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Federal Bank’s AI Onam wishes win hearts
MUMBAI: When petals fall from the cloud, you know Onam has gone digital. This festive season, Federal Bank, in partnership with Hogarth, turned tradition into a tech-powered celebration, swapping generic greetings for personalised, AI-driven messages that felt anything but robotic.
Using WPP’s AI tools and immersive tech from 8th Wall, the campaign let customers scan a simple QR code on posters, print or metro ads, and suddenly find themselves showered with virtual petals, greeted by a Kathakali dancer, or hearing the familiar trumpet of a vallam kali. And instead of a faceless message, it came directly from their own branch manager: part banker, part digital storyteller.
“This Onam, we wanted to bring plug-and-play joy into people’s homes,” said Federal Bank, cmo, M V S Murthy. “Technology is at its best when it strengthens culture and community, not when it overshadows them.”
Thousands of bespoke greetings were shared across Kerala and beyond, with customers responding with joy, nostalgia, and even surprise. For many in the diaspora, the greeting felt like a piece of home arriving at their phone.
For Hogarth India, ceo, Karthik Nagarajan, the idea was simple: “We’re moving from creating content to crafting experiences. Tech should feel human, not heavy,” he noted.
Backed by AI-assisted motion design, the experience was fully browser-based, no app required, making it as seamless as it was striking. Social chatter followed quickly, with younger audiences latching onto the novelty and sharing the moments widely.
As WPP, global vp of Immersive tech & AI, Dale Imerman, summed it up, “This is India showing how creativity and technology can amplify cultural connection at scale.”
For many, this year Onam didn’t just come home, it came alive on their screens.
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Rentokil PCI acquires Pecopp to expand pest control footprint in India
Deal strengthens western reach and adds premium clients to portfolio
MUMBAI: Rentokil PCI has acquired Pecopp Pest Control Services Pvt Ltd, strengthening its presence in western India and expanding its customer base across premium segments.
The deal brings Pecopp’s client portfolio, workforce and operational assets into the Rentokil PCI network, combining local expertise with global capabilities. Mumbai-based Pecopp has built a strong reputation over the years, serving clients across professional services, luxury hospitality and entertainment sectors.
With the integration, Pecopp will gain access to Rentokil PCI’s global research, digital tools and service infrastructure, aimed at improving delivery standards and operational efficiency.
Rentokil PCI managing director David Lewis said the acquisition supports the company’s focus on advancing service quality and scaling tech-driven solutions in India.
Pecopp Pest Control Services Pvt Ltd managing director Siddharth Balwani added that the partnership will help enhance service offerings while retaining a personalised approach for existing customers.
The acquisition reflects a broader push by Rentokil PCI to deepen its market presence through targeted expansion and a stronger customer-first strategy.
