C.K. Venkataraman, 60, the new Managing Director of Titan Company — who cycles to office every day and is a regular marathoner — thinks that age is just a number. He loves to sing and has many a times unknowingly entertained his co-passengers on flights as he hummed (loud enough for others to hear) while listening to old Bollywood classics. Venkatraman’s friendly demeanor is probably something that is best suited for the ₹20,000-crore lifestyle major, which is trying hard to break out of its legacy image.
The company’s biggest challenge today is to resonate with the aspirational Indian millennial, who account for close to 65 per cent of the country’s population. Though Titan is the most loved and respected, it is not considered aspirational enough. A 25-year-old prospective bride may buy her wedding jewellery at a Tanishq store, but owning a Titan watch may not be part of her style statement. She would in all likelihood dismiss it as fuddy-duddy. The lifestyle major may be one of the favourites in the stock market by virtue of its impressive financial performance, but brand Titan definitely needs a makeover.
This story is from the May 16, 2021 edition of Business Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 16, 2021 edition of Business Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
It's Personal
Mixing work and personal tasks on work machines may be a done thing for many, but it makes sense to have a dedicated device for your personal needs. Here are two such devices
INTO THE BLUE
For WTiCabs Founder and CEO Ashok Vashist, scuba diving is not just an adventure sport. It is a pathway to connect with the ocean
"Challenges are opportunities"
AMIT JAIN CO-FOUNDER & CEO CARDEKHO GROUP CarDekho Group is a digital automotive solutions provider
THE WAIT FOR HIGHER PENSION
ALMOST 18 MONTHS AFTER THE SUPREME COURT RULING, SUBSCRIBERS WHO OPTED FOR A HIGHER PENSION UNDER THE EMPLOYEES' PENSION SCHEME CONTINUE TO WAIT AS THE EPFO, FACING A STAFF CRUNCH, TRIES TO FIGURE OUT THE MATH
"It's possible to have a 25% growth out of India from now on"
Rail Europe Executive Chairman & CEO Björn Bender talks about the India market, the shift to digital, and the way ahead
Evolving Strategies
Companies need to adapt to changing times for a strong workforce
PERKS PRESSURE
IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE MONEY ANYMORE FOR EMPLOYEES. FROM FOUR-DAY WORK WEEKS, TO SKILLING ON THE JOB AND MENTAL WELL-BEING EXERCISES, COMPANIES ARE OFFERING A HOST OF BENEFITS TO RETAIN TOP TALENT. IS THIS ENOUGH?
Turning Over a New Leaf
The integration of mortgage giant HDFC Ltd with HDFC Bank sets the stage for making the best of both worlds
THE FLEXIBILITY TO EXCEL
By offering employees multiple ways by which they can work and grow, Google has ensured that it gets the best from them
All About 'Learning & Training'
L&T provides its employees with a variety of programmes to help them grow professionally and climb the corporate ladder