Brands
Audi, Saatchi & Saatchi India launch artful festive campaign
MUMBAI: This Diwali, Audi isn’t just lighting up the streets, it’s lighting up minds. In a sparkling collaboration with Saatchi & Saatchi India, the brand has rolled out ‘Journeys of Imagination’, a festive campaign that’s part road trip, part art show, and all heart.
Revving up Audi’s signature ‘Journey with Audi’ platform, the campaign celebrates the magic that happens when cutting-edge tech meets the warmth of Indian celebrations. The spotlight? Firmly on the sleek Audi q3 sportback, with star cameos from its luxe siblings, the q5 and q7, as they cruise through a Mumbai alive with festive fervour.
But this isn’t just another glossy car ad. It’s a joyride powered by creativity.
Enter AI artist Omkar Korade and renowned photographer Hashim Badani, two new-age creators who took the Audi Q3 on a journey through Mumbai’s glowing streets, capturing the soul of the city during its most spirited season. Think bustling lanes, swirling lights, and art that quite literally moves you.
Their work turns every stop into a stroke of genius, transforming everyday festive scenes into imaginative digital artworks, all while showcasing Audi as more than just a car. It’s a co-pilot on a canvas, a muse for modern makers, and a companion in every moment of celebration.
“Audi has always championed innovation,” said Saatchi & Saatchi India chief creative officer Kartik Smetacek. “And every new idea starts with a leap of imagination. So, for this year’s festive campaign, we collaborated with new-age creators Omkar Korade and Hashim Badani to reimagine how Mumbai celebrates the season. You will soon see their amazing AI art lighting up digital screens across the city.”
Audi India head of marketing and PR Gaurav Sinha added, “Festivals in India are full of imagination and emotion, and we wanted this campaign to reflect that spirit in a way that feels fresh and modern. ‘Celebrating Journeys of Imagination’ is our tribute to how creativity, culture, and innovation come together during this time of the year.”
And the strategy isn’t just about seasonal sparkle, Saatchi & Saatchi India executive director Atin Wahal pointed out that this partnership is built for the long road, “Our partnership with Audi is built on a shared vision of innovation and progress. It is focused on helping the brand connect meaningfully with audiences and drive creativity in the automotive space.”
Brands
Balaji Krishnamurthy becomes chief financial officer at Uber
Internal finance veteran steps up as Uber enters next phase of growth
SAN FRANCISCO: Uber has handed the keys of its finance function to Balaji Krishnamurthy, who has taken charge as chief financial officer, marking a promotion from within the company’s strategic finance ranks.
Krishnamurthy steps into the role after more than six years at Uber, where he most recently served as VP, strategic finance and investor relations. Over that time, he worked across the company’s mobility and delivery businesses and led its investor relations efforts, building a reputation as a steady hand behind the numbers.
Announcing his first day in the new role, Krishnamurthy thanked outgoing CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah and chief executive officer Dara Khosrowshahi for their support, calling the appointment both a privilege and a responsibility.
He said he was stepping into the role at a “moment of strength” for the company, pointing to accelerating growth across consumers, drivers, couriers and merchants, along with expanding cash flows that would be used to invest in long term growth while returning excess capital to shareholders.
Krishnamurthy also highlighted Uber’s focus on innovation, particularly in autonomous vehicles, and praised what he described as a “go get it” culture within the company.
Before joining Uber in 2019 as senior manager, investor relations, he spent more than eight years at Goldman Sachs as vice president in equity research, covering US hardware and communications technology companies. His earlier roles included stints at Irevna and iTrust Financial Advisors in India, where he worked in equity research and wealth management.
In addition to his responsibilities at Uber, he also serves as a board member at autonomous trucking startup Waabi.
With an internal finance veteran now at the helm, Uber appears to be betting on continuity as it shifts from growth-at-all-costs to a more measured, cash-generating ride.
