Muhammad Asad Saeed

And it’s a wrap! A great week of inspiration, learning, energy, and connections at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity alongside my amazing PepsiCo colleagues and some of the most brilliant minds in the creative industry. From multiple thought-provoking panels, to small talks, to walking through the basement of the Palais exploring the amazing shortlisted and awarded work, I leave with some key highlights: - Human Centricity and empathy are always the starting point. As brand builders, we have the collective responsibility to unpack true human insights and leverage our iconic brands to offer solutions through meaningful and relevant experiences. - Creativity is a true multiplier of growth and impact on people, business, and the planet. - Simplicity triumphs. The best ideas are the simplest ones, creatively brought to life. - Consistency pays off. If the idea is routed in a human truth and your brand solves a human problem, don’t get bored of it, elevate it. I also truly enjoyed my panel discussion hosted by Kantar’s Manaswita Singh and Mohamed Nabil Hayek alongside Rayan Karaky and Abdulaziz Elyas discussing the art and science of creative effectiveness in Saudi Arabia. I shared my thoughts on the Kingdom’s transformation that builds bridges between a rich past and a bright future, and the importance of un-learning a lot of the stereotypes to build emotional connections. Let’s continue raising the bar on creativity and touching more hearts and minds along the way! #Canneslions2024 #PepsiCoproud

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The Significance of Leadership in FMCG: In the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, leadership plays a pivotal role in driving company success and navigating the competitive landscape. Effective leadership in FMCG involves strategic vision, innovation, and operational efficiency. Leaders must anticipate market trends and consumer preferences, ensuring the timely launch of new products and the optimization of supply chains. They foster a culture of agility and responsiveness, essential for adapting to rapid market changes and disruptions. Moreover, strong leadership in FMCG emphasizes as follows:- 1. Strategic Vision & Planning - Market Analysis and Trends: Leaders in FMCG must continuously analyze market trends & consumer behaviors to identify opportunities for growth & innovation. - Long-term Planning: Strategic vision involves setting long-term goals & planning for sustainable growth, considering factors like market expansion, product diversification & competitive positioning. 2. Innovation & Product Development - New Product Launches: Leadership is crucial in overseeing the development & launch of new products, ensuring they meet consumer needs & stand out in a crowded market. - Research and Development (R&D): Leaders prioritize investment in R&D to foster innovation, improve existing products & develop new offerings. 3. Operational Efficiency - Supply Chain Management: Effective leaders streamline supply chain operations to reduce costs, improve efficiency & ensure timely delivery of products. - Process Optimization: They focus on optimizing manufacturing and distribution processes to enhance productivity & maintain high-quality standards. 4. Marketing & Brand Building - Brand Strategy: Leaders develop and implement robust brand strategies to build brand equity & loyalty among consumers. - Consumer Engagement: They use innovative marketing techniques to engage consumers, leveraging digital channels & data analytics for targeted campaigns. 5. Talent Management & Organizational Culture - Team Building: Leadership involves assembling and nurturing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration & innovation. - Employee Development: Leaders invest in employee training & development to enhance skills & motivate staff, driving overall organizational performance. 6. Agility & Adaptability - Crisis Management: Effective leaders are adept at navigating crises & disruptions, ensuring the organization remains resilient & adaptable. - Responsive Decision-Making: They make swift, informed decisions to respond to market changes, regulatory shifts & competitive actions. 7. Financial Performance & Risk Management - Financial Oversight: Leaders oversee financial planning, budgeting & performance to ensure profitability & long-term financial health. - Risk Mitigation: They identify and mitigate risks, from market fluctuations to supply chain vulnerabilities, protecting the organization’s assets & interests.

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[POV: Pepsi x Babymonster] In these scorching summer days, a refreshing beverage can be a lifesaver. But what if that beverage not only quenches your thirst but also provides unforgettable experiences? Pepsi has been delivering just that, with exciting concerts and opportunities for fans to get closer to their idols. As a result, Pepsi has become a favorite among the young generation for its "extremely satisfying" experiences. Now, with the collaboration of Babymonster, Pepsi is set to take it up a notch. But will Babymonster be able to match the impact of Blackpink's collaboration with Pepsi? Only time will tell. As a K-pop fan, I am excited to see more of these creative interactions between idols and brands. Which one do you prefer - BabymonsterxPepsi or BlackpinkxPepsi? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #Pepsi #Babymonster #Blackpink #Kpop #Beverage #Collaboration #Summer #Refreshing #JoyfulInsights

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𝐌𝐌𝐀 𝐀𝐋𝐂 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 - 𝐊𝐄𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐅𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 🔥 In today's modern and highly competitive business environment, developing flexible leadership skills in the digital age has become an essential competency. Join us to meet the seasoned leader, Mr. Toan Nguyen Dinh, Vice President of Marketing at PepsiCo, in the session 'Adapting Leadership for a Shifting World.' This talk will focus on strategies for developing leadership capabilities to foster a culture of innovation and maintain a leading position in rapidly changing industries. By attending the event, you'll gain essential insights on: 🔑 How to maintain a competitive advantage in ever-changing industries. 🔑 Strategies for integrating a culture of innovation into leadership development through practical examples. 🔑 Equipping yourself with the necessary tools to adapt and lead with a progressive mindset. 🌟 Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from industry experts and position your business at the forefront of trends in the AI era! 📌Grab your tickets at: https://lnkd.in/gibEwiCp 📌MMA ALC Summit 2024 Information: 📆Date: August 22, 2024 | 8:00AM - 7:30PM 📍Venue: Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, 88 Dong Khoi St., Ben Nghe ward, District 1,Ho Chi Minh More information on the conference at: https://lnkd.in/gqu3bpN2 #MMAAPAC #MMAVN #ALCSummit #MMAVietnam #Futureofmarketing #Architectthefuture #marktetingevent #leadership #MMAGlobal #Shapethefuture #Modernmarketing #marketingagency #business #digitalmarketing #socialmedia #branding #entrepreneur #contentmarketing

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This is your chance to share your thoughts and contribute to meaningful research in Pakistan. It’s quick, anonymous, and your input could help shape future marketing strategies! 🎯 I’m conducting a short 8-10 minute survey as part of my Master’s thesis at the University of Applied Sciences, Munich (HM), focused on how consumers in Pakistan engage with social media marketing. Survey Form: https://lnkd.in/eFjtfc7Y Take a few minutes to make an impact—your voice is powerful! #Survey #MarketingResearch #Thesis #Pakistan #SocialMedia #ConsumerInsights #BeHeard

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In Episode 2 of Achieving Alpha, we speak with Umesh Shah, a distinguished leader with over 30 years of transformative experience in the FMCG sector and former CEO of Unilever International. The discussion provides rich insights into the lean FMCG model, offering a detailed analysis of the investment landscape and opportunities for private equity investors. https://okt.to/8jf0Wn Utsav Garg, Shikha Johri, Manas Tamotia, Sue Ying T.  #AMon #FMCG #privatequity #investment #podcasts

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Expanding Global Markets for Organic FMCG Products: As the world becomes more interconnected, the importance of international market access for FMCG products continues to grow. Working directly under the CEO at Kazi & Kazi Tea Estate Ltd., I’ve had the opportunity to lead our efforts in expanding to new global markets, which resulted in a 35% increase in international sales. This experience taught me invaluable lessons on navigating market trends, identifying opportunities, and building strong client relationships across borders. Here are a few insights from my experience: 1. Know the market: Every region has its own unique challenges and opportunities. Thorough research and adaptation are key. 2. Client relationships are everything: Building trust with international clients is fundamental. Understanding cultural variations help in fostering these relationships. 3. Innovation drives growth: Embrace new technologies and trends to stay ahead in the competitive FMCG industry. I’m excited to continue exploring new markets and driving business growth. How are you navigating international expansion? Share your thoughts below! #InternationalMarketing #BusinessDevelopment #FMCG #GlobalMarkets #OrganicProducts #Leadership

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This is something close to my concept of Leadership. Living in the Era of Transformation, It's been almost 15 years working on various Leadership roles in different capacity in a country where every year is a different year especially last 4 to 5 years. It's not important where you ended last day the important is how well you start your day with the same Vision, Resilience, Courage & Determination on your Goal. Working with your team is important, how closely you know each other. How well you know the Strength of each other. I am big believer of Leadership effectiveness with the freedom of their Decisions making & Empowerment. The young Leaders should learn the important attributes especially Resilience & Selflessness importance over & above the Goal. #Leadership #resilience #courage #selflessness #determination #peoplemanagement

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We feature esteemed professionals from the marketing and insights fraternity in our newsletter, "Marketing Minute." This edition includes an exclusive interview with Sheikh Adil Hussain, Marketing Director of Haircare at Unilever. He provided expert insights on the future of FMCG marketing, highlighting the transformative role of AI in rapid storyboard creation and streamlined content production. AI-powered data analytics, he noted, will facilitate more customized media plans. Despite economic challenges, Hussain emphasized that marketers focusing on consumer engagement and leveraging consumer insights will thrive, citing successful examples like P&G's disposable diapers and Lifebuoy's onion variant shampoo. Read the full story below, and email us at [email protected] to join the "Marketing Minute" mailing list for expert knowledge, the latest industry trends, and exciting updates from enFuture Insights. #MarketingMinute #enFuture #ConsumerInsights #AI #MarketResearch #Unilever

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🌟 Success in FMCG: The Seven Principles of Deal-Making 🌟 Mastering deal-making in the FMCG sector is essential for growth. Here are seven key principles to guide your strategy: Aim High, Push Hard: Set ambitious targets and pursue them relentlessly. Courage is Key: Don’t let hesitation hold you back; trust your instincts and act decisively. Think Big: Break free from limits and embrace bold decisions for transformative outcomes. Know Your Audience: Understand consumer needs and tailor your message accordingly. Hold Your Cards Close: Maintain confidence in negotiations; don’t show desperation. Fight Fire with Fire: Be prepared to adopt assertiveness when necessary. Honor Your Commitments: Integrity builds trust and long-term relationships. Embrace these principles to thrive in a dynamic industry! 💪🚀 #FMCG #Leadership #SalesStrategy #BusinessSuccess #DealMaking #Marketing #BrandManagement #ConsumerInsights #GrowthMindset #Negotiation #Integrity #Entrepreneurship #RetailStrategy

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As requested by many, here are the slides from my #IBAKarachi guest speaking session on #TradeMarketing. #Kashifqirtas #Keeplearning #Keepgrowing #FMCG #Trademarketing

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💡 Delve into the realm of #retail insights from Pakistan, powered by SnappRetail's cutting-edge data lake technology, designed to digitalize #MSME retailers across the nation. #RetailInsights #SnappRetail #Pakistan

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Honasa Consumer Ltd. is proud to announce its Q4 and FY24 results, demonstrating significant growth and enhanced profitability. Some highlights from the business performance: - Honasa Consumer Ltd. continues to deliver disruptive growth in Q4, much ahead of Fmcg industry, with 23% (like-for-like) YoY revenue growth  - Business continues to grow efficiently, with full year PAT of INR 111 Cr and 7.1% EBITDA; delivered ever-highest quarterly PAT of INR 30 Cr - Strong offtake momentum continues for Mamaearth with faster than market growth, with120 bps offline market-share growth YoY for facewashes, and 40 bps for shampoos - The DermaCo hits INR 500 Cr+ ARR, achieving break-even in all quarters of FY24 - Acquisition of Cosmogenesis laboratories, to strengthen Honasa's R&D capabilities and add rich formulation experience (built through 5000+formulations over 25+ years of experience - Launched its first impact assessment report highlights significant contributions to economic value generation, student engagement, and women-focused interventions delivered across brands Thank you to all our consumers, shareholders, investors and employees for their support through this journey!  We are committed to building in India, for India!  #performancemax #quarterresults #businessupdate shareholders, investors and employees for their support through this journey!  We are committed to building in India, for India!  #performancemax #quarterresults #businessupdate

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The Key Sucess Factors Elements of FMCG: The success of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies often hinges on a combination of factors: 1. Strong Brand Presence: Building and maintaining a strong, recognizable brand is crucial. Consumers tend to trust and repeatedly purchase from brands they recognize and perceive as high-quality. 2. Efficient Supply Chain Management: A robust and efficient supply chain ensures that products are available on shelves when and where consumers want them. This involves managing inventory, logistics, and distribution networks effectively. 3. Consumer Insights & Market Research: Understanding consumer behavior, preferences, and trends through continuous market research allows FMCG companies to tailor their products and marketing strategies to meet consumer needs. 4. Innovation & Product Development: Constant innovation in product offerings, including new flavors, packaging, and sizes, keeps the product line fresh and appealing to consumers. This also includes adapting to health trends, sustainability, and convenience. 5. Effective Marketing & Advertising: Aggressive and targeted marketing campaigns, both traditional and digital, help in maintaining top-of-mind awareness and driving sales. Promotions, discounts, and loyalty programs also play a significant role. 6. Pricing Strategy: Competitive and strategic pricing ensures that products are accessible to a broad consumer base while maintaining profitability. This includes understanding the price elasticity of demand for different products. 7. Retail & Distribution Networks: Establishing strong relationships with retailers and ensuring wide distribution coverage, including both urban and rural areas, maximizes product availability and visibility. 8. Adaptability and Agility: The ability to quickly adapt to changing market conditions, consumer preferences, and external factors like economic shifts or regulatory changes is crucial for long-term success. These elements combined create a sustainable competitive advantage for FMCG companies, enabling them to thrive in a highly competitive and dynamic market.

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Part 1: Developing Brand Strategy In FMCG Context Developing a brand strategy in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector requires a deep understanding of the market, consumer behavior, and the competitive landscape. Here's a structured approach to creating an effective FMCG brand strategy for the first 5 elements and the next 5 will be shared on part 2: 1. Market Research and Consumer Insights - Consumer Behavior Analysis: Understand the purchasing habits, preferences, and needs of your target consumers. This includes factors like price sensitivity, brand loyalty, and consumption patterns. - Market Segmentation: Segment the market based on demographics, psychographics, and purchasing behavior to identify key target groups. - Competitive Analysis:Analyze competitors’ strengths, weaknesses, market position, and strategies. Identify gaps and opportunities in the market. 2. Brand Positioning - Unique Value Proposition (UVP):Define what makes your brand unique in the market. This could be product quality, innovation, affordability, or sustainability. - Target Audience: Clearly identify the primary audience you are targeting with your brand, including their motivations and challenges. - Positioning Statement: Develop a concise positioning statement that communicates the brand’s unique value and differentiates it from competitors. 3. Brand Identity Development - Brand Name and Logo: Choose a brand name and logo that resonate with your target audience and reflect the brand’s personality and values. - Visual Identity: Design packaging and visual elements (colors, fonts, imagery) that are appealing and stand out on retail shelves. - Brand Personality: Define the brand’s personality traits (e.g., trustworthy, innovative, fun) to ensure consistency in all brand communications. 4. Brand Messaging - Core Brand Message: Develop a core brand message that communicates the brand’s essence, values, and promise to consumers. - Tagline: Create a memorable tagline that encapsulates the brand’s positioning and resonates with the target audience. - Storytelling: Craft a brand story that connects emotionally with consumers and highlights the brand’s journey, mission, and values. 5. Product Strategy - Product Development: Innovate and develop products that meet the specific needs of your target market. Consider product differentiation, quality, and packaging design. - Pricing Strategy: Set a pricing strategy that aligns with the brand’s positioning—whether it’s premium, value-based, or competitive pricing. - Distribution Channels: Choose distribution channels (traditional retail, online, direct-to-consumer) that ensure your product reaches the target audience effectively. By following this roadmap, FMCG brands can create a strong, resilient brand that resonates with consumers, stands out in the marketplace, and drives long-term growth.

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#Consumerinsight#fmcg#Marketing In fmcg a comman trait of human behaviour is the burning desire for certainty despite living in an uncertain and probablistic environment.

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Place or Distribution Strategy: In FMCG Context The place or distribution strategy in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry is critical for ensuring that products are available to consumers where and when they need them. Given the perishable and high-turnover nature of FMCG products, an efficient distribution strategy can significantly impact a company’s success. Here are the key components of an effective place or distribution strategy in the FMCG sector: 1. Distribution Channels - Direct Distribution: Selling products directly to consumers through company-owned stores or direct sales teams. - Indirect Distribution: Using intermediaries such as wholesalers, distributors, and retailers to reach the end consumer. This can include supermarkets, convenience stores, and retail marketplaces. 2. Channel Selection and Management - Channel Mix: Choosing a combination of direct and indirect channels to maximize reach and efficiency. - Partner Relationships: Building strong relationships with distributors, retailers, and other channel partners to ensure smooth operations. - Channel Conflict Management: Addressing and resolving conflicts between different channels to maintain a harmonious distribution network. 3. Coverage and Reach - Market Penetration: Ensuring extensive coverage to penetrate different markets, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. - Geographic Expansion: Strategically expanding distribution to new regions and markets to increase market share. 4. Logistics and Supply Chain Management - Efficient Logistics: Optimizing logistics to reduce costs and improve delivery times. This includes warehousing, transportation, and inventory management. - Technology Integration: Using technology such as GPS tracking, warehouse management systems (WMS), and supply chain management software to enhance efficiency. 5. Inventory Management - Demand Forecasting: Using data analytics to predict demand and manage inventory levels effectively. - Stock Replenishment: Ensuring timely replenishment of stock to prevent stockouts and overstock situations. - Inventory Turnover: Monitoring and optimizing inventory turnover rates to maintain freshness and minimize holding costs. 6. Retail Partnerships - Strategic Alliances: Forming strategic partnerships with key retailers to secure prime shelf space and enhance product visibility. - Promotional Activities: Collaborating with retailers on promotional activities and in-store displays to drive sales. 7. Distribution Metrics and Analytics - Performance Metrics: Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as delivery times, order accuracy, and distribution costs. - Data Analytics: Using data analytics to gain insights into distribution efficiency, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions. By focusing on these aspects, FMCG companies can ensure their products are widely available, meet consumer demands promptly, and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.

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