Brands
McDonald’s India embraces Anime fandom with WcDonald’s launch
Mumbai: Embracing the anime-fandom among the Gen Z, McDonald’s India (West & South), owned and operated by Westlife Foodworld Ltd, steps into the anime world with the exciting launch of ‘WcDonald’s’ in the country. In anime culture, McDonald’s has been referenced as WcDonald’s by anime fans and creators alike. The WcDonald’s identity is a hat tip to the love for this culture and fandom. From the launch of a limited time savoury sauce, exciting new collectible manga-themed packaging and an anime themed restaurant to the release of four anime films, each of these elements is an ode to anime fandom to create unforgettable dining moments.
One of the star attractions at WcDonald’s is the limited time Savory Chili WcDonald’s Sauce meticulously crafted to enliven taste buds with a symphony of flavors. Infused with an enticing blend of ginger, garlic, soy, and a hint of chili flakes, this sauce guarantees an explosion of energy with each delectable bite. This menu innovation echoes the fearless and dynamic personas of beloved anime heroes, offering an enticing experience for Anime fans. It perfectly pairs with an order of 10-piece WcNuggets (the fan-favorite Chicken McNuggets) or any of your go-to menu items. For a limited time, fans will also receive manga-inspired packaging featuring WcDonald’s crew characters, sketched by iconic Japanese manga artist/illustrator Acky Bright.
McDonald’s India has also unveiled a ground-breaking transformation of its iconic restaurant at Linking Road in Bandra, Mumbai. Inspired by the vibrant world of Anime, this WcDonald’s restaurant aims to transport diners into a realm where fantasy meets fandom. Conceptualised and brought to life by DDB Mudra Group, the restaurant’s décor and ambiance has undergone a complete makeover, capturing the essence of the much loved Anime aesthetics.
McDonald’s India (W&S) chief marketing officer Arvind R. P. said, “Anime culture is booming in India, particularly among the Gen Z. For years, anime fans have been bringing their favourite brand to life in many ways within the Anime universe. The McDonald’s-inspired ‘WcDonald’s’ is a case in point. Now, WcDonald’s transcends fantasy, becoming a reality. We honour our fans’ imagination by authentically manifesting the WcDonald’s universe in our restaurants, while inviting them to be part of our story like never before. WcDonald’s embodies our dedication to integrating our brand with popular culture, offering unique experiences that wow customers. We invite everyone, particularly manga enthusiasts, to step into this immersive anime world.”
DDB Mudra Group chief creative officer Rahul Mathew said, “You’ll be surprised how big the anime community is in India. And we realised that the anime universe has been tipping its hat to McDonald’s through its many avatars. We felt the best way to acknowledge and celebrate this community was to bring one of the avatars from the anime world to the real world.”
McDonald’s India complements its unique initiative with four captivating anime themed brand films, enriching the fans’ immersion in the enchanting world of WcDonald’s. Produced by renowned animation house Studio Pierrot, the first official WcDonald’s anime will unveil episodic shorts exploring the flavorful WcDonald’s Sauce and Chicken WcNuggets. These films will be available on McDonald’s India’s owned social channels.
Experience the Savory Chili WcDonald’s Sauce at your nearest McDonald’s store in West & South India. It is also available for delivery via the McDelivery platform.
Brands
IndiGo names William Walsh CEO
Former IATA chief to take charge in August after Elbers exit, Bhatia steers interim
India’s biggest airline has moved fast and gone global. InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, has tapped aviation heavyweight William Walsh as chief executive officer, subject to regulatory approvals, marking a sharp pivot as the carrier eyes its next burst of expansion.
Walsh, currently director general at the International Air Transport Association, will step down on July 31, 2026, and is expected to take charge by August 3. The appointment comes barely three weeks after Pieter Elbers exited the corner office, with Rahul Bhatia holding the fort in the interim.
The choice signals intent. Walsh brings decades of cockpit-to-boardroom experience, having led British Airways and later International Airlines Group, the parent of Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling. His tenure across carriers has been defined by hard resets, restructurings and cross-border consolidation—skills IndiGo may need as competition intensifies and scale becomes decisive.
Vikram Singh Mehta, chairman and non-executive independent director of IndiGo, said Walsh’s experience in managing large-scale airline operations and navigating complex market dynamics makes him well-suited to lead IndiGo in an increasingly competitive global aviation environment, adding that the appointment marks a new chapter as the airline scales in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
Rahul Bhatia said Walsh’s global perspective, operational expertise and customer-focused approach would be critical as IndiGo enters its next phase of expansion.
Walsh, widely regarded as one of the industry’s most influential figures, will oversee overall management and strategic direction, with a mandate spanning operational performance, network expansion, commercial strategy and customer experience. He is expected to work closely with the board and leadership team to sharpen IndiGo’s growth trajectory.
Walsh said IndiGo has a strong foundation and is well-positioned to capitalise on the evolving aviation landscape, adding that he looks forward to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and sustainable value creation across the organisation.
A new captain, a bigger runway—and a market that rewards scale. IndiGo is lining up for its next take-off.
