ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Pizza Hut bolsters subcontinent leadership with Pranav Dahiya and Nazia Abidi; a fresh slice of finance and people power

    Pizza Hut bolsters subcontinent leadership with Pranav Dahiya and Nazia Abidi; a fresh slice of finance and people power

    MUMBAI: Pizza Hut is heating things up, not just in ovens but also in boardrooms. The popular QSR giant has reinforced its leadership recipe by adding two critical ingredients — Pranav Dahiya as chief financial & strategy officer and Nazia Abidi as chief people & culture officer — to drive the brand’s next phase of expansion across the Indian subcontinent.

    The move comes as Pizza Hut, part of Yum! Brands, ramps up its growth across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. With over 900 stores already dotting the Indian landscape, the brand now aims to stretch deeper into emerging markets while keeping its people strategy and financial spine razor-sharp.

    Dahiya steps into his new role armed with nearly 20 years of experience across finance, corporate banking and strategy. Prior to joining Pizza Hut, he served as Chaayos CFO, where he led strategic business planning, operational governance, sourcing, compliance and M&A. A banker-turned-boardroom tactician, Dahiya is set to lead Pizza Hut’s finance and strategy with a clear focus on long-term value and operational efficiency.

    Meanwhile, Abidi brings over a decade of HR firepower from high-growth consumer tech firms. At Cardekho Group, she led HR for southeast Asia and helped scale its fintech venture, rupyy. At Pizza Hut, she will lead the people strategy, with a mandate to champion talent management, employer branding and build a culture rooted in high performance and continuous growth.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Pranav and Nazia to the Pizza Hut leadership team. They join us at an exciting moment for the brand. With their leadership, we’re well-positioned to grow faster, lead smarter, and stay true to what matters – our people and our promise to customers”, said Pizza Hut Indian subcontinent MD Rohan Pewekar.

    With deep experience in consumer behaviour, scaling strategies and people-first cultures, the appointments reflect the brand’s ambition to stay ahead in the competitive QSR space, one leadership move at a time.

  • Cannes Lions roars into action with creatives and a Czech first

    Cannes Lions roars into action with creatives and a Czech first

    MUMBAI: Day one of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025 saw a sizzling lineup of winners across the Health & Wellness, Outdoor, Pharma, Print & Publishing, and Audio & Radio categories — and even a historic first Grand Prix for the Czech Republic.

    Lions CEO Simon Cook said, “It’s always an exciting moment when we see the results of our Juries’ hard work in establishing the global creative benchmark. We’re seeing work that not only pushes creative boundaries but also demonstrates the tangible impact creativity can have on business and society. Thank you to all our Jurors for their commitment, time and expertise in selecting the ideas that truly move the industry forward.”

    Ogilvy Shanghai took home the Grand Prix in Pharma Lions for ‘Make Love Last – Bedroom’, a poetic Viagra campaign for Viatris that turned intimacy into art. From 305 entries, 9 Lions were awarded in the category.

    Pharma Lions jury president and Area 23, an IPG Health company, executive VP, executive experience director, USA, Franklin Williams commented, “This piece stood out by saying everything without needing to say a word. Its long-exposure technique delivered intimacy and product benefit with breathtaking subtlety, turning regulation into creative opportunity. Beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant, it made a pharmaceutical brand feel deeply human. For me, it was a bold yet quiet masterclass in storytelling and an unforgettable example of how craft can carry meaning.”

    In Health & Wellness, it was science meets skincare as Ogilvy Singapore scooped the Grand Prix for Vaseline Verified, a savvy campaign that saw scientists test viral hacks and share the truth straight with creators. Out of 1169 entries, 33 Lions were awarded here.

    Commenting on the Grand Prix winner, Health & Wellness jury president and Havas Health Network Global chief creative officer Eric Weisberg said, “People run toward light and away from darkness. With health misinformation becoming a global emergency, we found a bright light in ‘Vaseline Verified’ – —our Grand Prix winner. This work proves how creativity, joy, science, and influencer culture can powerfully unite to fight false narratives, educate, and transform lives.”

    Ruffling feathers with humour, The Best Place In The World To Have Herpes for the NZ Herpes Foundation grabbed the Grand Prix for Good, thanks to its sharp, irreverent take on stigma, national pride and a one-of-a-kind “destigmatisation course”.

    Jury president United Nations Foundation Chief Communications & Marketing Officer David Ohana said, “This year’s Lions Health Grand Prix for Good unabashedly uses humor to tackle a challenging subject and stigmatization. Forget doom & gloom, there’s enough of that already to go around. Our 2025 awardee took a taboo topic and turned it on its head – showing that with a great strategy, a big bold crazy idea (…can only imagine the pitch…), and humor for days, that anything is possible. Brilliant.”

    Meanwhile, Africa Creative DDB São Paulo turned the dial up with One Second Ads for Budweiser, nabbing the Audio & Radio Grand Prix for cleverly compressing iconic songs into blink-and-miss-it spots — then making fans guess them on social media.

    Audio & Radio Jury President and Joe Public Chief Creative Officer, Africa and Middle East, Xolisa Dyeshana said, “Budweiser’s ‘1 Second Ads’ campaign was exceptionally creative, insightful, and fresh. It resonated with the brand, the medium, and most importantly, the target audience. It was an audio-first idea that couldn’t have been pulled off without the power of sound. The execution was flawless, and it achieved the ultimate goal of all communication: keeping people coming back for more.”

    Print & Publishing saw Serviceplan Munich win the Grand Prix for Price Packs for PENNY — packaging that wore its price tag like a badge of honour, ditching design frills in favour of full-throttle affordability messaging.

    Print & Publishing jury president and DM9 Brazil president and chief creative officer Icaro Doria said: “Price Packs is print, is publishing, is packaging and is a point of view! A massive brand statement and commitment to their customers printed on paper for people to see, hold and take it home. We were all deeply impressed with the simplicity, the elegance, the courage and, well, the prices too!”

    In Outdoor, there were two Grands Prix: one went to VML Prague for Phone Break for KitKat, marking Czech Republic’s first-ever Grand Prix. The witty work swapped out people’s phones in public ads with KitKats, reviving the legendary “Have a break” line with a modern-day twist.

    About the work, Outdoor Lions jury president and Ogilvy Latam chief creative officer Keka Morelle said: “Masterclass in Outdoor. Without words or logos, it communicates a strong message through a beautifully crafted image. It captures the moment we’re living in, reinforces the brand’s concept, and immediately sparks reflection, holding up a mirror to our screen addiction.”

    The other Outdoor honour went to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games campaign, which turned the Seine into a spectacular floating stage, waving France’s tricolour values of liberty, equality and fraternity with high-production swagger.

    Commenting on the second Grand Prix this year, Morelle said, “It’s bold, unforgettable, and a clear reminder of the limitless power of Outdoor. This work redefines public space as a platform not just for visibility, but for meaning, where brand values meet cultural relevance. This is how Outdoor should be seen: expansive, emotional, and essential to authentic brand expression in today’s world.”

    Special awards handed out include:

    ●    Healthcare Network of the Year: FCB Health, Real Chemistry, Ogilvy Health

    ●    Healthcare Agency of the Year: AREA 23, an IPG Health company, New York
        Followed by 21Grams and Ogilvy Health

    So far, it’s less lions lying in the sun, more roaring brilliance from every corner of the globe.

  • Bata laces up for change as Panos Mytaros steps in as new global CEO from 15 September 2025

    Bata laces up for change as Panos Mytaros steps in as new global CEO from 15 September 2025

    MUMBAI: The shoemaker is getting new boots at the top.

    The Bata Group has announced the appointment of Panos Mytaros as its new global chief executive officer, effective 15 September 2025. Mytaros will succeed Sandeep Kataria, who has led the company since 2020, guiding it through a stormy period marked by the pandemic and sweeping changes in the retail world.

    The leadership transition signals a new chapter for the nearly century-old footwear giant. Kataria exits after five years at the helm, during which he turbocharged Bata’s digital shift, modernised operations, and expanded the brand into fresh markets. His tenure laid the foundation for what the company calls its “next phase of growth”.

    “Panos is a proven leader with deep industry knowledge and a passion for footwear craftsmanship”, said Bata Group chairman Graham Allan. “His track record in brand building and developing compelling footwear collections, as well as in leading complex international organisations, made him the ideal candidate to guide Bata through our next phase of growth. We are delighted to welcome Panos to the Bata Group”.

    Mytaros brings over three decades of experience in the footwear and leather industry. He previously served as Ecco CEO from 2021 to 2024 and held multiple senior leadership roles at the Danish footwear brand before that. Known for balancing design with discipline, Mytaros is expected to drive Bata’s brand-led evolution across its global footprint.

    While Kataria’s leadership helped Bata navigate disruption and digitise its business core, the baton now passes to Mytaros, who inherits a leaner, more agile organisation poised to scale globally. The company has expressed its gratitude to Kataria for his contributions and extended a formal welcome to the incoming chief.

    With this change at the top, Bata signals that it’s ready to walk confidently into a new era—one foot in heritage, the other in innovation.

  • Pocket Entertainment names Umesh Bude as CTO to lead AI-powered storytelling revolution

    Pocket Entertainment names Umesh Bude as CTO to lead AI-powered storytelling revolution

    MUMBAI: In the world of audio-led content, Pocket Entertainment just rewrote the tech playbook. The company has elevated Umesh Bude to chief technology officer (CTO), tasking him with steering its ambitious journey into the future of AI-powered storytelling.

    The move places Bude at the helm of the company’s end-to-end technology strategy across all platforms—Pocket FM, Pocket Toons, and Pocket Novel. As CTO, he will lead efforts to craft intelligent, emotionally attuned user experiences by blending generative AI with scalable product design.

    “It’s a privilege to take on this responsibility at such an exciting time for Pocket Entertainment. I look forward to driving the next wave of innovation, where technology and AI are not just enablers, but storytellers in their own right”, said Bude.

    With nearly 20 years of experience across engineering, platform security, and data science, Bude has played a key role in scaling Pocket Entertainment’s tech infrastructure from scratch. His elevation underscores the company’s ambition to lead at the intersection of entertainment and machine intelligence.

    “We are at a pivotal moment in our journey where technology and creativity are deeply intertwined. As we reimagine storytelling for the AI era, technology is the foundation”, said Pocket Entertainment co-founder Prateek Dixit. “Umesh’s elevation is a reflection of our ambition to lead this transformation from the front. His leadership will be central to creating intelligent, emotionally aware experiences that push the boundaries of what storytelling can be”.

    Bude will continue reporting to Dixit as he leads initiatives to strengthen the company’s generative AI muscle, ensure seamless cross-platform integration, and pioneer tools that empower storytellers and users alike. With this shift, Pocket Entertainment reaffirms its commitment to turning code into creativity—one line, one story at a time.

  • Havas Creative India wins India’s First Gold at Cannes Lions 2025 for ‘Ink of Democracy’

    Havas Creative India wins India’s First Gold at Cannes Lions 2025 for ‘Ink of Democracy’

    MUMBAI: Havas Creative India, the creative agency of Havas India, has brought home the country’s first Gold Lion at Cannes Lions 2025 for its powerful campaign ‘Ink of Democracy’, created in partnership with The Times of India.

    Rooted in the symbolic power of electoral ink, Ink of Democracy, which won in the Print 
    & Publishing category, was a visceral call to action for India’s citizens ahead of the general elections. By printing The Times of India’s editorial page entirely in purple – the very colour used to mark fingers of those who vote – the campaign served as a silent yet powerful protest against voter apathy. No headlines. No logos. Just a stark reminder of the voices that were never heard.

    Havas India group CEO South East Asia and North Asia, Rana Barua said, “Winning a Cannes Lions for Ink of Democracy is a moment of immense pride—for the work, the people behind it, and what it stands for. At our core, we’ve always believed in the power of creativity. We truly believe it has the power to shape conversations and spark change.

    I’m incredibly proud of Anu, Ravinder, Soham and our team that brought this idea to life. Also, a huge shoutout to Team TOI, Joji, and our global team for their belief in the idea and all the support. Here’s to a team that continues to raise the bar, pushing boundaries with integrity, heart, and fearless creativity.”

    Havas Creative India joint MD & chief creative officer, Anupama Ramaswamy added, “From the moment we thought of Ink of Democracy, I knew in my gut this idea needed to be made and needed to be seen by the world. It wasn’t loud or flashy, but it had truth, purpose, and heart. One thing I held onto was patience. And a quiet tenacity to see it through, no matter how long it took.

    What makes this Cannes Lions win truly special is my young team that brought it to life—Soham, Ravinder, and Annie—who poured everything into it. They carried the idea with courage and craft, and I couldn’t be prouder.

    A big thank you to Rana and the global team at Havas for believing in the work and helping us take it beyond borders. This is a shared win, and a reminder of what’s possible when we trust our instincts and support one another.”

  • Highway Roop drives in Dharmesh Arora as CEO to steer its global ambitions in auto components

    Highway Roop drives in Dharmesh Arora as CEO to steer its global ambitions in auto components

    MUMBAI: For India’s auto component sector, the race is heating up—and Highway Roop just brought in a serious driver. The newly-formed platform has named industry veteran Dharmesh Arora as its CEO, marking a pivotal leadership shift as it gears up for scale and global competitiveness.

    The appointment brings over three decades of expertise to Highway Roop Precision Technologies Limited, a merged platform of Highway Industries Limited and Roop Automotives Limited. Arora previously served as
    Schaeffler Group CEO – Asia Pacific and led Schaeffler India for seven years before that. His career journey began in 1986 as a product engineer at Maruti Suzuki, later spanning leadership stints at General Motors across supply chain and procurement.

    “We are excited that Dharmesh has joined as CEO of Highway Roop. He is a highly experienced professional who has a deep understanding of the automotive industry and brings decades of global experience in building and managing automotive businesses. Dharmesh will be focusing on accelerating growth, driving operational excellence, and leveraging innovation to deliver enhanced value for the Platform’s customers and strengthen its market position”, said Highway Roop non-executive chairman Mohit Oswal.

    With the Indian automotive ecosystem entering an electrifying phase—literally and figuratively—Highway Roop’s timing is sharp. The company manufactures forged and precision-machined components, steering assemblies, and transmissions for electric, hybrid and ICE-powered vehicles. Under Arora’s stewardship, the company aims to add synergistic assets and expand its footprint across global markets.

    “I am honored to join Highway Roop at such an exciting time for India’s automotive industry. The platform’s strong manufacturing capabilities, diverse product portfolio, and global customer base create a powerful foundation for expansion. I am looking forward to collaborating with the talented Highway Roop team to create long-term and sustainable value for its customers and stakeholders”, commented Arora.

    Backed by a rich legacy and a forward-looking product lineup, Highway Roop appears ready to shift gears. With Arora at the helm, the company is positioning itself to play a leading role in the evolving auto supply chain—where scale, sustainability, and speed will define who leads and who lags.

  • HCBS Developments ropes in Dimple Bhardwaj to fire up sales and brand buzz

    HCBS Developments ropes in Dimple Bhardwaj to fire up sales and brand buzz

    MUMBAI : HCBS Developments has brought in real estate veteran Dimple Bhardwaj as assistant vice president – channel sales, marketing and communication, adding serious firepower to its leadership lineup. With over 20 years in the trenches at Raheja Developers, Bhardwaj now steps into a pivotal role at HCBS to sharpen its brand, energise channel partnerships, and fuel growth in the Delhi NCR region.

    Bhardwaj’s résumé reads like a masterclass in real estate marketing. As head – channel sales, marketing and communication at Raheja, she drove integrated campaigns that boosted market visibility and reach. She’s also worn the general manager – marketing & communication hat, crafting multi-platform outreach across flagship projects.

    With a postgrad in PR and journalism from IIMAT, Chennai, Bhardwaj’s toolkit spans customer engagement, CRM, sales strategy, and brand storytelling — essentials in a market where perception sells before possession.

    HCBS Developments group managing director Saurabh Saharan said, “We are thrilled to have Dimple in our leadership team; her deep industry knowledge and proven leadership in high-impact real estate marketing align perfectly with our vision. Dimple’s addition to our team will not only accelerate our ongoing projects but also strengthen our connection with customers and channel partners alike.”

    Bhardwaj commented, “I am excited to join HCBS Developments at such a pivotal time in its journey. With over two decades of experience in real estate marketing and channel sales, I look forward to bringing strategic depth and innovation to the company’s outreach. My focus will be on driving meaningful customer engagement, strengthening our brand presence, and supporting HCBS’s long-term growth vision.”

    The move signals HCBS’s intent to not just build homes, but a future-ready brand that speaks louder, connects deeper, and sells smarter.

     

  • Bhumika Realty cements leadership with Avinash Nagpal as president–projects

    Bhumika Realty cements leadership with Avinash Nagpal as president–projects

    MUMBAI: Bhumika Realty has added serious muscle to its execution engine by naming industry stalwart Avinash Nagpal as president–projects. With over 27 years of bricks-and-mortar experience across India’s real estate and infrastructure giants, Nagpal steps in to steer project delivery with speed, precision, and cost smarts.

    Known for his boots-on-ground approach, Nagpal has led projects at top-tier firms including Trinity Landspace, Conscient Group, Emaar MGF, Mundra Port, and Punj Lloyd — climbing the ranks from deputy manager to senior vice president. From estimation tables to site trenches, he’s been in the thick of it, delivering complex builds on time and on budget.

    At Bhumika Realty, he’ll drive the entire lifecycle of development — from blueprint to brick — overseeing planning, structural execution, MEP works, finishings, and client handovers. His mandate: deliver faster, build stronger, and keep the bottom line lean.

    Bhumika Group CMD Uddhav Poddar said, “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Avinash Nagpal to our team. His vast experience in managing complex residential and commercial developments, coupled with his deep understanding of construction and project delivery, aligns perfectly with our vision of creating high-quality, timely-delivered spaces. We believe his leadership will further strengthen our execution capabilities and set new benchmarks across our ongoing and future projects.”

    Bhumika Group CEO Siddharth Katyal said, “Mr. Avinash’s deep expertise in project execution, technical leadership, and large-scale development management makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team. With his strategic approach and hands-on experience, we are confident he will play a key role in ensuring the timely and high-quality delivery of our projects, while further strengthening our operational excellence.”

    Nagpal said, “I am honoured to be a part of Bhumika Group and look forward to contributing to its forward-looking vision. With over 27 years of experience in managing large-scale developments, my focus will be on ensuring seamless project execution, timely delivery, and uncompromising quality. I am excited to bring my expertise to strengthen the project delivery framework and support the company’s commitment to excellence in every development.”

    For Bhumika, this is more than just a hire — it’s a concrete move to anchor its next chapter in operational excellence.

  • Arun Srinivas appointed as Meta India’s new country head and MD

    Arun Srinivas appointed as Meta India’s new country head and MD

    MUMBAI: From tea leaves to timelines, Arun Srinivas is now brewing strategy at Meta India. In a move that signals both continuity and elevation, Meta has announced the appointment of Arun Srinivas as its new Managing Director and Country Head for India. Already a key figure within the company, Srinivas will now oversee all business, innovation, and revenue priorities across the region cementing Meta’s long-term commitment to the Indian market.

    Srinivas joined Meta in 2020 and has since led its Global Business Group and Ads Business for India, steering strategic revenue levers like AI, Reels, and Messaging. In his expanded role, he will now unify Meta India’s core pillars to better serve the platform’s advertisers, partners, and users.

    With nearly three decades of experience under his belt, Srinivas has worked across marquee names like Hindustan Unilever, Reebok, Ola, and private equity firm Westbridge Capital. His past roles included launching Ola in London, leading Unilever’s food, skincare, and beverage verticals in South Asia, and investing in high-growth consumer brands during his stint at WestBridge.

    Meta’s leadership hopes the appointment marks a sharper, localised strategy in a market that remains one of its largest and most dynamic.

    “As we look ahead, we remain focused on building products that drive growth for our partners while driving innovation for the ecosystem,” the company stated.

    With Srinivas now leading Meta India’s charge, all eyes will be on how he blends deep-rooted brand-building wisdom with the platform’s global tech playbook and what that could mean for India’s digital future.
     

  • India Gate serves a grainy masterclass in CTV with ‘Top-Class Choice’ campaign

    India Gate serves a grainy masterclass in CTV with ‘Top-Class Choice’ campaign

    MUMBAI — Basmati just got bold on the big screen. KRBL dished out a show-stealing Connected TV (CTV) campaign for its flagship India Gate Basmati Rice, using Huella Services’ NEXad to spice things up with interactive flair.

    Dubbed Top-Class Choice, the campaign let viewers pick between “premium” options within the creative — a smart move that turned couch potatoes into engaged consumers. Over 1.35 million impressions, more than 12,400 user interactions, and a mouthwatering 96.22 per cent video completion rate. With a 0.90 per cent interaction rate, it left industry benchmarks simmering in its wake.

    KRBL head of marketing & business head – modern trade & e-commerce, Kunal Sharma said,  “At KRBL, we’ve always believed in staying ahead of the curve, and our ‘Only Top Class’ campaign truly embodies this vision. Partnering with NEXad and Huella enabled us to redefine CTV from just another viewing platform to an engaging and interactive touchpoint. Through real-time viewer interaction enabled by remote controls, we successfully created an innovative, seamless, and measurable brand experience directly on consumers’ TV screens. We’re proud to set a new benchmark for innovation in the CTV advertising space.”

    Huella Services co-founder & CRO Mayura Nayak said, “With this campaign, we harnessed the power of interactive storytelling on CTV to elevate the India Gate brand message in an immersive way. The India Gate Basmati campaign is a testament to how NEXad can elevate brand storytelling and engagement on CTV. By merging choice with creativity, we’ve driven deeper viewer involvement and created a lasting impact. It’s a clear case of how CTV can merge scale with engagement.”

    KRBL digital media lead, Raunak Rai said, “‘Only Top Class’ campaign effectively transformed KRBL’s brand communication, turning typically passive CTV viewers into active participants. Leveraging NEXad’s interactive features and Huella’s strategic execution, we created compelling interactions directly through TV screens. This innovative communication approach strengthens KRBL’s digital-first strategy and enhances engagement with today’s connected consumers.”

    Rolled out across 20 cities, the campaign saw top-drawer performance from platforms like JioHotstar, JioTV+, and Zee5, helping it scale like a perfectly steamed pot of rice.

    Independent validation from IAS and DCM confirmed the campaign’s aroma of success — with aces in brand safety, time spent, and engagement.

    When rice meets tech, engagement isn’t just cooked — it’s pressure-cooked to perfection.