Chennai, December 2024 – Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, recently hosted the Brand Conclave 2024, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and marketing experts to discuss strategies for positioning Indian brands on the global stage. The conclave, themed Crafting Indian Brands for Global Success, explored the power of innovation, cultural identity, and collaboration in building world-class brands.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Ganesh Mani S, President and COO of Ashok Leyland, who addressed the audience with his visionary insights on India’s potential as a global brand powerhouse. Drawing from his three decades of expertise in manufacturing, strategy, and innovation, Mr. Mani emphasized the need for creating brands that evoke emotional and aspirational value.

“India’s journey to global prominence hinges on consistent innovation, leveraging digital transformation, and designing customer-centric solutions,” Mr. Mani said. He highlighted the nation’s unique geopolitical and cultural strengths as key drivers for achieving leadership in quality, sustainability, and technological advancement. Drawing inspiration from India’s achievements in space exploration and diplomacy, he urged the audience to embrace collaboration and resilience to propel India toward global recognition.

The conclave featured two engaging panel discussions:

Crafting Iconic Indian Brands: The Power of Advertising, which included industry leaders such as Ramya Ramachandran (Founder, Whoppl) and Kiran Bhat (MD, Xebec).

Homegrown Champions: Competing with Global Brands in India by Blending Tradition with Modernity, featuring experts like Tanay Chothani (CEO, Travel XP) and Dipinder Bedi (Jimmy’s Beverages).

A highlight of the event was the RapteeHV x Great Lakes Chase the Case Competition, which challenged students to position RapteeHV’s T30 Electric Motorcycle as a futuristic alternative to ICE motorcycles. Held in partnership with Raptee, a cutting-edge electric motorcycle manufacturer, the competition featured real-world problem-solving and high-stakes presentations. Finalist teams presented their innovative solutions to company executives and a distinguished panel of judges during the conclave, showcasing their creativity and strategic thinking.

Speaking on the occasion, Dean Suresh Ramanathan said, “The Brand Conclave 2024 has brought together some of the brightest minds in branding and marketing to discuss how Indian brands can lead on the global stage. This dialogue is crucial as we look to redefine what it means to craft brands that resonate universally while staying true to their roots.”

The Brand Conclave 2024 reaffirmed Great Lakes’ strong focus on preparing students for success by connecting them with new-age brands and thought leaders. This initiative is part of the institute’s broader commitment to delivering cutting-edge, industry-relevant education.