Category: Media and Advertising

  • V-Guard’s new year TVC champions equality with over 18 million views

    V-Guard’s new year TVC champions equality with over 18 million views

    MUMBAI: As the world ushered in 2025 with fireworks and resolutions, V-Guard Industries lit up the airwaves with a television commercial that wasn’t just another ad but a heartfelt plea for equality.

    In a world often divided by wealth, colour, and creed, the campaign painted a poignant picture of unity and acceptance. With stirring visuals and an emotive narrative, the ad has struck a deep chord, amassing over 11 million YouTube views and 7.7 million Instagram engagements—a testament to its powerful message.

    Have you ever wondered how something as simple as pure water can symbolise something as profound as equality? V-Guard’s latest campaign answers this by seamlessly linking its advanced water purifiers with the purity of thought—a foundation for inclusivity and equality.

    The TVC, conceptualised by V-Guard’s integrated agency Ralph&Das, delivers a narrative that equates the purity of water, essential for all Indians, to the purity of the mind required to embrace diversity. By doing so, it aligns perfectly with the brand’s ethos of “Bringing home a better tomorrow.”

    In a society striving for equality, could this be the perfect reminder of how empathy and understanding start at home?

    V-Guard Industries brand & communication head Nandagopal Nair shared his thoughts on the campaign,  “At V-Guard, we believe in creating not just products but meaningful connections that resonate with the values of a progressive society. Our latest digital film is a heartfelt narrative that underscores the importance of embracing diversity and fostering equality in dignity and respect for all. As we move ahead into the New Year, we hope this film inspires audiences to champion inclusivity and celebrate the beauty of humanity in all its forms.”

    This campaign underscores V-Guard’s commitment to both social impact and delivering innovative solutions for everyday living.

    Ralph&Das director & chief creative officer Anil Ralph Thomas, who wrote and directed the ad, explained,  “The idea of this film was not necessarily to endorse any orientation or life choices but to simply impress upon the fact that be it respect or equality, everybody has a right to it, despite their life choices or orientation. And to believe that or act upon it requires purity of thought. V-Guard, a brand that believes ‘Everybody deserves a better tomorrow,’ is well placed to extol the virtues of purity of thought and action, subtly linking it to its water purifiers.”

    Ralph&Das chief operating officer Kaustav Das added, “This was an attempt to rise above the category conversation and reiterate the V-Guard Masterbrand’s promise of ‘Bring home a better tomorrow’ in a larger social context. For a better tomorrow, we first need a just and equitable society, devoid of biases.”

    What role can brands play in shaping a more inclusive society? V-Guard seems to have found its answer.

    The ad’s widespread success highlights its relevance and impact. Its compelling message has not only reached millions but has also sparked conversations about the essence of equality.

    Amidst a backdrop of hope and renewal, V-Guard’s campaign serves as a reminder that equality is not just an ideal but a birthright—a sentiment that transcends ideologies and speaks directly to the soul.

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  • IAA-ad:tech unite for ‘Honours Awards’ to celebrate tech in marketing

    IAA-ad:tech unite for ‘Honours Awards’ to celebrate tech in marketing

    MUMBAI: In a world obsessed with instant gratification, where a fleeting moment can spark a billion impressions, the advertising and marketing industry stands as the unsung hero.

    Here, creativity marries cutting-edge technology, and platforms morph into virtual canvases for brand storytelling. In this exhilarating age of innovation, the Indian chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) and ad:tech are set to unveil an initiative that promises to rewrite the rules of recognition.

    The inaugural Honours Awards will shine a spotlight on the trailblazers—those who dare to challenge the norm, harness technology, and craft campaigns that inspire and innovate. It’s not just an awards show; it’s a celebration of the visionaries redefining the way we see the world through the lens of advertising.

    This groundbreaking partnership between IAA and ad:tech marks a historic moment for the industry, one that honours not just the work but the relentless pursuit of excellence that shapes it.

    As the anticipation builds, so does the promise of a night to remember—where every accolade is a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of modern advertising.

    Scheduled to take place during ad:tech 2025 on 6 March at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, the awards aim to celebrate the innovators driving digital transformation.

    What sets this partnership apart?

    It seamlessly merges IAA’s industry excellence with ad:tech’s focus on the future of technology and marketing solutions.

    But why do we need awards for tech in advertising? As The Salt Inc Consulting CEO & founder and IAA Mancom member, Neena Dasgupta puts it, “Through the Honour Awards in partnership with ad:tech, IAA wants to push the boundaries across digital which continues to evolve as a medium. The jury for the awards will consist of 15 digital evangelists who are looking forward to judging some path-breaking work.”

    The Honours Awards will highlight achievements across several forward-thinking categories, including:

    ●    Marketing Automation/Marketing Cloud
    ●    Data, Analytics & Intelligence
    ●    Content and Social Media
    ●    Conversational Marketing
    ●    Retail Media/eCommerce
    ●    Influencer Marketing
    ●    Customer Experience
    ●    AI Interventions in Marketing
    ●    Performance Marketing

    Have you worked on a groundbreaking campaign in one of these areas? If so, the nomination deadline is 4 February 2025. Submit your entry here.

    Why now?

    Comexposium India MD, Jaswant Singh emphasised the timeliness of this initiative: “For over 14 years, ad:tech India has been a leading platform showcasing the transformative power of technology in advertising and marketing. Partnering with the IAA India Chapter for this inaugural edition, we look forward to celebrating the innovators driving the future of marketing forward.”

    The communication landscape is rapidly changing, with technologies like generative AI leading the charge. “Technology is a game-changer for the communications space,” said IAA – India Chapter president Abhishek Karnani. He added that these awards would honour “the best work in the space” and encourage more innovation.

    The awards will be judged by an esteemed panel of industry leaders and experts from various sectors, ensuring that only the most innovative and impactful solutions are recognised.

    Are you curious to see what campaigns stand out? Imagine the conversations and trends this recognition could spark in the coming years.

    Mark your calendar.

    ad:tech 2025 will run on 5-6 March at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, with the awards ceremony on the final day. For more details about the event, click here.

    The Honours Awards promise to bridge the gap between technological innovation and its recognition in advertising and marketing. Whether you’re an industry veteran or a digital evangelist, this event offers a front-row seat to the future of marketing.

  • Ad Club Bangalore makes a big bang with the Big Bang Awards 2024

    Ad Club Bangalore makes a big bang with the Big Bang Awards 2024

    MUMBAI: The Advertising Club Bangalore hosted the grand finale of its flagship event, the Big Bang Awards 2024, at Sunburn Union, Koramangala, honoring the finest in creativity, media, and digital marketing. The winners of the awards were: 

    * Creative Digital Agency of the Year: Mindshare India
    * Design Agency of the Year: Freeflow Ideas
    * Healthcare Agency of the Year: Artiligence Pvt Ltd
    * Media Agency of the Year: Wavemaker India
    * Client of the Year: Mondelez India Pvt Ltd

    “Our digitally enabled judging process ensures complete transparency and allows us to invite experts nationwide to evaluate entries for innovation, creativity, and impact. We are deeply grateful to our exceptional jurors for their expertise and support, “said Big Bang Awards Committee chairperson Malavika R. Harita. 

    “This year, the Big Bang Awards attracted 600 entries from 58 agencies, representing 162 clients across 17 cities and seven states. The overwhelming response reflects the resilience, talent, and innovation of our dynamic industry. A heartfelt thanks to our partners and sponsors for making this event a grand success, ” The Advertising Club Bangalore President Laeeq Ali added.

    The Advertising Club Bangalore unveiled its new brand identity, embracing a bold direction for the future. Mirash Chandran, winner of the “LogoJam” challenge, was honored on stage with a cash prize of Rs 50,000.

    The evening kicked off with the inaugural Bang On Music Fest, where individuals and agencies showcased their creative talents through vibrant performances, adding an electrifying energy to the celebrations.

    The event was supported by an extensive list of partners, including: Times Network, Snapchat, ABP News, Mobavenue (gold partners), Radio City (radio partner), Signpost India (outdoor partner), Kingfisher Ultra, Salud, Roulette, Maverick & Farmer, Fireball, L’angoor (beverage partners)  and Tata Soulfull, Smoor, Plaeto, Artinci, Maverick & Farmer, MudCraft  (gift partners).

  • Banking to pharma: A marketing maverick takes helm at Sun Pharma

    Banking to pharma: A marketing maverick takes helm at Sun Pharma

    MUMBAI: After an 18-year whirlwind of success in banking marketing, Pulak Sarmah has made a bold leap into the pharmaceutical arena, becoming the head of corporate marketing & brand at Sun Pharma.

    Known for his strategic brilliance and brand-building acumen, Sarmah’s transition signals a pivotal moment in the marketing industry, blending two diverse worlds under the leadership of a proven marketing veteran. With Sun Pharma’s global ambitions in focus, his appointment is set to redefine the company’s brand narrative and solidify its position on the world stage.

    Sarmah began his professional journey in 2006 at Ogilvy & Mather in client servicing, setting the foundation for an illustrious career. Over the next 18 years, he rose through pivotal roles within the Kotak Group, showcasing his expertise in branding and communication. Briefly stepping away to fulfil a long-standing entrepreneurial dream, he ran a food joint named “Not Just Momos!” for a year. Returning to the corporate world, Sarmah served as Vice President of Brand and Corporate Communication at Kotak Mahindra Bank, where he was instrumental in defining the bank’s identity and spearheaded successful campaigns such as #IndiaInvited.

    His most recent position was executive vice president – brand, corporate communication, and consumer insights at Zurich Kotak General Insurance, where he spearheaded impactful marketing strategies, consumer insight initiatives, and brand-building efforts that set benchmarks in the industry.

    Sarmah expressed his enthusiasm for the new opportunity via a LinkedIn post, “Today, I embark on a new professional journey as head of corporate marketing & brand at Sun Pharma. Having spent the last 18 years building various brands within the Kotak Group, I am looking forward to this exciting opportunity at Sun Pharma. Thank you, everyone, for your love and best wishes.”

    At Sun Pharma, Sarmah will oversee corporate marketing and branding initiatives, leveraging his extensive experience to elevate the company’s global standing. His track record of delivering innovative campaigns and creating impactful brand narratives aligns seamlessly with Sun Pharma’s vision for the future.

  • Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign promotes hygiene at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

    Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign promotes hygiene at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

    MUMBAI: The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, which commenced on 13 January 2025, with the Paush Purnima Snan and is set to conclude on  26 February 2025, aligning with Maha Shivratri, has transformed Prayagraj into a centre of devotion and public health efforts. Among the millions expected to gather for this event, an initiative to promote hygiene and health is taking centre stage.

    Reckitt, a health and hygiene company, is efforts to ensure this year’s Kumbh incorporates a strong focus on cleanliness and well-being through its campaign, Dettol Banega Swasth India (DBSI).

    DBSI has been a partner of the Kumbh Mela since 2016, contributing to the Ardh Kumbh and Magh Melas in Varanasi, Nashik, and Ujjain. This year, the initiative aims to reach an expected 45 crore devotees, incorporating hygiene practices into the cultural and spiritual activities of the event.

    The campaign, in collaboration with Global Interfaith Wash Alliance (GIWA), AJ Foundation, Plan India, and Jagran Pehel, aligns with the government of India’s Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision. The focus is on encouraging handwashing practices, with soaps being distributed at food-serving areas. Devotees will be encouraged to wash their hands before and after meals, while 15,000 sanitation workers will participate in training programs and receive soaps to support hygiene efforts across the mela grounds.

    To address the scale of the event, health and hygiene volunteers will be present in all 25 sectors of the Kumbh. Kalpvasis, who stay for 45 days of the mela, will receive soaps and hygiene education. The campaign will also engage attendees through traditional performances like Nukkad Nataks to highlight the importance of handwashing in maintaining health.

    Reckitt – South Asia executive vice president  Gaurav Jain said, “At Reckitt, we believe that health and well-being of communities are the foundation of true progress. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 provides a unique opportunity to embed hygiene practices into one of India’s most culturally significant events. We are delighted to take ahead our long-standing partnership with the government of Uttar Pradesh and GIWA to reaffirm our commitment to Viksit Bharat @ 2047, ensuring that hygiene is the cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier India.”

    Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh president, and Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, co-founder Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji said, “I have been associated with Banega Swasth India and thrilled to witness its impactful presence at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. By leveraging engaging initiatives such as street plays, puppet shows, and distributing planters, we aim to empower individuals to become ambassadors of change, driving a collective movement towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable society.”

    Plan India executive director Mohammed Asif stated, “Our collaboration with Dettol Banega Swasth India is a testament to the power of collective action in driving meaningful change in communities. At the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, we are proud to contribute to this monumental effort to instil hygiene practices among millions of devotees. By reaching out to diverse communities, we are reinforcing the importance of hand hygiene and drive positive behavioural change for a healthier tomorrow.”

    AJ Foundation chairperson Bidhu Bhushan Panda said, “We are proud to collaborate with Banega Swasth India at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, amplifying critical messages on health and hygiene. As a vibrant celebration of unity and spiritual growth, the Maha Kumbh embodies humanity’s collective commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future. Together, we aim to inspire awareness, drive meaningful change, and leave a lasting legacy that resonates with all participants.”

    Jagran Pehel treasurer Sameer Gupta “Jagran Pehel is deeply honoured to support DBSI at Maha Kumbh 2025, the largest religious gathering in the world. Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a gathering; it is a profound celebration of faith, devotion, and unity. Through our far-reaching impact and meaningful advocacy, we are committed to uplifting the spirit of this sacred event and championing initiatives that enhance its purpose and legacy for millions of devotees.”

  • Joy n Crew strengthens leadership with former Cox & Kings executives

    Joy n Crew strengthens leadership with former Cox & Kings executives

    MUMBAI: As the world gets ready to rediscover the joy of exploration in 2025, Joy n Crew is gearing up to redefine premium travel experiences.

    In a bold move set to steer the company toward new horizons, the luxury travel brand has onboarded two stalwarts from the legendary Cox & Kings, signalling its ambition to lead the pack in an increasingly competitive travel industry.

    With a rich legacy of curating unforgettable journeys, Joy n Crew is now doubling down on innovation and customer delight. These strategic appointments not only fortify its leadership team but also pave the way for a transformative digital strategy aimed at enhancing its premium services.

    With a thriving customer base of 12,000 travellers, the company is set to inspire even more wanderlust while maintaining its reputation for excellence.

    This is more than just a leadership shuffle—it’s the beginning of a new chapter for Joy n Crew and its loyal explorers.

    Are you ready to join the expedition?

    Sangram Ghorpade, formerly senior vice president at Cox & Kings, assumes the role of CEO at Joy n Crew. With over two decades of experience, Sangram has a stellar track record, including spearheading Cox & Kings’ expansion into tier one and tier two cities. Under his guidance, the franchise network grew from zero to 170 outlets, driving 25 per cent year-on-year growth in sales and profits. Ghorpade’s leadership was pivotal in crafting innovative travel solutions and fostering long-lasting customer relationships.

    Speaking on his appointment, Ghorpade shared, “My passion for travel stems from its ability to create lasting memories and build meaningful connections. At Joy n Crew, we aim to deliver experiences that are both extraordinary and accessible. My strategy will focus on blending innovation with personalised service to grow our reach while remaining true to the ethos of thoughtful travel.”

    Abhinav Chandra, an accomplished service quality leader with 22 plus years of experience, will take on the role of chief service delivery officer in February 2025. During his tenure at Cox & Kings, Abhinav transformed service delivery by implementing six sigma methodologies and digital transformation strategies, earning accolades like the Pinnacle Star Award.

    Excited about his new journey, Chandra stated, “Joy n Crew is poised to redefine how we experience travel. I look forward to driving service excellence, building trust, and fostering innovation that enhances customer satisfaction. Travel is about the details, and I’m excited to ensure every touchpoint reflects the care and quality our customers deserve.”

    The appointments signal Joy n Crew’s commitment to redefining premium travel through innovation, strategic leadership, and customer-centric experiences.

    Joy n Crew founder, Pragya Adiraj expressed her enthusiasm, “Bringing Sangram and Abhinav on board marks a significant milestone for Joy n Crew. Both are seasoned leaders with a proven track record of delivering impactful results, particularly during their time at Cox & Kings. Their expertise, strategic vision, and customer-first approach align perfectly with our mission to make travel extraordinary. We are confident they will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Joy n Crew and delivering unparalleled experiences to our customers.”

  • Media veteran Sulina Menon joins Rise India Chapter’s advisory board

    Media veteran Sulina Menon joins Rise India Chapter’s advisory board

    MUMBAI: Sulina Menon, a seasoned professional with over 37 years of experience in advertising and communications, has joined the advisory board of Rise India Chapter. Rise is a global organisation committed to fostering gender diversity in the broadcast and media technology sector, with initiatives such as its award-winning mentoring program, the Rise Awards, and the Rise Up Academy that inspires the next generation.

    Having served as a mentor at Rise for the past two years, Sulina expressed her excitement about contributing further to the organization’s mission to empower women and promote inclusivity. 

    She remarked, “Being part of this transformative journey is an honor.”

    Sulina’s career spans leadership roles across major advertising agencies, broadcasters, and brands, including Zee group, Carat Media, Cheil, Starcom, and Omnicom group. Her extensive portfolio includes work with globally renowned brands like Airtel, Gillette, Nestlé, Samsung, Dabur, and Levi’s, where she helped shape impactful brand strategies.

    An ICF-approved Grow More Coach, Sulina is also passionate about mentoring high-performing individuals and leaders, offering strategic counsel to help them overcome challenges and realize their potential. Known for her empathetic and intuitive coaching style, she combines deep industry knowledge with a results-driven approach to foster growth and innovation. She currently runs her own consultancy Media Power and has been doing so for the past three years or so. 

    As a new advisory board member, Sulina aims to leverage her expertise to further Rise’s mission of creating a more inclusive industry and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

  • Karan Singh moves to JioStar network as vertical head for FMCG, beverages, and alcoBev

    Karan Singh moves to JioStar network as vertical head for FMCG, beverages, and alcoBev

    MUMBAI: Seasoned media sales professional Karan Singh has been retained in the JioStar network scheme of things. He has been  named as the vertical head – FMCG, beverages & alcobev, Jiostar. At Viacom18, he was associate vice president – Colors Rishtey, Colors Cineplex Superhit and  Colors Cineplex Bollywood  managing advertising spends for the channels. He consistently delivered revenue growth and drove  innovative advertising solutions.

    Karan, a dynamic leader with a proven track record in media sales, business development, and brand solutions, brings over 17 years of experience in the media and advertising industry. His expertise spans revenue strategies, large-scale product launches, and high-stakes commercial negotiations, making him a perfect fit for the new role at JioStar Network.

    Previously, Karan held prominent positions at Viacom18, where he served for nearly 14 years.. Prior to this, he played pivotal roles at Star TV India and Radio Mirchi, where he was instrumental in establishing revenue functions and scaling up market presence.

    Karan holds a post graduate diploma in marketing from Amity University and has further honed his leadership skills through the young leader development program at XLRI Jamshedpur.

    In his new role, Karan aims to leverage his extensive experience to strengthen JioStar Network’s presence in the FMCG, beverages, and alco-bev sectors, driving growth and innovation in the rapidly evolving media landscape.

  • Bikash Kundu transitions to JioStar as head of agency partnerships

    Bikash Kundu transitions to JioStar as head of agency partnerships

    MUMBAI: Bikash Kundu has moved on to JioStar as the  head of agency partnership, effective January 2025, from Viacom18 Media, following its merger with Star India. 

    Kundu held senior leadership positions at Viacom18 Media, where he spent 17 years. Most recently, he served as the senior vice president & head of revenue (regional entertainment), overseeing revenue operations for 14 regional channels across six languages. He also previously led sales and syndication for Viacom18’s kids cluster.

    With over 23 years of diverse experience in the media and entertainment industry, Kundu has  a wealth of expertise across broadcasting, digital, print, and advertising domains.

    Kundu’s extensive career spans reputed organisations such as Sahara One Media, UTV-Disney, Satyam Infoway, India.com, and Bennett Coleman & Co Ltd. His professional journey has covered various stages of business growth, including startups, steady-state enterprises, hyper-growth phases, and mergers and acquisitions.

    Known for his strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability, Kundu is highly regarded as a leader who builds and mentors high-performance teams. His innovative approach and unwavering commitment to integrity have defined his career trajectory.

    Kundu is a postgraduate in marketing management from the Times School of Marketing and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Delhi University.

  • Vikram Sakhuja honored with AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award

    Vikram Sakhuja honored with AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award

    MUMBAI: The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) presented its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Madison Media & OOH group CEO Vikram Sakhuja, on 10 January at a glittering ceremony attended by leading figures from the advertising and marketing industry – Piyush Pandey, Prasoon Joshi, N. P. Singh, Arvind Sharma, Madhukar Kamath, Ramesh Narayan, Sam Balsara, Shashi Sinha, Anupriya Acharya, Prasanth Kumar, and another 200 of them. 

    With nearly four decades of expertise, Sakhuja has been associated with global giants like Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Co, Star TV, Mindshare, Maxus, and GroupM. An alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta, his career highlights include setting up India’s first media AOR, launching the country’s first afternoon soap opera, and leading brand introductions during P&G’s and Coca-Cola’s early days in India. He has also been instrumental in pioneering research initiatives such as BASES and retail audits and transforming GroupM into India’s largest and most awarded marketing investment powerhouse.

    Accepting the award, Sakhuja reflected on his 38-year journey, including 23 years in the agency world. He noted how his 15 years in marketing gave him a solid foundation. And how his early years in  DCM between IIT and IIM shaped his professional outlook, stating, “After five years of college, I got a taste of professionalism, and it tasted pretty good. I said to myself: If this is what corporate life prepares us for, I’m all game for it.”

    He added: “I am truly humbled to have been given the Lifetime Achievement Award by AAAI. When I look at the list of 31 recipients before me, it’s genuinely humbling because they were all legends. I am a mere mortal. That said, it is brilliant to receive this validation from my peers. I thank the entire industry for this lovely honour that I’ve been bestowed with.”

    In response to the honour, Madison World chairman Sam Balsara remarked:  “This lifetime achievement award is a testament to Vikram’s tireless work ethic, his passion for excellence and his commitment to making a positive impact on the media industry as a whole.”

    Sakhuja remains an active contributor to the industry through roles in organizations like the Advertising Standards Council of India (Asci), Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), Readership Studies Council of India (RSCI), Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), and Ficci’s marketing committee.

    The accolade recognises Sakhuja’s outstanding contributions to shaping India’s media and advertising landscape.