Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited has announced a significant leadership development, confirming that its Managing Director and CEO, Piyush Arora, will assume the additional responsibility of Executive Director for Sales and Marketing for the Group’s India operations. The change will take effect in September 2026, following the completion of Jan Bures’ global assignment in India and his transition to a new role at Volkswagen AG.  

The company expressed its gratitude to Bures for his contribution to the Group’s growth in India, acknowledging his role in strengthening the organisation’s market presence. His move to Volkswagen AG marks the continuation of his international career, while Arora’s expanded remit signals a renewed focus on strategic alignment within the Indian business.  

According to Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, the decision to entrust Arora with this dual responsibility is designed to enhance organisational efficiency. By consolidating leadership across sales and marketing under the CEO, the Group aims to accelerate decision-making processes, improve accountability and ensure sharper strategic direction. This move reflects a broader industry trend of integrating leadership functions to respond more effectively to evolving market dynamics.  

Arora, who has been leading the Group’s India operations since 2022, brings extensive experience in steering complex automotive businesses. His leadership has already been instrumental in driving operational improvements and strengthening brand positioning in a competitive market. With the additional responsibility, he is expected to further align the Group’s six passenger vehicle brands—Volkswagen, Škoda, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche—towards sustainable growth and customer-centric innovation.  

The company reiterated its commitment to the long-term development of the Indian automotive market, highlighting its focus on expanding product portfolios and introducing innovations tailored to local consumer needs. India remains a key growth market for global automotive players, and Škoda Auto Volkswagen India’s strategy under Arora’s leadership is expected to balance global standards with local market requirements.  

Industry observers note that the integration of sales and marketing leadership under Arora could provide the Group with a sharper competitive edge. By streamlining decision-making and reinforcing accountability, the company is positioning itself to respond more swiftly to shifts in consumer demand and regulatory frameworks. The emphasis on sustainable growth and innovation also aligns with broader industry priorities, particularly as automakers navigate the transition towards electrification and new mobility solutions.  

As Arora prepares to take on this expanded role, his leadership will be closely watched as a marker of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India’s ability to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. The move underscores the Group’s confidence in his vision and capability to drive growth across its diverse portfolio of premium and luxury brands in India.  

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Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VINFAST is gearing up to make a bold entry into India’s ride-hailing sector, a market currently dominated by Ola, Uber, and Rapido. Its mobility subsidiary, Green SM, is planning to roll out an electric cab service that promises affordability, sustainability, and a fresh competitive dynamic in urban transport.  

According to reports, groundwork for the launch has already begun in the National Capital Region, where Green SM is conducting driver recruitment campaigns. The company is offering monthly earnings in the range of ₹35,000 to ₹40,000 for driver partners, signalling its intent to attract and retain talent in a sector often plagued by driver dissatisfaction.  

At the heart of the initiative is VINFAST’s Limo Green electric MPV, expected to be a cornerstone of the fleet. Designed specifically for commercial mobility, the Limo Green boasts a claimed driving range of nearly 450 kilometres, alongside features tailored for passenger comfort and fleet efficiency. Other VINFAST EV models are also expected to join the line-up, creating a diverse fleet optimised for India’s demanding urban commute patterns.  

The proposed fare structure of ₹8 per kilometre positions Green SM as a cost-effective alternative for city commuters. If implemented at scale, this pricing model could exert significant pressure on existing ride-hailing operators, who have long struggled to balance affordability with profitability. For consumers, the promise of lower fares combined with the environmental benefits of electric mobility could prove compelling.  

VINFAST’s entry into India comes at a time when the country’s ride-hailing market is undergoing rapid transformation. Rising fuel costs, growing environmental awareness, and government incentives for electric mobility are reshaping consumer expectations. By offering a fully electric fleet under a direct ownership model—where vehicles and drivers are managed by the company rather than through aggregator partnerships—Green SM aims to differentiate itself on safety, service quality, and sustainability.  

The strategy mirrors VINFAST’s broader global ambitions. Green SM has already expanded into multiple international markets, and India represents a critical frontier given its scale, urbanisation, and appetite for affordable mobility solutions. Success here could not only challenge entrenched players but also accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in everyday transport.  

For Ola, Uber, and Rapido, the arrival of a well-capitalised competitor with a clear sustainability agenda poses a formidable challenge. These incumbents may be forced to rethink their pricing strategies, fleet composition, and driver engagement models to maintain relevance in a market increasingly leaning towards electric mobility.  

As India’s urban commuters await the rollout, VINFAST’s Green SM initiative signals more than just another entrant in the ride-hailing space. It represents a potential inflection point in how mobility services are delivered—where affordability, sustainability, and service quality converge to redefine the future of urban transport.  

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Cannes Lions has introduced a new distinction in 2026, the Lions Laureate for Marketing, to celebrate individuals whose vision and leadership have left an enduring mark on the industry. Jim Stengel, widely regarded as one of the most influential marketing leaders of his generation, has been chosen as the first recipient. His career spans more than three decades, including seven years as Global Marketing Officer at Procter & Gamble, where he helped shape modern marketing leadership and championed creativity as a force for business growth.  

Stengel’s impact on Cannes Lions itself is notable. In 2003, he brought the first major client-side marketing delegation to the festival, accelerating its transformation into a global meeting place for marketers, brand builders, and business leaders. His efforts helped position Cannes Lions not just as a celebration of advertising creativity but as a forum for broader marketing and brand strategy discussions.  

Beyond his corporate achievements, Stengel has devoted much of the past two decades to nurturing the next generation of marketing leaders. He served as Dean of the inaugural Cannes Lions Creative Academy for Marketers in 2011 and went on to establish the CMO Accelerator Programme in 2013, which continues to develop senior marketing talent worldwide. His teaching, writing, and mentorship have influenced countless careers, embedding the belief that creativity is central to growth and positive impact.  

Simon Cook, CEO of LIONS, emphasised the breadth of Stengel’s influence: “Jim’s impact extends far beyond the organisations he has led. Through his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering belief in the power of creative marketing, he has shaped the thinking and careers of marketers across generations. His contribution is both profound and enduring, not only through the brands and businesses he has helped build, but through the leaders he has inspired and developed along the way.”  

Stengel himself expressed humility and gratitude upon receiving the honour. “I am deeply honoured. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from extraordinary colleagues, partners, and friends, and this recognition is really a reflection of those relationships. I have always believed that creativity is one of the most powerful forces for growth in business and positive impact in the world. If I have contributed anything along the way, I hope it has been encouraging marketers to think a little bigger about the role they can play, the value they can create, and the difference they can make.”  

The award will be formally presented during the Cannes Lions Awards Show on 25 June, following Stengel’s delivery of the inaugural Lions Laureate Seminar at the Debussy Theatre earlier that day. His recognition as the first Lions Laureate underscores the festival’s commitment to elevating marketing as a discipline that blends creativity, business acumen, and leadership. It also signals a new era in which the contributions of client-side marketers are celebrated alongside agencies and creatives, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the industry.  

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JioStar has announced the appointment of Nidhi Maheshwari as Senior Director – Brand Marketing, marking a significant leadership move for the company’s brand-building efforts. Maheshwari shared the news on LinkedIn, writing, “I’m excited to start my new role at JioStar as Senior Director – Brand Marketing.”  

Maheshwari has been associated with JioStar and its streaming platforms for over a year and a half, most recently serving as Director of Brand Marketing and Senior Brand Manager – Brand Marketing Strategy at JioHotstar. In that role, she played a pivotal part in the launch of JioHotstar, spearheading brand-building initiatives designed to expand the platform’s reach and deepen engagement across India’s fast-growing streaming market.  

Her earlier tenure at Disney+ Hotstar saw her lead content marketing campaigns for marquee titles under Hotstar Specials. Notably, her campaign for The Night Manager earned industry recognition, winning Promax Asia Gold and Promax India awards. This success underscored her ability to combine creative storytelling with strategic marketing execution, positioning content as a cultural talking point while driving measurable audience impact.  

Before her work at Disney+ Hotstar, Maheshwari was Senior Marketing Manager at Lionsgate, where she helped launch the Lionsgate Play OTT platform in India. She led marketing efforts for its original content slate, contributing to the platform’s entry into a competitive digital entertainment landscape. Her career also includes brand management roles at Parle Agro, where she oversaw campaigns for Appy Fizz and Frooti Fizz, and at Unilever, where she worked on the Lakmé portfolio.  

Maheshwari’s professional journey began with roles at ITC Limited, London & Partners, CNBC TV18, Barcode Entertainment, and Reliance Industries, giving her a broad base of experience across FMCG, media, entertainment, and corporate sectors. This diverse background has equipped her with a nuanced understanding of consumer behaviour, brand positioning, and integrated marketing strategies.  

On the academic front, Maheshwari holds a PGDM in Marketing from Welingkar Institute of Management. She has also completed a PG Certification Programme in Digital Marketing, Digital Communication, and Media/Multimedia from MICA | The School of Ideas, further strengthening her expertise in digital-first brand building.  

Her appointment at JioStar reflects the company’s focus on consolidating its brand marketing leadership as it continues to expand its presence in India’s dynamic entertainment and streaming ecosystem. With Maheshwari’s proven track record in driving campaigns that blend creativity with business impact, JioStar is expected to sharpen its brand narrative and reinforce its competitive edge in the market.  

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As marketing departments grapple with an avalanche of dashboards, social listening feeds, trend reports and generative AI tools, a new Australian-founded platform is betting that the future of marketing intelligence lies not in producing more information, but in helping brands understand which signals genuinely matter.

Rumblings, an AI-powered decision engine launched by a team of marketing, analytics and media veterans, aims to bridge what its founders describe as a growing gap between identifying cultural shifts and knowing how businesses should respond to them strategically.

The company has been founded by We Scout founders Annabelle Jones and Lori Susko, alongside G+S founder and former News Corp journalist Jenny Ringland and former Woolworths Group Head of Advanced Analytics & Data Science Tom Crawford. Together, the founders argue that businesses are suffering from an overload of fragmented intelligence systems that provide visibility but little clarity.

“Marketing teams today are drowning in signals and tools,” said Jones. “Social listening tells you what has already happened. Trend forecasting tells you what might matter in 18 months. Generative AI helps you produce more content. But nobody is solving the gap between seeing a cultural shift emerge and knowing what your business should actually do next and why.”

Rather than operating as a conventional trend-forecasting or reporting platform, Rumblings positions itself as a strategic collaboration partner. The platform combines real-time cultural signals with brand-specific intelligence, including audience behaviour, psychographics, commercial priorities, positioning and category dynamics, to generate tailored strategic recommendations across marketing, communications, innovation and product functions.

According to Crawford, the current AI and marketing technology landscape remains highly fragmented, with businesses often relying on separate research teams, consultants, listening platforms and generative AI systems that rarely work cohesively.

“Right now, companies have trend agencies, internal research teams, social listening platforms, consultants and generative AI tools all operating separately,” he said. “But very little exists to connect those dots into one clear commercial recommendation. That’s the opportunity we saw.”

The launch arrives amid a broader global surge in AI investment. Businesses across sectors are rapidly increasing spending on AI-powered marketing systems, while simultaneously confronting concerns that automation may be leading to increasingly formulaic brand communication.

Rumblings’ founders say the platform has been intentionally designed to counter what they describe as a growing “sea of sameness” emerging across advertising and brand strategy as AI-generated content becomes more widespread.

“A lot of AI is creating optimisation, but not originality, and that’s a real problem,” Jones said. “You can already see the flattening effect happening across marketing — same aesthetics, same campaign structures, same language. We built Rumblings to help brands think more clearly, not more generically.”

Central to the platform’s proposition is the belief that the same cultural trend should not necessarily produce identical recommendations for every business. Instead, Rumblings interprets emerging behavioural shifts through the lens of each brand’s unique positioning and commercial relevance.

“Two brands could see the exact same cultural shift,” Jones explained. “The future isn’t brands using AI to copy each other faster. It’s brands using AI to better understand themselves, their audiences and where they can lead.”

Industry momentum appears to support the founders’ ambitions. A recent PwC survey found that 88 per cent of executives intend to increase AI-related budgets over the coming year, with agentic AI becoming a major strategic priority. Meanwhile, Grand View Research forecasts the AI marketing industry will expand to US$82 billion in annual revenue by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate of more than 25 per cent from 2025.

Against that backdrop, Rumblings is attempting to position itself not as another content-generation tool, but as a decision-making layer for organisations seeking confidence amid increasingly complex cultural and commercial environments.

“The real competitive advantage won’t come from producing more content,” Jones said. “It’ll come from knowing what matters early and having the evidence to support the confidence to act on it.”

Rumblings is currently conducting pilot discussions with brands, agencies and innovation teams ahead of a broader rollout planned for later in 2026.

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Vivo has introduced the X300 Ultra in India, a smartphone that blurs the line between mobile technology and professional imaging. Developed in collaboration with ZEISS, the device integrates a suite of master lenses covering golden focal lengths, including a 14 mm ultra-wide, 35 mm documentary, and 85 mm telephoto, each supported by large sensors and advanced optical stabilisation. The system delivers up to 200MP clarity, enabling everything from sweeping landscapes to cinematic close-ups with precision.

The X300 Ultra also supports telephoto extenders—a 200 mm Equivalent Gen 2 and a 400 mm Equivalent Gen 2 Ultra—allowing creators to capture distant subjects with professional-grade stabilisation. Complementing this is the X300 Ultra Photographer Kit, which includes extenders, an imaging grip with a built-in 2300 mAh battery, tripod collar ring, and professional imaging case, underscoring Vivo’s ambition to make the smartphone a complete creative ecosystem.

Video capabilities are equally ambitious. The device records multi-focal 4K at 120 fps with Dolby Vision, offering refined colour and tonal depth across ultra-wide to telephoto perspectives. It supports slow-motion, time-lapse, and 10-bit log video recording, with ACES integration for seamless alignment with cinema cameras. Fast-moving subjects are tracked at 60 fps AF, ensuring sharpness even in dynamic environments such as sports or wildlife.

At its core, the X300 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, delivering smooth performance across imaging, gaming, and multitasking. The phone houses a 6600 mAh battery with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging, supported by intelligent temperature control and a liquid cooling vapor chamber for sustained performance. Vivo promises five years of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, positioning the device as a long-term investment.

Design-wise, the X300 Ultra embraces a classic knurled texture and split-tone aesthetic, inspired by professional camera heritage. It also integrates the Vivo Office Kit, enabling seamless file transfer and collaborative post-production workflows, including Shake & Share for instant group sharing without compression.

By combining ZEISS optics, cinematic-grade video, and flagship performance, Vivo’s X300 Ultra is not just a smartphone but a professional imaging tool aimed at creators, filmmakers, and storytellers who demand uncompromising quality and flexibility. Its India launch underscores Vivo’s commitment to positioning mobile devices at the heart of creative expression.

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British fashion brand NEXT has opened new women’s, men’s and kids’ stores in Bengaluru’s Phoenix Mall of Asia, marking another step in its India expansion with Myntra. The launch reflects rising demand for accessible, design-led fashion and strengthens the brand’s omni-channel presence across key metropolitan markets.

British fashion retailer NEXT plc has deepened its India expansion with the launch of new stores for women, men and children in Bengaluru, signalling growing confidence in the country’s fashion-forward consumer base. Situated at Phoenix Mall of Asia, the stores bring the brand’s contemporary British aesthetic to one of India’s most dynamic retail hubs.

The opening follows recent store inaugurations in Pune and Hyderabad, forming part of NEXT’s broader strategy to scale its footprint in India in partnership with Myntra’s B2B wholesale arm, Myntra Jabong India Pvt. Ltd. (MJIPL), and its licensed franchise partners. Under this arrangement, MJIPL holds the rights to distribute NEXT’s portfolio through a franchise-led model, reinforcing a growing omni-channel presence that integrates physical retail with digital reach.

Founded in 1982, NEXT has built a reputation for offering accessible, design-led fashion rooted in a distinctly British sensibility. With more than 460 stores in the UK and over 265 international franchise locations, alongside online operations spanning 80 countries, the brand has steadily evolved into a global high-street staple.

In Bengaluru, the new approximately 4,500 sq. ft. men’s and women’s store has been designed to deliver an immersive retail experience. The layout reflects NEXT’s global store philosophy, with clearly defined zones and a seamless customer journey. Shoppers can browse close to 500 styles across apparel categories, showcasing a blend of everyday essentials and occasion wear aligned with contemporary tastes.

Complementing this is a dedicated kidswear outlet within the same mall, featuring around 180 styles across age groups. The collection focuses on practical yet stylish summer essentials such as T-shirts, dresses, shorts, denims and swimwear, positioning the brand to tap into what it views as an underserved segment in India’s children’s fashion market.

The assortment across both stores has been tailored to Bengaluru’s cosmopolitan lifestyle and climate, with an emphasis on smart-casual silhouettes, lightweight layering pieces and versatile wardrobe staples. A seasonal resort and beachwear line has also been introduced, alongside select exclusive in-store drops aimed at enhancing the shopping experience.

Venu Nair, Chief of Strategic Partnerships and Omni-channel at Myntra, said the expansion reflects strong consumer traction in a key metropolitan market. He noted that the collaboration is focused on making NEXT’s globally recognised fashion more accessible through a seamless integration of online and offline channels.

Since entering India in 2023, NEXT has recorded steady growth, underpinned by rising consumer affinity for quality-driven, design-led fashion at accessible price points. The Bengaluru launch marks another milestone in the brand’s effort to establish a distinctive physical retail presence, complementing its robust online business and strengthening its appeal among style-conscious Indian shoppers.

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Islands8, the award-winning Maltese gin, has introduced a vibrant watermelon variant in time for summer, pairing a fresh flavour profile with a dynamic design evolution crafted by London-based creative agency bluemarlin.

The launch arrives three years after bluemarlin reimagined the Islands8 brand identity with a forward-looking system designed to evolve. That original vision now finds expression in a bold, fruit-led extension that captures the warmth and ease of Mediterranean living. The new variant infuses the gin’s signature botanical base with a juicy watermelon note, offering a brighter, more playful take suited to long, sunlit evenings.

Rooted firmly in its Maltese heritage, Islands8 derives its name from the eight indigenous botanicals that define its character: marjoram, thyme, rosemary, sage, dill, aniseed, fennel and mint. The addition of watermelon introduces a distinctive twist while maintaining the integrity of the original blend, balancing familiarity with innovation.

Bluemarlin’s design system has played a central role in enabling this expansion. Built to be both recognisable and flexible, it draws on elements of Malta’s visual culture, including traditional tiles, ironwork and coastal imagery. At its heart lies the brand’s iconic ‘8’, a device that has been deliberately crafted to open up new creative possibilities. For the watermelon edition, this visual space is brought to life through a vivid palette inspired by the fruit’s sun-drenched tones, evoking a sense of effortless island glamour.

The launch marks a significant moment for Islands8 as it strengthens its position within the market. The brand has been gaining traction as a preferred gin on the island and has extended its reach by being served onboard KM Malta Airlines, offering passengers an early taste of Maltese craftsmanship.

Samantha Dumont, Executive Creative Director at bluemarlin, noted that the project reflects the original intent behind the design. She said the brand system was created to explore new opportunities, adding that it is now demonstrating its capacity to grow with new variants, occasions and audiences.

Co-founder George Xuereb described the move into flavoured gin as a natural progression. He emphasised the importance of remaining true to the botanical identity while creating something more accessible and versatile. Watermelon, he added, remains relatively uncommon within the category, making it a distinctive and timely addition.

With its latest release, Islands8 not only broadens its flavour portfolio but also underscores the value of a design approach that anticipates change, positioning the brand for continued evolution in an increasingly competitive spirits market.

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Kritika Talwar Bhakuni’s promotion to Associate General Manager – Creative, Product Marketing at Hyundai Motor Company marks a significant milestone in her career. Having spent close to ten years with the organisation, she has played a pivotal role in shaping brand narratives, driving impactful campaigns, and strengthening Hyundai’s creative and product marketing strategies.  

Currently serving as Creative Team Lead, Bhakuni has been instrumental in blending storytelling with brand strategy, ensuring Hyundai’s campaigns resonate with consumers in a competitive automotive landscape. Her earlier roles as Marketing Manager and Assistant Manager saw her contribute to multiple creative and brand-building initiatives, reinforcing her reputation as a versatile marketing leader.  

Her journey with Hyundai has been defined by a consistent focus on brand awareness, creative marketing, and integrated communication strategies. Prior to joining the company, Bhakuni gained early exposure to global marketing environments through an internship at Virgin Atlantic, which helped shape her international perspective and sharpen her skills in consumer engagement.  

Over the years, she has established herself as a key contributor to high-impact campaigns, evolving Hyundai’s consumer engagement approach and strengthening its market presence. Her elevation reflects not only her professional growth but also Hyundai’s recognition of her ability to combine creativity with strategic product marketing expertise.  

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In a move that blends brand engagement with traveller convenience, Coca-Cola India has partnered with Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) to launch an immersive on-ground activation at Kempegowda International Airport.

The initiative introduces a seamless, tech-enabled experience designed to meet passengers in the midst of their journeys. Travellers passing through the airport can scan QR codes displayed across in-terminal digital screens, prompting them to join Pulse, the airport’s official mobile application. As an incentive, users are rewarded with a complimentary Coca-Cola, redeemable at a specially created ‘Coke Zone’ within the terminal.

At the heart of the campaign is a striking, can-shaped installation that anchors the activation visually while reinforcing the brand’s identity. The installation serves not only as a collection point but also as an experiential touchpoint, drawing in curious passengers and encouraging interaction in an otherwise transient environment.

The collaboration reflects a growing trend of brands leveraging high-footfall transit hubs to create meaningful engagement opportunities. Airports, once seen purely as logistical spaces, are increasingly becoming arenas for curated experiences that blend convenience, entertainment, and brand storytelling.

By tapping into moments of pause—whether waiting for boarding calls or navigating layovers—Coca-Cola’s activation seeks to transform routine travel intervals into small, memorable breaks. The simplicity of the offering, paired with a digital-first approach, aligns with evolving consumer expectations for instant gratification and seamless participation.

For BIAL, the initiative adds another layer to its efforts in enhancing passenger experience through innovation and partnerships. For Coca-Cola, it reinforces its positioning as a brand synonymous with refreshment, now extended into the rhythm of modern travel.Ultimately, the campaign underscores a simple yet effective idea: even in the busiest of journeys, there is always room for a refreshing pause.  

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