1, Feb 2024
Covestro and Siemens conclude strategic supplier agreement
Covestro and Siemens have concluded a strategic supplier agreement for the next five years. This framework agreement is the basis for all future business relationships that exist between the two companies in many different areas. The agreement is worth a high double-digit million euro amount and enables much faster and easier collaboration.
Until now, Covestro and Siemens have always concluded individual supply agreements for different material groups and services. The new structure now provides a general framework and serves as the basis for all future contracts and agreements between the companies. It covers the full range of Siemens’ offering, from the purchase of materials to the supply of complex solutions, for which Siemens will be involved in the early stages of project development at Covestro.
“With this agreement, we are strengthening our trusting partnership and can now work together even more closely and efficiently,” says Thorsten Dreier, Chief Technology Officer at Covestro. “This step makes it clear that we will continue to rely on our partnership with Siemens in the future. Siemens has proven to be a reliable supplier in many projects over the many years of cooperation and therefore we want to continue to work together with Siemens in the future to drive the transformation of the chemical industry towards climate-neutral production and a circular economy.”
Axel Lorenz, CEO Process Automation at Siemens, says: “We are very pleased to continue our successful path together with Covestro. In recent years, we have greatly expanded our portfolio for the chemical industry. At the same time, the challenges for sustainable production in the industry have grown significantly. The new agreement takes this development into account and offers a very good basis for implementing innovative ideas together even more easily in the future.”
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- By Rabindra
31, Jan 2024
Pre Budget quote on behalf of Ms Sheetal Bhalerao
By Ms Sheetal Bhalerao, Chairperson and Managing Director of Wardwizard Foods and Beverages Ltd.
“The industry seeks that the upcoming budget will set the ground for shaping the macro-level landscape of the food and beverages sector, both domestically and in terms of export. We foresee a great potential for growth and expansion of Indian brands in global markets. It would be a great indicator to the industry if the interim budget gives concrete directions benefiting the Indian F&B sector with regards to trade policies, export incentives, and infrastructure development. In particular, we are hopeful that these positive measures will drive ready-to-eat and frozen food segments. The budget’s support for these segments could further bolster our position in the global market and drive increased export opportunities. We are optimistic that the Government will recognize the significance of the food and beverages sector and introduce measures that will propel the industry towards greater heights.”
31, Jan 2024
Budget Quote – Reema Dube Yerawar, Founder, Chipmunk
Reema Dube Yerawar, Founder, Chipmunk:
“As a representative of the beauty sector, we eagerly anticipate the forthcoming budget to act as a catalyst for transformative growth and sustainability. The beauty industry in India stands at the precipice of innovation and evolution, and our expectations harmonize with the broader goals of fostering a thriving and resilient sector. Given the distinctive characteristics of our sector, we advocate for targeted measures. It is our sincere request to the government to consider incentives that champion research and development in clean beauty formulations, aligning seamlessly with global trends and consumer preferences. We also encourage investment in the development of eco-friendly packaging solutions, positioning the Indian beauty sector as a responsible contributor to environmental conservation.Recognizing the pivotal role of skilled professionals in our industry, we emphasize the need for skill development initiatives tailored specifically for the beauty sector. Focused training programs incorporating the latest techniques and trends will not only empower individuals but also bolster the overall competitiveness of the sector on a global scale.Sustainability in formulations and ingredients remains a paramount focus, and we eagerly anticipate measures that encourage businesses to adopt green technologies. Incentives for the adoption of sustainable practices will not only accrue benefits for individual companies but also contribute to the industry’s collective efforts in building a greener future. Moreover, we advocate for a streamlined tax structure and the reinforcement of compliance norms and safety tests to ensure consumer safety within the beauty sector. Strengthening regulations on labels, transparency about ingredients for all brands, and a stringent focus on high-quality ingredients will fortify entrepreneurship, foster the creation of safe products, and contribute to overall economic growth.In conclusion, the beauty sector looks to the government to craft a strategic and sector-focused budget that recognizes and addresses the unique challenges and opportunities within our industry. We firmly believe that a forward-looking budget will propel the beauty sector to new heights, solidifying its role as a key contributor to India’s economic resurgence.”
31, Jan 2024
TiE Young Entrepreneurs’ 15th Edition held Pawjour team emerged winners
Hyderabad, January 31, 2024: TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) 2023-24 Grand Finale held. The Pawlour team emerged winners.
The Pawjour team comprising Gowtham (Raj Bhavan Govt. School), Maria (MRMR Govt. Junior College), Mithul (Oakridge International), Chaturya (Raj Bhavan Govt. School), and Anirudh (Vista International) emerged winners for their inventive pet-friendly initiative. They walked away with winning medals and mementoes which were presented to them by Srini Chandupatla, President of TiE Hyderabad, disclosed TiE Hyderabad in a press note issued in the city today.
A team consisting of Fauzaan (Nasr School), Akshara (Raj Bhavan Govt. School), Shiven (Obul Reddy), and Chirusritha (Raj Bhavan Govt. School) stood to run up their concept on urbanization and mobility. They also earned the Best Elevator Pitch Award. The runner-up was felicitated with mementoes and awards and the same was presented to them by Mr. Srini Chandupatla, President of TiE Hyderabad.
The highlight of this year’s program was that the organisers saw to it that every team had one member from a government school, thereby encouraging government school kids too to explore the path of entrepreneurship along with the students of private schools.
TiE Young Entrepreneurs is a great initiative aimed at fostering our future generation of entrepreneurs. It focuses on teaching entrepreneurship to high school students and helping them discover the rewards and challenges of becoming an entrepreneur.
Part of this program TiE Young Entrepreneurs’s competition was held in a phased manner through activity-based learning and mentoring by Charter Members of TiE and Seasoned professionals from the industry, a cohort of 25 students participated. Five teams comprising students ranging from Government Schools to International schools qualified for the Grand Finale, which was held in a city hotel in Gachibowli and pitched their ideas to the jury.
Earlier speaking on the occasion, TiE Hyderabad Chapter President Srini Chandupatla, said “The TYE program is designed, executed, and mentored by TiE Charter Members who are serial entrepreneurs.”
The participants of the TiE Young Entrepreneurs program were mentored by proven entrepreneurs such as Mr. Hari Bharadwaj, Dr. Balaji Bhyravbhatla, Viiveck Verma, Mr. Raj Samala, and Sakhti Chevuturi and they underwent a transformative journey, culminating in the presentation of their unique solutions to real-world problems. The TYE Committee led by N. Venkatesh, Subbaraju Pericharla, and Sri Charan Lakkaraju, played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the program, fostering a nurturing environment for creativity and innovation.
The year 2024 is a milestone year for TiE Hyderabad as it has completed 25 long years of journey of fostering entrepreneurship and celebrating its Silver Jubilee.
Over 100 attendees including students, parents, jury members, educators, entrepreneurs, and TiE Charter Members graced the grand finale.
31, Jan 2024
Philips Introduces Revolutionary Hair Straightener with NourishCare Technology
Mumbai, January 31, 2024: Philips India, a global leader in health technology and innovations, is delighted to introduce a pioneering breakthrough in hairstyling – the country’s first hair straightener designed to style with no heat damage, the Philips Hair Straightener with NourishCare Technology. This unique straightener boasts of specially designed serum strips infused with hair nourishing ingredients, Vitamin E and Moroccan Argan oil along with Kerashine care that help style and nourish hair while protecting them from heat damage. This technology locks in moisture that is usually lost due to heat and gives nourished, healthy-looking hair.
Commenting on the new launch, Deepali Agarwal, Business Head- Personal Health at Philips Indian Subcontinent, said, “Embodying our commitment to continuous innovation and consumer well-being, the introduction of the Hair Straightener with NourishCare Technology marks a very big milestone in our journey at Philips. In line with our purpose of empowering young Indian consumers to care for their specialness, we are committed to delivering technology that not only meets but exceeds the evolving and intricate needs of our consumers. The Philips Hair Straightener with NourishCare Technology, proudly ‘Made in India,’ incorporates cutting-edge technology, offering a superior hair nourishing and styling experience without compromising on hair quality and health. Our brand ambassador, Alia Bhatt personifies the spirit of effortless style and resonates with the empowered individuals we aim to serve. With our campaign, we want to convey the transformative experience of using NourishCare Technology, where styling and hair protection coexist seamlessly.”
Today we are launching our campaign film, that captures the key consumer barrier of heat damage due to styling and how our innovative technology addresses this and brings joy to our consumers. With Alia being the face of the campaign, it simply adds a touch of glamour with authenticity and credibility for – ‘No heat damage. Just gorgeous, straight hair’.
Alia Bhatt, Brand Ambassador of Philips Beauty elaborates on the launch of Philips Hair Straightener with NourishCare Technology, “As someone who believes self-expression is really an important layer of who I am, being the face of the much-awaited launch of Philips NourishCare Hair Straightener fills me with excitement. More than just a styling tool, it’s a statement urging everyone to effortlessly embrace their unique style without the constant worry of heat damage. Philips, at the forefront of innovation rooted in consumer needs, also sets a great example of the amalgamation of beauty with technology that truly cares and the TVC reflects exactly this. Here’s to styling with care with Philips and celebrating individuality.”
This cutting-edge device not only delivers an unparalleled nourishing and styling experience but also serves as a testament to pioneering innovation by enabling styling without heat damage. This unique technology forms a protective coating on hair to prevent water loss caused due to heat and hence locks in moisture. The inclusion of serum strips enriched with nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E and Moroccan Argan Oil along with Kerashine care provides the ultimate styling experience with a result of softer, smoother, shinier and healthy-looking hair . The straightener comes with easy clip-on, clip-off heat-resistant brackets and replaceable serum strips uniquely designed to work with this straightener. The replaceable serum strips will be available for repurchase separately.
31, Jan 2024
Pre Budget Quote: Ms. Shivani Priyam Patel, Director, Assotech Group
Ms. Shivani Priyam Patel, Director, Assotech Group:
“As a woman entrepreneur leading Assotech Group, I eagerly anticipate the forthcoming 2024 budget in India with a sense of optimism and anticipation. The real estate sector plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economic growth, and I believe that the budget will present valuable opportunities to further catalyze our industry’s progress.
Empowering women in entrepreneurship is a cause close to my heart, and I look forward to measures that foster inclusivity and gender diversity within the real estate landscape. Policies that encourage women-led enterprises, facilitate access to funding, and provide a supportive framework for professional growth will undoubtedly contribute to a more vibrant and dynamic sector.
In particular, I am hopeful for initiatives that promote sustainable practices and eco-friendly construction methodologies. The alignment of financial incentives with green building practices will not only benefit the environment but also encourage developers to embrace innovative, sustainable solutions. The budget can serve as a catalyst for our industry’s transition towards a more eco-conscious future.
Additionally, I anticipate measures that streamline regulatory processes and provide clarity on taxation policies. A simplified regulatory framework will not only ease the operational burden on businesses but also attract more investors, fostering a conducive environment for growth and development.
The real estate sector is uniquely positioned to contribute to job creation, and I hope to see budgetary provisions that encourage skill development and employment generation, especially for women in the construction and allied industries. Inclusivity and diversity are key drivers of progress, and I believe that a focus on these aspects will contribute to the holistic growth of our sector.
As we navigate the dynamic landscape of real estate, I am confident that the 2024 budget will pave the way for transformative changes. It is my sincere hope that the budget will reflect the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for women entrepreneurs, driving sustainable practices, and ensuring the continued growth of the real estate sector in India.
Together, let us build a future where innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity define the essence of Indian real estate.”
31, Jan 2024
Motorola Unveils “Flip into the Future” Campaign
Mumbai, 31st January 2024: Motorola, India’s best 5G smartphone brand proudly presents the launch of its groundbreaking marketing initiative, “Flip into the Future,” an enthralling campaign spotlighting the iconic Motorola razr 40 Ultra in the stylish Pantone® Colour of the Year 2024- Peach Fuzz. This campaign is India’s first digital marketing campaign by any smartphone brand that uniquely blends hyper-realistic CGI advertising and influencer marketing using Instagram’s cutting-edge sequence feature. Unlike traditional campaigns, this approach combines coming-of-age surreal advertising with the personal touch of digital influencers, creating a captivating story where Motorola razr40 Ultra plays the role of an enabler to look into the future.
Conceptualized and executed by Barcode Entertainment, the “Flip into the Future” campaign introduces three captivating CGI ad reels strategically placed in iconic Indian locations, where the Motorola razr40 Ultra elegantly unfolds, providing a glimpse into the possibilities of tomorrow. These hyper-realistic environments, blending technology and imagination, spark curiosity about the limitless potential that lies ahead, infused with the warmth of the Peach Fuzz color.
In a strategic move, Motorola India embraces the power of influencer marketing by collaborating with digital influencers to amplify the campaign’s reach.
Sharing his views, Mr. Shivam Ranjan, Marketing Head, Motorola APAC said, “At Motorola, innovation is an integral part of our brand, whether in terms of color, design, technology, or adapting modern marketing tools. Our popular flagship, the motorola razr40 Ultra, is the world’s first smartphone to be launched in the Pantone® color of the year 2024 – Peach Fuzz. This unique proposition required a differentiated and modern marketing approach to reach our target audience effectively. We are pleased to partner with Barcode for our ‘Flip into the Future’ campaign, which used modern CGI advertising and innovative influencer marketing to engage with our audience. We are delighted with the response that the audience has shown to the campaign and look forward to implementing more such unique marketing strategies to take the brand further.”
Mr. Ajay Kulkarni, Director Growth – Barcode Entertainment, echoes “The ‘Flip into the Future’ campaign is a manifestation of Barcode Entertainment’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries. By integrating hyper realistic CGI and influencer marketing, we strive to redefine the landscape of advertising, offering an unparalleled experience that resonates with our audience. Co-creating this beautiful campaign with the fusion of influencers and technology, we worked closely with Motorola to translate their vision into reality. The collaboration between the client and our entire team has resulted in a campaign that truly captures the essence of innovation and creativity,” said Sonia Sarashetti, Director Influencer Content at Barcode Entertainment.
The “Flip into the Future” campaign reinforces Motorola India’s dedication to staying at the forefront of innovation, challenging traditional marketing norms, and embracing new-age strategies to captivate and connect with its audience.
Exemplifying a velvety gentle peach hue, Peach Fuzz has a cozy, tender essence that embodies feelings of togetherness, community, and collaboration. The new Color of the Year, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, aligns beautifully with Motorola’s pillars of inclusion and making technology more accessible for all. Additionally, the new motorola razr40 ultra in Peach Fuzz lets stylish and expressive individuals stand out from the crowd. With its iconic flappable design, the razr40 ultra boasts the world’s largest external 3.6-inch pOLED display with its fastest 144Hz refresh rate, with 1100nits peak brightness. This flip phone is super slim when folded and has a gapless design, owing to its industry’s 1st dual axis teardrop hinge design thus ensuring the phone is also infinitely flexible at multiple flex angles. When opened, the phone has a nearly creaseless 6.9” pOLED display with up to 165Hz refresh rate and 1400nits of Peak brightness. This iconic flip phone is equipped with a powerful Snapdragon® 8+ Gen 1 SoC, ensuring a seamless experience. The motorola razr40 ultra transcends generations and demands attention, exemplifying the harmonious Pantone Color of the Year 2024.
31, Jan 2024
ERM appoints Mollshree Garg as the new Managing Partner India
Mumbai/New Delhi, 31st January 2024: ERM (Environmental Resource Management), the world’s largest advisory firm focused solely on sustainability, has announced the appointment of Mollshree Garg as the Managing Partner India. Mollshree brings with her over 24 years of experience in consulting specializing in business transformation, sustainability, ESG, growth strategy, and various stages of the M&A life cycle. Her diverse experience spans across key global markets including the US, UK, Europe, and Asia Pacific, giving her a rich understanding of different business environments.
Commenting on Mollshree’s appointment, Nat Vanitchyangkul, Regional CEO, Asia at ERM said, “It gives me immense pleasure to welcome Mollshree to ERM. At ERM sustainability is our business and over the last 50 years, we have partnered with clients to help them operationalize sustainability at pace and scale, through our unique combination of strategic transformation and technical delivery capabilities. We believe we are on the brink of a transformative journey in India, and I am confident that Mollshree’s leadership will be pivotal in shaping our narrative in the industry. Her expertise will not only reinvigorate our brand image but also foster deeper, more meaningful relationships with our stakeholders.”
Mollshree Garg, Managing Partner India, ERM said, “As I embrace the role of Country Managing Partner for ERM in India, I am acutely aware of the dual strategic challenges businesses face today: driving profitable revenue growth while accelerating the integration of sustainability into their core strategy and operations. At ERM, our approach is holistic, working at all organizational levels. From formulating strategies to win in this evolving marketplace to financing the transition towards a sustainable economy, our focus is comprehensive. We are committed to creating sustainable products and supply chains, and to embedding sustainability into the daily operations of our clients. My vision for ERM India is to be at the forefront of this transformation, leading the way in sustainable development and innovation. We are not just consultants; we are active partners in building a future where economic growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.”
An alumnus of Miranda House, Delhi University, Mollshree holds an MBA in Strategy and Analytical Finance from Indian School of Business, Hyderabad. She also holds certifications from NYU in Advancing Sustainability, and Sustainability & Climate Risk from GARP. Prior to joining ERM, she worked with consulting firms KPMG and Deloitte as the Deal Advisory and Strategy Partner and Senior Manager Strategy Consulting respectively, where she worked closely with large private equity clients, helping them enhance their portfolio and portfolio company level ESG performance. This included aiding Impact funds in developing robust impact measurement and management frameworks at the intersection of ESG and Impact. She has also delivered numerous market entry, growth, ESG Strategy, decarbonization and cost takeout engagements. Mollshree has experience across industry sectors, with a special interest in Industrials, Credit & Risk and Technology.
Mollshree is also an avid writer and blogger with a reputation as a well-published thought leader in Consulting and industry circles.
31, Jan 2024
Anytime Fitness Expands Presence with Premier Sales Franchisee Office Launch
New Delhi: Anytime Fitness, the forefront of India’s fitness realm, proudly unveils its premier sales franchisee office in the bustling heart of the national capital. Positioned strategically at Ashoka States, Bara Khamba Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi, this corporate hub marks a pivotal milestone in the brand’s expansion journey.
In response to the exponential growth witnessed in the fitness industry, Anytime Fitness has chosen this central location to boost the sales of its franchisee business. The office, under the astute leadership of Mr. Vishal Kwatra, Director at Anytime Fitness, will serve as the exclusive point of contact for inquiries spanning across the diverse landscapes of India.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Mr. Vishal Kwatra, Director of Anytime Fitness, stated, “We are delighted to announce the inauguration of our exclusive franchise sales office in the dynamic city of New Delhi. Positioned strategically, this office is poised to become the epicentre for catering to inquiries from every corner of the nation. It resonates with our vision of making fitness universally accessible, and we are confident that this initiative will play a pivotal role in the continued growth of the fitness industry in India.”
Embodying cutting-edge facilities and a steadfast commitment to fostering a culture of well-being, Anytime Fitness has earned acclaim in the fitness landscape. The establishment of this sales franchisee office is a testament to the brand’s dedication to extending its transformative fitness solutions to a broader audience.
31, Jan 2024
North East Small Finance Bank appoints New Independent Director Mr Shrimohan Yadav
New Delhi, India, 31st Jan 2024: North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Shrimohan Yadav as an Independent Director to its Board. Mr. Yadav, a seasoned veteran with 36 years of extensive experience in the banking sector, including 29 years at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to NESFB.
During his remarkable tenure at the RBI, Mr Yadav contributed significantly in various capacities, including as the Chief General Manager of the Department of Regulation. His expertise spans across areas such as Supervision, Regulation, Rural Development, Financial Inclusion, and Human Resources Management. Mr Yadav played a pivotal role in major initiatives, including ownership and licensing of private sector banks, mergers and acquisitions in the banking and financial sector, reconstruction of weak banks, and governance-related matters. He has been instrumental in spearheading discussions on the privatization and divestment of public sector banks with the Government of India.
Prior to his RBI tenure, Mr. Yadav worked for 7 years with a large Public Sector Bank, focusing on credit and financing.
Mr Yadav’s appointment to the NESFB board is a strategic step towards strengthening the bank’s leadership further. His vast experience and deep understanding of the banking and financial sector are invaluable assets to NESFB as it continues to grow and serve its customers.
Mr. Satish Kumar Kalra, Interim MD & CEO, NESFB, said, “Our continuous endeavour is to fortify the bank’s leadership with an emphasis on exceptional governance and diligent oversight. The addition of Mr Yadav as an independent director to the NESFB board is a strategic move in this direction. His extensive and unparalleled experience in banking is an invaluable asset that will undoubtedly serve as a guiding force for the bank’s sustainable growth and effective corporate governance practices.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Mr Shrimohan Yadav, Independent Director, NESFB, added, “Throughout my career, I have been privileged to be associated with numerous groundbreaking initiatives in both public and private sectors. Today, NESFB finds itself at a particularly unique and pivotal point, unlike anything I have encountered in my professional journey.
The bank is uniquely positioned to drive significant transformation in grassroots banking, focusing on advancing financial inclusion and access. With its upcoming merger with slice, NESFB is set to establish a distinctly inclusive and innovative digital presence. I am honoured to contribute to this endeavour and be part of NESFB’s journey to forge a path of innovation and excellence in the banking sector.”
In December 2024, NESFB appointed Mr Satish Kumar Kalra as its Interim MD & CEO.
