Brand of the Year 2025 recognises sector-wide approaches to storytelling & strategy

The fourth edition of Brand of the Year 2025, organised by Team Marksmen Network, was held in Mumbai on June 27. The event brought together brand leaders, marketers, and strategists for discussions centered around the theme, “Visionary Marketing and Timeless Brand Storytelling.” The agenda focused on how brands in India are adapting to shifting consumer expectations, technological change, and evolving definitions of trust and engagement.

Opening the conclave, Rajesh Khubchandani, Co-founder and Managing Director of Team Marksmen Network, likened brand leadership to orchestral coordination. He noted, “When I look at a marketing team, I look at it as an orchestra. We have specialised players, but the brand leader ensures they all work in harmony to send the right message out that is music to our ears. We’re here to celebrate the way they have won market, mind, and heartshare.”

One of the central sessions, a panel titled “Beyond the Buzz: What Media Mix Actually Moves the Needle Today?”, featured marketing heads examining media fragmentation and audience behavior. Paridhi Gupta, CMO, SEW.AI, emphasised the need for human-centric storytelling, stating, “Two major pillars we’re seeing are building a community and bringing out the human element. Telling authentic stories is the next challenge for us.” Sujay Rachh, CMO, Nuvama Group, added that new-age consumers are “hyper-informed and low on attention span,” highlighting authenticity and lateral trust as emerging factors in consumer-brand relationships.

R. Gopalakrishnan, former Director of Tata Sons and co-author of Jamshetji Tata: The Man Who Saw Tomorrow, delivered the keynote address. His talk examined the long-term values behind enduring Indian brands, with references to the leadership vision of Jamsetji Tata. He discussed the role of legacy, resilience, and continuity in brand building amid ongoing digital transformation.

The Guest of Honour, Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar, Senior BJP leader and Former Minister, Government of Maharashtra, addressed the growing influence of Indian brands on economic development, employment generation, and cultural identity.

Brands across sectors were acknowledged for their approaches to storytelling, innovation, consumer engagement, and purpose-oriented strategy.

• Bajaj Broking – Next-Gen Investing Brand of the Year
• BHARAT PETROLEUM CORPORATION LIMITED
• Bisleri Vedica Himalayan Spring Water
• Campus Activewear Ltd
• CELLO WORLD LIMITED
• Cetaphil
• Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale
• Fenesta
• GM Modular Pvt. Ltd.
• Godrej Interio (Part of Godrej Enterprises Group)
• Haier Appliances India Pvt. Ltd.
• Himalaya BabyCare
• IKEA India
• InSolare Energy Limited
• JKMaxx Paints
• KAFF Appliances
• Kaya Clinic
• LA SHIELD
• Purple Finance
• RUBBER KING TYRE PVT. LTD.
• SEW.AI (Smart Energy Water)
• TATA Tiscon
• U.S. Polo Assn.
• Unimoni India
• VistaPrint

The event concluded with a focus on its stated objective: to provide a platform for marketers, leaders, and creators to exchange ideas and perspectives on the evolving landscape of brand marketing in India.