In an exclusive interview with loudest.in, Yogesh Nambiar, Country Marketing Director at HARMAN India, opens up about the brand’s evolving audio business.
A seasoned marketing leader with 23 years of cross-industry experience, Yogesh Nambiar currently heads brand strategy at HARMAN India across automotive, lifestyle, and pro audio verticals. Known for his sharp storytelling and strategic vision, Nambiar has played a pivotal role in amplifying HARMAN’s presence in India’s fast-evolving sound and tech ecosystem.
His prior leadership roles at Radio Mirchi and SE TransStadia reflect his deep expertise in brand-building, IP development, and consumer engagement.
In an exclusive interview with loudest.in, Yogesh Nambiar, Country Marketing Director at HARMAN India, opens up about the brand’s evolving audio business and the strategic approach behind building a strong, future-facing identity for HARMAN in India’s competitive sound and technology landscape.
Here are edited excerpts:
Q1.In an era of shrinking attention spans and media overload, how is HARMAN adapting its brand storytelling to stay emotionally relevant to today’s digital-first Indian consumer?
For HARMAN/JBL, it’s about being real and relatable. We focus on stories that connect with people on a personal level—stories that reflect their lives, values, and aspirations. It’s not just about pushing products; it’s about creating moments that resonate. Whether it’s through visuals, interactive content, or being culturally in tune, we make sure our storytelling feels genuine and human. At the end of the day, it’s about building a connection, not just making a sale.
Q2.As premium audio moves beyond audiophiles to mainstream consumers, how do you balance mass appeal with maintaining the aspirational value of brands like JBL and Harman Kardon?
For HARMAN/JBL/HK, it’s about staying genuine to our roots while making great sound accessible to more people. JBL have always been about quality and innovation, and that doesn’t change just because more people are tuning in. What we’re doing now is finding ways to bring that experience to a broader audience without losing what makes us special. It’s why we focus so much on design, craftsmanship, and the listening experience. We want someone buying their first JBL speaker to feel the same pride and excitement as someone upgrading to a Harman Kardon system. It’s about making great sound aspirational yet reachable
Q3.Having worked across entertainment, sports IPs, and now tech-lifestyle, how has your multidisciplinary background influenced your strategic approach to brand building at HARMAN?
I think every experience shapes the way you look at things. Working across entertainment, sports, and tech has taught me that storytelling is universal—it’s just the medium that changes. At HARMAN, I get to bring that understanding into how we build our brand. Whether it’s through music events, community-driven projects, or interactive experiences, I’ve learned that people connect with stories that reflect their own journeys. For us, it’s about bringing those stories to life in a way that’s genuine and impactful.
Q4.India’s lifestyle electronics space is fiercely competitive — what unique cultural or behavioral insights are driving HARMAN India’s current marketing and consumer engagement strategies?
India has such a deep emotional connection with music—it's part of everyday life, from celebrations to quiet moments. We’ve built our strategies around that understanding. We know people want more than just good sound—they want experiences that are personal and culturally meaningful. That’s why we focus so much on authenticity, real-life engagement, and local relevance. We’re also see more interest in premium and sustainable products, and that’s shaping the way we communicate and engage with our consumers. For us, it’s about meeting them where they are, with stories and products that feel right for their lives.