MAM
Hunter fuels youth victory as title sponsor of the inaugural Madhya Pradesh League
Mumbai: SOM Distilleries and Breweries Ltd is thrilled to announce that Hunter, its iconic brand known for embodying youthful spirit and an unyielding thirst for victory, will be the title sponsor of the inaugural Madhya Pradesh League (MPL), a franchise-based professional T20 cricket league. The MPL, organised by the Gwalior Division Cricket Association (GDCA) under the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), promises to be a ground-breaking event in the cricketing calendar, celebrating vibrant energy and competitive excellence.
The league’s inaugural edition, running from 15 June to 23 June 2024, will feature top players from the state, including IPL and international cricket stars. Drawing inspiration from the Indian Premier League (IPL), the MPL offers world-class production quality and broadcasting, delivering an electrifying “cricketainment” experience for local fans. This grand event is set to uncover new talent from the state, empowering regional cricket players by enhancing their confidence, game, and skill. It also seeks to provide substantial financial opportunities and a broad scope for growth for these athletes.
SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd chief marketing officer Anand Agrawal the makers of the very popular brand Hunter, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to be the title sponsor of the Madhya Pradesh League. This collaboration perfectly aligns with Hunter’s core values of youthful spirit and it’s unparalleled thirst for victory. Our commitment to empowering regional cricket players and creating unforgettable experiences for local fans resonates with Hunter’s mission of fostering talent and community vibrancy.”
Hunter, synonymous with boldness and innovation, is a natural fit as the title sponsor for the MPL. The brand has always stood for the vibrancy and aspirations of today’s youth, making this association a perfect blend of cricket and youthful energy. The MPL aims to build a strong emotional connection with the audience, fostering a sense of community and support, which is at the heart of Hunter’s brand ethos.
MPL CEO Ravi Patankar added, “As MPL embarks on an exciting season, we are thrilled to welcome Hunter as our Title Sponsor. Their unwavering support reflects their commitment to excellence and their dedication to delivering top-notch experiences to customers. We look forward to a successful season together, representing the spirit of cricket and youthfulness.”
The inaugural edition, held at the Gwalior International Cricket Stadium, will feature five teams: Rewa Jaguars, Jabalpur Lions, Gwalior Cheetahs, Malwa Panthers, and Bhopal Leopards. Prominent players such as Kulwant Khejroliya, Avesh Khan, Venkatesh Iyer, Rajat Patidar, and Kumar Kartikeya will grace the tournament. The league promises 10 days of high-octane cricket in a round-robin format and will be telecasted on Jio Cinema Digital and Sports Network 18 on TV.
The inauguration of the tournament was graced by Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, along with Jyotiraditya Scindia, JK Shah, and cricket legend Kapil Dev, among other dignitaries.
Hunter’s association with the MPL not only signifies a sponsorship but a celebration of youthful spirit, community, and the unyielding passion for cricket. This partnership aims to inspire and resonate with the youth, empowering them to pursue their dreams with confidence and vigour.
Brands
Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen to step down after 18 years in role
Board begins CEO search as Narayen prepares to move to chair role
SAN JOSE: After nearly two decades at the helm, Adobe’s long-serving chief executive Shantanu Narayen is preparing to pass the baton.
The company announced that Narayen will transition from his role as chief executive officer once a successor is appointed, ending an 18-year run that reshaped Adobe from a boxed software seller into a global cloud and AI powerhouse. He will remain chair of the board following the leadership transition.
Adobe’s board has formed a special committee to oversee the succession process, led by lead independent director Frank Calderoni. The committee will evaluate both internal and external candidates.
“Shantanu’s leadership has been instrumental in Adobe’s transformation and in positioning the company for the AI-driven era,” Calderoni said in a statement. “As we begin the next phase of succession planning, our focus is on identifying the right leader for the company’s next chapter while ensuring a smooth transition.”
In a note to employees, Narayen described the moment not as a farewell but as a pause for reflection after a long journey with the company.
“I love Adobe and the privilege of leading it has been the greatest honour of my career,” he wrote, adding that he will continue to work closely with the board over the coming months to ensure a seamless leadership change.
Tributes from the technology industry quickly followed the announcement. Microsoft chairman and chief executive officer Satya Nadella congratulated Narayen on what he described as a “legendary run” at Adobe.
“Congrats Shantanu, on a legendary run at Adobe! You’ve built one of the most important software companies in the world, and expanded what’s possible for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands everywhere,” Nadella wrote on LinkedIn.
“What has always stood out to me is the empathy you’ve brought to the creative process and the example you’ve set as a leader. Grateful for your friendship, mentorship, and for all you’ve done for Adobe and for our industry.”
Narayen’s career at Adobe spans nearly three decades. He joined the company in 1998 as vice president and rose steadily through the ranks before becoming chief executive officer in December 2007.
During that time, he orchestrated one of the most significant reinventions in the software industry. In 2013, Adobe made the bold decision to abandon traditional boxed software sales and move its flagship creative tools such as Photoshop to a subscription-based Creative Cloud model. The shift initially rattled investors but ultimately transformed Adobe into a predictable recurring revenue business and a case study in digital reinvention.
Narayen also pushed Adobe beyond creative tools into the world of marketing technology and data-driven customer experience, spearheading acquisitions such as Omniture and Marketo. Those moves helped build Adobe’s digital experience division and broaden its reach far beyond designers and photographers.
The numbers tell the story of that transformation. When Narayen took over in 2007, Adobe generated roughly $3 billion in annual revenue. Today the company reports more than $25 billion. Over the same period, its workforce expanded from around 3,000 employees to more than 30,000.
In recent years, Narayen has steered Adobe into the generative AI era with the launch of Adobe Firefly, aiming to keep the company ahead in a rapidly evolving creative technology landscape.
Born in Hyderabad in 1963, Narayen studied electronics and communication engineering at Osmania University before moving to the United States for a master’s degree in computer science from Bowling Green State University. He later earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.
Widely regarded as one of Silicon Valley’s most steady and effective leaders, Narayen has earned multiple honours during his career, including India’s Padma Shri in 2019.
For Adobe, the upcoming leadership change marks the end of a defining chapter. For Narayen, however, the story is far from finished. As he told employees, the company’s next era of creativity, powered by AI and new digital workflows, is only just beginning.
