MAM
Mars Wrigley India appoints Nikhil Rao as chief marketing officer
Mumbai: Mars Wrigley India, the chocolate and confectionary segment of Mars Incorporated in India, announced the appointment of Nikhil Rao as its new chief marketing officer (CMO).
In this key leadership position, Nikhil will steer the marketing vision, spearhead strategic initiatives, and direct the end-to-end execution of Mars Wrigley’s portfolio strategy in India. He will be based in the Gurgaon corporate office and will report to Mars Wrigley India country general manager Tamer Kadry.
Announcing the appointment, Mars Wrigley India country general manager Tamer Kadry said, “I am delighted to welcome Nikhil as our Chief Marketing Officer and key member of the India Leadership Team. The India business is on a growth trajectory, and our constant endeavor has been to drive relevance, be consumer-focused and agile. Nikhil will play a pivotal role in ensuring that Mars Wrigley India continues innovating in the face of new and dynamic competition and ever-evolving consumer trends. His wealth of knowledge and experience will be instrumental in shaping and executing our long-term growth plans for India. He will contribute significantly to enhancing experiences with our iconic brands, much loved by our customers and consumers.”
Incoming Mars Wrigley India CMO Nikhil Rao commented, “I am excited to join Mars, a global leader in snacking, food, and petcare products and services, strongly driven by a powerful purpose – ‘The world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today’ and founded on the Five Principles of Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom. Mars Wrigley India is one of the fastest-growing business units for Mars, presenting an immense opportunity to shape the strategy further and drive the iconic brands and their execution to best-in-class levels. Mars has a unique, cohesive, and vibrant culture. I look forward to embarking on this journey with an incredible team of passionate Associates at a time when both Mars and India are poised for the next phase of growth.”
Nikhil joins Mars Wrigley India from Mondelez where he was the vice president – marketing for Mondelez Southeast Asia (SEA). With a career spanning nearly 25 years, Nikhil has successfully traversed Global, Regional, and Local BU roles in Sales and Marketing during his tenure across Cadbury/Kraft/Mondelez.
Nikhil is an alumnus of IIT, Madras, and IIM, Calcutta.
MUMBAI: BKT Tyres has decided to roll into the two-wheeler world with some serious jurrat and it’s brought Ranveer Singh along for the ride. The off-highway tyre specialist has unveiled its new campaign, ‘Jurrat’, marking a strategic push into India’s massive two-wheeler segment. The high-energy TV commercial, featuring brand ambassador Ranveer Singh, debuted on 3 April 2026 during the Indian Men’s T20 League 2026.
The campaign revolves around the core belief that true confidence on the road comes from dependable performance beneath you. ‘Jurrat’ (meaning courage) captures the mindset of riders who navigate dynamic and often unpredictable daily commutes with determination. It brings BKT Tyres’ brand philosophy ‘Elevate Your Drive’ into the two-wheeler space by spotlighting three key product benefits: long life, exceptional road grip, and unmatched comfort.
BKT Tyres chief marketing officer for India Mahesh Koppad said, “India’s two-wheeler segment reflects the way the country moves, works, and progresses every day. ‘Jurrat’ highlights how performance-led tyres, engineered for long life, comfort, and grip, enhance the overall riding experience and support uninterrupted progress in everyday life.”
The campaign is being rolled out across television and digital platforms with high-impact placements to ensure maximum reach and engagement.
This launch represents BKT Tyres’ calibrated expansion from its stronghold in off-highway tyres to becoming a more holistic mobility brand, addressing the everyday transportation needs of millions of Indian riders who rely on motorcycles and scooters as their primary mode of transport.
In a segment where confidence is everything, BKT Tyres is betting that a combination of bold celebrity appeal and strong product performance will help it gain serious traction on Indian roads. The campaign signals that the company is ready to move beyond its traditional turf and accelerate in the fast-paced two-wheeler market.
