Chakraborty said: “Encapsulating our direction of “Building a NextGen DTDC for GenNext DTDCians”,... together we will continue to foster a culture of shared success and excellence.”

Before assuming the role of CEO, Chakraborty led DTDC as Executive Director for 15 years. He played a pivotal role in establishing a strategic partnership between DTDC and Geopost (owned by La Poste). He also spearheaded the DTDC and Amarex partnership and introduced many initiatives like launching the MyDTDC app and introducing DTDCShipAssure™, DTDC’s 100 percent money-back guarantee service that enabled the company to achieve new heights. His strategic leadership expanded the company’s network to 16,000+ partners, serving 96 percent of India’s population and the larger South Asian diaspora globally.

DTDC operates India’s largest physically accessible express logistics Network and has over 16,000+ exclusive channel partners that contribute to its sales and service capabilities.

DTDC Express promotes Abhishek Chakraborty to the CEO position

MakeMyTrip has achieved a significant milestone in its two-decade-long journey by becoming accessible worldwide, the company said in an announcement this week. 

MakeMyTrip has now expanded its reach to over 150 countries, including major travel markets such as the UK, Germany, Japan, Italy, France, and others, besides the US and the UAE. 

“The rigorous standards of compliance and commitment to data protection we have in place for our Indian business helped us transition smoothly towards stringent international compliances,” said Rajesh Magow, co-founder and chief executive officer of MakeMyTrip.

“We are indebted to the trust and affection that we have received from Indian travelers for over two decades and continue to hold ourselves to higher standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs) on a regular basis. Our decision to make MakeMyTrip accessible globally is a result of this very goal – testing our processes against rigorous protocols across the world to enable our travelers to book or modify their travel purchases on the platform without any roadblocks wherever they are geographically,” he said.

MakeMyTrip said the platform has also ensured compliance with various international regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), to accomplish this expansion.

Magow added, “Our global accessibility will help us reach the vast Indian diaspora. Importantly, this expansion will enable us to cater to a broader audience, fostering increased inbound travel to India. Our extensive coverage, offering accommodations in more than 2,000 cities, will assist international tourists in discovering the hidden gems of India.”




MakeMyTrip CEO on expansion in 150 countries: Global accessibility will help MMT reach Indian diaspora

When Storyboard18 asked Maruti Suzuki's Shashank Srivastava what interests him outside of work, he said, "My hobby is chess, and I make it a point to keep up with the latest trends in the game." He told us, "It not only helps me focus on something other than work, but also, chess is a great game which involves a lot of planning. It involves a lot of discipline." Discipline and planning are what he seems to have perfected at Maruti Suzuki India, a firm known for its meticulous planning and emphasis on discipline given the brand's Japanese lineage and influence. 

 
On March 27, the auto major elevated Shashank Srivastava from the position of Head – Marketing and Sales to ‘Member Executive Committee’. In many ways, it's an end of an era in the marketing world, as Srivastava moves on from his current role and into an advisory one as part of a core leadership group. 


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/watch-listen/media-dialogues-with-storyboard18-maintaining-continuity-in-change-maruti-suzuki-mindshare-drive-ahead-19528.htm">Media Dialogues with Storyboard18: Maintaining continuity In change, Maruti-Suzuki & Mindshare drive ahead</a>


A Maruti lifer, Srivastava is a leading figure in the Indian business and marketing world, having led the country's top carmaker as its sales and marketing boss for several years. Srivastava started his career at the automotive company in 1989. It was his first job after graduating from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A). Holding a bachelor's degree in telecommunication and electronics engineering from National Institute of Technology (NIT), Bhopal, he joined IIM-A in 1987. Despite having offers from the Asian Paints and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Srivastava was very clear that his path lay in the automotive industry and with Maruti Suzuki. 


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/maruti-suzukis-shashank-srivastava-it-is-crucial-to-celebrate-achievements-to-foster-a-positive-work-environment-15928.htm">Maruti Suzuki’s Shashank Srivastava: It is crucial to celebrate achievements to foster a positive work environment</a> 


Srivastava, the marketing maven who is an avid reader of books on science and especially quantum physics, has been a strong proponent for constant learning and adapting with the times. He emphasised empowering his team members through collaboration and communication. “My intention is to help others succeed and become leaders in their own right. True leadership is, therefore, not about being in charge but inspiring and guiding others to achieve their full potential,” he said. It is about creating a culture of continuous learning and development; “When we invest in our colleagues’ growth and development, we develop better leaders and build a more substantial organisation.” 


In a previous conversation with Storyboard18, when asked about a work and life hack he swears by, Srivastava had said,"Time boxing is a very powerful productive technique. What you do is you schedule specific blocks of time for different tasks. That's something which optimises efficiency. For a life hack, I would say, practice gratitude. It significantly improves one's overall well-being. If one is grateful for what you have, big or small, it helps you appreciate the good things, and makes you feel better." 


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/marutis-shashank-srivastava-on-why-indians-no-longer-need-to-kick-tyres-or-smell-leather-to-buy-cars-4932.htm">Maruti’s Shashank Srivastava on why Indians no longer need to kick tyres or smell leather to buy cars</a>

Maruti's former marketing boss Shashank Srivastava keeps this quote in his diary

inDrive has announced Vikrant Massey as its brand ambassador for its ride-hailing business in India. Massey unveiled inDrive’s new marketing 360 campaign - “Ab app ki nahi, aap ki chalegi!”
 
The campaign is built around the brand’s key concept - Value for Money and inDrive’s USP “Offer Your fare” which gives people the freedom to decide the fare of a ride and even bargain with the driver directly within the app, stated the company. 

With the inDrive app people can either offer a fare for their ride or choose one of the driver offers amongst many on the basis of their Vehicle Model, Driver Rating & Arrival Time. 

 
Avik Karmakar, Senior GTM Manager - South Asia, inDrive commented, We're delighted to have Vikrant Massey on board as the face of inDrive in India. His relatable persona resonates with our diverse audience, aligning seamlessly with our campaign “Ab app ki nahi, aap ki chalegi!” 

Massey commented, “I am looking forward to being a part of inDrive India’s campaign as their brand ambassador. I appreciate the service that inDrive provides to its riders and drivers. inDrive is fair, where instead of the app, the people decide the fare among themselves.” 
 
Pavit Nanda Anand, APAC Communications Lead, inDrive commented, “As a brand, at inDrive our mission is Challenging injustice - which is very much connected to our history. This campaign, “Ab app ki nahi, aap ki chalegi!” aims to reiterate our efforts to provide fair pricing opportunities to as many people as possible across different countries around the world.” 
 
Massey will actively be involved in a series of marketing campaigns & CSR initiatives by inDrive with a mission to Challenge social injustice & make the world a fairer place for One Billion people.
 
The campaign will run on social media, OTT, IPL on JioCinema and other digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. It will also use the OOH medium to popularise the campaign across cities.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/oakley-launches-new-campaign-with-rohit-sharma-31176.htm">Oakley launches new campaign with Rohit Sharma</a>

inDrive announces Vikrant Massey as its brand ambassador

MediBuddy has unveiled a campaign -#MaaKiSehat. The inspiring campaign video aims to recognise the selfless, nurturing care mothers provide from the moment a child is born. 

The campaign urges viewers to actively participate in their mothers' well-being by encouraging them to seek medical advice whenever needed.

Mothers are the cornerstones of our families, often prioritising the health and well-being of their loved ones above their own. This dedication of theirs often leads to neglecting their own healthcare needs. Universally, mothers are observed to put their families' health first, potentially compromising their long-term well-being.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hHzncyAxumo?si=nT4T5LlhMY_34flw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The campaign acknowledges mothers' irreplaceable role in our lives, particularly regarding our well-being. While flowers and chocolates are cherished tokens of appreciation, this Mother’s Day MediBuddy's campaign encourages a more meaningful gift – the gift of health. 

By offering convenient access to doctors through its platform, MediBuddy allows mothers to become their own healthcare advocates, ensuring they receive the same level of care and attention they so generously provide to their families.

Saibal Biswas, SVP, and Head of Marketing, Partnerships & PR at MediBuddy- “Mothers represent humanity's first encounter with unconditional love and caretaking. We understand that mothers often put themselves last, but it is time to change that narrative. This campaign is a reminder to honour that and ensure every mother has access to the healthcare support they deserve. This empowers them to prioritise their own health and well-being while allowing them to continue showering us with love and care for years to come. We recognise that seeking healthcare can be daunting, especially when juggling the responsibilities of motherhood. This Mother’s Day,  let us help our mother prioritise her health – because a healthy mom is a happy mom.”

This campaign is conceptualised and produced by MediBuddy’s in-house creative team. The campaign video is titled #MaaKiSehat and is 1 Minute in duration. The video will be amplified across all social media platforms.

MediBuddy's Mother’s Day campaign #MaaKiSehat celebrates moms as eternal caregivers

Avocados Australia Limited, the representative body for the Australian avocado industry, announced its entry into the Indian market, accompanied by Australian cricketer Brett Lee as their brand ambassador. 

The Australian avocado industry is growing rapidly, Australia produced just over 115,385 tonnes of avocados in 2022/23 and Australian production is forecast to increase strongly over the next few years to approximately 170,000 tonnes by 2026. 

During the launch of Australian avocados in India, acting Australian High Commissioner to India, Nick McCaffrey said: “The introduction of Australian avocados to the Indian market signifies a promising partnership between our nations. It's a testament to the growing bilateral ties and the potential for further collaboration in the agricultural sector.” 

John Tyas, CEO of Avocados Australia, stated, "we are excited to bring the exceptional taste and nutritional benefits of Australian avocado to the diverse Indian market. With our focus on exports and a commitment to quality and service, we are confident that we will establish a robust presence in India. While competition exists, we believe our emphasis on quality, service, availability throughout the year and market support will set us apart. Also, with Brett Lee as the brand ambassador, we are confident that Australian avocados will become a beloved fruit in Indian households, enriching meals and inspiring culinary creativity."

“Many consumers in India are not aware of the health benefits of regular avocado consumption nor are they aware of the wide range of uses this fruit can provide in different cuisines. Our intent is to educate consumers on both these aspects, we can also help with consumer communication on the best approaches for fruit ripening and handling."

“India market access is a great opportunity, however, we have much to learn about this market and it will take time and effort to develop this market over the coming years,” he added.

Lee said, "I am thrilled to be associated with Australian avocados and with the fruit that embodies the essence of health. Throughout my journey, I have prioritized nourishing my body with good food, which is why I'm excited to combine this passion with my deep affinity for India and its rich culture. I look forward to championing the exceptional taste, quality, and adaptability of Australian avocados both at home and abroad.”


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/oakley-launches-new-campaign-with-rohit-sharma-31176.htm">Oakley launches new campaign with Rohit Sharma</a>

Australian avocados enter Indian market with Brett Lee as ambassador

Zomato has introduced personalized photo cakes on the app. The icing on the cake–customers don’t have to pre-order and restaurant partners in the big cities will endeavor to dispatch the cakes within the usual delivery time (within 45 - 60 minutes of receiving the order). In addition to this, customers can preview their potential cake design directly within the app, ensuring every detail is just as they envisioned. 

A new tech flow has been built on the app to make this a seamless experience for customers.

Launched on the back of Mother’s Day, this new feature will stay live on the app even after May 12, giving an opportunity to customers to order personalized cakes for every occasion. Last year, on Mother's Day, nearly 150 cakes were ordered per minute on Zomato.

With this new feature, customers can preview their photograph on the cake within the app, thus eliminating the need for complex photo editing at the restaurant’s end. The personalized photo cake feature is currently live in select areas of Delhi NCR and will soon be rolled out across 11 major Indian cities, including New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Lucknow.

Zomato rolls out photo cakes on the back of Mother's Day

GT Force has launched a strategic rebranding initiative. 

With a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and accessibility, GT Force is plans for a nationwide expansion, with a particular focus on capturing the burgeoning market in PAN India.

The brand has collectively sold 4 scooter models up until now, totalling 20K units, including the GT Soul, GT One, GT Soul Vegas, GT Drive Pro, GT Prime Plus, and GT Flying. 

Looking ahead, GT Force is gearing up to launch a new set of high and low-speed EV two-wheelers soon, featuring models like GT Vegas, GT Ryd Plus, GT Drive Pro, GT One Plus Pro, and GT Texa.

Rajesh Saitya, Founder and Managing Director of GT Force, articulates the company’s renewed mission, stating, “Our goal has always been to revolutionize the way people move, and with this rebranding initiative, we are doubling down on our commitment to providing eco-friendly and innovative transportation options to the Indian consumer.”

Mukesh Taneja, Co-Founder and Managing Director of GT Force, highlights the brand’s unwavering commitment to the electric two-wheeler segment, which comprises a substantial 80 percent of India’s road transport fleet. He elaborates, “While we temporarily redirected our resources to refine our approach, we were never absent from the market. Our strategic decision allowed us to better target this segment, ensuring that we can serve our customers more effectively with our new EV products. With our renewed focus, we are confident in our ability to meet the evolving needs of consumers, which is why we have chosen East India as our first target. By prioritizing this region, we aim to address the growing demand for electric mobility solutions and lead the charge in India’s electric mobility revolution.”
Founded in 2019 under the umbrella of Houston Innovations, GT Force has delivered affordable and convenient mobility solutions from its headquarters in Manesar, Haryana. Central to GT Force’s strategy is its innovative aggregator model, which allows the company to offer a diverse range of electric two-wheelers tailored to the preferences of Indian consumers.

Saitya further elaborates on GT Force’s vision, stating, “Our vision is not only to provide electric mobility solutions but also to simplify the lives of commuters while addressing pressing environmental concerns. We believe that sustainability and innovation are the cornerstones of a brighter future for transportation.”

GT Force’s EV plant in Manesar has a daily capacity of 250 units. The plant specializes in lithium batteries, ensuring reliability and innovation at every stage of production.

GT Force makes strategic comeback, eyes pan India expansion with special attention to eastern region

As per the latest data released by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), CNN-News18 has once again emerged as the undisputed leader in the English news genre during the ongoing election season. The channel's market share surpassed an impressive 50.3%, a figure greater than the combined market share of all its competitors.

In comparison, Times Now secured the second position with a distant 22.3 percent market share, followed by Republic TV at 20.8 percent and India Today TV at 6.6 percent. (Source: BARC India | Market: 10L+ | Target Group: 15-30 ABC | Period: Week 18'24, (06:00 - 24:00 Hr) | Market Share % | Top 4 channels considered)

CNN-News18’s power-packed performance comes on the back of its special election programming, delivering the most accurate information, featuring top-tier news anchors such as Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar and Palki Sharma. The channel's extensive network of reporters all over the country ensured comprehensive coverage of crucial election issues. CNN-News18's presentation with engaging graphics and insightful explainers simplified complex trends and data, making it easily accessible for the audience.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/firstpost-outshines-bbc-news-al-jazeera-english-on-youtube-30242.htm">Firstpost outshines BBC News, Al Jazeera English on YouTube</a>

BARC Ratings: CNN-News18 leads with over 50 percent market share during election season

Movado, the  Swiss watchmaker has announced the launch of its new collection, BOLD Quest, through a campaign featuring brand ambassador Sidharth Malhotra. The campaign film showcases Sidharth donning the new collection as he captures the city lights, symbolizing ‘a lens to the future’.  

The BOLD Quest features a Swiss-made, 40mm shaped case paired with a sleek, brushed integrated bracelet. Its streamlined silhouette draws inspiration from Movado's vintage Astronic, first released in 1970. Utilizing the sun as its muse, the collection showcases Movado’s signature rounded dot at twelve o’clock, representing both high noon and high design.

“I have always admired India’s love for its rich heritage and legacy and the ability to preserve it yet embracing a futuristic outlook.” says Xavier Gauderlot, President International at Movado Group Inc. “The new collection – BOLD Quest embodies this spirit, and we are thrilled to bring it to our consumers in India. Our brand ambassador, Sidharth Malhotra, is the ideal face for the new collection as he perfectly represents the balance between classic and contemporary—qualities fundamental to our ethos. 

“As the Indian ambassador for Movado, I'm proud to be a part of this incredible journey as we unveil the phenomenal ‘BOLD Quest’ collection,” says actor, Sidharth Malhotra. “The fusion of craftsmanship and innovation in this watch is extraordinary. It's a pleasure to represent a brand that so seamlessly combines classic elegance with contemporary style.”


Swiss watchmaker Movado partners with Sidharth Malhotra

Hero Vired, India's learning company for professionals and higher education aspirants, celebrates Mother’s Day with their new campaign, ‘A Letter to my Child’, a tribute to the resilience and love of working mothers. The campaign features real-life supermoms from Hero Vired’s learner community who penned heartfelt letters to their children reflecting the challenges these moms face while balancing work and family. 


Akshay Munjal, founder and chief executive officer, Hero Vired commented, "Mother's Day serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable strength and resilience that mothers embody every day. At Hero Vired, we recognize the pivotal role mothers play within their families and in shaping the future workforce. We aim to celebrate and support mothers on their educational and professional journeys, ensuring they have ample resources and opportunities needed to thrive in their personal and professional lives."'


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AKMhqVNdwU4?si=mUULTKg4UOmX8ZeC" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 
With prevalent challenges faced by women, as revealed by the Women in Modern Workplaces in India report, which highlighted how 70 percent of women expressed difficulties in balancing work-life issues as a primary obstacle to career advancement and 55 percent advocated for specialized upskilling programs for women returning to work after a career break. 


Hero Vired launched the #EmpowerHer initiative, offering tailored benefits to women learners enrolling in program batches commencing in March and April 2024. 


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/biba-launches-mothers-day-campaign-kuch-nahi-collection-for-mothers-31129.htm">BIBA launches mother’s day campaign: “Kuch nahi” collection for mothers</a>

Hero Vired rolls out ‘A Letter to my Child’ on the occasion of Mother's Day

Swedish caller identification app ﻿Truecaller﻿ said its global advertisement revenue increased 5 percent in January-March quarter of this year on account of yields from promotions during the IPL cricket season. 

The company's revenue from advertisements rose by 5 percent to 317.6 million Swedish krona (about Rs 242.9 crore) in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the same period a year ago. "While overall ad demand remains subdued, the timing of events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament, which began in the first quarter of 2024, as opposed to 2023, also contributed positively to this quarter's performance," the company said in a regulatory filing. 

The company, however, said it expects the income from the full IPL season to be significantly lower in 2024 compared to 2023, with revenue evenly distributed between the first and second quarters. "A lower demand in the wake of weak global macroeconomic development and a larger supply in the Indian market resulted in lower average pricing for Truecallers ads products (CPM) which decreased by approximately 20%," it added. T

Total revenue for the first quarter clocked in at SEK 431 million (about Rs 330 crore), up 11% from the figure of the corresponding quarter a year ago. Net profit for the period was marked at SEK 133 million (about Rs 102 crore). Net sales for the reporting quarter increased by 10%, at SEK 427.2 million (about Rs 327.4 crore), on account of ads, subscriptions, and business revenue.

India held the greatest share (74.2%) in the company's net sales, followed by Africa and the Middle East (12.5%). Net sales in India was up 8% to SEK 316.8 million (about Rs 242.7 crore). CEO and co-founder Alan Mamedi said Truecaller is a company with "high profitability, strong cash flow, and a balance sheet with no financial debt". 

Truecaller's paying users rose by 15% and its subscription revenues increased by 25%, year on year. The development was especially strong on iOS (iPhone operating system) and in markets like the US, Latin America, Malaysia, and India, it said. The average number of monthly active users (MAU) increased by 3.9 crore to approximately 38.34 crore. It added 2.23 crore monthly active users in India. 

"The need for Truecaller globally is greater than ever. I am proud to say that the number of users grew by almost the size of Sweden's population in a single quarter," Mamedi said. In February, Truecaller launched an AI-powered call recording feature in India that offers transcription and call summary, and the company said it has more exciting new services to introduce in the coming quarters. The number of employees at the end of the first quarter was 420, up 20 from the year-ago quarter. 

Truecaller also updated subscription plans for its verified business caller ID solution. Starting May 2024, Truecaller said the revised subscription packages and pricing will apply to all new and current business customers upon their upcoming renewals or upgrades. The company said the updated subscription packages, growth, and enterprise plans are tailored to 'empower' early/mid-stage companies as well as large enterprises. 

"The growth plan is best suited to early/mid-size companies looking to scale their business and establish a strong market to build trust and enhance brand visibility through its flagship Verified Business Caller ID," it said in a statement. Started in 2021, Truecaller for Business (TfB) is a growing revenue stream. The new price packages, the company said, are expected to gradually impact revenues positively going forward. Revenue for TfB increased by 44% during January-March this year compared to the first quarter of 2023. Truecaller's board introduced a dividend policy that said 25% of net profit after tax should be distributed as a dividend.



﻿Truecaller﻿'s global ad revenue increases by 5 percent during the IPL cricket season

As Mother’s Day approaches, BIBA, India’s homegrown fashion brand, unveiled its digital campaign, titled "Kuch Nahi," this campaign pays homage to others, who often ask for nothing in return for their sacrifices, stated the company. The campaign features Indian TV actress, Shilpa Saklani. 


Set in a household, the film follows the story of a mother who fulfils the needs of her family, always knowing exactly what they need, even without them having to share. The film then moves ahead also to depict the daughter bringing her mother a BIBA outfit for a family function she must attend to. 


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UAsPAX8oFvI?si=foXZjoIJHrfNjn95" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Siddharath Bindra, managing director of BIBA Fashion, shares his thoughts on the campaign, stating, "My mother has been my biggest inspiration over the years. She started her own business with no training at the age of 40. This Mothers Day we have a special film that is dedicated to all the Mothers for their unconditional love and a special Collection to offer which is a great gift for the Kuch nahi that they ask the children for. We are sure this will resonate with our audiences and look forward to a wonderful response.”


The film featuring Saklani can be viewed on BIBA's official website and social media platforms including Youtube, Facebook & Instagram. The ad film has been shot and created in partnership with leading creative agency Famous Innovations, bringing to life the sentiment of maternal selflessness.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/xyxx-launches-new-campaign-featuring-brand-ambassador-and-investor-kl-rahul-31063.htm">XYXX launches new campaign featuring brand ambassador and investor KL Rahul</a>

Google India appoints Shekar Khosla as VP marketing

Shekar Khosla was earlier the chief commercial officer at Kellogg.

More from Storyboard18

Brand Makers

L&T elevates R Shankar Raman to president role

Brand Makers

Dentsu appoints Abhinay Bhasin as senior vice president - product and technology

Brand Makers

Metro Brands appoints Meenakshi Samantaray as head of marketing

Brand Makers

Arré Studios appoints Namit Sharma as CEO

Brand Makers

Ipsos Strategy3 appoints Rajashree Ivaturi as partner

Brand Makers

91 percent believe fake news affects voting, yet many share unauthenticated news: Survey

Brand Makers

Leo Burnett India elevates Vikram Pandey and Sachin Kamble as chief creative officers

Brand Makers

Scam alert! Fake ads impersonating Palki Sharma of Firstpost

Brand Makers

Amazon Prime Video confirms Aparna Purohit's exit

Brand Makers

Tata Digital undergoes organisational restructuring