Author: Neel Achary

Tata AIA Delivers Benchmark-Beating Fund Performance Across Its ULIP Offerings

Tata AIA Life Insurance continues to set benchmarks in fund performance through its Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs). The company’s funds have outperformed market benchmarks. This offers policyholders an ideal combination of long-term growth and life insurance protection.

Performance of Tata AIA Funds:

Fund Benchmark: Multi Cap Fund, India Consumption Fund, Top 200 Fund: S&P BSE 200.

Inception Dates: Top 200 Fund: 12 Jan 2009, Multi Cap Fund: 05 Oct 2015, India Consumption Fund: 05 Oct 2015.

Tata AIA has established its expertise in investment-linked plans, consistently delivering benchmark-beating fund performance. An impressive 99.93% of the company’s assets under management (AUM) is rated 4 or 5 star by Morningstar,  a globally recognised rating agency, on a 5-year basis. In contrast, the average for the private life insurance industry is only 29%.

Performance of TATA AIA’s Recent NFO’s as of 30 May 2025:

Tata AIA’s offerings provide policyholders with access to high-growth equity opportunities, backed by robust life and health insurance benefits. The funds focus on high-performing stocks, offering a balance of risk and return across all market caps.

Harshad Patil, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Tata AIA, said,“In alignment with Tata AIA Life’s investment goal, we aim to provide best-in-class, consistent, and risk-adjusted returns over the long term. Through a well-established research methodology, we employ a bottom-up approach to selecting stocks. This strategy has enabled us to achieve impressive performance across our portfolio.”

With a steadfast focus on policyholder benefits, Tata AIA Life Insurance continues to lead by delivering consistent, benchmark-beating returns and redefining life insurance through its integrated ULIP offerings.

As of 31^st May 2025, Tata AIA has grown its Assets Under Management (AUM) significantly to INR 130,053 Crores, translating to 27.08% YoY growth. This has been possible due to robust Individual New Business Premium income and exceptional investment performance.

Kickers Appoints Team Pumpkin as Digital Marketing Agency for India Launch

National, 13th June, 2025: Kickers, the iconic French lifestyle brand known for its bold style and cultural relevance since the 1970s, has officially entered the Indian market. To lead its digital presence, Kickers has appointed Team Pumpkin as its integrated digital media agency. The mandate will be led by Team Pumpkin’s Kolkata team.

Team Pumpkin has already laid the foundation for Kickers’ India presence with the successful development and launch of the brand’s India website. The next phase will focus on building a strong brand awareness among India’s Gen Z and millennial audiences, the digital strategy will combine heritage-led storytelling with localised, culture-driven content and sharp performance campaigns.

Mr. Jinnah Rafiq, Chairman – Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd, shared his thoughts:

“Our commitment has always been to bring iconic, meaningful brands to the Indian market. Kickers is not just a footwear label—it’s a symbol of attitude, identity, and originality. With the right digital force behind it, we’re confident it will strike a powerful chord with India’s young consumers.”

Dr. N Mohan, Director (Chief Executive, Footwear Business), commented on the collaboration:

“At Kothari Footwears, we see the entry of Kickers as more than a market expansion, it’s a cultural moment. With Team Pumpkin’s creative prowess and our shared vision for the brand, we aim to build a digital footprint that’s as bold as the Kickers legacy itself.”

Manish Ahlawat, Vice President – Kickers South Asia & Middle East, said:

“Kickers have always represented individuality and creative expression. As we enter a dynamic and diverse market like India, our approach is rooted in connecting with young audiences through digital-first narratives. We found a strong partner in Team Pumpkin—their strategic clarity and cultural insight stood out.”

Rashi Garodia, Business Head – Team Pumpkin, Kolkata, added:

“This is an exciting opportunity to shape how an iconic global brand takes root in India. Our team is focused on building a narrative that’s authentic to Kickers’ legacy while staying relevant to the Indian consumers. We’re looking forward to crafting content and campaigns that make a lasting impact.”

JW Marriott Goa welcomes Himanshu Taneja as General Manager

Goa, India – June 2025 – JW Marriott Goa is pleased to announce the appointment of Himanshu Taneja as General Manager. He brings with him over 25 years of luxury experience within the hospitality industry.

An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Trivandrum, Himanshu began his career with The Leela Mumbai. Over the years, he has held key positions with some of India’s most prestigious luxury hotel brands, including the Taj Hotels and The Oberoi Group of Hotels and subsequently with leading luxury brands of Marriott International.

Himanshu’s journey with Marriott International began in 2010 at the flagship JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu as Executive Chef. His exceptional leadership and food and beverage expertise led him to The St. Regis Mumbai in 2017 as Culinary Director. Recognizing his impact, he was elevated in 2018 to Director of Culinary for South Asia, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s food and beverage strategy.

In 2023, Himanshu altered his career track taking on the role of Senior Director of Operations for South and East India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, overseeing operations across 48 hotels. His strategic foresight and innovative approach have been instrumental in enhancing Marriott International’s F&B reputation in the region, introducing trend-setting concepts that resonate with evolving market demands.

Known for his high focus, infectious energy and sharp eye for detail, Himanshu is celebrated for leading high-performing teams and delivering exceptional results. His ability to seamlessly balance long-term strategy with operational precision has earned him widespread respect within the industry. At JW Marriott Goa, Himanshu will lead a dynamic leadership team dedicated on enhancing employee engagement, elevating guest satisfaction scores, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders and driving revenue growth while expanding market share.

Outside of work, Himanshu is an avid photographer and passionate traveler, enjoying exploring new destinations with his wife, Sruti, and son, Pratyansh (Ansh).

JW Marriott Goa is delighted to welcome Himanshu Taneja and looks forward to his visionary leadership in elevating guest experience and operational excellence.

Prof. G Shainesh joins pioneer Prof. Philip Kotler in 17th edition of global standard: Marketing Management

13 June, 2025, Bengaluru: The 17th edition of Marketing Management, the acclaimed global standard that, across nearly six decades and sixteen editions, has shaped the teaching and practice of marketing, was officially launched at a virtual event featuring author Prof. Philip Kotler, Professor Emeritus of Marketing, Northwestern University; and coauthors Prof. G. Shainesh, Chairperson, Initiatives on Consumer Insights, IIMB; and Prof. Kevin Lane Keller, E.B. Osborn Professor of Marketing, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, on 12 June. Widely regarded as the definitive text in the discipline, the new edition fortifies its intellectual legacy while responding meaningfully to contemporary shifts in marketing thought and practice.

The latest edition features case studies, brand stories, and a sharpened focus on developments in artificial intelligence, sustainability, and market innovation. Of particular note is the integration of over 50 India-specific narratives spanning legacy and emerging enterprises, which signal to the country’s growing centrality in the global market environment.

A legacy recalibrated for a changing world

In his prepared remarks, Prof. Philip Kotler, the pioneering voice behind the original text and widely regarded as the father of modern marketing, reflected on the intellectual foundations of the book and the spirit of its continuous evolution. “I had decided, while putting together the prose for my first book, that I would use economic and organizational theory, solid consumer and buyer behavioral theory, and a little mathematics to put together the foundation of my ideas”, he noted. On the success of his first book, he said, “When I was trying to figure out why the book was such a success, people told me that it gave status and standard to the field of marketing. Marketers were finally able to view it as a science and essentially give the discipline creative respect”, he said.

Reflecting on the contemporary relevance of the 17th edition, Prof. Kotler stressed the need for marketing to remain purpose-driven and anchored in value creation. “Efficiency is essential, but not at the expense of purpose. He also highlighted the book’s expanded treatment of responsible business, environmental sustainability, and the role of marketing in advancing social good.

Prof. Kotler also spoke of the core principles of marketing that remain timeless in a world defined by constant and unending change. “The essence of marketing is service. You may say it’s creating products, but at its core, it is satisfying the demand or need of any group that is trying to make the world become a better place”. He added that the field will always be guided by the principle of exchange, one that is free, voluntary, and oriented towards being a win-win practice for all parties involved.

The Indian marketing landscape: Local contexts, global conversations

Prof. G. Shainesh, a distinguished marketing expert specializing in customer relationship management, services marketing, and services innovation, and co-author since the 16th edition, led the effort to infuse this edition with India-specific insights. He reflected on his journey with the book, saying, “As a student at IIM Bangalore, I first read Marketing Management in its 8th edition. While it was comprehensive and formative in its contents, I sensed the need to expand the narrative beyond FMCG and consumer products. When I joined the authorship team, I saw an opportunity to widen its scope to include services, B2B markets, startups, and tech-led businesses to help better contextualize the relevance, the adaptation of theory and concepts discussed in the book.”

Prof. Shainesh noted that the edition features a broader set of examples, including new case studies drawn from Indian enterprises and multinational companies operating in India. It includes detailed discussions on the relevance of AI in marketing operations, as well as a dedicated chapter on responsible business and sustainability, with reference to India’s evolving regulatory and consumer landscape. “The Indian market has unique complexity and immense learning potential. Localizing global frameworks is vital to preparing marketers who can lead in diverse, high-growth environments,” he said. He further noted that this has been the fastest transition to a new edition, completed in under three years, reflecting the accelerating pace of change within the discipline.

AI, agility, and the new rules of value creation

Prof. Kevin Lane Keller spoke of the book’s recalibration in the age of artificial intelligence. “This edition responds to a pivotal inflection point. AI is reshaping how we understand customers, how we design experiences, and how we communicate value,” he said. He acknowledged the essential contributions of his Indian co-authors in adapting the book to the subcontinent’s dynamic marketing context. “The Indian adaptation of Marketing Management has become a gold standard in itself. I thank my esteemed Indian co-authors for leading this effort”.

Prof. Keller noted that the book addresses AI as a cross-cutting theme that affects all dimensions of marketing, from product innovation to customer engagement, from market research to strategic decision-making. “What we offer in this edition is a framework to think about change: to reflect on what remains timeless and what must be reimagined. Marketing is evolutionary. It is a discipline of movement, agility, and relevance. And ultimately, it is about trust”, he said.

Continuity and change in the discipline of marketing

Across their remarks, the authors echoed a shared view that while technologies and platforms continue to rapidly evolve, the foundational principles of marketing remain rooted in service, exchange, and trust. As AI and data reshape how brands engage with customers, ethics and responsibility will be the compass points that define credibility and success, they pointed.

In keeping with this ethos, the 17th edition, which also features insights from Prof. Alexander Chernev, Northwestern University, and Prof. Jagdish Sheth, Emory University, introduces students and practitioners to a comprehensive treatment of contemporary marketing challenges, with updated content on globalization, digital platforms, and technology-led transformation. Brands featured include Asian Paints, Bajaj, Bandhan Bank, bigbasket, Biocon, Cadbury, Eureka Forbes, FabIndia, Fevicol, Flipkart, HDFC Bank, Infosys, JSW Paints, Kaya Clinic, Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, PaperBoat, PayTM, Plaeto Shoes, Reliance Jio, SBI Yono, Taj Hotels, Tata Motors, Tanishq, Tata Trusts, Titan, TCS, Wipro, and many more. New-age firms such as Ather Energy, cult.fit, Lenskart, and udaan have also been featured.

It also offers deep insights into evolving consumer behavior, including contemporary understandings of consumer psychology, shifting engagement patterns, and the growing role of personalized marketing in the digital era. It introduces analytical tools such as customer lifetime value (CLV), advanced segmentation and positioning models, and frameworks to evaluate marketing ROI metrics. The book also explores the dynamics of new-age business models, from startups and platform-based enterprises to direct-to-consumer (D2C) ventures, while examining how traditional firms are adapting to remain competitive in this changing landscape.

Flipkart and Government of Telangana host workshop on e-commerce for MeeSeva representatives in Hyderabad

Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, in collaboration with the Government of Telangana, conducted a workshop aimed at equipping MeeSeva representatives with the knowledge and skills required to facilitate market access for local businesses through e-commerce. The workshop was conducted in the presence of Sri Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) and Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Telangana, Sri Ravikiran Tirumala IFS, Commissioner Meeseva (Electronic services delivery), Government of Telangana and Dr Dipu Thomas Joy, Senior Manager, Flipkart.

MeeSeva, Telangana’s integrated citizen services portal, provides a wide range of government-to-citizen (G2C) and business-to-citizen (B2C) services. As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance digital inclusion, the Telangana government intends to incorporate e-commerce facilitation into MeeSeva’s offerings. The proposed workshop will introduce representatives to various aspects of onboarding businesses onto Flipkart’s platform, ensuring seamless integration into the digital economy.

The workshop was attended by over 800 MeeSeva representatives, MSMEs and industry participants focusing on enabling small businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs to leverage Flipkart’s marketplace. It covered essential topics such as product listing, cataloging, and the operational aspects of e-commerce, including order management and customer engagement. By training these representatives, the initiative aims to create a ripple effect, extending digital commerce opportunities to grassroots entrepreneurs across Telangana and empowering them to seamlessly navigate the e-commerce ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, Sri Ravikiran Tirumala IFS, Commissioner Meeseva (Electronic services delivery), Government of Telangana stated, “Integrating e-commerce into MeeSeva’s framework is a transformative step toward enhancing digital market access for small businesses and entrepreneurs across Telangana. This workshop provides crucial insights and training, enabling our representatives to guide and support local businesses in their e-commerce journey. We appreciate Flipkart’s collaboration in driving this initiative, which will help create a more inclusive and digitally empowered entrepreneurial landscape.”

Telangana has been a key region in Flipkart’s efforts to drive digital entrepreneurship, with thousands of sellers from the state already leveraging the platform to scale their businesses. By integrating e-commerce into MeeSeva’s framework, this initiative is expected to unlock new growth opportunities for small businesses, making them part of India’s expanding digital commerce landscape. Flipkart continues to strengthen its engagement with government agencies, MSMEs, and grassroots entrepreneurs to promote inclusive growth through e-commerce. The upcoming workshop in Hyderabad reinforces its mission to build a digitally empowered entrepreneurial ecosystem across India.

Ishan Technologies Empanelled to Build India’s AI Infrastructure, Offering 1,000+ GPUs Nationwide

Mumbai, 12th June, 2025: Ishan Technologies, a leading ICT and digital connectivity platform, has been officially empanelled under the Government of India’s IndiaAI Mission as one of seven AI compute infrastructure providers nationwide.

Under this initiative, Ishan Technologies will offer access to over 1,000 high-performance GPUs, enabling affordable, on-demand compute capacity for startups, academic researchers, and public sector developers. This empanelment forms part of the government’s broader push to build sovereign, distributed AI infrastructure across India, with a total of 34,333 GPUs now committed under the mission.

With over 25 years of experience in managing mission-critical IT infrastructure, Ishan is well-versed in supporting workloads that demand high uptime, security, and scalability. The company leverages this deep expertise to deliver AI workloads tuned to specific use cases and built on high-performance cloud architecture with multi-zone redundancy for fault tolerance and continuous availability.

Beyond compute, Ishan brings holistic expertise across the digital infrastructure stack — from edge networks to core data center components, enabling an integrated and optimized delivery approach that ensures performance and scalability.

On the security front, Ishan follows MeitY’s cloud security guidelines and compliance protocols. Its managed services framework brings together skilled teams, robust processes, and advanced tools, backed by Security Operations Center (SOC) for 24/7 monitoring, proactive incident management, and rapid threat detection — ensuring a secure and resilient AI infrastructure for its customers.

Speaking on the empanelment, Mr. Pinkesh Kotecha, Chairman and Managing Director, Ishan Technologies, said, “Our vision aligns closely with the IndiaAI Mission — to make high-end AI infrastructure accessible to innovators across the country, not just the metros. This empanelment reaffirms our commitment to powering India’s AI ecosystem with secure, scalable, and India-ready infrastructure.”

Ishan’s consistent delivery standards have also earned it industry recognition, including the CIO Choice Award for Leased Line Services and the Frost & Sullivan Award for Network Services, further validating its operational credibility.

IHCL Unveils Taj Damdama Lake Resort and Spa, Gurugram

Chandigarh, JUNE 13 2025: The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company unveils the re-imagined Taj Damdama Lake Resort & Spa, Gurugram. Nestled amidst acres of lush greenery and surrounded by majestic Aravalli hills, resort offers a sanctuary away from bustle of urban life.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mandeep Surie, General Manager, Taj Damdama Lake Resort & Spa, Gurugram, said, “The re-imagined Taj Damdama Lake Resort & Spa is a celebration of timeless hospitality. Rooted in the spirit of Tajness, every experience here is thoughtfully curated to offer luxurious stays, wellness journeys and authentic dining experiences. We look forward to welcome guests to this tranquil haven with the warmth of Tajness.”

The resort offers 143 rooms, suites and luxurious villas, including Grand Luxury villas with plunge pools. Shamiana – the all-day dining restaurant serves a curated selection of global cuisines in a contemporary setting with verdant views and alfresco dining, Zvatra – a North Indian fine-dine specialty restaurant offering authentic flavours from Haryana, Rajasthan, Old Delhi, and Punjab, and VIXX serves inventive cocktails making it a perfect place to unwind and socialize. J Wellness Circle offers holistic wellness therapies including the Turkish Hammam experience and expansive outdoor pool amidst nature.

The selection of venues at the resort is perfect for weddings, conferences and social gatherings. The resort’s adventure park offers a range of activities like Pickle Ball, Go-Karting Off-Roading, Cricket Balling among others. Guests can also enjoy immersive experiences within the property, including a dinner in a charming village, a picnic on the lawns amid panoramic Aravalli views, culinary masterclasses, morning yoga sessions, farm and temple tours, and more.

8 CFO Programs in India in 2025

The role of a Chief Financial Officer has evolved significantly over the years. Today’s CFO is not just a number cruncher but a strategic leader, a risk manager, and a key partner to the CEO. Specialized education and continuous development are essential for excelling in this demanding role. New-age CFO programs equip professionals with the skills to manage finances, implement strategies, and lead organizational change. They also offer networking opportunities and insights into best practices. Here are the top 8 CFO programs in India in 2025:

 1. Chief Financial Officer Programme – ISB Executive Education and Imarticus Learning:
ISB Executive Education’s Chief Financial Officer Programme offered by Imarticus Learning, is designed for senior executives and experienced financial leaders looking to pivot to C-Suite roles. It covers recent trends in business, leadership, and strategy with expertise from ISB faculty, leadership coaching, and networking opportunities with CXOs and industry leaders. It follows a blended learning approach with pre-recorded lectures, live sessions, and masterclasses. On completion, participants receive ISB executive alumni status and benefits. Duration: 8 months (Online with campus immersion)

2. Chief Financial Officer Programme – IIM Kozhikode (via Emeritus):
IIM Kozhikode’s CFO programme offered via Emeritus is an executive education program designed for aspiring and existing CFOs to master financial leadership, strategic finance, and enterprise-wide financial management. The curriculum covers advanced corporate finance, risk mitigation, and organizational leadership, incorporating global perspectives through online modules from Kellogg Executive Education.
Duration: 12 months (Blended)

 3. Chief Financial Officer Course – IIM Ranchi (via Intellipaat):
IIM Ranchi’s CFO course offered via Intellipat is an executive post-graduate certification program focused on enhancing financial management and corporate governance skills. It includes live classes by IIM Ranchi faculty, covers managerial economics, accounting and financial management, and offers campus immersion opportunities. It provides placement assistance and prepares participants for key CFO roles.
Duration: 10 months (Online with 3 days campus immersion)

 4. Post Graduate Certificate Programme for Emerging CFOs – IIM Nagpur (via VCNow)
IIM Nagpur’s postgraduate certificate programme for emerging CFOs is crafted to prepare finance professionals to take the big leap into the role of a CFO. The program goes beyond conventional finance education, empowering professionals with the mindset, skills, and knowledge for strategic leadership, digital transformation, and ethical decision-making. It focuses on developing advanced proficiency in commercial and financial management.
Duration: 12 months (Online with 3 days of on-campus module)

 5. Chief Financial Officer Programme – IIT Delhi (CEP Digivarsity)
IIT Delhi’s CFO programme offered through CEP Digivarsity is a comprehensive training and development course for financial professionals aspiring for executive financial leadership roles. It covers advanced financial management, strategic planning, corporate governance, risk management, and financial reporting, with real-world case studies and mentorship from IIT Delhi faculty.
Duration: 10.5 Months (Live Online with campus immersion opportunity)

 6. Postgraduate Certificate Programme for Emerging CFOs – IIM Indore
IIM Indore’s postgraduate certificate programme for emerging CFOs offers a comprehensive understanding of strategic financial management, talent management, and corporate strategy to the learners. It is designed to prepare the participants for leadership roles in a dynamic business environment.
Duration: 10 months (Online)

 7. CFO Leadership Excellence Programme – KPMG in India
The CFO leadership programme by KPMG in India is an executive course designed to help current and aspiring CFOs develop future-focused skills, enabling them to act as strategic advisors to CEOs and boards. It emphasizes the practical application of financial acumen in a leadership context.
Duration: Variable (Typically several weeks to months, depending on format)

 8. CFO Vantage Program – Deloitte
A key initiative within Deloitte’s broader CFO Program, the CFO Vantage Program offers an experiential curriculum specifically designed to prepare senior finance executives for future CFO roles. This immersive program focuses on leadership, influence, and core competencies through various modules, including CFO Transition Labs for newly appointed CFOs, CFO Vision Conferences, and CFO Forums for peer networking. It is designed to help finance leaders navigate complexities, tackle challenges, and adapt to strategic shifts.

Archies Launches DearDad Campaign, this Father’s Day

New Delhi, 12th June 2025: Archies, India’s iconic brand known for helping people express heartfelt emotions through greeting cards and gifts, has launched its special Father’s Day campaign, #DearDad. The campaign is a warm invitation to rediscover the power of expressing love through greeting cards, a timeless medium that captures what many often struggle to say aloud.

The heart of #DearDad lies in the emotional connection that greeting cards foster. While digital communication dominates the modern landscape, Archies believes there is unmatched intimacy in a handwritten message, something that can be held, saved, and cherished for years to come.

As part of this year’s celebrations, Archies has partnered with gifting brand Yaan Man to create a memorable experience for customers. Every Yaan Man Father’s Day hamper will include an exclusive Archies greeting card designed specially for the occasion. These cards are more than just an add-on, they serve as a keepsake that adds emotional weight to the gift, making the gesture more meaningful.

Speaking about the collaboration, Varun Moolchandani, Executive Director of Archies, said “Unlike a text or emoji, a greeting card is tangible, it carries the emotional weight of words written from the heart. Our collaboration with Yaan Man is a shared effort to encourage people to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the most authentic form of expression, a handwritten note. Through #DearDad, we want to bring back that sense of thoughtfulness and emotional depth.”

To support the campaign, a user-generated content video will be released featuring an influencer unboxing a Yaan Man hamper and discovering the Archies card inside. The video captures the moment he reads the card and eventually hands it over to his father — creating an emotional arc that reflects the campaign’s essence. Customers are also being invited to join in by sharing their own Father’s Day gifting moments on Instagram Stories, tagging both Archies and Yaan Man to be part of a larger, collective tribute to dads everywhere.

Rahul Shah, Founder from Yaan Man added “Gifting is about telling a story, and this collaboration with Archies adds a deeply personal layer to our hampers. Including a handwritten card reintroduces the beauty of emotion in gifting — something digital messages often lack. It’s a small addition, but it creates a lasting impact.”

This initiative is a celebration of dads in all their glory, both the serious and the silly, and serves as a reminder that love doesn’t always need grand gestures. Sometimes, all it takes is a card with the right words.

With the #DearDad campaign, Archies continues its mission to help people say what truly matters and to bring back the joy of receiving, reading, and keeping a handwritten note.