Brands
Ayushmann Khurrana unveils CG Foods Delicious WAI WAI Noodle Flavors
Mumbai: CG Foods, owned by Nepal’s only dollar billionaire Dr. Binod Chaudhary, is all set to disrupt $1.88-billion instant noodle market in India. Chaudhary Group (CG), a diversified multinational conglomerate, announces the launch of two innovative noodle variants, SMN (Seasoned Masala Noodles) and Dynamite (Korean Super Spicy Range).
Ayushmann Khurrana Champions the Bold Flavours of SMN (Seasoned Masala Noodles)
Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, endorses the “Masale Pe Masala” Seasoned Masala Noodles, an inventive take on the classic Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Brown Noodles. The SMN range is a flavourful adventure, packing seasoning and extra dehydrated veggies into a true value-for-money meal. Available in three pocket-friendly price points — Rs 15, Rs 20, and a Rs 90 six-in-one pack – SMN caters to diverse consumer needs because of its mild spicy appeal.
Dynamite: A Spicy Ode to Korean Flavours
The “Dynamite” range, known as the “Spice Blitz Noodles”, is a fiery tribute to Korean cuisine with a desi twist, a happy blend of Sichuan Pepper and Korean Chilli in vegetarian variants, and Xtra Spicy Chicken and The Himalayan Hot Chicken in non-vegetarian options. Initially launched to cater to the palate of consumers in North-east India, the inclusion of the world-renowned Ghost Pepper or Bhut Jolokia — the hottest chilli in the world — in the Dynamite range is CG Foods’ innovative response to the growing demand for spicy flavours and the ever-increasing popularity of Korean cuisine.
CG Foods managing director Varun Chaudhary who is powering WAI WAI’s growth in India and other geographies, is upbeat about the launch of a bouquet of products. “We’re excited to unveil our latest noodle innovations: Seasoned Masala Noodles (SMN) & Dynamite Range. We’re a firm believer in offering unique culinary delights to our customers at regular intervals. Endorsed by Ayushmann Khurrana, these new flavours seek to tap into the vibrant palates of millennials and Gen Z. Our latest offerings will further establish WAI WAI as an innovative, consumer-centric brand. They are perfectly aligned with the tastes and lifestyles of our consumers of varying age groups.”
Khurrana shared his excitement about the launch “I am delighted to partner with Wai Wai, a brand distinguished by its dynamic and eclectic product portfolio. Wai Wai’s exceptional range of noodles, designed to cater to a wide array of tastes, preferences, and regional flavours have struck a big chord with the consumers. It’s a brand that consistently lives up to its reputation by offering such a vibrant and diverse selection.”
CG Foods global CEO Manvendra Amber Shukla weighed in on the brand’s legacy, “WAI WAI is not just a brand; it’s a journey down memory lane for our loyal customers. At the heart of our growth lies innovation, seamlessly blending tradition with the pulse of contemporary palate. Our latest creation, the flavorful SMN pack, endorsed by the charismatic Ayushmann Khurrana, marks a new chapter in our quest to delight the evolving palate of our consumers. Witnessing the meteoric rise of the Korean noodles segment in India from a mere Rs 2 crore in 2021 to an impressive Rs 65 crore in 2023, we’re inspired to bring our own twist to the table with ‘Dynamite.’ This venture not only introduces a fiery Korean flavor but also expands our horizons with a diverse range of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. We’re excited to spice up the noodle market and can’t wait to see our cherished customers, old and new, relish these awesome flavours.”
Brands
Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen to step down after 18 years in role
Board begins CEO search as Narayen prepares to move to chair role
SAN JOSE: After nearly two decades at the helm, Adobe’s long-serving chief executive Shantanu Narayen is preparing to pass the baton.
The company announced that Narayen will transition from his role as chief executive officer once a successor is appointed, ending an 18-year run that reshaped Adobe from a boxed software seller into a global cloud and AI powerhouse. He will remain chair of the board following the leadership transition.
Adobe’s board has formed a special committee to oversee the succession process, led by lead independent director Frank Calderoni. The committee will evaluate both internal and external candidates.
“Shantanu’s leadership has been instrumental in Adobe’s transformation and in positioning the company for the AI-driven era,” Calderoni said in a statement. “As we begin the next phase of succession planning, our focus is on identifying the right leader for the company’s next chapter while ensuring a smooth transition.”
In a note to employees, Narayen described the moment not as a farewell but as a pause for reflection after a long journey with the company.
“I love Adobe and the privilege of leading it has been the greatest honour of my career,” he wrote, adding that he will continue to work closely with the board over the coming months to ensure a seamless leadership change.
Tributes from the technology industry quickly followed the announcement. Microsoft chairman and chief executive officer Satya Nadella congratulated Narayen on what he described as a “legendary run” at Adobe.
“Congrats Shantanu, on a legendary run at Adobe! You’ve built one of the most important software companies in the world, and expanded what’s possible for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands everywhere,” Nadella wrote on LinkedIn.
“What has always stood out to me is the empathy you’ve brought to the creative process and the example you’ve set as a leader. Grateful for your friendship, mentorship, and for all you’ve done for Adobe and for our industry.”
Narayen’s career at Adobe spans nearly three decades. He joined the company in 1998 as vice president and rose steadily through the ranks before becoming chief executive officer in December 2007.
During that time, he orchestrated one of the most significant reinventions in the software industry. In 2013, Adobe made the bold decision to abandon traditional boxed software sales and move its flagship creative tools such as Photoshop to a subscription-based Creative Cloud model. The shift initially rattled investors but ultimately transformed Adobe into a predictable recurring revenue business and a case study in digital reinvention.
Narayen also pushed Adobe beyond creative tools into the world of marketing technology and data-driven customer experience, spearheading acquisitions such as Omniture and Marketo. Those moves helped build Adobe’s digital experience division and broaden its reach far beyond designers and photographers.
The numbers tell the story of that transformation. When Narayen took over in 2007, Adobe generated roughly $3 billion in annual revenue. Today the company reports more than $25 billion. Over the same period, its workforce expanded from around 3,000 employees to more than 30,000.
In recent years, Narayen has steered Adobe into the generative AI era with the launch of Adobe Firefly, aiming to keep the company ahead in a rapidly evolving creative technology landscape.
Born in Hyderabad in 1963, Narayen studied electronics and communication engineering at Osmania University before moving to the United States for a master’s degree in computer science from Bowling Green State University. He later earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.
Widely regarded as one of Silicon Valley’s most steady and effective leaders, Narayen has earned multiple honours during his career, including India’s Padma Shri in 2019.
For Adobe, the upcoming leadership change marks the end of a defining chapter. For Narayen, however, the story is far from finished. As he told employees, the company’s next era of creativity, powered by AI and new digital workflows, is only just beginning.
