ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Faasos rolls out Shawarma Fest 2025 with a flavour-packed comeback

    Faasos rolls out Shawarma Fest 2025 with a flavour-packed comeback

    MUMBAI: Move over popcorn, this October shawarmas are stealing the spotlight. Faasos is back with its cult favourite Shawarma Fest 2025, a month-long sizzler running from 15 September to 15 October National Shawarma Day with prices starting at just Rs 149 and available pan India.

    This year’s edition is bigger, bolder, and spicier, with six limited-edition shawarmas reimagining the classic wrap with global flavour twists:

    . Chipotle Chicken Shawarma – smoky Mexican-inspired firepower

    . Chipotle Paneer Shawarma – creamy yet spicy indulgence

    . BBQ Chicken Shawarma – sweet, smoky, and finger-licking juicy

    . BBQ Paneer Shawarma – a veggie delight with BBQ swagger

    . Schezwan Chicken Shawarma – tangy, spicy, and unapologetically bold

    . Schezwan Paneer Shawarma – a zesty vegetarian kick in every bite

    “Shawarma Fest is our way of celebrating fans’ love for shawarmas while surprising them with new flavour adventures,” said Rebel Foods CMO Nishant Kedia. “It’s indulgence, convenience, and innovation, all wrapped up.”

    But Faasos isn’t stopping at food. The fest comes with a quirky twist, a mini-film series titled ‘what if… iconic films had a new hero?’. In this reel-universe, shawarmas take centre stage as the real stars, premiering exclusively on Faasos’ Instagram throughout October.

    Available via Eatsure, Swiggy, and Zomato, the shawarmas are also paired with festive offers to tempt foodies into repeat indulgence. With 73 per cent of Indian diets protein-deficient and a growing appetite for bold, quick bites, Faasos is turning shawarmas into both a comfort and a conversation starter.

    By blending cult classics with daring reinventions, Faasos’ Shawarma Fest 2025 proves one thing: when it comes to food trends, the wrap game is still unbeatable.

  • Drivex shifts gears with Vivekanand Kini to steer tech-driven growth

    Drivex shifts gears with Vivekanand Kini to steer tech-driven growth

    MUMBAI: Drivex is revving up its digital engine, and at the helm of this acceleration is Vivekanand Kini, appointed as senior vice president for technology & product. With 18 plus years of experience in technology and product engineering, including 8 years in leadership roles, Kini joins as the pre-owned two-wheeler disruptor doubles down on its tech-first strategy.

    From cloud-native architectures and microservices to scaling B2B and B2C SaaS platforms, Kini’s career spans leadership roles at Acko, Ivy Mobility, Khoros, and Opentext, with earlier stints at Oracle. At Acko, he spearheaded transformational initiatives that reshaped engineering operations expertise now set to drive Drivex’s ambition of building a robust digital backbone for India’s fragmented pre-owned two-wheeler market.

    “Mobility is being reshaped through technology, and Drivex is at the forefront of this transformation,” said Kini, adding that his focus will be on building scalable platforms to deliver seamless customer journeys from discovery and financing to after-sales.

    Welcoming him aboard, Padma Shri Narain Karthikeyan director Drivex said: “Technology powers every touchpoint at Drivex from smarter vehicle evaluations and strict quality checks to complete transparency on every two-wheeler parameter. Vivekanand’s expertise in scaling platforms and leading high-performing teams will help us strengthen our digital backbone and redefine the pre-owned mobility category.”

    The timing is critical. Drivex is in rapid expansion mode, opening new stores across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, while also scaling Drivex Direct, its C2C platform that offers consumers greater choice and convenience. With ambitions of deeper market penetration, Kini’s appointment signals Drivex’s determination to transform customer experience through tech innovation.

    As the pre-owned two-wheeler space shifts into higher gear, Drivex is banking on Kini to keep its engine running smooth, fast, and future-ready.

     

  • TBWA India names Rohit Mukherjee executive creative director in Gurgaon

    TBWA India names Rohit Mukherjee executive creative director in Gurgaon

    MUMBAI: TBWA India has hired Rohit Mukherjee as executive creative director at its Gurgaon office, tasking him with sharpening the agency’s disruption philosophy and raising the creative bar for clients.

    Mukherjee, who brings close to 20 years in advertising, joins from Dentsu Creative Isobar where he rose to group executive creative director, leading integrated, digital-first campaigns for major Indian brands. He began his career with an internship at Rediffusion Y&R and went on to stints at Publicis, Mccann, DDB Mudra and Bates, shaping campaigns for Airtel, Nestlé, Colgate-Palmolive, Dabur, Diageo and Kia Motors. Among his best-known works is Colgate’s “Kya aapke toothpaste mein namak hai?” platform.

    TBWA India, chief creative experience officer, Russell Barrett called Mukherjee “an accomplished creative individual with a great pedigree of ideas and executions,” adding that he was “just the right kind of pirate to lead and inspire the office forward.”

    For his part, Mukherjee said he relished the agency’s disruption credo. “To create in any field, you need to disrupt. The very fact that for tbwa, disruption is its raison d’être is provocation enough for any creative,” he noted.

    Mukherjee’s work has earned recognition at Cannes Lions, Spikes, Kyoorius, Abbys, Effies, New York Festival, Adfest and the Clios. Off duty, he is a collector of stories, whether through photography, trivia or conversations with strangers.
     

  • Priyadarshan Garg takes charge as IDPL’s chief business officer

    Priyadarshan Garg takes charge as IDPL’s chief business officer

    MUMBAI: From print to pixels, Priyadarshan Garg knows how to make headlines. The seasoned media executive has now stepped into a new chapter as chief business officer at Indiadotcom Digital Private Limited (IDPL), the digital arm of Zee Media Corporation Limited.

    The move is more than just a leadership shuffle. It signals IDPL’s ambitions to scale up its digital-first strategy, sharpen its editorial edge and build content ecosystems that attract both audiences and advertisers.

    Garg brings more than 25 years of industry experience, with stints at Zee5, Alibaba, Dainik Bhaskar and TV Today. Known for combining newsroom instincts with business smarts, he has already made waves at IDPL since joining in April by driving the successful launch of Pinewz, one of the company’s fastest-growing digital-first ventures.

    In his new role, he will steer editorial direction, unlock revenue opportunities and strengthen IDPL’s position as a digital powerhouse. As he put it, “Digital is not just about content delivery. It is about creating immersive and trustworthy ecosystems where audiences feel engaged and empowered. At IDPL, I see huge potential to harness data, technology and creativity to fuel growth while maintaining the highest standards of journalism.”

    Zee Media Corporation Limited, ceo, Karan Abhishek Singh welcomed him on board and said, “Priyadarshan’s leadership comes at a crucial time when IDPL is scaling new heights in digital reach and influence. His industry insight and ability to deliver transformative strategies will play a vital role in shaping IDPL’s future.”

    For IDPL, the appointment is a step towards reimagining digital journalism in India. With Garg at the helm, the focus will be on truth-driven storytelling, innovative formats and building long-term value for users and partners alike.
     

  • Dentsu Creative names John Mescall global chief creative partner

    Dentsu Creative names John Mescall global chief creative partner

    MUMBAI: Dentsu Creative has appointed John Mescall as its global chief creative partner, a move designed to sharpen the agency’s creative edge and align standards across markets.

    Based in New York, Mescall will work closely with Yasu Sasaki, Dentsu’s global chief creative officer, to strengthen creative craft, foster collaboration and integrate emerging technologies like AI into workflows. He will also focus on talent development across the network.

    “What drew me to Dentsu Creative is its deep belief in the power of creativity to drive meaningful impact,” said Mescall. “It’s rare to find a global organisation so aligned in purpose yet so attuned to the strengths of its local teams.”

    Mescall is one of advertising’s most decorated creative leaders. At Mccann Worldgroup, where he served as global executive creative director and president of its global creative council, he helped steer the network to Cannes Lions and Effie global network of the year titles. His career haul includes more than 100 Cannes Lions, eight of them Grand Prix, along with top honours at D&AD, One Show, Clio and beyond. Adweek has named him to its creativity 50, while Business Insider ranked him among the world’s top 10 most creative people in advertising.

    Dentsu Creative, global president, Abbey Klaassen said Mescall’s “ability to unite teams around a shared vision” will be key to scaling the agency’s creative impact. Sasaki added that his appointment reflects the network’s “commitment to transformative creativity that delivers cultural and business impact.”

     

  • Sony tunes into new voice with Gaurav Laghate as comms head

    Sony tunes into new voice with Gaurav Laghate as comms head

    MUMBAI: When the newsroom meets the boardroom, sparks are bound to fly. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has tapped journalist-turned-communications strategist Gaurav Laghate as its new head of PR and corporate communications, effective September 2025.

    Reporting directly to Gaurav Banerjee, MD & CEO of SPNI, Laghate will be tasked with steering the company’s communications blueprint shaping narratives, sharpening reputation, and strengthening engagement with stakeholders across its diverse media businesses.

    Armed with 17 years of newsroom experience, Laghate is no stranger to storytelling at scale. Until recently, he was senior editor and head of the consumer bureau at Mint, where he became one of India’s most authoritative voices on the media and entertainment sector. His portfolio spanned linear TV, OTT platforms, advertising, and regulatory affairs, making him a familiar face across the industry’s power corridors.

    From tracking the rise of streaming wars to decoding regulatory shake-ups, Laghate built a reputation for analytical accuracy, deep domain knowledge, and sharp editorial instincts.  He began his career at indiantelevision.com and is prized for analytical rigour and a contact book that spans studios, regulators and agencies. Now, he crosses over to the corporate side, bringing with him the credibility of journalism and the strategic perspective needed to shape SPNI’s narrative in a fast-evolving media landscape.

    For SPNI, the appointment underscores a renewed push to build authentic storytelling and stakeholder trust as it eyes its next growth chapter in India’s hyper-competitive content market.

    Welcoming him onboard, Gaurav Banerjee said: “Gaurav’s deep domain knowledge and strategic perspective make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. His transition from a journalist to a communications leader will bring a unique perspective on how we shape our narrative and engage with multiple stakeholders. We are excited to have him onboard as we aim to strengthen our position as a leading content powerhouse.”

    With the shift from penning headlines to making them, Laghate now faces the challenge of ensuring Sony’s stories resonate not just with viewers, but with every corner of the media and entertainment ecosystem. And if his track record is any indicator, this will be one headline worth watching.

  • Kit Global dials into Telegram Ads as official partner in India

    Kit Global dials into Telegram Ads as official partner in India

    MUMBAI: Talk about sending the right message. Kit Global has become the official partner for Telegram Ads in India, giving advertisers direct access to the fast-growing platform’s unique ad solutions.

    The international 360 degree marketing player is promising brands a smoother ride into Telegram territory with perks like local onboarding, multilingual support and real-time market insights. For marketers weary of crowded feeds and banner fatigue, Telegram’s opt-in channels are pitched as a fresher, cleaner way to reach audiences who actually want to hear from them.

    “At Kit Global, we’ve always been proud to be at the forefront of market change. We embrace innovation rather than relying on what’s already known,” said chief executive, Olga Dulinskaya. She added that the tie-up gives clients confidence that every campaign rides on opportunities designed for today’s fast-changing digital world.

    For Telegram, the move could broaden its appeal among Indian advertisers eager to cut through the noise. Instead of chasing disengaged scrollers, brands can speak directly to niche, interest-led communities. For Kit Global, which already runs high-performing campaigns across fintech, gaming, e-commerce and entertainment, the partnership reinforces its positioning as a future-ready marketing outfit.

    As India and Southeast Asia power the next wave of internet growth, Kit Global is betting that Telegram Ads will be a channel worth watching. After all, when it comes to winning engagement, sometimes it pays to be on the same wavelength.

     

  • Savills appoints Emily Fell to lead Asia Pacific strategy in living sectors

    Savills appoints Emily Fell to lead Asia Pacific strategy in living sectors

    MUMBAI: Savills isn’t just raising the roof, it’s reshaping the very idea of home in Asia Pacific. The global property giant has appointed Emily Fell as senior director in its capital markets team, a move that signals its deepening bet on the fast-growing Living Sectors.

    Fell’s new mandate covers everything from multifamily housing and co-living to student digs, senior living, and even hotels sectors increasingly drawing the gaze of institutional investors hungry for stable returns. In fact, over 90 per cent of institutional investors in the 2025 ANREV Investment Intentions Survey flagged residential as their top pick in Asia Pacific.

    No stranger to the living game, Fell cut her teeth in UK student housing in 2011 before moving to Singapore in 2015. Since then, she’s helped close transactions worth 4 billion dollars across Australia, Japan, South Korea and beyond, including steering a landmark equity raise for an Australian co-living portfolio.

    Her appointment plugs the Asia Pacific team directly into Savills’ powerhouse Operational Capital Markets platform in Europe, which has shifted more than 25 billion dollars in living assets over the past 24 months. That cross-border pipeline is designed to help investors surf the rising wave of alternative real estate.

    “India, in particular, is at the cusp of a transformation,” said Savills India CEO Anurag Mathur pointing to the growing appetite for student housing, senior living and data centres. “Emily’s global experience will connect Indian opportunities with international capital and operating models.”

    For Fell, the attraction is clear: “On a risk-adjusted basis, these assets deliver the durable income streams institutions want. We’re seeing strong demand across Japan, Australia and South Korea, and I’m excited to connect clients with opportunities through Savills’ global platform.”

    With its latest hire, Savills is sending a signal: living assets aren’t just an alternative play anymore, they’re becoming the main stage.

  • Goodera names Sumit Agarwal as chief financial officer to fuel global growth

    Goodera names Sumit Agarwal as chief financial officer to fuel global growth

    MUMBAI: Goodera has roped in Sumit Agarwal as its new chief financial officer, bolstering its leadership team as the employee volunteering platform prepares for its next phase of global expansion.

    A chartered accountant and all-India rank holder, Agarwal brings over two decades of experience across fintech, e-commerce, payments and technology. He most recently headed Tripmoney at Makemytrip–Goibibo, where he rolled out digital financial products. His earlier stints include cfo roles at Zovi.com and NGPAY (acquired by Flipkart), as well as leadership positions at Wipro technologies.

    At Goodera, he will oversee fundraising, investor relations, financial planning, M&A and strategic growth. “Goodera has built a global platform that powers volunteering while creating community impact. I am excited to shape its financial strategy for the next level of growth,” Agarwal noted.

     

  • Kunal Gaur takes the leap from JioStar to launch his own digital venture

    Kunal Gaur takes the leap from JioStar to launch his own digital venture

    MUMBAI: From streaming giants to star power, Kunal Gaur has played the numbers game across India’s biggest media houses – and now, he’s ready to bet on himself. The seasoned executive has stepped down from his role as Business Commercial Lead at JioStar to launch his own digital marketing enterprise.

    Armed with over 20 years of experience across media, entertainment, and finance, Gaur’s career reads like a who’s who of the industry. At Viacom18, he spent four years as Chief Commercial Officer, steering spends for channels like Colors, MTV, Sports18, Cineplex, and OTT platform JioCinema. Before that, he was Netflix India’s Director of Production Finance, working on 17 series, 14 films, and 20 development projects, from Sacred Games to Extraction.

    Nearly a decade at Star India and Hotstar saw him negotiating content deals, licensing formats, and even leading commercial talks for Star Sports’ sprawling 12-studio project. His early years at PwC sharpened the financial rigour that has since underpinned his media journey.

    At JioStar, Gaur oversaw commercials across Digital, Creator, Marketing, Talent, and Technology driving efficiencies and shaping strategic partnerships. Now, with his new venture, he’s blending that financial expertise with media know-how to build a future-focused digital marketing company designed for India’s evolving landscape.

    “Finance may have been my foundation, but creativity and innovation are my growth engines,” Gaur quipped while announcing his entrepreneurial leap.

    As the industry braces for another wave of digital disruption, all eyes will be on whether Gaur can turn his decades of boardroom wins into startup success.