M4G Talkies Ep2: Volkswagen’s CMO on brands, belief and why OOH matters

In Episode 2 of M4G Talkies, Bishwajeet Samal, CMO of the Volkswagen brand, joins the conversation to unpack what marketing leadership looks like in an India that has evolved rapidly in both expectation and exposure. Drawing from a career that spans media, advertising and global brand roles, Bishwajeet speaks about listening as a core marketing skill, staying human in decision-making, and building relevance for aspirational brands in a market that no longer settles for surface-level storytelling.

A strong thread through the episode is the role of out-of-home advertising in automobile marketing. Bishwajeet explains why OOH continues to anchor launch strategies and brand narratives – offering scale, presence and creative possibility that few other mediums can replicate. From larger-than-life city placements to memorable outdoor innovations, the discussion reinforces how OOH doesn’t just create visibility, but becomes part of the city, shaping perception, recall and desire at moments when consumers are living their lives, not scrolling through them.