Brands
A perfect fit New Balance laces up Janhvi Kapoor as India ambassador
MUMBAI: New Balance has found its stride in India. The global sportswear brand New Balance has officially welcomed Janhvi Kapoor as its first-ever Indian brand ambassador, marking a significant step in its expansion across one of the world’s fastest-growing style and sportswear markets.
Known for balancing mainstream appeal with a distinctly personal sense of style, Kapoor’s journey in cinema and fashion mirrors the brand’s long-standing emphasis on individuality and self-belief. Her growing influence among young consumers, combined with her advocacy for authenticity and confidence, positions her as a natural fit for New Balance’s philosophy of empowering people to own their path, on and off the field.
Speaking about the association, Kapoor said she has long admired the brand’s commitment to innovation and celebrating individuality, adding that fashion and fitness, for her, are rooted in staying true to oneself. She noted that New Balance allows her to express that confidence authentically, making the partnership feel instinctive rather than ornamental.
From the brand’s perspective, the collaboration is designed as a shared creative journey rather than a conventional endorsement. Radeshwer Davar, country manager, India at New Balance, said Kapoor brings not just reach but genuine inspiration, aligning with the brand’s ethos of evolution, passion and personal expression. He added that the partnership opens new possibilities at the intersection of sport, culture and style for Indian audiences.
India continues to be a key growth market for New Balance across the Middle East, Africa and India (MEAI) region. Stuart Henwood, senior director for MEAI at New Balance, highlighted Kapoor’s individuality and entrepreneurial spirit as qualities that resonate strongly with the brand’s vision for the country, positioning her as a catalyst for deeper consumer connection.
Together, New Balance and Janhvi Kapoor are set to shape a more confident, inclusive and creative conversation around sport and fashion, one that reflects the energy and ambition of modern India rather than simply following global templates.
Brands
Samsung India mobile chief quits after 18 years
Raju Antony Pullan’s exit leaves a gaping hole at the top as Chinese rivals tighten their grip
GURGAON: Raju Antony Pullan has had enough. The senior vice-president and head of Samsung India’s mobile phone business has put in his papers after 18 years at the Korean giant, a tenure long enough to have watched the company stride to the top of India’s smartphone market and then stumble, badly, as Chinese upstarts muscled in.
Pullan, who ran sales, marketing and every last function of the smartphone business, tendered his resignation on Thursday and is currently serving out his notice period. Samsung has not named a successor. It has a second line of leadership waiting in the wings, Aditya Babbar and Hiren Rathod among them, but no decision has been made on who steps up.
The timing is awkward. Samsung has been haemorrhaging market share to Chinese brands and now clings to a top-two position only in the premium segment, where it scraps it out with Apple. Losing the man who stewarded the mobile business through its best and worst years hardly helps steady the ship.
A company that once owned India’s smartphone market is now fighting to stay relevant in it. Pullan’s departure is less a footnote than a flashing red light.
