Brands
Perfetti Van Melle brings back Center Shock
MUMBAI: Perfetti Van Melle India has announced the launch of Center Shock in the Indian market; a sour flavoured gum in line with the growing sour flavours trend worldwide.
Center Shock was launched in 2002, and created an excitement in the gums category with a sour flour and ‘shocking’ consumption experience. The brand created its own set of followers with a differentiated taste profile and entertaining advertising. It was later phased out in line with business plans.
Center Shock will be available at Rs. 2 per gum in an attractive jar for high in shop visibility and will be supported with a campaign on digital media to build awareness.
Perfetti Van Melle India director – marketing Rohit Kapoor says, “Consumers are accepting sour flavours more now, and so we have worked to get to launch Center Shock. It’s a joy to bring back a brand on the basis of consumer demand. We will be supporting the launch on social media exclusively, with the same loved communication (designed by Ogilvy) as before. It will be available as a limited edition.”
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Brands
Pocket FM elevates Lalit Gangwar to COO to drive global growth
Founding member to lead operations, monetisation and expansion across markets
MUMBAI: Pocket FM has elevated Lalit Gangwar to chief operating officer, tasking the founding team member with leading global business operations as the company sharpens its international growth strategy.
In his new role, Gangwar will oversee end-to-end operations across markets, including growth, monetisation and execution for the company’s audio business. The appointment comes as Pocket FM looks to strengthen its operating foundation and build a more predictable, scalable global business.
Gangwar has been closely involved in shaping the company’s trajectory from its early days. He played a key role in building the growth and marketing playbook in India, helping the platform scale to over 150 million users within its first year and establish a strong foothold in the audio storytelling category.
He later led Pocket FM’s expansion into the United States, where he set up teams, defined market strategy and drove scale, contributing significantly to the company’s international ambitions.
Pocket FM co-founder and CEO Rohan Nayak said, “Lalit has been central to Pocket FM’s journey from the very beginning. He has built our growth engine and scaled our business across markets.” He added that the company’s focus on nurturing internal talent makes Gangwar a natural choice to lead the next phase.
Gangwar said, “Pocket FM has always been driven by a simple belief that powerful stories can travel across borders and create meaningful impact.” He noted that the company will continue to focus on scaling markets, investing in AI-led storytelling and strengthening monetisation.
As COO, Gangwar is expected to bring greater operating discipline while building systems, talent and processes to support long-term growth.
With leadership continuity and a clear global focus, Pocket FM appears to be turning the page to its next chapter, one that aims to take its storytelling playbook well beyond home turf.
