Brands
Uniqlo banks on Mr Dependable Rahul Dravid to stitch style into daily life
MUMBAI: Rahul Dravid has gone from “The Wall” to “Mr Dependable” in his newest innings this time not on the pitch, but in the wardrobe. Global apparel giant Uniqlo has launched its ‘Everyday Wear for Mr. Dependable’ campaign, fronted by the cricket legend, spotlighting its LifeWear philosophy of comfort, simplicity, and quality.
The campaign hinges on two of Uniqlo’s core offerings: the breathable Airism Polo Shirt and the crisp Super Non Iron Shirt. In the campaign film, Dravid plays a split-screen double act on one side, a coach in his Airism Polo strolling past the nets; on the other, a family man in his Super Non Iron Shirt, ready for dinner. Together, the twin Dravids underline how Uniqlo promises dependable style across every facet of life.
“For me, simplicity and consistency matter, in cricket and in life. Uniqlo fits into every version of my day, it’s simple, comfortable and functional,” said Dravid, reflecting the same calm assurance that earned him his moniker on the field.
The rollout is set to be as versatile as its star: a 360° campaign across digital, social, in-store, CRM, and outdoor platforms from August 18. Adding tech to the mix, Uniqlo will also unveil a first-of-its-kind AR activation at its newest store in Orion Mall, Brigade Gateway, Bengaluru, opening August 29, 2025. Shoppers will be able to interact with a life-sized virtual Dravid through an immersive zone, a campaign twist as dependable as the man himself.
Uniqlo India marketing director Nidhi Rastogi said the collaboration was a natural fit: “Rahul Dravid represents the same consistency, simplicity, and quiet confidence that Uniqlo embodies.”
From crease to closet, Dravid seems to have mastered the art of being reliably stylish. With a house full of fans and a wardrobe now full of Uniqlo, Mr Dependable is still batting for consistency only this time, in everyday wear.
Brands
YES Bank hands the keys to SBI veteran Vinay Tonse as it bets on a new era
Former SBI managing director appointed as YES Bank’s new MD and CEO
MUMBAI: YES Bank is done rebuilding. Now it wants to grow. The private sector lender has appointed Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as managing director and chief executive officer-designate, with RBI approval secured and a start date of April 6, 2026 confirmed. The three-year term signals the bank’s intent to shift gears from crisis recovery to full-throttle expansion.
Tonse, 60, is no stranger to scale. Most recently managing director at State Bank of India, he oversaw a retail book of roughly $800bn in deposits and advances, one of the largest in the country. Before that, he ran SBI Mutual Fund from August 2020 to December 2022, a stint that saw assets under management surge from Rs 4.32 lakh crore to Rs 7.32 lakh crore across market cycles. Add stints in Singapore and four years leading SBI’s overseas operations in Osaka, and the incoming chief arrives with a genuinely global CV.
His academic grounding is equally solid: a commerce degree from St Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bengaluru, and a master’s in commerce from Bangalore University.
The appointment follows an extensive search and evaluation process by the bank’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee. NRC chairperson Nandita Gurjar said the committee unanimously backed Tonse, citing his leadership track record, governance credentials and ability to drive the bank’s next phase of transformation.
Non-executive chairman Rama Subramaniam Gandhi was unequivocal. “I am certain that Vinay Tonse, with his vast experience as a senior banker, will propel YES Bank to its next phase of growth,” Gandhi said, adding that the bank remains focused on strengthening its retail and corporate banking franchises and expanding its branch network.
Rajeev Kannan, non-executive director and senior executive at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the bank’s largest shareholder, said Tonse’s experience across retail, corporate banking, global markets and asset management positioned him well to lead the lender. SMBC said it looks forward to working with Tonse and the board as YES Bank pursues its ambition of becoming a top-tier private sector lender anchored in strong governance and sustainable growth.
Tonse succeeds Prashant Kumar, who took the helm in March 2020 when YES Bank was in freefall following a severe financial crisis, and spent six years painstakingly stabilising the institution, rebuilding governance and restoring operational scale. Gandhi was generous: “The bank remains indebted to Prashant Kumar, who is responsible for much of what a strong financial powerhouse YES Bank is today.”
Tonse, for his part, struck a purposeful note. “Together with the board and my colleagues, I remain deeply committed to creating long-term value for all our stakeholders,” he said, pledging to build on Kumar’s foundation guided by his personal motto: Make A Difference.
Beyond the balance sheet, Tonse played cricket at college and club level and represented Karnataka in archery at the national championships — sports he credits with teaching him teamwork, situational leadership, discipline and focus. In quieter moments, he reaches for retro Kannada music, classic Hindi songs, and the crooning of Engelbert Humperdinck, Mukesh and Kishore Kumar.
YES Bank has its steady-handed rebuilder in Kumar to thank for survival. Now it has a scale-obsessed growth banker at the wheel. The next chapter starts April 6.
