Brands
Kia India partners HYBE India for 15-city global girl group auditions
Automaker backs nationwide talent hunt with immersive Syros-led youth engagement
NEW DELHI: Kia India has partnered with HYBE India as the exclusive automotive partner for its first large-scale global auditions aimed at discovering India’s next international girl group.
The initiative will span 15 cities, combining on-ground and digital auditions to create a global pathway for young Indian talent. The collaboration blends entertainment with brand engagement, positioning the automaker at the centre of a youth-driven cultural platform.
As part of the rollout, HYBE India will bring its globally recognised artist development model to India, building on the legacy of HYBE, known for creating acts like BTS and KATSEYE.
The partnership will come to life through HYBE India Pop-Up Parks across cities, featuring the 2026 Kia Syros as a central attraction. A key highlight is the ‘Kia Engagement Zone’, an in-car content creation setup that allows participants to record and share performance videos, turning the vehicle into a creative studio on wheels.
Kia India senior vice president marketing and sales Atul Sood said, “Kia India’s collaboration with HYBE India reflects a shared understanding of how culture, creativity and youth aspirations are evolving today.”
HYBE India head of business development Sarthak Arora said, “This collaboration enables us to build a meaningful platform that helps unlock India’s potential on a global stage.”
The on-ground activations will begin in Guwahati on 2 May, followed by Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and New Delhi, before expanding to other cities including Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chandigarh. Online auditions will run from 31 March to 31 July, extending participation to Indian talent worldwide.
With this move, Kia India is stepping beyond mobility to engage with youth culture and creative ambition, aligning its brand with a generation that values global exposure, identity and self-expression.
Brands
SBI General Insurance appoints Shrish Mahuli as chief business officer
Industry veteran with 24 years’ experience to drive growth and distribution
MUMBAI: SBI General Insurance has appointed Shrish Ramchandra Mahuli as chief business officer, strengthening its leadership team as it looks to accelerate growth and deepen market reach.
In his new role, Mahuli will oversee the company’s overall business strategy, expand distribution channels and drive customer-focused growth initiatives across key markets. The move comes as the insurer sharpens its focus on profitable growth and enhanced customer engagement.
Mahuli brings over 24 years of experience across the insurance and automotive sectors. He has previously held leadership roles at Reliance General Insurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance and Tata Motors, where he worked on scaling businesses and strengthening distribution networks.
SBI General Insurance managing director and CEO Naveen Chandra Jha said, “We are delighted to welcome Mr Mahuli at a time when the industry is witnessing strong momentum driven by rising awareness and evolving customer needs. His deep domain expertise and proven leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our distribution footprint and driving profitable growth.”
SBI General Insurance chief business officer Shrish Ramchandra Mahuli said, “I am pleased to join SBI General Insurance at a time when the industry is evolving rapidly. I look forward to working with the team to further strengthen the business and drive sustainable growth.”
The appointment underlines the company’s push to build leadership depth and deliver more accessible, customer-centric insurance solutions in a rapidly evolving market.
