ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Timex launches Analog Life campaign to remind India to unplug and live in the moment

    Timex launches Analog Life campaign to remind India to unplug and live in the moment

    MUMBAI: For over 170 years, Timex has kept the world ticking. But this year, the watchmaker did more than measure time-it asked India to slow down and savour it. On National Watch Day 2025, Timex India launched its ‘Analog Life | Make Time Yours’ campaign, a movement nudging the nation to disconnect from the constant ping of digital life and reconnect with presence, purpose, and personal rhythm.

    The campaign champions a strikingly simple idea: analog is not outdated, it’s intentional. With a signature call to ‘Make Time Yours’, the initiative celebrates everyday moments and urges people to live mindfully. As part of the rollout, Timex declared an ‘AnaLog-Off Day’, encouraging people to unplug, go offline, and engage in real-world connections that don’t require notifications.

    “In a world that moves faster every day, it’s easy to lose ourselves in the noise”, said Timex Group India MD Deepak Chhabra. “At Timex, we believe time is more than just minutes ticking by; it’s the essence of how we live. With the Analog Life – Make Time Yours campaign, we’re inviting people to pause, reflect, and reclaim their moments because a Timex isn’t just a watch; it’s a symbol of living with intention and presence”.

    Timex’s campaign film portrays the daily hustle with a refreshing twist—people putting down their phones, closing laptops, and embracing everyday moments with focus and joy. Rooted in the brand’s legacy of craftsmanship, the watches remain timeless companions that reflect values rather than vanity.

    By pitching analog as a conscious lifestyle choice, Timex has cleverly positioned itself not just as a timekeeper but as a lifestyle custodian in a hyperconnected age. Through its timepieces, the brand invites consumers to stop scrolling and start living.

    From its origins in 1854 to today’s digitally obsessed world, Timex continues to evolve while staying true to its essence-helping people live more authentically, one moment at a time.

  • Nikhil Kamath invests in One Hand Clap to support new-age brand storytelling in India

    Nikhil Kamath invests in One Hand Clap to support new-age brand storytelling in India

    MUMBAI: In a fresh twist to the Indian advertising playbook, Zerodha co-founder and a prominent investor Nikhil Kamath has put his weight behind One Hand Clap Media — a rising creative agency founded by former AIB heads Aakash Shah and Naveed Manakkodan.

    Kamath’s investment marks a vote of confidence in the agency’s mission to build content-first, digital-native storytelling that moves at the speed of the internet. In a marketplace where traditional campaigns are losing steam, One Hand Clap’s high-impact narratives and lightning-fast execution have made it a go-to name for Indian brands that want relevance and recall.

    Known for their campaigns for Swiggy, BGMI, Netflix India, Bumble, Cred, Ather, Emotorad, and Prime Video India, the agency has carved a reputation for weaving story with speed. From writing and producing ad films to running influencer and digital mandates, One Hand Clap offers end-to-end creative firepower.

    “Nikhil gets our DNA, and our visions align,” said One Hand Clap co-founder Shah. “We both never cared for the status quo; we have always aimed to disrupt it, defy the metrics and algorithms to tell stories, not just campaigns for our clients”.

    Co-founder Manakkodan added, “Nikhil’s investment validates our thesis that in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, speed and authentic storytelling are paramount. This partnership fuels our ambition to redefine the agency model, delivering impactful creative solutions with unparalleled agility”.

    For Kamath, the deal is part of a wider plan to back India’s rising creative and entrepreneurial talent. “Through this partnership, Kamath is betting not just on content but on the creators driving the next wave of Indian brand-building”, the company noted.

    The creative agency space is seeing a churn, with speed, relatability and innovation becoming non-negotiables. One Hand Clap’s sharp creative engine, coupled with Kamath’s entrepreneurial acumen, signals a new wave in adland where business meets culture, and memes could be just as powerful as media buys.
     

  • Havas Creative India paints Cannes purple with ‘Ink of Democracy’ campaign

    Havas Creative India paints Cannes purple with ‘Ink of Democracy’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Havas Creative India has left an indelible impression at Cannes Lions 2025, taking home one Gold in Print & Publishing and two Bronze Lions in Direct and Best Use of Media for its bold campaign ‘Ink of Democracy’, created in partnership with The Times of India.

    The campaign transformed the newspaper’s editorial page into a wall of silent protest — printing it entirely in electoral ink purple, the same hue used to mark voters’ fingers. The striking visual served as a powerful reminder ahead of the general elections: democracy thrives when ink hits paper and the ballot.

    Havas India, Group CEO, South East Asia and North Asia, Rana Barua said, “Our momentum at Cannes Lions 2025 has been incredible with one Gold in Print & Publishing and two Bronze Lions in Direct and Media for Ink of Democracy. These wins reflect the kind of culture we’ve been nurturing at Havas, a culture rooted in meaning, collaboration, and fearless creativity. It is also a testament of the product and ecosystem we’ve built over the last 7 years. I’m incredibly proud of Anu and our young talents who brought home the lions. A big thank you to Joji and our global teams for the continuous support. Our hearts are full, and I believe this is just the beginning for us.”

    Havas Creative India, joint MD & CCO, Anupama Ramaswamy added, “We’re incredibly overwhelmed and humbled to bring home two more Bronze Lions for Times of India – Ink of Democracy in Direct and Best Use of Media, along with our Gold in Print & Publishing. For a country that still begins its day with the newspaper, this was more than a campaign, it was a responsibility. And what could be more direct than telling 1.4 billion people to leave their homes and go vote? We didn’t chase engagement; we sparked participation. We didn’t count likes; we counted inked fingers. This is creativity serving democracy. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partners at The Times of India, and a big shout out to my brilliantly talented young team — Soham, Ravinder, and Annie. You made this real. These wins matter. They bring visibility, open doors, and most importantly, they shine a light on the next generation of talent. At Havas we are committed to making sure they’re seen, heard, and celebrated.”

    Stripped of headlines but not of intent, the campaign challenged apathy with colour and symbolism, proving that sometimes, silence shouts the loudest.

  • Vertiv appoints Mike Giresi as global CIO to turbocharge AI and digital strategy

    Vertiv appoints Mike Giresi as global CIO to turbocharge AI and digital strategy

    MUMBAI: In a move that signals its intent to double down on AI and digital transformation, Vertiv has roped in industry veteran Mike Giresi as its global chief information officer (CIO). Giresi, who takes charge on 30 June 2025, will lead the company’s push into AI adoption, cybersecurity, product security, and digital productivity initiatives aimed at sharpening execution and customer experience.

    The NYSE-listed digital infrastructure player is betting big on AI-powered resilience and smarter operations, and Giresi is expected to be at the centre of this strategic shift. With over three decades of IT experience—20 of which have been in top leadership roles across Molex, Aramark, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Tory Burch and Godiva Chocolatier—he brings the right mix of scale, speed, and savvy.

    “Strong digital and IT vision and execution are central to our strategy to continue to lead the industry and constantly augment the value we are delivering to our customers”, said Vertiv CEO Giordano (Gio) Albertazzi. “Mike deeply understands the opportunities of a rapidly evolving AI, digital and IT space and has the experience, the executional focus and expertise to reinforce our competitive advantages”.

    Excited about the challenge, Giresi said, “I am excited to join Vertiv, helping the global teams to create accretive value through advancement of company digital strategy initiatives. By continuing to evolve and improve Vertiv customer experience, product development and manufacturing capabilities, we will take the next steps towards enabling accelerated adoption of AI and digitisation for hyperscale, enterprise and edge customers”.

    At his most recent post as Molex CDO, Giresi led major digital pivots for the consumer electronics company. His résumé includes stints as CIO at Aramark, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Tory Burch and Direct Brands, where he played key roles in shaping IT systems that supported high-stakes, global operations.

    Giresi holds an executive MBA from Saint Joseph’s University – Erivan K. Haub School of Business, and a BA in English and Information Systems from Seton Hall University.

    With the announcement, Vertiv has made clear it intends to not just ride the AI wave but lead it, bringing both resilience and ROI into sharper focus through tech-backed leadership.

  • Cashkaro mocks fake coin rewards with high-decibel GoatSwami spoof ad inspired by TV news debates

    Cashkaro mocks fake coin rewards with high-decibel GoatSwami spoof ad inspired by TV news debates

    MUMBAI: Goats, gimmicks, and gyaan galore – CashKaro just gatecrashed the Indian news circus with a bleating parody. The fintech platform dropped another firecracker in its #CoinsVSCashback series with a satirical spin on primetime TV debates, titled ‘GoatSwami’. And yes, it’s as loud and ludicrous as it sounds.

    The film throws a spotlight on India’s obsession with coin-based reward systems, flipping the narrative in true newsroom melodrama style. A goat, dressed like a spiritual guru, struts into a shouting match, claiming to be the ‘lord of cashback’. But before he can prove his coin cred, he’s grilled by a thunderous anchor demanding evidence of real returns. The goat flounders, the audience roars, and eventually, even GoatSwami admits that these shiny app-based coins don’t amount to real money.

    The film concludes with a thumping reality check: cashback that doesn’t reach your bank account is no cashback at all. CashKaro urges online shoppers to break free from the noise and shift habits with its now-signature call: “Direct Online Shopping ki Aadat Badlo, Pehle CashKaro, Phir ShopKaro”.

    ‘GoatSwami’ is the latest laugh riot in Cashkaro’s ongoing content blitz aimed at exposing the fluff of gamified shopping rewards. Previous ad stunts included a Ghibli-style animation, a latent space AI concept, a quirky goat series, and a Roadies-style spoof dubbed ‘GOATies’. With each rollout, the campaign reinforces the same message: numbers mean nothing if your coins don’t convert into real money.

    Cashkaro and Earnkaro co-founder Swati Bhargava said, “The best way to connect with Indian audiences today is through formats they love, whether that’s anime-inspired storytelling or loud, dramatic news debates. GoatSwami leans into the high-energy world of modern media to make a clear point: coins that don’t convert to cash are just distractions. At Cashkaro, we’re focused on giving users real savings, cashback that actually goes into your bank account”.

    Cashkaro director – brand & creatives Ishan Agarwal added, “We wanted to push the satire even further with GoatSwami. The format of heated TV debates is familiar, funny, and highly engaging, making it the perfect setting to challenge fake coin rewards head-on. This ad is outrageous by design, but its message is serious. Coins sound big in numbers, but they deliver little in value. Cashback, on the other hand, is direct, real, and empowering”.

    Conceived and produced in-house by Cashkaro’s creative team, the ad has already started sparking conversations across digital platforms. With humour as its battering ram and goats as its unlikely heroes, Cashkaro continues to rally users toward meaningful shopping habits while challenging gimmicks masquerading as rewards.

  • Kartik Aaryan slips into Skechers as new brand ambassador for India

    Kartik Aaryan slips into Skechers as new brand ambassador for India

    MUMBAI: Skechers has found its newest sole mate in Kartik Aaryan. The Bollywood star has been signed on as brand ambassador for India, making his debut with a campaign for the brand’s buzz-worthy Hands Free Slip-ins — footwear that fuses fashion with no-fuss functionality.

    Built for the on-the-go urbanite, Skechers’ Hands Free Slip-ins come equipped with the brand’s patented Heel Pillow tech — letting wearers slide into their shoes without bending down or lifting a finger. Think of it as the lazy genius’ dream sneaker — sleek, stylish, and smart.

    Speaking on the association, Skechers South Asia Pvt. Ltd. CEO Rahul Vira said, “Kartik Aaryan embodies the spirit of Skechers—bold, versatile, stylish and innovative. We are proud to partner with Kartik, an award-winning actor that is equal parts talent, charisma and adventurous. As a prominent contemporary youth icon, his broad appeal coupled with his dynamic persona will help keep Skechers in the mind of consumers shopping for our in-demand lifestyle and athletic footwear across India. We believe Kartik’s influence will amplify our connection with his fans who value the innovation and comfort that is only offered by Skechers.”

    Sharing his enthusiasm about joining the Skechers family, Aaryan said, “I am excited to collaborate with Skechers—a brand that stands at the intersection of cutting-edge performance and contemporary style. What truly impressed me is their relentless focus on innovation, especially the Slip-ins technology, which redefines convenience without compromising on design. I’m always on the move, so I love that I can just slip in and go. Skechers’ vision aligns perfectly with my own belief in pushing boundaries, and I look forward to being part of their incredible journey as they continue to inspire athletes and trendsetters alike.”

    Kartik joins an all-star global Skechers lineup that includes Ananya Panday, Sunil Chhetri, Harry Kane, Jasprit Bumrah, Joel Embiid and more. With charm and swag to boot, Aaryan’s pairing with Skechers promises to put comfort and cool in the same step.

  • Prabhu Tony takes the top job at Alchemist; Farhan Khan to lead Clay real estate unit

    Prabhu Tony takes the top job at Alchemist; Farhan Khan to lead Clay real estate unit

    MUMBAI: Alchemist has rejigged its leadership stack with Prabhu Tony stepping up as chief executive officer – mainline business, and Farhan Khan taking over as head of Clay, the agency’s specialised real estate vertical.

    With over 14 years of brand, strategy and creative leadership under his belt, Tony has been instrumental in driving Alchemist’s growth trajectory, particularly in the Delhi market. In his new role, he will spearhead national operations, doubling down on scale, agility and deeper client impact.

    Meanwhile, Khan—who has spent over a decade building Clay into a formidable force in real estate marketing—will now lead the vertical’s pan-India expansion. Known for his sharp sectoral insights and steady revenue growth, Khan is expected to replicate his regional success across new territories.

    Alchemist managing director Manish Porwal said: “Prabhu has been a reliable driver of our growth, combining strategic thinking with a profound understanding of achieving significant results for our clients. His leadership as CEO will guide us in our next phase of growth. Farhan’s skill and vision have significantly boosted our real estate division, and his expanded role is a logical progression to extend that success to other regions.”
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    Tony, reflecting on his rise, added: ““The Delhi chapter gave me the playground to learn, build, and grow, and now I look forward to extending the same energy across all Alchemist’s offices. I’m grateful to Manish for his mentorship over the years and will continue to draw from his wisdom as I step into this new chapter.”

    The moves mark a decisive push by Alchemist to sharpen its creative-commercial edge and deepen partnerships across its core verticals.

  • Bassi, banter and a bronze: BBH India scores at Cannes Lions 2025

    Bassi, banter and a bronze: BBH India scores at Cannes Lions 2025

    CANNES: BBH India has scrubbed up a shiny Bronze Lion at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025, bagging the metal in the Social & Creator Lions – Use of Humour category for its cheeky campaign: Bassi vs Garnier Men Facewash.

    Crafted for Garnier (L’Oréal India), the campaign took a tongue-in-cheek jab at scepticism itself—by turning comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi, once a mocker of facewash ads, into the star of one. The story escalated with over 100 Indian comedians rallying in support, including Harsh Gujral, before climaxing in a headline-stealing visual: John Abraham, Garnier’s brand ambassador, literally washing Bassi’s face on screen in a TVC.

    Rooted in Bassi’s own stand-up routines about men’s skincare, the film played up “cooling, freshness and comic timing” in equal measure—making it both a cultural moment and a marketing masterstroke. Social chatter soon snowballed into broadcast-level attention.

    “Bassi Vs Men’s Face Wash is an iconic campaign. One that started on social and ended up on broadcast,” BBH India chief creative officer Parikshit Bhattaccharya. “With all the attention the work has already garnered for the brand, a Cannes Lions metal is a great cherry on top. We couldn’t be happier for the teams at BBH and Garnier.”

    Witty, well-timed, and wildly shareable—BBH India’s latest proves that when humour meets hustle, global glory follows.

    You can watch the commercial by clicking here

     

  • Tetley brews up a beauty and burn blend with its new green tea range

    Tetley brews up a beauty and burn blend with its new green tea range

    MUMBAI: Tetley Green Tea has stirred the pot with two first-in-category innovations — Tetley Green Tea Slim Care, infused with L-Carnitine, and Tetley Green Tea Beauty Care, boosted with Biotin. These aren’t your usual herbal infusions — they’re smart sips engineered for real results.

    L-Carnitine, a natural nutrient known to burn body fat, headlines the Slim Care variant, while Beauty Care brings Biotin — the go-to vitamin for glowing skin and fabulous hair — into every cup. The twin launch signals Tetley’s pivot from passive wellness to performance-driven, ingredient-led innovation.

    “Tetley Green Tea Slim Care isn’t your regular green tea — and that’s exactly why I love it. It’s powered by L-Carnitine, a natural nutrient proven to burn body fat. For someone like me, always on the move, this blend of flavour and function fits right in. It’s smart, simple, refreshing, purposeful and makes every cup count.”, adds Kriti.

    Steeping into the spotlight is actor and wellness aficionado Kriti Sanon, who fronts the new campaign, #NotYourRegularGreenTea. Sanon’s fitness-first appeal lends muscle to Tetley’s reimagined health narrative, where tea isn’t just soothing — it’s smart, targeted, and trendy.

    Tata Consumer Products, president – packaged beverages, India & South Asia, Puneet Das added, “Consumers today are looking for more from their everyday wellness choices — they want efficacy with enjoyment. Tetley Green Tea Slim Care and Beauty Care are tailored for this evolving mindset. With functional ingredients backed by science, we are offering green teas that not only taste great but also support consumer’s wellness goals. These are truly not just regular green teas.”

    MullenLowe Lintas executive director – head of creative (South); Arpan Bhattacharyya said, “Green tea with added L-Carnitine is new news in the category. Our attempt was to bring alive the new proposition with a deep-rooted consumer insight of how even for celebrities, like Kriti Sanon, the best laid wellness and fitness plans are hard to stick to in everyday life. We crafted slice of life moments and positioned the new Tetley Green Tea with added L-Carnitine as a solid modern wellness companion with proven efficacy. Kriti’s charm and authenticity adds relatability to the campaign, and we hope that it resonates with the consumer.”

    Available across major retail and digital platforms, the new range is a heady mix of lifestyle aspiration and functional efficacy. With this sip of science, Tetley is betting on India’s thirst for wellness that actually works.

  • Milking the Commute Mother Dairy wraps Lucknow metro in fresh branding

    Milking the Commute Mother Dairy wraps Lucknow metro in fresh branding

    MUMBAI: Who needs a hoarding when you can brand a whole metro? Mother Dairy’s latest move in Lucknow makes your daily commute hard to miss and surprisingly milky. In a bold out-of-home (OOH) activation, Mother Dairy has launched a full-scale metro branding campaign in Lucknow, transforming an entire train inside and out into a rolling canvas of dairy goodness. The campaign includes a complete external train wrap along with internal panel branding, offering an immersive brand experience to thousands of daily commuters.

    Executed through a dynamic collaboration between Moms Outdoor, The Local Talk, and Priority Media, the campaign signals a new high in transit media innovation for Tier-2 cities. The Lucknow metro, typically a space for quick glances and hurried steps, now plays host to a brand takeover designed to delight, inform, and remain top-of-mind with urban audiences.

    The Local Talk director Diamond Dogra summed it up, “This campaign is a perfect example of how local relevance can amplify brand visibility. By combining our deep understanding of city dynamics with Moms Outdoor’s strategic planning and Priority Media’s ground execution, we created an impactful and seamless metro experience.”

    With Tier-2 cities like Lucknow emerging as critical growth centres, this campaign showcases the creative potential of public transport as premium media real estate. It also demonstrates how smart regional targeting, coupled with visual dominance, can create high recall at mass scale without needing a single TV spot.

    For commuters, it’s a metro ride with a makeover. For Mother Dairy, it’s a journey from brand awareness to brand everywhere.