MAM
HUL repeats roadblock on Star channels
MUMBAI: FMCG major Hindustan Unilever (HUL) is once again hosting a roadblock across all the Star network channels. The ad exclusivity on the Star channels will be on 29 October. Lux will occupy centre stage, replacing Lifebuoy that HUL promoted last time. Unlike last time, the HUL brands will also block out other ads on Star‘s south-language channels including Asianet. “HUL will pack its 20 brands in this roadblock strategy. The payout to Star could be around Rs 80-90 million,” a source tells Indiantelevision.com. Earlier, HUL had also conducted a similar roadblock across 25 Zee Network channels. Though approached, Zee did not want to upset its other advertising clients. Says Zee Entertainment Enterprises chief revenue officer Joy Chakraborty, “We were approached by HUL this time as well. We are open to the concept of roadblock advertising, but do not agree to have it on a monthly frequency as it would upset our other clients. We see it as a good strategy only on a quarterly basis.” In a recession-hit market when advertisers are heavily cautious on their spends, conducting roadblocks seems to be the new innovation to gain optimum brand exposure. For the broadcasters, it also provides an excellent opportunity to bring in advertising premium. HUL had blocked advertising on Star and Zee network channels in September this year. MTV had also conducted a similar roadblock with Bingo on 1 April and with Cadbury on 1 July. Avers MTV India GM and SVP content and creative Ashish Patil, “MTV has been doing these stunts since 2003. We do not just roadblock but also create content to support the brands.” Elaborating further, he says, “On 1 July, we did the stunt with Cadbury, where we also created two promos for them with the theme ‘khush hai jamana aaj pahli tarikh hai’. The entire day was branded as ‘pay day’ on MTV. Cadbury even used our promos on other channels.” Earlier, in 2007, Hutch had conducted a network roadblock on Star to introduce its brand change to Vodafone. |
Brands
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson resigns ahead of term: Reports
Tata Group begins leadership transition amid crisis and ongoing turnaround push
NEW DELHI: According to media reports, Air India chief executive officer and managing director Campbell Wilson has resigned from his position, stepping down more than a year before the end of his term.
Reports indicate that the airline’s board approved his resignation last week, although Wilson is expected to remain in his role during the notice period until a successor is appointed. The airline has not yet issued an official statement.
Wilson, who took charge in 2022 following the acquisition of Air India by the Tata Group, was on a five-year contract set to run until July 2027. His early exit comes at a critical time as the carrier continues to work through operational and financial challenges.
The reported resignation follows a turbulent phase for the airline, including the fallout from the Ahmedabad plane crash and increased regulatory scrutiny. Rising fuel costs, aircraft delivery delays, and the complexities of post-privatisation integration have also weighed on performance.
Before joining Air India, Wilson served as chief executive of Scoot, the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines, where he built a reputation for scaling operations efficiently. His appointment at Air India was seen as a key part of the Tata Group’s revival strategy.
The search for a new chief executive has reportedly been underway since last year, though there is no clarity yet on a replacement.
The development comes amid wider leadership shifts in the aviation sector. Rival IndiGo has named William Walsh, former head of the International Air Transport Association, as its incoming CEO.
For Air India, the focus now turns to ensuring continuity while sustaining its turnaround momentum. With a leadership change on the horizon, the airline’s next chapter will likely depend on both steady execution and a smooth handover at the top.
