MAM
Lifebuoy partners Kumbh Mela 2019 to drive healthy habit of handwashing
MUMBAI: Lifebuoy has partnered with Kumbh to promote the healthy habit of washing hands before consuming food using the innovative ‘Swasthya Chetna Thalis’. The Thalis come with an etched message of “Kripaya Pehle Sabun se Haath Dhoyein” (Please, first wash your hands using soap), that is a clear call to action to anyone who has sat down for a meal without a simple wash of hands which could prevent many illnesses.
Along with the Kumbh, the largest congregation of human beings in the world, Lifebuoy is also taking this idea to 35 other religious congregations that serve food to devotees, with an estimated annual footfall of 20 crore.
Shedding light on the thought behind the innovation, HUL general manager of skin cleansing Harman Dhillon said, “Lifebuoy aims to harness the power of small actions that can unlock big differences – like the simple act of handwashing which can ensure measurably improved health for the whole family. We hope a simple reminder right before someone eats food can trigger a meaningful change in habit encouraging more and more people to wash their hands before eating. Lifebuoy is committed to finding ways to protect people from illnesses and improve health outcomes, one wash of hands at a time.”
Lifebuoy had previously used the Kumbh to remind people to wash their hands with a message printed on a roti. During the Kumbh held in 2013, Lifebuoy had partnered more than 100 dhabas and hotels at the Mela to serve rotis that were stamped with ‘Lifebuoy se haath dhoye kya?’ The company had made special heat stamps to make an impression of its message on rotis at 100 kitchens across the mela. The initiative with the handwashing message was widely acclaimed.
Brands
KPMG names Gary Wingrove as global chairman and CEO from October
Record Gmada bids signal rising demand as Rs 1,000 crore bet reshapes Tricity skyline
MUMBAI: KPMG has chosen continuity with a forward tilt. The firm has announced that Gary Wingrove will take over as global chairman and CEO of KPMG International, beginning a four year term from 1 October 2026. Currently serving as global chief operating officer, Wingrove steps into the top role after being nominated by the global board and elected by the global council.
A KPMG veteran with over 25 years at the firm, Wingrove has been closely involved in shaping its recent trajectory. As global COO, he has helped drive the firm’s Collective Strategy, focusing on operational integration, global investments and the steady expansion of the KPMG Delivery Network. He has also been at the forefront of KPMG’s digital push, including the rollout of AI enabled solutions across its global operations.
Before his global role, Wingrove served as CEO of KPMG Australia for nearly a decade, where he led a period of strong growth, almost doubling revenue, profitability and headcount while steering a cultural reset.
He succeeds Bill Thomas, who has led KPMG since 2017 and will work alongside Wingrove over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition.
Thomas leaves behind a firm that looks markedly different from when he took charge. Under his leadership, KPMG’s global revenues have risen by 55 per cent, and its workforce has expanded to more than 276,000 people. He also unified the network of member firms under the Collective Strategy, aligning priorities and strengthening governance.
His tenure saw heavy investment in technology and partnerships, with alliances spanning Microsoft, Google Cloud, SAP, Oracle and ServiceNow. These collaborations, along with platforms like KPMG Clara, have helped the firm scale its AI-led offerings and sharpen its competitive edge.
Beyond growth, Thomas also pushed improvements in audit quality and sustainability. Initiatives such as a multiyear global sustainability strategy and the Our Impact Plan have aimed to embed long term thinking into the firm’s operations and client services.
For Wingrove, the brief is clear but evolving. He has signalled a focus on agility, deep expertise and technology driven solutions as clients navigate an increasingly complex business landscape. He also emphasised KPMG’s identity as a people first organisation, supported by technology and unified through its global network.
The timing of the leadership change comes as KPMG continues to grow, reporting a 5.1 per cent rise in global revenue in FY25, with gains across tax and legal, audit and advisory services. Growth was recorded across all regions, despite a challenging macro environment.
As Wingrove prepares to take charge, the firm appears set on a familiar path with a sharper digital edge. Same playbook, perhaps, but with a renewed focus on speed, scale and smarter solutions.
