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Representational image via Unsplash

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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

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Total broadband subscribers increase from 916.77 to 924.07 million in a month

Total broadband subscribers in India increase from 916.77 to 924.07 million in a month

Indian market has unexplored opportunities: Warren Buffett

CXO Moves: Exec movements across WPP, Ola Cabs, Havas India, Unilever and others

Piyush Pandey

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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.”


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 dominates with 72 percent lead over Times Now during second phase of Elections

BookMyShow in association with the Election Commission of India, has unveiled an ad film ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections. Titled ‘Aaj Picture Nahi, Bigger Picture Dekho’, the campaign urges citizens to focus on the larger picture of nation-building by exercising their right to vote on their respective ‘Election Day’.

The ad film aims to resonate with viewers across the country, encouraging them to take an active role in shaping the future of India. With a uniquely weaved narrative and a clever word play that leaves you unaware of the purpose of the campaign until it is revealed in the end, the campaign underscores the importance of voting as a fundamental duty of every responsible citizen, especially the youth – the future of tomorrow.

 
The ad film features three vibrant characters, capturing the everyday lives of young individuals. The setup introduces viewers to the three young adults, representing diverse personalities and interests. Conceptualised along with Spacebar Advertising, the script weaves in the element of surprise as one of the protagonists reveals that he has been talking about the Lok Sabha Elections and not a 'movie' per say. The transition from typical entertainment chatter to the significance of voting captures the attention of his friends, ultimately emphasising the larger picture. The tagline, ‘Aaj Picture Nahi, Bigger Picture Dekho’, encapsulates the essence of the campaign, urging citizens to prioritize the future of the country over everything else.

 

Commenting on the campaign, Dolly Davda, Head - Marketing, BookMyShow, said, "With one of the world's largest youth populations and as the largest voting pool, this election presents a monumental opportunity for every Indian to shape our collective future. At BookMyShow, our vision remains to focus on the bigger picture while moving towards a brighter and better tomorrow, together. Voting is undeniably integral to shaping our nation's future and as a platform deeply ingrained in the entertainment ecosystem and therefore the youth, we wanted to leverage our resonance to urge young voters to exercise their right. Following a friendly yet hard-hitting tone, we’ve crafted the film to resonate with GenZs who are digital natives preferring snackable content, more socially conscious but also individualistic in their own ways. Our aim is to influence their perception of civic responsibility in a positive manner. We hope viewers understand the significant role of voting and spread awareness among fellow first-time voters.”

Adding to that, Santosh Ajmera, IIS Director, SVEEP Election Commission of India, said, “Partnership and collaboration form the cornerstone of our voter awareness initiatives at the Election Commission of India. I firmly believe that nurturing informed and ethical electoral engagement is a collective duty shared by all stakeholders in our democracy. It's good to see BookMyShow launching the 'Picture Nahi, Bigger Picture Dekho' campaign, reminding its audience of the profound significance of every single vote. I am confident that their campaign will serve as a catalyst, particularly among the youth and first-time voters, urging them to actively participate and exercise their democratic right.”

The campaign employs an omni-channel strategy encompassing digital, mobile marketing, campus seeding, in-cinema promotions and more, ensuring that the message reaches a diverse demographic of millions of viewers, urging them to fulfil their duty. As the Lok Sabha Elections draw near, BookMyShow’s campaign serves as a timely reminder of the crucial role each voter plays in shaping the destiny of the country. By leveraging its platform to promote social awareness and civic engagement, BookMyShow continues to demonstrate its commitment to driving positive societal impact beyond the realm of entertainment.

BookMyShow partners with Election Commission of India; unveils ad film ahead of Lok Sabha Elections

Rohit Bhasin, president, retail liabilities, product and chief marketing officer at Kotak Mahindra Bank, ensures his team does not work on weekends. They are pulled in only in exceptional cases such as quarterly results or a board meeting, he told Storyboard18 in an interview.


With many meetings during the week, Bhasin barely gets time to think during the week. So he keeps a part of Saturday just to think about things on top of his mind and about who he wants to speak to. 


Edited excerpts:


The creator economy has taken the world by storm. Which influencers and trends are you following?


I'm a lot on Instagram, and I developed awareness about many influencers from their felicitation by PM Modi at the National Creators Awards ceremony. Post this event, I have begun following Ranveer Allahbadia aka BeerBiceps. I also follow RJ Karishma and Aiyyo Shraddha. With Aiyyo Shraddha, we did some work with her on Kotak in the past, and I had actually gone to attend a workshop with Meta. She was the MC there and did an amazing job.

Podcasts are something which have become extremely popular. I'm a lot on Instagram because that's where I pick up a lot of trends, and a lot of what is happening in popular culture. If you really want to see what is happening in popular culture, the place to go is Instagram.


I'm also on LinkedIn a lot and it is a great place to read good content, on marketing, on news, on what's happening in the world in terms of good pieces of creatives, especially what they have been inspired by. 


What marketing-related content do you consume in your free time?


I don't consume market-related content in my free time. I do a lot of that during my work time. If I'm on LinkedIn looking at content, I see what other brands have worked on.


Also, a lot of marketing content may feel like it's entertainment. But, to be a good marketer, one needs to really understand what is happening in popular culture. And if you don't understand popular culture very well, you will not really be able to feel the pulse of the country.


When you're trying to build a campaign and you think of insights, your insights will be very theoretical. So whether it's watching movies on OTT, going to cinemas to watch movies, you'll see so much of popular culture there.


So, for me, any and every place where I go is a place to just get insights about what's happening in this country. What are the aims and aspirations of people? What is the cultural fabric and social fabric of the country? What are people talking about? What are the insights? How is the new generation behaving?


I'll give you one example – the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani. It was the world coming together to celebrate the pre-wedding of a couple from India's richest family. But for me, it was an amazing experience in earned media. My thought was process was that none of that content was paid media. But imagine how they would have thought about how we drive visibility? How do we make this event the most talked about event? And that happened.


And for me, a big insight as a marketer was when I think of my campaigns, ‘How do I really use the power of earned media to do something similar to that scale?’


That's my learning. If I can ever build a campaign of mine to that scale where it is the most talked about event on the weekend, I would have really done amazing as a marketer. So while people saw it as a means of entertainment, my biggest lesson was the amazing use of earned media to drive visibility about your campaign, and about your brand.


There’s a lot of talk of burnout, workplace toxicity and the hustle culture. What steps have you taken to avoid the always-on culture? And what advice would you give your peers, colleagues and next-gen marketers?


The lines are blurring between personal time and office time, which is good and which is bad. The good part is that you're always thinking about how you can get an insight from anybody and not switching off from that perspective. And, you're just learning.


But I'm on LinkedIn on the weekend. I'm learning something. So I may not be sending emails. But am I using it to become a better marketer and if I'm a better marketer, I can help drive better campaigns for Kotak. But what we have to be very careful of is to respect the personal time and personal spaces of people.


So as a practice, we don't work on the weekends and unless there is an unavoidable event like declaring annual results or quarterly results on the weekend, or a board meeting on the weekend, a media event or a media conference, then we work on a Saturday. But that should be an exception and not the norm. So therefore, everyone gets those two days to just unwind, spend time with friends, families, entertain themselves, play, and make sure that they're fit, and just come back recharged and energised on Monday. But at the same time, there are people who want to work on the weekends.


I have lots of meetings during the week and therefore, I do not get a lot of thinking time during the week. So I keep a part of my Saturday just to kind of do my thinking. What are the things which are on top of my mind? What do I want to do about some of those things? Who are the people I want to speak to? So that kind of gives me a clear direction when I come back to work on Monday, I'm very clear what I want to drive this week.


When I send out an email or a message to someone on the weekend, I'm very clearly telling that person that ‘I don't expect you to respond to this message. I may not have time to send emails on a working day.’ But I'm very clear that I want my team to respond at a time when it is feasible to you and there is no pressure on anyone to immediately respond to an email. 


When I was in Singapore, I had joined a badminton club and was a part of a group who would play badminton every morning on Saturday and Sunday and then sit down for a cup of tea after that. So, that was like a weekend ritual which really made me fit as well as got me bonding with a valuable set of friends.


I was an avid biker. I would kind of bike every alternate day or run to just spend a lot of time outdoors while I was in Singapore. I don't do a lot of that here in Bombay. But I kind of regularly go to the gym on alternate days. I do yoga twice a week which keeps me fit. It also channelises my mind and energises me.


What are you watching or streaming this weekend?


I have been watching the IPL (Indian Premier League) these days. My girls play cricket for Singapore and one of them is a CSK (Chennai Super Kings) fan. She loves Dhoni (MS Dhoni) and I'm a Mumbai Indians fan. So, we have a bit of a rivalry.

Other than that, we kind of share notes on IPL every day. So that's our common ground.

Any work hack or life hack you swear by?

I wish I could become a bit more disciplined with my time. I'm not very good with my time. For me, one work hack I always try to follow is to be prepared for a meeting. I always prefer to have a pre-read for a meeting so that I can read before I go to the meeting. I'm clear about what this meeting is for.


Then, I avoid people making presentations at meetings because I feel that when you get together as a group, you should spend more time discussing the issue and finding solutions rather than spend most of your time where people presenting to each other. 


I always basically ask a simple question: What does success look like for you in the meeting? And by the time you end the meeting, you should be able to ask the same person the question: ‘Do you think the meeting got you what you wanted?’


If the answer is yes, it's a successful meeting. Otherwise, we wasted everyone's time.


What happens in a workplace is you just get pulled into various meetings. And you need to make sure that meetings where you don't add value, you should try and cancel 50 percent of meeting. And use that time to do thinking and talking to people. That's a much better use of time. Secondly, have an agenda for the meeting, have a pre-read for the meeting, be prepared. And basically try and have expectations clear for the people who organise the meetings so that you can deliver those expectations. That's really my work hack.


The other work hack I always try to do is for every mail that you write back to a person, do you think you can have a better outcome if you pick up the phone and speak to that person?


That will also help you build a more personal equation with the person rather than sending two mails to and fro. So that's what I try to do. Of course, if it's one to many people, I write an email. But if it's one-on-one, the best thing is to pick up the phone and speak. So those are the two hacks which I try to follow. 


What are you reading? Any recommendations?


We got a new CEO and he gave us two wonderful books to read. One is called ‘The Secret Lives of Customers’. The second book is called ‘Competing Against Luck’. I've read the first one. It's a fabulous read. It takes a theoretical concept of jobs to be done. It lands on a simple philosophy that consumers have needs. They have jobs that they want to do. For those jobs, they hire brands.


If those brands and products do their job very well, they rehire those brands. If they don't, they fire those brands. So if you really want to be a preferred brand, you should understand what is the job for which the consumer wants to hire you and to be able to do that very well.


And that's really the concept of jobs to be done, which I learned at Unilever and brought here to Kotak, is beautifully explained in a very storytelling way. 


A piece of wisdom you would like to share?


As a marketer, always start with keeping the consumer at the heart of everything you do. Always start with understanding what are the needs of the customer – whether they are stated or latent. Be the voice of the consumer in the room. And build products and solutions which really answer those needs. 


If your product doesn't really answer the needs of the customer, then the customer is not going to buy it. 


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/honasa-consumers-anuja-mishra-when-you-go-to-work-like-youre-going-to-school-it-paves-the-way-to-enlightenment-15082.htm">Honasa Consumer’s Anuja Mishra: When you go to work like you're going to school, it paves the way to enlightenment</a>

Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Rohit Bhasin: Marketers must keep consumers at the heart of everything

HCLTech, and Cricket Australia (CA), the national governing body for the game in Australia announced the extension of their partnership for the forthcoming T20 Cricket World Cup 2024, marking a significant milestone in their collaborative journey.

As Australia enters the world cup with a special Indian connection, they will be donning the jersey with a global IT brand- HCLTech on their sleeves and in the trunk top of their training kit again. With this it would be strengthening the partnership with CA in the upcoming T20 cricket world cup in 2024.

HCLTech has been instrumental in digitally transforming Cricket Australia's landscape through innovative solutions, and has revolutionized Cricket Australia's digital assets, including cricket.com.au, the Cricket Australia Live app, and MyCricket (now PlayCricket). Moreover, HCLTech's contributions have streamlined numerous community cricket processes, enhancing the overall cricketing experience for
players and fans alike.

HCLTech and Cricket Australia delivering innovation on the biggest stage and have partnered to deliver the high impact technology in the game of cricket. 


HCLTech and Cricket Australia extend their partnership for T20 Cricket World Cup 2024

Laneige, a Korean beauty brand has introduced Sara Tendulkar as its brand ambassador in India. Along with the announcement of a new Brand Ambassador, Laneige unveiled its Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask.

Sara Tendulkar, Brand Ambassador, Laneige India, commented, “I am thrilled to be part of Laneige's family. As someone with a biomedical background that makes way for a keen understanding of quality as well as a personal passion for skincare, I admire the brand's commitment to innovation and have been using their products for quite a while. It brings me immense excitement and humility to partner with Laneige, as their core belief in the radiance of each person's unique individuality resonates deeply with me."

At the launch, Paul Lee, Managing Director & Country Head of Amorepacific India, added, "Laneige proudly announces Sara Tendulkar as its Brand Ambassador, embracing her vibrant energy. Sara symbolizes the modern, self-assured youth advocating that beauty transcends mere appearances. With Sara onboard, Laneige aims to connect with a broader audience."

Mini Sood Banerjee, Assistant Director & Head of Marketing and Training Amorepacific India said, "As Laneige's journey evolves, we are thrilled to welcome Sara Tendulkar into our family as the embodiment of timeless grace and modern elegance. Her vibrant spirit and innate charm perfectly resonate with Laneige's commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty. Together, we embark on a new chapter, celebrating authenticity and the transformative power of skincare."

"We are delighted to announce Sara Tendulkar as the new Brand Ambassador for Laneige," said Sally Lee, Brand General Manager of Laneige India. Sara's luminous charm and timeless elegance resonate deeply with our brand's values. Sara's deeper integration into the Laneige experience marks a remarkable milestone, fostering deeper connections with a burgeoning generation of consumers."






Korean beauty brand Laneige ropes in Sara Tendulkar as brand ambassador

Raymond delivered its highest-ever annual revenue of Rs 9,286 Cr and EBITDA of Rs 1,575 Crore with the EBITDA margin of 17.0 percent. Despite the Lifestyle business witnessing subdued consumer demand and challenging market conditions, Raymond's focused business approach across its operations led to robust growth in the Branded Apparel, Garmenting, and Real Estate segments, resulting in a double-digit revenue growth of 11 percent in FY24 as compared to previous year. The Real Estate segment secured a total booking value of Rs 2,249 Crore.


During this quarter, revenue increased by 23 percent YoY, reaching Rs 2,688 Crore, with highest-ever EBITDA of Rs 516 Crore and EBITDA margin of 19.2 percent. 

Branded Apparel business, witnessing increase in revenue from Rs 332 Crore in Q4FY23 to Rs 409 Crore in Q4FY24, representing a growth of 23 percent. In Q4FY24, the company recorded a total booking value of Rs 840 Crore, primarily driven by the launch of 'The Address by GS, Bandra,'; 62 percent of the launched inventory sold within 40 days.

During the quarter Raymond completed the business acquisition of Maini Precision Product Ltd. With this Raymond Group forays into sunrise sectors of Aerospace, Defense and EV components business. Going ahead post consolidation, through a composite scheme of arrangements, two subsidiaries will be created. One will focus on aerospace & defense, while the other will cater to the auto components with EV and engineering consumables sector, each
charting its unique path of growth with a primary objective of value creation.

In line with the strategic initiatives, the proposed demerger of Lifestyle Business is progressing as planned, having already received SEBI, shareholder, and creditor approval. Further, NCLT hearing is scheduled on 9th May 24 for the approval of Demerger.

Commenting on the performance, Gautam Hari Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, Raymond Limited said; “I am satisfied with the performance across businesses, and they have demonstrated consistent growth throughout the year. Our Lifestyle business showed strong perseverance and recorded growth despite headwinds and muted consumer demand. For our Real Estate business, we have maintained strong booking momentum particularly with the launch of our first JDA project in Bandra, Mumbai. We remain committed to delivering value to stakeholders and are confident in our ability to capitalize on growth opportunities, ensuring sustained success in the future. We have our three verticals vis Lifestyle, Real Estate & Engineering business that are future growth engines which is in line with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat.



Raymond delivers highest annual revenue of Rs 9,286 crore

GreenCell Mobility's NueGo, India's leading electric intercity bus brand, is thrilled to announce its partnership with the much-anticipated Bollywood film “SRIKANTH”, starring the talented Rajkummar Rao.


As part of this venture, travellers can earn 10 percent discount on all routes by using the code "SRIKANTH" when booking through the NueGo App and website.


The limited-time offer is valid until May 30, 2024.


Devndra Chawla, chief executive officer & managing director, GreenCell Mobility said, "We are excited to collaborate with the movie 'SRIKANTH' and its talented lead actor Rajkummar Rao. This partnership aligns with NueGo's mission of providing a safe, comfortable, and sustainable travel experience to our guests, while also raising awareness about eco-friendly inter-city electric bus transportation among a broader audience."


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/spencers-retail-devendra-chawla-joins-green-cell-mobility-as-ceo-5475.htm">Spencer's Retail Devndra Chawla joins GreenCell Mobility as CEO</a>

NueGo teams up with T-Series film “SRIKANTH” starring Rajkummar Rao

Philips has launched a limited- edition trimmer that is co-designed by  Virat Kohli. Crafted to match the expectations of modern men.

Commenting on the launch, Deepali Agarwal, Business Head - Personal Health, Philips Indian Subcontinent, stated " At Philips, we are thrilled to launch the first-ever exclusive limited-edition Philips Beard Trimmer 1000, co-designed by legendary Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. This partnership brings together world class Philips technology with Virat's visionary input to craft a grooming masterpiece. It brings together two leaders in different realms of life who believe in being the best-in-class – Philips as a leader in men’s grooming devices and Virat as a world-class professional sports star. This first-ever limited-edition Philips Beard Trimmer 1000 is designed for young Indian men, many of whom are cricketing fans and can now own this exclusive grooming tool co-designed by Virat. At Philips, we invite consumers and fans alike to embrace a piece of Virat's legacy."

Virat Kohli, Philips India Male Grooming Brand Ambassador expressed his excitement, stating, “Partnering with Philips India to co-design this trimmer marks a special milestone for me. It's not just about endorsing a product; it's about infusing my personal experiences into every aspect of its design. Over the years, Philips has been my grooming companion, evolving alongside my style and needs. This collaboration is an extension of that journey—a blend of innovation and familiarity that reflects my own grooming evolution. I'm excited to share this trimmer, crafted with a personal touch, with all those who, like me, value both style and convenience in their grooming routine.”

Philips India launches limited-edition trimmer co-designed by Virat Kohli

Amagi announced that the 11th edition of the Amagi Global FAST Report continues to show double-digit growth for the global FAST industry over the last year. Comparing the 10th edition growth rates (Q4 2023 vs. 2022) with the current edition (Q1 2024 vs. 2023), this latest analysis indicated sustained advancement across key metrics, with an uptick in channel growth (28 percent vs. 25 percent), ad impressions (35 percent vs. 28 percent), and hours of viewing (HOV) (42 percent vs. 26 percent). These findings reaffirm FAST’s status as the fastest growing business model and highly sought experience within the streaming ecosystem.

“The 11th edition of the Amagi Global FAST report provides valuable insights into content preferences and viewing habits across diverse regions,” said FASTMaster Gavin Bridge, VP of Media Research at CRG Global. “By shedding light on the popularity of news in the U.S. and the dominance of entertainment in EMEA and LATAM, this report underscores the importance of understanding regional nuances to drive growth and engagement within the FAST ecosystem. As the upfront season unfolds, it is crucial for media companies to leverage these findings to inform their strategies and better serve the needs of their audiences.”

The newly released Amagi Global FAST Report offers critical data and insights derived from more than 50 FAST services and 5,000+ channels using Amagi THUNDERSTORM, the company's cutting-edge server-side ad insertion (SSAI) platform. Additionally, the report incorporates findings from the 2024 Amagi Consumer Survey, which reflects the preferences and viewing habits of nearly 500 U.S. households across various income brackets.

Key takeaways from the Amagi Global FAST Report include:

Continued Growth in FAST Viewership: The report identifies a robust increase in FAST viewership, with a double-digit growth in monthly active users (MAU) across all of Amagi's FAST platforms (ranging from 25-75% YoY). This growth, which outpaces that of established streaming models like SVOD and AVOD, underscores FAST services as a leading choice for digital entertainment, driven largely by new channel launches.


Diversification and Global Reach: Initially focused on U.S.-centric, news-heavy content, FAST services are now broadening their offerings. The introduction of numerous non-news channels has significantly contributed to viewership growth, with the entertainment genre leading in regions like EMEA and LATAM. This shift toward a more diverse and globally inclusive content strategy caters to a much broader audience.

Significance of O&O Channels: Owned and operated (O&O) channels are pivotal, making up about 25% of the top-performing FAST channels, particularly in popular genres such as music, news, and entertainment. These channels significantly enhance viewer engagement and retention by leveraging proprietary content.

Increase in Ad Impressions: Alongside viewership growth, there has been a notable increase in ad impressions, with APAC and LATAM still showing triple-digit growth while EMEA experienced a 111% rise in HOV and a 119% increase in ad impressions. This trend reflects growing advertiser confidence in FAST platforms as effective advertising mediums.

Addressing the Paradox of Choice: 86% of consumers spend considerable time deciding what to watch next, a dilemma that FAST's linear, "always-on" viewing experience can resolve. This not only enhances viewer satisfaction by reducing choice overload but also mitigates potential ad revenue losses for platforms, positioning FAST channels to expand their influence across all streaming platforms.

For industry professionals, advertisers, content creators, and media enthusiasts who want to delve deeper into these findings and explore their implications for the future of broadcasting and advertising, Amagi is offering an on-demand webinar, “What's on FAST? Tracking the content landscape and viewership trends.” Bridge joins Siva Natarajan, SVP of Strategy & Business Operations at Amagi, to discuss the latest findings of the Amagi Global FAST Report, with specific focus on topics such as the growth driven by new channels, the role of sports in FAST, the presence of FAST channels in non-FAST services, and the improvement in ad impressions and fill rates.

"The 11th edition of the Amagi Global FAST Report provides unmatched data and analysis on this burgeoning FAST ecosystem," said Srinivasan KA, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Amagi. "Amagi's reports continue to provide detailed insights, resulting in a more comprehensive analysis with each iteration. As viewer habits and content monetization models continue to rapidly evolve, this report equips media companies, advertisers and ecosystem players with the insights they need to make informed decisions and chart a successful path forward in the complex modern media ecosystem."





86 percent consumers spend considerable time deciding what to watch next: Report

Lay's unveiled its limited-edition Dhoni collector's packs. Hosted at Le Marche, South Point Mall, it followed a social media post announcing the launch, Lay's set the internet abuzz. 


The packs offer a unique opportunity to own a piece of memorabilia and toast to Dhoni's phenomenal achievements on and off the field, stated the company.


Saumya Rathor, category lead – potato chips at PepsiCo India, kicked off the launch with excitement, stating, "With our limited-edition Dhoni packs, fans now have a new way to connect with their hero. These packs are a celebration of the colossal fandom that surrounds Dhoni, offering a unique collector's item for his die-hard fans. Dhoni's legendary spirit aligns perfectly with Lay's – both celebrate excellence and pure joy. The early access frenzy was a sixer, proving fans are amped to collect these keepsakes. We expect these limited-edition packs to be a prized possession for Dhoni devotees of all ages, making every match an unforgettable celebration.”


The nationwide launch of the Lay's Dhoni collector's packs is scheduled for May 4th, 2024.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/watch-listen/why-pepsico-indias-lays-launched-gourmet-chips-1669.htm">Why PepsiCo India’s Lay's launched gourmet chips</a>

Lay's introduces limited edition Dhoni packs

Swiggy's quick commerce vertical, Swiggy Instamart has appointed Himavant Srikrishna Kurnala as Senior Vice President (SVP) and Head of Product. 

Before this Kurnala was Chief Product Officer for JioMart where he oversaw Product, Program, Design, Analytics, and Marketplace trust functions.

Kurnala has also worked with companies like Amazon and Microsoft in his more than 20-year-long career.

Separately, Mayank Rajvaidya has joined as the Vice President (VP) of Fruits & Vegetables at Swiggy Instamart. Rajvaidya previously led Amazon’s Consumables Private Brands in India, where he expanded Amazon Pantry to over 300 cities.

Additionally, Manu Sasidharan joined Swiggy Instamart as Associate Vice President (AVP) of the FMCG Category. He has over 12 years of experience, predominantly in the e-commerce sector. Previously with Flipkart and Clertrip, Sasidharan was responsible for business development, setting up businesses, PnL management, and customer demand management.

The online food delivery platform has also appointed Kumar Rahul as AVP of development for Lynk. Rahul previously worked at Google, Disney+Hotstar, and Flipkart.

Swiggy announces three appointments for Swiggy Instamart

Swiggy Instamart has appointed Himavant Srikrishna Kurnala as Senior Vice President (SVP) and Head of Product

Nykaa, India’s leading beauty and fashion retailer, today announced the appointment of Sukhleen Aneja as Senior Vice President and Business Head for Kay Beauty, Nykaa’s first ever celebrity beauty brand in partnership with Katrina Kaif. Aneja's role will focus on propelling growth for Kay Beauty in International markets on the back of a successful launch in India. 

Aneja will also hold responsibility for Nyveda, a brand based on Ayurveda, as well as provide strategic directions for few of the young brands in wellness and personal care.

With over two decades of sales and marketing experiences across organizations like Unilever, L’Oreal and Reckitt Benckiser, she was most recently the CEO of Brands at Good Glamm. 

Adwaita Nayar, Executive Director Nykaa, CEO Nykaa Fashion & Head of Owned Brands said, “Sukhleen’s extensive experience in building customer-centric brands will be invaluable as we up our ambition on both brands." 

Nayar added, "For Kay Beauty specifically, her strategic vision, along with Katrina’s marketing mind and might, will enable the Rs.150Cr brand to scale to the next level both domestically and internationally". 

Launched in 2019, Kay Beauty is a celebrity makeup brand co-created by Nykaa and Katrina Kaif. Reaching sales of over Rs 150 cr annually, Kay beauty is extensively distributed across both online and offline channels including 150+ Nykaa stores and 450+ selective beauty retail outlets across India. 

Aneja said she is looking forward to driving growth and innovation in Kay Beauty and Nyveda; "Beauty continues to be under-penetrated in India and that’s where the opportunity lies for creating strong and powerful consumer first brands".




Nykaa ropes in Sukhleen Aneja as SVP and Business Head for Kay Beauty

Chandan Singh, who was the co-founder of Adda247, has moved on from the company. 

He stated, "I moved on from Adda247 last month. A bit late in sharing this but as they say, its tough to say goodbye and even post this with everyone."

"Looking back on the past 5 years, I feel incredibly grateful for the journey I’ve had here. Working with such talented and dedicated people has been an absolute privilege, and the memories we've made will always be special to me,: Singh wrote on LinkedIn platform.

"To my wonderful team, your hard work and passion have been the key to our success. Leading such a fantastic group has been one of the best parts of my time at Adda247. I’ll always remember the good times, the challenges we faced, and how we came together as a team," he added.

A graduate from IIM Ahmedabad, Singh began his career at Oracle and went on to work across PwC India, DTDC Express, Coverfox Insurance, and Naukri.com. In 2019 he joined as vice president of Adda247, and the next year he was promoted to the position of chief product officer. Singh was made the co-founder of Adda247 in 2022.

Adda247 is an ed-tech platform founded in 2016 by Anil Nagar and Saurabh Bansal. It offers online coaching for competitive exams in 12 Indian languages.

In July this year, Adda247 acquired Ekagrata Eduserv, making its foray into the Chartered Accountant (CA) test preparation segment.

Google, Info Edge, and West Bridge are some of the investors of Adda247.

Adda247's co-founder Chandan Singh steps down

Indian full-service airline Vistara will merge into Tata-owned Air India on November 12. Singapore Airlines said on Friday that it has received the Indian government's nod for foreign direct investment as part of the Air  India-Vistara merger. Vistara is a joint venture between Air India and Singapore Airlines (SIA). After the merger, SIA will acquire a 25.1% stake in Air India. The proposed merger was announced in November 2022, and The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved it in June this year.

On August 10, both airlines secured the CAR (Civil Aviation Requirement) 145 approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to integrate their aircraft line maintenance operations.

According to Tata SIA Airlines Ltd, the customers will not be able to make bookings with Vistara starting from September 3 onwards. "Starting 03 September 2024, customers will, progressively, no longer be able to make bookings with Vistara for travel on or after 12 November 2024," the company said.

However, Vistara will continue to take bookings and operate flights as usual till 11 November 2024. Air India will operate all Vistara aircraft. The bookings for the routes operated by these aircraft will be redirected to Air India's website.

Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer of Vistara, said in an official statement, "We are immensely grateful to all our customers for their support and patronage over the last 10 years. As we progress further in our growth journey, we want to emphasize that this merger is about offering them more choice with a larger fleet and a wider network, while elevating the overall travel experience. Vistara and Air India are committed to ensuring that this transition is smooth and hassle-free. We are excited about this new phase in our journey and look forward to welcoming our customers again soon - as Air India."

"The joint team looks forward to offering our guests an expanded network, additional flight options, an enhanced frequent flyer program, and the best of both antecedent airlines," Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, of Air India, said.



Vistara bookings to stop from next week onwards, merger with Air India from 12 Nov

At the 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Reliance Industries, Chairman Mukesh Ambani highlighted the exceptional performance and strategic growth of Network18’s news business.


As part of his address, Ambani said, “Our News business is reaching new heights. This is due to our focus on high-quality journalism. We lead in both general and business news. We are the only network in India with global ambitions. News18 was India's top TV network for election news. On June 4, the counting day, its reach was nearly 50% higher than the IPL final.


“CNBC-TV18 had an 82% viewership share on the Budget Day. This is in line with its weekly performance. CNN-News18 often outperforms all other channels combined. It has been number one for over two years,” he added.


Elaborating on Network18’s digital platforms, Ambani said, “Moneycontrol is transforming into an advanced fintech provider of data and analytics for users in India and beyond. It is unmatched in speed and accuracy. It has 70 million unique visitors. Our premium service, MC Pro, now has over 8,50,000 paid subscribers. This makes it a Top-10 subscription site globally and the largest in India.


“Firstpost is becoming a global news powerhouse. Its subscriber base has more than doubled in the last 12 months. In July, Firstpost recorded 127 million video views. This ranks it sixth among global peers. Firstpost is recruiting top talent to become the definitive global news destination from India.”


“I believe it is time for India, as the world's most populous nation, to assert its voice and gain its rightful space in the influential global media,” added Ambani.


Moneycontrol, India’s leading platform for money, markets, and business news, continues to dominate the market. Expanding its footprint in the fintech space, Moneycontrol now offers a suite of personal finance products, including personal loans and fixed deposits. Moneycontrol’s 7 crore+ daily users can now secure personal loans, start fixed deposits, track their mutual funds and stocks portfolio, manage all their bank accounts, check credit scores, and more. These new services, coupled with Moneycontrol Pro, which has over 8.5 lakh paid subscribers, solidify Moneycontrol’s position as the go-to destination for all financial needs.


Network18’s Firstpost has established itself as India’s fastest growing online video news platform, gaining over 5 million subscribers in less than 18 months. Its YouTube channel captured 110 mn+ video views, outperforming major global news platforms such as BBC News, Al Jazeera English, Sky News, DW and others. (YouTube viewership data from VidIQ, Mar’24)


Network18’s Business News channel, CNBC-TV18 sustained leadership in the Business News category with a 92.5% market share. CNN-News18, part of Network18’s News18 Network, has maintained its position as the number one English news channel for two consecutive years. Its Hindi News channel, News18 India has also been the leader in the Hindi news segment for over a two-year period. 


News18 was the preferred network of choice of consumers across the country during India’s General Elections 2024, highlighted by the fact that the reach of the network on the counting day was ~50% higher than that of IPL finale on TV. 


News18 Network operates a bouquet of 16 news channels in Hindi, English and regional languages.

“Moneycontrol transforming into advanced fintech player, Firstpost now a global news destination from India” says Mukesh Ambani

Quick commerce delivery platform Zepto's co-founder Kaivalya Vohra has been named the youngest person on the Hurun India Rich List 2024. Vohra is 21 and has remained the youngest entrepreneur on the list for the second time. His net worth is Rs 3,600 crore as per Hurun's data

Born in Bengaluru in 2003, Vohra first appeared on the Hurun List in 2022.

Zepto's other founder Aadit Palicha is the second-youngest billionaire on Hurun Rich List. Palicha, 22, has a net worth of Rs 4,300 crore.

Zepto’s valuation has skyrocketed, achieving unicorn status in August 2023 at $1.4 billion.

The Hurun Rich India list featured more than 1,500 individuals with a net worth above Rs 1,000 crore. The latest list showed the entry of 272 newcomers.

The other young entrepreneur that has been featured on the rich list are SG Finserve's Rohan Gupta & family, having a net worth of Rs 1,300 crore, 30-year-old Oyo founder Ritesh Agarwal (net worth Rs 1,900 crore),  Alakh Pandey, 32, founder of Physics Wallah (net worth of Rs 4,500 crore), Razorpay co-founders Harshil Mathur and Shashank Kumar, both 32, having net worth of Rs 8,700 crore each, BharatPe's Shashvat Nakrani, 26, having net worth of Rs 1,300 crore, and PNC Infratech's Vaibhav Jain, 28, having net worth of Rs 1,300 crore.

Zepto's Kaivalya Vohra, 21, tops Hurun India Rich list as youngest entrepreneur

Alice Walton, the Walmart heiress, has recently been crowned the world's wealthiest woman, surpassing Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the heiress to the L'Oréal cosmetics empire. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Walton's net worth soared beyond $95 billion, propelled by a remarkable 44% increase in Walmart's stock price this year, which added an impressive $25 billion to her fortune.

Walmart, which started as a small discount store in Rogers, Arkansas, has since grown into an iconic retail chain, renowned for its low prices and extensive reach. The brand's history is a testament to innovation and customer-centric strategies that revolutionized the retail industry. Today, Walmart operates thousands of stores across the globe, making it one of the largest and most recognizable retailers worldwide.

Who is Alice Walton?

Alice Walton, born on October 7, 1949, in Newport, Arkansas, is the only daughter of Sam and Helen Walton. While her brothers took on more active roles in the company, Alice charted a different path. She pursued her passion for art and philanthropy, establishing the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. The museum, which opened in 2011, reflects her deep commitment to the arts and houses and impressive collection of American masterpieces.

Despite her focus on art and charitable endeavours, Alice Walton's fortune has grown substantially due to her family's stake in Walmart. The company's continued success, driven by its dominance in the retail sector and innovative business practices, has solidified her position at the pinnacle of global wealth. As Walton's wealth continues to grow, she edges closer to joining the exclusive group of centi-billionaires, a list that includes notable figures such as Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffet.

World's richest woman

Walton's ascent to the title of the world's richest woman is also a significant milestone, as she surpasses Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the L'Oréal heiress, who previously held the top spot. Bettencourt Meyers with an estimated fortune of around $55 billion, derives her wealth from the global beauty empire founded by her grandfather. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Walton's net worth soared beyond $95 billion, propelled by a remarkable 44% increase in Walmart's stock prices this year, which added an impressive $25 billion to her fortune.

Alice Walton's journey is a symbol of the power of family legacy, business acumen, and a deep-seated commitment to personal passions. While her brothers may have steered Walmart's business operations, Alice's contributions to the arts and philanthropy have left an indelible mark on American culture. As the world's richest woman, her influence extends beyond the boardroom, reflecting a life dedicated to both wealth and giving back.

Who is Alice Walton - The world's richest woman?

Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the next Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Shah, who has served as the BCCI Honorary Secretary since October 2019 and Chair of the Asian Cricket Council since January 2021, will assume the role on December 1, 2024.


Shah was the sole nominee for the chairmanship after current Chair Greg Barclay decided not to seek a third term.

 
Upon his election, Shah expressed his intent to advancing the global reach and popularity of cricket, particularly with its upcoming inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympics—a moment he views as a pivotal opportunity for the sport’s growth.

 
“I am humbled by the nomination as the Chair of the International Cricket Council,” Shah stated.

 
“I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and our member nations to further globalize cricket. We stand at a critical juncture where it is increasingly important to balance the coexistence of multiple formats, promote the adoption of advanced technologies, and introduce our marquee events to new global markets. Our goal is to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before.”

 
He added, “While we will build on the valuable lessons learned, we must also embrace fresh thinking and innovation to elevate the love for cricket worldwide. The inclusion of our sport in the Olympics at LA 2028 represents a significant inflection point for the growth of cricket, and I am confident that it will drive the sport forward in unprecedented ways.”


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/jay-shah-set-to-become-youngest-icc-chairman-replacing-greg-barclay-40102.htm">Jay Shah set to become youngest ICC Chairman, replacing Greg Barclay </a>

Jay Shah elected as Independent Chair of International Cricket Council (ICC)

Walt Disney has reportedly sought the help of Morgan Stanley executive chairman James Gorman to find a replacement for its longtime CEO Bob Iger.

The entertainment firm on Wednesday named its board members, Reuters news agency reported. The board has extended Iger's retirement date five times, including his reappointment in 2022.

Iger has been the CEO of Walt Disney from 2005-2022. Last year, he said he would extend his stay through 2026 and would step down after his contract ends.

Gorman joined as a Disney director this year and oversaw the succession plan at Morgan Stanley. 

Disney's Chairman told Reuters that the succession plan is a top priority. The company said it was reviewing internal and external candidates for the CEO position.

According to Bloomberg news agency, apart from Gorman, Chairman Mark Parker, who oversaw a successful transition as CEO of Nike Inc., General Motors CEO Mary Barra, and Lululemon Athletica Inc. Calvin McDonald are other board members who are looking to Disney's succession.

Disney outlined its succession planning in regulatory filings. Last year, a committee was formed that met six times in fiscal 2023, reviewing the internal and external candidates and conducting interviews.

Walt Disney tasks Morgan Stanley's James Gorman to search for new CEO

If Jay Shah submits his nomination for the position of the next International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman, Rohan Jaitley is likely to succeed him as the next BCCI secretary, according to media reports. Shah is said to have the backing of 16 out of 15 ICC board members, making his election seem almost assured.


A report in Dainik Bhaskar states that there is a consensus around Rohan Jaitley, the current Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) president and son of the late politician Arun Jaitley. However, other senior BCCI officials, including the current president Roger Binny, will remain in their roles for the remainder of their terms, which extend for another year.


There remains uncertainty about whether Jay Shah is even interested in the ICC chairman role. He has yet to submit his nomination, with the deadline set for 27 August.


Outgoing ICC chairman Greg Barclay recently confirmed he will not seek a third term and will step down at the end of his current tenure in November.


“ICC Chair Greg Barclay confirmed to the Board that he will not stand for a third term and will step down from the post when his current tenure finishes at the end of November. Barclay was appointed as the Independent ICC Chair in November 2020, before being re-elected in 2022,” the ICC stated in a media release.


Shah, one of the most influential figures in the ICC boardroom, also serves on the global cricket governing body’s powerful Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) sub-committee.


Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar are the Indians who have previously led the ICC. At 35, Shah could become the youngest ever head of the global body.


According to ICC rules, the chairman’s election requires 16 votes, with a simple majority of nine votes (51%) needed for victory. Previously, a two-thirds majority was required to become chairman.

Rohan Jaitley may succeed Jay Shah as BCCI Secretary: Report

In an unprecedented display of online dominance, Cristiano Ronaldo's YouTube channel soared to over 30 million subscribers within just hours of its launch on August 21, 2024. The Al-Nassr forward achieved a staggering 1 million subscriber in just 90 minutes, obliterating the previous record of 7 days set by other high-profile creators. He was in no time presented with a gold plaque, which he revealed on a social media post.

The channel which goes by the name UR Cristiano, currently has a whopping 45.3 million subscribers - again setting the record for the quickest YouTube channel to achieve that figure. 

The football legend's entrance into the YouTube arena has not only captured global attention but also set a new standard for the rapid scaling of digital platforms. The explosive growth is a testament to Ronaldo's immense global fanbase and his influence beyond the football field.

Ronaldo's channel, which promises exclusive content ranging from behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life to personal insights and footballing tips, has generated unfathomable excitement among fans. The channel's launch event was a whirlwind of anticipation and activity, reflecting the star's enduring appeal.

This rapid surge in subscribers mirrors other notable instances of fast-growing YouTube channels. For instance, in 2018, PewDiePie became the most-subscribed YouTuber in record time, while the MrBeast channel has witnessed a meteoric growth due to its viral challenges and philanthropy. Similarly, Jake Paul and Logan Paul both experienced swift escalations in their subscriber counts.

Ronaldo's phenomenal success launch on YouTube underscores the evolving landscape of digital presence of a celebrity, where traditional fame seamlessly integrates with social media prowess. As his channel continues to grow, fans and industry observers alike will be monitoring closely to see how this new digital venture influences the future of celebrity-driven content.

Swiggy announces three appointments for Swiggy Instamart

Swiggy Instamart has appointed Himavant Srikrishna Kurnala as Senior Vice President (SVP) and Head of Product

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