Brands
BlackBerry partners with Mumbai Indians for IPL
MUMBAI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) fever is catching up. In the latest, BlackBerry has announced its exclusive partnership with the champions side, Mumbai Indian. As a part of the association, Mumbai Indians, has launched an exclusive BBM channel called ‘Mumbai Indians’ to engage and drive deeper connect with their millions fans and followers across the globe.
Commenting on the occasion, Mumbai Indian spokesperson said, “Mumbai Indians have always derived inspiration from its over 5.5 million fan support, who form the nucleus of our on-and-off field performance. Over the last four years, we have looked for innovative ways to connect and interact with our patrons and this year will be no different. The exclusive ‘Mumbai Indians’ BBM channel presents an excellent opportunity for our fans to stay closer to their favorite team throughout the season.”
BlackBerry senior marketing director for BBM Asia Pacific Krishnadeep Baruah commented, “India is a land where cricket is one of the most widely followed sport. As Indians, we live and breathe cricket, and BlackBerry is thrilled to be the official partners for Mumbai Indians. We are hopeful that via BBM channel, Mumbai Indian fans across the globe will be able to engage, interact and stay updated with their favorite team and its players.”
Riding on the IPL wave, BlackBerry has announced a number of exciting contests which will provide exclusive experiences to Mumbai Indians BBM channel followers. The contests will allow 11 lucky winners to watch the team practice from their dug out. There will also be contest give-aways such as autographed bats, tee’s and match tickets. BBM channel will allow fans to follow MI updates closely during IPL, experience exclusive content and have access to team members channel posts on given days.
Launched in November 2013, BBM channels is a forum for active, real conversations between people, brands and communities. The channel will be available across BlackBerry (BlackBerry OS 5, 6, 7 and 10), iOS and Android OS platforms.
Brands
IndiGo names William Walsh CEO
Former IATA chief to take charge in August after Elbers exit, Bhatia steers interim
India’s biggest airline has moved fast and gone global. InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, has tapped aviation heavyweight William Walsh as chief executive officer, subject to regulatory approvals, marking a sharp pivot as the carrier eyes its next burst of expansion.
Walsh, currently director general at the International Air Transport Association, will step down on July 31, 2026, and is expected to take charge by August 3. The appointment comes barely three weeks after Pieter Elbers exited the corner office, with Rahul Bhatia holding the fort in the interim.
The choice signals intent. Walsh brings decades of cockpit-to-boardroom experience, having led British Airways and later International Airlines Group, the parent of Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling. His tenure across carriers has been defined by hard resets, restructurings and cross-border consolidation—skills IndiGo may need as competition intensifies and scale becomes decisive.
Vikram Singh Mehta, chairman and non-executive independent director of IndiGo, said Walsh’s experience in managing large-scale airline operations and navigating complex market dynamics makes him well-suited to lead IndiGo in an increasingly competitive global aviation environment, adding that the appointment marks a new chapter as the airline scales in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
Rahul Bhatia said Walsh’s global perspective, operational expertise and customer-focused approach would be critical as IndiGo enters its next phase of expansion.
Walsh, widely regarded as one of the industry’s most influential figures, will oversee overall management and strategic direction, with a mandate spanning operational performance, network expansion, commercial strategy and customer experience. He is expected to work closely with the board and leadership team to sharpen IndiGo’s growth trajectory.
Walsh said IndiGo has a strong foundation and is well-positioned to capitalise on the evolving aviation landscape, adding that he looks forward to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and sustainable value creation across the organisation.
A new captain, a bigger runway—and a market that rewards scale. IndiGo is lining up for its next take-off.
