MAM
Gozoop wins creative digital mandate for Guardian GNC
NEW DELHI: Gozoop has won the integrated creative digital mandate for Guardian GNC, the master franchise for GNC in India. GNC, headquartered in USA is a global leader in health and wellness supplements. As part of its digital duties, Gozoop will be responsible for building the brand on digital, including creative campaigns, social media, customer experience, influencer marketing and online reputation.
Looking at Gozoop's proven experience of building brands in the nutraceutical and health space, the mandate will focus on strengthening GNC's digital presence and creating new avenues for consumer engagement. Through creative out-of-the-box communication strategies, Gozoop will strengthen brand awareness on digital platforms and touchpoints in a creative and innovative way.
The long-term association aims to build the brand seamlessly, integrate digital presence across platforms, and establish the brand in an omnichannel manner more aggressively. A dedicated team will also work on building an influencer community for the brand.
Commenting on the association, Guardian GNC CEO Shadab Khan said, “We are happy to be associated with Gozoop. It is important to have the right partners who understand and foresee the same vision. In today’s day and age, it is essential to have an integrated marketing approach towards attaining an accurate brand voice. We at GNC believe in educating and providing an all-inclusive approach to improve health and wellness. With our partnership with Gozoop we aim to build and improve the quality of life, of our consumers by spreading awareness about the right nutrition.”
Guardian GNC VP marketing Prashant Sarwade further added, “We believe Gozoop would help us bridge the gap in educating and spreading awareness about what GNC has to offer, through an integrated marketing approach. We are confident about this journey together, and hope to inspire our consumers to take a holistic approach towards health by choosing the right lifestyle and nutrition. .”
Gozoop CEO and co-founder Ahmed Aftab Naqvi said, “Great partnerships are built on the pillars of trust, respect, knowledge and the hunger to excel. We are delighted to have a found a like-minded partner in GNC which shares similar values. I and my team are looking forward to helping GNC win in this new world.”
Gozoop VP – business and strategy Amyn Ghadiali said, “Our vision, strategically and creatively, is so well aligned with GNC, that we are excited to venture upon this journey together. I believe that in the coming times a brand that sets itself apart from a creative standpoint on digital would be able to build better resonance, and that is exactly what we are gearing towards with this new partnership.”
The association between Gozoop and Guardian Healthcare, the master franchisee of GNC, has proven to be fruitful, with the recent campaign #IAmPositive gained immense popularity. Conceptualised and executed by Gozoop, and promoted through a video featuring John Abraham, the campaign encouraged people to stay optimistic while adapting to the new normal.
MAM
HUL appoints Pavan Bedi as CMO for Foods business
Veteran marketer with 22-plus years at Unilever takes charge of foods portfolio in Mumbai.
MUMBAI: HUL’s foods division just got a seasoned flavour boost because when it comes to seasoning success, Pavan Bedi knows exactly how to stir the pot. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) has elevated long-time leader Pavan Bedi to chief marketing officer for its Foods business, the company confirmed on 23 February 2026. Bedi, who has spent over 22 years with the FMCG giant, shared the news himself on LinkedIn, writing: “I’m delighted to share that I will be stepping into a new role as CMO Foods, HUL”.
Before this Mumbai-based appointment, Bedi served as global brand vice president for more than four years. His career is dotted with high-impact global roles: he was global brand director for Pond’s (based in Singapore), driving innovation across South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, led the high-profile rebranding of Fair & Lovely to Glow & Lovely as global brand director; and spent six years shaping Lifebuoy’s “Purpose agenda” and “Social Mission”, forging public-private partnerships with the United Nations and other platforms.
Now overseeing HUL’s sprawling foods lineup from staples to snacks and everything in between Bedi steps into one of the company’s most dynamic verticals at a time when consumer tastes are evolving fast. His track record blending global scale, brand transformation, and purpose-led marketing makes him a natural fit for steering strategic growth and creative campaigns in the category.
In his LinkedIn post, Bedi underscored his enduring commitment to Unilever’s vision, framing the move as another chapter in a career built on long-term impact rather than quick wins.
For an organisation that thrives on trusted, household names, Bedi’s elevation is less a surprise and more a reminder, the best recipes for growth often come from ingredients that have been simmering for over two decades. Whether it’s rebranding icons or building purpose at scale, he’s now tasked with making sure HUL’s foods business stays as appetising tomorrow as it is today.
