MAM
The Standard sets its sights on India’s talent tide
MUMBAI: If talent were a currency, India just proved it is minting plenty. The Standard, the U.S. insurance, retirement and investment firm, has officially planted deeper roots in the country with the launch of StanCorp Global Services India Private Limited, its new global capability center set across Bengaluru and Pune.
The centre is designed to power technology transformation, accelerate innovation and support the company’s long-term growth. It also opens the door to high-value jobs as The Standard broadens its global footprint.
Leading the charge is industry veteran Mohua Sengupta, appointed senior vice president and country head for India. With close to three decades of experience across banking, financial services and technology, her résumé includes leadership roles at Novartis India GCC, 3i Infotech, ITC Infotech, Igate, Mphasis, Accenture, Wipro and the Royal Bank of Canada.
The Standard executive vice president of information technology Greg Chandler, said Mohua’s arrival marks an important step for the organisation. He added that her expertise and leadership style align strongly with the company’s culture and ambitions as it strengthens its U.S. operations.
Sengupta said she is energised by the opportunity, noting that The Standard India will tap into specialised talent in the country to deliver smarter, more scalable solutions for customers.
In her new role, she will oversee operations across Bengaluru and Pune, handling financial, compliance and regulatory responsibilities while leading the centre’s full employee base.
The Standard India begins with an experienced team. Its first 175 employees, formerly part of Allstate India Private Limited, officially move under its banner following The Standard’s acquisition of Allstate’s employer voluntary benefits business earlier this year on 1 April 2025.
Brands
Parachute Advansed rolls out ‘Nariyal wali Holi’
Brand highlights coconut oil protection during festival of colours
NATIONAL: Marico Limited has launched a culture-heavy Holi campaign for Parachute Advansed Gold Coconut Hair Oil, urging consumers to stop dodging colour and dive straight in. The line is punchy: Na na wali nahi, nariyal wali Holi
The premise is simple. Many revellers hold back during Holi for fear of hair damage. Marico’s pitch is that coconut oil protection removes that anxiety, turning hesitation into abandon.
The integrated campaign spans a digital film, dermatologist-led explainer reels on the science of pre-Holi oiling, influencer content, curated starter kits and an on-ground splash at Mumbai’s Marine Drive featuring creators Prannay Joshi and Sneha Namanandi. Each touchpoint reinforces the brand’s refrain: do not run from colour; run towards it.
The hero film, conceptualised by Tonic Worldwide, shows women charging into clouds of pigment: a visual metaphor for fearlessness backed by hair care. The tone is festive, but the strategy is calculated: blend cultural relevance with functional reassurance.
Marico Limited chief marketing officer – India Vikram Karwal, said Holi’s exuberance often comes with concern over hair damage. The campaign, he added, reframes protection as freedom: an invitation to celebrate without restraint.
Marico, listed on the BSE and NSE, reported turnover of $1.3 billion in FY 2024-25. Its portfolio spans Parachute, Saffola, Livon, Beardo and other beauty and wellness brands, with international markets contributing about 25 per cent of group revenue.
