Brands
Godrej’s AI washing machine cleans up the detergent residue problem
MUMBAI: Godrej is out to scrub away an invisible laundry menace – leftover detergent. Its latest ad campaign for the brand’s AI-powered front load washing machines takes a bubbly problem and turns it into a cheeky, watchable spin.
The campaign zeroes in on something most of us don’t notice but often feel: detergent residue clinging stubbornly to freshly washed clothes. Over time, it can dull colours, roughen fabrics and even irritate skin. Enter Godrej’s new AI-powered turbidity sensing technology, which can detect detergent traces in the wash cycle and rinse out up to 50 per cent more of the harsh stuff.
To get the message across, Godrej has rolled out a series of 20-second films that exaggerate the problem to comic effect. In each film, detergent makes a foamy, surprise appearance playful, over-the-top and impossible to ignore before the smart washing machine swoops in with its fix.
Godrej Enterprises Group head of marketing- appliances business Swati Rathi, explained. “Detergent residue is a real but often overlooked issue. Our AI-powered turbidity sensing tech ensures smarter washes, gentler fabric care and skin-friendlier laundry.”
The campaign, conceptualised by Creativeland Asia, leans on humour to drive home the point. “We took an invisible problem and dramatized it until it couldn’t be ignored,” said co-founder & creative vice-chairman Anu Joseph.
The films are live across digital video platforms and give laundry care, quite literally, a whole new spin.
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.
