Brands
Tata Comm kicks off Real Madrid fan drive in India
MUMBAI: Game on for Indian Madridistas! Tata Communications, Real Madrid CF, and Footballerista have joined forces to launch the Madridista Premium loyalty programme in India, promising to bring fans closer than ever to the world-famous club.
The partnership, unveiled in Mumbai and Madrid, aims to engage over 22 million Indian supporters and 11 official fan clubs, a clear nod to India’s growing football fandom. Through Madridista Premium, Indian fans can now enjoy exclusive club content, curated merchandise, and digital experiences that capture the spirit of Santiago Bernabéu, all from the comfort of home.
Tata Communications will power the digital backbone of the programme using its Move technology to create an always-connected, interactive fan experience. Footballerista, the customer-facing partner, will curate front-end engagement and campaigns to make joining the Madridista movement easy and exciting.
“This partnership isn’t just about digital innovation, it’s connecting Real Madrid to its Indian fanbase that goes beyond traditional fandom,” said Real Madrid’s institutional relations director Emilio Butrageño.
Tata Communications Move vice president and global head Marco Bijvelds added, “Our technology is designed to break down barriers and create connections. We’re building a stage for Real Madrid’s fan experience in India, making supporters feel even more connected to their beloved team.”
For India’s passionate football community, this isn’t just a programme, it’s a passport to Madrid’s magic.
Brands
IndiGo names William Walsh CEO
Former IATA chief to take charge in August after Elbers exit, Bhatia steers interim
India’s biggest airline has moved fast and gone global. InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, has tapped aviation heavyweight William Walsh as chief executive officer, subject to regulatory approvals, marking a sharp pivot as the carrier eyes its next burst of expansion.
Walsh, currently director general at the International Air Transport Association, will step down on July 31, 2026, and is expected to take charge by August 3. The appointment comes barely three weeks after Pieter Elbers exited the corner office, with Rahul Bhatia holding the fort in the interim.
The choice signals intent. Walsh brings decades of cockpit-to-boardroom experience, having led British Airways and later International Airlines Group, the parent of Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling. His tenure across carriers has been defined by hard resets, restructurings and cross-border consolidation—skills IndiGo may need as competition intensifies and scale becomes decisive.
Vikram Singh Mehta, chairman and non-executive independent director of IndiGo, said Walsh’s experience in managing large-scale airline operations and navigating complex market dynamics makes him well-suited to lead IndiGo in an increasingly competitive global aviation environment, adding that the appointment marks a new chapter as the airline scales in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
Rahul Bhatia said Walsh’s global perspective, operational expertise and customer-focused approach would be critical as IndiGo enters its next phase of expansion.
Walsh, widely regarded as one of the industry’s most influential figures, will oversee overall management and strategic direction, with a mandate spanning operational performance, network expansion, commercial strategy and customer experience. He is expected to work closely with the board and leadership team to sharpen IndiGo’s growth trajectory.
Walsh said IndiGo has a strong foundation and is well-positioned to capitalise on the evolving aviation landscape, adding that he looks forward to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and sustainable value creation across the organisation.
A new captain, a bigger runway—and a market that rewards scale. IndiGo is lining up for its next take-off.
