Brands
Johnnie Walker’s Striding Man, celebrates its 110th birthday with an exclusive experience at Delhi Duty Free
MUMBAI: The evolution of one of the world’s most iconic brand symbols is the focal point of celebration at Delhi airport this summer. Diageo Global Travel and Delhi Duty Free have collaborated to create a stunning anniversary installation marking 110 years of Johnnie Walker’s iconic Striding Man.
This July travellers will get the opportunity to learn about the history of the Johnnie Walker icon, through a showcase of his journey from the four corners of Scotland to the hearts and minds of whisky lovers around the globe. This unique experience is only available to travellers going through Delhi Airport this summer.
First designed in 1908 on the back of a menu card by cartoonist Tom Browne, the Striding Man was inspired by the brand’s founder, John Walker, as a tribute to his drive and vision. Since its creation the symbol has become one of the globe’s most recognisable symbols of progress.
Cristina Carmueja, Head of Global Travel Whiskeys at Diageo, the parent company of Johnnie Walker said: “This celebration is a fantastic opportunity to bring this amazing story to life. Alongside our partners at Delhi Duty Free, we really hope that travellers will take a moment to experience the fascinating journey of the Striding Man. Whisky enthusiasts can even own a piece of history themselves by picking up one of the many Johnnie Walker blends that he features on.”
This one of a kind installation, situated in the Delhi Duty Free entrance hall, leads travellers through a visual history of the brand’s most iconic campaigns, products and partnerships in which the Striding Man has been central to for 110 years. It also sees the launch of Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Sherry Cask Finish, a special edition whisky exclusive to travellers.
Passionate about inspiring travellers Ashish Chopra, COO, Delhi Duty Free said: “It’s important to us to really excite and educate our customers and this new Johnnie Walker brand experience does just that! It’s a fantastic addition to our offering and a fitting tribute to a true icon of the drinks world.”
The 110 years of the Striding Man anniversary celebration will be live until 31 August 2018.
Brands
Pocket FM elevates Lalit Gangwar to COO to drive global growth
Founding member to lead operations, monetisation and expansion across markets
MUMBAI: Pocket FM has elevated Lalit Gangwar to chief operating officer, tasking the founding team member with leading global business operations as the company sharpens its international growth strategy.
In his new role, Gangwar will oversee end-to-end operations across markets, including growth, monetisation and execution for the company’s audio business. The appointment comes as Pocket FM looks to strengthen its operating foundation and build a more predictable, scalable global business.
Gangwar has been closely involved in shaping the company’s trajectory from its early days. He played a key role in building the growth and marketing playbook in India, helping the platform scale to over 150 million users within its first year and establish a strong foothold in the audio storytelling category.
He later led Pocket FM’s expansion into the United States, where he set up teams, defined market strategy and drove scale, contributing significantly to the company’s international ambitions.
Pocket FM co-founder and CEO Rohan Nayak said, “Lalit has been central to Pocket FM’s journey from the very beginning. He has built our growth engine and scaled our business across markets.” He added that the company’s focus on nurturing internal talent makes Gangwar a natural choice to lead the next phase.
Gangwar said, “Pocket FM has always been driven by a simple belief that powerful stories can travel across borders and create meaningful impact.” He noted that the company will continue to focus on scaling markets, investing in AI-led storytelling and strengthening monetisation.
As COO, Gangwar is expected to bring greater operating discipline while building systems, talent and processes to support long-term growth.
With leadership continuity and a clear global focus, Pocket FM appears to be turning the page to its next chapter, one that aims to take its storytelling playbook well beyond home turf.
