Brands
RB expands its e-commerce product portfolio in India
MUMBAI: Reckitt Benckiser has expanded its e-commerce product portfolio by introducing Calgon 3-in-1 power gel water softener for washing machines and Airwick car fresheners to the Indian market. Calgon has been trusted to protect washing machines from limescale and dirt build-up for over 50 years. It is the only water softener recommended by global leading washing machine manufacturers like Bosch, Siemens and Whirlpool. With Airwick car fresheners, RB is marking its entry in the car freshener category for the first time.
Findings show that hard water is prevalent in multiple parts of the country, leading to formation of lime scale in household equipment including washing machines resulting in long term damage of the machine. Calgon works through the neutralization of the hard water mineral ions and creates a protective shield with every wash. It increases the lifespan of the washing machine. In addition, Calgon is safe to be used on all kinds of garments and prevents malodour in the machine; just one cap with every wash.
Airwick car fresheners are easy to use with a superior spill proof technology with 100% fragrance that lasts for upto 60 days giving the feeling of freshness with every drive. The product addresses the problem of malodour within the vehicle leaving the car smelling fresher and fragrant for longer.
Commenting on the launch, RB Hygiene Home, South Asia CMO & Marketing Director Sukhleen Aneja said, “As Reckitt Benckiser Hygiene Home, we are committed to bringing in superior – technologically advanced products to serve and add value to the growing consumer needs. E-commerce today allows us to test and incubate ideas before scaling them for the more traditional ‘Go to Market’ channels. With the introduction of Calgon and Airwick car fresheners, we are bringing products that are easy to use and address some key concerns that have been identified in our research.”
Growing at an annual rate of 31%, India is the fastest growing market for e-commerce in the world. E-commerce platforms have managed to build their own identity by providing solutions to the needs of Indian consumers. Both, Calgon and Airwick car fresheners are imported products and in their first phase will be sold exclusively on e-commerce platforms.
Calgon 3-in-1 power gel will be available in 750 ml pack at an introductory price of Rs 350. Airwick car fresheners will be available in two formats – vent clip and multi-surface clip, which will last upto 60 days and will be launched at an introductory price of Rs 199.
Brands
Metro Brands appoints Harshvardhan Chauhan as CMO & SMP
Retail veteran to steer brand strategy and accelerate growth
MUMBAI: Metro Brands has appointed Harshvardhan Chauhan as its chief marketing officer and senior management personnel, effective 23 February 2026.
The move brings nearly two decades of marketing muscle into the company’s leadership ranks. With over 18 years of experience across retail, fashion, lifestyle, grocery, home and e-commerce, Chauhan arrives with a well-rounded understanding of how brands capture attention and convert it into loyalty.
His professional journey includes stints at Bharat YEF, Trident Group, RPSG, DLF Shopping Malls, ShopClues, Godrej Group, Reckitt Benckiser and Accenture, where he worked across brand building, strategic growth and business leadership.
Chauhan holds a master’s degree in business administration with a specialisation in strategy and business management from Symbiosis, Pune. He has also completed the accelerated general management programme at IIM Ahmedabad, combining academic rigour with hands-on commercial experience.
In his new full-time role, he will report to chief executive officer Nissan Joseph and work closely with the leadership team to shape the next phase of brand expansion.
For Metro Brands, the appointment signals a sharpened focus on storytelling, scale and staying one step ahead in a competitive retail landscape.
