MAM
Ogilvy creates campaign for Bajaj Platina
MUMBAI: Taking the ‘jhatka-free’ story, from Bajaj Platina’s previous campaigns, a notch higher, Ogilvy has created yet another ‘edge of the seat’ thriller for the launch of the new Platina ComforTec 110. The ad shows a tale of two bomb squad technicians trying to find a solution for an un-diffusible bomb which is found in the middle of a busy city centre. With the ad, the brand aims to establish the new features of the higher torque engine, combi-braking system, and nitrox shock absorbers, a category first for the vehicle.
Bajaj Auto Ltd VP marketing Narayan Sundararaman said, “In the commuter motorcycle segment where the focus is on ‘mileage’, Platina has differentiated itself by building a strong position as the most comfortable bike for the long-distance commute rider through its ‘jhatka mana hai’ communication. The new Platina 110 comes with features that enhance this comfort position with added features to deliver an ‘effortless riding’ experience to our buyers. The new ‘bomb squad’ TVC communicates this in a truly memorable way.”
Ogilvy West chief creative officer Sukesh Nayak added, “Platina ComforTec’s DNA has always been quirky and entertaining. So this time around, we have chosen a truly unique plot. A bomb disposable squad member discovers the comfort and superior suspension of the new 110 Platina. And in the process leaves the audience thoroughly entertained.”
Ogilvy Mumbai senior VP Nikhil Mohan said, “This wonderful piece of communication is the outcome of the great partnership with the team at Bajaj. This campaign will definitely build salience and desirability for the new Platina 110.”
Ogilvy also shared that the launch campaign along with the TVC and print would include social with an intensive geo-targeted Facebook campaign and other shareable content that entertains the viewer while driving the ‘most comfortable ride’ message home.
Brands
Wipro hires 7,500 freshers, withholds FY27 hiring outlook
Profit rises to Rs 3,522 crore, Rs 15,000 crore buyback announced.
MUMBAI- Hiring may be on, but visibility is off, Wipro is adding talent even as it pauses the crystal ball. The company hired 7,500 freshers in FY26 but stopped short of offering any hiring outlook for FY27, underscoring the uncertainty gripping the IT services sector as it pivots towards an AI-led operating model.
The disclosure came alongside its fourth-quarter earnings, where management flagged volatile demand conditions and refrained from committing to future workforce expansion. Chief human resources officer Saurabh Govil noted that over 3,000 of the total hires were onboarded in the March quarter alone, signalling continued intake despite a lack of clarity on deployment pipelines.
This divergence active hiring without forward guidance reflects a broader industry pattern where talent acquisition continues even as deal conversions remain uneven and client spending cycles stretch. Wipro expects its IT services revenue for the June quarter to range between a decline of 2 per cent and flat growth sequentially in constant currency terms, reinforcing near-term caution.
Chief executive officer Srini Pallia pointed to artificial intelligence as both a disruptor and an opportunity. He said evolving client priorities are pushing the company towards outcome-driven engagements, with Wipro increasingly focusing on a services-as-software model through its AI Native Business and Platforms unit. The shift marks a structural change from traditional headcount-led growth to AI-enabled delivery frameworks.
The company has already committed over $1 billion to its AI ecosystem, with investors closely watching how these investments translate into revenue. For now, the numbers present a mixed picture. Net profit rose sequentially to Rs 3,522 crore, while revenue grew 3 per cent to Rs 24,236 crore. However, core IT services performance remained under pressure, with full-year revenue declining 0.3 per cent in dollar terms and 1.6 per cent in constant currency.
Large deal bookings offered a counterpoint, rising 45.4 per cent year-on-year to $7.8 billion, highlighting a widening gap between deal wins and actual revenue realisation. On a quarterly basis, IT services revenue slipped 1.2 per cent sequentially, signalling continued softness in execution.
Margins, however, told a more optimistic story. Operating margins expanded to 17.3 per cent in the fourth quarter, up from 14.8 per cent in the previous quarter, reflecting improved cost discipline. That said, the company cautioned that upcoming wage hikes and the ramp-up of large deals could exert pressure going forward.
Attrition stood at 13.8 per cent in the March quarter, indicating stabilisation after periods of elevated churn. Alongside its earnings, Wipro also announced a Rs 15,000 crore share buyback, reinforcing its focus on shareholder returns, with a payout ratio of 88 per cent over the past three years.
Taken together, the numbers capture a company in transition investing in AI, maintaining hiring momentum, but navigating a demand environment where growth is uneven and visibility remains limited.
