Category: Media and Advertising

  • GroupM Strengthens India Operations with appointment of Praseed Prasad as chief growth officer

    GroupM Strengthens India Operations with appointment of Praseed Prasad as chief growth officer

    Mumbai: GroupM India, WPP’s media investment group, today announces the appointment of Praseed Prasad as chief growth officer. In its newly created role, Praseed will lead GroupM’s growth, marketing and communications. The role is further designed to accelerate GroupM’s growth and strengthen its position as the industry’s leader in media investments and marketing partner.

    In his new role, Praseed will oversee strategy and operations for GroupM’s business development, growth, marketing, and communications to clients, employees, and industry audiences. He will work closely with the agency and GroupM leadership to identify growth opportunities, develop integrated solutions that leverage the skills and expertise of the industry’s deepest bench of talent, and effectively communicate GroupM’s value proposition.

    Praseed, returning back to GroupM, brings a wealth of experience to this position. Prior to joining IceCream Labs in 2015, he held key roles within GroupM, including heading Digital Trading and overseeing digital investments for all GroupM clients. His diverse background also includes stints at Flipkart, where he ran the Ads Agency Business and led Media and Partnerships, as well as at Google, where he managed Media Operations for EMEA markets and later ran the Google APAC Agency and Partner business.

    GroupM South Asia CEO Prasanth Kumar said, “It is great to have Praseed back to GroupM as Chief Growth Officer. His extensive experience in understanding client needs, strategic initiatives, industry knowledge, and cross-functional collaboration positions will help us enhance our market growth. His track record underscores his ability to navigate complex ecosystems and deliver results. We anticipate that his leadership will directly benefit our clients and the brands we work with, driving innovation and enhancing performance.”

    Praseed said, “I am delighted to return to GroupM where I grew during the early days of my career and spent more than a decade setting up new business units and functions. I look forward to strengthening opportunities for our clients and brands that will allow me to apply my experiences to help grow the GroupM business onwards and upwards. Am excited to collaborate with all the agency teams to help drive our clients’ business impact and deliver them exceptional growth.”

    Praseed will be based out of GroupM’s Bangalore office and report into Prasanth Kumar. 

  • Moulis Advertisement Services Pvt Ltd wins 2 awards for work on UP Tourism and NTPC, Delhi

    Moulis Advertisement Services Pvt Ltd wins 2 awards for work on UP Tourism and NTPC, Delhi

    Mumbai – Moulis Advertisement Services Pvt Ltd (Moulis) is glad to announce that it has won two prestigious awards at 42nd Madaras Advertising Club Awards (Maddys 2024) announced yesterday, i.e. 28 June 2024.

    Moulis’s dedication to exceptional advertising was acknowledged in the following categories:

    ·   Public Service Print Campaign for NTPC Limited, Delhi

    ·   Maddys Design Brochure for Deepotsav (Ayodhya) 2023 for UP Tourism

    The Maddys is a highly respected advertising award show in India, recognizing outstanding creative achievements in the industry. Winning two awards at this esteemed event is a testament to Moulis’s commitment to delivering impactful and innovative advertising solutions for its clients.

    “We are honoured to receive these two Maddys Awards 2024,” said Moulis Advertising MD & CEO Arvind Mittal. “These awards are a recognition of the creativity and hard work of our team. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of advertising and helping our clients achieve their communication/ marketing goals.”

  • ASUS announces its latest campaign ‘TUF Bano TUF!’

    ASUS announces its latest campaign ‘TUF Bano TUF!’

    Mumbai — ASUS is proud to announce the launch of its latest campaign, TUF Bano TUF!. The ASUS TUF Gaming laptops are crafted to deliver an unmatched gaming experience, seamlessly blending rugged build with powerful performance and everyday functionality. In a bold move to underpin the tough and immersive experience of the TUF Gaming laptops, ASUS has teamed up with The Great Khali, the first Indian-born World Heavyweight Champion in history.

    ASUS TUF Gaming laptops are engineered for gamers who demand top-tier performance and durability. This campaign solidifies ASUS TUF Gaming Laptops as the ultimate choice for those seeking a real, immersive gaming experience without compromising on everyday usability. The collaboration with The Great Khali is a testament to the strength and durability synonymous with the TUF Gaming brand.

    The campaign features a captivating storyline where Saloni Pawar, popularly known as Meow16K, a passionate gamer, showcases her new ASUS TUF Gaming laptop. Her friend, Rohan Ledwani, known in the esports arena as HydraFlick, is initially unimpressed but soon realizes the laptop’s true potential. As Meow selects The Great Khali as her in-game character, HydraFlick is astonished to experience Khali’s formidable presence in the room, illustrating the laptop’s ability to bring games to life with stunning realism. The campaign cleverly showcases the exceptional gaming experience provided by TUF, leaving HydraFlick in awe as everything returns to normal once the game ends.

    Speaking on the collaboration, The Great Khali said, “I’m thrilled to partner with ASUS. Just like in the ring, where strength and resilience are crucial, the TUF Gaming laptops are built to endure and perform at the highest level. This campaign perfectly captures the essence of toughness and the immersive experience that TUF Gaming offers.”

    “The Great Khali epitomizes the spirit of toughness and power, qualities that are fundamental to our TUF Series,” said ASUS India marketing head consumer PC & Gaming, Systems Group Paramjeet Singh. “Khali’s renowned legacy and formidable performance in the ring make him the ideal match for this campaign. Through this collaboration, we aim to showcase that TUF Gaming laptops are not just about playing games; they are about experiencing them in the most realistic and powerful way possible.”

  • GroupM elevates Ashwin Padmanabhan to chief operating officer, GroupM South Asia

    GroupM elevates Ashwin Padmanabhan to chief operating officer, GroupM South Asia

    Mumbai: GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, today announces the  elevation of Ashwin Padmanabhan as chief operating officer for South Asia.

    Ashwin, will now oversee a streamlined structure that brings together GroupM’s  extensive and diversified key practices. This includes Influencer Marketing, Content,  OOH offering and Nexus. Investments, Trading, Partnerships, Motion and Entertainment will continue to be part of his portfolio. Ashwin’s strategic vision will play a pivotal role  in seamlessly integrating GroupM’s diversified services, to develop and deliver a best in-class solution that unlocks value for clients and GroupM.

    As the current President of GroupM Investments, Trading, Partnerships, Motion and  Entertainment Ashwin’s commitment to innovation and process-driven excellence has  solidified GroupM’s position as a leader in client-centric and technically advanced  media solutions.

    GroupM South Asia CEO  Prasanth Kumar said, “Ashwin’s deep understanding of  client requirements and industry ecosystems and his proven track record ensures a  seamless alliance across respective domains. He will continue to drive synergies across multiple practices emphasizing simplicity and consolidation to consistently  deliver outstanding client work.”

    Padmanabhan said, “Clients  today are looking for bespoke operating strategies that help transform their  businesses and GroupM has always been an architect of new approaches when it  comes to its clients. I look forward to working with our teams to drive long-term  success for brands, bringing effectiveness and optimization to our services that  generate enduring impact.”

    Ashwin will continue to be based out of Gurgaon and report to Kumar. 

  • Inderniel Shivdasani joins Pepperfry as head of strategy and investor relations

    Inderniel Shivdasani joins Pepperfry as head of strategy and investor relations

    Mumbai: Pepperfry, an e-commerce furniture and home decor company, has announced the appointment of Inderniel Shivdasani as head of strategy and investor relations. In this role, Inderniel will be responsible for leading Pepperfry’s strategic initiatives and investor relations.

    Inderniel brings over 13 years of experience in finance, strategy, investor relations, and mergers & acquisitions, having held leadership roles at prominent companies in the consumer tech and healthcare industries. Most recently, he was director – corporate strategy at Cleartrip, playing a key role in the company’s 100 per cent acquisition by Flipkart in 2021. He also served as the chief of staff at Manipal Health Enterprises, where he spearheaded strategy, expansion, and business analysis initiatives.

    As head of strategy & investor relations, Inderniel will be responsible for communicating Pepperfry’s journey and future plans to the investor community, while leveraging the company’s strengths to drive profitable growth.

    Speaking on the new appointment, Pepperfry co-founder & CEO Ashish Shah said, “We are thrilled to welcome Inderniel to the Pepperfry team. His in-depth knowledge and expertise in managing investor relations, strategy, and financial reporting, combined with his proven track record of success in scaling businesses, makes him an asset to our organisation. We are confident that he will play a pivotal role in driving Pepperfry’s future growth and success.”

    Pepperfry’s newly appointed head, IR & strategy – Inderniel Shivdasani added, “I am excited to join Pepperfry at this pivotal moment in the company’s journey. As the category creator of the organized furniture and home decor market in India, Pepperfry has been instrumental in driving the growth of this industry. It is a leading player in the rapidly expanding online furniture and home décor market, and I look forward to working with the team to enhance its investor relations strategy and drive the company’s continued success.”

    Inderniel holds a B.E. in Chemical Engineering from Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, Mumbai and an MBA from T.A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

    Inderniel balances his professional acumen with a passion for adventure, travel, and sports. His pursuits range from adrenaline-fueled activities like cliff and bungee jumping to challenging road trips. He also enjoys his dose of sports or a run on the beach.

  • Disney Star onboards eleven sponsors for Wimbledon Championships 2024

    Disney Star onboards eleven sponsors for Wimbledon Championships 2024

    Mumbai: As the 2024 Wimbledon Championships commences today, Disney Star announces an impressive lineup of sponsors for the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament. This year, eleven sponsors, including brands like Hyundai, House of Glenfiddich, Jaquar, Castrol, Kohler, Zepto, Amul, Xiaomi, LIC, Natural Diamond Council and Disney Adventure Cruise Line have joined to support the event so far.

    “Wimbledon is one of the most coveted tennis championships, and we are thrilled by the sponsors who have come on board. The participation of these distinguished brands underscores the widespread appeal and prestige of this historic tournament. This diverse group of sponsors reflects the growing enthusiasm for tennis and emphasizes the importance of delivering varied content in today’s sports landscape. As the event unfolds, we look forward to providing an exceptional viewing experience for tennis fans across India,” said Disney Star head of network, advertising sales,  Ajit Varghese.

    The 2024 Wimbledon Championships promise thrilling tennis action on its historic grass courts. Reigning champions Carlos Alcaraz and Markéta Vondroušová will defend their titles, with Alcaraz coming off his maiden Wimbledon victory and Vondroušová making history as the first unseeded women’s singles champion in 2023.

    Disney Star unveils a stellar roster of brand sponsors for the 2024 Wimbledon Championship, ensuring extensive visibility and engagement opportunities throughout the tournament. Excitement builds as this grand sporting spectacle unfolds, celebrating the essence of Wimbledon with valued partners and viewers.

  • Neeraj Chopra’s ‘ZIDD FOR MORE’ inspires Under Armour’s brand campaign

    Neeraj Chopra’s ‘ZIDD FOR MORE’ inspires Under Armour’s brand campaign

    Mumbai: Under Armour’s campaign is inspired by Neeraj Chopra’s grit, resilience, determination and stubbornness. The ‘ZIDD FOR MORE’ campaign delves deep into the Olympic and World Champion’s ziddi mindset to never give up on his goal of bringing greater glory to the nation.

    The content for this awe-inspiring campaign was created by shooting hours and hours of Chopra’s intense training sessions over several days. The film opens with the line ‘Har Taiyaari Se Badkar Hai Ziddari’, a personal belief that Chopra lives by and demonstrates – battling exhaustion, injuries, and loneliness in foreign lands while relentlessly going about his gruelling regimen.

    “We are proud of our long partnership with Neeraj, one of India’s greatest athletes and an icon of today’s generation, who embodies the brand’s core values: grit, resilience, and determination. Through this campaign we endeavour to inspire all athletes and strengthen Under Armour’s position as India’s most loved athletic performance brand,” said Underdog Athletics’s MD and Under Armour exclusive India distributor and licensee Tushar Goculdas.

    “It’s great to have Under Armour supporting me, not just with the high-performance gear that enhances my performance during my training and competition, but also in sharing my journey to inspire the next generation of Indian athletes. This campaign resonates deeply with me because it carries a message I firmly believe in: stay focused, work hard, and pursue your dreams relentlessly,” said Neeraj Chopra.

    Neeraj is the first Asian to win Olympic Gold and a World Championship title in the Men’s Javelin Throw event, and one of only two Indians to win an individual Olympic gold. The 26 year old is one of the most consistent athletes in the world, achieving a podium finish in his last 26 competitive event since 2018.

    “We’re excited to see Under Armour’s ZIDD FOR MORE campaign come to life with Neeraj, our marquee athlete and Under Armour’s first Brand Ambassador in India. Neeraj has significantly inspired the next generation of Indian athletes and contributed to the growth of athletics in India. His success has unlocked the marketing potential of Olympic sports in the country. At JSW Sports, we see our talent roster elevating Indian sports and sponsorships, and campaigns like this from Under Armour play a crucial role in achieving that,” said JSW Sports COO Divyanshu Singh. JSW Sports has exclusively managed Neeraj since 2017.

    Under Armour’s ZIDD FOR MORE campaign not only celebrates Chopra’s journey but also encourages the entire nation to participate by sharing their own stories of perseverance using the hashtag #ZIDDFORMORE. This collective narrative of determination aims to create a community of inspiration, motivating individuals to push beyond their limits and achieve their personal best.

  • Shaadi.com launches new ad campaign for VIP Matchmaking service

    Shaadi.com launches new ad campaign for VIP Matchmaking service

    Mumbai: Shaadi.com, the most trusted matchmaking site, has launched a campaign to promote its personalised and exclusive matchmaking services, VIP Shaadi.com. The platform has upped the ante by introducing a premium service for the elite looking for potential partners. The ad campaign, involving a TVC and a digital ad that features famous actor Ronit Roy, focuses on the benefits of using the elite matchmaking service.

    Trusted by 5000+ HNIs and business families, VIP Shaadi.com is a unique endeavour with a team of skilled professionals arduously curating and verifying profiles of genuine people seeking serious marital prospects. Trust is essential in any marriage, and VIP Shaadi.com provides that for parents of eligible singles to safely manoeuvre through online matchmaking.

    The membership service handpicks the profiles of the prospects, taking into consideration their lifestyle, core values, and familial environment, and arranges assured meetings. The 1000+ testimonials of successful marriages through VIP Shaadi.com boast five times higher success rates than any ordinary matchmaking service. The discreet profiles and 100 per cent confidentiality further strengthen the trust between the clients and consultants.

    Shaadi.com VP marketing Adhish Zaveri said, “Our matchmaking service, VIP Shaadi.com, for the crème de la crème, provides exclusivity with the options for serious prospects along with compatibility via a thorough vetting process to verify genuine profiles. The human aspect in assistance while finding the perfect match results in increased chances of success. This venture is not only a matchmaking service but a surety of a successful companionship and further solidifies Shaadi.com’s position as India’s no.1 matchmaking platform.”

    In one of the promotional videos, Ronit Roy approaches his daughter hand-in-glove with a consultant, acting sceptical about handing the matchmaking task to an agent. However the daughter, after looking at the profiles and conviction of the consultant, asks him to leave it to experts, highlighting the trust factor. In another advertisement, Ronit Roy lists the advantages of subscribing to VIP Shaadi.com.

    Ronit Roy, who features in the campaign for VIP Shaadi.com, said, “The vision of VIP Shaadi.com complements very well with the needs of the new generation, which is very careful while treading through the marital aspect of their lives. The privacy features and premium consulting are a great way to establish trust. I’m pleased to associate with a pioneering brand like Shaadi.com which is India’s most trusted matchmaking platform.”

    VIP Shaadi.com is a novel enterprise to find the perfect companion amidst uncertainty in the pool of matchmaking services. The VIP consultants make the complex process easier guiding you and maintaining confidentiality. The meticulous verification process aids the curation process, achieving a higher compatibility rate for the clients. It is an urbane outlook for the online matchmaking process, refining it for the newer generation.

  • Ampverse DMI appoints Sona Mazumdar as general manager

    Ampverse DMI appoints Sona Mazumdar as general manager

    Mumbai: Ampverse DMI, a leader in the gaming and entertainment sector, has announced the appointment of Sona Mazumdar as the head of its newly launched marketing solutions unit targeted to revolutionize the Indian Gaming market. Having successfully collaborated with over 300 top brands such as Porsche, Samsung, Riot Games, KFC, and Coca-Cola across Asia, Ampverse aims to replicate its Southeast Asian success in the Indian market.

    Sona Mazumdar, known for her proven track record in spearheading transformative marketing initiatives, will lead this new venture, driving growth and innovation in the gaming sector for Ampverse DMI in India.  A seasoned professional, Sona has previously served as the chief partnership officer at Kidzania for eight years. Being a part of the initial leadership team; Sona played a pivotal role in forging key long term strategic partnerships for the company and helped scale the business.

    With over two decades of experience of working across diverse entertainment sectors in India, she excels in structured problem-solving, data analysis, and strategic execution, making her a trusted advisor to Board and C-level stakeholders. She has been instrumental in forging the joint venture between DMI and Ampverse.

    Commenting on Sona’s appointment, Ampverse CEO Charlie Baillie stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Sona Mazumdar as the GM of our marketing solutions vertical. A seasoned professional, Sona has a proven track record in crafting impactful campaigns and building robust client relationships. Her expertise aligns perfectly with our vision to revolutionize brand engagement within and beyond the gaming community in India.

    With Sona’s strategic vision and extensive experience, we are confident in our ability to set new standards in marketing excellence and drive our ambitious growth objectives, creating a lasting impact in this dynamic market.” 

    An industry veteran in media and entertainment, Sona is also known for her role as an evangelist, combining gaming and entertainment to showcase this powerful medium for brands to reach millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha. She specializes in creating, proposing, and developing medium-term brand alliances and partnerships with CMOs and brand leaders across multiple gaming, esports, and digital entertainment sectors.

    “The gaming industry has always captivated me with its limitless potential for creativity and connection. I see immense potential in India to enhance how brands connect and engage with Gen Z and Gen Alpha through gaming,” remarked Sona Mazumdar. “My focus will be on building strong partnerships, leading innovative initiatives, and implementing

    strategies that will redefine engagement in this dynamic market. Ampverse DMI’s established ecosystem and commitment to innovation provide a solid foundation to bring global best practices and localized strategies to our clients.”enabling us to provide them with a one stop shop solution for reaching out to the TG”

    Sona’s leadership is extended to a honorary role as the National President of the Gaming, Esports and Digital Entertainment Council at Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI), where her role is to include more women professionals in this fast-growing gaming industry, laying out key action points and organizing industry-expanding discussions.

    Sona is one of the founding members of COGS (Changemakers of Gurgaon@Scale), where she works with the community to create transformation projects, including efforts to convert Gurgaon into one of the world’s top 50 most sustainable cities.

    As part of the core team, Neha Sethi Mehta will be leading sales, based in Gurgaon. Neha brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as the regional lead for Kidzania for seven years being a key contributor for the organization.