Brands
Manoj Kohli joins Adobe International Advisory Board to steer AI shift
Former Airtel CEO to guide global clients through digital and AI transformation
NEW DELHI: Manoj Kohli, former India head of SoftBank and ex-CEO of Bharti Airtel, has joined the Adobe International Advisory Board, signalling Adobe’s continued push to help businesses navigate the fast-evolving AI landscape.
The advisory board, set up in 2021, brings together global leaders to guide organisations through technological and strategic change. Kohli’s appointment adds nearly five decades of leadership experience spanning telecom, technology, renewable energy and digital innovation.
Currently chairman and managing partner at MK Knowledge LLP, Kohli advises CEOs and founders across Asia Pacific, the Middle East and the United States. He is also actively involved in mentoring and teaching leadership at global business schools.
Speaking on the appointment, Manoj Kohli said, “I’m delighted to join the Adobe International Advisory Board to work with customers at this pivotal time when AI is rapidly transforming how customers discover and engage with brands, and reshaping how enterprises operate and create value. Adobe has consistently enabled organisations to enhance creativity and productivity, and orchestrate personalised experiences to drive growth. I look forward to contributing my perspective and working closely with fellow leaders to help shape their next era of growth.”
Welcoming him to the board, Adobe president JAPAC Ben Goodman said, “India is one of the fastest-growing digital markets in the world, and organisations are increasingly looking to AI and digital experience technologies to drive innovation and growth. Manoj’s extensive leadership experience and strong focus on excellence and integrity will be invaluable for our customers as they navigate complexity, unlock new growth opportunities, and deliver exceptional experiences at scale.”
Kohli previously led SoftBank’s India operations, overseeing more than $15 billion in investments across high-growth companies such as Ola, OYO, Zomato, Lenskart, Meesho, Flipkart, Swiggy and Delhivery. His tenure at Bharti Airtel saw the telecom giant expand from two million to over 400 million customers, cementing its position as a global player.
With digital transformation accelerating across industries, Adobe is betting on seasoned leaders like Kohli to help clients translate strategy into sustained growth. His appointment underscores a broader trend where experience meets innovation, as companies look to balance legacy strengths with future-ready thinking.
Brands
Budweiser 0.0 partners five IPL franchises to boost fan engagement
Fan-first campaign brings city pride, merch and match-day culture into focus
NEW DELHI: Budweiser 0.0 has announced its debut partnership with five franchises in the Indian Premier League, marking a significant step in its growing play in India’s cricket ecosystem.
The brand has teamed up with Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals for the ongoing season, aiming to connect with fans across key cricketing cities.
The collaboration signals the brand’s shift from national-level associations to more localised, city-driven engagement. It builds on Budweiser 0.0’s “In the Hands of Fans” platform, which focuses on celebrating the passion, rituals and identity that supporters bring to the game.
As part of the partnership, the brand will roll out limited-edition merchandise inspired by each of the five teams, giving fans a tangible way to showcase their loyalties. The initiative is designed to tap into match-day culture and extend fan engagement beyond the stadium and screen.
Commenting on the move, AB InBev vice president marketing & trade marketing Vineet Sharma said, “Cricket is one of India’s most powerful cultural connectors, and our debut partnership with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reaffirmed the depth of fan passion behind it. At Budweiser 0.0, we see ourselves at the forefront of culture, acting as trendsetters for evolving fan expression, shaping how young India engages with sport, and setting the tone for how it shows up today. Entering the country’s biggest T20 cricket league, a platform widely loved by Indians, is a deliberate step in this journey, taking the brand from national fandom to the heart of city fandom. Through our partnerships with these five iconic teams, we will celebrate the pride, traditions and energy that define Indian cricket fandom, while creating experiences that keep fans at the heart of the game.”
The move also builds on the brand’s earlier association with global cricket events, as it looks to deepen its presence in India through culturally relevant storytelling and fan-led experiences.
As the IPL season unfolds, Budweiser 0.0 is betting on city pride and fan passion to drive its next innings, turning spectators into participants in the ever-evolving world of cricket fandom.
