ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Home truths hit hard as sales dip 14 percent in top 8 Indian cities

    Home truths hit hard as sales dip 14 percent in top 8 Indian cities

    MUMBAI: Looks like the summer wasn’t just hot outside India’s housing market felt the burn too. India’s eight biggest housing markets hit a bit of a speed bump in Q2 2025, with home sales dropping 14 per cent year-on-year, according to the latest Real Insight Residential report by Proptiger.com. The slowdown is largely attributed to affordability concerns, which nudged many buyers into pause mode.

    The dip was particularly sharp in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), down a hefty 32 per cent, and Pune, which saw a 27 per cent decline. But it wasn’t all doom and gloom cities like Bengaluru (+16 per cent), Chennai (+33 per cent), and Kolkata (+19 per cent) bucked the trend, showing that not every buyer had cold feet.

    On a quarter-on-quarter basis, sales across the board stayed flat with 97,674 units sold, as per Proptiger, which is part of REA India (also the parent of Housing.com). MMR, Pune and Bengaluru collectively accounted for 59 per cent of the total quarterly sales.

    “This short-term dip is more of a recalibration than a retreat,” said Proptiger.com head of sales Sridhar Srinivasan. “Yes, affordability is squeezing budget buyers, but demand is intact, and developers are clearly still bullish especially in the premium segment.”

    Supply-side sentiment mirrored the demand softening, with new launches falling 10 per cent QoQ and 17 per cent YoY. Mumbai (-43 per cent), Pune (-39 per cent) and Bangalore (-2 per cent) all saw dips, while Chennai and Hyderabad posted impressive gains (+64 per cent and +69 per cent, respectively). Kolkata saw a 192 per cenrt surge—albeit from a very low base.

    Interestingly, the report points out that geopolitical tensions (read: India-Pakistan skirmishes) also dented buyer sentiment during the April–June period, causing many to adopt a wait-and-watch stance.

    City Sales YoY Change Launches YoY Change
    Mumbai -32% -43%
    Pune -27% -39%
    Bangalore +16% -2%
    Chennai +33% +64%
    Kolkata +19% +192%
    NCR -9% +29%

    Despite the turbulence, Proptiger notes that the long-term market outlook remains upbeat, buoyed by solid macro fundamentals and continued developer interest, especially in premium and mid-income housing.

    So while this quarter may be slower than usual, it seems the foundation of India’s housing story is far from shaky. Just a little pause before the next big push.

  • Huella sets the open web on fire with AIgnite

    Huella sets the open web on fire with AIgnite

    MUMBAI: In a sizzling debut at the iMedia Brand Summit in Goa, ad-tech disruptor Huella Services pulled back the curtain on AIgnite, a bold new ad intelligence platform that claims to both outsmart native and outperform display on the open web.

    Where banner ads go to die and native formats run out of steam, AIgnite breathes new life, transforming a single brand asset into thousands of real-time creative variants across display, video, and native. The platform is built on live AI optimisation that adapts mid-campaign, identifying high-performers 4.2x faster than traditional methods.

    Commenting on the launch of AIgnite, Huella Services co-founder & CEO Prrincey Roy said, “AIgnite isn’t built to run the same race as native or display. It is designed to re-draw the track entirely. AIgnite is not a layer of AI stitched onto old systems, it is built ground-up with intelligence in its core. From how creatives are developed, to how they’re deployed, optimised, and scaled every step is powered by AI. And with Agentic AI, even decisions around media planning and reporting are real-time and recommendation-led, plugged with various supply pipes. We have launched something that doesn’t just respond to briefs — it multiplies them. AIgnite outsmarts native and outperforms display because it puts creativity back in control — intelligently, and unapologetically.”

    Early pilots show CTR surges of over 5 per cent, a staggering leap from the industry’s 0.46 per cent average, with campaign lifespans stretching by an extra 3.2 weeks. It’s not just smarter, it’s hungrier, leaner, and lightning-fast, with creative go-lives in under three hours.

    AIgnite leverages Huella’s premium network of 500+ publishers, offering 100 per cent viewability-verified inventory across news, finance, tech, lifestyle, and entertainment. SSP integrations slash time-to-market by up to 60 per cent.

    “We are absolutely thrilled that Huella Services has chosen the iMedia Brand Summit as the platform for its highly anticipated launch,” said Comexposium India country managing director Jaswant Singh, the organisers of iMedia Brand Summit. “Our mission with iMedia has always been to foster innovation and provide a premier stage for groundbreaking products that will shape the future of marketing. AIgnite’s AI-powered solution perfectly embodies this vision, and we are incredibly proud to be the chosen platform for its unveiling.”

    The Goa launch event, held at The Supper Club, mirrored AIgnite’s core philosophy: one idea, countless expressions. Guests dined on over 100 chilli-inspired dishes—each one a nod to the platform’s promise of turning a single creative meal into a feast of high-performance variants.

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  • Suheil Mohan joins Flipkart as senior manager for brand marketing

    Suheil Mohan joins Flipkart as senior manager for brand marketing

    MUMBAI: Suheil Mohan has taken charge as senior manager 2, brand marketing at Flipkart, marking another high-profile move in India’s fast-evolving digital marketing space. Based in Bengaluru, Mohan joined the Walmart-owned e-commerce major in May 2025.

    Mohan brings with him over a decade of experience across top-tier startups and agencies. Prior to this, he led brand and growth marketing at agritech disruptor Ninjacart, where he spearheaded the platform’s rebranding and digital storytelling campaigns. His earlier stints include brand roles at Byju’s, Mobile Premier League (MPL), and Junglee Games, where he played a key part in executing big-budget campaigns tied to Hindi cinema and gaming IPs.

    A former strategy and branded content manager at GroupM, Mohan also worked with Airtel as a digital consultant during a pivotal phase of its 4G growth drive. Starting his career as an engineer, he later pivoted to marketing after completing his management studies.

    At Flipkart, Mohan is expected to bolster the company’s brand storytelling and campaign strategy as it prepares for festive season blitzes and deeper consumer engagement in tier 2 and tier 3 India.

    His appointment signals Flipkart’s ongoing investment in top marketing talent to stay ahead in the fiercely competitive e-commerce space.

  • Ducktape Studios wins big at Cannes, Spikes and more in debut year

    Ducktape Studios wins big at Cannes, Spikes and more in debut year

    MUMBAI: From duct tape to Ducktape, India’s latest creative export is fixing eyeballs on global awards. Ducktape Studios may be barely a year old, but it’s already sticking out in the global ad world for all the right reasons. The Mumbai-based production house, helmed by award-winning director Raylin Valles, has stormed Cannes Lions, Adfest, Spikes Asia and the Kyoorius Awards in 2025, proving that a sharp idea with a dash of madness can punch well above its age.

    At this year’s Cannes Lions, Ducktape landed a Bronze Lion for its quirky Amazon campaign with Ogilvy India and earned a Film Craft shortlist for Dirty Money, its riotous spot for Steadfast Shredders created with Mullenlowe. The momentum continued at Adfest, where the team bagged a Silver for Film Direction and two Bronzes for Arms Deal and Hungal Driving School in collaboration with DDB.

    Meanwhile, at Spikes Asia, Arms Deal racked up a Bronze and two shortlist mentions, while the Kyoorius haul included a dazzling 4 Blue Elephants and 11 Baby Blues.

    This awards streak is no fluke. Ducktape’s cinematic chops are backed by Valles’s deep agency roots and an enviable global reel. His resume reads like a Cannes wish list Coca-Cola, Apple, Netflix, Unilever, Snickers, Ikea, Spotify, Disney+ Hotstar and his directing style ranges from stylised comedy and animated flair to high-octane action.

    “We launched Ducktape to build a space where ideas and craft could run wild,” said Valles. “A year in, we’ve worked with iconic brands, fearless agencies and some real heavyweight talent. We’ve made things that sparked memes, conversations and now, awards.”

    The studio’s sharp storytelling and slick visual language are drawing praise for being rooted in Indian culture while playing to a global stage. And while Ducktape’s tape measure of success is already long, it’s clear they’ve only just begun rolling.

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  • Tanuj Luthra elevated as chief business officer at CarDekho Group

    Tanuj Luthra elevated as chief business officer at CarDekho Group

    NEW DELHI: Auto-tech platform CarDekho Group has named Tanuj Luthra as its chief business officer, (CBO) marking a significant leadership elevation for the digital veteran with over two decades of experience in media, digital, banking, and telecom.. 

    Luthra, who joined CarDekho in 2023 as vice president – new auto, has since April 2025 (when he was named CBO) has been overseeing  the group’s entire business strategy, revenue leadership, and partnerships. His remit includes driving growth across digital ads, branded content, SaaS offerings, and white-label IPs, while accelerating the company’s digital transformation journey in the automotive space.

    A business engineer-turned-marketer with an MBA and a senior management programme from IIM Ahmedabad, Luthra has previously held key roles at Network18 and Star India, The Walt Disney Co, and Citibank. Known for cracking Rs 100-crore+ deals and pioneering brand-led content integrations, he has worked with top-tier brands including Dabur, Coca-Cola, Patanjali, and Alibaba.

    Industry insiders say Luthra’s mix of deal-making prowess, strategic acumen, and deep client relationships puts him in the driver’s seat to unlock the next chapter of growth for CarDekho.

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  • Fry and Mighty HyFun celebrates India’s global potato power play

    Fry and Mighty HyFun celebrates India’s global potato power play

    MUMBAI: As the world bites into French Fries Day, India is frying high and it’s not just about the spuds. Frozen fries are having a global moment, and India’s making sure it has a seat and a plate at the table. Leading the charge is Hyfun Foods, which on this French Fries Day celebrates not just the golden crisp, but a golden opportunity: turning India into a global hub for potato innovation.

    In FY 2023–24, India exported over 135,877 tonnes of frozen French fries worth Rs 1,478.73 crore, with Hyfun contributing the lion’s share to this crispy crusade. From straight cut to crinkle to peri-peri fries, HyFun now serves up potato perfection in over 40 countries.

    But beyond the global stats and sizzling exports lies a quiet revolution back home in Gujarat’s potato fields.

    What began as a modest contract-farming initiative with 200 farmers has now grown into Hyfarm, an agri-arm that supports over 7,000 smallholders across 35,000 plus acres in North Gujarat. And by 2028, HyFun aims to empower 30,000 plus farmers, focusing on climate-smart practices and stable income models.

    “At HyFun, growth has never been just about numbers. It’s about empowering farmers, advancing agriculture with science and technology, and creating a profitable and sustainable future,” said Hyfun Foods managing director & group CEO Haresh Karamchandani.

    Home to one of Asia’s largest potato processing plants, HyFun’s Gujarat facility can process over 1,000 tonnes of potatoes daily, blending agritech precision with palate-pleasing versatility from hash browns to coated fries.

    This French Fries Day, Hyfun isn’t just celebrating a snack, it’s celebrating India’s place on the global plate, powered by its farmers, technology, and taste buds.

    Because when it comes to putting India on the global food map these fries are just the beginning.

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  • Kia shifts into top gear with Atul Sood as new sales and marketing head

    Kia shifts into top gear with Atul Sood as new sales and marketing head

    MUMBAI: From driving growth at Toyota to taking the wheel at Kia, Atul Sood is all set for his next ride. Kia India has hit the accelerator on its leadership transformation, appointing Atul Sood as senior vice president of sales & marketing, effective 11 July 2025. A veteran of the Indian auto sector, Sood will lead Kia’s pan-India sales operations and marketing strategy, reporting directly to chief sales officer Joonsu Cho.

    Bringing with him nearly 30 years of industry experience, Sood was most recently president and director at Toyota Mobility Solutions and Services India (TMSS), where he played a key role in steering innovation and business expansion. His previous stints at Toyota Kirloskar Motors and Toyota Motor Asia Pacific further cement his reputation as a strategic leader with a deep understanding of both market dynamics and customer needs.

    Kia India’s MD & CEO Gwanggu Lee welcomed the appointment saying, “Atul’s proven track record in customer-first innovation and dealer network development makes him the ideal candidate to guide Kia through its next growth chapter. We’re confident his leadership will further our brand promise and strengthen our foothold in India’s mass-premium segment.”

    An engineer from Thapar Institute and a PGDM holder from SCMHRD Pune, Sood brings a rare mix of operational rigour and marketing flair. His leadership comes at a time when Kia India is looking to expand its market share, grow its product footprint, and deepen customer relationships across metros and emerging markets alike.

    Speaking on his new role, Sood said, “Joining Kia at such a pivotal moment in its India journey is truly exciting. The brand’s commitment to innovation, design, and customer delight aligns perfectly with my own values. I look forward to building on its strong foundation and driving sustainable growth across the country.”

    With this appointment, Kia India signals its intent to keep up the momentum in one of the world’s fastest-evolving auto markets and if Sood’s track record is any indication, the ride ahead is going to be anything but ordinary.
     

  • Jupiter banks on experience with Akhilesh Jha in the driver’s seat

    Jupiter banks on experience with Akhilesh Jha in the driver’s seat

    MUMBAI: If money talks, Jupiter Money just made a power move by bringing banking veteran Akhilesh Jha into the conversation. In a strategic hire that signals its next phase of growth, Jupiter Money has appointed Akhilesh Jha as senior vice president for banking and partnerships. With over 20 years of experience in retail banking and digital strategy most recently as head of retail banking portfolio at DBS Bank Jha steps in to amplify Jupiter’s push toward becoming India’s go-to money platform.

    At a time when fintechs are rewriting the rules of personal finance, Jupiter’s move shows it’s doubling down on what it does best: combining digital ease with meaningful banking experiences. In his new role, Jha will lead the charge on deepening collaborations with banks and financial institutions, helping Jupiter scale its offerings across savings, credit, and payments.

    “We are building a platform that simplifies money for millions of Indians,” said Jupiter Money president, Rohit Kumar Pandey. “Akhilesh brings the perfect mix of legacy banking and fintech edge. As we grow, his insight will be vital in shaping impactful partnerships.”

    Jha echoed the sentiment, noting the “mutually beneficial ecosystem” that fintech-bank alliances can create. “Customers get intuitive, digital-first products; banks unlock new channels and revenues; and Jupiter becomes the bridge that makes it happen,” he said.

    The announcement comes at a time when Jupiter Money is riding strong tailwinds. In the last quarter alone, it secured key regulatory clearances, expanded its credit footprint, and maintained steady user growth. With an eye on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the company is working to unlock financial access for underserved digital users.

    Jupiter’s product suite already includes an all-in-one savings account (powered by Federal Bank), a Rupay credit card with CSB Bank that integrates with UPI and offers cashback, and an upcoming prepaid wallet after receiving RBI nod. Jha’s appointment adds muscle to Jupiter’s ambition of turning its platform into a full-stack, digital-first banking experience, one that’s as easy as it is empowering.

    As Indian consumers grow savvier and seek smarter ways to manage their money, Jupiter Money’s latest leadership bet might just prove that experience is, in fact, the best investment.

  • Belgian Waffle Co stirs up National Waffle Day with #WhatsYourDrill campaign

    Belgian Waffle Co stirs up National Waffle Day with #WhatsYourDrill campaign

    MUMBAI: The Belgian Waffle Co is flipping National Waffle Day on its head this year. No more boring 1 August – the company has rescheduled it to the third Wednesday of July, with this year’s big day falling on 16th July. And as ever, they’re pulling out all the stops with a pre-buzz campaign that’s as playful as their menu.

    Enter #WhatsYourDrill, a campaign that taps straight into the brand’s fanbase’s obsession with their waffle rituals. Fans are asked to share their National Waffle Day plans – or rather, their ‘drills’ – in a bid to turn a humble date shift into a nationwide cultural moment. But here’s the twist: The campaign kicks off with a cheeky hoax – National Waffle Day is Cancelled! Cue panic from waffle lovers, before the big reveal: “Nope, it’s just rescheduled, folks!”

    “As we celebrate 10 incredible years of The Belgian Waffle Co, National Waffle Day holds even greater significance for us this year. What began as a single-store idea has now become a national movement across 660+ stores, bringing smiles to millions every day.

    Day is not just a day— it’s a celebration of our loyal community, our partners, and the culture we’ve built together. As India’s largest waffle brand, we remain committed to expanding access to quality desserts while staying rooted in innovation, consistency, and customer delight,” said The Belgian Waffle Co executive director and CEO Ankit Patel.

    This tongue-in-cheek fake-out set the stage for the full-scale campaign, which is all about intrigue, humour, and pulling fans deep into the waffle web. Highlights include ‘Mission Announcement – The Gimmick,’ where all orders – both online and in-store – came with “classified” mission slips and 3D glasses that, when worn, revealed the new date: 16 July. How’s that for immersive?

    Some meme that created a wave for the campaign:

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by NAUGHTYWORLD (@naughtyworld)

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by NAUGHTYWORLD (@naughtyworld)

    Meanwhile, loyal fans received ‘Post Office Mission Letters’ and were inducted as Waffle Lieutenants, tasked with spreading the word. On the digital front, influencers will hijack timelines to show how they’re prepping for the big day.

    On 16 July, all Waff-wiches and Waffle Crisps will go for just Rs 100 at over 660 stores across 220 cities. It’s the kind of crispy celebration fans live for – and this year, it’s got that extra crispy zing.

    #WhatsYourDrill isn’t just about waffles, it’s about turning a random Wednesday into a movement. So, what’s your drill for National Waffle Day?

  • Wealth of Experience as Debasish Mohanty Joins The Wealth Company

    Wealth of Experience as Debasish Mohanty Joins The Wealth Company

    MUMBAI: They say knowledge compounds like interest and The Wealth Company just made a high-return hire. The Wealth Company has appointed Debasish Mohanty as Chief Strategy Officer for its Asset Management Arm, tapping into his 30-plus years of deep domain expertise in India’s mutual fund industry. Known among peers as a walking encyclopaedia of financial strategy, Mohanty’s arrival marks a pivotal chapter for the organisation as it aims to scale with innovation and insight.

    Mohanty’s illustrious career includes leadership roles at UTI AMC, where he served as president and national head of sales, while also overseeing policy research, business transformation, corporate communication, and marketing functions. His name is also familiar in policy circles, having played an active role on various AMFI committees including those on operations & compliance, ARN, and common platform.

    Currently serving as an independent director at LIC Pension Funds Ltd., regulated by PFRDA, Mohanty brings not just experience but a rare combination of academic rigour and practical strategy. A postgraduate and M.Phil in Economics from JNU, he also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in securities law, and wears many certified hats: CFP, CWM, and CAIIB. His executive education portfolio spans Kellogg School of Management, ISB Hyderabad, and IIM Ahmedabad.

    In his new role, Mohanty will steer growth, innovation, and long-term value creation at The Wealth Company’s asset management operations. “My focus will be on strategic initiatives that elevate the company’s position in the market,” he said, underscoring plans to work closely with leadership on risk mitigation, opportunity identification, and stakeholder returns.

    The Wealth Company MD & CEO Madhu Lunawat described Mohanty as “the encyclopedia of the mutual fund industry,” lauding his ability to operate seamlessly across public, private, and foreign fund categories.

    With this appointment, The Wealth Company signals its intention to play the long game backed by a strategist who knows the terrain better than most.