Category: Media and Advertising

  • Nasher Miles appoints Anil Verma as chief strategy officer

    Nasher Miles appoints Anil Verma as chief strategy officer

    Mumbai: Nasher Miles, the premium luggage brand known for its vibrant and stylish designs, is thrilled to announce the appointment of industry veteran Anil Verma as chief strategy officer, effective immediately. This strategic move strengthens Nasher Miles’ position following their recent triumph on Shark Tank India.

    Prior to joining Nasher Miles, Anil held key leadership positions in various multinational companies like Purplle.com, Samsonite, and Delsey Paris. Throughout his distinguished career, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a collaborative approach. His commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence aligns perfectly with Nasher Miles’ vision. Having established itself as a top brand in the online marketplaces, Nasher Miles is now poised to test the waters of the offline market. Anil’s extensive experience will be instrumental in leading this expansion strategy. In his role, he will guide the brand’s foray into brick-and-mortar retail, ensuring a seamless customer experience across all touchpoints.

    In his role as chief strategy officer, Anil will oversee the company’s overall strategic direction, encompassing product development, finance, and operations. This holistic approach will ensure Nasher Miles remains agile and adaptable in the ever-evolving business landscape. By focusing on innovative product design, financial discipline, and operational excellence, Anil will contribute to Nasher Miles’ long-term growth trajectory.

    Fresh off their remarkable feat of securing an All-Shark Deal on Shark Tank India Season 3, Nasher Miles is poised for significant growth. Anil Verma’s deep understanding of global markets within the luggage sector, and the e-commerce ecosystem will be instrumental in driving this growth and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. He will play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s long-term vision and ensuring Nasher Miles remains agile and adaptable in the ever-evolving business landscape.

    Nasher Miles founder & chairman Abhishek Daga said, “We are delighted to welcome Anil Verma to the Nasher Miles leadership team. His strategic expertise and proven ability to navigate complex challenges, particularly within the luggage industry, will be invaluable as we build upon the momentum generated by our appearance on Shark Tank India. We are confident that Anil’s leadership will propel Nasher Miles to new heights.”

    Nasher Miles’ CTO Anil Verma said, “I am incredibly excited to join Nasher Miles at this pivotal moment in the brand’s journey. The company’s commitment to innovation and its impressive success on Shark Tank India demonstrate tremendous potential for growth. I am confident that my experience can help Nasher Miles capitalize on emerging opportunities and achieve its long-term vision. I look forward to collaborating with the talented Nasher Miles team to propel the brand to even greater heights.”

    Anil Verma’s passion for driving meaningful change, coupled with his strategic vision and deep industry expertise, makes him an invaluable asset to the Nasher Miles team. Nasher Miles’ journey from bootstrapping with zero external funding for six years to securing an All-Shark Deal on Shark Tank India is a testament to the brand’s resilience, vision, and commitment to excellence. This historic achievement not only validates Nasher Miles’ unique value proposition but also showcases the confidence that the esteemed Shark Tank India judges have in the brand’s potential for future success.

  • Akums unveils BHAROSA campaign celebrating 20 years

    Akums unveils BHAROSA campaign celebrating 20 years

    Mumbai: Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs), launches its 20th anniversary campaign, “BHAROSA – Two Decades of Trust, Going Strong.” The campaign marks an important milestone in its journey within the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. Through the Bharosa campaign, Akums seeks to raise awareness about its steadfast commitment to sustainability and innovation, both of which align with the company’s long-term vision and core values.

    In 2023, the Indian pharmaceutical market soared to a value of $22.7 billion. Projections indicate a robust trajectory, with expectations for the market to expand to $35.09 billion by 2028, showcasing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5 per cent during the period of 2023-2028. Akums’ success in the pharmaceutical industry is evident through its market leadership and commitment to innovation. With a market share of 9.3 per cent of the total addressable Indian domestic CDMO market by value and 8.8 per cent in the IPM market by volume in FY23, Akums has consistently demonstrated its leadership in the domestic CDMO market. Notably, its market share in the Indian domestic CDMO market surged to 29.4 per cent by value in FY23, up from 26.7 per cent in FY21.

    Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd MD Sanjeev Jain, expressed his sentiments on the occasion, stating, “April 19, 2004 marks a significant milestone for Akums as we celebrate two decades of longstanding and trusted relationships. Our dedication lies in continuously inspiring and fortifying this trust while cultivating collaborative relationships with all our stakeholders. We work diligently to adapt to customer demands. Our commitment extends beyond products. We strive to develop innovative formulations, while undertaking initiatives to contribute to the communities in which we have our operations.”. “

    Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd MD Sandeep Jain, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the company’s vision for the future, “Since its inception in 2004, Akums has established its commitment to innovation and excellence, manufacturing over 4,000 commercialised formulations across more than 60 dosage forms, across a range of therapeutic areas. With a focus on research and development, we developed over 200 formulations, addressing the evolving needs of our clientele. Akums is positioned to contribute to global healthcare solutions. Our 11 operating manufacturing units and four dedicated R&D facilities underscore our commitment to capacity and innovation. Supported by 24 in-house technologies and a team of 332 R&D scientists, we maintain an established track record of excellence in research and development. Looking ahead, our long-term vision for 2030 is to emerge as a global leader in pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing, while steadfastly upholding our values of trust, excellence, and innovation.”

    As the ‘Dream Employer of the Year’ in 2023 (as awarded by Times Ascent), Akums prioritises workforce development to ensure product safety and consistency. With a global presence spanning 53 countries, the company is backed by major certifications such as WHO-GMP, ISO 9001:2015, and ISO 14001:2015, along with various international accreditations. Acknowledged for its commitment to excellence, Akums has received many awards and accolades, including the India Pharma Award for Excellence in Contract Research & Manufacturing for 2021 by Informa Markets.

    As Akums charts its course for continued growth and innovation, the Bharosa campaign highlights its position as a trusted and long-term resource to the pharmaceutical industry.

  • Stepathlon strengthens advisory board with renowned industry leaders

    Stepathlon strengthens advisory board with renowned industry leaders

    Mumbai: Global fan engagement and data platform Stepathlon welcomes four new esteemed advisors to its already impressive advisory board:

    . Jim Glover is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in global partnerships and client relationships. He previously served as deputy chairman at CSM Sport and Entertainment, where he played a key role in driving growth and success

    .  Ashutosh Srivastava, a renowned media and entertainment expert with extensive experience as former CEO of GroupM in APAC, who brings deep understanding of fan engagement, content creation, and brand building

    .  Nextdoor co-founder and CTO Prakash Janakiraman, who brings his expertise in leveraging data to drive business growth and unlock the power of user insights and personalize experiences.

    . Advait Pandit, a seasoned technology leader with over 20 years of experience building high-growth companies, comes in with his experience as Chief Architect at JioMart. His experience in product development, market strategies, and scaling operations will be crucial as Stepathlon expands its reach.

    Stepathlon founder and CEO Ravi Krishnan said: “We are privileged to welcome Jim, Ashutosh, Prakash and Advait to the Stepathlon Advisory Board. Their diverse expertise aligns perfectly with our vision for business growth. Their insights and guidance will be instrumental in creating innovative experiences that connect with audiences on a deeper level and to drive qualitative and quantitative benefits for our business, our clients and their stakeholders.”

    Excited to collaborate with Stepathlon, the advisors shared their perspectives.

    Jim Glover stated: “Throughout my career, I have witnessed the power of sports to unite communities and inspire individuals. Stepathlon’s innovative approach to fan engagement leverages this power to create meaningful experiences that go beyond the game. I’m thrilled to join the team and contribute my experience to help them unlock the full potential of their platform and connect with fans in even more impactful ways.”

    Ashutosh Srivastava added  “I’m passionate about the power of storytelling and community engagement, and Stepathlon’s platform has the potential to create truly transformative experiences for fans. I’m excited to contribute my expertise to deepen their audience connections and enhance engagement.”

    Prakash Janakiraman added “I see Stepathlon as a platform brimming with data potential. Its commitment to ethical collection and personalized experiences resonates deeply with my values. Leveraging my expertise in uncovering  user insights and driving data-driven growth, I’m excited to join the team and help Stepathlon realise its full potential to create positive change for fans, rightsholders, and brands alike.”

    Advait Pandit added: “The ability to scale and adapt to a growing audience is crucial for any successful platform. Stepathlon’s unique proposition lies in its flexibility and inclusivity, and I’m excited to bring my experience in building scalable technology solutions to support their expansion plans. I believe that by optimizing both the user experience and operational efficiency, we can further harness the immense potential of Stepathlon to engage and connect with even wider communities.”

  • Protium launches #LetsGetFinanciallyLiterate campaign

    Protium launches #LetsGetFinanciallyLiterate campaign

    Mumbai: Protium, a leading tech-driven startup that takes a risk-focused approach to aid MSMEs and consumers, announces the launch of its #LetsGetFinanciallyLiterate campaign during financial literacy month. With a steadfast commitment to empowering entrepreneurs with essential financial knowledge, Protium aims to demystify the complexities of lending processes and foster informed decision-making within the MSME community.

    MSMEs contribute significantly to India’s economy, accounting for 30 per cent of the country’s GDP, 48 per cent of total exports, and employing approximately 40 per cent of the total workforce. However, despite their pivotal role, many MSMEs face challenges due to a lack of financial literacy, hindering their ability to access funding and grow sustainably.

    Understanding the pivotal role MSME plays in bolstering the national economy, Protium aims to address the pervasive lack of familiarity with essential financial concepts that often hinder entrepreneurs from accessing the resources they need to thrive.

    Partner at Protium, Amit Garg said “In a market where change is constant and policies evolve rapidly, it’s imperative that we support mid and small-sized businesses in every possible way. Empowering MSMEs with financial literacy isn’t just about driving economic growth; it’s about nurturing resilience and unleashing their true potential. In line with this commitment, our #LetsGetFinanciallyLiterate campaign stands as a beacon, offering practical knowledge and support to MSMEs”.

    To kickstart this initiative, Protium has taken a proactive approach, revamping its daily blogs to provide educational content focused on fundamental financial principles. Additionally, the company conducted a comprehensive survey revealing widespread gaps in financial literacy among MSMEs. This insight serves as the foundation for the campaign’s educational content.

    As the cornerstone of the campaign, Protium is producing a series of educational videos featuring insights from its partners on key financial topics. These videos aim to provide deeper understanding and practical guidance.

    Furthermore, the #LetsGetFinanciallyLiterate campaign will culminate in a series of follow-up articles authored by Protium, offering additional support and guidance to entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their financial literacy. Through these efforts, Protium remains steadfast in its mission to promote financial literacy and empower the MSME community to achieve sustainable growth and success.

  • BIG FM culminates Main Bhi Finance Minister Season 3 on a high note

    BIG FM culminates Main Bhi Finance Minister Season 3 on a high note

    Mumbai: BIG FM successfully concludes the third season of ‘Main Bhi Finance Minister’, a campaign focused on inspiring women to be their own Finance Minister. Hosted by renowned RJ – RJ Rani, famous for her afternoon show ‘Aap Jaisi Rani’, the month-long program was sponsored by the leading stock market learning institute – Avadhut Sathe Trading Academy. The campaign served as a dynamic platform dedicated to bridging financial disparities and promoting gender equality. Adding an entertaining twist, BIG FM roped in the famous rapper AGSY for an enthralling anthem for this initiative.

    Throughout the campaign, a wide range of engaging activities and thought-provoking discussions took place, fostering a dynamic and interactive environment. The campaign featured a stellar lineup of celebrities such as Alia Bhatt, Yami Gautam, Adah Sharma, Saiyami Kher, Sharvari Wagh, Mahi Gil, Palak Mucchal, Mannara Chopra and Krishna Shroff. Finance specialists like Pooja Bhinde, a Certified Financial Planner and Dr. Priyanka Singh from the Ministry of Finance, also offered invaluable investment advice and tips. Furthermore, the campaign featured a series of impactful sessions that offered a mix of different perspectives and advice on how to manage their finances. Sessions like ‘Men Supporting Women’ provided valuable insights from finance experts.

    A ‘BIG Female Jock Round Table Conference’ was also conducted which brought together leading voices like RJ Rani, RJ Nisha, RJ Rashi & RJ Pamela, sharing their views on life and finance for women. Participants had the opportunity to share their personal stories and be a part of spontaneous discussions. The campaign reached its culmination with the compelling stories of five real women making significant strides in the investment space. These narratives were expertly presented by Avadhut Sathe as part of the ‘5 Stories of Laxmi’ series. As a part of the initiative, the radio network also released a special anthem for ‘Main Bhi Finance Minister’ with Rapper Agsy & RJ Rani in both video and audio format.

    Sharing his thoughts, Sunil Kumaran, COO, BIG FM, remarked, “We are immensely proud to witness the overwhelming response and support from women across the nation. This engagement reflects the proactive steps women are taking to strengthen the economy collectively. Through ‘Main Bhi Finance Minister,’ our primary objective was to educate and address gender disparities. As we conclude the campaign, the collective participation of both genders in educating women has propelled us towards the crucial goal of bridging the gender gap. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our sponsor and everyone else who shared their expertise and contributed towards our goal of empowering women.”

    As part of the campaign, financial training workshop for women was also hosted by Avadhut Sathe alongside the engaging BIG RJs – RJ Neetu, RJ Bhawna and RJ Pamela who provided attendees with a platform to ask questions and gain valuable insights on financial literacy. The workshop marked a transformative experience, attracting over hundreds of participants from across India. With a significant turnout both online and offline at the Avadhut Sathe Trading Academy located in Mulund, the event demonstrated widespread engagement and enthusiasm. Audio bytes capturing the essence of this event were broadcast across all shows, ensuring that the impact of the workshop resonated far beyond its immediate audience.

  • Chris Rock narrates NBA’s new campaign: ‘Playoff Mode. It’s a Thing’

    Chris Rock narrates NBA’s new campaign: ‘Playoff Mode. It’s a Thing’

    Mumbai – The NBA has debuted its new campaign, “Playoff Mode. It’s a Thing,” which is now streaming across all @NBA social platforms and on the NBA App.  The campaign premieres tonight on TNT during the 2024 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, which tips off with the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the New Orleans Pelicans at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Golden State Warriors visiting the Sacramento Kings at 10:00 p.m. ET, as each team competes to secure a spot in the 2024 NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel.

    Narrated by actor, filmmaker and comedy icon Chris Rock, “Playoff Mode. It’s a Thing” highlights NBA players as they prepare to compete for postseason glory and earn a spot in the NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV.

    Two-time Kia NBA Most Valuable Player and 2023 NBA champion Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets) and five-time NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) headline a cast of NBA stars that includes Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Chet Holmgren (Thunder), Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Jalen Williams (Thunder). The players are joined by ESPN’s Malika Andrews, TNT Sports analyst and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, Latin music superstar Anuel AA, celebrity chef Guy Fieri and five-time GRAMMY Award-winning rapper Lil Wayne.

    The film opens with Tatum in a press conference as Andrews poses a simple question: “Is Playoff Jayson a thing?”  Although he denies it, the highlights speak for themselves.  Rock then asks each player the same question, to which all repeatedly insist, “It’s not a thing” over a string of highlights that prove otherwise.  Ultimately, Rock arrives at the only acceptable conclusion – it’s clearly a thing.

    “The campaign plays on the idea that the playoffs unlock an elevated version of all of us, from passionate fans to the unrivaled competitors across the league,” said NBA Chief Marketing Officer Tammy Henault. “We are also thrilled to unveil a new original sound that captures the spirit of the game, and over time, will build association with our fans around the world, instantly igniting their excitement for the NBA.”

    “Playoff Mode. It’s a Thing”, which was directed by Felix Brady and created in collaboration with Translation.  A corresponding print, digital and audio campaign will also be featured in high-impact placements such as out-of-home across more than ten U.S. cities and at major events.

    Ahead of the NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel, the league is also debuting its first signature sonic brand identity which captures the authentic sounds of the game – the bounce of the ball, the squeak of a sneaker on hardwood, the growing anticipation of the crowd and the scoring swish of the net.  The sound is synchronized with a dynamic animation of the NBA logo, creating a sensory association for fans and connecting them to premium, authentic content across the league’s digital portfolio.  Fans will see and hear the new identity in the NBA Original all-access postseason docuseries “Chasing History,” which debuted on April 15 on the NBA App, as well as other content within the NBA’s digital platforms. The next episode of “Chasing History,” which will recap the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, will be available on Saturday, April 20.

    The SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament tips off tonight on TNT with Lakers vs. Pelicans at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by Warriors vs. Kings at 10:00 p.m. ET.  It continues Wednesday on ESPN when the Miami Heat visit the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:00 p.m. ET and the Chicago Bulls host the Atlanta Hawks at 9:30 p.m. ET.  The SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament will conclude on Friday, April 19.  The NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel will begin on Saturday, April 20. 

  • The Health Factory announces exciting collaboration with Uorfi Javed

    The Health Factory announces exciting collaboration with Uorfi Javed

    Mumbai: The Health Factory, renowned for its commitment to wholesome and nutritious food products, has proudly announced its latest collaboration with actor Uorfi Javed. This partnership marks a significant step in the brand’s mission to inspire healthier eating habits by advocating for the consumption of the right bread for daily nutritional needs.

    Partnering up with fashion and social media icon Uorfi Javed, known for setting fashion trends, The Health Factory aims to captivate Gen Z and a broader audience through an engaging social media reel. The reel ad will be shared across various digital and social media platforms and major media channels, offering entertaining content to encourage viewers to choose healthier Original Zero Maida Bread over regular whole wheat or brown bread.

    Expressing her excitement about the collaboration, Uorfi Javed said, “As an actor, I hold deep commitment to staying healthy.  I consciously opt for clean eating, prefer gluten-free products as it is the way to go for a healthier gut, while propogating healthier lifestyle choices. The Health Factory’s initiative is inspiring millennials and Gen Zs to reimagine their bread choices. It’s been an absolute joy being a part of this campaign.”

    At the heart of this collaboration lies the message encapsulated in the slogan #Bread Badlo Aadat Nahi (Change the Bread, Not the Habit), reflecting The Health Factory’s innovative stance on reshaping attitudes towards bread consumption. Through compelling content, the collaboration aims to disseminate this message to a wider audience across various digital platforms.

    The reel seamlessly showcases the brand’s range of breads, all free from added preservatives and colors, ensuring guilt-free indulgence for consumers. With Uorfi Javed leading the reel, The Health Factory harnesses the power of social media to spearhead a movement towards informed choices in daily consumption.

    The Health Factory’s products are readily available for purchase offline at general and modern retail stores in Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, or online via leading e-commerce platforms such as Bigbasket, Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart.

    This collaboration highlights the unique selling points of Original Zero Maida Bread, emphasising its freedom from added preservatives and colors, guaranteeing a guilt-free indulgence for consumers. With Uorfi Javed at the forefront, The Health Factory leverages the influence of social media to champion informed decisions in daily consumption habits.

  • Wieden+Kennedy turns Kyoorius’ initiative into an industry wake-up call

    Wieden+Kennedy turns Kyoorius’ initiative into an industry wake-up call

    Mumbai: This year, Kyoorius Creative Awards has introduced a special initiative to empower younger, growing agencies. For the first time, participants whose entries don’t make it past the first round of judging have a special incentive – they will get back 50 per cent of their entry fee, per entry. This is also the year when newer kinds of participation are being encouraged, be it for regional or for pharma.

    Their creative partner, Wieden+Kennedy India, felt this was an apt opportunity to take this brief to the next level. They’ve taken Kyoorius’s initiative of ‘giving something back’ to an industry-level clarion call, urging every member from adland to give back more to the industry that has made them.

    “Kyoorius has grown beyond an award, it has become the industry’s voice, that’s why this year’s campaign isn’t just about the award, it’s about addressing the uncomfortable realities in advertising and igniting the change it needs.” Wieden+Kennedy India chief creative officer Santosh Padhi (Paddy).

    “When I heard of Paddy’s brainchild, ‘Give Back’, it struck a chord with me. I know the world of Indian advertising is going through its toughest challenges and if we all don’t take ownership of our problems, if we don’t introspect and evolve, then who will?” shared Kyoorius founder CEO Rajesh Kejriwal.

    W+K Mumbai ECD Yogesh Rijhwani added “Our creative team found a way to express each hard-hitting message through some stunning typography, which has become the visual voice of the campaign. We enjoyed the love, especially for craft, in the comments section of these posts.”

    The campaign started on 21 Feb and has had more than 30 posts since. The creatives will continue to be shared till the actual day of the event.

    W+K partnered with Nirvana’s Rajiv Rao for a funnier take on Give Back video, featuring prominent ad landers and marketing names.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by kyoorius (@kyoorius)

     

  • Logic Fruit Technologies INC appoints Akshaya Sharma as CEO of US operations

    Logic Fruit Technologies INC appoints Akshaya Sharma as CEO of US operations

    Mumbai: Logic Fruit Technologies INC – one of the fastest-growing providers of IPs, embedded solutions, and product engineering services has announced the onboarding of Akshaya Sharma as the new CEO to oversee the company’s US operations.

    Akshaya possesses an extensive experience of more than two decades in engineering and business leadership. His ability to leverage big data, data science and software engineering to deliver impactful solutions will be instrumental in facilitating the overseas business expansion of Logic Fruit. As part of his new role, he will be responsible for formulating impactful go-to-market strategies and driving sales growth.

    Elated about joining Logic Fruit Technologies, Akshaya Sharma said, “I am honoured to lead the US operations of a disruptive deep-tech company that has revolutionised the market with its innovative engineering capabilities. I look forward to working with the talented team to drive innovation, deliver exceptional solutions, and contribute to the company’s continued success.”

    Being optimistic about Akshaya’s appointment, Fruit Technologies Pvt Ltd co-founder and CEO Sanjeev Kumar Logic said, “We are delighted to have Akshaya Sharma onboard. His skills and leadership will help drive the company’s international expansion and undoubtedly, his role will contribute significantly to our continued success.”

    With his directional acumen and proficiency, Akshaya demonstrates a proven track record of sales transformation and growth. Prior to joining Logic Fruit Technologies, Sharma held key positions at prestigious companies including Netflix and Uber. This helped him gain recognition for overseeing the development of data-driven applications using AI, machine learning, and computer vision.