ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • WPP Media officially rises from GroupM, blending AI and ad muscle in $60bn makeover

    WPP Media officially rises from GroupM, blending AI and ad muscle in $60bn makeover

    MUMBAI: WPP has pulled the plug on GroupM and plugged in something slicker: WPP Media, its all-new, AI-charged global media company. The move signals a seismic shift in the advertising giant’s playbook, as it bets big on “creative personalisation at scale” in the AI age.

    The newly minted outfit unites more than $60 billion in annual media investment across 80-plus markets and claims to work with over 75 per cent of the world’s top advertisers. Mindshare, Wavemaker and EssenceMediacom aren’t going anywhere—they’re now operating as bespoke agency brands under the WPP Media umbrella, powered by shared tech, data and production firepower.

    At the heart of this revamp is WPP Open, the group’s AI-enabled marketing platform backed by a cool £300m annual investment and heavyweight AI partnerships. It’s billed as the ultimate integration engine—fusing creative, production, data, commerce and media delivery in one turbocharged stack.

    WPP Media CEO Brian Lesser explained: “Consumers already expect advertising to be relevant and engaging and buying experiences to be seamless; those expectations are only going to accelerate in the age of AI. WPP Media is built for a world in which media is everywhere and in everything. By investing in our AI-powered product, integrating our offer with data and technology, and equipping our people with future-facing skills, we’re helping our clients to stay ahead of rapidly changing consumer behavior and unlock the limitless opportunities for growth that AI will create.”

    WPP CEO Mark Read highlighted: “We believe that WPP is the strongest marketing partner for the world’s leading brands in the AI era, where technology and talent converge. The move to WPP Media continues our strategy to simplify and integrate our offer for clients. While GroupM was built for a time when media scale mattered most, WPP Media reflects the power of AI, data and technology and simpler, more integrated solutions.”

    It’s not just about the tech, though. The company says it’s doubling down on people—investing in learning and development to future-proof talent for the AI-powered marketing world.

    Points out Read: “Our vision for the future is clear – marketing that is informed by data, led by seamlessly connected teams of brilliant people, and full of new opportunities for our clients.”

    To spread the word, WPP is rolling out a cross-channel B2B blitz aimed squarely at CMOs and C-suite suits. The message: AI is here, it’s hungry, and it needs humans to thrive.

    In true WPP flair, the relaunch isn’t just a name change. It’s a brand makeover, a tech upgrade, and a culture reset—all rolled into one. As the world’s biggest advertisers brace for an AI tidal wave, WPP Media is positioning itself as the surfboard.

  • Anuj Gupta climbs the media ladder, takes charge as sr vice president at Havas Media Network

    Anuj Gupta climbs the media ladder, takes charge as sr vice president at Havas Media Network

    MUMBAI: Media maven Anuj Gupta has stepped into the big league as sr. vice president at Havas Media Network, marking another high in a 20-year career that’s seen him steer some of the country’s top media accounts.

    Gupta, who was previously vice president at Havas, has been part of the agency since 2021, helping shape strategy, planning and buying across marquee brands. His promotion is a nod to his deep-rooted expertise and consistent delivery in the ever-evolving world of media.

    He’s no stranger to the circuit, having spent time at DDB Mudra, Starcom Mediavest, Carat, Cheil, and Maxus. Whether it was launching Reliance Big TV, shaping the media story for Samsung’s white goods, or rolling out Nokia’s telecom blitz, Gupta has worn the strategist’s hat with flair.

    Known for turning consumer insights into sharp, actionable media playbooks, he blends old-school rigour with new-age digital agility. Over the years, he’s mastered media mix modelling, cross-platform integration, competitive analysis, and ROI-driven planning.

    Now, with Havas doubling down on India’s growth engine, Gupta’s elevation signals a sharper focus on full-funnel media strategy. As he gears up for the next chapter, one thing’s clear – this VP knows how to turn impressions into impact.

  • Uber and Lego roll out brick-themed rides to mark flagship launch in India

    Uber and Lego roll out brick-themed rides to mark flagship launch in India

    MUMBAI: Not all heroes wear capes; some ride in cabs with giant plastic bricks on the roof.

    In a colourful twist to the daily commute, Uber partnered with Lego® to roll out special edition rides across Gurgaon to celebrate the opening of Lego’s first flagship store in India at Ambience Mall. The collaboration has turned ordinary Uber rides into roving reminders of childhood whimsy, featuring cars wrapped in signature Lego colours and topped with oversized bricks.

    Designed to turn heads and trigger nostalgia, the fleet was deployed just in time for the store’s launch, offering riders a literal trip down memory lane. Whether passengers were headed to the store or simply on their way to work, the joy kicked in well before the destination.

    “This partnership is all about bringing imagination to the streets. Uber connects people to places—and now, to moments of creativity and nostalgia too”, the companies said jointly.

    The stunt wasn’t just visual. Uber and Lego amplified the activation through a content-led influencer campaign, spotlighting creators, families, and young fans sharing their ‘Lego-fied’ travel experiences. From social reels to selfie stops, the campaign racked up organic traction, pulling audiences into the world of play and paving the way for experiential branding.

    For Uber, it marked another chapter in its efforts to position itself as more than a mobility solution. The company continues to reimagine urban travel by infusing pop culture, partnerships, and play into its rider experiences.

    The campaign continues through the week in Gurgaon and has already drawn keen interest from riders, onlookers, and influencers alike. With Lego’s flagship store up and running, the collaboration hints at future possibilities where brands meet on roads, quite literally.

  • Primebook ropes in Bhavesh Gupta and Tathagata Ray to scale strategy and storytelling

    Primebook ropes in Bhavesh Gupta and Tathagata Ray to scale strategy and storytelling

    MUMBAI: There’s a new script being written at Primebook—and this time, it comes with financial savvy and a flair for storytelling. The Android-based computing company has made a two-pronged leadership move, bringing on board fintech heavyweight Bhavesh Gupta as an advisory board member, and appointing creative leader Tathagata Ray as head of content.

    The announcement signals Primebook India’s push to merge business strategy with brand building. The former Paytm president & COO, Gupta, brings over 25 years of experience across banking, digital lending and fintech. His new role at Primebook is set to strengthen the firm’s go-to-market strategy and expand digital access for India’s youth.

    “What compelled me to join Primebook’s advisory board is its futuristic approach to building deeptech solutions…” said Gupta. CEO & co-founder Chitranshu Mahant welcomed the appointment as a validation of Primebook’s long-term vision and scaling ambitions.

    Simultaneously, Ray steps into the role of head of content. With over 15 years in advertising and branding, Ray’s past includes stints at Air India Limited, Meta, The Glitch, and Grapes Digital. At Primebook, he is tasked with leading creative strategy and shaping a new-age brand identity.

    Ray remarked, “I’m thrilled to join the Primebook team at such an exciting time in the company’s journey…”. CMO & co-founder Aman Verma echoed that sentiment, stating, “We’re thrilled to welcome Tathagata Ray, whose creative leadership will elevate our brand narrative…”

    With these senior appointments, Primebook is tightening the screws on both execution and storytelling. The company aims to push ahead on its mission to deliver high price-to-performance computing and broaden access to digital tools across India.

     

  • Mallus of merit Maitri’s creative storm puts Kerala on the winners’ map

    Mallus of merit Maitri’s creative storm puts Kerala on the winners’ map

    MUMBAI: They came, they played, they cleaned house armed with satire, nostalgia, and a killer instinct for viral storytelling. In a blockbuster awards season, Kerala’s very own Maitri is rewriting the rules of regional creativity, bagging a shower of accolades at the Kyoorius Creative Awards and the Abbys 2025. The independent agency, headquartered far from the metros that usually dominate India’s creative scene, is now firmly in the national spotlight.

    “We’ve always believed that there’s plenty of creativity in Kerala,” said Maitri managing director Raju Menon. “These wins affirm that you don’t have to leave home for the world to see your work.”

    And see it, they did. Maitri’s headline-grabbing campaign for Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), a tongue-in-cheek scam ad that exposed scam ads snagged three Kyoorius metals in Topical Film, Social Media Engagement, and Film Craft (Produced Under Rs 10 Lakh). The same campaign added two Silver Abbys to its trophy shelf in Digital – online only video (30s to 60s) and Digital Craft – creative use of video.

    The kicker? It competed against high-budget campaigns from national giants and still stood out with originality and wit.

    Also racking up wins was Sandhesham, a Malayalee-nostalgia-laced BGMI film that struck gold in Kerala and went viral worldwide despite being in a language spoken by just 0.4 per cent of the global population. The result: two Blue Elephants at Kyoorius in Regional Film and Regional Digital and Social Media.

    On the Valentine’s Day front, Maitri flipped the script with Villantine’s Day, a villain-themed campaign for Asianet that blended nostalgia with pop-culture quirk. It earned a Blue Elephant and a lot of love from Malayalam-speaking social media.

    “Whether it was the satire in Thokkummoottil, the nostalgia of Sandhesham, or the humorous twist of Villantine’s Day, we tried to make each idea feel like it was born here but built to travel,” said Maitri Group creative director Francis Thomas.

    “The question we always ask ourselves is this something I’d send my friends?” added Maitri Group creative director Vincent Vadakkan.

    With a Baby Elephant and multiple shortlists, including under Young Maverick, Maitri’s momentum isn’t just a flash in the creative pan, it’s a marker of what’s to come.

    As Maitri director of digital & overseas business Sumit Raj summed up, “The best work comes from a place of mutual trust and respect, and we’re lucky we have that with our clients.”

    Maitri’s rise is not just a win for one agency, it’s a moment for the South, signalling that India’s creative future may well have a coconut tree in the frame and a cheeky, sharp script behind the camera.

    Kerala’s no longer just watching from the sidelines. It’s centre stage script in hand, mic turned up, and trophies in tow.

  • Sambit Mohanty to head McCann Bangalore as EVP in expanded creative-business role

    Sambit Mohanty to head McCann Bangalore as EVP in expanded creative-business role

    MUMBAI: McCann Worldgroup India has handed Sambit Mohanty the reins of its Bangalore operations in a dual capacity as EVP & creative head, effective June. The appointment reflects the agency’s continued focus on nurturing internal talent and doubling down on integrated leadership in high-growth regional hubs.

    Mohanty, a seasoned adman with over 20 years of experience, will now oversee both creative output and business operations for the southern office. He succeeds Vishal Ahluwalia, who is set to exit McCann India by the end of June.

    This elevation also signals McCann’s intent to rewire its talent pipeline and break conventional silos, as confirmed by the group’s national creative chief Prasoon Joshi. “I am excited to see talent grow from within, and in ways that break the conventional mould. We continue to leverage the expertise and creativity of our people at MWG India to deliver exceptional value to our clients”, Joshi stated.

    Based out of Bangalore, Mohanty will report to McCann India’s national leadership team. His remit includes growing business impact, strengthening client partnerships, and building a sharper creative proposition across sectors.

    “It’s tremendously exciting to be stepping into this expanded leadership role”, Mohanty said. “I look forward to pairing my creative lens with a sharper business focus and driving impactful ideas, fostering innovation and creating meaningful value for both our clients and our people”.

    Mohanty is widely respected across the Indian advertising industry for his narrative sensibility and brand-building craft. His promotion also marks a strategic moment for McCann Bangalore as the agency looks to amplify its south India presence and service agility.

    McCann India has extended its best wishes to outgoing executive Vishal Ahluwalia, acknowledging his contribution to the firm’s southern growth journey.

  • Intesab Hussain named CMO & COO at Rilox EV in power-packed leadership move

    Intesab Hussain named CMO & COO at Rilox EV in power-packed leadership move

    MUMBAI: As India’s electric mobility sector revs up, Rilox EV has added fresh horsepower to its leadership pit crew. The company appointed Intesab Hussain as its new chief marketing officer (CMO), while also handing him the keys to operations as chief operating officer (COO) of Rilox E-Mobility Pvt. Ltd.

    With over 15 years of experience, Hussain brings a formidable track record across brand positioning, strategic communications, and pan-India campaigns. His dual mandate will be to steer Rilox’s marketing engine and streamline operational velocity as the company scales up to meet growing EV demand.

    “It’s an honour to join Rilox EV at such a dynamic phase of growth”, said Hussain. “I look forward to crafting bold, impactful campaigns and customer experiences that reflect our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Our goal is to make Rilox a household name in electric mobility, synonymous with quality, performance and value”.

    Rilox EV founder & CEO Avesh Memon said the dual-role appointment signals a pivotal chapter in the company’s journey. “We’re thrilled to welcome Intesab to our leadership team. His strategic vision and intimate knowledge of the EV ecosystem align perfectly with our mission: making electric mobility more accessible and aspirational. With his dual CMO-COO capacity, we’ll accelerate both our market outreach and operational excellence”.

    Prior to this, Hussain led marketing and business development at major advertising and marketing firms. He has spearheaded product rollouts, acquisition strategies, and national brand activations—experience that will now fuel Rilox EV’s next growth sprint.

    The move underscores Rilox EV’s intent to turbocharge brand differentiation in a market increasingly crowded with EV hopefuls. With Hussain in the driver’s seat, the company is betting big on strategic clarity and execution muscle to stand out.

  • The Mavericks plugs into One Asia Communications to power brands across 13 Asian markets

    The Mavericks plugs into One Asia Communications to power brands across 13 Asian markets

    MUMBAI: When reputation precedes the passport, it pays to go regional. The Mavericks, one of India’s fastest-rising communications consultancies, has officially joined the One Asia Communications (OAC) network—a coalition of leading owner-operated PR agencies across the continent. As OAC’s exclusive partner in India, The Mavericks now offers brands a single-window approach to strategic communications across 13 key Asian markets, including Japan, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

    The move positions The Mavericks as a gateway for both Indian brands with regional ambitions and international players looking to decode India’s complex communications landscape. With OAC’s deep local reach, the firm will offer clients culturally attuned, insight-driven storytelling without the bureaucracy or disconnect of traditional global networks.

    “This partnership is built on shared values — deep local expertise, a commitment to meaningful storytelling, and an audience-first mindset”, said The Mavericks founder & CEO Chetan Mahajan. “For Indian brands going global and global brands entering India, this network offers the agility of local operators and the scale of a regional powerhouse”.

    The OAC alliance now spans Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and other dynamic markets. With The Mavericks onboard, the network consolidates its presence in south Asia, adding India to its coverage map.

    OAC chair & Hahm Partners CEO Siwon Hahm said, “The Mavericks brings incredible energy, creativity, and a strong foundation of strategic reputation management. Their inclusion completes OAC’s presence in major Asian markets, strengthening our mission to deliver cohesive, high-quality communications across borders”.

    For Maverick Indonesia founder Ong Hock Chuan, the partnership is more than coincidence. “While we share a name by chance, what binds us is a shared philosophy. Chetan and his team have consistently inspired with their bold yet grounded approach. We’re thrilled to collaborate more closely and create value for businesses, bridging India and Indonesia”, he said.

    As clients increasingly seek sharper localisation within global narratives, the OAC-Mavericks partnership offers a cross-border strategy rooted in trust, insight and creative muscle. Whether it’s launching a fintech brand in Seoul or repositioning an FMCG player in Jakarta, The Mavericks is now equipped to make the message travel farther and hit harder.

  • Diageo India fuels road safety with Tab Lab rollout across all Goa RTOs

    Diageo India fuels road safety with Tab Lab rollout across all Goa RTOs

    MUMBAI: In a move that blends digital grit with civic sense, Diageo India has extended its ‘Wrong Side of the Road’ (WSOTR) initiative across all seven Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Goa. The latest Tab Lab, launched at the Panaji RTO, was inaugurated by the Goa CM Pramod Sawant, making it a full sweep for the initiative across the state.

    The initiative, driven in partnership with Bharatcares and the Directorate of Transport, brings interactive, tech-enabled driver education to life. Targeting drink driving behaviour, the programme uses real-life simulations to highlight the harsh consequences of unsafe driving. Each Tab Lab delivers a mandatory 45-minute immersive experience to all new driving licence applicants. These modules include behavioural assessments and interactive films designed to simulate the dangers of driving under the influence.

    “We congratulate and thank Bharatcares and Diageo India for implementing this CSR project”, said Sawant at the inauguration. “This small step will have a long-term impact in reducing accidents. No licence will be issued or renewed without watching this film”.

    The Panaji launch brings the number of WSOTR Tab Labs in India to over 70, bolstering Diageo’s goal of sensitising one million people to responsible driving by 2030. The initiative falls under the company’s broader ‘Spirit of Progress’ ESG framework.

    “Changing attitudes is key to addressing the root causes of drink driving”, said Diageo India head of corporate relations Devashish Dasgupta. “With our partners at BharatCares and support from the Goa government, we are scaling WSOTR to equip drivers with the awareness they need to make responsible choices”.

    Bharatcares AVP – social impact programs Abhishek Tyagi echoed the sentiment, “Through initiatives like the Tab Lab, we are fostering a collective effort to build safer, more responsible communities”.

    The WSOTR campaign isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes. It’s a behavioural nudge wrapped in immersive tech—a civic reset disguised as a touchscreen.

  • Shaurya Sharma tunes Into Zee TV as new marketing head

    Shaurya Sharma tunes Into Zee TV as new marketing head

    MUMBAI: From hyperlocal deliveries to high-decibel dramas, Shaurya Sharma is making a channel change that’s set to shake things up. The marketing maven has officially joined Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd as head of marketing for Zee TV (vice president for marketing), bringing with him a powerhouse portfolio that spans Disney-Star, Sun TV Network, Pernod Ricard, and more. With this move, Sharma takes charge of one of India’s most iconic general entertainment channels at a time when content consumption and audience loyalty is shifting faster than TRP charts.

    Armed with more than a decade of cross-category experience from liquor to logistics to linear TV Sharma’s trajectory is defined by versatility and results. Most recently, he served as Cluster marketing head for Sun Neo, Sun Marathi, and Sun Bangla at Sun TV Network, leading communication planning, social media strategy, and content marketing across diverse audience bases.

    Prior to that, he helmed marketing at Shadowfax, where he not only curated the brand’s voice but also launched India’s first ad-film on delivery jobs featuring Aparshakti Khurana and Supriya Shukla, reducing CPO by 15 per cent with his loyalty-building initiatives.

    His Disney-Star stint was equally action-packed, leading digital marketing for brands like Star Bharat and managing subscription strategy for the network’s vast distribution footprint.

    From boosting NPS scores in hyperlocal delivery to driving channel loyalty in competitive regional markets, Sharma’s work reflects a razor-sharp focus on brand resonance and consumer behaviour, both essentials in the ever-evolving GEC space.

    With Zee Tv now under his marketing stewardship, the small screen is likely to see big moves. And if history is any clue, Sharma’s campaigns won’t just sell shows, they’ll start conversations.