Latest news with #Marketing
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Girlfriend finally says ‘yes' to besotted boyfriend who popped question 43 times in seven years
A BESOTTED boyfriend popped the question to the love of his life 43 times before she finally said yes. Luke Wintrip, 36, had been desperate to marry Sarah, 38, since 2018. 5 Luke Wintrip proposed to Sarah 43 times before she said yes Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 5 For one proposal Luke took Sarah horseback-riding on a Jamaican beach Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 5 The couple married in Jamaica in May Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media But despite his extravagant proposals — including hiring a castle in Prague, horseback- riding on a Marketing CEO Sarah said of the first rejection: 'I just said, 'No, we've only been together for six months'. "I loved him but I didn't want to say 'yes' to something I later retracted.' But tattoo artist Luke vowed to keep persisting. READ MORE ON MARRIAGE And on the 42nd proposal, Sarah told him: 'Next time you ask, I'm going to say yes, but just you wait.' Luke waited a year before taking Sarah to Greenwich in South East London — the home of Greenwich Mean Time. He said: 'This is the centre of the world and you are the centre of the world and I want you to marry me.' Mum-of-three Sarah, from Chelmsford, Essex, conceded: 'He finally won my heart. Most read in The Sun "He should probably get a Guinness World Record. I am grateful he persisted for so long.' The couple married in Jamaica in May — although it did not go to plan as Sarah had to struggle through the pain and ended up in hospital with a life-threatening infection when a cyst burst in her groin. Moment woman proposes in Scotland & is stunned by partner's unexpected reaction 5 Luke first proposed to Sarah in 2018 Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 5 Sarah said: 'I am grateful he persisted for so long' Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Wall Street Journal
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
Ryan Reynolds, Gwyneth Paltrow Help Astronomer Move On From Coldplay Kiss Cam
Tech company Astronomer is trying to move on from its Coldplay concert kiss-cam scandal with the help of a Madison Avenue powerhouse known for his sense of humor. Actor Ryan Reynolds's marketing firm, Maximum Effort, created a lighthearted advertisement to help repair Astronomer's brand and shift the public's focus to its actual business, rather than its leaders' extracurricular activities.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Phillips 66 (PSX) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Record Refining Utilization and Strong ...
Refining Utilization: 98% utilization, highest since 2018. Clean Product Yield: Over 86% yield. Midstream Adjusted EBITDA: Approximately $1 billion. Shareholder Returns: Over $900 million returned, including $490 million in share repurchases. Reported Earnings: $877 million or $2.15 per share. Adjusted Earnings: $973 million or $2.38 per share. Operating Cash Flow: $845 million; excluding working capital, $1.9 billion. Net Debt to Capital: 41%. Refining Market Capture: 99% of market indicator. Cash from Operations: $1.9 billion, excluding working capital. Capital Spending: $587 million. Ending Cash Balance: $1.1 billion. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 8 Warning Sign with PSX. Release Date: July 25, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) achieved a refining utilization rate of 98%, the highest since 2018, and a clean product yield of over 86%. The Midstream segment generated an adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1 billion, on track to achieve the $4.5 billion annual EBITDA target by 2027. Marketing and Specialties reported its strongest quarter since 2022, contributing to a robust capital allocation framework. Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) returned over $900 million to shareholders this quarter, demonstrating strong shareholder returns. The company achieved the lowest adjusted refining cost per barrel since 2021, with plans to reduce it further by 2027. Negative Points The Chemicals segment saw decreased results due to lower polyethylene margins driven by lower sales prices. Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) reported a $239 million pre-tax impact of accelerated depreciation due to the planned cessation of operations at the Los Angeles refinery. Net debt to capital was 41%, reflecting the impact of the Coastal Bend asset acquisition, indicating a need to reduce debt levels. Renewable fuels margins were weak, leading to reduced operational rates at the Rodeo facility. The company faces regulatory challenges in the renewable fuels segment, including changes in eligible feedstocks for PTC credits. Q & A Highlights Q: After the recent shareholder engagement, are you still comfortable with the current strategy of Phillips 66 as an integrated company, or do you foresee any changes? A: Mark Lashier, Chairman and CEO, stated that the company remains committed to its current strategy, which has been supported by shareholder feedback. The board continuously evaluates strategic alternatives to ensure long-term shareholder value creation, and there are no sacred cows except for the focus on shareholder value. Q: Given the strong quarter, how does the current environment affect your $15 billion EBITDA target, and what is the right level of debt for the company? A: Mark Lashier explained that the refining EBITDA was $867 million for the quarter, which annualizes to $3.5 billion at an $11 market indicator. The company aims for a $14 market indicator as mid-cycle, which would bring refining EBITDA to over $5 billion. Kevin Mitchell, CFO, added that the target debt level is $17 billion, which they plan to achieve through cash flow and asset dispositions. Q: What drove the significant quarter-over-quarter improvement in refining results, achieving 99% market capture and 98% crude utilization? A: Rich Harbison, Executive Vice President of Refining, attributed the improvement to a focus on safe and reliable operations, comprehensive reliability programs, and small capital high-return projects that enhanced clean product yield and flexibility. The company also managed costs effectively, achieving a refining cost of $5.46 per barrel. Q: Can you provide insights into the global refining capacity additions and the impact of China's export capacity on the market? A: Brian Mandell, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Commercial, noted that net refinery additions are expected to be below demand expectations through the decade, with low clean product yields from new Asian refineries. This supports a strong margin environment, despite potential unplanned shutdowns and rationalizations in Europe and Asia. Q: How is Phillips 66 addressing the challenges in the renewable fuels segment, given the weak margins? A: Brian Mandell mentioned that the company is running its renewable diesel plant at reduced rates due to weak margins. They are working on lowering operating costs, increasing SAF production, and enhancing feedstock optionality. Regulatory changes and market dynamics are being closely monitored to ensure profitability. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
India Today
5 days ago
- Business
- India Today
India Today Media Institute offers two short-term certificate courses in digital media
The India Today Media Institute (ITMI) and Galgotias University have introduced three forward-looking programmes designed to equip both students and working professionals with the skills needed for the digital include a short-term course in AI in the Newsroom, a specialised programme in Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC).AI IN THE NEWSROOM: JOURNALISM MEETS TECHNOLOGYThis 9-day classroom-based course (August 23-31, 2025) focuses on how artificial intelligence is transforming media. Participants will learn about machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, followed by practical applications like AI-powered video editing, deepfake detection, personalised recommendations, and newsroom The course also covers ethical considerations and the future impact of AI on journalism. Designed for reporters, editors, content creators, researchers, and even tech developers working in media, it aims to enhance strategic thinking and streamline Undergraduates/graduates (preferably in journalism) and media professionalsFee: Rs 55,000 + GSTCertification: Jointly awarded by ITMI and Galgotias UniversityAdmission: Registration -- Interview -- Course CommencementINTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATION (IMC)Also running from August 23 to 31, 2025, the IMC certificate course focusses on creating cohesive, multi-channel marketing strategies. It teaches students how to merge advertising, public relations, digital marketing, and content development to deliver consistent brand for marketing professionals, MARCOM students, entrepreneurs, and creative strategists, the course prepares learners to handle real-time consumer engagement and data-driven campaign Graduates and working professionalsFee: Rs 55,000 + GSTCertification: Jointly awarded by ITMI and Galgotias UniversityModules: Branding, content marketing, SEO, PR, social media, campaign evaluationThese programmes reflect the real demands of today's digital-first media you're a journalist learning to work with AI, a marketer creating cross-platform campaigns, or a student aiming to build a future in digital media, these courses offer the tools, training, and vision to stay LINK HEREFor admissions and details, visit the official websites of India Today Media Institute or Galgotias University.- Ends
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Too Loud, Too Late? River Island's Logo, Legacy And Fight For Relevance
I've had a sneaking suspicion for years, and now I know I'm not alone. Somewhere along the way, ... More River Island (RI) fell for its own logo. RI on bags, on buttons, on belts. Sometimes bold on waistbands, often bedazzling in jewels. But always unmistakable. And that might be a problem. Because in fashion, loud branding without deep equity doesn't suggest luxury, it can screams insecurity.(Photo by) I've had a sneaking suspicion for years, and now I know I'm not alone. Somewhere along the way, River Island (RI) fell for its own logo. RI on bags, on buttons, on belts. Sometimes bold on waistbands, often bedazzling in jewels. But always unmistakable. And that might be a problem. Because in fashion, loud branding without deep equity doesn't suggest luxury, it can screams insecurity. I've heard it from consumers across the country. They didn't mind the dress, but the logo stopped them buying. They weren't embarrassed by the price tag but didn't want a giant 'tell' that they were wearing high street. Sara Hassan, Head of Marketing at Fabuloso talks to this disconnect: 'They use the RI logo a LOT, especially on bags. But without covetable brand equity, that kind of overt branding becomes a deterrent for shoppers looking for a designer feel.' The logo became a dead giveaway. And as shoppers moved toward quiet luxury, River Island got louder. Of course this is just a detail. But one that tells a much bigger story of not listening closely enough to what consumers are telling you. River Island, once a mainstay of the British high street, is now fighting for survival. The ... More business has warned it could enter administration without the approval of a sweeping restructuring plan. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images) River Island, once a mainstay of the British high street, is now fighting for survival. The business has warned it could enter administration without the approval of a sweeping restructuring plan. The proposal includes the closure of 33 stores, a hunt for £10–50m in funding, and urgent rent reductions across its estate. This is not a minor setback, it's a reckoning. For me, the news stings with familiarity. In the early days of my career, River Island was part of the mix. I was more of a charity-shop and vintage loyalist, but RI had impact. It was a go-to for a statement piece you could afford, or something last-minute that looked like effort. But even then, it sometimes felt like everyone else had bought the same thing. River Island spent the 90's and 00's bringing fast-fashion to UK High Street's with success, yet often seen as being in Topshop's 'edgier' shadow. As Lucy Mather, a Cheshire based e-commerce manager, recalls: "The RI branding, especially on bags and shoes, was just too much. It felt like they were trying to ... More be Gucci without the credibility" says Lucy Mather, an E-Commerce Manager based in Cheshire, UK, 'I've never really been a River Island shopper. It was across from Topshop at the Trafford Centre and I always chose Topshop. The RI branding, especially on bags and shoes, was just too much. It felt like they were trying to be Gucci without the credibility. That said, recently they've pushed influencers hard, and I did wear a River Island dress to a friend's wedding… I borrowed it, but I got loads of compliments.' There it is again. A brand with potential. But one that never quite trusted itself enough to evolve without the need for the brand marque. The physical River Island experience isn't bad, some stores are beautifully designed, with thoughtful fitting rooms and sleek layouts. But bricks and mortar alone aren't enough anymore. Shoppers expect storytelling. Immersion. Magic. "They've probably missed out,' says Sara Hassan, 'by not offering a strong beauty range, or leaning further into experiential retail. The infrastructure was there, but the imagination wasn't.' Meanwhile, rivals were reinventing themselves as multi-sensory destinations. River Island stayed focussed on the transactional. 24 year old Ella Beattie, a brand expert explains: 'I've never really been a River Island shopper, it always felt like an awkward in-between of Primark and Zara, and I'd usually choose H&M over RI. But my perception has shifted recently after visiting the brand-new Trafford Centre store. The space is modern and fresh, with a standout shoe selection and an overall more premium feel. That said, it still feels like River Island lags slightly behind when it comes to staying on top of trends. I'm also not sure what their signature style is - what are they known for? While the shopping experience is improving, the brand isn't doing anything particularly bold or distinctive in the fashion space - yet.' There was a recent attempt to pivot. The re-launch of RI Studio introduced a more refined, minimalist aesthetic, nodding to the wardrobe capsules of Sezane or Maje. Some lines from the collection have won over fashion-writers plaudits, and seem to be selling well - but do enough consumers have River Island front of mind? River Island wants to elevate, but it keeps anchoring itself to a dated sense of brand pride. It's what Ed Watson, founder of PREW, calls a crisis of personality: 'In its heyday, River Island gave you a reason to walk past competitors. It had personality. But it stalled. Cheaper, faster brands became more exciting. And it's stuck with a store estate that worked last century, but not this one.' The fate of River Island matters because it's symbolic. A household name. A multi-generational reference point. A real part of the British shopping story. If it fails, we'll lose more than just 33 stores. We'll lose energy from the high street. Colour from the middle market. Confidence from customers who still want a real-life fashion experience, but can't find one that feels right. It doesn't have to be this way. But surviving now requires ruthless self-awareness. Brand equity must be earned, not assumed. Shoppers want story, substance, and emotional reward, not just sequins and slogans. If River Island can rediscover its purpose or even just find one that resonates with many more consumers again, then there's still a future. This is a retailer that hasn't stood still, there's been clear investment in apps, tech, and influencer partnerships. But the challenge now isn't just about pace or presence. It's about purpose. A brand's story can't be engineered from the inside out, it has to be shaped by listening. Not just to data, but to feeling. River Island still has equity. It still has recognition. But whether it can regain relevance depends on something deeper: the willingness to open up, take outside steer, and build a narrative that feels not only current, but true.
