MAM
Nielsen gets Ranade to lead CPG biz in consumer research
MUMBAI: The Nielsen Company has roped in Sandeep Ranade as director client solutions, consumer research. As part of his new mandate, Ranade will be reporting to company executive director consumer research and Bases vice president Prasun Basu. Based out of Mumbai, Ranade will focus on partnering with consumer packaged goods (CPG) clients. Says Ranade, “Nielsen CPG business is a challenging one and has some of the most advanced products in market research that anyone could ask for. My role in handling CPG business is going to be very exciting and considering that this category even withstood the onslaught of the economic downturn, it will be quite interesting to watch how the industry shapes up.” Ranade brings with him 14 years of experience in market research and media planning. Prior to joining Nielsen, he was associated with Heinz India as senior manager, market research and media planning. Over the last decade, Ranade has been associated in various capacities with Subhiksha Trading Services, TNS India, and IMRB International.
MAM
BLS International launches #VisaReady campaign to guide applicants
Initiative targets visa myths, delays and rejections with practical guidance
MUMBAI: Visa woes may soon meet their match because paperwork, it seems, is finally getting a user manual. BLS International has rolled out a new awareness drive, #VisaReadyWithBLSInternational, aimed at simplifying the often confusing visa application process and reducing delays caused by misinformation and incomplete documentation. The campaign, led across social media platforms, zeroes in on a long-standing pain point for travellers: lack of clarity around procedures, timelines and requirements. By offering step-by-step guidance, documentation checklists and clear Dos and Don’ts, the initiative attempts to turn what is typically a stressful process into a more predictable one.
At its core, the campaign also seeks to bust common myths that frequently derail applications issues that often lead to avoidable rejections or last-minute complications. The idea is to equip applicants with practical, actionable insights so they can plan better and submit stronger applications within expected timelines.
The push will not remain limited to digital channels. BLS International plans to extend the initiative across its Visa Application Centres globally, reinforcing awareness at key touchpoints where applicants engage with the process.
BLS International joint managing director Shikhar Aggarwal framed the campaign as more than a communication exercise, emphasising the company’s attempt to embed guidance and preparedness into every stage of the applicant journey.
Operating in over 70 countries and working with more than 46 client governments including embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions, the company has built a sizeable footprint in visa and consular services. With this campaign, it is now leaning into education as much as execution, signalling that in the world of visas, clarity might just be the new currency.
