Brands
Godrej’s creative chief walks out after role mismatch
MUMBAI: Swati Bhattacharya is leaving Godrej Consumer Products, effective January 1st 2026, barely months into her tenure as head of Lightbox Creative Lab. The reason? Blunt and unvarnished: the role “did not leverage her strengths and objectives.”
The Mumbai-based consumer goods company disclosed the resignation to stock exchanges on October 24th, offering corporate platitudes about appreciating her contribution. But Bhattacharya’s departure signals a rare public admission of a mismatch between executive expectations and reality—a failure that typically gets buried in boardroom euphemisms.
As senior management personnel at one of India’s largest consumer products firms, Bhattacharya helmed the company’s creative laboratory, presumably tasked with injecting innovation into a portfolio spanning soaps, hair colour and household insecticides. That the experiment fizzled speaks volumes.
Godrej Consumer Products, listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange, now faces the task of finding someone whose strengths actually align with what Lightbox demands. The company’s shares closed at their previous levels; investors, it seems, are unfazed by the creative exodus.
In corporate India, where resignations are usually dressed up in diplomatic language about “pursuing other opportunities”, Bhattacharya’s candour is almost refreshing. Almost.
Brands
KITKAT India teams up with One Piece for anime-led campaign push
On-pack characters and digital film tap into India’s fast-growing anime wave
MUMBAI: KITKAT India has joined forces with the globally popular anime One Piece, rolling out a new campaign that brings fan-favourite characters onto its packaging in a bid to connect with India’s rapidly expanding anime audience.
The collaboration sees iconic characters from the series featured on KITKAT packs, adding a playful twist to the brand’s long-standing “take a break” proposition. By blending pop culture with confectionery, the campaign aims to make everyday breaks feel a little more adventurous.
The launch is anchored by a digital-first film released across YouTube and Meta platforms, supported by a broader push spanning outdoor media and interactive social content. The multi-platform rollout reflects a clear attempt to meet younger audiences where they already spend their time.
Nestlé India head confectionery business Gopichandar Jagatheesan said, “Anime is a rapidly growing genre in India, and we are excited to collaborate with one of the most popular shows, One Piece. Having championed breaks for decades, KITKAT now takes them to the next level, making every break more epic with the world of One Piece.”
The move comes at a time when anime is shifting from niche interest to mainstream entertainment in India, with brands increasingly tapping into its cultural currency to stay relevant with younger consumers.
By pairing a globally loved anime with an equally recognisable chocolate brand, KITKAT’s latest outing signals a simple idea with strong appeal. In a crowded market, even a small break can turn into a big moment when it comes with a side of fandom.
