Consumers still ask kitna deti hai, but not just on mileage: Mahindra’s auto biz CEO

Nalinikanth Gollagunta emphasised that the first six months were crucial for preparing the company for upcoming vehicle launches, ensuring that M&M could continue meeting demand while positioning itself for future growth. (Image source: Biospectrum)

In a recent interview, Mahindra & Mahindra’s Auto Division CEO Nalinikanth Gollagunta shares insights on the company’s growth strategy, addressing challenges in supply chains and the transition to electric vehicle.

Purpose articulates the why of your existence, says Infosys Global CMO

In addition to technological advancements, Sumit Virmani touched on the increasing importance of purpose-driven marketing. He acknowledged the debate around "purpose versus performance" but dismissed it as a false dichotomy. According to Virmani, the real challenge for marketers lies in integrating both purpose and performance into their strategies.

Sumit Virmani, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Infosys, on the power of Purpose, the advance of AI and the biggest disruptions reshaping how businesses and brands are built.

Meta eyes India for business growth with WhatsApp updates, says VP Sandhya Devanathan

Sandhya Devanathan outlined Meta's focus on empowering businesses, both large and small, through innovative tools and platforms like WhatsApp.

With India being one of Meta’s most important markets, the company’s focus is set on delivering new features for WhatsApp that can drive significant business opportunities and support long-term growth.

Modern consumers demand authenticity and relatability in brand messaging, says HUL’s Harman Dhillon

Dhillon highlights that modern consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that resonate with their personal beliefs and values.

Through initiatives like “Mothermonials,” Dhillon believes that Dove is not just selling products but also playing a vital role in challenging societal norms and fostering a more inclusive and positive perception of beauty.

The Leela Group’s Shweta Jain on seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Indian brands

At The Leela Group, Shweta Jain and her team are harnessing these opportunities, especially around the festive season and emerging trends in leisure travel. (Still from the campaign)

Shweta Jain, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, and her team are harnessing these unique opportunities presented to Indian brands, especially around the festive season and emerging trends in leisure travel.

Experts urge govt to penalise rogue advertisers without curtailing free speech

According to Lloyd Mathias, there is a need for measures that penalise rogue advertisers without compromising freedom of expression. He proposed methods such as temporary bans on advertising for repeat offenders to ensure accountability and integrity in advertising practices. (From left to right: Ahmed Aftab Naqvi, Global CEO and Co-Founder of Gozoop Group; Kazim Rizvi, Founding Director of The Dialogue; Gowree Gokhale, Partner at Nishith Desai Associates; Lloyd Mathias, Business Strategist and Investor) (Still from the video)

Ahmed Aftab Naqvi pointed to the self-regulatory frameworks of major digital advertising platforms like Google and Meta. These platforms enforce strict guidelines and penalise advertisers who violate them by blacklisting their accounts, which serves as a strong deterrent.

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

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. said, “Passenger vehicle sales in India are projected to set a record in FY24 with over 4.2 million units sold supported by strong growth in SUV sales (SUVs expected to surpass 50 percent of overall sales in FY24 vs 43 percent in FY23) and rising popularity of emission-friendly powertrains."

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of the Passenger Vehicle Division at Tata Motors, discusses how inflation and interest rates have affected the entry-level car segment. He anticipates a slowdown in growth momentum for 2024.