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Category: Media Agencies

  • Icubeswire launches hyperlocal influencer feature to map India’s 19,000 pin codes

    Icubeswire launches hyperlocal influencer feature to map India’s 19,000 pin codes

    MUMBAI: If the future of marketing is personal, Icubeswire just took it hyperlocal. The Global Martech firm has unveiled a first-of-its-kind pin code–level targeting feature on its influencer marketing platform, opening up precision mapping across 19,000 Indian zip codes.

    The launch marks a major leap in influencer engagement, enabling brands to locate and partner with digital creators based on granular geography—from Mumbai’s buzzing streets to Tamil Nadu’s quiet towns. Armed with over one million influencers mapped across the country, Icubeswire aims to redefine how brands speak to India’s cultural and regional diversity.

    Co-founder & CEO Sahil Chopra said, “Just like Unilever’s CEO Fernando Fernandez highlighted, there is now a strong push to collaborate with influencers across all of India’s 19,000 zip codes. That level of precision demands tools that are not only intelligent but deeply local. And that’s exactly what our team here at Icubeswire is delivering.”

    The company’s consumer insights back the move—65 per cent of Indians prefer influencers who speak their language. With regional creators rising and demand for cultural authenticity growing, Icubeswire’s tool offers a strategic edge in content localisation.

    This tech update not only empowers brands to go hyper-personal with campaigns, it also amplifies the visibility and monetisation potential for micro and nano influencers—those who know their communities best.

    The platform already offers campaign tracking, analytics, and influencer management. The new localisation layer adds teeth to its ecosystem, letting marketers build community-driven narratives rather than one-size-fits-all posts.

    As India’s influencer economy continues to swell, this feature could shift the narrative from mass appeal to micro-impact—one pin code at a time.

  • Miq names Varun Mohan as chief commercial officer to supercharge India’s programmatic play

    Miq names Varun Mohan as chief commercial officer to supercharge India’s programmatic play

    MUMBAI: From crunching numbers to cracking markets, Varun Mohan is now calling the commercial shots at Miq India. The programmatic media powerhouse promoted Mohan to chief commercial officer (CCO) for India, marking a bold step to consolidate its position in the country’s red-hot digital ad space.

    Mohan has spent the last five years as head of growth & revenue, steering Miq through rapid growth phases with a blend of data muscle and business instinct. Under his leadership, Miq India became a magnet for high-performance campaigns and was lauded for industry-first innovations. In 2024, he was named one of India’s Top 35 Growth Visionaries by Indian StartupTimes.

    Now as CCO, Mohan will lead all commercial operations in India, focusing on revenue acceleration, strategic partnerships, and assembling a next-gen programmatic talent pool.

    “Miq has seen exceptional growth in India in recent years, which is one of the most dynamic and fastest-evolving programmatic markets globally,” said Miq co-founder Lee Puri. “Varun has been an instrumental part of driving and leading this growth, and his elevation to CCO is both a recognition of past success and a strategic investment in Miq’s future. Varun’s unmatched leadership abilities, combined with his understanding of Miq’s proprietary technology and deep market insights in the Indian digital marketing ecosystem have transformed how our partner brands and agencies harness the power of programmatic. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we expect Varun to lead the India team to greater success, further cementing our relationships with partners and strengthening Miq’s position as the clear leader in the Indian market.”

    Mohan’s appointment lands at a key inflection point in Indian advertising. Connected TV (CTV) viewership is surging and platforms like Youtube are rewriting performance marketing playbooks—territory where Miq’s CTV capabilities are already making waves.

    “India’s digital advertising landscape is at a critical inflection point, with programmatic adoption accelerating,” said Mohan. “Brands are no longer asking why programmatic, but instead want to know how fast we can scale it. What makes Miq truly differentiated is our ability to blend smart technology with local intelligence. I’m excited to lead our extraordinary team as we pioneer new innovations tailored for India’s diverse audiences and help our clients capitalise on emerging opportunities.”

    Mohan now leads the charge on Miq’s strategic investments in tech, talent, and partnerships. As the adtech race heats up, Miq is banking on Mohan’s playbook to keep them ahead of the curve.

  • Liqvd Asia gets tech-savvy boost with Mahima Kukreja as new creative technologist

    Liqvd Asia gets tech-savvy boost with Mahima Kukreja as new creative technologist

    MUMBAI: Liqvd Asia just added more spark to its creative engine, appointing Mahima Kukreja as its new creative technologist. Famous for her prowess at blending tech with storytelling, Kukreja steps into a key role designed to turn smart digital ideas into memorable brand experiences.

    Following the agency’s recent acquisition of Adlift, a move aimed at providing all-encompassing digital solutions, Kukreja’s arrival further enhances Liqvd Asia’s ability to merge technological depth with creative flair.

    Reporting to head of creative services Sunil Gangras, Kukreja will lead the charge in tech-driven creativity, designing strategies to elevate brands digitally. With 13 years in top agencies like Ogilvy, DDB, and Monks, her resume boasts campaigns for heavy hitters like Tata, Amazon, Mondelez, KFC, and HBO.

    Gangras shared his enthusiasm about the appointment, “Creativity today needs to be adaptive, immersive, and scalable—and technology helps us get there faster. Mahima is one of those rare creatives who can see the idea through the lens of technology, emotion, and purpose. Her ability to fuse tech with storytelling is exactly what brands need today to stay relevant and resonate with audiences. We’re excited to have her with us, and I truly believe her presence will push our creative boundaries.”

    Globally recognised, Kukreja was recently selected for the Cannes Lions See It Be It programme 2025 from over 1,650 applicants worldwide and serves as a jury member for Spikes Asia 2025 in Digital Craft, Social & Influencer categories. Her past jury duties include prestigious bodies like D&AD, with multiple accolades from One Show Asia, Effies, and Kyoorius.

    Outside advertising, Kukreja advocates inclusive creativity, mentoring young creatives—especially women and queer individuals—and runs FeelFuzzy.in, an affordable, affirmative therapy platform for young adults.

    Speaking on her new role, Kukreja said, “I’ve always believed creativity should reflect the world we live in. Today, we can build real magic at the intersection of tech, culture, and humanity. Joining Liqvd Asia feels like the perfect opportunity to do just that—with people who dream big, build boldly, and are unafraid to play in new spaces. It’s an agency that understands the power of culture, technology, and storytelling. I look forward to crafting work that’s not just seen, but felt—work that moves the needle emotionally, technologically, and culturally.”

    With Kukreja onboard, Liqvd Asia is firmly positioned to deliver compelling, technology-powered creative solutions, setting new standards in digital innovation.

  • Akshay Mathur exits Tyroo after a decade of dealmaking and digital domination

    Akshay Mathur exits Tyroo after a decade of dealmaking and digital domination

    MUMBAI: For a man who’s helped launch more platforms than most people can name, Akshay Mathur knows when it’s time to log out. After a 10-year ride at Tyroo (part of the Smile Group), the digital advertising heavyweight has officially stepped down, closing a chapter that helped define Asia’s adtech playbook.

    Mathur has built a career few can rival, working across the digital trenches at marquee names like The Times Group, Yahoo! India, People Group, Komli Media, SVG Media, Dentsu, and most recently Tyroo. His name has become synonymous with unlocking monetisation potential, building revenue-first operations, and striking platform partnerships that actually scale.

    “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with some of the most dynamic people, partners and platforms in the industry”, said Mathur. “Each chapter has been about building, learning, and growing – and I’m looking forward to carrying that momentum into what comes next.”

    While his next move remains under wraps, the speculation machine is already humming. And for good reason. Mathur’s fingerprints are all over Asia’s digital economy. From go-to-market playbooks to cross-functional growth machines, he’s been the architect behind some of the region’s most strategic monetisation efforts.

    In a 25-year career that reads like a roadmap of the region’s digital evolution, Mathur has played a starring role in scaling global platforms and adapting them to Asian nuances. Think enterprise sales, partner-led monetisation, and performance-brand hybrids—he’s been there, scaled that.

    Widely viewed as a key force in the rise of platform-led adtech in Asia, Mathur departs Tyroo with his influence very much intact and his next move eagerly anticipated.

  • Socioclout brings in Jayanth Kumar as managing partner to boost digital dominance

    Socioclout brings in Jayanth Kumar as managing partner to boost digital dominance

    MUMBAI: In a move that feels more like a plot twist than a press release, Socioclout has turned up the heat in India’s influencer marketing game. On 21 April, the integrated media agency named Jayanth Kumar—aka JK—as its new managing partner, signalling its next big growth sprint in the chaotic, meme-fuelled world of digital advertising.

    Known for its swagger in producing brand DVCs and pairing them with creator mojo, Socioclout is doubling down. And it’s bringing in heavyweight muscle to do it. JK, formerly senior director at DoubleVerify, knows a thing or ten about digital media measurement, market expansion, and making data dance. At DV, he helped carve out a solid India presence. Now, he’s bringing his know-how and digital war stories to Socioclout’s corner.

    “I am incredibly excited to embark on this entrepreneurial journey with Socioclout. The influencer marketing landscape in India is brimming with potential, and Socioclout is uniquely positioned to capitalise on this growth. I am impressed by Bitesh’s vision and the agency’s track record of delivering exceptional campaigns. I look forward to working closely with the team to drive innovation, expand our service offerings, and further elevate Socioclout’s position as a market leader,” said Kumar.

    Founded by Bitesh Singh, the agency has built an enviable portfolio. With over 100 exclusive creators and more than 10,000 campaigns under its belt, Socioclout’s strategy mixes creator relatability with DVC polish—an approach that’s clicked with global and local brands alike.

    “We are thrilled to welcome JK to Socioclout. His extensive experience in the digital advertising industry, combined with his strategic insights, will be instrumental in accelerating our growth and expanding our footprint. We are confident that his leadership will enable us to deliver even greater value to our clients and further solidify our position as a leading integrated media agency,” said Singh.

    The firm’s CRO Abhilash Singh added, “We are delighted to have Jayanth Kumar join us as managing partner. His proven track record in scaling businesses and deep understanding of the digital landscape will be a tremendous asset to our revenue growth objectives. We believe his strategic vision will perfectly complement our existing strengths and help us unlock new opportunities in the market.”

    Socioclout’s charm lies in its hybrid formula—influencer-led storytelling meets high-production-value brand films. Toss in data-backed insights and a pricing model that doesn’t set off CFO alarms, and you’ve got a cocktail clients can’t resist.

    With JK in the driver’s seat, the agency is gearing up to scale operations, broaden offerings, and ride the next wave of India’s digital boom. 

  • GroupM banks on Vishal Jacob to choreograph its AI future

    GroupM banks on Vishal Jacob to choreograph its AI future

    MUMBAI: Digital marketing heavyweight Vishal Jacob has taken on a new role as president of AI & digital solutions at Choreograph India, part of the GroupM family, after nearly five years at Wavemaker India.

    The veteran, whose career has spanned the rollercoaster ride of India’s digital transformation from the dotcom crash to today’s data-driven marketing landscape, will now lead GroupM India’s artificial intelligence charter while crafting integrated digital solutions for clients.

    “I’ll be working closely with the digital leadership teams to drive smarter outcomes for clients,” said Jacob in his announcement. “I’m excited to be at the intersection of innovation and impact.”

    Jacob brings over two decades of digital marketing experience to the role, having served as chief digital officer and chief transformation officer at Wavemaker. His CV boasts an impressive list of past roles at GroupM, Maxus, The Upper Storey, Mindshare Interaction and Smile Interactive Technologies.

    His previous achievements include transforming an eight-member team into a 100-strong digital powerhouse that garnered recognition at global awards including the Festival of Media, M&M Global and World Media Awards.

    A certified coach from ICF with specialisations in transactional analysis and NLP, Jacob has built his reputation on connecting brands with consumers through integrated ecosystems of paid, owned and earned properties—a talent GroupM will now leverage as it dances into the AI era.

    As traditional agencies scramble to embrace artificial intelligence, Jacob’s appointment signals GroupM’s determination not to miss a step in the industry’s latest transformation jig.

  • Eventfaqs Media acquires majority stake in Sportzpower

    Eventfaqs Media acquires majority stake in Sportzpower

    MUMBAI: In a plot twist worthy of a prime-time sports drama, Eventfaqs Media has levelled up by acquiring a majority stake in Sportzpower—the B2B media brand that’s been quietly powering India’s sports, gaming, and esports chatter since before it was cool. It’s a move that blends backstage brilliance with front-page action, and positions both companies to tackle the subcontinent and the middle east like a well-coordinated tag team.

    The announcement dropped on 11 April 2025, but the game plan is far from a last-minute Hail Mary. Eventfaqs, the heavyweight in India’s events and experiential marketing circuit since 2007, has made it clear: this acquisition is about scaling the turf and owning the spotlight across new markets.

    “We are very excited to take a majority stake in Sportzpower and partner with the brand to assist it in achieving its goals,” said Eventfaqs Media MD Deepak Choudhary. “It is a unique collaboration that will benefit both the brands in our quest to be the leaders in our businesses in the sub-continent and the Middle East markets.”

    Founded in 2008, Sportzpower built its niche through deep dives into India’s sports industry—be it cricket, football, golf or esports—delivering analysis, forums, newsletters, and more to the suits behind the stadium lights. With their signature single-sport knowledge series and dedicated forums like India Football Forum and India Pro Leagues Forum, they’ve made business-speak out of sport-speak.

    Sportzpower co-founder Thomas Abraham called the deal “a thrilling moment”, adding, “It comes at an opportune time as the sports sector is growing at a scorching pace in India, and the middle east countries are now establishing their interest and growing in multiple sports, including cricket.”

    Meanwhile, fellow co-founder C.P. Thomas sees the move as a launchpad. “This collaboration… will propel Sportzpower to play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative in India and beyond for these new-age industries,” he said. Translation: it’s not just about reporting the news—it’s about making it.

    The synergy here isn’t just corporate fluff. Eventfaqs brings its multi-channel muscle—across digital, print, and live events—to help Sportzpower step into the international arena with bigger conferences, broader audiences, and brighter lights. And with gaming and esports booming faster than a T20 innings, timing couldn’t be sharper.

    The goal? To become the dominant voice in the B2B media landscape of sport, gaming, and experiential marketing.

    Think less press release, more power play.

  • Media stocks hold the mic as markets crash in Trump tariff meltdown

    Media stocks hold the mic as markets crash in Trump tariff meltdown

    MUMBAI: Even as the Bombay stock exchange tanked five plus per cent  in the morning on Trump tariff meltdown Monday, Indian media and entertainment stocks shed just one to three per cent of their values at the time of trading at 3:30 pm. Sun TV was trading at Rs 638  a gain 0.83 per cent over  its previous weekend closing of Rs 632.75. TV Today network was up 1.65 per cent toto trade at Rs 160.40. On the flip side, a few media players were caught in the downward spiral. Entertainment Network India – the operator of Radio Mirchi – cut 2.06 per cent to stand at Rs 132.80. GTPL Hathway declined 3.69 per cent to Rs 105.75 even as Hathway dropped 3.16 per cent to Rs 12.58. Dish TV fell by 2.61 per cent to Rs 5.60.

    The advertising sector, however, bore the brunt of the market tremors. Advertising agency RK Swamy lopped off 10 per cent to trade at Rs 199.15 from its previous days closing of 223.50. Bright Outdoor clipped 4.36 per cent at Rs 449.50 as against Signpost which went negative to the tune of 7.36 per cent to trade at Rs 235.40. Innokaiz India dropped to Rs 13.56 with a 4.98 per cent fall. Maxposure saw a 5.76 per cent decline settling at Rs 57.30. Meanwhile, DAPS Advertising India saw a dip of 2.86 per cent to Rs 17.00. (At around 4 pm, may vary according to the market)

    Despite the broader bloodbath on Dalal Street, the relatively cushioned fall of media and entertainment stocks could indicate investor confidence in the sector’s long-term fundamentals, or perhaps just temporary insulation from global trade frictions. Either way, for now, the M&E sector is holding its script, even as the markets slip into drama mode.  

  • Amagi flips the script with AI tool to keep programmers off the ropes

    Amagi flips the script with AI tool to keep programmers off the ropes

    MUMBAI: In the OTT jungle, the bots are now doing the heavy lifting

    Gone are the days when content teams had to wrestle with Excel sheets and caffeine-fuelled late nights to build programming schedules. In a move that gives human schedulers their long-overdue coffee break, Amagi has just launched Amagi Smart Scheduler — an AI-powered scheduling solution designed to make sure your content hits the right eyeballs at the right time, without the daily data gymnastics.

    The company, a major player in cloud-based SaaS solutions for TV and streaming, announced the launch on 7 April 2025, positioning this slick new tool as a saviour for content teams, streaming platforms and broadcast networks alike. Built on Argoid’s AI scheduling platform — following Amagi’s acquisition of Argoid AI — Smart Scheduler marks the company’s latest bet on AI to revolutionise media operations.

    “The future of media programming lies in intelligent automation,” said Amagi co-founder & CRO Srinivasan KA. “With Amagi Smart Scheduler, we offer programmers and content owners a solution that reduces manual workload and enhances audience engagement and revenue potential.”

    Smart Scheduler doesn’t just slap AI on a spreadsheet and call it magic. It offers two modes of operation:

    1.    Fully automated mode: One click, and your channel schedule is AI-optimised using machine learning models trained on historical viewership data, content preferences, and real-world trends. No tarot cards involved.

    2.    Rules-based automation mode: Want a little more control? Teams can set custom rules and let the AI play within those lines — ensuring precision without paranoia.

    In both cases, editorial control stays intact. You can tweak, finesse, and fine-tune like the artsy genius you are. But now, you won’t need three screens, two assistants and a prayer circle to do it.

    The Smart Scheduler uses a buffet of data sources — historical content performance, metadata, audience trends, and even social engagement signals — to craft schedules that are actually smart, not just buzzword-flavoured.

    Traditional content scheduling has long been the media world’s necessary evil — time-intensive, manual, and prone to human error (and burnout). With Smart Scheduler, Amagi says it will scale multi-channel programming, improve operational efficiency, and crucially, boost ad revenue.

    The product is now generally available, ready to enter the workflows of media companies everywhere that are sick of spreadsheets and starving for streamlining.

    The timing couldn’t be better. With audience behaviour evolving faster than Tiktok trends and ad budgets getting squeezed like toothpaste tubes, content teams need tools that are sharp, swift and smart enough to keep up. Amagi’s Smart Scheduler might just be the solution that gives programmers their weekends back — or at least, fewer panic attacks.

  • Havas promotes Hagen to global tech czar, Seltzer steps up to helm media network

    Havas promotes Hagen to global tech czar, Seltzer steps up to helm media network

    MUMBAI: Havas has announced a double-header of senior appointments, shuffling its data and tech deck to turbocharge its “converged” strategy. Dan Hagen has been promoted to global chief data and technology officer, while Jamie Seltzer steps up to take the reins at Havas Media Network. Think of it as a digital power play, a  tech reshuffle.

    Hagen, previously the media network’s tech guru, is now tasked with developing Havas’s AI-powered “converged” operating system. He’ll be wielding the digital baton, ensuring the agency’s 23,000 employees are working smarter, not harder. He also will be responsible for “strategic data and tech alignment,” which, in plain English, means making sure all the digital cogs are turning smoothly.

    Havas’s CEO and chairman Yannick Bolloré, declared that “data and technology are the cornerstone of our converged global strategy.” He praised Hagen’s “award-winning audience planning platform,” suggesting he’s the man to lead Havas into the digital future.

    Seltzer, meanwhile, steps into Hagen’s old shoes at Havas Media Network, charged with developing the “converged media product and roadmap.” She’ll also be overseeing CSA, Havas’s global tech, data, and analytics consultancy arm. 

    Havas Media Network global CEO Peter Mears  said Seltzer has been “critical” in ensuring the agency is “data-led and outcome driven.” 

    Both Hagen and Seltzer bring a wealth of experience to their new roles, with over 20 years in the data and tech trenches. They’re tasked with ensuring Havas stays ahead of the curve in an increasingly digital world, where clients are demanding “future-forward” agency partners.