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Puma India appoints Smita Balram as head of corporate communications
Mumbai: Global sports brand Puma has appointed Smita Balram as head of corporate communications for the India business.
In her new role, Balram will further build Puma’s communication strategy and efforts while driving the PR narrative for the brand, said the statement.
“Smita brings with her a wealth of rich and diverse experience in the field of media,” said Puma India and Southeast Asia managing director Abhishek Ganguly. “Her creative vision and strategic bent of mind coupled with her strong background in business and lifestyle journalism will add a fresh perspective to Puma India’s brand story.”
Balram comes with over 16 years of deep and extensive experience across print and broadcast journalism. In her previous role, she was associated with The Economic Times, where she covered the retail eco-system and tracked multinationals and large Indian conglomerates. In the past, she has contributed to prominent media houses such as TV Today Network, Deccan Chronicle Holdings Ltd, and Deccan Herald where she primarily reported on fashion and lifestyle.
“As a former journalist with experience in tracking lifestyle consumption, Puma is the perfect brand fit for me with its narrative around fashion and sports,” said Balram. “The team has laid a strong foundation for the company in India which I hope to build on and deliver on our business objectives. I look forward to working with the teams, our business partners, stakeholders, and the media to strategise and tap into the growth opportunities in order to strengthen our presence in India, which has emerged as a key market for our company globally.”
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8PM Packaged Drinking Water named Lead Trouser Sponsor for Sunrisers Hyderabad
Brand partners with IPL team for 2026 season with campaign ‘Rise in Orange, Celebrate with Black’.
MUMBAI: 8PM Packaged Drinking Water has found a clever way to stay in the game by hitching its wagon to one of cricket’s most exciting teams. The brand from Radico Khaitan Limited has announced its association with Sunrisers Hyderabad as the Lead Trouser Sponsor for India’s Premier Cricket League 2026. The partnership will see 8PM Packaged Drinking Water gain prominent visibility during the high-energy tournament.
To mark the collaboration, the brand has launched the campaign thought “Rise in Orange, Celebrate with Black.” The idea cleverly links the on-field intensity of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s iconic orange jersey with the off-field celebrations powered by 8PM Premium Black Packaged Drinking Water.
Radico Khaitan Limited chief marketing officer Kunal Madan said, “We are delighted to be associated with Sunrisers Hyderabad for the 2026 season. With the league’s unmatched reach and the team’s strong fan following, this is a great opportunity to connect meaningfully with consumers across the country.”
Sunrisers Hyderabad enters the season with a formidable lineup featuring players such as Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Travis Head, and Pat Cummins, making it one of the most watched teams this year.
A spokesperson from Sunrisers Hyderabad added, “We are pleased to welcome 8PM Packaged Drinking Water to the Sunrisers family. This association brings together shared values of energy, resilience, and excellence.”
The partnership underscores Radico Khaitan’s strategy of aligning with marquee sporting platforms to build contemporary, consumer-centric brands. By tapping into the emotional connect and massive viewership of the league, 8PM aims to deepen engagement and strengthen brand affinity during the cricket season.
In the fiercely competitive world of Indian cricket sponsorships, 8PM has chosen to play it smart, pairing the thrill of orange with the cool refreshment of black. As Sunrisers Hyderabad prepare for another exciting season, the brand is set to ride the wave of passion, performance, and celebration.
