ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Blinkit-The Local Talk partner for an expansive OOH campaign in Mysuru

    Blinkit-The Local Talk partner for an expansive OOH campaign in Mysuru

    MUMBAI: Life in a tier-2 city often feels like a nostalgic slow waltz, doesn’t it?

    Gone are the days of instant deliveries, where tier-1 living spoiled you with groceries at your doorstep in minutes and your midnight cravings met with a mere tap on your screen.

    Frustrating, right?

    But just as you’re coming to terms with the snail pace of tier-2 convenience, Blinkit has a surprise in store.

    In a bold, colourful splash across Mysuru’s streets, Blinkit, India’s leading quick-commerce trailblazer, has launched a striking out-of-home (OOH) advertising campaign in partnership with The Local Talk.

    With this vibrant initiative, Blinkit isn’t just delivering groceries—it’s delivering a message: tier-2 cities are no longer left behind in the quick-commerce revolution.

    The campaign highlights Blinkit’s dedication to creating a lasting connection with Mysuru’s audience while addressing the rising demand for quick-commerce services. Designed and executed by The Local Talk, the campaign features high-impact visuals and strategic placements across Mysuru, aiming to embed Blinkit’s brand deeply within the local consciousness.

    The Local Talk director Anil Soni expressed optimism about the collaboration, “Mysuru is a market brimming with potential, and Blinkit’s innovative approach resonates well with the city’s audience. Through this campaign, we’ve ensured Blinkit’s brand presence is impactful and widespread. The initial response has been excellent, and we’re excited about the possibilities this collaboration brings.”

    This campaign leverages Mysuru’s unique consumer landscape to foster engagement and drive Blinkit’s penetration into tier-2 markets.

    As the demand for quick-commerce solutions grows in tier-2 cities, Blinkit continues to position itself as a reliable and forward-thinking service provider. With The Local Talk’s creative execution and a tailored approach to Mysuru’s audience, Blinkit aims to become a household name in the region.

  • A powerhouse move: Deepali Handa joins Endemol Shine India

    A powerhouse move: Deepali Handa joins Endemol Shine India

    MUMBAI: What does it take to lead commercials and production at one of India’s most prominent content powerhouses?

    Endemol Shine India, part of Banijay Entertainment’s global empire, seems to have found the answer in Deepali Handa.

    After an illustrious 15-year journey at BBC Studios as its commercial head, Handa steps into her new role as executive vice president with unmatched expertise in both scripted and unscripted genres.

    This move not only signals a new era for Endemol Shine India but also cements Deepak Dhar’s leadership vision of bringing in seasoned industry stalwarts to drive innovative storytelling and production excellence. With over two decades of experience in shaping content strategies, Handa’s appointment promises to redefine the creative and commercial blueprint for the company.

    Who better to steer the helm at one of the industry’s most dynamic production houses than someone who’s been a cornerstone in scripted and unscripted success stories?

    Handa’s journey and her next chapter at Endemol Shine India are stories waiting to unfold.

    Before joining Endemol Shine India, Handa played pivotal roles at BBC Studios India, where she served as head of commercials, production, and executive producer. Her extensive portfolio includes leading large-scale production operations, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving profitability through innovative strategies.

    Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India group COO, Rishi Negi expressed confidence in Deepali’s capabilities, “Deepali’s expertise and insights in both production and commercials make her a valuable addition to our leadership team. We look forward to her playing a pivotal role in ensuring we stay at the forefront of delivering quality and cutting-edge content to our partners and consumers.”

    Handa’s addition reflects Endemol Shine India’s commitment to staying ahead in the dynamic world of television and entertainment. Known for producing iconic formats such as Bigg Boss and MasterChef India, Endemol Shine continues to innovate and adapt to meet evolving audience preferences.

    Excited about her new role, Handa commented, “Endemol Shine India has made its mark and held its own, be it in big-scale unscripted format production or scripted content. I’m excited to join the bandwagon and contribute to its legacy of producing world-class content.”

    Her career showcases versatility across diverse formats, including television, films, and documentaries, underscoring her deep understanding of storytelling across mediums.

    Handa’s strategic leadership is expected to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining the high-quality benchmarks Endemol Shine India is known for. She will oversee both scripted and unscripted projects, ensuring the company continues to set industry standards.

  • Siddharth Dabhade hangs up his boots at MIQ, joins Lemma

    Siddharth Dabhade hangs up his boots at MIQ, joins Lemma

    MUMBAI: After 24 years of navigating the competitive corridors of tech giants like IBM, Microsoft, Google, and Criteo, Siddharth Dabhade steps into the limelight with a new challenge.

    His journey from the boardrooms of global multinationals to the forefront of cutting-edge innovation now finds him driving Lemma’s vision of revolutionising the digital out-of-home (DOOH) landscape.

    As the newly appointed CBO, performance business at Lemma, Dabhade’s mission is clear: to take this omnichannel platform to unprecedented heights with its trailblazing, outcome-focused DOOH solutions.

    Can his wealth of expertise and transformative leadership redefine the boundaries of advertising?

    The stage is set for a new chapter in Lemma’s growth story.

    Dabhade brings over 24 years of leadership experience in the digital advertising and technology sectors. Before joining Lemma, Dabhade served as the MD at MIQ, where he successfully launched and scaled commercial operations across India and China. He has held key leadership roles at industry giants such as IBM, Microsoft, Google, and Criteo, amassing expertise in P&L management, strategic advisory, business development, and customer relationships.

    At Google, Dabhade led the travel business for India, and during his tenure at Criteo, he significantly contributed to the APAC leadership team, driving the company’s growth in the Indian market.

    Commenting on his new role, Dabhade said, “As Digital Out-Of-Home (DOOH) continues to grow, it is now at the heart of omnichannel journeys, offering brands unparalleled opportunities to connect with consumers across screens and digital spaces. I’m excited to be a part of Lemma’s vision to pioneer this shift and to lead the expansion of the new solution as a powerful tool for outcome-driven growth through outdoor media globally.”

    Lemma founder & CEO, Gulab Patil welcomed Dabhade’s appointment, stating, “Siddharth’s track record of driving growth in the digital adtech and programmatic space makes him an invaluable addition to our team. With this solution, we’re offering brands the next level of full-funnel performance driven by OOH, and Siddharth will be key in ensuring its success across markets. His leadership will be instrumental in capitalising on the massive opportunities that OOH now presents in not only shaping but also driving results through a full-funnel approach, from Outdoor to outcomes.”

    Under Dabhade’s leadership, Lemma aims to reinforce its mission to transform emerging media through programmatic adtech. The company is focused on offering brands a comprehensive outdoor-to-outcome solution, leveraging DOOH to drive measurable results. This strategic expansion signals a pivotal moment in Lemma’s journey, positioning it at the forefront of the $65 billion global OOH market.

  • Orient Technologies appoints Shrihari Bhat as CEO

    Orient Technologies appoints Shrihari Bhat as CEO

    MUMBAI: Orient Technologies Ltd., an IT solutions and services provider specialising in cloud and data management for enterprises in India, has appointed Shrihari Bhat as its chief executive officer, effective 1 January 2025. The board of directors approved his appointment in November 2024. With over 25 years of leadership experience, Shrihari will guide the company in enhancing its service offerings and expanding its market presence.

    He holds a degree in engineering and a Master’s in marketing management. Before joining Orient Technologies, he served as a division executive for International markets at FIS and held senior roles at NCR and FirstData (now Fiserv). In his new position, Shrihari will oversee technology transformation and business expansion, supporting the company’s goal of becoming a key player in the IT solutions landscape.

    Orient Technologies Ltd chairman and managing director Ajay Sawant said, “Shrihari is a highly accomplished business leader and we are delighted to welcome him on our team. Shrihari has demonstrated a strong track record in building high-performance teams and executing strategic growth initiatives. He will be working closely with Umesh, Jayesh, Ujjwal, and me to foster innovation and ensure our company’s success. His in-depth knowledge and industry expertise, combined with his visionary approach, will be instrumental in guiding the company as we continue to expand our presence and deliver innovative solutions to our clients.”

    Shrihari’s experience includes leading cross-functional teams and delivering advanced solutions, with over 20 years spent in international markets, including Singapore. His global perspective will aid in scaling innovative solutions across regions.

    “I am deeply humbled and grateful to the board of directors at Orient Technologies Ltd. for entrusting me with this exceptional opportunity,” Shrihari stated. “As I step into this role, I am keenly aware of the responsibility and privilege that comes with leading a pioneering IT services organization. My focus will be on empowering our teams to deliver exceptional solutions and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and customer-centricity. I am committed to building a resilient and agile organisation that not only adapts to the rapidly evolving IT landscape but also leads the way in digital transformation, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data management. Together with our talented team, I look forward to delivering operational excellence, driving innovation, and creating value for our customers, partners, and stakeholders.”

  • SW Network appoints Keerthi Kumar as business head for Bengaluru operations

    SW Network appoints Keerthi Kumar as business head for Bengaluru operations

    MUMBAI: SW Network, an advertising and marketing agency known for integrating creativity with technology, is expanding its presence in Bengaluru. The agency focuses on delivering innovative solutions that combine media, technology, and strategy to drive impact for clients in India and beyond.

    SW Network has appointed Keerthi Kumar as the business head for its Bengaluru operations. With over 14 years of experience at agencies such as Leo Burnett, Dentsu Webchutney, and FoxyMoron, has successfully managed award-winning campaigns for global and domestic brands. He has built high-performing teams and led initiatives that have garnered industry recognition and delivered measurable business outcomes.

    SW Network co-founder Raghav Bagai commented, “Bengaluru is India’s tech capital, and our expansion here reflects our ambition to be at the forefront of creative and technological excellence. Keerthi’s expertise in delivering integrated solutions that merge creativity with cutting-edge technology will enable us to provide even greater value to our clients and establish SW Network as a dominant force in the region and beyond.”

    SW Network co-founder Pranav Agarwal added; “At SW Network, we focus on creating meaningful impact through creativity, technology, and strategy. Keerthi’s expertise in market dynamics and team building aligns with our vision to set new benchmarks in Bengaluru. His leadership will drive our regional growth while shaping a future where brands, innovation, and value come together.”

    Keerthi Kumar sharing his vision said: “As SW Network deepens its presence in Bengaluru, the agency continues to uphold its commitment to adding value by merging creativity, media, technology, and strategy to offer transformative solutions for its clients. Building on our strong foundation and core values, we are dedicated to developing a high-performing team that delivers significant impact and enduring value to our clients.”

  • Tarandeep Singh Sekhon rejoins KidZania as chief business officer

    Tarandeep Singh Sekhon rejoins KidZania as chief business officer

    MUMBAI: In the vibrant world of tiny professionals and big dreams, KidZania India is stepping into 2024 with a blockbuster twist straight out of a storybook. As the bustling indoor theme parks in Mumbai and Delhi gear up for another exciting year, the spotlight shifts to a familiar face returning to lead the charge.

    Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, the seasoned strategist with a knack for weaving magic into brands, has rejoined the $554.8 million company, KidZania, as chief business officer. With his sights set on crafting new adventures, forging strategic partnerships, and elevating the brand to new heights, Sekhon is set to write the next thrilling chapter in KidZania’s journey.

    The ultimate playground of imagination is ready to dream bigger and soar higher—one little leader at a time.

    After previously serving as KidZania’s Marketing Director, where he played a key role in shaping the brand’s identity, Sekhon is rejoining with a renewed vision to enhance KidZania’s value proposition. During his earlier tenure, he created impactful experiences for children and families, which set benchmarks in the edutainment space.

    In his new role, Sekhon aims to steer the brand toward new heights by fostering innovation and building meaningful collaborations. “I’m thrilled to return to KidZania in a new leadership capacity at a pivotal time in the brand’s journey,” said Sekhon. “With a clear vision for growth, I look forward to collaborating with our partners to unlock fresh opportunities, drive innovation in strategic partnerships and sales, and solidify KidZania’s position as a leading global brand. Our mission remains clear: to be the preferred edutainment destination in each market and continue to create impactful experiences for children, families, and brands, while reinforcing our commitment to excellence and long-term value creation.”

    Sekhon brings over 20 years of experience in leisure, entertainment, and experiential marketing. His expertise includes strategic brand partnerships, leadership, and creating unparalleled consumer experiences. His stint in the sports and entertainment industry saw him deliver significant business growth, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic leader.

    KidZania operates in 30 locations across 20 countries, catering to over 10 million visitors annually. Sekhon’s leadership is expected to enhance the brand’s global footprint and reinforce its position as the top edutainment destination for children and families.

    With his focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, and long-term value creation, Sekhon aims to steer KidZania towards becoming the preferred choice for edutainment in every market it serves.

  • Manas Lahiri back at Havas India as chief growth officer

    Manas Lahiri back at Havas India as chief growth officer

    MUMBAI: After years of charting remarkable successes across the advertising world, Manas Lahiri returns to where it all began—Havas India.

    In a move that echoes both nostalgia and forward momentum, Lahiri steps back into the fold as chief growth officer, poised to reignite the spark of innovation and propel the network to greater heights.

    A seasoned leader with a knack for transformative growth, Lahiri’s homecoming marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of India’s fastest-growing communications networks.

    Lahiri’s appointment marks his return to Havas India, where he previously served in multiple roles, including MD of Havas Creative India (formerly Havas Worldwide India), between 2018 and 2023. In his new role, Lahiri will collaborate closely with the executive leadership team and report to Havas India, SEA, and north Asia group CEO, Rana Barua.

    Barua welcomed Lahiri’s return, emphasising the significance of his role in the network’s growth trajectory, “Manas’ return to Havas India comes at a crucial time as we continue our strong momentum as a proven integrated and future-facing network. With Havas India’s phenomenal transformation over the past few years, we needed a proven leader to scale our growth ambitions further. Manas’ strategic acumen, extensive industry experience, and deep understanding of our network’s values make him the ideal choice to take on this role.”

    Prior to rejoining Havas India, Lahiri held the position of executive growth partner at VML India, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the agency’s presence and securing key accounts. His career spans over two decades across advertising, brand marketing, and business leadership, including roles at Ogilvy, McCann, and Contract India. Lahiri has worked with marquee brands such as Samsung, Amazon, Coca-Cola, and Reckitt, providing him with a holistic perspective on brand strategy and growth.

    Sharing his enthusiasm, Lahiri said, “I am thrilled to rejoin Havas India at such an exciting juncture. Havas has always been close to my heart, and the network’s journey of transformation into a consolidated, client-centric ecosystem is truly inspiring. I look forward to contributing to this next phase of growth by driving meaningful partnerships, fostering innovation, and building on the strong foundation created by Rana and the team.”

    An MBA graduate from Bangalore University, Lahiri began his career on the client side, working with brands like Motorola and Samsung in sales and marketing before transitioning to advertising. During his previous tenure at Havas Creative India, Lahiri played a critical role in reshaping the agency, driving business wins, and strengthening client relationships. His expertise lies in fostering growth strategies, building high-performing teams, and delivering integrated solutions that yield tangible results.

    This appointment underscores Havas India’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team and fostering innovation across its integrated network.

  • Hinduja Group appoints Amit Chincholikar as group president – HR

    Hinduja Group appoints Amit Chincholikar as group president – HR

    MUMBAI: The Hinduja Group has announced the appointment of Amit Chincholikar as its group president – human resources, effective 2 January 2025. He succeeds Amanppreet Singh Bhatia, who successfully led the HR function for five years before moving on.

    With over three decades of experience in human resources, Chincholikar is set to lead the Hinduja Group’s HR strategy, leadership development, and transformation initiatives. His illustrious career spans diverse industries and geographies, including India, the United States, and Singapore.

    In addition to his HR acumen, Chincholikar has successfully led functions such as sustainability, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), corporate communications, and business excellence in previous roles.

    Before joining the Hinduja Group, Chincholikar served as the global chief human resources officer at Yokohama Off-Highway Tires (OHT). His career highlights include significant contributions at Tata Consumer Products, Tata Sons Limited, Aditya Birla Group (ABG), and Mercer Human Resource Consulting.

    Chincholikar’s ability to design and execute transformative HR practices has positioned him as a sought-after leader in the field.

    Amit Chincholikar holds a Master’s degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management and a Bachelor’s degree in science, specialising in statistics and operations research, from Bombay University.

    The Hinduja Group expressed confidence in Chincholikar’s ability to drive its HR vision forward. His leadership is expected to strengthen the group’s focus on employee engagement, sustainability, and business excellence, aligning with its mission to foster growth and innovation across its global operations.

  • ICC enlists Prabhakaran Thanraj as VP-commercial & operations

    ICC enlists Prabhakaran Thanraj as VP-commercial & operations

    MUMBAI: Prabhakaran Thanraj has reasons to be pleased. He’s just been appointed as the  vice-president – commercial & operations at the apex global cricket administrative  body – The International Cricket Council based in Dubai. For three years he was at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), first as head of events & commercial, then being promoted as general manager – events and commercial in 2024..

    At the ACC, along with the team, he helped monetise the Women’s Asia Cup, a 70 per cent higher value from Sony Pictures Networks India for the ACC  media rights for the 2024-2031 cycle.

    Prabha, as he is called by colleagues, began his career as a signage and branding coordinator at IMG Reliance for the Aircel Chennai Open from 2009-2012. It was onto the desk as a graphic designer for around two years with Cognizant Technology and hew switched to IMG Reliance as a graphic designer for a year. It was here that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) spotted him and hired him as sponsorship manager for the Champions League 2013 and 2014. IMG  Reliance once again lured him away as assistant sponsorship manager and he stayed put there for almost four years.

    And then came the shift to the ACC which was a huge leap for Prabha. But he has proved himself. Today, he has a track record driving revenue through strategic partnerships, managing high-impact events, and leading successful marketing campaigns. And he is known for guiding teams, maximising brand impact, and advancing the sport’s reach on an international scale.

    The ICC congratulated him and wishes him all the best for his innings with them. We, at indiantelevision.com,  are sure Prabha will negotiate the googlies  as well as the short-pitched deliveries well. And even pull some of them over mid-wicket for a six.

  • WPP OpenDoor beefs up measurement & analytics with addition of Premjeet Sodhi

    WPP OpenDoor beefs up measurement & analytics with addition of Premjeet Sodhi

    MUMBAI: WPP OpenDoor – the specialised unit within WPP for Amazon – is seeing a lot of heavyweight names from within the group being added to it. The latest to be roped in  is Premjeet Sodhi who has been appointed as its global lead measurement & analytics based in New York.

    Sodhi, who was the chief strategy officer at Wavemaker India until 2023, was plucked and planted in Wavemaker, New York as global lead measurement & analytics and has been based in the Big Apple since then. He has been with the WPP group agencies from 2018, starting with Mindshare Fulcrum as senior vice-president and then moving to Wavemaker India as chief growth officer in 2020.

    Sodhi was with Lintas Media group from November 2002, rising to become its president in June 2010 from where  he was picked to be the chief operating officer of Initiative Media for six years and three months till March 2018.

    The BE in electronics and post graduate diploma holder in rural management began his career in Gujarat State Financial Services as deputy manager from 1996-98, moving on to become research director at ICRG Mudra for two years from 1998. He was appointed at GM technical in the Media Research Users Council from 1999-2001. He also hard a short spell  of a year as a team member of Ogilvy Outreach from 2000-2001.