4th edition of 'Brand of the Year' held in Mumbai to discuss shifting brand narratives

The fourth edition of 'Brand of the Year,' organised by Marksmen Network, was held on Friday, June 27, 2025, in Mumbai. The event brought together marketing leaders, brand strategists, and industry experts to examine ongoing shifts in brand communication, consumer behaviour, and marketing innovation within a data-driven landscape.

This year’s edition focused on how digital interactions, from clicks to scrolls, are shaping brand narratives and redefining engagement strategies. With consumers increasingly taking on the role of co-creators in the brand experience, the conclave explored the intersection of data, technology, and storytelling in building more meaningful brand-audience relationships.

Sessions covered themes such as responsible marketing, data privacy, evolving media mixes, and emerging forms of digital storytelling. Speakers addressed the challenges of building consumer trust in a landscape shaped by algorithmic targeting, content saturation, and growing regulatory scrutiny around data use.

The conclave featured Sudhir Mungantiwar, Senior Leader – BJP and Former Minister, Government of Maharashtra, as Guest of Honour. He was joined by R. Gopalakrishnan, Former Non-Executive Chairman, Castrol India; Former Chairman, Unilever Arabia; and Former Executive Director, Tata Sons. Vanita Keswani, CEO, Madison Media Sigma, also participated, alongside other marketing professionals. The discussions centred on evolving approaches to brand marketing, including how to balance personalisation with data privacy in an increasingly digital environment.

The event also spotlighted select brands identified through annual research for their work in storytelling, customer experience, and innovation. In addition to panel discussions, the conclave served as a forum for sharing actionable strategies aimed at navigating a rapidly evolving marketing ecosystem.

With marketing practices under continued pressure to strike a balance between personalisation and privacy, 'Brand of the Year' aimed to foster critical conversations on accountability, agility, and relevance in the digital age.

News