MAM
Chelliah exits Western Digital, leaves strong marketing legacy
MUMBAI: Jaganathan Chelliah has concluded his 11-year association with Western Digital, ending a period marked by significant marketing achievements. His tenure, including a recent consulting phase, saw him drive substantial growth and innovation within the company.
Chelliah acknowledged the mentorship he received from senior leaders, including Nigel Edwards and Greg Kwolek, crediting them with empowering his ambitious goals. He highlighted strong partnerships with sales teams across India, the Middle East, Turkey, Israel, and Africa, emphasizing the collaborative success between marketing and sales.
His leadership of the IMEA regional marketing team delivered consistent brand leadership, innovative campaigns, and strategic growth initiatives. He praised his team’s performance, citing their numerous awards and recognitions, and acknowledged their contributions to setting new industry benchmarks.
A key achievement was the establishment of the Global Creative Development Hub in India, a project realized after five years of effort. He thanked Ravi Pendekanti, Brian Mallari, and Scott Jackson for their support in bringing the hub to fruition.
Chelliah also recognized the early career support from Rajesh Gupta and Gopal Swaminathan.
Looking forward, Chelliah indicated a potential focus on AI, noting the dynamic state of the technology sector. He stated he will take time for reflection before announcing his next steps.
Brands
Mother’s Recipe launches Summerwala Sharbat range
Five nostalgic flavours priced at Rs 215 aim to tap summer refreshment demand.
MUMBAI: Call it a sip of summer nostalgia, Mother’s Recipe is bottling childhood memories and pouring them back into the present. The homegrown ethnic food brand has introduced its Summerwala Sharbat range, a five-flavour line-up designed to recreate the familiar tastes and rituals of Indian summers, while catering to modern consumption habits. The range features Mango Panna, Rose Syrup, Jeera Masala Syrup, Khus Syrup and Lemon Ginger Squash, each rooted in flavours that have long defined seasonal refreshment across Indian households. From the tang of raw mango to the cooling comfort of khus, the portfolio leans heavily into recall, not reinvention.
At a time when brands are increasingly leaning on nostalgia as a strategic lever, Mother’s Recipe is positioning Summerwala Sharbat as both a functional beverage and an emotional cue. The idea is simple: revive the small, everyday rituals post-play drinks, family gatherings, the clink of ice in a glass that once defined summer afternoons.
The products are packaged in 750 ml PET bottles and priced at Rs 215, targeting both routine household consumption and social occasions. Distribution spans leading e-commerce platforms as well as select offline retail outlets.
Mother’s Recipe executive director Sanjana Desai said the intent was to bring back flavours tied to “taste, routine and home”, while making them relevant for today’s consumers.
The move reflects a broader shift in the beverages market, where heritage-led storytelling and familiarity are increasingly being used to stand out in a crowded, innovation-heavy category.
With Summerwala Sharbat, Mother’s Recipe isn’t just selling a drink, it’s selling a season, one glass at a time.
