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Paytm's president and COO Bhavesh Gupta steps down

Representational image via Unsplash

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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

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Piyush Pandey

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

Nobody’s Perfect Retro Porsche Ad

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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

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In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, an omnichannel travel services provider has launched its Ghar Jao Vote Karo campaign. The Company’s strategy is two pronged: encourage citizens to vote and reward them for their efforts with a holiday discount & a free travel bag once they vote.

Election Commission data revealed that of the eligible population, 67.11 percent cast their vote in the 2019 general elections. A challenge impacting the turnout was the migrating Indian population, moving from Tier II and III cities into urban towns/metros. Thomas Cook India recognising the importance of every vote, has hence conceptualised its campaign to create awareness while gratifying the voter with incentives, stated the company. 


Thomas Cook India’s Ghar Jao Vote Karo campaign will extend till June 1, 2024, to encourage Indians to exercise their right to vote by flying back to their respective hometowns - where they have been registered as voters. 


As part of the campaign, the pre-election offer includes a discount of Rs. 1,000 off on return air tickets (per adult) on providing proof via any official document such as their Voter ID/ Aadhaar Card, etc. The last date of flight departure is June 1, 2024, synchronised with the last date of polling.

 
Several voting dates this year coincide with India’s summer vacation season. Hence, in its initiative to recognise and reward active participation in the electoral process, Thomas Cook India will offer a special post-voting holiday discount- for its domestic and international group tours (Rs. 3000 off on its Domestic Group Tours or Rs. 5000 off on its International Group Tours, per family). The process is simple: customers merely need to display their inked finger at any of Thomas Cook’s extensive retail outlets pan India and avail the offer. The exclusive post-voting holiday discount is valid up to July 31, 2024.

 
With many election dates falling on Mondays, Thomas Cook’s data reveals that with travel high on their consideration, Indians are likely to extend their weekends into ‘smart weekend holidays’ thus accelerating the emerging trend of ‘Election Tourism', added the company.


Abraham Alapatt, president and group head - marketing, service quality, value added services and innovation said, “With our Ghar Jao Vote Karo campaign, we want to inspire Indians to vote – especially if they need to travel to their hometowns to exercise their franchise. Our intent is two-fold - motivate Indians pre-voting to make the effort and to thank them post-voting, with a special holiday offer of a discount and a travel bag. The campaign message of Ghar Jao Vote Karo - also makes for engaging social sharing - that we believe, will not just encourage voters but also serve to amplify this important message to others as well.” 


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/thomas-cook-india-foresees-continued-growth-in-leisure-travel-despite-elevated-costs-28239.htm">Thomas Cook India foresees continued growth in leisure travel despite elevated costs</a>

Thomas Cook India aims to motivate voters with its ‘Ghar Jao Vote Karo’ campaign

Much is being said about Gen Zers and the challenge that youth brands face in reaching out to these groups of original digital natives. The best way to analyse any tough challenge is to decode the issues and get down to the basics. The same approach could help with Gen Z youth.

Gen Z denotes those born between 1995 and 2010. Since this represents the first generation that was at ease in zooming into the Internet, the ‘Z’ refers to ‘zoomer’. Understandably, Gen Zers are tech-savvy, progressive, globally-connected, individualistic and radically inclusive, to mention just a few of their characteristics. That is why brand marketers are usually advised to create alluring social media content in attracting Gen Z consumers. Yet, this is easier said than done. Let’s understand why.

Fluid, Fiercely Independent and More

To begin with, Gen Zers are a difficult-to-define generation. It’s the fluidity and fierce independence that has made Gen Zers so challenging to get through for brands. Research insights from Horizon Media reveal another aspect that makes them a tough nut to crack for marketers – their preference for going niche. Accordingly, brands are advised to follow the niche route and avoid the norm when it comes to courting and connecting with the seemingly contradictory nature of Gen Zers. Protracted periods of social isolation, especially during the pandemic, have created an influential generation that hankers for niche pursuits and like-minded cohorts.
 
Mass Niche and Other Key Insights

Two key findings from this research tell a tale in themselves. First, to find new content connected to their novel passions, 89 percent of Gen Zers bank on social media. Second, 65 percent view themselves as really big fans of something. 

More significantly, compared to older generations, the youth is 30% more inclined to believe that enjoying many ‘small interests’ is a better option than restricting themselves to in-depth subjects that are fewer. In a nutshell, this generation is spearheading the era of mass niche.

Additionally, along this transformative journey, they are creating and redefining their individuality across several subcultures each day. As a result, Gen Zers are no longer passive observers within their groups but have turned into active participants within these communities who are co-creating stories while forming strong bonds across varied subcultures. Gen Zers don’t feel the pressure of conforming to their peers and believe strongly in standing apart. 
 
The Significance of Subcultures

Again, it is imperative to decode the meaning of subcultures. In essence, it signifies groups of people who distance or differentiate themselves from the values and norms of mainstream society. In the case of Gen Z, this is determined by the search for community-oriented experiences that encourage them to connect via their interests and passion.

It is these trends, beliefs and insights of Gen Zers that brands must comprehend and connect with to get their messaging across. Social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels have triggered big-time shifts in how these groups consume and search, boosting the potency of such subcultures. Given this backdrop, brands should appreciate the role of social media in driving Gen Z culture and consumption. Irrespective of the channel, brands need to embrace a social-first approach to connect with the target audiences they influence.

Some of the subcultures cover categories such as Entertainment, Retail, Sports, Music, Gaming and Identity, among others. Consider the Comfort Creators. The self-care enthusiasts grant permission to unwind in the current hustle culture without entirely disconnecting. The Copyconomists crowdsource cost-smart workarounds that make sure they top the latest trends without busting the bank. As for the Country Revivers, they embrace the light-hearted folk sensibility of country music, remixing for a more diverse, broader audience. Then there are the TALE-gaters, who craft narratives in the world of sports that stretch beyond scoreboards and invite wider audiences to enjoy and engage in sports fandom.

A Flashback to Further Understand Gen Zers

In doing a recap, it’s no surprise that the Internet usage of Gen Zers zoomed during the pandemic when the best way to pass time was to download videos and create a few themselves. Some of the most influential trends went viral during this period, forever transforming Gen Z culture.

The soaring Internet consumption meant Gen Zers dived deeper into this online realm and began discovering what interested them the most. A sizeable section of this youthful generation realised they could really be themselves online. It is this feeling of freedom that propelled Gen Z subcultures.
However, some brands may still be wondering why they should focus on Gen Z subcultures. That is necessary since subcultures have emerged as the new demographics for this young generation. If marketers want productive outcomes for their brand campaigns, the way forward lies in targeting relevant community groups that spur higher engagement rates. This is primarily because these audiences are eagerly waiting to consume content that resonates with their niche values. 

For brands seeking to engage with Gen Z subcultures, it is crucial to choose a clear cultural line, not spread the net far and wide for everything. Instead, marketers must choose what best represents their brand while paying attention to the youth in these communities and subcultures. That is the only way brand stories will resonate with these youth who have a mind of their own and prefer to stay away from the social herd.
Ultimately, it is only by connecting with subcultures that brands can win the chance to build authentic connections with Gen Zers. This is the best way to create winning propositions for both brands and Gen Zers.


The article is written by Rahul Arora, National Sales Head, Rusk Media. Views expressed are personal.

Gen Z subcultures: What does it mean for youth brands?

Alphabet paid $20 billion to Apple in 2022 to maintain its status as the default search engine on Safari, Apple’s web browser. As per a report by Bloomberg, the amount Google paid in 2021 was around $15 billion.

The numbers were disclosed through documents which are a part of the US Department of Justice’s antitrust lawsuit against Google. One of the main premise of the antitrust case is how Google’s deal with Apple has monopolised online search business.

The amount paid by Google to Apple has increased in the last couple of years. It was $15 billion in 2021 and the recent increase shows the growing importance of maintaining a default position in a world where search engines drive significant advertising revenue — especially for Google, as per rpeorts.

Apple does give users a choice to change the search engine on all of its devices. There are options like Bing, DuckDuckGo available to users. However, by default, Google Search is set as the primary search engine in Safari on iPhones, iPads and Macs. Google does get a readymade vast customer base as Apple has billions of activated devices.

The deal also highlights the competitive landscape of the tech industry, where companies like Microsoft have attempted to negotiate similar agreements with Apple, albeit unsuccessfully. In fact, it was reported that Microsoft wanted to sell Bing to Apple. The DOJ has argued that the deal stifles competition and give an unfair advantage to already dominant players in the market.




Alphabet paid $20 billion to Apple to maintain its status as the default search engine

Shashi Sinha is a true Media Maven of India’s advertising industry and one of the key figures shaping its future, not only in terms of cultivating next-gen talent but also helping define the rules by which media companies play. Sinha is the CEO of leading media investments group IPG Mediabrands which has firms like Lodestar, Initiative and BPN, driving media planning and buying for the country’s biggest advertisers. He is also the current chairman of industry body BARC which is the Broadcast Audience Research Council. In a special candid chat with Storyboard18's editor Delshad Irani, Sinha revealed his succession plan for the first time as he shared his outlook on cultivating and fostering talent. He also shared his take on the sweeping changes disrupting advertising and the media landscape. 

Edited excerpts. 

The advertising industry is witnessing a talent bleed. What is your approach to cultivating and fostering talent? 

There are two parts to talent - quality talent and culture, and they are intertwined. Quality talent is how you compensate and the truth of the matter is that compensation in agencies is under pressure right now. We're competing with ourselves and we're undercutting each other. As a result you're not able to get the right talent and pay them well and retain them. The industry association led by PK (Prasanth Kumar of GroupM) has realised that and we are moving towards asking for what is rightfully ours from clients, and clients will also give, if you explain to them this is what it takes to have quality talent. But that's a long haul. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">In a special episode of Media Dialogues With <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandStoryboard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrandStoryboard</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/delshad_irani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@delshad_irani</a> speaks to a true Media Maven Shashi Sinha, CEO of <a href="https://twitter.com/IPG_Mediabrands?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IPG_Mediabrands</a> &amp; the current chairman of industry body BARC. Sinha shares his outlook while giving his take on the sweeping changes disrupting AdEx… <a href="https://t.co/WxFKjsSEj4">pic.twitter.com/WxFKjsSEj4</a>&mdash; CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) <a href="https://twitter.com/CNBCTV18News/status/1785655206476128531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

What are some of the steps? 

We undercut ourselves. We say, "Listen, I will give it to you cheaper." How do you get cheaper?... So, we are saying that there has to be some table stakes and you don't go below table stakes. We're working on it. But the other important part is culture. 

We have leaders who have been with us for years. The culture fosters it. Given half a chance I will promote a person from inside rather than get someone from outside. 

They play together, they work together, you're building teams, and that's true for the entire organisation. We were in a very large client review and we put up a slide saying in the last five years, 95% of the people on the account have been constant. So the team has gone up on that account from 40 to 80. But the old people are not gone, they're still there. That's a remarkable story to tell in this day and age.

Someone could have said 'but you're not getting fresh thinking'. I say the fresh thinking is there because there are new people coming on, but the leadership has been there, and that provides continuity. So there are two ways of looking at the data. 

Rightly or wrongly, as I said, in my mind, I will always pick up an insider whether they are 80 or 70 percent ready rather than someone from outside. There are some clients who believe that and some who don't. Many clients like Amul see the value in such continuity. They've had changes from their side, we've had changes from our side, but they are all insiders and we're all insiders. To some clients (like startups) it doesn't matter. 

It's a large market. Those who believe in what I am staying will work with us. 

What do you think of succession planning? Have you thought about it? 

Without getting into names, I did speak to our global team and I said, it is for you to decide but this is the way I see it. We have charted out a future and I have said 'there has to be someone from within, you let me know and I am happy to handle the transition'. Hopefully, if all goes well, we will come back to you and talk about it. We have a plan. Whether the plan fructifies or not, depends on how the global environment is. 

Watch the full interview on Media Dialogues with Storyboard18 on CNBC-TV18. 

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<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/interviews/barc-to-launch-new-meters-to-measure-premium-households-exclusive-29269.htm">Read more: BARC to launch new meters to measure premium households: EXCLUSIVE</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/ipg-mediabrands-india-ceo-shashi-sinha-is-considered-a-pillar-of-the-ad-industry-heres-why-18238.htm">Read more: IPG Mediabrands India CEO Shashi Sinha is considered a pillar of the ad industry. Here’s why</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/interviews/d2m-will-be-the-upi-moment-for-content-shashi-sinhas-snap-take-on-me-growth-and-disruptions-26473.htm">Read more: D2M will be the UPI moment for content: Shashi Sinha's snap take on M&E growth and disruptions</a>

IPG Mediabrands chief Shashi Sinha's succession plan revealed; 'It has to be someone from within...'

Girish Mathrubootham, who led Freshworks, a cloud based software-as-a-service company as the chief executive officer, has been transitioned to the position of executive chairman.

Dennis Woodside, who is the president, at Freshworks, succeeds Mathrubootham as the CEO.

Mathrubootham highlighted, "After spending almost 14 years since founding Freshworks as a tiny startup in Chennai to scaling it to be a global SaaS player and the first Indian SaaS company to list on the Nasdaq, I’m excited to announce that I’m stepping into a new role as Executive Chairman of Freshworks. Dennis Woodside, our President, will be our new CEO. Congratulations to Dennis today on his new role as CEO and President of Freshworks."

He added, "Going forward I will be spending more time on product vision and AI strategy, and I look forward to spending additional time with our product teams in India and customers globally."

Woodside stated, "Today I’m honored to step into the role of CEO at Freshworks. What Girish has created is truly special and I’m excited to build on what he started 14 years ago. Thank you, Girish, for your partnership and friendship over the last 18 months. We stand before extraordinary opportunities and have the right foundation to make them possible - a winning combination of our focus on delighting customers and our product innovation."

Mathrubootham started his career at HCL Cisco ODC, and went on to work across eFORCE, AdventNet and Zoho Corporation.


Freshworks appoints its CEO Girish Mathrubootham as executive chairman

Wonderchef has partnered with Unicommerce to power its e-commerce operations. The partnership aims at streamlining Wonderchef’s e-commerce supply chain and enhancing the post-purchase experience for its end customers.

Wonderchef has deployed Unicommerce’s multichannel order management system to automate order processing across its brand website and online marketplaces. This will allow Wonderchef to enable seamless and faster order processing, with increased accuracy. The system will also enable Wonderchef to effectively manage its return orders, thereby reducing its operational costs.

With continuous addition of newer products, the brand has been witnessing higher demand for its products and the integration of Unicommerce’s technology will enhance its post-purchase operations, leading to increased customer satisfaction.

Focusing on enhancing its distribution strategy, Wonderchef has embedded Unicommerce into its technology stack for smoother order processing. Talking about its strategy moving forward, Ravi Saxena, Founder & CEO of Wonderchef said, “We have a clear vision with technology leading our way in our distribution channels. With the help of Unicommerce’s reliable platform, we are confident of being ahead of the competition as our innovative products are already seeing good traction in Indian as well as overseas markets. Our e-commerce supply chain has been strengthened, which will ultimately lead to improved customer loyalty as moving forward.”

Speaking about the partnership, Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce said, “The e-commerce market in India is witnessing growth across the kitchenware segment and with this partnership, Unicommerce is committed to enhancing the post-purchase experience for Wonderchef’s customers. With their innovative products and a strong distribution strategy, Unicommerce’s platform will work as a catalyst in driving their e-commerce operations.”

Unicommerce is India’s largest e-commerce enablement SaaS platform in the transaction processing layer, in terms of revenue for the financial year concluded March 2022. The company’s suite of SaaS solutions enables end-to-end management of e-commerce operations for brands, retailers, marketplaces and logistics service providers. The company has a consistently growing Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and Revenue. As of quarter ending September 2023, Unicommerce has achieved a 750 million+ Annual Transaction run-rate, serving over 3500 customers, managing 8000+ warehouses, and processing orders from 1900+ stores through its platform.

 

Wonderchef partners with Unicommerce to power its e-commerce operations

Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the country’s leading carmaker, announces the commencement of pre-bookings for the highly anticipated
4th generation Epic New Swift for Rs 11,000/-. In this All new generation, the Epic New Swift builds on its signature sporty design while enhancing its dynamism and fun-to-drive quotient, the company said in a statement. 

Maruti Suzuki’s Swift has been India’s No. 1 premium hatchback with over 29 lakh owners since its launch. Maruti said, "With a cult fan following, this sporty premium hatchback has constantly redefined the segment benchmark for sporty and dynamic driving performance. Now, the Epic New Swift is poised to build on this rich legacy in a truly Epic manner!" 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/maruti-suzuki-revs-up-for-growth-new-marketing-chief-partho-banerjee-hints-at-soaring-ad-spends-28963.htm">Read more: Maruti Suzuki revs up for growth: New marketing chief Partho Banerjee hints at soaring ad spends</a>

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “The Swift has been an iconic brand for Maruti Suzuki, one that has evolved with changing times to redefine customer expectations. Its 29 lakh strong customer base and numerous awards and accolades are a testament to how the iconic Swift has gone from strength to strength. The Epic New Swift stays true to its much loved sporty DNA, while balancing new-ageexpectations of environment friendliness with low emissions. As always, the next-generation Swift is all set to create new benchmarks in the premium hatchback segment and further the concept of the ‘Joy of Mobility’ in its own right.”

Read more: Maruti Suzuki goes beyond mileage focus; new marketing chief Partho Banerjee reveals the auto major's strategy
<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/interviews/maruti-suzuki-ditches-mileage-focus-new-boss-reveals-marketing-for-one-strategy-and-soaring-ad-spends-28985.htm"></a>

Maruti Suzuki starts pre-bookings for new Swift; Marketing head Partho Banerjee says it's an "iconic brand"

With a library of over 8500+ hours of content transcending over 40 genres, discovery+ offers an extensive array of content, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences. From documentaries that delve into nature, science, history, and exploration into immersive reality shows that provide insights into various cultures and lifestyles, to original series that offer compelling storytelling right from the heart of India, discovery+ is a trove of of distinctive content. 

“Bringing discovery+ to Tata Play Binge represents a huge step forward in expanding our content offerings. The partners’ colossal lineup does not only showcase a myriad collection of genres but also promises entertainment in multiple local languages. This collaboration opens doors to an extensive range of riveting narratives, ensuring our viewers have access to the best of what Discovery+ has to offer, all in one place,” said Pallavi Puri, Tata Play’s Chief Commercial and Content Officer on another successful integration.

Adding to it, Ruchir Jain, Head of Distribution & Eurosport, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery, said, “We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Tata Play Binge. This partnership will enable their subscribers in India to seamlessly access discovery+ content. With our extensive library of exclusive documentaries, captivating series, and engaging originals, including acclaimed titles such as 'Secrets of the Buddha Relics', 'History Hunter', and 'Star Vs Food: Survival', we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences to Indian households. Now, Tata Play Binge customers can enjoy discovery+ content on all their favorite devices.”

The platform boasts of some popular titles like 90 Day Fiance, Man VS Wild, and Top Gear, #IndiaMyWay, Blue Planet, Secrets of the Koh-i-noor, India’s Ultimate Warrior and many more.

discovery+ will join other popular OTT platforms on Tata Play Binge like Apple TV+, Disney+ Hotstar, ZEE5, Lionsgate Play, FanCode, Sun Nxt, Aha, Fuse+, Hallmark Movies Now, PTC Play, Animax, VROTT, STAGE, ReelDrama, Chaupal, Namma Flix, Planet Marathi, manoramaMAX, iStream, Tarang Plus, Hungama Play, ShemarooMe, Curiosity Stream, EPIC ON, Travelxp, DocuBay, ShortsTV, Playflix, KliKK, Distro TV, MX Player along with Gaming. Content from all these platforms is available to the viewers of Tata Play Binge through a single subscription and a single user interface. Additionally, Netflix can be availed as a combo pack with DTH channels for all Tata Play DTH subscriber whereas Amazon Prime Video content can be accessed as an add-on by all Tata Play Binge subscribers, who also have the DTH connection. Viewers can enjoy all 30+ apps on smartphones, large screen connected devices through LG, Samsung and Android smart TV’s, Desktop, Laptop, Tablets, Tata Play edition of the Amazon FireTV Stick and www.TataplayBinge.com.



Tata Play Binge expands its entertainment gateway with discovery+

Tech driven media company – Whisper Media has announced the appointment of Nidhee Kekre to its advisory board. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades in Business Strategy & Development, notably within the FMCG and BFSI industries, Kekre's strategic insights and industry expertise will significantly enhance Whisper Media's growth trajectory and strategic vision. 

Kekre joins Whisper Media following a successful tenure as the WPP Client Lead for Unilever, South Asia. Having managed diverse client portfolios across sectors such as FMCG, BFSI, Telecom and Consumer Goods. Kekre's strategic acumen is poised to play a pivotal role in steering Whisper Media towards new avenues of growth and innovation.


“We are delighted to have Nidhee on our advisory board. Her proven track record in driving business strategies and nurturing client relationships aligns perfectly with our vision of being a valuable client partner. We look forward to leveraging her insights to drive transformative initiatives and enhance our offerings in the FMCG sector. Nidhee’s extensive experience in business strategy, coupled with a deep understanding of consumer dynamics, makes her a valuable addition to Whisper Media's advisory board,” says LS Krishnan, CEO & Director, Whisper Media.

Before her tenure at WPP, Kekre held key roles with renowned brands including Kantar, JetAir, Essar Aegis and Godrej, where she earned accolades for her innovative strategies and business transformation initiatives.

“I am glad to be a part of Whisper Media's journey, a company known for its cutting-edge approach to media solutions and production. I believe in the power of technology to revolutionize consumer engagement, and I look forward to contributing my experience to drive strategic growth and market leadership in the organization,” concludes Kekre.


Whisper Media appoints Nidhee Kekre to its advisory board

Palmolive, the personal care brand from Colgate-Palmolive India, announced the launch of its first-ever mega campaign featuring its body wash range.


Palmolive defines an elevated category code with this campaign, using the contrast of the chaos of urban life intersecting with dreamy shower moments. Amidst the rushedness of city living, the protagonist finds a moment to slow down with the aromas of Palmolive body wash. Through the sensory journey of her shower experience, the brand encourages everyone to elevate their mornings with Palmolive. 

"Palmolive is a strategic & integral part of Colgate-Palmolive. We are the pioneers of the body wash category in India, and it is important for us to reinforce in the consumer’s mind Palmolive’s natural, aromatic bathing experience. To do this, we felt there is a need to address the reality of our consumer’s life. Our target audience is always on-the-go, always rushed, always ON. Her busy daily routine offers her no moment to pause —however, indulging in the simple pleasure of a sensorial Palmolive shower can be just that! Through this campaign, we encourage our consumer to take a moment to slow down and savour the feeling, every day.” says Swati Rao Jeyakumar, Director - Oral Beauty & Personal Care Marketing at Colgate-Palmolive. She adds, “Our body washes are curated with rich aromas that truly deliver superior and sensorial shower moments. We aim to position Palmolive as a premium, natural brand that offers an elevated bathing experience."

Juneston Mathana, Executive Creative Director at WPP@CP, commented, “If the brand has taken a stance to move beyond only functional benefits and redefine the category, then it’s only natural for the communication to do the same. The idea of a floating bathtub gently drifting above the hustle and bustle of the city didn’t just sound refreshing, but also exciting. It’s an image that will forever be inviting, like the magic carpet ride. And bringing this beautiful vision to life was the masterful Sachin Kotre and his team from Lensflare Films”


Palmolive tells people to slow down amid the bustle in its new campaign

Shekhar Kapur known for films such as ''Mr India'', ''Bandit Queen'', and ''Elizabeth'', has been appointed festival director for the International Film Festival of India.

Kapur will lead the 55th and 56th editions of the Goa-based festival, which is conducted yearly, according to a statement from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

"With the approval of the Competent Authority, it has been decided to appoint Shri Shekhar Kapur as the Festival Director for the 55th and 56th editions of the International Film Festival of India, Goa," the notification stated.

Kapur, 78, is an iconic name in Indian cinema and one of the first directors to make a name for himself in Hollywood with his films "Elizabeth" and "Elizabeth: The Golden Age."

He has directed films such as ''Masoom'', ''Mr India'', and ''Bandit Queen'' in India.

He most recently directed the British comedy ''What's Love Got to Do with It? Kapur was the chairperson of the International Competition Jury at the 54th IFFI.

He also chaired the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune from 2020 to 2023.

Shekhar Kapur appointed festival director for International Film Festival of India

Kapur will lead the 55th and 56th editions of the Goa-based festival, which is conducted yearly, according to a statement from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

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.

Shekhar Kapur appointed festival director for International Film Festival of India

Kapur will lead the 55th and 56th editions of the Goa-based festival, which is conducted yearly, according to a statement from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

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