Branding expert and philanthropist Kurien Mathews no more

Kurien Mathews, the Chairman & Managing Director at METAL Communications, has passed away. With a rich professional history spanning over three and a half decades in the realm of branding, Mathews was widely recognized for his exceptional expertise in digital marketing and brand strategy.

Throughout his illustrious career, Mathews played a pivotal role in shaping renowned brands such as Sony, Nivea, Limca, Amul, Frooti, Samsonite, Platinum Guild, Bajaj Allianz, Electrolux, BPL Mobile, CNBC, Malayala Manorama, Yamaha, IndianOil Servo, Medimix, Dainik Bhaskar, Fortis, and many others.

In 2008, Mathews co-authored the book "Brands Under Fire" with Ivan Arthur, which was published by Penguin. He contributed significantly to the advertising industry, serving on the Managing Committee of the Advertising Agencies Association of India and as a member of the AAAI Awards Jury. He was also a Trustee for Citizens for Peace and The Subhas Ghosal Foundation.

Mathews co-founded Anthem Communications in 1988, which later merged with TBWA WW as TBWA Anthem in India. Under his guidance, the company grew into one of India’s largest communications services groups with 350 professionals across 7 offices in India. Post his tenure at TBWA, Mathews delved into diverse industries, leveraging his expertise in Branding, Organisational Management, Strategy, and General Management.

In 2021, he initiated a successful joint venture (51:49) between Rage Communication and ADK of Japan, ultimately leading to a 100% acquisition in 2023. Additionally, amidst the challenges of the pandemic in 2020, Mathews orchestrated a strategic investment in Conscious Food, resulting in a remarkable four-fold growth within 30 months. This initiative laid the groundwork for a significant Series A fund raise in mid-2024.

Mathews, an alumnus of Harvard Business School (AMP 161, Fall 2001), was deeply involved with various non-profit organizations throughout his life. His legacy in the world of branding and his contributions to numerous sectors will be remembered and cherished.