MAM
Škoda shifts into high gear with Ranveer Singh and the all-new Kylaq
MUMBAI: When dreams meet the open road, the journey is anything but ordinary. Škoda Auto India, in collaboration with Publicis India, has unveiled its latest campaign, ‘Own Your Dream’, featuring Hindi movie powerhouse Ranveer Singh and the all-new Škoda Kylaq. More than just a car commercial, the campaign is a celebration of bold ambition, resilience, and European engineering that’s now within reach for a new generation of Indian consumers.
As Škoda’s first-ever ‘Brand Superstar,’ Ranveer Singh takes centre stage in the film, embodying the spirit of those who refuse to settle. The ad follows individuals chasing success athletes striving for greatness, artists creating magic, and families shaping young minds all set against a backdrop of stunning visuals, stirring narratives, and, of course, the Kylaq as the ultimate companion for the driven and determined.
“2025 marks a landmark year for us, and the Kylaq is at the forefront of our product offensive strategy,” said Škoda Auto India brand director Petr Janeba. “This film beautifully captures the synergy between the unstoppable Kylaq, the aspirations of our customers, and the electrifying persona of Ranveer Singh.”
Saatchi & Saatchi and Publicis India CEO Paritosh Srivastava said, “We are thrilled to partner with Škoda Auto India for the introduction of their first-ever sub-4-metre SUV in India. Aligned with roll out of the new era of Škoda Auto in India, we have built a full-funnel, consumer-first approach that ensures deeper market penetration while bringing European craftsmanship to an evolving India that’s ready for more. With ‘Team Drive’—our bespoke ‘Power of One’ unit created for Škoda Auto India, we are uniquely positioned to support their ambitious vision of becoming a dominant European player in the Indian market. The launch of the Kylaq is just the beginning, and we are excited for all that’s in store.”
Taking a multilingual approach, ‘Own Your Dream’ has been translated into eight regional languages to deepen Škoda’s connection across India, from bustling metros to emerging Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets. The campaign is now live across TV, print, digital, and social platforms, with further extensions into out-of-home, radio, and dealership activations. This full-funnel approach ensures that the message reaches a diverse audience while inspiring consumers to dream big and drive with confidence. To connect better with consumers across the country, the ad has also been translated into 8 regional languages. With European craftsmanship meeting Indian ambition, ‘Own Your Dream’ isn’t just an ad it’s an open road to bigger possibilities.
Brands
Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen to step down after 18 years in role
Board begins CEO search as Narayen prepares to move to chair role
SAN JOSE: After nearly two decades at the helm, Adobe’s long-serving chief executive Shantanu Narayen is preparing to pass the baton.
The company announced that Narayen will transition from his role as chief executive officer once a successor is appointed, ending an 18-year run that reshaped Adobe from a boxed software seller into a global cloud and AI powerhouse. He will remain chair of the board following the leadership transition.
Adobe’s board has formed a special committee to oversee the succession process, led by lead independent director Frank Calderoni. The committee will evaluate both internal and external candidates.
“Shantanu’s leadership has been instrumental in Adobe’s transformation and in positioning the company for the AI-driven era,” Calderoni said in a statement. “As we begin the next phase of succession planning, our focus is on identifying the right leader for the company’s next chapter while ensuring a smooth transition.”
In a note to employees, Narayen described the moment not as a farewell but as a pause for reflection after a long journey with the company.
“I love Adobe and the privilege of leading it has been the greatest honour of my career,” he wrote, adding that he will continue to work closely with the board over the coming months to ensure a seamless leadership change.
Tributes from the technology industry quickly followed the announcement. Microsoft chairman and chief executive officer Satya Nadella congratulated Narayen on what he described as a “legendary run” at Adobe.
“Congrats Shantanu, on a legendary run at Adobe! You’ve built one of the most important software companies in the world, and expanded what’s possible for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands everywhere,” Nadella wrote on LinkedIn.
“What has always stood out to me is the empathy you’ve brought to the creative process and the example you’ve set as a leader. Grateful for your friendship, mentorship, and for all you’ve done for Adobe and for our industry.”
Narayen’s career at Adobe spans nearly three decades. He joined the company in 1998 as vice president and rose steadily through the ranks before becoming chief executive officer in December 2007.
During that time, he orchestrated one of the most significant reinventions in the software industry. In 2013, Adobe made the bold decision to abandon traditional boxed software sales and move its flagship creative tools such as Photoshop to a subscription-based Creative Cloud model. The shift initially rattled investors but ultimately transformed Adobe into a predictable recurring revenue business and a case study in digital reinvention.
Narayen also pushed Adobe beyond creative tools into the world of marketing technology and data-driven customer experience, spearheading acquisitions such as Omniture and Marketo. Those moves helped build Adobe’s digital experience division and broaden its reach far beyond designers and photographers.
The numbers tell the story of that transformation. When Narayen took over in 2007, Adobe generated roughly $3 billion in annual revenue. Today the company reports more than $25 billion. Over the same period, its workforce expanded from around 3,000 employees to more than 30,000.
In recent years, Narayen has steered Adobe into the generative AI era with the launch of Adobe Firefly, aiming to keep the company ahead in a rapidly evolving creative technology landscape.
Born in Hyderabad in 1963, Narayen studied electronics and communication engineering at Osmania University before moving to the United States for a master’s degree in computer science from Bowling Green State University. He later earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.
Widely regarded as one of Silicon Valley’s most steady and effective leaders, Narayen has earned multiple honours during his career, including India’s Padma Shri in 2019.
For Adobe, the upcoming leadership change marks the end of a defining chapter. For Narayen, however, the story is far from finished. As he told employees, the company’s next era of creativity, powered by AI and new digital workflows, is only just beginning.
