ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Zee lines up Ashwin Gargava to dial up DTH business

    Zee lines up Ashwin Gargava to dial up DTH business

    MUMBAI: The DTH dial just turned up a notch. Ashwin Gargava, a seasoned media professional with over two decades of experience, has been appointed as head of the DTH business at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), an expanded role that signals the network’s intent to sharpen its focus and operational rigour in the Direct-To-Home vertical.

    Known for his deep domain knowledge and deft handling of affiliate partnerships, Gargava steps into the upgraded mandate with a clear mission: to align Zee’s DTH play more closely with the strategic priorities of its Affiliate Sales team, and drive smarter, more synergised monetisation across platforms.

    A Zee veteran since 2015, Gargava has steadily scaled leadership ladders from building affiliate support to spearheading partnerships. Prior to Zee, he has worn multiple hats across HBO, Turner Broadcasting, Fox International Channels, and Magna Publishing, bringing together a portfolio rich in placement strategy, network negotiations, and international business development.

    In an era where traditional distribution and digital convergence increasingly overlap, Gargava’s expanded role will be key in making the DTH business not just future-ready, but future-resilient. And if his track record is anything to go by, it’s clear he’s not just along for the ride, he’s in the driver’s seat, with Zee’s DTH ambitions firmly in his sights.

  • Sara and Sachin Tendulkar drive home a heartfelt message in Spinny’s latest ‘God Promise’ campaign

    Sara and Sachin Tendulkar drive home a heartfelt message in Spinny’s latest ‘God Promise’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar and daughter Sara Tendulkar have come together in Spinny’s newest campaign, ‘God Promise’, blending familial warmth with an enduring brand message. The campaign, which plays out across Instagram and other digital platforms, showcases the duo’s love for their indie dogs, Spike and Max, while championing Spinny’s promise of trust and assurance.

    The centrepiece is a tender film starring Sachin alongside a soulful indie dog, charting a journey that encapsulates memories, reliability, and the spirit of long-lasting relationships. It symbolically anchors Spinny’s industry-first three year warranty on its Assured+ used cars—a commitment framed as more than a feature, but a lasting promise.

    Sara added her own emotional depth to the campaign by sharing unseen family photographs with Sachin and their beloved pets. Her caption on Instagram read:

    “A really, really long relationship and a promise for the ages. This @myspinny ad brought back memories—of drives, laughs and Spike & Max. This one’s incredibly close to my heart. #godpromise”

    With a mix of nostalgia and simplicity, the film leans into moments that reflect Spinny’s ethos of dependable, people-first service. The involvement of the Tendulkars—and the visible affection for their adopted pets—grounds the message in everyday relatability.

    ‘God Promise’ positions Spinny not just as a car retail platform, but as a brand that recognises the emotional journeys tied to car ownership. By inviting India’s most beloved sporting family to tell a story of trust, the campaign aims to strike a chord with millions of middle-class Indian families who view cars as more than transport—but as memory machines.

    With this campaign, Spinny continues to elevate its storytelling, championing emotion and authenticity over gimmicks.

  • Parag Milk Foods appoints Subhodeep Roy as chief business officer to steer next phase of growth

    Parag Milk Foods appoints Subhodeep Roy as chief business officer to steer next phase of growth

    MUMBAI: Parag Milk Foods Ltd., one of India’s leading dairy and nutrition brands, has named Subhodeep Roy as its new chief business officer, signalling a strategic leadership shift to sharpen revenue focus and accelerate growth.

    Roy brings over 18 years of experience across India’s FMCG ecosystem, having worked with stalwarts such as Britannia, Cadbury, Godrej Consumer Products, Tata Consumer Products, and most recently, Dabur India Ltd. Known for his ability to integrate trade strategy with customer-first execution, he is expected to play a pivotal role in deepening Parag’s market reach.

    In his new role, Roy will spearhead business growth initiatives, drive execution excellence, and focus on expanding key categories. His leadership mantra-People, Process, Profit-is in line with Parag’s culture of innovation and impact-led scale.

    “We are delighted to welcome Subhodeep to the Parag family”, said Parag Milk Foods ED Akshali Shah. “His entrepreneurial mindset and deep understanding of trade and business dynamics will play a pivotal role as we scale up and deepen our market reach”.

    Aligned with Parag’s vision to deliver quality nutrition to every Indian household, Roy’s coaching-led approach empowers frontline teams to lead innovation at the ground level—a move expected to bolster agility in a fast-changing retail landscape.

    Roy’s appointment comes at a time when Parag Milk Foods is actively looking to solidify its positioning in the premium nutrition segment, scale distribution networks, and explore adjacencies in health and wellness through its core dairy portfolio.

    With him at the helm of business strategy, the company looks poised to navigate the evolving FMCG terrain with renewed focus and sharper execution.

  • R Venkatasubramanian steps down as COO of Havas Play amid ongoing restructuring

    R Venkatasubramanian steps down as COO of Havas Play amid ongoing restructuring

    MUMBAI: In a significant development within the Indian media and entertainment ecosystem, R Venkatasubramanian has stepped down as the chief operating officer of Havas Play. His departure comes amid an ongoing internal restructuring at the agency, as confirmed by Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi.

    “We are currently in the middle of a restructuring, but Venkat has decided to move on. I wish him all the best”, said Joshi in an official statement responding to the exit.

    Venkatasubramanian’s association with Havas Media spanned over six years, during which he held multiple leadership roles including president – investments and Havas Play MD, and later elevated to COO of Havas Play in May 2024. Prior to this, he played key roles across Initiative Media, MPG, and Lintas Media Group, with a two-decade-long track record of building media investment strategies and driving business transformation.

    His leadership tenure coincided with a period of rapid evolution at Havas Play, where the agency expanded its experiential, content, and sponsorship-led offerings. While the company has not named a successor, sources indicate that the restructuring may lead to a redefined leadership structure.

    Venkatasubramanian’s departure adds to a string of high-level exits across India’s media-buying industry, as agencies increasingly reorient operations toward tech-first and performance-driven models.

  • Bureau appoints Vanita Pandey as CMO to steer global marketing and GTM strategy

    Bureau appoints Vanita Pandey as CMO to steer global marketing and GTM strategy

    MUMBAI: Identity and risk decisioning platform Bureau has appointed Vanita Pandey as its chief marketing officer to lead its global go-to-market strategy amid a phase of rapid international expansion. With more than 15 years of experience in identity, fraud prevention, and fintech marketing, Vanita joins Bureau at a pivotal time as it sharpens its global positioning post-Series B.

    Pandey steps into the role with a brief to drive high-performance GTM campaigns, build a globally consistent brand narrative, and launch product-led growth strategies across the Americas, middle east, and southeast Asia. She will work closely with Bureau’s product and sales teams to expand reach across fintech, banking, and digital-native verticals.

    “In a market where trust drives growth, clarity and narrative are strategic advantages”, said Bureau founder & CEO Ranjan R Reddy. “Vanita knows how to turn complex risk and identity challenges into stories that win customers and shape industries. Her proven ability to build demand engines will be instrumental in realising Bureau’s global vision”.

    Pandey most recently served as CMO at CAF, a digital identity company in LATAM. Her earlier stints include senior roles at Visa, Capital One, Simility (acquired by Paypal), ThreatMetrix (acquired by LexisNexis), and Arkose Labs. She is known for leading product marketing in highly regulated, growth-focused environments and scaling GTM initiatives across global markets.

    Speaking on her new role, Pandey said, “What excites me is Bureau’s mission-critical approach to scale—driven by the aim to future-proof the digital economy. I look forward to scaling a global brand that doesn’t just react to market shifts but operates ahead of them”.

    Her appointment follows Bureau’s Series B funding round led by Sorenson Capital and Paypal Ventures, and the onboarding of chief analytics & risk officer Venkat Srinivasan—both indicators of the company’s broader push to build global leadership in digital trust infrastructure.

  • Bryan Batista to take flight as Skyscanner’s next CEO, succeeding John Mangelaars

    Bryan Batista to take flight as Skyscanner’s next CEO, succeeding John Mangelaars

    MUMBAI: Skyscanner has named Bryan Batista as its next chief executive officer, effective 1 June 2025. Batista, who currently serves as chief operating officer, will succeed John Mangelaars, who departs after a four-and-a-half-year stint steering the global travel platform through a period of rapid growth and diversification.

    The leadership transition comes as Skyscanner records double-digit growth across flights, accommodation, and car hire, while expanding aggressively into high-growth markets such as India. The company currently serves over 160 million users each month across 180 countries and 37 languages, offering access to more than 1,200 partners in flights, hotels, and car rentals. Rail and package travel offerings have also been added in select markets.

    Mangelaars said, “After four and a half incredible years, I am stepping down as CEO and passing the baton to Bryan. The company is in a great position, and I feel that now is the right time for me personally to make this change and pursue new ventures. I have enormous confidence in Bryan’s leadership and determination to take Skyscanner forward in the next stage of its ambitious growth”.

    Batista joined Skyscanner in January 2024. Prior to that, he led Rentalcars.com and served as SVP of the Trips division at Booking.com, after an earlier leadership stint at Tesla. Since joining Skyscanner, Batista has played a key role in shaping and executing the company’s long-term strategy, which involves scanning 100 billion prices daily to help travellers plan their trips with greater ease and confidence.

    “We built Skyscanner because we are travel geeks at heart”, Batista said. “We love the thrill of exploring new places and we hate the pain of planning. Since joining Skyscanner, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with our incredible teams and travel partners. Stepping into this role is a dream. I get to lead a company that is on a mission to become the world’s number one travel ally”.

    With new products, smarter tools, and category expansions in motion, Batista’s elevation signals a continued focus on making travel discovery more intuitive and rewarding for users worldwide.

  • Amagi gets a Whitmore boost as cloud ambitions stream into EMEA

    Amagi gets a Whitmore boost as cloud ambitions stream into EMEA

    MUMBAI: Call it a cloud with a silver lining Amagi has just added some serious firepower to its global stream team. In a move that signals renewed focus on European and Middle Eastern markets, cloud-led broadcast tech company Amagi has appointed Emma Whitmore as its senior vice president of sales, EMEA. With over 20 years of industry expertise, Emma steps in to steer Amagi’s next phase of partner-led growth, regional expansion, and content innovation.

    Known for her sharp eye on industry collaboration and customer-centric strategy, Emma’s appointment comes at a time when cloud-first broadcasting is more than just a buzzword, it’s a business imperative. She will report to Amagi EVP, global SaaS sales, Dan Marshall, and work closely with partners and platforms across the region to scale Amagi’s suite of broadcast and streaming solutions.

    “I’m excited to join at a time of rapid growth and innovation across EMEA. This is a unique opportunity to work even more closely with our customers, expand our local presence, and ensure we’re delivering solutions that truly reflect the needs of today’s broadcasters and content owners,” said Amagi SVP of sales for EMEA Emma Whitmore.

    “Emma brings a combination of deep industry expertise and focus on execution,” said Dan Marshall, EVP, Global SaaS Sales Amagi. “As we continue scaling across EMEA, her leadership will be pivotal in expanding our regional impact, strengthening partner relationships, and delivering even greater value to our customers.”

    Her appointment follows Amagi’s acquisition of Tellyo and strategic investments in Europe, highlighting the company’s intent to become the go-to partner for live events, digital-first content, and scalable streaming tech across multiple markets.

    Sri Hari Thirunavukkarasu, who led sales for Amagi in the EMEA region for over a decade, will be relocating to the company headquarters in India to drive strategic initiatives at the CEO’s office. “It has been a memorable stint building the Amagi footprint in Europe, and working very closely with customers to drive cloud adoption and business transformation,” said Sri Hari. “With the appointment of a seasoned industry professional like Emma, I am fully confident that our customers and partners in the region are in good hands and will benefit from her customer-first approach.”

    Emma’s influence extends beyond the boardroom. She contributes to the UK Government’s Future of TV working group, sits on the Digital TV Group Council, and has been part of TM Forum’s innovation work on media sustainability. When not transforming media strategies, she’s mentoring women in tech or coaching youth hockey making her as impactful off the field as on it.

    As Emma steps in, Sri Hari Thirunavukkarasu, who has led Amagi’s EMEA growth for over a decade, will relocate to India to join the CEO’s office and lead strategic initiatives.

    Emma, alongside the Amagi leadership, will be present at MPTS 2025, ready to write the next chapter in Amagi’s global cloud journey, one that’s sure to be bold, seamless, and powered by serious streaming smarts.

  • Tribes and Xiaomi light up Chennai skies with 3D billboard for Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s bold reveal

    Tribes and Xiaomi light up Chennai skies with 3D billboard for Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s bold reveal

    MUMBAI: Billboards aren’t what they used to be-at least not in Chennai. On 12 May 2025, Tribes Communication and Xiaomi India teamed up to deliver a 3D billboard experience that left commuters in Alandur doing double takes. The campaign, designed to launch the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, brought the device’s modular photography kit to life in mid-air, piece by piece.

    Co-engineered with Leica, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has positioned itself as a precision tool for mobile photography. But instead of another digital drop or influencer tease, the brand chose to hit the streets-literally-with a physical spectacle that reimagined how smartphone storytelling unfolds in the real world.

    The billboard used spatial layering and animated mechanics to simulate the Gour Guptaproduct assembling itself-lens by lens, module by module—directly above a major Chennai intersection.

    “At Tribes, we believe in turning brand stories into unforgettable experiences. With Xiaomi, we didn’t just showcase a product — we created a street-level spectacle. Together, we pushed the boundaries of outdoor engagement, capturing attention and sparking conversations”, said Tribes Communication MD & chairman Gour Gupta.

    Placed in one of Chennai’s busiest corridors, the campaign offered a rare offline pause amid digital clutter. According to Xiaomi India’s associate director of brand marketing, Ritij Khurana, the goal was not just to display the phone but to start a conversation about the future of mobile photography.

    “With the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, our vision was to reimagine what smartphone photography could feel like in everyday life. By placing it in familiar, everyday environments – like a morning commute, we’re not just showcasing a product, but hoping to start a quiet conversation about what the future of mobile imaging can look like,” Khurana said.

    The campaign sets a benchmark in India’s OOH advertising landscape, merging motion design and consumer engagement into an experience you don’t scroll past—you look up to.

  • Plotting big moves Tribeca ropes in Dharam Mehta to lead new estates vertical

    Plotting big moves Tribeca ropes in Dharam Mehta to lead new estates vertical

    MUMBAI: Tribeca’s next chapter is being built brick by brick, and plot by plot with a fresh new leader at the helm. Tribeca Developers, known for its luxury real estate playbook, has appointed Dharam Mehta as managing partner of Tribeca Estates, a newly launched vertical focused on plotted developments, branded villas, and hospitality-led projects. With this move, the ‘trophy property’ developer is now stepping beyond high-rises to explore high-growth real estate segments with serious momentum.

    An MBA from The Wharton School of Finance, Mehta brings with him a rich and varied track record across real estate investment, workspace strategy, and development. He’s held leadership roles at Wework India and Phoenix Workspaces and played a key role in scaling Delta Corp’s hospitality portfolio.

    Tribeca Developers founder Kalpesh Mehta said, “I am thrilled to welcome Dharam to Tribeca. His deep expertise in real estate investment and operations aligns perfectly with our expansion into plotted developments and hospitality anchored projects. Dharam’s leadership, strategic mindset, and industry insights will be instrumental in shaping this new vertical and strengthening Tribeca’s position as a leader in innovative real estate solutions.”

    On his appointment, Dharam Mehta said, “I am excited to join Tribeca at such a pivotal moment. They have set new benchmarks in luxury real estate, and I look forward to leading its entry into plotted developments. This new vertical presents immense opportunities, and I am eager to leverage my experience to create lasting value and deliver best-in-class real estate offerings.”

    As India’s demand for gated plots, weekend villas, and lifestyle-led real estate rises, Tribeca’s Estates vertical is poised to meet it with the same design-first, quality-led approach that built its name. With Mehta now in the driver’s seat, the groundwork for a new kind of real estate play is officially in motion.

  • Interio brings cool comfort home with Summer Chill Deals campaign

    Interio brings cool comfort home with Summer Chill Deals campaign

    MUMBAI: Turning up the style and turning down the heat, Interio’s latest campaign is a breath of fresh flair. Interio, one of India’s leading furniture brands under the Godrej Enterprises Group, has launched its sunny new campaign, Summer Chill Deals, showcasing how modern Indian homes can beat the heat with cool customisation and hot deals. The campaign comprises three breezy films that highlight the brand’s diverse range of stylish and functional furniture, designed to mirror the tastes, quirks and daily dynamics of today’s families.

    Whether you’re a colour-coordinated maximalist or a minimalist with a Pinterest obsession, Interio promises a personalised fit. From the modular Upmods range perfect for those who want flexibility with flair to bespoke sofa fabrics and user-designed kitchens, every piece becomes an extension of personal expression.

    Speaking about the films Interio head of integrated marketing & communications Reshu Saraf said, “At Interio, we believe that home space is deeply personal. Our furniture isn’t just functional, it’s a canvas for self-expression. From modular innovations like our Upmods range, which allows for limitless customization, to our wide array of styles, colours, and materials, we enable customers to create spaces that truly reflect their individual taste. Our summer campaign brings this philosophy to life, celebrating the creativity and uniqueness of every Indian home. For over decades, our commitment to style, design, and personalization has made us a trusted part of Indian homes and a beloved brand for families across the country.”

    Each campaign film captures relatable everyday moments: the social media-savvy parent trying to recreate a ‘dream home’ setup, the couple debating kitchen finishes over brunch, or the solo dweller designing a living room that suits both Netflix and nap time. The message is clear Interio makes it personal.

    To sweeten the deal, the brand is offering up to 35 per cent off on furniture and a chance to win a free Godrej AC, adding a literal chill to the Summer Chill Deals. The campaign is being rolled out across Youtube, social media, and print, ensuring it reaches digital explorers and newspaper loyalists alike.

    As Indian consumers increasingly seek out spaces that reflect their identity, Interio steps in not just to furnish homes, but to frame the stories within them.