ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Eureka Forbes signs Shraddha Kapoor to sweep up new fans for smart vacuum range

    Eureka Forbes signs Shraddha Kapoor to sweep up new fans for smart vacuum range

    MUMBAI: Eureka Forbes is giving its home hygiene mission a celebrity boost. The health and hygiene brand has signed Hindi cinema star Shraddha Kapoor as the new face of its vacuum cleaner range, reinforcing its commitment to smarter, cleaner living across Indian homes.

    A market leader with over four decades of legacy, Eureka Forbes is now aiming to modernise its message through a collaboration that speaks to younger, urban consumers. The partnership also coincides with the brand’s latest offering—the Forbes SmartClean Robotic Vacuum Cleaners, which feature AI, LiDAR navigation, and dual-action cleaning with powerful suction and wet mopping.

    “I am indeed delighted to be associated with the Eureka Forbes family. I have always believed that a clean home is the foundation of a healthy mind and body, and the spaces we live in deeply influence how we function as individuals. Eureka Forbes as a brand has been championing clean, healthy living and I’m proud to be associated with a brand that has made clean living a lifelong mission. With innovations like the Forbes SmartClean Robotics range, which blends intelligent technology with effortless convenience, Eureka Forbes is redefining the future of home hygiene. I truly hope that together we can inspire many more to embrace this way of life”, said Kapoor.

    Eureka Forbes CGO Anurag Kumar echoed the enthusiasm. “We’re pleased to welcome Shraddha Kapoor to the Eureka Forbes family as the face of our Vacuum Cleaners. She represents a generation that values mindful living, smart choices, and purposeful innovation, qualities that mirror our brand ethos. At Eureka Forbes, we’ve been pioneering home hygiene solutions for over 40 years, and with our new Forbes SmartClean Robotics range, we are redefining what effortless cleanliness looks like in today’s homes. Shraddha’s authenticity and strong connect with young Indian households makes her the perfect partner in our journey to build a cleaner, healthier India, one smart home at a time”.

    The brand’s current product line includes everything from robotic to deep-cleaning vacuums, and continues to evolve with technology and consumer behaviour. With Kapoor’s onboarding, Eureka Forbes is signalling a fresh chapter—one that marries nostalgia with next-gen cleanliness.

  • Essencemediacom bags Hero Motocorp’s unified media mandate in high-stakes agency showdown

    Essencemediacom bags Hero Motocorp’s unified media mandate in high-stakes agency showdown

    MUMBAI: Essencemediacom India just pulled off a pitch win that’s revving up the media world. The GroupM-backed agency clinched the consolidated media mandate for Hero MotoCorp, emerging victorious in a multi-agency battle that involved five of India’s top networks.

    For the first time, Hero MotoCorp—the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer—has handed its entire media portfolio to a single partner. The mandate covers Hero’s flagship range, its electric mobility arm VIDA, and its Harley-Davidson business unit.

    Under the agreement, Essencemediacom will lead full-funnel strategy, planning and execution across both traditional and digital channels. The remit includes audience-first approaches, competitive intelligence, performance planning, and campaign automation through unified dashboards. The agency will also deliver tech-enabled creative solutions and integrated content models for a cohesive cross-functional execution.

    “As Hero MotoCorp accelerates the journey towards its Vision, ‘Be the Future of Mobility’, Essencemediacom will play a pivotal role in driving media and data innovation to support its growth across core, premium, and electric segments,” the company stated.

    Essencemediacom south Asia CEO Navin Khemka called the win “a moment of transformation”. He added, “This partnership brings together three iconic brands—Hero, VIDA, Harley-Davidson, each representing a unique facet of India’s mobility story. By blending deep market intelligence with platform innovation, we aim to drive transformational outcomes across categories, regions, and consumer segments for Hero”.

    The win signals a strategic consolidation in India’s auto-media space, as brands seek integrated partners capable of scaling across formats and devices in a highly fragmented landscape. With mobility shifting toward electric and digital-first experiences, the race for full-service media dominance has clearly entered a new gear.

  • OPG Mobility amps up leadership horsepower to power India’s EV charge

    OPG Mobility amps up leadership horsepower to power India’s EV charge

    MUMBAI: OPG Mobility, formerly known as Okaya EV, has hit the accelerator on leadership expansion with three heavyweight appointments aimed at supercharging its presence across the solar, battery, and commercial EV sectors.

    Raushan Kumar, Sandeep Mathur, and Amit Kumar Gupta have joined the company in senior roles across its Mtekpower and Ottoopg three wheeler divisions. The move signals OPG Mobility’s bid to ramp up its innovation engine and strengthen market penetration as India’s EV revolution picks up pace.

    With more than 30 years of experience, Raushan steps in as EVP & sales head for Solar System Solutions at Mtekpower. Known for his stints at Havells Solar, Kirloskar, and Livguard, Kumar will drive strategy and distribution in the solar vertical.

    Joining him at Mtekpower is Sandeep Mathur, who takes over as VP & sales head for inverter & battery businesses. With over three decades at firms like Microtek and Okaya, Mathur will spearhead product development and go-to-market plans.

    On the 3-wheeler front, Amit Kumar Gupta will steer sales strategy as associate vice president for Ottoopg. His 26 years in the automotive sector—including tenures at Tata Motors, Mahindra, and Greaves Electric Mobility—bring deep insights to commercial EV operations.

    “At OPG Mobility, on behalf of the top management, I warmly welcome not just leaders, but catalysts of transformation who fuel our vision for the future of mobility. We are proud to have Raushan Kumar, Sandeep Mathur, and Amit Kumar Gupta join our leadership team, each bringing strategic depth, proven expertise, and the drive to lead with purpose”, said CHRO Anand Amrit Raj.

    Kumar shared, “I am honoured to be part of OPG Mobility during a defining phase of growth in the EV and Energy Solutions Sector. With the industry witnessing rapid evolution, I look forward to applying my experience to strengthen Mtekpower’s sales and distribution strategy, build robust channel partnerships and unlock scalable growth opportunities”.

    Gupta noted, “Joining OPG Mobility at this transformative time is an exciting opportunity. The company’s vision of delivering inclusive and innovative electric mobility solutions aligns strongly with my commitment to customer-centric growth and strategic market expansion”.

    Mathur added, “It’s a privilege to join OPG Mobility at such a pivotal stage in its journey. The opportunity to drive innovation and scale product offerings within the growing EV and energy solutions market is a challenge I look forward to”.

    Together, the trio is expected to sharpen OPG Mobility’s competitive edge and amplify its mission of delivering scalable, high-performance EV solutions rooted in innovation and market responsiveness.

  • Bobby Kuramdas joins Prime Developments as AVP to steer sales with service-first flair

    Bobby Kuramdas joins Prime Developments as AVP to steer sales with service-first flair

    MUMBAI: Prime Developments has brought a new player to the frontlines of its sales and strategy game. Bobby Kuramdas, a seasoned hand in both real estate and service-led industries, has been named assistant vice president, sales & strategy, at the Delhi-NCR based real estate firm.

    Kuramdas enters the role with nearly two decades of experience, having cut his teeth at high-profile brands like Kingfisher Airlines and Krisumi Corporation. Known for marrying hospitality with housing, Kuramdas has built a reputation for trust-driven sales, team leadership, and customer-centric thinking.

    “It’s a privilege to join an organisation that places such high value on design, detail, and the customer experience. Throughout my career, I’ve believed that great sales outcomes are the result of authentic service and a culture of trust—values that are clearly embedded here. My focus will be to build on these foundations and contribute meaningfully to the brand’s journey of creating distinctive spaces that reflect both aspiration and responsibility. I look forward to supporting the team in delivering on the brand’s promise and enhancing its standing in the real estate landscape”, Kuramdas said.

    From building strong partnerships to refining the sales funnel, Kuramdas will play a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s next growth curve. His appointment aligns with Prime’s ambition to redefine what homebuyers in Delhi NCR can expect—beyond luxury, towards memorable ownership experiences.

    “We are delighted to welcome Bobby to our leadership team. His deep understanding of hospitality-driven real estate and commitment to elevating customer experience make him a valuable asset to our organization. As we move into the next chapter of our growth, his presence will strengthen our ability to deliver homes that not only meet but exceed expectations”, said Prime Developments founder & director Raghav Malhotra.

    Kuramdas’ appointment signals Prime’s continued belief in design-led thinking and service-oriented growth. As the company charts new ground, it appears set on delivering more than just homes—it’s preparing buyers to, as the brand puts it, ‘Expect More’.

  • Madison Media Alpha bags Zouk account, rides IPL and CTV wave with bold brand blitz

    Madison Media Alpha bags Zouk account, rides IPL and CTV wave with bold brand blitz

    MUMBAI: Fashion met function, and now it’s meeting Madison. The proudly Indian and 100 per cent vegan lifestyle brand, Zouk has awarded its media duties to Madison Media Alpha after a tightly contested multi-agency pitch. With the deal sealed, the agency has wasted no time launching a full-blown campaign across IPL, Connected TV, Google, and Meta.

    The high-decibel campaign aims to scale Zouk’s presence among conscious, fashion-forward consumers by targeting them across platforms that dominate young India’s screen time. From cricket lovers to binge-watchers and digital dwellers, Zouk is taking its blend of Indian design and practical style straight to the pulse points.

    Zouk, known for handcrafted office bags, slings, luggage, and backpacks featuring Indian prints, is riding this campaign to expand brand salience and reach. Zouk co-founder Disha Singh said, “We’re excited to partner with Madison Media Alpha at a time when Zouk is scaling its brand story through a bold new campaign across IPL, CTV, and digital. With Madison’s strategic thinking and deep media expertise, we look forward to reaching millions of new consumers and solidifying Zouk’s position as a Proudly Indian, 100 per cent Vegan lifestyle brand”.

    At the Madison end, the media muscle is flexing. Madison Media & OOH group CEO Vikram Sakhuja noted, “We are delighted to partner with Zouk, a brand that stands at the intersection of innovation and style. This collaboration is a perfect fit for our expertise in creating data-driven, creative media strategies. Our goal is to elevate Zouk’s presence and amplify its voice in the market, helping it reach new heights by connecting with conscious consumers who value both fashion and sustainability”.

    With IPL serving the eyeballs and Madison steering the ship, Zouk’s multi-touchpoint media sprint is poised to turn heads and unlock wallets.

  • Taboola revs up India playbook, appoints Harpreet Singh to steer new ad-tech focus

    Taboola revs up India playbook, appoints Harpreet Singh to steer new ad-tech focus

    MUMBAI: Taboola has turned the page on its India chapter, and it’s no longer just about native ads. With performance marketing in its crosshairs, the global content recommendation giant has appointed Harpreet Singh as its new country manager to lead its next wave of expansion in India.

    Backed by strong momentum in the Indian market, Taboola has begun rewriting its growth script. Its February launch of ‘Realize’—a new performance-focused platform that moves beyond the confines of search and social—marked a strategic pivot. Built to deliver scalable outcomes for advertisers, Realize reflects the company’s ambition to dominate the evolving digital ad space.

    To add muscle to this shift, Taboola recently inked a two-year exclusive partnership with JioNews, one of India’s leading news aggregators. The deal integrates Taboola’s content discovery suite across JioNews’ categories—from politics and business to lifestyle—giving advertisers enhanced reach to high-intent Indian audiences.

    Singh now steps into the driver’s seat, tasked with leading Taboola’s India operations at a time when the company is aggressively pursuing performance advertising. With over 18 years in digital media, Singh has played an instrumental role in Taboola’s success in India and Southeast Asia. His work with publishers such as Times Internet, Network18, Jagran New Media, Hindustan Times, and Indian Express helped establish Taboola as a go-to monetisation partner.

    “We are committed to evolving beyond native advertising and Harpreet’s leadership aligns perfectly with this shift,” a company representative said. “His track record makes him ideal to expand Realize’s potential and build stronger advertiser and publisher outcomes in India.”

    The new leadership, combined with product innovation and strategic deals, signals Taboola’s aggressive expansion in one of its most promising markets. As Realize gains traction, all eyes will be on how Singh steers this next leg of growth.

  • Sprintexx ropes in ad tech ace Uddit Pandey as co-founder to sharpen its digital game

    Sprintexx ropes in ad tech ace Uddit Pandey as co-founder to sharpen its digital game

    MUMBAI: Sprintexx has just upgraded its digital playbook—and it’s not subtle about it. The ad tech firm has appointed Uddit Pandey as its new co-founder, handing the steering wheel to one of India’s most seasoned programmatic trailblazers.

    The announcement, made on 8 May 2025, signals Sprintexx’s pivot towards a sharper, tech-driven growth trajectory. With close to two decades of experience in programmatic advertising, business acceleration, and strategic media planning, Pandey steps into the role armed with the kind of experience that reshapes playbooks.

    Sprintexx expects Pandey to architect a “future-ready ad tech ecosystem”—a blend of programmatic precision, full-funnel strategy and creative muscle. The company said his focus will remain fixed on boosting client ROI, scaling operations and keeping Sprintexx ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving digital media landscape.

    “I am thrilled to join Sprintexx as co-founder and look forward to building a future-focused ad tech ecosystem that delivers unmatched value, innovation, and growth for our partners,” Pandey said.

    Known for pushing boundaries in data-led media execution and strategic partnerships, Pandey has previously led transformation projects for marquee brands. His appointment marks a strategic shift for Sprintexx as it leans harder into media intelligence, omnichannel delivery and audience-led innovation.

    With this leadership move, the company signals a strong intent to dominate India’s fast-moving ad tech arena—and beyond.

  • Aaj Tak is realigning its revenue structure under Gaurav Verma, while Rahul Shaw drives growth for Stage Aaj Tak

    Aaj Tak is realigning its revenue structure under Gaurav Verma, while Rahul Shaw drives growth for Stage Aaj Tak

    MUMBAI: Curtains up on a leadership shuffle at India Today Group, where Rahul Shaw is stepping into a singular spotlight devoting his full attention to Stage Aaj Tak, the Group’s fast-rising experiential content venture. In doing so, Shaw exits his current roles in the TV and radio businesses to scale what insiders are calling a high-priority growth engine.

    As Shaw takes centre stage, Gaurav Verma steps into the wings of Aaj Tak’s revenue operations at least for now. In his interim role, Verma will oversee revenue teams across the South, West, and North regions. The East will continue to be independently steered by Satyaky, while Manisha Solanki and Gunjan Taneja retain command of India Today TV and Good News Today (GNT), respectively.

    All of Shaw’s previous direct reports, including Verma, will now report directly to Bhatia. Explaining the rationale behind the reshuffle, Bhatia called it a strategic move to “align our teams for long-term success, foster internal growth opportunities, and intensify our focus on core business priorities.”

    In a landscape where content needs to not just inform but immerse, this rejig isn’t just about titles and territories, it’s about building a future-ready playbook. And as this new chapter unfolds, all eyes will be on how Stage Aaj Tak scales new heights under Shaw’s solo spotlight.

  • Chaaipani to brew up brand buzz at Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025

    Chaaipani to brew up brand buzz at Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025

    MUMBAI: Chaaipani has steeped itself into the grand spectacle of the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025, bagging the exclusive rights for advertising and brand activations at one of India’s most iconic religious gatherings, expected to draw over 15 million devotees.

    As the official brand activation partner, Chaaipani will craft immersive brand experiences, striking a fine balance between spirituality and smart storytelling. From on-ground sponsorships to high-impact brand placements, the agency’s mission is to keep the sanctity of the event intact while ensuring brands resonate with the sea of devotees flooding Puri’s streets.

    Set to roll out on 27 June 2025, the Rath Yatra will see the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra embark on their legendary journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. For brands, this isn’t just a journey of faith—it’s a direct route to the hearts of millions, especially from India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

    Chaaipani founder Shruti Chaturvedi  described the partnership as a privilege and a challenge, saying, “We are deeply honored to be entrusted with the advertising and brand activation for the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025. This is more than just a festival—it is an embodiment of faith, devotion, and centuries-old tradition. Our goal is to create a respectful and authentic brand storytelling experience that enhances the Yatra for millions of devotees while preserving its spiritual essence.”

  • Abby Awards 2025: Round 1 shortlist unveiled, Leo Burnett and Enormous Brands lead the creative charge

    Abby Awards 2025: Round 1 shortlist unveiled, Leo Burnett and Enormous Brands lead the creative charge

    MUMBAI: The AdClub has revealed the Round 1 shortlist for the Abby Awards 2025, powered by One Show, with industry heavyweights Leo Burnett, Enormous Brands, FCB, VML, McCann, Famous Innovations, and Havas leading the charge in the creative categories.

    A star-studded lineup of creative powerhouses and brands has made the cut, including Good Morning Films, Tribes Communications, Atom Network, Cheil, Schbang, Mudra Max, Y&H, Grey Group, Hogarth Studios, Vanilla Films, Mindshare, BBH, and Tilt Brand Solutions.

     The client roster shines just as bright, with AIS, Jaguar, P&G Whisper, Manifest, The Times of India, Axis Bank, Coca-Cola, Finolex, Reliance General Insurance, Durex, Flipkart, Lays, and Dream11 all vying for glory.

    Digital dynamos like Schbang, BC Web Wise, Digitas, and Interactive Avenues have carved out their space, while design virtuosos Open Design, Hyphen Brands, and Tree Design have made their mark. 

    Video craft maestros—Good Morning Films, Vanilla Films, Bang Bang, Kitchen Video, and Superfly Films—add a cinematic edge to the shortlist.

    The broadcast and publishing giants aren’t left behind, with Bennett Coleman, ABP, Jagran Prakashan, Viacom, Star India, The Hindu Group, and Zee Entertainment staking their claim for the trophy. 

    Start-up agencies like Y&H, tgthr, Brave, and Believe Trinity have also entered the spotlight, proving that fresh talent can compete with the best.

    Awards governing council chairman Ajay Kakar expressed his delight: “The shortlist for the Abby Awards 2025—across both creative and media categories—is now out. It’s heartening to see the breadth and diversity of agencies, clients, brands, publishers, and broadcasters who have made it through the first round of rigorous jury evaluation. This wide representation is a reflection of the vibrancy and depth of talent in our industry. With the second and third rounds of judging ahead, we now look forward to seeing the best rise to the top. All roads lead to the awards nights between 21 and 23 May.”

    The round 2 and round 3 judging are already underway, with the final winners set to be crowned at the much-anticipated Goafest 2025.