ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Bimaplan appoints Anurag Mishra as CEO to lead global expansion

    Bimaplan appoints Anurag Mishra as CEO to lead global expansion

    MUMBAI: Bimaplan appointed seasoned international banker Anurag Mishra as its chief executive officer. This strategic leadership transition comes as the company sharpens its focus on profitability and accelerates expansion into global markets.

    Mishra brings nearly 30 years of experience in global banking and financial services, most recently serving as Regional Head for Global Trade, Commodity & Supply Chain Finance at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, managing complex financial operations across emerging markets. Previously, he spent 15 years at Standard Chartered Bank, including a tenure as CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, Nepal, where he led transformative initiatives and built strong institutional relationships across regulatory and diplomatic circles.

    “Anurag’s deep expertise in financial services and emerging markets makes him the ideal partner for Bimaplan’s next phase of growth,” said Bimaplan founder Vikul Goyal. “While I continue to focus on product innovation and strategic partnerships, Anurag will drive operational excellence and business expansion.”

    The leadership change coincides with Bimaplan’s growing global ambitions. Following the successful launch of its first international program in Zambia, in partnership with a local microfinance institution, the company is now actively expanding across the Middle East and Africa. These regions represent significant opportunities for Bimaplan’s technology-first approach to embedded insurance, designed to seamlessly integrate coverage into financial platforms.

    “The global embedded insurance market holds immense potential to enhance financial inclusion,” said Mishra. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to forge strategic partnerships and navigate regulatory landscapes across key emerging markets.”

    Since its founding, Bimaplan has delivered insurance solutions to nearly 5 million customers by embedding policies into digital journeys at the point of transaction. This model has proven especially effective in reaching underserved segments traditionally left out by conventional insurance distribution.

    Operating under Purple Umbrella Fintech Pvt Ltd, Bimaplan has built partnerships with leading insurers and digital platforms in India. The company is backed by marquee investors including Orios Venture Partners, Y Combinator, and Finsight Ventures, having raised $6 million across two funding rounds.

    “Bimaplan’s leadership transition marks a pivotal moment in its evolution into a global insurtech leader,” said Sukhmani Bedi, Partner at Orios Venture Partners. “Anurag’s international experience, combined with Vikul’s entrepreneurial vision, sets the stage for sustainable growth across emerging markets.”

  • Meru Life announces leadership move as VML’s Kalpesh Patel charts transition to co-founder and COO role

    Meru Life announces leadership move as VML’s Kalpesh Patel charts transition to co-founder and COO role

    MUMBAI: Meru Life announced the appointment of Kalpesh Patel as Co-Founder, COO, and Head of Technology. He will be overseeing technology and operations for Meru Life.

    With close to three decades of experience leading cross-functional technology teams across services and product ecosystems, Kalpesh is joining Meru Life at a pivotal time in its journey. In his new role, he will be responsible for driving the company’s end-to-end technology vision, scaling platform capabilities, running operations, and building user-first digital products tailored for India’s growing 55+ demographic.

    Before serving as head of operations at VML Enterprise Solutions (India), Kalpesh held the position of Senior Vice President – MarTech at Mirum India, a VML Company, where he led the company’s marketing technology vertical, overseeing software engineering teams and spearheading the execution of large-scale digital transformation projects. Under his leadership, Mirum’s MarTech practice evolved into a platform-agnostic delivery hub for international clients looking for expertise in customer experience, engineering, and CRM. He also helped with the evolution and operations of VML Enterprise Solutions India Hub.

    Speaking on his appointment, Kalpesh Patel shared, “Technology, when built right, can unlock dignity, joy, and ease, especially in the later stages of life. Meru Life’s purpose of enabling Active Seniors to live empowered, independent lives resonates deeply with my belief that tech should serve people, not overwhelm them. I look forward to co-creating an ecosystem that is intuitive, scalable, and purpose-built to enhance the everyday experiences of our country’s Active Seniors.”

    Welcoming him to the leadership team, Meru Life co-founder & CEO, Mihir Karkare noted, “Kalpesh brings the perfect blend of technical depth, product thinking, and purpose-driven leadership that we need at this stage of our growth. His ability to lead agile, scalable technology teams will be instrumental as we expand Meru Life’s platform and build products that truly serve the needs of India’s Active Seniors with clarity, accessibility, and care. We’re excited for this next chapter with him.”

    Kalpesh’s appointment reflects Meru Life’s continued investment in building senior-first, future-ready products and services to support India’s active seniors in their journey toward better health, connection, and independence.

  • McDonald’s India launches ‘It’s a McD Thing’ campaign – redefining ‘Adda’ culture

    McDonald’s India launches ‘It’s a McD Thing’ campaign – redefining ‘Adda’ culture

    MUMBAI – Celebrating the magic of togetherness and spontaneous moments that have defined the McDonald’s experience for generations, McDonald’s India (West & South) has launched its latest brand campaign – ‘It’s a McD Thing’. This new campaign conceptualised by DDB Mudra is all about the strategic narrative that elevates McDonald’s restaurants into a cultural canvas where life’s unscripted moments create lasting connections and memories.

    The campaign launches with two distinctive films that capture unique ‘McD moments’ in different contexts. The first film beautifully leverages behavioural insights about Gen Z’s relationship with physical spaces in an increasingly digital world. The narrative centers on a quintessential ‘McD moment’ where a group of concert-bound friends are enjoying their time at McDonald’s before heading out to the event. Instead of getting disheartened the group spontaneously orchestrated a jam session using McDonald’s food, packaging, beverages, and table-tapping beats, transforming disappointment into a moment of joy and connection.

    The second film highlights McDonald’s as a destination for professionals working late at night. Set in a quiet office during late hours, it follows a programmer who is startled by mysterious growling sounds. The tension builds until he discovers it’s simply his colleague’s hungry stomach. The scene transitions to both of them enjoying a meal at McDonald’s, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to being there whenever hunger strikes. The tagline ‘Your night shift, our night shift’ emphasizes McDonald’s presence during unconventional hours and showcases the brand’s regional connection.

    McDonald’s India (W&S) CMO Arvind R.P. said, “McDonald’s has been that special place where friends gather, celebrations happen, and everyday moments become memories. With ‘It’s a McD Thing,’ we are celebrating those authentic connections and spontaneous moments that can only happen at McDonald’s where our food becomes the backdrop for life’s meaningful experiences.”

    DDB Mudra executive creative directors, Harshada Menon & Siddhesh Khatavkar said, “McDonald’s has its own unwritten rules when it comes to the way fans order, eat, share and hang out. With ‘It’s a McD Thing’, we wanted to spotlight those quirks and rituals that are so familiar, iconic, and happen only at McDonald’s. In other words, it’s not just a place to eat; it’s where stories begin. A cultural space where everyday moments turn into lasting memories. That’s what makes McDonald’s unique.”

    The campaign taps into the memories of those who grew up with McDonald’s as their go-to meetup spot, from first dates and post-exam celebrations to late-night study sessions and weekend hangouts. It acknowledges the restaurant’s unique position in India’s cultural fabric as an ‘adda’ or communal gathering space that crosses generations.

    The films are also created with a distinctly local flavour and the tagline ‘Our food, your mood’. This campaign has been rolled out across television, digital platforms, and in-restaurant promotions designed to encourage user-generated content.

    The brand films were created to resonate with both Gen Z customers who are creating new memories at McDonald’s and older customers who carry fond recollections of their own McDonald’s moments from years past.

    Every Indian has a McDonald’s story, whether it’s celebrating a birthday, catching up with old friends, or just grabbing a quick bite during college breaks. This campaign is an invitation to remember those special McDonald’s moments and create new ones. That’s what makes it ‘a McD thing’. Those shared experiences happen naturally when good food and good company come together.

  • We are firm believers that tools don’t build brands, stories do: Art-E Media’s Rohit Sakunia

    We are firm believers that tools don’t build brands, stories do: Art-E Media’s Rohit Sakunia

    MUMBAI: Fancy a tale of entrepreneurial derring-do? Look no further than Art-E Mediatech Private Ltd, better known as Art-E Media, a marketing and technology maven that burst onto the scene in 2018. What began as a mere septet of tech-savvy chaps toiling in a humble garage has, in a rather spiffing turn of events, mushroomed into a formidable force of over 150 bright sparks, affectionately dubbed “ArtEans”. With a footprint stretching from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the glittering towers of Dubai, via Delhi and Bangalore, this outfit isn’t just playing the game; it’s practically written the rulebook for full-stack marketing, creator content, and tech artistry.

    Over the years, Art-E Media has been canoodling with some rather grand names – the sort that make rivals green with envy. Think Google, Coursera, TCL, Sharp, Panasonic, Pantaloon, Ceat Tyres, Jubilant Foods, IndiaMART, Flipkart Seller Hub, Realme Smartphones, and even Hero.

    At the heart of this empire stands Rohit Sakunia, a chap who clearly doesn’t believe in modest ambitions. This whizz-kid not only birthed Art-E Media but also propelled it to a staggering $10 million in annual revenue within a mere four years. But wait, there’s more! He also cooked up INVIZ, which raked in a cool $1.5 million in its sophomore year. Running a tight ship, he’s overseen a crew of over 100, masterminding delivery, creative genius, and the nitty-gritty of business development. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s pumped out content that’s garnered millions of organic views, forging brand equity and building businesses like a true titan of industry.

    Indiantelevision.com’s Rohin Ramesh managed to corner this elusive guru. Expect the resulting interaction to be brimming with juicy details on new technologies, advanced tools, revenue generation, and a whole lot more that will undoubtedly make for a ripping good read.

    Edited excerpts

    On the inspiration behind the inception of Art-E Media

    Honestly, Art-E wasn’t born out of a grand plan. It started over endless coffees and late-night chats where we kept questioning why marketing was either too flashy or too clinical. Why couldn’t it be real? Human? Isn’t that a big question today too in this era of AI.

    For Tejender (my partner) and I, the idea was simple: build an agency where storytelling leads, and technology enables. Where marketing doesn’t feel like marketing. Where brands don’t chase trends but create their own narratives.

    Our vision was to keep it very personal. To be humble but create loads of impact. We always believed data will do the talking but we also didn’t let it kill or cull creativity.

    We have always said to the larger team too. That does not look very ahead of time. Look at the next campaign we are doing. And redefine it for your client. Our motto thus is one honest campaign at a time.

    On how your agency is integrating advanced technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning, big data) into marketing strategies to drive better outcomes

    At Art-E, we’ve always believed technology should simplify, not complicate. AI, machine learning, and data tools aren’t just buzzwords for us. They’re enablers to understand human behavior better and craft sharper stories. That’s what the planners in the team use it for too.

    Whether it’s using AI to predict consumer shifts, personalising content at scale, or leveraging data to decode what’s working and what’s just noise, we love blending tech with instinct. And we are extremely careful too. As I have mentioned above, creativity stays at the core, while technology plays the role of an amplifier. For us, the goal is simple, smarter marketing that feels human.

    On your perspective on emerging trends in marketing, including AI-powered tools and immersive technologies such as AR/VR

    Trends will keep coming. AI, AR, VR, all these are powerful no doubt but at Art-E, we stop a tad bit before getting very excited at something new.  First we use the same and check for ourselves whether it can actually solve a problem. If it does, then we jump in joy. Because now we know that it can tell a story better.

    AI-powered tools help us work smarter: We agree. AR/VR helps us build experiences that engage deeper this too. But the focus stays on why we’re using them, not just what we’re using.

    We are firm believers that tools don’t build brands, stories do. These tools at best are probably amazing paintbrushes. And we’ll use them wherever they help create something meaningful.

    On the evolving role of influencer marketing and the impact of technology on this space

    Influencers today are storytellers and not billboards. And we use them precisely that way. We use tech to find and fit a voice that will resonate for the brand and not just plain echo the communication. The problem happens when you try to use influencer marketing for selling. The idea is to connect. Because when the connection happens, the selling or the impact definitely follows.

    On strategies for building trust and fostering meaningful engagement with consumers in an increasingly digital world

    For me, trust isn’t built through fancy campaigns or viral content or even through the biggest brand ambassador. It’s built in those small, consistent, vital moments where brands choose honesty over hype.

    At Art-E, both Tejender and I and also our CEO Amit often tell our clients to stop marketing to people and start talking with them. Being more human. Being more transparent. We have said that saying no sometimes is ok and apologising is ok too. And on top of all this, listen more than you speak.

    For our clients we ensure realness stands out in the digital chaotic world. Our strategy? Keep it simple. Keep it honest. Keep it human. That’s how you build trust.

    On your plans for the future

    Our plan for the future is very simple. We just intend to stay restless. How can you rest in an era like this where tech is disrupting our business so often. So we intend to keep questioning the obvious and keep chasing stories that matter.

    We’re focusing more on blending content, commerce, and tech in ways that feel seamless. They don’t look forced. We are expanding into experiential and immersive spaces too, but again, only where it adds genuine value to the brand narrative.

    We love numbers. But the goal isn’t just growth in numbers. It’s growth in impact. To stay boutique in mindset, but global in our thinking. And to ensure every campaign we craft feels less like work and more like a conversation worth having.

  • Avaada Electro appoints Kaushal Shah as chief financial officer

    Avaada Electro appoints Kaushal Shah as chief financial officer

    MUMBAI: Avaada Electro, the solar PV manufacturing arm of Avaada Group and one of India’s fastest-growing green tech enterprises, has announced the appointment of Kaushal Shah as its chief financial officer.

    A finance veteran with over three decades of experience, Shah brings with him a strong background in capital markets, treasury operations, mergers & acquisitions, investor relations, risk governance, and strategic financial planning. A Chartered Accountant (1993) with a PGDM in Information Systems Audit, he has held senior leadership positions across manufacturing and IT sectors, spearheading large teams and guiding organizations through high-growth phases and financial transformations.

    This strategic appointment comes as Avaada Electro embarks on its next phase of growth, marked by capacity expansion, increased R&D investments, and deeper integration of solar manufacturing to meet both domestic energy needs and global sustainability goals.

    Welcoming Shah, Avaada Group chairman Vineet Mittal said, “Kaushal’s appointment marks a pivotal milestone in our journey to create one of the world’s most advanced and purpose-driven green manufacturing ecosystems. His financial acumen, strategic vision, and values-based leadership will be instrumental as Avaada Electro scales new heights in clean technology and sustainability. We are not just manufacturing modules — we are shaping the future of energy for Bharat and beyond.”

    As CFO, he will lead the company’s financial strategy, stakeholder engagement, capital allocation, and governance frameworks, while supporting innovation-led expansion across solar PV and allied technologies.

    Avaada Electro is currently focused on pushing the boundaries of solar technology—working to enhance solar cell efficiencies beyond 25.5 per cent and increase module power output from 720 Wp to 800 Wp, in line with global performance standards. These advancements are central to the Avaada Group’s broader ambition of deploying 50 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2035.

    Commenting on his appointment, Shah said, “Joining Avaada Electro is not just a professional milestone — it is a mission aligned with my values. I am honoured to be part of a visionary organisation that places purpose and sustainability at the heart of its growth strategy. I look forward to building a strong financial foundation that powers innovation and impact.”

  • Casio India celebrates the bond of siblings with a timeless twist

    Casio India celebrates the bond of siblings with a timeless twist

    MUMBAI : This Raksha Bandhan, Casio India unveiled a heartwarming new campaign that redefines the essence of gifting between siblings. Moving beyond the traditional thread of Rakhi, the campaign thoughtfully positions a Casio watch as a symbol of everlasting love, memories, and time spent together.

    At the heart of the campaign is a model that has been sourced in India, for India – thoughtfully designed to reflect the preferences, aesthetics, and sensibilities of Indian consumers. This reinforces Casio’s ongoing commitment to creating products that resonate with local markets while upholding the brand’s global standards of quality and innovation.

    In a tender and visually evocative film, Casio captures the nuances of a brother-sister bond from childhood mischief to growing up side by side, ultimately portraying how some are bound not just by thread, but by time. The watch – MTP-SN3KRL-1A worn on the wrist like a Rakhi, becomes a modern metaphor for the timeless promise siblings share.

    Commenting on the campaign, Takuto Kimura, managing director, Casio India, “While the Rakhi has long been a traditional symbol of protection and love, this campaign explores the idea of time as an equally powerful and lasting expression of that bond. This year, we are especially proud to showcase a model designed specifically for India, reflecting our deep understanding of the local market and our ongoing commitment to deliver products that are culturally and emotionally relevant.”

    The creative concept and production of the campaign film have been carried out by Film Your Film Studios. Directed by Gaurav Kumar, the film captures the essence of the campaign with authenticity and emotional depth, reinforcing Casio as a brand that genuinely connects with its audience.

    This Raksha Bandhan, a Casio watch is not just a gift but a gesture that marks moments, celebrates memories, and strengthens the bond between siblings.

     

     

  • Yes Securities launches ‘What’s your Investyle?’

    Yes Securities launches ‘What’s your Investyle?’

    MUMBAI: Yes Securities, a subsidiary of Yes Bank, has announced the launch of ‘What’s your Investyle?’ an interactive Snapchat AR Lens, set to go live on Friendship Day (3 August 2025). This is the first time a BFSI brand in India is leveraging Snapchat’s AR platform to drive financial awareness among younger audiences in a format they love—fun, social, and highly shareable.

    The filter helps users discover their Investyle—such as the Bold Tiger or the Cautious Turtle—each representing a distinct investment style and risk appetite. It encourages users to tag friends, share their results, and engage in friendly conversations about money, behaviour, and investing.

    This latest campaign is part of Yes Securities’ ongoing commitment to making finance more accessible, inclusive, and engaging for India’s youth. From promoting personalized investing through the OMNI app with the Invest KaroApne Style Me campaign, to encouraging women to start their financial journeys through the #ExtraordiNARI initiative, the brand has consistently pushed for inclusion. Its Wonga Wits financial literacy program aims to reach one million students by FY28, while The Wize Whispers brings money concepts to life through comics, quizzes, and characters like Mr. Turt—making finance fun for first-time investors.

    Yes Securities head – marketing and corporate communications Amit Bhandare shared, “The ‘What’s Your Investyle?’ campaign is a strategic initiative to engage with the Gen Z audience by aligning with their digital behaviour and personal expression. Through this campaign on Snapchat, we aim to create meaningful awareness about our newly launched Omni App, which empowers users to invest in a manner that is intuitive, seamless and reflective of their individual style.”

     

  • Bajaj Pulsar rides into spotlight with a bold new message, Duniya Dekhti Hai. Tu Dikha

    Bajaj Pulsar rides into spotlight with a bold new message, Duniya Dekhti Hai. Tu Dikha

    MUMBAI – Bajaj Auto Ltd. has launched its latest campaign for Pulsar with a bold message for India’s youth: Duniya Dekhti Hai. Tu Dikha.

    Today’s youth are surrounded by secondhand experiences, be it through AI-generated content, influencer lives, or gamified thrills. But deep inside, they crave something real, raw, and felt first-hand.

    They don’t just want to watch someone else take risks. They want to feel the rush themselves. Because authenticity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a rebellion.

    In a world chasing synthetic highs — reels, simulations, virtual thrills — Pulsar reignites the raw, unfiltered joy of real performance and real power. With every ride, it reminds riders what it feels like to achieve something genuinely thrilling — not virtually viewed, but physically conquered.

    The campaign urges viewers to break out of the spectator mindset – to put down their phones and pick up their imaginations. Because for this generation, the ease of consumption is a trap. It’s in the discomfort of creation that they come alive. Whether it’s content, ideas or identity, what it boils down to is that it’s new and unapologetically theirs.

    The film’s powerful imagery is supported by a compelling story: Pulsarmaniacs do not merely follow trends, they create them. Equipped with unparalleled power and precise performance, the Pulsar becomes more than a machine – it is a declaration; a call to action to join forces with those willing to take a stand, get noticed and assert themselves.

    Speaking on the occasion, Sumeet Narang, president, marketing, Bajaj Auto Ltd., said, “With ‘Duniya Dekhti Hai. Tu Dikha,’ we’re speaking to a generation that’s tired of borrowed experiences and filtered realities. Today’s youth crave the real rush — something raw, personal, and unfiltered. Pulsar has always stood with those who don’t just watch from the sidelines but choose to feel the thrill first-hand. This campaign is a tribute to that spirit — bold, original, and fiercely authentic.”

    At a time when blending in is easy and standing out takes guts, Pulsar refuses to settle for the ordinary. It stands against passivity, conformity, and being just another face in the crowd. It champions those who lead with originality, who create instead of copy and who ride not just to move but to make a mark. Because, Duniya Dekhti Hai. Tu Dikha.

  • BBDO India elevates Shruthi Subramaniam to executive creative director – Mumbai

    BBDO India elevates Shruthi Subramaniam to executive creative director – Mumbai

    MUMBAI: BBDO India has announced the elevation of Shruthi Subramaniam to the role of executive creative director – Mumbai. With over 14 years of experience, Shruthi brings a powerful combination of creative excellence and strategic acumen to her new leadership role.

    At BBDO India, Shruthi has been the creative force behind campaigns for iconic global brands such as WhatsApp, Bumble, Neutrogena. Her portfolio also includes work for industry giants like Unilever and Mercedes-Benz – projects that are as impactful as they are culturally meaningful. Most recently, she was honoured with a prestigious CLIO Music Award, earning recognition alongside international names like Harry Styles and Ozzy Osbourne – a testament to her ability to create work that resonates across borders and audiences.

    In her new role, Shruthi joins BBDO India’s core leadership team, where she will help shape the agency’s creative direction, lead key client partnerships, and mentor emerging talent. Her focus will be on driving innovation in both storytelling and “story-doing,” while pushing the boundaries of modern advertising.

    Commenting on Shruthi’s promotion, Josy Paul, Chairman & CCO, BBDO India, said, “Shruthi’s work is famous, her craft is brilliant, and her vision for the future of advertising is inspiring. She’s been an integral part of BBDO India’s growth story. With our vibrant, diverse talent pool, we’re confident she’ll bring even more value to our clients while moving the agency and industry forward.”

    Speaking on her new role, Shruthi Subramaniam, ECD, BBDO India shared, “The BBDO Ashram is my home – I want to decorate it with ideas, fill each room with the warmth of conversation, and have people over who never want to leave. Belonging is the start of everything. My wish is to make people belong, bloom and become.”

  • Ankit Rihal takes charge of global partnerships at Meta India

    Ankit Rihal takes charge of global partnerships at Meta India

    MUMBAI: Ankit Rihal, a veteran of nearly a decade at Meta, has snagged a new gig as head – global partnerships, India. Rihal, who’s been a fixture at Meta for a solid nine years and two months, is now tasked with steering the ship for global alliances in the burgeoning Indian market.

    With over 17 years in the rough-and-tumble world of media and entertainment, Rihal brings a proven knack for crafting impactful content ecosystems and forging strategic partnerships. He’s danced across everything from OTT and television to film, music, and gaming, making him a rather versatile chap. Before this latest move, he was busy leading creator & public figure partnerships for Meta’s Facebook and Instagram in India, managing the high-stakes relationships across entertainment, sports, fashion, and music – essentially, shaping the creator economy at scale.

    During his Meta tenure, Rihal has been the brains behind some of India’s most iconic digital initiatives, including the likes of #SocialForGood, #LiveInYourLivingRoom, and the rather catchy Born on Instagram. He also played a pivotal role in rolling out flagship products such as Reels, Instagram Stories, and Threads in India, which, one might say, helped Meta cement its digital dominance.

    His expertise spans from go-to-market strategy, digital IP creation, product adoption, content acquisition, stakeholder engagement to orchestrating large-scale cross-functional & team leadership.