MAM
Thakar joins Grey as chief strategy officer for Greater China
MUMBAI: Grey Group has appointed Pratik Thakar as the EVP/ chief strategy and innovation officer for Greater China with immediate effect.
This comes close on the heels of the appointment of TH Peng who joined Grey Group – Greater China as chairman and CEO on 12 March 2012.
The moves signal Grey Group‘s ambition for this critical market and its emphasis on strategic thinking and innovation in creating effective work.
Thakar had been with McCann Worldgroup for over nine years. He has worked with TH Peng since 2007 and has worked on accounts like Microsoft, L‘Oreal Group, Shanghai GM, MasterCard, Nestle, Bank of China, Coca-Cola and Haier. His 18 years of industry experience covers stints in India, South East Asia and Greater China for Saatchi & Saatchi, DDB Mudra and Lowe Lintas.
On Thakar’s appointment Peng said, “I’ve seen Pratik connecting dots in new ways. He knows how to engage CMOs with business solutions and inspire a creative person with powerful ideas. He can seamlessly connect a brand story with an engagement idea or digital content. He is a multifaceted strategist.”
Grey has a roster of clients that include Proctor & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, Sony, Volkswagen Seat, Tencent, Diageo, Eli Lilly, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Cerebos and 3M.
Brands
Hyundai Venue crosses 1 lakh bookings, adds HX8 Diesel AT variant
New top-spec automatic diesel trim brings ventilated seats, OTA updates and paddle shifters.
MUMBAI: Hyundai Venue just hit the jackpot and upgraded the prize because when you cross 1 lakh bookings, you don’t just celebrate, you throw in paddle shifters and ventilated seats for the ride. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) announced that the all-new Hyundai Venue has achieved 1 lakh bookings, cementing its strong position in the compact SUV segment. To mark the milestone and further enhance customer choice, the company introduced the new HX8 Diesel Automatic (AT) variant.
The HX8 Diesel AT is powered by the proven U2 1.5L CRDi diesel engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It adds a host of premium comfort, safety and convenience features, including:
- Ventilated front seats
- Dual-tone leatherette seats with VENUE branding
- Electric 4-way driver seat adjust
- Controller Over-the-Air (OTA) updates
- Hyundai Bluelink connected car technology
- Electric parking brake with auto hold
- Rear disc brakes
- Ambient lighting on crash pad and central console
- Drive mode select (Eco, Normal, Sport)
- Traction control modes (Sand, Mud, Snow)
- Paddle shifters
HMIL, managing director & CEO Tarun Garg said, “We are delighted that the new Hyundai Venue has crossed 1 lakh bookings, reaffirming the strong trust Indian customers place in our brand. The introduction of the new HX8 Diesel Automatic variant further strengthens the Venue lineup, offering customers the perfect blend of diesel efficiency, torque-rich performance and effortless convenience.”
Backed by Hyundai’s extensive sales and service network, the Venue continues to appeal to buyers seeking a feature-rich, comfortable and future-ready compact SUV. The new variant reinforces HMIL’s focus on delivering advanced technology, safety, comfort and value while adapting to evolving customer preferences.
In a segment where bookings are the real horsepower, Hyundai isn’t just counting milestones, it’s handing drivers an automatic upgrade that makes every journey feel like the victory lap.
