MAM
Mumbai Indians ropes in Bajaj Allianz as principal sponsor
MUMBAI: It’s raining dollars for Mumbai Indians. The team has managed to sign on insurer Bajaj Allianz as its principal sponsor for the next three years. The deal, according to sources, is worth Rs 100 million per annum or Rs 300 million for the duration of the agreement.
“The deal will be for the back of the shirt,” says the source. “And Bajaj Allianz is coming in as a replacement for MasterCard which recently completed a five year arrangement for the same with the
Mumbai Indians.”
The Mukesh and Nita Ambani owned Mumbai Indians has already roped in Videocon d2H as its principal sponsor at a deal valued at over Rs 300 million for the sixth season of the IPL. As a result of the deal, Mumbai Indians, which is to be led by Ricky Ponting, will have its players sporting the Videocon d2H logo on the front of the team jersey.
Mumbai Indians has additionally roped in Air India as an associate sponsor (its logo will feature on the back of players’ helmets) and is hoping to notch up a 10 per cent increase in sponsorship revenues from last year’s Rs 700 million.
Other sponsors of Mumbai Indians include Dheeraj Realty and DHFL.
Brands
Pocket FM elevates Lalit Gangwar to COO to drive global growth
Founding member to lead operations, monetisation and expansion across markets
MUMBAI: Pocket FM has elevated Lalit Gangwar to chief operating officer, tasking the founding team member with leading global business operations as the company sharpens its international growth strategy.
In his new role, Gangwar will oversee end-to-end operations across markets, including growth, monetisation and execution for the company’s audio business. The appointment comes as Pocket FM looks to strengthen its operating foundation and build a more predictable, scalable global business.
Gangwar has been closely involved in shaping the company’s trajectory from its early days. He played a key role in building the growth and marketing playbook in India, helping the platform scale to over 150 million users within its first year and establish a strong foothold in the audio storytelling category.
He later led Pocket FM’s expansion into the United States, where he set up teams, defined market strategy and drove scale, contributing significantly to the company’s international ambitions.
Pocket FM co-founder and CEO Rohan Nayak said, “Lalit has been central to Pocket FM’s journey from the very beginning. He has built our growth engine and scaled our business across markets.” He added that the company’s focus on nurturing internal talent makes Gangwar a natural choice to lead the next phase.
Gangwar said, “Pocket FM has always been driven by a simple belief that powerful stories can travel across borders and create meaningful impact.” He noted that the company will continue to focus on scaling markets, investing in AI-led storytelling and strengthening monetisation.
As COO, Gangwar is expected to bring greater operating discipline while building systems, talent and processes to support long-term growth.
With leadership continuity and a clear global focus, Pocket FM appears to be turning the page to its next chapter, one that aims to take its storytelling playbook well beyond home turf.
