MAM
Pearson India ropes in Vicky Kaushal as brand ambassador
Mumbai: British multinational education company Pearson on Monday announced Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal as its new brand ambassador. With this, the London-headquartered learning company aims to step up its India efforts and accelerate its growth plans as the global digital powerhouse of learning.
India is a strategic growth market for Pearson, focused on driving transformational change and digital innovation. Kaushal as the brand ambassador will help the company in building a strong relationship with youth and strengthen its direct-to-consumer proposition, said the company in a statement.
“We are thrilled to welcome Vicky Kaushal as our brand ambassador. His recent achievements and contributions towards the entertainment industry have made him one of the most popular youth icons in the country. He is an inspiration for the youth of the country, motivating them to dream big, chart their own journey and strive for the best,” said Pearson India and Asia MD Siddharth Banerjee. “Today, the Indian Education system is at the cusp of a digital transformation, and we are certain that this partnership will help us create a strong, meaningful connect with learners, thereby forming a highly vibrant education ecosystem in the country.”
Kaushal will feature in Pearson India’s upcoming campaign and activations in strengthening Pearson’s connect with the learners. An engineer himself, Vicky has appeared in several acclaimed films like “Masaan,” “Uri,” “Sardar Udham” among others.
“Today’s youth are innovators, builders, creators, and leaders of the future. They are the hope of a brighter tomorrow and education is the key to unlock their true potential and empower them to rise and shine. I am happy and excited to be a part of Pearson’s mission to promote quality education and connect with young minds,” said Kaushal on the brand association.
Pearson’s collaboration with Kaushal is a testament to the company’s commitment to continuously evolving with changing times as it enters a new era of direct to customer, it said. The company would also be working along with other influencers and personalities in the education ecosystem to strengthen its digital proposition in the region.
Brands
Jubilant Foodworks to end Dunkin’ franchise in India
Pizza chain operator will not renew agreement when it expires at end of 2026.
MUMBAI: When the doughnuts stop turning and the coffee goes cold, even a global giant like Dunkin’ can find the Indian market a tough brew to crack. Jubilant Foodworks has decided not to renew its franchise agreement with Dunkin’ when the pact expires on 31 December 2026, according to a Reuters report. The operator, best known for running Domino’s outlets in India, said it would evaluate options for its existing Dunkin’ stores, including a potential sale or transfer of franchise rights, in consultation with the US-based brand.
The decision follows years of underperformance in a market where local tastes and intense competition have made it difficult for international coffee-and-doughnut formats to gain traction. Jubilant, which has increasingly focused on its core pizza business and newer bets like Popeyes, indicated that the exit would not materially affect its financial or operational position.
Dunkin’ accounted for just 0.61 per cent of Jubilant’s revenue in the fiscal year ending 2025 and recorded a loss of approximately Rs 191 million, according to a regulatory filing. The company operated 27 outlets as of December 2025, having shuttered seven stores over the preceding year.
The retreat comes even as Jubilant’s broader business shows signs of momentum. The company reported a 65 per cent rise in quarterly profit for the October to December period, reaching Rs 70.9 crore, up from Rs 42.91 crore a year earlier.
For Jubilant, the exit reflects a sharpening strategic focus. For Dunkin’, it marks another setback in a market that has proven resistant to imported café concepts without significant localisation.
In the cut-throat world of Indian quick-service restaurants, sometimes the sweetest deals are the ones you quietly walk away from leaving more room for the brands that truly rise to the occasion.
