ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Vamsi Murthy wraps up his Disney+ Hotstar journey

    Vamsi Murthy wraps up his Disney+ Hotstar journey

    MUMBAI: Call it a season finale worth bingeing. After an unforgettable four-season run, Vamsi Murthy has announced his exit from Disney+ Hotstar, wrapping up a chapter that reads like a streaming hit, complete with plot twists, high stakes and creative cliffhangers.

    As executive director and marketing head, Murthy helped script some of Hotstar’s most successful campaigns, cementing its reputation as India’s home of entertainment and sport. From building massive originals like Aarya, Criminal Justice, Special Ops and Taaza Khabar, to steering cricket fever through World Cups, his marketing playbook turned content into cultural conversations.

    Under his leadership, the platform revamped its entertainment marketing model, driving growth across brand love, viewership and subscriptions. The results showed improved ROI, award wins at Promax Asia, Kyoorius and Indian Telly Streaming Awards, and a brand that consistently set the tone for pop culture moments.

    Before Hotstar, Murthy’s career reel rolled through BookMyShow, ZEE5, Myntra, MakeMyTrip and Reliance Communications, marking a two-decade journey across India’s biggest consumer brands.

    Signing off, Murthy called his time at Hotstar “nothing short of a blockbuster,” thanking colleagues and mentors who made the ride special. As for what’s next, he’s keeping the suspense alive, promising a new chapter soon. Because in true entertainment style, every great show deserves a thrilling sequel.

  • AnyMind levels up consumer research game

    AnyMind levels up consumer research game

    MUMBAI: AnyMind Group and InQognito Insights have unveiled “Beyond Panels,” a pioneering cross-regional study that’s reshaping how marketers in Southeast Asia, India, and the GCC understand digital consumers. The research, presented at ESOMAR Trends Horizon 2025 in Washington D.C., dives into how in-game advertising environments can unlock richer, faster, and more authentic consumer insights.

    Breaking away from traditional research panels and static questionnaires, Beyond Panels takes a behavioural-first approach, embedding research directly within mobile gaming ecosystems. Conducted using the POKKT mobile gaming platform, the study tracked 25,000 participants across eight markets between April 2024 and August 2025, using rewarded ads, in-app intercepts, and post-game surveys to capture responses in real time.

    The findings reveal a clear shift in how consumers discover and engage with brands. In Southeast Asia, 62 per cent of respondents reported their first brand exposure through in-game ads, surpassing even OTT and YouTube. Ads delivered within a week before decision windows saw a 64 percent lift in brand recall and consideration, while the combined use of in-game ads, YouTube, and influencer videos achieved 51 per cent reach with just four exposures, proving that attention, when captured in the right moment, can be incredibly powerful.

    Speaking about the research, AnyMind Group managing director, growth markets Aditya Aima said, “In a world where attention is fleeting and fragmented, marketers can no longer rely on retrospective panels. This study is a call to evolve, from measuring after the fact to understanding behaviour as it unfolds in natural, immersive environments.”

    Echoing the sentiment, InQognito Insights research lead Smriti Singh Bhatia noted, “Traditional panels are like rear-view mirrors, they show us where we’ve been, not where the consumer is going. The era of claimed behaviour is over; it’s time to study consumers as they live, scroll, play, and shop.”

    By grounding research in the spaces where people actually spend their time, Beyond Panels signals a new era of real-time, context-rich consumer understanding. In today’s mobile-first world, insight, it seems, is no longer found in forms, it’s found in the game.

  • Ultrahuman unveils free Vision Cloud health tool

    Ultrahuman unveils free Vision Cloud health tool

    MUMBAI: Ultrahuman is giving health tech a major shot in the arm. The global wellness company behind the Ring Air has launched Vision Cloud, the world’s first free universal health interpreter, while expanding its Blood Vision service to over 60 Indian cities and 2,000 PIN codes.

    The double rollout marks a bold leap toward data-driven preventive healthcare. With its new partnership with Tata 1mg, Ultrahuman now offers doorstep sample collection, clinical-grade testing, and instant insights via its app, turning diagnostics into a seamless, smart experience.

    Blood Vision offers 15 curated test panels starting at just Rs 999, with options like the base plan covering 60 biomarkers and the premium plan analysing over 100 advanced health indicators across cardiovascular, metabolic, and longevity parameters.

    Unlike traditional lab reports buried in PDFs, results appear directly within the Ultrahuman app. Each marker comes with reference ranges, easy-to-understand explanations, and personalised lifestyle recommendations. The app also syncs with data from the Ultrahuman Ring Air, generating an AI-powered clinician summary, supplement guidance, and a unique “Blood Age” score.

    “Accessibility is at the heart of what we do,” said Ultrahuman CEO Mohit Kumar. “With Blood Vision and Vision Cloud, we’re making advanced health insights available to everyone, at home, at their fingertips, and without barriers.”

    The newly launched Vision Cloud takes things a step further. It allows users to upload past blood reports from any lab and instantly receive AI-driven interpretations, supplement suggestions, and actionable insights, all for free. The platform will soon expand to interpret reports from microbiome, MRI, CT scans, and even cancer diagnostics, paving the way for a unified health ecosystem.

    With Blood Vision already live in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and launches in the UK and Australia on the horizon, Ultrahuman’s latest expansion signals a global push to make preventive health simple, connected, and accessible. From lab reports to life reports, Ultrahuman is clearly helping users see their health in high definition.
     

  • OpenAI tunes in Vasundhara Mudgil for India role

    OpenAI tunes in Vasundhara Mudgil for India role

    MUMBAI: From playlists to prompt lists, Vasundhara Mudgil is tuning into a whole new frequency. The former head of communications at Spotify India has joined OpenAI as India communications lead, marking a major career shift from music streaming to machine learning.

    Based in Mumbai, Mudgil will now lead OpenAI’s communications strategy in one of the company’s fastest-growing markets. Her role will focus on shaping the brand’s local voice, driving engagement, and aligning India’s narrative with OpenAI’s global mission.

    At Spotify, Mudgil was instrumental in crafting the brand’s story during its India launch and steering its communications for over seven years. She built a distinct local identity for the platform while ensuring its messaging struck the right chord with both listeners and media.

    Before her streaming stint, she headed communications at Intel India, where she drove brand messaging, managed external engagement, and navigated crisis communications. Her early career at Genesis Burson-Marsteller saw her managing high-profile clients across tech, telecom and media, steadily rising to associate partner.

    With nearly two decades of experience in reputation management and strategic storytelling, Mudgil brings both tech fluency and creative finesse to OpenAI’s expanding India team. Looks like OpenAI’s next big story in India is ready to be well-communicated, and perfectly composed.

     

  • CARS24 shifts gears, elevates Manoj Yadav as CBO

    CARS24 shifts gears, elevates Manoj Yadav as CBO

    MUMBAI: CARS24 is driving into its next growth lap with a familiar hand at the wheel. The autotech major has elevated Manoj Yadav as chief business officer for its India operations, tasking him with steering the company through its next chapter of scale, profitability and innovation.

    In his new role, Yadav will lead CARS24’s business strategy and execution across verticals, with a strong focus on sustainable expansion and customer trust.

    Yadav’s journey at CARS24 has been one of turning challenges into comeback stories. He took charge of the retail business during one of its toughest phases and led a full-scale rebuild, simplifying operations, rethinking assumptions and restoring accountability. The result was one of the company’s most remarkable turnarounds, bringing retail operations close to breakeven while launching innovations like the 30-day return policy and CARS24 care plus.

    Described as a systems thinker with a bias for action, Yadav is known for his clear-eyed leadership and knack for building scalable frameworks. His ability to unite teams around purpose has made him a key pillar in CARS24’s success story.

    “Manoj has consistently led with clarity and action,” said CARS24 CEO – India Himanshu Ratnoo. “From turning around retail to building scalable systems, his deep understanding of our operations and customers stands out. His experience will be pivotal as we enter the next phase of growth.”

    Reflecting on his new role, Yadav said, “Mobility transforms lives by creating access, opportunity and confidence. ‘Better drives, better lives’ is what inspires us, and I’m excited to carry that purpose forward.”

    Before joining CARS24, Yadav held leadership roles at Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance and Idea Cellular, where he focused on marketing, digital alliances, and retail strategy.

    With Yadav in the driver’s seat, CARS24’s India business seems all set for a smooth, accelerated ride ahead.
     

  • MiQ taps Ribhu Mishra to power up India revenue play

    MiQ taps Ribhu Mishra to power up India revenue play

    MUMBAI: MiQ is turning up the heat in India’s adtech arena, elevating Ribhu Mishra to vice president – Revenue, India, as it gears up for a high-growth 2026 fuelled by Connected TV, advanced data, and its new Sigma AI platform.

    In his new role, Mishra will steer revenue strategy, lead commercial teams, and drive market expansion across India. The move reinforces MiQ’s intent to strengthen its leadership bench and scale innovation in one of its fastest-growing markets.

    Mishra, who joined MiQ from Amazon India in 2024 as AVP of Revenue, has been instrumental in shaping the company’s go-to-market approach and driving client success stories across verticals.

    “India’s digital ecosystem is entering a new era, and the coming year will be pivotal for data-driven programmatic execution,” said MiQ India chief commercial officer Varun Mohan. “Ribhu has been a key player in our growth story, and with this elevation, we’re doubling down on commercial excellence and innovation.”

    Sharing his excitement, Ribhu Mishra said, “MiQ has built a reputation for innovation and impact, and I’m thrilled to lead our revenue function at such an exciting time. My focus will be on deepening partnerships, expanding markets, and driving sustainable growth.”

    With more than a decade in media, adtech, and digital transformation, spanning roles at Amazon and Appier, Mishra brings a wealth of experience to the table.

    For MiQ, the move signals more than just an internal milestone, it’s a strategic step toward solidifying its place at the heart of India’s programmatic advertising revolution.
     

  • Britannia paints a new picture with CEO Rakshit Hargave

    Britannia paints a new picture with CEO Rakshit Hargave

    MUMBAI: From paints to pastries, Rakshit Hargave is making a colourful career move. The outgoing CEO of Birla Opus Paints is set to take the helm at Britannia Industries as executive director and chief executive officer, beginning December 15, 2025.

    The appointment marks one of the FMCG sector’s most talked-about leadership transitions this year. Britannia’s board approved Hargave’s induction as an additional whole-time director and CEO for a five-year term, subject to shareholder approval. He will report directly to managing director and chairman of Britannia Industries Varun Berry.

    On the same day, Grasim Industries, the parent company of Birla Opus Paints, confirmed that Hargave had resigned from his role, effective December 5.

    Grasim praised Hargave’s four-year stint, noting his instrumental role in transforming Birla Opus from blueprint to brand. Under his leadership, the company set up six integrated manufacturing facilities and built a robust distribution and supply chain network across India.

    Hargave joined the Aditya Birla Group in 2021, leading Birla Opus through its ambitious entry into the competitive paints market. His move to Britannia now positions him at the centre of another storied Indian brand, one balancing legacy with innovation in an increasingly crowded FMCG landscape.

    As Britannia eyes new categories and deeper market penetration, Hargave’s appointment signals a fresh layer of leadership ready to add both colour and consistency to the brand’s growth story.

     

  • Bloomingdale PR grows its northern roots with Sanya Jain

    Bloomingdale PR grows its northern roots with Sanya Jain

    MUMBAI: Bloomingdale Public Relations is turning the spotlight on Delhi with a key leadership move. The boutique PR firm, known for its strategic storytelling and stronghold across Asia, has appointed Sanya Jain as strategic communications lead – north, reinforcing its focus on expanding operations in the capital.

    Based in New Delhi, Sanya will head Bloomingdale’s regional growth, client relations, and team culture across North India, reporting directly to Bloomingdale PR CEO Vikram Kharvi.

    With a decade of experience spanning consumer, corporate, crisis, and internal communications, Sanya has collaborated with industry giants including HP, Google, Microsoft, and TikTok. Her track record in shaping narratives and leading reputation strategies makes her a strong fit for Bloomingdale’s next growth phase.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Sanya to lead our Delhi operations,” said Bloomingdale PR CEO Vikram Kharvi. “Her strategic acumen and forward-looking approach will be instrumental in strengthening our presence in one of India’s most dynamic markets.”

    On her appointment, Sanya Jain shared, “I’m excited to take on this role and contribute to Bloomingdale’s creative and strategic legacy. I look forward to building impactful partnerships and meaningful campaigns across Delhi and beyond.”

    The move marks another step in Bloomingdale PR’s nationwide expansion, as the firm continues to deepen its roots in key Indian markets with a focus on innovation, talent, and impactful communication.

  • Atul Projects builds its brand with new marketing head

    Atul Projects builds its brand with new marketing head

    MUMBAI: Looks like Atul Projects just got a solid foundation for its next big story. The Mumbai-based real estate developer has appointed Piyush Niljikar as its head of marketing, signalling a brand reboot built on creativity, strategy, and legacy.

    With over 15 years of experience across advertising and real estate, Piyush brings a blend of creative and commercial flair. He’s led campaigns at Creativeland Asia and WYP Worldwide, shaping brands such as Mercedes-Benz India, Godrej Cinthol, United Colors of Benetton, Zee5, Arrow and TAJ Group. In real estate, his standout achievement was driving a sell-out in just 18 months at CCI Projects, followed by an award-winning stint at Ashwin Sheth Group, where he led the buzzworthy Spot The Orange Dot campaign.

    “Piyush’s deep understanding of brand building and integrated marketing aligns perfectly with our vision of redefining luxury living through innovation and quality,” said Atul Projects managing director  Aakash Patel. “His leadership will be key in amplifying our brand presence and delivering impactful, customer-centric campaigns.”

    On his new role, Piyush said, “Atul Projects has a proud legacy built on trust and transparency. I’m thrilled to shape a brand narrative that resonates deeply with homebuyers while driving real business growth.”

    As Atul Projects expands its residential footprint across the MMR region, Piyush’s appointment marks the start of a new chapter, one where legacy meets modern marketing muscle, and every campaign is built to last.

     

  • Dentsu AMP turns up the volume on video creativity

    Dentsu AMP turns up the volume on video creativity

    MUMBAI: Move over film reels, it’s time for feel reels. Dentsu India has launched Dentsu AMP, a next-generation, video-first content engine that fuses AI innovation with human storytelling to help brands create videos faster, sharper, and smarter.

    Leading the charge are Dhruv Abrol and Tarika Gulabani, appointed as managing partners. The duo, who earlier co-led TVA, bring a mix of digital business acumen and entertainment flair from stints at Myntra, Tata Cliq, Sony, and StarPlus. They will report to Dentsu Creative & Media Brands CEO South Asia Amit Wadhwa.

    “Dentsu AMP is built for a world where stories must move as fast as audiences do,” said Wadhwa. “It unites craft, content, and technology to deliver creativity that performs.”

    With over ten in-house studios across India, Dentsu AMP covers everything from video production and motion graphics to sound and 3D design. Its AI backbone powers every stage of production, from ideation and editing to targeting, helping brands scale cinematic campaigns and snappy social content alike.

    Brands such as Aditya Birla Fashion, Flipkart, Myntra, and Groww are already onboard, banking on AMP’s ability to merge creativity, data, and speed.

    “We’re building a modern content engine,” said Abrol and Gulabani. “From high-impact films to daily social posts, AMP helps brands make more content, faster, without losing quality or consistency.”

    Sitting alongside Dentsu Lab and the Dentsu Podcast Network, AMP strengthens the agency’s innovation ecosystem. With expansion plans across major metros, Dentsu is clearly turning up the volume on creativity, where imagination scales, and every frame counts.