Brands
Love and offers are in the air for brands this Valentine’s Day
MUMBAI: Cupid’s arrow is getting ready to strike again this 14 February. From candlelit dinners to surprise proposals, romance is in the air as India marks another Valentine’s Day with both traditional gestures and modern twists. It’s hearts and flowers that are exchanging hands as Valentine’s day returns in style. India’s romantics are bringing out the chilled champagne and wrapped chocolate boxes as they prepare to celebrate love’s special day as Valentine’s celebrations begin.
And brands are tracking the mushiness that’s pouring out: from solo travel rewards to luxurious getaways, brands across India are crafting innovative Valentine’s Day campaigns that are celebrating both romance and independence this February.
Cadbury is leading the charge with a tempting Turkish holiday promotion for purchases above Rs 850, whilst confectionery rival Hershey India is taking a more emotional approach with its “Sometimes, Love Sounds Like…” campaign, featuring six short films celebrating everyday expressions of love.
For those seeking culinary indulgence, Social outlets are offering retro-themed celebrations with KitKat-infused desserts and attractive “1+1” beverage deals. ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations is unveiling a limited-edition collection starting at Rs 179, featuring specialities like chocolate heart bento cakes and strawberry noir pastries.
Fashion retailers are joining the celebration, with Pantaloons offering Rs 1,000 off on purchases above Rs 3,999, while Relaxo footwear is presenting tiered discounts up to 20 per cent across its brands. Beauty giant Nykaa’s “Pink Love Sale” is promising up to 60 per cent discounts on premium brands through 16 February.
In a refreshing twist, redBus is celebrating singlehood with its “Sabse Single Kaun?” campaign, offering the winner free lifetime solo travel. Similarly, boAt and Flipkart Minutes are partnering with actor Arjun Kapoor for a witty campaign targeting singles, promoting noise-cancelling headphones as the perfect escape from Valentine’s Day festivities.
FNP’s “Pyaar Aisa Karo” campaign is emerging as a marketing triumph, attracting 165 brand partnerships within 48 hours, demonstrating how the season of love is evolving into a significant retail opportunity across sectors.
Says a marketing consultant: “Normally, Valentine’s Day only works for certain product categories and services in terms bumping up sales. This year, however, there’s a lot of optimism around as the government has given a heavy income tax incentive in the hope consumers will pump the extra savings back into the economy.”
It’s the consultant’s job to see the cup as half full, not half empty.
We shall only know if love triumphed, or the pocket did – a few months down the line. Until then, fall in love, or at least enjoy the feeling of being in love with YOURSELF!
Brands
KPMG names Gary Wingrove as global chairman and CEO from October
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MUMBAI: KPMG has chosen continuity with a forward tilt. The firm has announced that Gary Wingrove will take over as global chairman and CEO of KPMG International, beginning a four year term from 1 October 2026. Currently serving as global chief operating officer, Wingrove steps into the top role after being nominated by the global board and elected by the global council.
A KPMG veteran with over 25 years at the firm, Wingrove has been closely involved in shaping its recent trajectory. As global COO, he has helped drive the firm’s Collective Strategy, focusing on operational integration, global investments and the steady expansion of the KPMG Delivery Network. He has also been at the forefront of KPMG’s digital push, including the rollout of AI enabled solutions across its global operations.
Before his global role, Wingrove served as CEO of KPMG Australia for nearly a decade, where he led a period of strong growth, almost doubling revenue, profitability and headcount while steering a cultural reset.
He succeeds Bill Thomas, who has led KPMG since 2017 and will work alongside Wingrove over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition.
Thomas leaves behind a firm that looks markedly different from when he took charge. Under his leadership, KPMG’s global revenues have risen by 55 per cent, and its workforce has expanded to more than 276,000 people. He also unified the network of member firms under the Collective Strategy, aligning priorities and strengthening governance.
His tenure saw heavy investment in technology and partnerships, with alliances spanning Microsoft, Google Cloud, SAP, Oracle and ServiceNow. These collaborations, along with platforms like KPMG Clara, have helped the firm scale its AI-led offerings and sharpen its competitive edge.
Beyond growth, Thomas also pushed improvements in audit quality and sustainability. Initiatives such as a multiyear global sustainability strategy and the Our Impact Plan have aimed to embed long term thinking into the firm’s operations and client services.
For Wingrove, the brief is clear but evolving. He has signalled a focus on agility, deep expertise and technology driven solutions as clients navigate an increasingly complex business landscape. He also emphasised KPMG’s identity as a people first organisation, supported by technology and unified through its global network.
The timing of the leadership change comes as KPMG continues to grow, reporting a 5.1 per cent rise in global revenue in FY25, with gains across tax and legal, audit and advisory services. Growth was recorded across all regions, despite a challenging macro environment.
As Wingrove prepares to take charge, the firm appears set on a familiar path with a sharper digital edge. Same playbook, perhaps, but with a renewed focus on speed, scale and smarter solutions.
