Category: Media and Advertising

  • Godrej L’Affaire launches campaign on workplace mental health

    Godrej L’Affaire launches campaign on workplace mental health

    Mumbai: This World Mental Health Day, Godrej L’Affaire presents a poignant campaign film that uncovers professionals’ often-overlooked mental health journeys. The film captures the emotional battles behind everyday achievements through relatable stories and light-hearted dialogue, emphasising the need for open conversations about mental health in the workplace.

    Success is often celebrated in corporate environments, but challenges remain hidden. Godrej L’Affaire aims to change this by highlighting the internal struggles of employees, from interns to managers, emphasizing the importance of open discussions about mental health. A research by Deloitte shows that 47 per cent of global employees face mental health issues at work.

    The campaign encourages professionals to share their experiences and seek support, promoting resources like counselling and peer support groups. The film underscores that every professional is managing their own emotional journey.

    Commenting on the campaign, Godrej Industries Group chief communications officer Sujit Patil said, “This campaign encourages organizations to foster an environment where individuals feel heard, supported, and have access to resources and teams they can approach when feeling low. Mental health issues in the workplace have become quite common, and there is always more to someone’s story than meets the eye. Companies should endeavor to create a culture of support to ensure the well-being of all.”

  • Hashtag Orange unveils brand film for Loyka almond brittle gold

    Hashtag Orange unveils brand film for Loyka almond brittle gold

    Mumbai: Hashtag Orange, an integrated marketing agency has partnered with Loyka, a gourmet chocolate and nut-based delicacy brand, to craft their first-ever brand film. In addition to creating the film, Hashtag Orange will also helm its promotion, ensuring a comprehensive media push across multiple channels to maximise reach and engagement. The agency won this project following a competitive multi-agency pitch.

    The launch brand film aims to enhance the gourmet delicacy brand’s presence in the competitive food and beverage sector.

    Owned by August Assortments, Loyka has made a name for itself with its decadent nut-based chocolate treats. Over the past six years, the gourmet confectioner has seen remarkable growth fueled by their desire to bring these delightful creations to a wider audience, swiftly winning the hearts of consumers all around.

    Rooted in the joy of indulgence, the ad-film, conceptualised by Hashtag Orange, illustrates how Loyka’s signature product, the Almond Brittle Gold brings people together, adding a generous dollop of happy taste to all kinds of occasions. Timed perfectly for the festive season, Hashtag Orange’s creative vision establishes the Almond Brittle Gold as not just an indulgent treat, but also a symbol that reflects celebration, connection and the charm of shared moments.

    Speaking about the experience, Hashtag Orange founder Mukesh Vij said, “We’re excited to embark on this journey with Loyka, bringing their passion for gourmet delicacies to the forefront. This film beautifully captures the magic of indulgence. We’re confident that this collaboration will set a new standard in the category.”

    Hashtag Orange regional and creative head Gaurang Menon added, “The joy of launching a brand’s first-ever film is unparalleled. Having been in the market for six years, Loyka

    is a well-established brand that people really love for high-quality products. We really enjoyed pitching to them and conceptualising this film that brings out the sheer indulgence aspect of Loyka Almond Brittle Gold. It’s something that people of all ages enjoy no matter what the occasion is – and this is the insight that the film is based on.”

    Aanchal Loya, Founder & Director of Loyka said, “It’s been wonderful creating Loyka’s first brand film, and through it capturing the exceptional taste and consumption experience of our best seller – Loyka Almond Brittle Gold. We look forward to taking the Loyka brand further and to newer audiences and markets through this film and our growing retail presence. It was a pleasure working with Hashtag Orange. We hope the audience loves the film and millions more discover and enjoy Loyka – Life’s Happy Taste.”

  • Ashirvad by Aliaxis appoints Partha Basu as managing director

    Ashirvad by Aliaxis appoints Partha Basu as managing director

    Mumbai: Ashirvad by Aliaxis, a leader in pipes and fittings, has appointed Partha Basu as managing director. The announcement was made by Aliaxis’ headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Basu, who previously held the role of acting divisional CEO for India, will now lead the Bengaluru-headquartered company’s 5,000-strong workforce. His extensive experience in leadership, finance, supply chain, and business transformation has positioned him to steer the company into one of the fastest-growing markets for infrastructure and construction solutions.

    Aliaxis managing director Thierry Vanlancker said, “Partha Basu has played an instrumental role since joining Aliaxis in 2023. His leadership has been key in strengthening the India division, enhancing governance, and driving profitable growth.”

    Basu, referring to his new role, stated, “I am excited to lead Ashirvad Pipes, a strong brand with values that resonate deeply with me. I look forward to building a performance-driven culture while upholding the company’s inclusive values.”

    With over 30 years of experience, Basu’s career spans leadership roles at AkzoNobel, Coca-Cola, and KPMG. His expertise in business transformation has been demonstrated through successful initiatives at companies like Whirlpool and SpiceJet. Basu is a CMA, DBF, and certified professional coach with an executive certificate in general management from IIM Calcutta.

    Beyond his corporate work, Basu is a published author and thought leader in career development. His 2022 book Outskill, published by HarperCollins, offers insights into navigating corporate life post-pandemic. He is also a sought-after speaker and mentor on topics of leadership, business strategy, business transformation, and professional growth.

  • Youthbeat wraps up campaign for Myntra’s FWD with 15,000 creators

    Youthbeat wraps up campaign for Myntra’s FWD with 15,000 creators

    Mumbai: SW Network has announced the successful completion of a large campaign for Myntra’s new Gen Z clothing brand, ‘FWD.’ Managed by SW Network’s youth marketing vertical, Youthbeat, the campaign involved 15,000 creators and is one of India’s largest creator-driven marketing initiatives.

    FWD was launched with the aim of becoming a trendsetter for the digitally savvy Gen Z audience. Youthbeat’s execution involved coordinating 15,000 creators weekly, requiring effective strategy and execution.

    SW Network co-founder Raghav Bagai commented on the scope and success of the campaign: “Managing 15,000 creators on a weekly basis was no small feat, but we saw it as an opportunity to demonstrate our execution prowess. The scale of this campaign was unprecedented, but our team at Youthbeat delivered beyond expectations. Every piece of content was strategically aligned to reflect the ever-evolving Gen Z trends, and our ability to keep everything running smoothly is a testament to the efficiency and creativity of our team.”

    The campaign set new benchmarks for content creation, with 15,000 creators producing fresh, trend-driven content weekly and introducing trends like ‘baddie’ and ‘core.’ Each creator focused on engaging Gen Z content to keep FWD at the forefront of fashion conversations. Youthbeat managed the logistics of this large-scale operation, ensuring alignment with the brand’s messaging and driving significant engagement across social platforms.

    The campaign achieved over 60 million views, reached over 45 million people, and garnered over one million engagements. More than just numbers, the creators sparked organic conversations and established FWD as a leading Gen Z brand. The campaign’s planning and execution highlight SW Network’s capability in managing large-scale projects effectively.

    “This campaign reflects our ability to handle large-scale, complex projects while maintaining a focus on creativity and innovation. It highlights our capacity to manage campaigns at an immense scale while staying deeply connected with the audience we aim to reach,” added Youthbeat director Shubham Chawla.

  • Dentsu reveals 2025 media trends report

    Dentsu reveals 2025 media trends report

    Mumbai :  dentsu releases its 2025 media trends report, titled The Year of Impact. This edition, crafted by specialists across Carat, dentsu X, and iProspect, explores the profound changes driven by algorithms, artificial intelligence, and the new dimensions of consumer engagement, expected to shape the media landscape in the upcoming year.

    The report details how 2025 will drive toward a fully addressable, shoppable, and accountable media ecosystem, marking a shift into what dentsu defines as the “Algorithmic Era of Media.” With over 40 pages of in-depth insights, the report outlines how brands can harness this new media environment to drive tangible impact and growth.

    dentsu Media APAC, chief client officer & practice president Prerna Mehrotra commented: “At dentsu, we’re truly excited about what we call the Algorithmic Era – where generative AI and personalization are set to drive unprecedented change in how brands engage with consumers, creating new ways for brands to capture consumer attention and build relationships. We see media becoming 100% addressable, shoppable and accountable, highlighting the need for marketers to think about media in a whole new way. Brands must build Media ++ strategies to create more memorable, personalised moments tapping into the creator economy and building connected ecosystems to identify new spaces for growth. In our latest edition of the dentsu Media Trends report, we deep-dive into 10 trends and provide strategic considerations for brands to deliver impact in this new era.”

    “The rapid integration of AI across the media value chain has transformed how brands interact with consumers, marking the beginning of The Algorithmic Era, where real-world value creation moves beyond experimentation,” says dentsu Media global practice president, Will Swayne. “The 2025 report is a toolkit for brands seeking to thrive in this new era, offering strategic guidance on leveraging niche communities, connected television, and next-level retail media.”

    According to the 2025 Media Trends report, the key themes poised to drive the industry forward include:

    1.   AI moves from potential to actual impact: AI has evolved from a nascent trend to a transformative force, embedding itself in daily life and revolutionizing media planning, content creation, and consumer interaction. AI-generated micro-moments and the rise of dynamic personalization are opening new doors for brands to build deep, meaningful connections with consumers.

    2.   Storytelling breaks through the algorithmic bubble: Niche interests and deep fandoms are becoming invaluable assets for brands looking to stand out. Storytelling will be the primary tool for brands to navigate the increasingly algorithm-driven media space, creating impactful narratives across connected television and digital platforms.

    3.   Retail reshapes media: Retail media continues to grow at a double-digit rate, offering advertisers access to unparalleled shopper data. With key players like Amazon, Walmart, and even the finance industry expanding their ad capabilities, the retail-media fusion is set to become a cornerstone of media strategies.

    4.   The quest for quality: As media investments increase, so does the demand for higher-quality engagement. Brands must prioritize strategic partnerships and premium content to cut through the noise, ensuring their media dollars drive both immediate results and long-term brand equity.

    5.   Unevenly distributed future: As technology and media consumption habits evolve unevenly across regions, brands will need to adopt hyper-localized strategies. Regulatory, economic, and technological divides are reshaping the global media landscape, and brands must be prepared to navigate these complexities.

    dentsu

  • Bottega Veneta launches new campaign starring Jacob Elordi

    Bottega Veneta launches new campaign starring Jacob Elordi

    Mumbai: Bottega Veneta launches a new campaign starring brand ambassador Jacob Elordi. The campaign, captured by Magnum photographer Alec Soth, draws on the brand’s integral code of movement to celebrate “Going Places”. Shot on location in Utah and Nevada, it shows Elordi moving through the dramatic natural features and sleek architecture of the desert.

    With Elordi in dynamic and balletic poses, the cinematic images spotlight new Bottega Veneta travel accessories and underscore the motion and discovery at the heart of the brand’s heritage. Established in 1966, the house set itself apart with the softness and malleability of its leather goods. Unlike the more formal and structured bags that dominated the market at the time, Bottega Veneta designs were supple and flexible, readily adapting to the wearer in motion.

    Creative director Matthieu Blazy said, “Bottega Veneta is in essence pragmatic because it is a leather goods company. Because it specialises in bags, it is about movement, going somewhere; there is fundamentally an idea of craft in motion.”

    This heritage also draws on Bottega Veneta’s roots in Venice, a city distinguished by centuries of cross-cultural trade and encounter, where artistic techniques, ideas, and motifs flowed with the movement of merchants and goods.

    True to this history, the “Going Places” campaign celebrates a spirit of travel and exploration and coincides with the launch of several new Bottega Veneta travel products. Key pieces featured in the images include a new edition of the Andiamo bag in canvas and leather, a weekender travel bag in weathered brown leather, and a belt with a snake-inspired buckle. In a particularly energetic image, Elordi is seen leaping across a crevice in the rocks carrying the weekender bag. In another, he strikes a balletic pose beside the Andiamo – a bag named, suitably, after the Italian expression for “Let’s Go!”.

  • DDB Mudra onboards Priya Shivakumar as creative head

    DDB Mudra onboards Priya Shivakumar as creative head

    Mumbai: DDB Mudra has appointed Priya Shivakumar as its new creative head for the South region. She will collaborate closely with DDB Mudra Group CCO Rahul Mathew and share leadership with DDB Mudra president – Growth and Strategy, Menaka Menon.

    Joining DDB Mudra from Wunderman Thompson (JWT), where she rose quickly up the ranks from ECD of Chennai to chief creative officer (South), Priya brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Through her career of over two decades, Priya’s work and creative leadership have won numerous Cannes Lions, D&AD Pencils, One Show Pencils and Spikes Asia, one of the more recent wins being for the “Hidden Truth” , a powerful piece on Domestic Violence.

    Speaking on her new role, “I’m thrilled to join DDB Mudra and contribute to the legacy of creating culturally resonant brands,” Priya said. “These are exciting times where you can take storytelling to new and unexpected places…through technology, craft or experience…”, She added: “I’m looking forward to leveraging the power of emotions in my work, driving choices, creating conversations, shaping markets, and rewriting brand stories.”

    Meanwhile, Rahul Mathew commented, “We have been evolving our offering in the South to go beyond national campaigns and offer specialised expertise for the five south markets. And we believe what will make our solutions even more effective is our creativity. Priya will play a critical role in us achieving this vision for the South office. She has the unique ability to capture local and cultural nuances and execute them to international standards. I’m excited to have her partner with us on our journey.”

  • Business stalwart Ratan Tata passes away at 86

    Business stalwart Ratan Tata passes away at 86

    Mumbai: 86-year-old stalwart industrialist and Tata Sons’ chairman emeritus Ratan Tata has passed away on Wednesday in a Mumbai hospital. He had been in critical condition, receiving intensive care for several days. While undergoing routine medical investigations earlier in the week due to age-related concerns, reports of his hospital admission sparked widespread concern.

    Tata himself took to social media on Monday, reassuring the public that there was “no cause for concern,” and that his evaluations were routine. He urged the media to avoid spreading misinformation, stating, “I remain in good spirits.” However, his condition worsened in the following days.

    In an official statement, Tata Sons’ chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed the profound sense of loss felt by the Tata Group. “We bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation,” he stated.

    Chandrasekaran reflected on Tata’s significant role in the organisation, emphasizing that he was more than just a chairperson. “To me, he was a mentor, guide, and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass,” he said.

    Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and societal development has left a lasting impact on millions of lives. His initiatives in education and healthcare have created a deep-rooted legacy that will benefit generations to come. Chandrasekaran highlighted Tata’s genuine humility in every interaction, showcasing the personal touch that defined his leadership.

    On behalf of the entire Tata family, N Chandrasekaran extended condolences to Tata’s loved ones, emphasising that his legacy will continue to inspire the group as they strive to uphold the principles he passionately championed. Ratan Tata’s remarkable journey and contributions will forever be remembered as a testament to his vision and commitment to societal betterment.

    Tributes have been pouring in from industry leaders, politicians, prime ministers, film stars , sportsmen and what have you on Ratan Tata’s passing. Here’s a collection of some of them:

    My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.  Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better. One of the most unique aspects of Shri Ratan Tata Ji was his passion towards dreaming big and giving back. He was at the forefront of championing causes like education, healthcare, sanitation, animal welfare to name a few.Prime minister Narendra Modi

    Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary industrialist and true nationalist, Shri Ratan Tata Ji. He selflessly dedicated his life to the development of our nation. Every time I met him, his zeal and commitment to the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed me. His commitment to the welfare of our country and its people led to the blooming of millions of dreams. Time cannot take away Ratan Tata Ji from his beloved nation. He will live on in our hearts. My condolences to Tata Group and his countless admirers. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti – Amit Shah

    Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community. – Rahul Gandhi

    It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata’s passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian. At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend. Each of my numerous interactions with him left me inspired and energised and enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character and the fine human values he embodied. Ratan Tata was a visionary industrialist and a philanthropist, who always strove for society’s greater good. With the demise of Mr Ratan Tata, India has lost one of her most illustrious and kind-hearted sons. Mr Tata took India to the world and brought the best of the world to Bharat. He institutionalised the House of Tata and made it an international enterprise growing the Tata group over 70 times since the time he took over as Chairman in 1991. On behalf of Reliance, Nita and the Ambani family, I send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved members of the Tata family and the entire Tata Group. Ratan, you will always remain in my heart. Om Shanti.- Mukesh Ambani

    I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata. India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward. And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position. Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable. With him gone, all we can do is to commit to emulating his example. Because he was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success was most useful when it was put to the service of the global community. Goodbye and Godspeed, Mr. T You will not be forgotten. Because Legends never die… Om Shanti – Anand Mahindra

    “The clock has stopped ticking. The Titan passes away. #RatanTata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership and philanthropy, who has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond. He will forever soar high in our memories. R.I.P “- Harsh Goenka

    My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo and his vision was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He deeply cared about making India better. Deep condolences to his loved ones and Rest in Peace Shri Ratan Tata Ji – Sunder Pichai

    Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of visionary industrialist, philanthropist #RatanTata. He was a shining beacon of India’s entrepreneurial spirit. He has left an indelible legacy in the business landscape across the world which will inspire future generations. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, friends and followers in the hour of grief. #OmShanti – Navin Patnaik

    The Icon of leadership, philanthropy, and ethics!! His legacy will continue to inspire generations. India has lost a giant today. #RIPRatanTata #RatanTata — Rana Dugabatti  

    Deeply saddened by the passing away of Thiru. #RatanTata, a true titan of Indian industry and a beacon of humility and compassion. His visionary leadership not only shaped the Tata Group but also set a global benchmark for ethical business practices. His relentless dedication to nation-building, innovation, and philanthropy has left an indelible mark on millions of lives. India has lost a giant, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. I offer my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and the entire Tata Group in this profound moment of loss.- MK Stalin

    India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India’s path. Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader – he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti – Gautam Adani

    We have lost a true Ratan of Bharat, Shri Ratan Tata ji. His life will be an inspiration for us all and he will continue to live in our hearts. Om Shanti – Virendra Sehwag

    They say you have gone .. It’s too hard to bear your loss..too hard.. Farewell my friend..#RatanTata – Simi Garewal 

    Deeply saddened to know that Shri #RatanTata ji is no more. Condolences to the family and loved ones. Rest In Glory Sir – Riteish Deshmukh

    “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.” – #RatanTata A visionary leader, and most respected and revered human of our times in India. May your legacy and teachings flourish and grow from strength to strength. RIP Sir – Aakash Chopra

    India’s most valuable man, not necessarily for his vast wealth, but for his values.. largest being Integrity !! Never a show off but always the star The life #RatanTata ji led will always be an inspiration – Randeep Hooda