ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Today Group hits a six with Gen Z as Kiara Powar bats for cricket

    Today Group hits a six with Gen Z as Kiara Powar bats for cricket

    MUMBAI: India’s most cherished sport just got a youthful twist, thanks to a pitch-perfect collaboration between Today Group, one of Navi Mumbai’s leading real estate players, and Kiara Powar, India’s youngest sports presenter. Their digital series Bat, Ball, aur Baatein is giving cricket commentary a Gen Z glow-up, combining fandom and format to serve cricket content in sharp, engaging, bite-sized pieces.

    Kiara Powar, a former badminton player turned sports content creator, has already made waves with her fresh take on sports storytelling. Now with Today Group backing her innings, she’s stepping up the pace. The series cleverly moves away from traditional long-form commentary, instead opting for quick, relatable content designed to catch the scroll-happy attention of young audiences.

    Commenting on this collaboration, Today Group joint managing director Bhavesh Shah said, “Today Group’s constant endeavor is to empower the younger generation, whether it be in the form of giving them their own home or in the form of promoting young talent, such as Kiara. Platforms like hers have tapped into the pulse of this demographic, and as a brand, collaborations like this allow us to make a mark on and appeal to all audiences.”

    Kiara Powar, the host of Bat, Ball, aur Baatein about the collaboration said, “I started this series with one simple goal: share my love for cricket in a way that would get my peers excited for the sport just as I am. With Today Group, the boost the series got has been phenomenal!”

    Since its rebranding in January 2025, Today Group has been all about future-forward initiatives. This collaboration with Kiara speaks volumes about its commitment to connecting authentically with the younger generation not just through homes and infrastructure, but also through shared cultural touchpoints like sport.

    Bat, Ball, aur Baatein is more than just a series, it’s a sign that cricket is evolving with its audience, and brands like Today Group are batting alongside Gen Z to keep the game going strong.  
     

  • Gini & Jony names Harsh Agarwal as CEO as founder Prakash Lakhani moves to mentor role

    Gini & Jony names Harsh Agarwal as CEO as founder Prakash Lakhani moves to mentor role

    MUMBAI: If childhood came stitched in style, Gini & Jony would be its tailor-in-chief. But as the Indian kidswear brand turns 45, it isn’t just sizing up garments—it’s resizing leadership. Suditi Industries Ltd. appointed Harsh Agarwal as the new CEO of Gini & Jony, ending the decades-long tenure of founder & former CEO Prakash Lakhani, who now takes on the role of mentor.

    It’s more than a ceremonial baton pass. It’s a calculated pivot toward reinvention in a retail world that won’t sit still. With BSE notification filed and board nod secured, Harsh is taking the reins of a brand that’s dressed generations of Indian children and now wants to clothe an ecosystem.

    “Gini & Jony is not just a brand he built — it is his DNA. You cannot separate the two,” Agarwal said. “His legacy will continue to guide us as we build on the foundation he created.”

    Agarwal isn’t just stepping into a new role; he’s stepping into a legacy. With a roadmap focused on innovation, expansion, and emotionally resonant branding, his goal is to evolve Gini & Jony from a popular label into the most trusted name in the entire children’s lifestyle segment.

    “The needs of India’s children and parents in this space remain largely unmet. There is a significant opportunity to create entirely new experiences. We aim to spearhead this evolution, not just through our products, but through imagination and innovative solutions,” he said.

    His plans? Build momentum with agility, bin outdated playbooks, and rethink retail from the ground up. “We are re-evaluating established industry practices, shedding outdated biases, and fostering the development of contemporary retail solutions. The market is rapidly changing, and our goal is to lead that change, not simply react to it.”

    Agarwal brings a boots-on-ground management style. No corporate ivory tower here. “During this initial phase, I will be deeply engaged across all aspects of the business – from product development to retail operations, and from technology integration to customer interactions. It’s crucial for me to work alongside the team, establishing rhythm, speed, and alignment. As the business stabilises and our leadership team strengthens, I will gradually shift my focus to broader strategic priorities, including experience design, brand narrative, and long-term innovation.”

    He’ll continue to serve in a leadership role at Suditi Industries as it transforms from a manufacturer to a consumer-focused retail powerhouse.

    “As we embark on this next chapter, my commitment is clear: we will reimagine childhood through the lens of possibility. With courage, creativity, and care, we will make Gini & Jony the most trusted companion in every child’s story,” Agarwal added.

    Lakhani gave his blessing. “Building Gini & Jony over the past four decades has been an incredibly fulfilling journey. I am immensely proud to now pass the leadership to Harsh, who brings both fresh perspectives and a profound respect for the brand’s heritage. I have complete confidence in his ability to lead Gini & Jony into an exciting future characterised by innovation, integrity, and genuine care.”

    Suditi Industries CMD Pawan Agarwal weighed in, “At Suditi, we believe that the most successful businesses are built at the intersection of experience and new energy. Harsh embodies this perfect synergy of vision and execution. With the strong foundation we have established and the leadership now in place, I am confident that this marks the beginning of a remarkable new era for Gini & Jony – and for Suditi Industries as a whole.”

  • Socioclout brings in Jayanth Kumar as managing partner to boost digital dominance

    Socioclout brings in Jayanth Kumar as managing partner to boost digital dominance

    MUMBAI: In a move that feels more like a plot twist than a press release, Socioclout has turned up the heat in India’s influencer marketing game. On 21 April, the integrated media agency named Jayanth Kumar—aka JK—as its new managing partner, signalling its next big growth sprint in the chaotic, meme-fuelled world of digital advertising.

    Known for its swagger in producing brand DVCs and pairing them with creator mojo, Socioclout is doubling down. And it’s bringing in heavyweight muscle to do it. JK, formerly senior director at DoubleVerify, knows a thing or ten about digital media measurement, market expansion, and making data dance. At DV, he helped carve out a solid India presence. Now, he’s bringing his know-how and digital war stories to Socioclout’s corner.

    “I am incredibly excited to embark on this entrepreneurial journey with Socioclout. The influencer marketing landscape in India is brimming with potential, and Socioclout is uniquely positioned to capitalise on this growth. I am impressed by Bitesh’s vision and the agency’s track record of delivering exceptional campaigns. I look forward to working closely with the team to drive innovation, expand our service offerings, and further elevate Socioclout’s position as a market leader,” said Kumar.

    Founded by Bitesh Singh, the agency has built an enviable portfolio. With over 100 exclusive creators and more than 10,000 campaigns under its belt, Socioclout’s strategy mixes creator relatability with DVC polish—an approach that’s clicked with global and local brands alike.

    “We are thrilled to welcome JK to Socioclout. His extensive experience in the digital advertising industry, combined with his strategic insights, will be instrumental in accelerating our growth and expanding our footprint. We are confident that his leadership will enable us to deliver even greater value to our clients and further solidify our position as a leading integrated media agency,” said Singh.

    The firm’s CRO Abhilash Singh added, “We are delighted to have Jayanth Kumar join us as managing partner. His proven track record in scaling businesses and deep understanding of the digital landscape will be a tremendous asset to our revenue growth objectives. We believe his strategic vision will perfectly complement our existing strengths and help us unlock new opportunities in the market.”

    Socioclout’s charm lies in its hybrid formula—influencer-led storytelling meets high-production-value brand films. Toss in data-backed insights and a pricing model that doesn’t set off CFO alarms, and you’ve got a cocktail clients can’t resist.

    With JK in the driver’s seat, the agency is gearing up to scale operations, broaden offerings, and ride the next wave of India’s digital boom. 

  • Incred Wealth hands family office reins to Anu Bora for next leg of ultra-rich wooing

    Incred Wealth hands family office reins to Anu Bora for next leg of ultra-rich wooing

    MUMBAI: The rich are getting richer—and pickier. And Incred Wealth is not in the mood to miss out. The Mumbai-based wealth management arm of Incred Capital just made a serious power play by appointing Anu Bora as head of its family office vertical. With nearly 30 years of experience managing money for India’s wealthiest, she’s the kind of pro who doesn’t just balance portfolios—she balances egos, expectations and eccentric dynastic ambitions.

    Incred Wealth announced the appointment on 21 April, signalling its intent to double down on serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and business families who expect more than just market advice. Bora now leads the family office division, responsible for delivering all-in-one advisory magic that blends investment, legacy planning, and the occasional existential crisis about generational wealth.

    Her resume reads like a hall of fame in financial services: Client Associates, ASK Wealth Advisors, American Express, and Standard Chartered Bank. She’s handled clients from C-suites, promoter circles, and entrepreneurial empires. And now, she brings that Rolodex and wisdom to Incred.

    “When we launched Incred Wealth, we saw a gap in the wealth space in India – we saw the need for a fresh approach, combining best-in-class global practices with an Indian entrepreneurial spirit. Our focus on offering differentiated solutions tailored to the unique needs of India’s HNW and UHNW clientele has helped us create a strong presence in the market, in a span of just five years,” said Incred Wealth CEO Nitin Rao.

    Welcoming Bora, Rao added, “At this pivotal stage in our journey, we are thrilled to welcome someone of Anu’s calibre and depth of experience. Her extensive expertise in the family office space and her exceptional ability to foster trusted client relationships will play a key role as we enter our next phase of growth and expand our value proposition.”

    Bora herself isn’t holding back the ambition. “I am excited to join Incred Wealth, which combines the agility of a startup with the strength of the Incred Group’s ecosystem. As global markets evolve and generational perspectives emerge, we have a remarkable opportunity to reimagine what a modern family office can achieve. I look forward to partnering with the exceptional team at Incred to build a world-class family office offering that serves as the foundation for enduring family prosperity, connects wealth with deeper purpose and establishes legacies that transcend generations.”

    Armed with an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad (Class of 1998) and a fintech credential from UC Berkeley’s Haas School, Bora fits neatly into Incred’s ethos of mixing smarts with scale. And with Rs 50,000 crore in Assets under Management as of March 2025, the firm is clearly not playing small.

    With Bora now steering the family office ship, expect more customised, research-backed strategies served with a side of emotional intelligence.

  • Foundit plugs in Tarun Sharma as CPTO to turbocharge its tech and talent game

    Foundit plugs in Tarun Sharma as CPTO to turbocharge its tech and talent game

    MUMBAI: Bengaluru’s job tech scene just got a caffeine shot. Foundit, formerly known as Monster APAC & ME, has hired Tarun Sharma as its new chief product and technology officer (CPTO). The move signals a serious tech-up for the job platform that wants to be less “CVs and filters” and more “AI and precision hiring” across Asia-Pacific and the middle east.

    Sharma isn’t your average tech lead. He’s the kind of guy who’s been there, debugged that. With a career spanning Paypal, Yahoo, Walmart, Naukri.com and Maersk, he’s basically the Avengers of product and tech. Now, Foundit wants him to bring that blockbuster energy to the world of recruitment, using AI and data to connect talent with jobs faster than a recruiter ghosting a follow-up email.

    “At Foundit, we’re reimagining the recruitment experience through deep tech, AI, and hyper-personalisation. Tarun’s appointment as chief product and technology officer strengthens this vision. With his extensive experience in building scalable, user-first platforms, he will be instrumental in driving innovation and enhancing our precision hiring capabilities to deliver smarter hiring decisions for job seekers and recruiters across APAC and the middle east,” said Foundit CEO V Suresh.

    Sharma, clearly not one to shy away from a challenge, added, “This is an exciting moment for the recruitment ecosystem, and Foundit is at the forefront of shaping what’s next. I look forward to building intuitive, data-driven experiences that not only empower job seekers and recruiters but also set new benchmarks in the recruitment landscape.”

    Before this gig, Sharma led platform and experience transformations at Maersk, taking global logistics from clunky to clicky. His track record covers digital payments, machine learning, monetisation, and scalable product architecture. Basically, if it plugs into the internet, Sharma has probably fixed, built, or scaled it.

    Oh, and he’s not just a boardroom brain. He moonlights as an angel investor and startup whisperer, backing early-stage ventures in travel, fintech, and AI.

    Sharma holds an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from NIT Durgapur. A solid combo of brains, bandwidth, and backend logic.

  • Sujata stirs up growth with Akshaya Vasishth as new marketing head

    Sujata stirs up growth with Akshaya Vasishth as new marketing head

    MUMBAI: Sujata Appliances has turned up the marketing heat with the appointment of Akshaya Vasishth as chief marketing officer (CMO) for its appliances division. Known for its robust mixer-grinders, the brand is now expanding into a premium range of small domestic appliances and Vasishth is expected to be the force that propels this next phase.

    With over 18 years of experience leading brand growth across global FMCG giants like Sun Pharma, Abbvie APAC, Himalaya Wellness, and Hamdard Foods, Vasishth brings serious marketing muscle to the table. He has also worn the entrepreneurial hat as the founder of the digital health platform GCC+ and is an alumnus of IIM Lucknow.

    “Akshaya’s dynamic leadership and deep marketing expertise come at a pivotal time for us as we expand into new categories and premium segments. His strategic vision will be instrumental in strengthening Sujata’s brand presence and driving the next phase of growth.” says Management, Sujata.

    “Akshaya’s dynamic leadership and deep marketing expertise come at a pivotal time for us as we expand into new categories and premium segments. His strategic vision will be instrumental in strengthening Sujata’s brand presence and driving the next phase of growth,” said Sujata Appliances chief marketing officer Akshaya Vasishth.

    Established in 1979, Sujata Appliances has long been a household staple in Indian kitchens. With its recent foray into hand blenders, breakfast appliances, and irons, the brand is evolving from a functional favourite to a premium lifestyle choice. Under Vasishth’s leadership, the company aims to blend innovation, digital transformation, and expansion into a recipe for long-term success.

  • Manuj Arora appointed director, ads at Myntra

    Manuj Arora appointed director, ads at Myntra

    MUMBAI: Manuj Arora has taken on the role of director at Myntra. He moves into this position after nearly seven years with the online fashion retailer, where he previously held the titles of deputy director from April 2020 and associate director for three years starting in April 2022. During his time as associate director, his responsibilities included leading the gift card and strategic alliances businesses, as well as overseeing approximately 50 per cent of Myntra’s advertising business across various product categories.

    Prior to joining Myntra, Arora served as a manager at Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) for two years. His experience also includes a role as associate group head at Reliance Broadcast Network, where he focused on business development through advertising sales and integrated marketing solutions. Earlier in his career, he held positions at Zee Media Corp Ltd (DNA) as an assistant manager in sales and at Colgate Palmolive in customer development.

    In his new role as director at Myntra, Arora will be responsible for Myntra ads, brand partnerships, strategic alliances, and gift cards.

  • RAK on the rise as Vishal Bhatia takes charge of India market push

    RAK on the rise as Vishal Bhatia takes charge of India market push

    MUMBAI: From the Queen’s land to the land of dunes, Vishal Bhatia is ready to chart new trails. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has appointed travel industry veteran Vishal Bhatia as India market director, a strategic move to turbocharge the emirate’s presence in one of its most promising source markets. Based in Mumbai, Bhatia will drive the destination’s operations and outreach in India, aiming to make Ras Al Khaimah the top-of-mind escape for everything from luxury leisure to dreamy desert weddings.

    Bhatia brings with him over two decades of experience, including an impactful stint as country manager at VisitBritain, where he helped shape the UK’s India tourism gameplan. Now, he’s turning his attention to the sun-kissed beaches and rugged mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, a destination already climbing the charts among Indian holidaymakers.

    RAKTDA vice president for destination tourism development Iyad Rasbey said, “Vishal’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as we continue to see strong growth from India. With his deep understanding of the market and relevant expertise, he will support our efforts to enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal among Indian travellers as a year- round destination. He will also play a key role in tapping into the destination wedding segment, which continues to show promising potential for the Emirate.”

    Commenting on his new role, Bhatia said, “Joining RAKTDA presents a meaningful opportunity to build on the growing interest Ras Al Khaimah is receiving from India. My focus will be on strengthening trade and consumer engagement, increasing awareness across key cities, and unlocking opportunities across diverse segments. I look forward to contributing to the next phase of growth from this important market.”

    The appointment also underlines RAKTDA’s sustained investment in high-growth markets like India and its intent to tap deeper into segments like destination weddings, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), and experiential travel.

    With Bhatia at the helm, Ras Al Khaimah’s India strategy now has a seasoned navigator steering the ship, one that’s already setting sail for stronger tourism ties and record-breaking footfalls.

  • Singla’s signal boost as he steps up as ICCO Nextgen global co-chair

    Singla’s signal boost as he steps up as ICCO Nextgen global co-chair

    MUMBAI: From ESG charts to PR smarts, Aditya Vasan Singla is making waves worldwide. Aditya Vasan Singla, principal at Astrum, has been appointed co-chair of the 2025 ICCO Nextgen Board, a dynamic initiative by the International Communications Consultancy Organisation to empower young communications professionals and future-proof the industry. The announcement was made on 12 March 2025, marking a new milestone in Singla’s global leadership journey in strategic communications.

    Joining forces with Karishma Hingorani (Middle East Public Relations Association – MEPRA), Singla will lead the diverse and global Nextgen board. The newly formed cohort includes Srishti Sharma (India), Rumyana Tancheva (Bulgaria), and Zahra Zakriya (UAE), reflecting ICCO’s strong focus on cross-border collaboration and peer innovation.

    ” I feel privileged to be offered this opportunity to collaborate with some of the brightest minds across the globe to aid the development of the NextGen talent and best practices for the global public relations industry. I believe it is crucial for us to collaborate and co-create solutions that push our industry forward, ensuring we are future ready and resilient.” said ICCO Nextgen Board co-chair Aditya Vasan Singla.

    Astrum founding managing partner Ashwani Singla. “ICCO’s focus on the Nextgen talent is a step in the right direction to fuel excellence and attract the brightest minds as practitioners of strategic communications. I am delighted that Aditya is contributing to advance this laudable objective.”

    The ICCO Nextgen Group is designed to attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent through research, knowledge-sharing, and real-world initiatives. As part of ICCO’s broader strategy, the board brings together emerging PR leaders to foster innovation and industry relevance in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

    Singla brings with him nearly a decade of experience in ESG and strategic communications. His resume spans major consultancies including PwC and ERM, where he steered multidisciplinary teams working with transnational giants across diverse sectors. His career kick-started in the Office of Cabinet Minister Piyush Goyal, where he was entrusted with political communications and policy research.

    An alumnus of the London School of Economics (MSc in Environmental Economics) and Aberdeen University (MA in Economics and Geography), Singla also happens to be a seasoned global traveller, making his perspective even more globally nuanced—a perfect fit for the ICCO NextGen board’s international ambitions.

    As the communications industry grapples with the demands of AI, authenticity, and shifting audience behaviours, ICCO’s move to place emerging leaders like Singla at the helm is a smart play because the future of PR isn’t just about messaging, it’s about mentorship, mission and momentum. 

  • Tata Tea Chakra Gold Care blends tradition and tech for Tamil new year

    Tata Tea Chakra Gold Care blends tradition and tech for Tamil new year

    MUMBAI: As Tamil Nadu united to celebrate Puthandu, the Tamil new year, Tata Tea Chakra Gold Care marked the occasion with a thoughtful, tech-enabled print campaign titled ‘Pudhu Aarambam’. Known for championing Tamil traditions of Care, the brand delivered an innovative and emotional experience that reinforced its close bond with Tamil households.

    At the centre of the campaign was a first-of-its-kind newspaper innovation rolled out in Chennai. The print ad featured a traditional Kani Thali a ceremonial arrangement that Tamilians view first on Puthandu morning, symbolising prosperity and positive beginnings. Central to the Thali was a covered mirror, a significant element representing self-reflection and hope for abundance. Readers were invited to scan a QR code integrated into the design, which activated a webar experience, bringing the mirror to life with heartfelt, customised Puthandu greetings in Tamil a beautiful convergence of culture and modern technology.

    Speaking about the initiative, India and south Asia, Tata Consumer Products president – packaged beverages Puneet Das said, “Tamil Nadu has always been a priority market for us. With Puthandu being such a culturally significant festival, we wanted to celebrate it in a way that felt both meaningful and modern. This print experience allowed us to bring together innovation and tradition just like our Tata Tea Chakra Gold Care blend, which combines the goodness of five natural ingredients with the taste that Tamil Nadu loves.”

    .Monks  SVP Kamala Venkateswaran the agency behind the concept, added, “TCPL has always celebrated hyperlocal, and year after year, our challenge has been to find beautiful ways to connect with Tamil consumers while keeping the cultural truth intact. This year, we brought culture and technology together in a new experience. The idea was to bring a smile and happiness to your home when you woke up and had your tea with your newspaper. We hope everyone enjoyed the experience. Wishing all Puththaandu Nalvaazhththukkal!”

    Tata Tea Chakra Gold Care is a blend crafted to reflect the wisdom of Tamil home traditions. It combines Adhimadhuram, Elaichi, Ginger, Tulsi, and Brahmi five ingredients known for their everyday wellness benefits in Tamil households. Through this campaign, the brand encouraged families to pause, reconnect, and celebrate their roots over a cup of tea that stands for Care, wellbeing, and the Tamil way of life.