MAM
Shalimar Paints Ltd appoints C Venugopal as COO
Mumbai: Shalimar Paints Ltd, a pioneer in the Indian paints industry with a legacy of over 120 years, has announced the appointment of C Venugopal as the chief operating officer (COO). This strategic move reflects the company’s commitment to driving growth and reinforcing its dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and unparalleled quality.
Venugopal, a seasoned leader with 30 years of business leadership and retail experience, has a proven track record of profitability and business growth through strategic thinking, marketing excellence, and operational expertise. He has spearheaded initiatives aimed at fostering a more focused, growth-oriented, and sustainable business model. Aligned with Shalimar 2.0’s vision of transforming into a new-age, tech-driven organization, Venugopal is poised to lead the organization’s growth strategy, setting new industry benchmarks.
“We are delighted to welcome Mr Venugopal, a dynamic, values-driven business leader with a diverse experience, as the COO of Shalimar Paints. With his depth of expertise in strategic capabilities, operational effectiveness, and a strong track record in both developed and developing markets, we are confident that he will deliver excellence and innovation at scale for the benefit of all stakeholders,” said Infra.Market co-founder and Shalimar Paints Ltd’s director on the board Aaditya Sharda.
Before joining Shalimar Paints Ltd, Venugopal held pivotal roles at Morton Foods Ltd, Umang Diaries Ltd, Nippon Paints India, and Kansai Nerolac Paints, leaving a lasting impact. He has also made noteworthy contributions at companies including Godrej Sara Lee, Reckitt Benckiser, CavinKare, Cussons India Pvt Ltd and Pepsi Foods Ltd. Renowned for his innovative drive, vision, and ability to drive transformative change, he is widely regarded as a persistent innovator and team motivator.
Shalimar Paints Ltd COO C Venugopal said, “I am thrilled to take on the leadership position at Shalimar Paints, a company with a rich legacy that continues to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving consumers. My focus will remain on enhancing business performance and foster growth through technology-driven services and innovations. Together with the talented team, I am eager to navigate the progressing landscape and propel the company to new heights of success.”
In its unwavering legacy of excellence, Shalimar Paints provides a broad range of paints and coatings, pioneering innovation and setting new industry benchmarks to meet diverse customer preferences and requirements. The company plans to take its product offerings beyond national standards and manufacture international-level products within the country with modernized and automated facilities as the key pillars.
MAM
McDonald’s India NE names Sara Arjun brand ambassador
Actor returns for nostalgic Buddy Meal campaign at Rs 119 for two.
MUMBAI: Sara Arjun just came home to McDonald’s because some love stories start with a childhood ad and end with sharing fries as grown-ups. McDonald’s India – North and East has appointed actor Sara Arjun as its brand ambassador, bringing her back to the brand that first captured her on screen as a child. The collaboration launches with a playful TVC introducing the Buddy Meal, a value offering priced at Rs 119 for two burgers (McAloo Tikki or Veg Surprise), two Cokes and one medium fries.
The film recreates the classic “girlfriend-boyfriend” banter from her original McDonald’s ad, with Sara joking about today’s “demanding” relationships before her buddy admits he just wants a simple McAloo Tikki. The voiceover lands the punch: “Shukar hai McDonald’s Buddy Meal for 2 hai… starts at just Rs 119,” closing on the tagline “Khao Meal, Baat Karo”, a celebration of uncomplicated joy and shared moments.
MMG Group and CPRL vice chairman Anant Agarwal said, “Sara’s return to McDonald’s is a wonderful reminder of the deep emotional connections many customers have grown up with. With the Buddy Meal, we are celebrating friendship, nostalgia and the simple joy of sharing a McDonald’s meal together at great value.”
Sara Arjun added, “McDonald’s has been a special part of my journey since childhood. Returning to the brand for this campaign feels incredibly nostalgic. The Buddy Meal captures the simple joy of sharing food and laughter with friends.”
Available for a limited period across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India via dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, the McDonald’s App and leading delivery platforms, the Buddy Meal taps into the brand’s legacy of creating relatable, feel-good moments.
In a fast-food world chasing trends, McDonald’s brings back a familiar face and a simple truth: sometimes the best dates don’t need grand gestures just good burgers, cold drinks and great company at a price that leaves everyone smiling.
