MAM
IdeateLabs forays into digital branded content creation and community building
MUMBAI: Over the last two decades IdeateLabs has established itself as one of India’s biggest independently funded end-to-end digital media companies. With offices in Mumbai, Dubai and Singapore, IdeateLab’s has catered to some of India’s biggest brands such as Future Group, HT Media, Hiranandani Group, Tata Teleservices amongst others. In line with the ever-transforming media landscape and varied consumer needs, IdeateLabs is set to introduce a series of new IP’s each designed to cater to a unique consumer base, the first of which is Alcohowl – India’s one and only platform for fine drinking experiences.
Alcohowl follows the philosophy that fine drinking isn’t just about what’s in the bottle, but the story and soul behind every sip. Alcohowl aims at creating the perfect blend of alcohol related events, reviews, tastings and trends to give alcohol connoisseurs a different outlook on the art of fine drinking.
Vrutika Dawda, Director, IdeateLabs calls it a “dynamic futuristic direction,” adding “At IdeateLabs we pride in our ability to combine content and consumer experience to deliver strong results, Alcohowl is one such example of that. It is a wholly niche space, but one that is far too overlooked. We’re in the midst of a cultural shift and as ones’ exposure to global culture and hospitality increases, the demand for unique avenues that provide such experiences will increase as well. Alcohowl is the first of its kind in this sunrise sector that is soon to witness a boom. We’re thrilled with the potential it offers and excited to see where we can take this.”
Vrutika added, “We are committed towards creating communities led by strong content. As a company we intend to focus on community led marketing. Taking that into account we dipped into the fabulous talent pool at IdeateLabs, Pallavi Naidu, one of our own will be fronting Alcohowl as the CEO. With her intrinsic knowledge of the space and the consumer base we’re targeting as well as her exceptional instinct for success, Pallavi is sure to take Alcohowl to great heights.”
Speaking of the platform, Pallavi Naidu, CEO, Alcohowl, said, “Alcohowl is all about the experience of fine drinking. We understand that while there are platforms that focus on food and beverage, none of them exclusively cater to alcohol connoisseurs. With Alcohowl, we not only intend to present them with a unique perspective, but also weave a story around their experience. It is about shifting away from the mundane and diving into a world of niche spirits and drinks. As a brand, Alcohowl will be present at two levels, as a digital platform creating custom content for the consumers in the form of our upcoming E-Magazine and branded videos and as an on-ground experiential platform providing curated experiences through special events and activities”
Currently operating only in Mumbai, Alcohowl is rapidly expanding their presence, starting with Goa, Delhi and Bangalore. Alcohowl will soon be launching India’s first E-Magazine dedicated to fine drinking and partnering with brands and OTT players to create custom content.
Brands
Apple CEO Tim Cook to step down after 15 years, John Ternus to take over
Leadership shake-up sees long-time hardware chief step up from September
CUPERTINO: Apple has confirmed that chief executive officer Tim Cook will step down from his role and transition to executive chairman, with senior vice president of hardware engineering John Ternus set to take over as CEO from September 1, 2026.
The transition, approved unanimously by the board, marks a carefully planned leadership shift at one of the world’s most valuable companies. Cook will remain CEO through the summer, working closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth handover before moving into his new role, where he will continue to support Apple and engage with policymakers globally.
In a memo to employees, Apple CEO Tim Cook reflected on his 15-year tenure, recalling the moment Steve Jobs asked him to step into the role. “It was an emotional and challenging moment for all of us at Apple,” he wrote, adding that the company’s core values, from simplicity and innovation to a commitment to improving lives, remain unchanged.
Explaining his decision, Cook said the company’s strong roadmap and future outlook made this the right time for a transition. “I have never been more optimistic about Apple’s future,” he noted, while announcing Ternus as his successor. He described Ternus as “a visionary in his own right” with “remarkable integrity” and the right leader to guide Apple into its next phase.
Cook said, “John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honour.”
Ternus, in his own note to employees, struck a steady, execution-focused tone. Ternus said, “It has been such a privilege to lead the hardware engineering team… I still plan to be very hands-on,” signalling continuity rather than a strategic reset.
As part of the leadership reshuffle, Ternus will step away from leading hardware engineering, with Tom Marieb taking over the role. Marieb will report to Johny Srouji, who assumes an expanded position as chief hardware officer, aligning hardware development more closely with Apple’s silicon and technology teams.
Cook also used his memo to thank employees, calling them “the most remarkable people in the world” and crediting them for building Apple into what it is today. A town hall has been scheduled at the Steve Jobs Theater to discuss the transition further.
The leadership change also sees Arthur Levinson move to the role of lead independent director, while Ternus joins Apple’s board.
Cook’s tenure has been defined by massive growth and expansion, with Apple’s market value rising from around $350 billion in 2011 to $4 trillion, alongside the launch of new product categories and a booming services business. Ternus, a 25-year Apple veteran, has played a central role in shaping the company’s hardware roadmap, from iPhone and Mac to newer innovations in materials and sustainability.
The transition signals a generational shift, but not a dramatic change in direction. If anything, both memos point to continuity, discipline and a belief that Apple’s next chapter will be built on the same values that shaped its last.
