MAM
Let principles govern, not rules: Sridhar
VARCA, GOA: In an increasingly shrinking world, an ad message not only needs to be precise but sensible as well. A certain amount of self regulation is required on part of the brand and the creative minds behind an ad campaign in order to maintain the parameters of decency and not to step outside the boundary wall, said Leo Burnett national creative director KV Sridhar (popularly called Pops).
“We are dealing with two things. First is the current scenario where print and TV dominate the ad landscape. In this case we may monitor and modify the objectionable ads. Second is the future where Internet or any other medium may dominate and we don‘t know yet whether we will be able to monitor/regulate the ads as we do now. It is better to be governed by principles than by rules,” Sridhar noted.
Speaking at Goafest 2012, Sridhar went on to compare the science of marketing to the art of flirting. If done with charm and panache, both parties involved will enjoy it and have a good time. If the act borders on crass or inappropriate, it is most likely to land the individual in trouble with a slap on his face. But if he crosses the lines of decency and respect, he may even land up in jail. The advertising scene today, according to Sridhar, falls in the second category and should employ self regulation not to crossover to the third and land in more trouble.
Every industry has two types of people – those who care and those who don’t. The former category will always be sensitive towards the interests of those around them. There is a need to be sensitive towards the multiple ethnicities, cultures and communities that co-exist in the world. It is not only the humans that one needs to be sensitive towards. Animals and environment also need to be considered in the same light.
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.
