boAt is one of the most exciting startups that has emerged in recent years. But how did boAt go from a challenger brand to one of the leading consumer goods companies in India? We find out more about the brand’s journey from Vivek Gambhir, CEO of boAt. In an interview with Delshad Irani, he also shares what lies ahead for the brand, winning growth strategies and marketing plans. 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5z3uGBVDMME" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Watch this space for the full interview. 


From challenger to leader: boAt CEO Vivek Gambhir on the brand's journey

boAt's chief executive officer Vivek Gambhir shares the company's plans to become a global Indian brand in an exclusive interview with Delshad Irani.

Google backed Adda247 appoints Bimaljeet Singh Bhasin as CEO of of skilling and higher education business

Has Amazon Prime Video’s Aparna Purohit stepped down?

Chinese EV manufacturer Leapmotor gets ready for Indian markets

HDFC Mutual Fund launches new Mother's Day campaign to promote financial literacy among children

Sachin Tendulkar and Ageas Federal Life Insurance challenge conventional notions of financial planning

X to limit replies to verified users only

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

From tradition to transformation: The evolving role of women CFOs in Indian advertising

FCB Interface wins the creative mandate for Philips Home Appliances

FCB Interface wins the creative mandate for Philips Home Appliances.

Dentsu India announces departure of chief client officer, Sapna Arora

Is LinkedIn emerging as a bigger threat than Threads for X?

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

The Podcast Pulse, a comprehensive report on podcast consumption in India developed by UNPAC Research (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. with the support of Ideabrew Studios, offers unprecedented insights into the evolving landscape of podcasting in India.

Despite the gradual adoption of podcasts into daily media consumption routines, a lack of comprehensive data on consumption patterns has hindered its recognition as a powerful platform for connecting with consumers.

India has surged to become the third-largest market for podcast listeners globally, yet only 12 percent of Indians are currently engaged, leaving a vast untapped audience waiting to be explored. The Podcast Pulse addresses this gap by offering actionable insights into consumer preferences, content choices, favored hosts, and preferred platforms.

The methodology behind The Podcast Pulse involved a meticulous blend of quantitative and qualitative research techniques. Engaging 2,170 individuals across 10 cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Indore, Patna, and Jaipur, the report gauged awareness and listenership statistics. Additionally, detailed interviews with 1,800 active listeners provided invaluable insights into their behavior and preferences.

Key findings from the report include:

•       82 percent of respondents were initially unaware of podcasts, highlighting a significant opportunity for awareness-building efforts.

•       78 percent of consumers discovered podcasts less than a year ago, indicating a recent surge in interest.

•       Authenticity and vulnerability in podcast conversations are highly valued by listeners, fostering a deeper connection with hosts and content.

The report also explores consumption patterns, including weekday vs. weekend trends, preferred episode lengths, and the rise of regional language content. Regional podcasts are identified as a driving force in shaping the industry's future, offering audiences a more relatable and culturally resonant listening experience.

Furthermore, The Podcast Pulse profiles the Aware listener – detailing gender, occupation, age, and level of education – and conducts a deep dive into genre dynamics and explores the nuances between audio and video podcasts.  It charts the four stages of podcast enthusiasts’ journey, from their curious Exploration and Discovery phase to Advocacy as they actively promote and champion their favorite podcasts.

Sheetal Choksi, Director, UNPAC Research says, "We believe The Podcast Pulse is a game-changer, providing insights into India’s podcast consumption and offering a roadmap for creators and platforms to navigate the evolving preferences of Indian audiences, empowering industry professionals and stakeholders to unlock its full potential. As a podcaster myself, I experienced firsthand the challenges in accessing comprehensive data about our audience. Beyond some basic data, no one was able to answer questions like who was listening to podcasts, when, why certain genres did well, etc. This realization was the genesis of The Podcast Pulse – an earnest attempt to fill the void and provide actionable insights for the entire industry."

Aditya Kuber, CEO, Ideabrew Studios says, “At Ideabrew Studios, we are passionate about fostering innovation in audio storytelling. The Podcast Pulse not only showcases the immense potential of podcasts in India but also underscores the importance of diverse and authentic narratives in shaping the future of audio entertainment. This report will be a definitive look into podcast consumption data for advertising agencies, brands and everyone looking to meaningfully engage with a large audience.”



India third-largest market for podcast listeners globally; yet only 12 percent Indians currently engaged

GOZOOP HAWK, and online reputation management and customer support agency under the GOZOOP Group, has bagged the listening and digital response management duties for Amazon miniTV, a leading free entertainment service in India.


As part of the mandate, GOZOOP HAWK’s key responsibilities will include handling digital customer support, monitoring online brand chatter, amplifying positive stories, measuring sentiments, providing timely resolutions and deriving actionable business insights for the brand by understanding and tracking valuable web conversations to delight customers. 


Amazon miniTV offers a large library of popular web series, movies, reality shows, dubbed international content, in multiple genres like comedy, romance, slice of life, thriller and more.


Commenting on the partnership Aruna Daryanani, director and business head, Amazon miniTV said, “ORM is an important component of brand building and reputation management. With the right strategy, ideation and creative thinking we can further strengthen our brand presence. We are excited to partner with GOZOOP HAWK and look forward to their expertise to continue to raise the bar on customer experience.”


Commenting on the win, Premkumar Iyer, president, GOZOOP HAWK said, “HAWK has always demonstrated capability of delivering some of the most unconventional listening and online customer support solutions. This habit to push boundaries coupled with Amazon miniTV's disruptive approach towards the dynamic OTT space makes the relationship click. We have already done some stellar work e.g. during Amazon miniTV’s recent launch of dubbed K-dramas, we turned the whole response management strategy to Korean language generating shift in outreach. We look forward to doing more such unconventional work for them in times to come.”


GOZOOP HAWK bags listening and digital customer support mandate for Amazon miniTV

The marketing team within media giant Cox Media Group (CMG) claims it has the capability to listen to ambient conversations of consumers through embedded microphones in smartphones, smart TVs, and other devices to gather data and use it to target ads, according to a review of CMG marketing materials by 404 Media and details from a pitch given to an outside marketing professional. Called “Active Listening,” CMG claims the capability can identify potential customers “based on casual conversations in real time.”

The news signals that what a huge swath of the public has believed for years—that smartphones are listening to people in order to deliver ads—may finally be a reality in certain situations. Until now, there was no evidence that such a capability actually existed, but its myth permeated due to how sophisticated other ad tracking methods have become.

It is not immediately clear if the capability CMG is advertising and claims works is being used on devices in the market today, but the company notes it is “a marketing technique fit for the future. Available today.” 404 Media also found a representative of the company on LinkedIn explicitly asking interested parties to contact them about the product. One marketing professional pitched by CMG on the tech said a CMG representative explained the prices of the service to them.

“What would it mean for your business if you could target potential clients who are actively discussing their need for your services in their day-to-day conversations? No, it's not a Black Mirror episode—it's Voice Data, and CMG has the capabilities to use it to your business advantage,” CMG’s website reads.

The part of CMG advertising the capability is CMG Local Solutions. CMG itself is owned by Apollo Global Management and Cox Enterprises, which includes the ISP Cox Communications. CMG operates a wide array of local news television and radio stations.

With Active Listening, CMG claims to be able to “target your advertising to the EXACT people you are looking for.” The goal is to target potential clients or customers based on what they say in “their day to day conversations,” the website adds. Specifically, those could include:

Clients can “claim” a territory where they want to use CMG’s services, which are available in a 10 or 20 mile radius, the website says. After setup, “Active Listening begins and is analyzed via AI to detect pertinent conversations via smartphones, smart tvs and other devices,” the website adds. CMG also claims it installs a tracking pixel on its client’s website to monitor the return on investment (ROI).

With an audience created, CMG then delivers adverts to these people through streaming TV, streaming audio, display ads, YouTube, and Google and Bing search, the website says.

“The result? Unprecedented understanding of consumer behavior, so we can deliver personalized ads that make your target audience think: wow, they must be a mind reader,” another section of CMG’s website reads.

Claims about this capability raises obvious and immediate legal concerns; intercepting communications without proper consent can violate wiretapping laws. CMG’s website addresses this with a section that starts “We know what you are thinking…”

“Is this legal? YES- it is totally legal for phones and devices to listen to you. That's because consumers usually give consent when accepting terms and conditions of software updates or app downloads,” the website says.

Beyond CMG’s website, very little information is available about the capability, including how exactly the data is gathered, be that via a software development kit (SDK) bundled into apps, or via collection at another point. For its part, Apple does alert iPhone users when an app is accessing the device’s microphone with a small icon in the UI.

The marketing professional pitched by CMG told 404 Media that after a call with the company, they disabled microphone access on much of their own technology: “I immediately removed all my Amazon Echo devices and locked down microphone permissions on things like my phone as receiving confirmation they are doing things like this have confirmed my worst fears and I, for one, will not take part in it,” they said.

CMG says “the ROI is already impressive” and is actively soliciting potential customers, though. On LinkedIn, Chris Marxmiller, a senior sales consultant at CMG, invites people in his bio to “Ask me about our NEW product - ACTIVE LISTENING.” Marxmiller did not respond to a request for comment which asked for more information on the Active Listening product.

CMG lists a number of other companies as its partners and publishers. These include Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. Microsoft declined to comment. Google told 404 Media in a statement that “For years, Android has prevented apps from collecting audio  when they're not being actively used, and whenever an app activates a device’s microphone, there is a prominent icon displayed in the status bar.” Google did not answer 404 Media’s question in its statement.

Amazon said in a statement that “the advertising product being described would not be possible with Echo devices. We do not share voice recordings with third parties.”

CMG said in a statement that “CMG Local Solutions markets a wide range of advertising tools. Like other advertising companies, some of those tools include third-party vendor products powered by data sets sourced from users by various social media and other applications then packaged and resold to data servicers. Advertising data based on voice and other data is collected by these platforms and devices under the terms and conditions provided by those apps and accepted by their users, and can then be sold to third-party companies and converted into anonymized information for advertisers. This anonymized data then is resold by numerous advertising companies.”

“CMG businesses do not listen to any conversations or have access to anything beyond a third-party aggregated, anonymized and fully encrypted data set that can be used for ad placement. We regret any confusion and we are committed to ensuring our marketing is clear and transparent,” the statement added.

Cox Media Group claims to have capability to listen to ambient conversations of consumers for targeted ads

On June 1, 1945, Fritz Sennheiser, a German inventor and entrepreneur, founded the audio equipment manufacturing company that bears his name and went on to become a global brand. Today, Sennheiser has three business units: Pro Audio, Business Communication and Neumann.Berlin. 


In a conversation with Storyboard18, Andreas Sennheiser, the company’s chief executive officer, said, “The first thing is you have to hit a ‘need’. To not get complacent and to not be happy with what we've achieved, we have to keep listening to the customer and at the same time have a creative dissatisfaction with the status quo. So, the achievements of the past should always be seen as just the new standard. From there, we can iterate again.”


Edited excerpts:


<strong>Tell us more about Sennheiser’s India story.</strong>


We started bringing good audio to India in 2007. At the time, it was really hard to understand where the general public was with audio consumption. We found out that listening to music via headphones wasn’t a known principle. 


So, over the last 16 years, I think we've done quite well in developing the taste of enjoying music on the consumer side. For two years, we focused on the pro business only, along with business communication, and then our Neumann products also.


Particularly, in the last one-and-a-half years after the pandemic, we've seen very strong growth. On the live part, everyone wants to enjoy music, festivals, weddings and all kinds of corporate events. But on the business communication side, government, corporate and also higher education facilities are gearing up significantly for hybrid meetings, for remote lectures and also for a digital government.


<strong>Where do you see India in Sennheiser's growth map?</strong>


In the last two years, India has had one of the highest growth levels, with more than 50 percent annual growth.


As far as the general business globally is concerned, we could supply all our customers with products even during the pandemic. So, we were never really out of products.


<strong>From a product lens, what’s the focus?</strong> 


We have several focuses. There’s a general common focus that more and more of the technology that we’re using—it is highly advanced—is hidden behind very simple user interfaces. 


So, we want to make it as simple as possible, come up with seamless integration, plug and play with our installed business like ceiling microphones… This is so that an integrator, a consultant or the end user really doesn’t need to deal a lot with technology but actually can focus on the experience.



<strong>Many global CEOs are surprised by the way Indian consumers have evolved over the last few years. From a price-conscious market, we now are a value-conscious market. So, what are your observations and what is unique about Indian consumers?</strong>


Well, you just gave the right keywords. 


It has evolved from a price sensitive market of buying at the lowest possible level to now buying the highest possible value. So, with that, we are in an excellent position because we love competition. We love the direct comparison of our products with competitive products because usually this is when we win.


That's why value-based buying decisions are very much in our favour, because we provide superior audio quality. 


<strong>Globally, what are the trends in the audio space and do you see the adoption of those trends in India anytime soon?</strong> 


One of the big trends is that high–quality audio is being more and more appreciated. This is particularly when it comes to immersive audio and spatial audio. In the studios, we have more and more Atmos installations with our Neumann speakers. Also, on the playback side, we see a lot of venues now having full arrays of speakers for an immersive experience.


So, the whole appreciation for good audio has significantly increased over the last few years. At the same time, there’s also a strong trend of simplification of workflows. So, we try to focus on making the lives of our end users as simple as possible, particularly because there's also cost pressure on production, music production, news gathering etc. We want to give them the gear that they can operate with the least possible amount of people. 


<strong>What is the brand perception of Sennheiser?</strong> 


Sennheiser has a brand reputation of being extremely reliable, creating remarkable audio experience and being a highly innovative brand. 


The topmost factor is always reliability. In a meeting room, you don’t want to spend 20 minutes getting the system to work. An artist in front of 50,000 people, the only thing he or she can hold is a microphone, and that should not fail.


<strong>In terms of marketing, what are the big plans for India and what are the investments like?</strong> 

Our main investment is in people and education. So, it's people on our end and education on the customer side.

We see that the more there are highly talented technicians, audio engineers and people who know the difference between an okay system and a great system.

During the pandemic, we produced 200 tutorial videos: how to use our microphones, how to set up gear in general, and how to build a studio. A lot of things to just help the audio community do a better job.


<strong>In India, startups have been weaving a very different story in the last few years. As a family-owned company and one of the oldest startups in the audio space, do tell us what it takes to make a successful business and your advice for startups here. </strong>

The first thing is you have to hit a ‘need’. This is not only true in a startup, but also when a company like ours gets older. Now, we’re closer to the 80th year of our existence. To not get complacent and to not be happy with what we've achieved, we have to keep listening to the customer and at the same time have a creative dissatisfaction with the status quo.

So, the achievements of the past should always be seen as just the new standard. From there, we can iterate again. 

<strong>There are a bunch of profitable startups in the audio space here in India. What impresses you about them and are there any lessons that you can pick from them? </strong>

When startups have a platform economy in mind and then scale that up, they can very quickly cover a very broad demand, be it with fintech platforms or be it any other integration.


That is an approach that I find highly attractive because it's not product and gear oriented, but really platform oriented. And this is also a strategy that we're adopting more and more. We are not just selling gear to our customers, but we actually provide the control platform with it to make it as easy as possible. 


That has been a strategy for a couple of years—to have a lot of allies in the industry in order to allow a seamless integration for the end user. So, the platform is really the main focus. And, what we're selling in terms of gear is just an endpoint to the whole platform.

<strong>Has the target audience of Sennheiser evolved over time?</strong> 

Yes and no. Our target audience grows with us.

While there was an entry target audience a decade back that has now matured in age and in income, they are now being lifted to the next level.

I had a chance to meet with music composer duo Salim-Sulaiman. We had a chat about technology particularly, and they stressed upon how they started with simple gear and then moved to higher-grade gear.

Andreas Sennheiser: We have to keep listening to the customer and have a creative dissatisfaction with the status quo

Gen Z consumers are 50 percent more likely to take their friends' recommendation over an influencer or a celebrity when making a purchase decision, revealed a study from Yuvaa – the Indian Gen Z-driven youth media, impact, and research organization.

An Economic Times report states that the findings are based on a report titled 'Not All Gen Z'. The findings are based on responses from over 900 Gen Z participants, spanning over 20 cities across tier I, II, and III cities and towns of the country. Gen Z represents people born between 1997 and 2012 who show distinctive behavior in their lifestyle and shopping habits. At over two billion, Gen Z forms roughly 25 percent of the global population. It makes up for over 35 percent of India's population, according to Yuvaa.

Their estimated spending power is in excess of €235 billion, according to BCG. 

<strong>Influencers provide brand visibility</strong>

Karthik Srinivasan, a communications strategy consultant, believes that we trust the references and recommendations of the people we trust the most within our family or friends circle. However, influencers have a different role to play.

"They have come to usurp the role of mainstream media and advertising to a large extent and have become predictable sources of visibility more than influence. In other words, influencers (along with mainstream media and advertising) are sources of introducing products or services, use-cases, and giving them visibility, but they may not necessarily persuade people to make the purchase. That's where friends and family (known peers, colleagues too) would come into play," he explains.

Srinivasan tells Storyboard18 that influencers are merely shilling a product for a fee and have long stopped pretending to be actual users of a product to offer use-based/experience-based content/information.

"Even if they claim to offer personal experience-based recommendations, if viewers/followers see the disclaimer about paid content, they'd automatically discount that factor and take that recommendation with a pinch of salt," he adds.

Yuvaa's report findings also highlight a few key aspects of a Gen Z consumer who is not only willing to support brands that support social causes but also cares about sustainability. Around 63 percent of Gen Z shoppers surveyed said they prefer brands that support social causes. 

71 percent of Gen Z prioritize brands that are environment-friendly, and 77 percent consider price when buying something, even if it's not sustainable. Gen Zs are split equally between feminist and non-feminist brands, but 60 percent of women prefer them.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/amazon-vs-myntra-who-will-win-over-more-gen-z-shoppers-in-india-8247.htm">Read more: Amazon vs Myntra: Who will win over more Gen Z shoppers in India?</a>

<strong>E-com platforms chasing Gen Z</strong>

These trends are being closely followed and implemented in product and marketing strategies by e-commerce platforms in India. Storyboard18 reported that there has been intense competition between online retailers to woo the next generation of shoppers, with e-commerce platforms Amazon and Myntra actively investing in the Gen Z cohort.

Flipkart-backed fashion portal Myntra, for instance, announced the launch of FWD, an in-platform experience offering additional brands and styles curated for Gen-Z shoppers.

The move comes days after rival Amazon Fashion introduced the ‘Next Gen Store,’ catering to the unique needs of Gen Z shoppers, who seek to experiment with fashion and have varying preferences in terms of styles, sizes, brands, and fitting.

While Nykaa Fashion has not yet launched a dedicated platform for Gen Z shoppers, it has been onboarding brands that target this cohort. Recently, it added MIXT, which offers streetwear-inspired modern apparel options such as bodysuits, corsets, jumpsuits, jackets, cardigans, and footwear. It brought in Cider, a US-based label, expanding its global offerings to Indian consumers.

Gen Z segment has a distinct aesthetic that impacts their brand choices, which have been driving fashion trends – crop tops, ribbed dresses, chunky sneakers, and baggy jeans.

Unlike previous generations, which were heavily influenced by Bollywood and sports celebrities, Gen Z shoppers are more picky about who they follow. Social media influencers have emerged as a significant force in shaping their purchase decisions.

However, there is a catch. This group only follows influencers or celebrities who ‘walk the talk’ and are more trustworthy.

<strong>Value for sustainability, inclusivity</strong>

Bindiya Bhatt, senior director of category management at Myntra told Storyboard18 that for Gen Z, inclusivity, authenticity, and unconventionalism take centre stage as well.

"By embracing these values and catering to their specific needs, businesses can create more meaningful and impactful experiences that resonate with this important and influential demographic," she said.

Technopak Advisors' Ankur Bisen had a deeper insight, saying Gen Z shoppers are community-driven and seek better products rather than stay loyal to brands.

"...they are definitely seeking better products than brands and they are also looking at the consumption of fashion through communities. For example, there are communities towards gaming, nature, and even limited edition products. The spin-off from this trend could be the 'sneaker culture' in India and the craze to buy limited edition sneakers that are being sold online. These are some micro trends that one needs to notice," he said.

Influencers’ influence waning? GenZ listen to friends over social media influencers

Why PepsiCo India’s Lay's launched gourmet chips

Storyboard18 x Momo Media: Let's Talk - Masculinity in Advertising

“We will have another incremental billion dollars in the next three years for the home-grown billion dollar brand Thums Ups,” says Arnab Roy, vice president and head of marketing, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia to Storyboard18’s Shibani Gharat. He also talks about the brand’s new advertising campaign #HarHaathToofan.

<iframe title="Coca Cola's Arnab Roy On Thums Up New Campaign 'Har Haath Toofan' | Storyboard 18 | CNBC-TV18" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fXe4to9HL4Q" width="853" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Coca-Cola's Arnab Roy on Thums Up’s new ad campaign #HarHaathToofan

GE's Linda Boff on what it takes to reinvent a 130-yr old brand

Chat with IPG's Arun Kumar and Plum's Shankar Prasad and actor Ananya Pandey

FCB Interface, an integrated creative agency from FCB Group India, won the creative mandate for the Philips Kitchen Appliances and Philips Garment Care business of Versuni India Home Solutions Limited (formerly Philips Domestic Appliances India Limited).

Under this mandate, FCB Interface will spearhead the marketing and communication strategies for a range of innovative Philips products, including Garment Steamers, Steam irons, Airfryers and Mixer Grinders.

Pooja Baid - Chief Marketing Officer, Versuni India Home Solutions Limited (formerly Philips Domestic Appliances India Ltd.), said, "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with FCB Interface to enhance our presence in the Kitchen Appliances and Garment Care sectors across all touchpoints. Their innovative approach and creative prowess align perfectly with our vision for scaling the Airfryers and Garment Steamer categories in India. Together, we are poised to redefine consumer experiences and elevate our brand presence to new heights. We eagerly anticipate the boundless creativity and strategic insight that FCB Interface will bring to the table, driving impactful engagement and fostering meaningful connections with our audience.”

Gaurav Dudeja, CEO of FCB Interface, expressed, "Philips is a brand with an incredible legacy, both in India and globally. And it's amazing how its equity has withstood the test of time and the multiple categories it straddles. With innovation at its core, the brand constantly aims to open up new categories and behaviours, and that's a fascinating challenge to take up. Our mandate is to deliver full-funnel solutions across the entire range of home appliances that drive growth for the brand and build brand love. Personally, this is my second stint on this amazing brand, and I'm grateful and excited in equal measure for the opportunity that lies ahead. There's some amazing work already in the pipeline, so watch this space for more."

Lowe Lintas has joined forces with naukri.com to introduce a new campaign tailored specifically for the ambitious Gen Z workforce. 

In today's dynamic corporate landscape, the younger individuals are characterized by their ambition, drive, and determination to succeed. In a world governed by age-old rules and wisdom, Gen Z are in a hurry when it comes to careers. They are ambitious for growth, unwilling to settle for anything lesser than their goals. And while the world may see it as a not so positive trait, they see it as essential for getting ahead in their professional journeys.

Recognizing this trait, Naukri & Lowe Lintas has conceptualized a campaign focused for this discerning demographic.

Intended to go live during IPL where ACDs are no more than 15 seconds, the campaign leverages compelling storytelling and resonant messaging, to connect with Gen Z job seekers on a deeper level. 

Sumeet Singh, CMO, Info Edge (India) Limited said, "Naukri has always championed the cause of India’s professionals. With this campaign, we are siding with the ambitious Gen-Z, who now make up most of the country’s workforce, and we’re teaming up with them for their career building.”

Vasudha Mishra, Regional Creative Officer, Lowe Lintas, stated, "When it comes to jobs, the young are not reticent. They know what they want, and they cannot be gaslighted into settling for less. Especially when they have as their ally, Naukri, one of the most iconic modern brands of India. Two spots, done with the signature irreverent style of the brand, done by our fabulously talented team at Lowe Lintas.”

The campaign is now live on the JioCinema IPL feed and other online platforms. 
 


Lowe Lintas and Naukri launch new campaign targeting Gen Z workforce

HDFC Mutual Fund has launched its latest film on the occasion of Mother’s Day. 

The film puts forward the message that just as children emulate their parents in various aspects of life, they are likely to follow suit in financial matters as well. 

By drawing parallels between parental influence and financial behavior, HDFC Mutual Fund aims to inspire mothers to take the first step towards securing their family's future through SIP (Systematic Investment Plan).

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/js1dD0YIfDo?si=oqRXVjToEWcNeH-5" 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>

This film is a depiction of the influence mothers have on their children's life choices and aspirations. It showcases a young mother engrossed in reading, with her daughter nearby, mirroring her actions. The narrative captures the essence of maternal influence, illustrating how children often emulate their parents' actions. 

The film highlights the concept that children are likely to learn from their parents' behavior as they grow. Overall, it serves as a reminder of the lasting impact parents have on shaping their children's values and attitudes, reinforcing the idea that teaching children about financial responsibility and investment from an early age can lay the foundation for their own future financial success.

This initiative serves as an extension of their long-running investor education campaign #ZindagiKeLiyeSIP and is specifically tailored to inspire mothers to initiate their investment journey through SIPs.


QUE, an upcoming premium eyewear brand has announced a strategic collaboration with the Indian Cricketer, Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan joins QUE not only as an investor but as a partner & brand ambassador. This alliance between the batsman and the eyewear brand marks a stride toward redefining one’s individuality, self-expression, and style. 

The onboarding of Shikhar as an investor, partner, and brand ambassador will play a pivotal role in QUE's trajectory by enabling the brand to launch strongly, amplifying marketing efforts, and enhancing product offerings. With a vision to democratise style and quality, QUE aims to make its premium sunglasses accessible to a mass premium audience across India and beyond.


“I am delighted to be associated with QUE, a brand that shares my commitment to quality and style. As someone who values both fashion and functionality, I believe QUE's innovative approach to eyewear will resonate with consumers seeking premium products that complement their lifestyles. I look forward to representing QUE and contributing to its success. Together, we will set new standards in eyewear excellence, empowering individuals to embrace their individuality and make a bold fashion statement while ensuring the utmost protection for their eyes,” said Shikhar Dhawan.


In a statement, Shashank Saurabh, Co-founder and CEO of QUE, expressed excitement about the alliance, stating, “We are excited about this strategic investment and partnership with Shikhar Dhawan as it serves as a strong validation to our mission of redefining the sunglasses industry, which will be worth $8.6 billion by 2028. We are also delighted to have Shikhar not only as an investor and partner but also as a brand ambassador. As we prepare for the launch of QUE, we are confident in our ability to lay a strong foundation for our brand. QUE is poised to gradually establish its presence in the market, paving the way to empower individuals from all walks of life to embrace and celebrate their individuality through our unique sunglasses offerings.”


"We believe in QUE’s potential to redefine standards and disrupt the sunglasses market. We look forward to collaborating closely with exciting startups like QUE to create a solid impact. We are committed to working hand in hand with QUE to ensure that we disrupt the sunglasses industry in India, to begin with, and subsequently internationally as well," said Amitesh Shah, CEO of DaOne Group.

Shikhar Dhawan partners with eyewear brand QUE as investor and brand ambassador

New Balance, a sports brand has unveiled its newest retail concept at Linking Road, Mumbai alongside cricketer, Pat Cummins. The launch highlights New Balance's strategic expansion plans, under the newly launched India subsidiary, of broadening its global presence and making significant strides within India.

The retail concept embodies New Balance at the intersection of sports and culture catering to both, the fashion influencers, and the elite athletes. The new store intends to offer a dynamic retail experience highlighting the brand’s quality craftsmanship and its consistent strive for innovation. Conceptualized around central seating, the structural arrangement aims to stimulate community-building while encouraging consumers to connect and draw inspiration from each other as they navigate their individual selves.

Pat Cummins, who has been a part of the New Balance family since the start of his athletic career, played a key part in the launch day activities as the brand inaugurated their first store in Mumbai. During the event, Pat participated in several media interactions, gave us a glimpse into his life outside of Cricket, interacted with his fans, and gave us some memorable moments in a friendly game.

Pat Cummins, Australian Cricketer and New Balance Ambassador said. "I'm thrilled to be part of the launch celebrations of New Balance's Mumbai store. It's exciting to see New Balance growing in India, a move that should excite all sports enthusiasts. We both believe in using the power of sport to make a positive impact in the world and that has been the driving force in our long-standing relationship. I wish the team here at New Balance, the absolute best, and I know the brand will inspire the next generation of sports talent in India.

Radeshwer Davar, Country Manager, New Balance India expressed enthusiasm about this significant milestone, stating: “We are delighted to open our first ever store in Mumbai; at Linking Road, along with one of the best athletes in the world, Pat Cummins. At New Balance, we see ourselves at the intersection of Sports and Culture, and Mumbai as a city, truly embodies this belief, making it a great fit for our expansion journey in India. We believe that New Balance will not only be a destination for those seeking the latest in fashion and performance footwear but also a space for community engagement and inspiration. We would like to thank Pat Cummins for being an integral part of our brand launch in India and we would love to invite the people of Mumbai to experience New Balance.”

Pat Cummins introduces Mumbai to the New Balance experience

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor is getting ready for the Indian markets foray toeing the line of predecessors like MG and BYD. Partnering with Stellantis, which recently acquired a stake in its global operations, Leapmotor aims to announce its investment and entry plans for India soon, as per reports.

Stellantis, a major player in the global automotive industry with brands like Citroen, Jeep, and Fiat, is present in India through Jeep and Citroen. The partnership with Stellantis has bolstered Leapmotor's confidence in venture into India, despite strict regulations governing investments from countries sharing a border with India.

BYD faced challenges in expanding its operations in India due to approval issues from the government, while MG Motor had to involve an Indian partner, Sajjan Jindal's JSW, to comply with regulations. Stellantis' investment of $1.6 billion in Leapmotor last year, acquiring around 20 percent stake, paved the way for a significant partnership.

This collaboration led to the formation of Leapmotor International, a joint venture primarily focused on exporting and selling Leapmotor products outside China, according to Times of India.

While Stellantis has not commented on Leapmotor's potential entry into India, sources suggest that the move could see the launch of budget-friendly electric cars, intensifying competition in the green car segment. The announcement of Leapmotor's India plans in partnership with Stellantis is anticipated in the coming weeks, signalling a significant development in the Indian electric vehicle market.

Rupali Ganguly, a well-known face in Indian television thanks to her portrayal of relatable characters, has not only captivated audiences on screen but also become a trusted figure in the brand endorsement world. Her down-to-earth personality and ability to connect with a wide range of viewers have made her a valuable asset for companies looking to promote their products. Let's delve deeper into some of the prominent brands Rupali Ganguly has chosen to represent:

<strong>Aashirvaad Atta:</strong> In Aashirvaad Atta's "Likh ke Le Lo" campaign, Rupali plays a pivotal role in endorsing the brand's commitment to quality and transparency. The campaign highlights Aashirvaad's use of QR codes on their atta packs, allowing consumers to access detailed information about the wheat quality and milling process. Rupali's presence as a trusted figure adds credibility to the brand's message, assuring viewers that Aashirvaad prioritizes providing superior quality atta.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iFqqEJH4Mnw?si=6fDX7jZiQf8_apIo" 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>

<strong>Follikesh:</strong> Follikesh, a brand offering natural hair care solutions, has Rupali Ganguly as their brand ambassador. Follikesh aims to target busy women who seek convenient and effective hair care routines. Rupali's image resonates with this audience, portraying a relatable character who juggles various responsibilities while maintaining beautiful hair. Follikesh emphasizes the use of 100% natural ingredients in their products, making them a healthy and convenient choice for everyday hair care.

<strong>Tata Tea Premium:</strong> Tata Tea Premium, celebrating India's rich handloom heritage in a limited edition campaign, featured Rupali Ganguly. Here, Rupali's association with traditional values and her image as a relatable Indian woman aligned perfectly with the brand's message. The campaign aimed to evoke a sense of cultural pride and encourage consumers to connect with the essence of India.

<strong>Kaveri Mehendi:</strong> Adding a touch of tradition to her portfolio, Rupali Ganguly endorses Kaveri Mehendi cones. Kaveri Mehendi, known for its rich color and intricate designs, is a popular choice for Indian weddings and celebrations. Rupali's endorsement adds a touch of authenticity and trust to the brand, appealing to women who seek beautiful and long-lasting mehndi designs for special occasions.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qNs3PP3yQ8I?si=DlpWllhBsTwEFl7G" 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>


Brand Rupali Ganguly: From Anupamaa to Aashirvaad; Brands endorsed by the actor

Swiggy Instamart will now deliver official Star Wars merchandise on the platform, just in time for May 4th - a day celebrated by Star Wars fans worldwide. Swiggy Instamart is the first quick commerce platform to start delivering movie merchandise, marking a new category in the quick commerce industry.

Fans of the galaxy far, far away can now get their hands on a variety of Star Wars products including the lightsaber, posters, mugs, fridge magnets, stickers, bobbleheads, and T-shirts, all delivered in 10 minutes.

Swiggy Instamart also caters to Harry Potter enthusiasts with a selection of merchandise. From books, posters, and notebooks to coffee mugs, magic wands, specs, key chains, bobbleheads, socks, music boxes, and T-shirts, fans can immerse themselves in the magical world of Hogwarts and beyond.

Swiggy Instamart’s latest collection is available in 10 cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad and more. 


 

Swiggy Instamart to sell Star Wars and Harry Potter merchandise; Brings movie merch to quick commerce

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez has reached 70 million followers on Instagram. Fernandez has partnered with EaseMyTrip, an online travel tech portal, where they joined hands to offer an opportunity for winners to meet the actor in person. By downloading the EaseMyTrip app and using the promo code "JACKIE70," participants stand a chance to win the opportunity and get a chance to avail irresistible discounts.

In a collaborative effort, Fernandez and EaseMyTrip jointly announced this news on their social media platforms, sparking viral engagement with a collective reach of nearly 15 million, stated the company.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6iZ-1Fr9PU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6iZ-1Fr9PU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6iZ-1Fr9PU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jacqueliene Fernandez (@jacquelienefernandez)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Fernandez remarked, "I am truly overwhelmed by the love and support of my followers throughout this incredible journey. This milestone would not have been possible without their unwavering support. Partnering with EaseMyTrip to celebrate this occasion is my way of giving back and expressing gratitude for their constant encouragement. EaseMyTrip is my trusted travel partner that ensures all travel bookings are made without any hassle."

<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/easemytrip-capitalises-on-maldives-row-promotes-offers-on-india-travel-20090.htm">EaseMyTrip capitalises on Maldives row, promotes offers on India travel</a>

Jacqueline Fernandez celebrates 70 million Instagram followers in collaboration with EaseMyTrip

According to the latest data released by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), CNN-News18 has continued to dominate the Lok Sabha Elections coverage with leadership during the second phase of polling that took place on 26th April. 

 
With a remarkable 72% lead over Times Now, CNN-News18 remained the number one choice of viewers for comprehensive polling day coverage. It captured an impressive 38.8% market share, maintaining a significant lead over Republic TV, which captured 24.7% market share. Times Now and India Today TV followed with 22.6 percent and 8.2 percent market share, respectively. (Source: BARC India | TG:  2+ | Mkt: India | Period: 26th Apr 2024 | Market Share%, 7 channels considered)

 
The power-packed performance of CNN-News18 on the crucial polling day is a testament to its special election programming, delivering the most accurate information, coupled with finest news anchors such as Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Shivani Gupta, and Rahul Shivshankar. The channel's extensive network of reporters across the states going for polls ensured comprehensive coverage from all over the country. CNN-News18's presentation with engaging graphics and insightful explainers simplified complex trends and data, making it easily palatable for the audience.

 
Speaking on the channel’s performance, Zakka Jacob, managing editor, CNN-News18 said, “CNN-News18’s leadership in the second phase of elections is an affirmation from our viewers about our brand of nuance over noise journalism. At a time when audiences demanded the fastest and most comprehensive polling day coverage, they turned to CNN-News18 as their trusted source of information. We expect to see more viewers tuning in as the election fervour peaks in the coming weeks.”

 
Smriti Mehra, chief executive officer – English News, Network18 added, “We’re delighted by the channel’s exceptional performance on the polling day, securing a strong lead over competition. This success not only underscores our commitment to delivering outstanding news coverage but also boosts advertiser interest, highlighting the impactful journalism and broad audience appeal that define our platform.”


<strong>Read More:</strong> <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>



From challenger to leader: boAt CEO Vivek Gambhir on the brand's journey

boAt's chief executive officer Vivek Gambhir shares the company's plans to become a global Indian brand in an exclusive interview with Delshad Irani.

More from Storyboard18

Watch Listen

Inflation has impacted entry-level segment: Tata Motors' Shailesh Chandra

Watch Listen

IKEA plans for multi-format stores in India: IKEA India CEO Susanne Pulverer

Watch Listen

Media Dialogues with Storyboard18: AI and digital accelerating Tata Motors CV brand and business

Watch Listen

Pernod Ricard's Kartik Mohindra on crowning India as a premier global whisky maestro

Watch Listen

Media Dialogues with Storyboard18: Maintaining continuity In change, Maruti-Suzuki & Mindshare drive ahead

Watch Listen

PC market demand has come back to normal: Acer's Jason Chen

Watch Listen

Media Dialogues with Storyboard18: Duroflex's growth journey

Watch Listen

Skechers India is growing and willing to invest in India: David Weinberg

Watch Listen

Converting gourmet grocery to luxury grocery: Nature’s Basket unveils experiential concept store

Watch Listen

Indian advertising industry’s go-to man Shashi Sinha revisits his four-decade long career