The Hindu Business Line : Thursday, April 22, 2004

HLL's new avatar
A sudden announcement has brought a dramatic change to the management structure of Hindustan Lever, with M. S. Banga, the feisty chairman of the FMCG giant, moving on to a new position. Catalyst takes stock of the Banga years at the h elm. More

The restructuring game
The change in HLL's top management structure has less to do with the individual but is more a recognition of the growing importance of the Indian arm to Unilever in the years to come. Thus the shape of the reorganisation at the top, which makes it a replica of the top management organisation in the headquarters, signals this realisation. More

Revving up
Brand Korean has come to represent cutting-edge technology and reliability and is seen as a great buy. More

EVENTS

Creativity unlimited
R. Sridhar's workshop on creative block-busting is a Catalyst column come alive. More

ADVERTISING

For more pester power
Bajaj hopes its animation campaign building on the Hoodibabaa promise for Caliber will help it add volumes. More

The right recipe
It's important that a dishwash bar have the right formula, says the campaign for Pril. More

Best wishes
When India's largest advertiser Hindustan Lever sneezes, the industry catches a cold. The news of Vindi Banga's `elevation' was really not hot news in Mumbai circles. People had been talking about it for some time now. But the restructuring was ... More

DIRECT MARKETING

Looking ahead
Modicare is bullish about the direct marketing industry and is preparing itself for an international foray. More

BRANDS

Zen and Flying
Indian Airlines has improved but still has a problem with its image; the Jet experience is not on par with its reputation. What lessons does this hold? More

BOOKS

Customers like mindful salespeople
BEFORE the storm, it's calm. Similarly, closing a sale happens best not after putting a customer through pressure-cooker tactics, but when he has "emotionally agreed" after establishing "a mutual bond." Here is where Lee Godden's ZenWise ... More

CARTOON

Hardsell
"But it's convertible! Once you convert, these 14 inches are a lot of millimetres for your money!"

NEW PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Very berry
LAKME has announced Fruit Shock, its fashion statement for summer 2004. As part of Fruit Shock, there is a line of cosmetic products. It will comprise Enrich lip colours and True wear nail colours in shades of red, pink, fuschia, plum and berry, ... More

Sun shades
KEUNE Hair Cosmetics has introduced Sun Care Line including Sun Care Shampoo (Hair & Body) and Sun Care Protection Oil (Hair & Body). Priced at Rs 425 for a 125 ml pack, the Protection Oil is meant to prevent damage by UV rays. Priced at Rs 275 ... More

Royal touch
J. K. HELENE CURTIS has re-launched its `money for value' brand Monarch. The soap and talc are priced at Rs 5 and the perfume spray costs Rs 75.

Daily glitter
TANISHQ has launched Tanishq Daytimes - All-day Diamonds meant for everyday wear. The prices start at Rs 1,960. The range also strives to bring in a new and refreshing contemporary image to the traditional stone. Dew Drops, Pretty and Solo are ... More

Cooler climes
VIVEK has announced the launch of two models of Cool Air room coolers. The Mobile Room Cooler is claimed to be India's only such with a remote control. The Cold Storage and Icepack features allow instant cooling. The Oxygen Bar with Negative Ions ... More

Light sight
NATURE FRESH, the edible oil brand, is now available under a new sub-name of Actilite to highlight its proposition of light oil that helps the family to live an active and healthy life. It is available in a one-litre pouch, one-litre PET bottle, ... More

In your bath
CRABTREE AQUATECH has announced the launch of luxury bathroom fittings and accessories segment under the Crabtree Frattini brand name. They are described as exemplifying the brilliance of Italian design and superior British workmanship. They ... More

Play time
FUNSKOOL INDIA has launched `Your Best Friend' Sindy Doll. Sindy now comes packed in a semi-circular tubular pack. Sindy is draped in a lovely evening frock which comes in hues of blue and pink along with a matching handbag and shoes. The doll is ... More