ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • TCM Sports hits a six with Nobel Dhingra as new chief operating officer

    TCM Sports hits a six with Nobel Dhingra as new chief operating officer

    MUMBAI: It’s not just athletes making headlines this time, it’s the boardroom getting the spotlight. TCM Sports, one of India’s most seasoned sports marketing companies, has roped in Nobel Dhingra as its new chief operating officer, signalling a bold step toward global expansion and digital reinvention.

    With over 20 years of experience in steering powerhouse brands like Dabur Red, Pepsico’s 7Up and Quaker Oats, Nestlé, and Makemytrip, Nobel now brings his marketing mojo to the high-energy world of sports. A graduate of FMS Delhi and a former youth cricketer from Chandigarh, he’s no stranger to competition or teamwork qualities that TCM is banking on as it eyes a broader international playbook.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Nobel Dhingra to theTCM family,”said TCM Sports managing director Lokesh Sharma. “His proven track record at marketing iconic brands, scaling digital businesses, and entrepreneurial acumen will be instrumental as we chart our next phase of growth and expand TCM’s global footprint. His values and passion for sports mirror the very ethos of TCM.”

    From the pitch to the corporate suite, Nobel’s journey has blended strategy and sport. Most recently, he co-founded Vansaar, a fast-growing health and personal care startup, where he helped build the brand from scratch. Prior to that, his transition from traditional brand marketing to driving digital strategy at Makemytrip marked a shift in approach one that TCM now hopes to leverage as the company deepens its presence in the Indian subcontinent, Middle East, and international sports circuits.

    With three decades of legacy and a renewed leadership bench, TCM Sports is gearing up for its next innings and with Dhingra at the helm, it looks like they’re aiming for a global sixer.

  • Kaff Appliances brings Nalin Kumar on board as COO to cook up its next growth recipe

    Kaff Appliances brings Nalin Kumar on board as COO to cook up its next growth recipe

    MUMBAI: Leadership changes are usually corporate chess moves. But when the boardroom gets a seasoned operator with two decades of industry firepower, it’s more of a powerplay. Kaff Appliances, the premium kitchen appliance brand with a strong foothold in Indian homes, has appointed Nalin Kumar as its chief operating officer to stir up strategy, scale, and sizzle.

    The New Delhi-based firm made the announcement this April, citing Kumar’s rich legacy in consumer durables and electronics—and his knack for turning operations into well-oiled machines. In his new role, Kumar will run point on streamlining Kaff’s national operations, while sharpening customer and partner experiences across metros and tier two towns alike.

    “We are delighted to welcome Nalin Kumar to the Kaff leadership team. His deep industry knowledge and sharp operational acumen make him an ideal fit to lead our business into its next phase of growth,” said a company spokesperson.

    Kumar has held senior roles at several top-tier appliance brands and has earned stripes in GTM strategy, channel expansion, and operational execution. Translation? He’s navigated market chaos, won channel loyalty, and survived product launches that probably gave other execs ulcers.

    “I’m excited to be part of Kaff’s journey at such a pivotal time. The brand has a strong legacy in the Indian kitchen appliance market, and I look forward to working with the team to build on that momentum and deliver meaningful value to our customers and partners,” Kumar said.

    His appointment comes at a time when Kaff is sharpening its product portfolio, doubling down on innovation, and extending its urban charm to India’s rapidly digitising small-town shoppers. Insiders suggest that Kumar’s onboarding signals a laser focus on operational finesse and agility across functions.

    At a time when the kitchen is becoming smarter, sleeker, and sassier, Kaff’s move to install a COO with hands-on retail and ops firepower is no coincidence.

    The appliances may be plug-and-play, but growing a legacy brand in a hyper-competitive market? That takes more than a timer and auto-clean tech.

  • Vivek Modi takes on brand solutions & impact role at Jiostar

    Vivek Modi takes on brand solutions & impact role at Jiostar

    MUMBAI: Vivek Modi has transitioned from his position as business head and SVP of Viacom18’s Bangla and Odia cluster to JioStar as head of brand solutions and impact.

    Modi, who shepherded Colors Bangla Cinema to the number one spot in just seven months, brings nearly two decades of media and marketing expertise to the fledgling streaming service. His shift  comes after a relatively brief 16-month stint managing the regional television portfolio.

    Before his Viacom18 spell, Modi spent five years as co-founder and director at Fickle Formula whilst simultaneously running YellowBulbs, a marketing venture he co-founded in 2015. His career trajectory includes a four-year run at Radio Mirchi, where he climbed to regional director for north and east India.

    The seasoned executive previously cut his teeth at Vodafone, J. Walter Thompson and ABP Group’s The Telegraph, amassing expertise across telecoms, advertising and print media before finding his groove in broadcasting.

  • Agoda and Atlys tackle Indian travel stress with a smooth new global booking campaign

    Agoda and Atlys tackle Indian travel stress with a smooth new global booking campaign

    MUMBAI: If travel is supposed to be about discovering new lands, why does it often begin with a mental breakdown? Between chasing elusive flight deals and crossing fingers over visa approvals, Indian travellers have long made anxiety their co-pilot.

    But Agoda and Atlys say it’s time to cancel the chaos.

    The digital travel platform Agoda and visa processing app Atlys launched a co-branded marketing campaign in India aimed squarely at simplifying international travel—and putting the joy back in jet-setting.

    Drawing from a pool of shared travel trauma, the new ad campaign dives straight into the trenches—showcasing the very real stress of planning a foreign trip. From fretting over sky-high fares to pacing while waiting on visa updates, the film hits close to home for any Indian with a passport and a dream. But rather than romanticise the chaos, Agoda and Atlys offer a pragmatic two-step solution: affordable bookings and headache-free visa processing.

    “At Agoda, we believe travel should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Teaming up with Atlys lets us clear two of the biggest hurdles: cost and visa complexity. Together, we’re making global travel from India more accessible, more affordable, and much less stressful – so travellers can explore the world with ease and peace of mind,” said Agoda CMO Matteo Frigerio.

    Atlys founder & CEO Mohak Nahta added, “At Atlys, we’ve built our company on a singular mission: eliminating the visa headaches that prevent millions from experiencing the world freely. For many Indian travellers, venturing abroad brings unique challenges, from finding affordable travel options to dealing with visa uncertainties. Our association with Agoda tackles these hurdles head-on by marrying our expertise in visa facilitation with Agoda’s strong digital travel platform. Together, we create a stress-free, holistic experience for the travellers.”

    The collaboration blends the best of both worlds. Agoda brings its global reach and a stash of five million properties (yes, five million) along with flights, activities, and itinerary-building wizardry. Atlys adds muscle to the visa end, transforming tedious bureaucracy into a slick, smartphone-friendly service.

    Together, they’re pushing the idea that a great trip doesn’t begin with booking a ticket—it starts with confidence. And in 2025, confidence looks like an intuitive app experience, no last-minute surprises, and a partner who gets the drama of international travel and defuses it before takeoff.

    As competition heats up in the digital travel space, this campaign positions Agoda and Atlys as the no-fuss duo India didn’t know it needed. Because the only thing more satisfying than snagging a killer deal is not crying while doing it.

    From Bummer to Dream International Vacation with Agoda & Atlys | Ft. Nani & Veer! ✈️?

  • Boomlet and Saridon set Guinness record with No Pain Period campaign

    Boomlet and Saridon set Guinness record with No Pain Period campaign

    MUMBAI: In a historic achievement for Indian marketing, Saridon and Boomlet Group have earned a Guinness World Record for their bold and socially driven campaign, ‘No Pain Period’. Recognised as the largest online video album of people expressing period pain, the campaign turned a hushed topic into a national and global conversation—powered by the voice of thousands.

    With a staggering 5,189 influencers activated over 30 days, the campaign shattered expectations. Delivering an average of 172 videos per day and seven videos per hour, it wasn’t just about scale it was about substance.

    “What made this campaign special wasn’t just the numbers, though those were phenomenal; but the mission,” said Boomlet Group co-founder & managing director Preety Singh. “Period pain is a reality for millions of women and yet remains a topic that is not openly discussed. We are honoured that the Guinness World Records has recognised this bold campaign as a moment of global marketing innovation.”

    The campaign brought together over 8,000+ longlisted creators, using a strategic blend of digital and offline execution to ensure diversity, authenticity, and gender balance. At its heart was a commitment to real stories told by real women, navigating cultural boundaries to spark meaningful change.

    “At Bayer, we remain deeply committed to empowering women by providing effective solutions for menstrual pain relief,” said Bayer Consumer Health Division marketing head Ritu Mittal. “The No Pain, Period campaign and this Guinness World Record mark a significant step forward in breaking taboos and fostering open conversations about period pain.”

    Unlike conventional campaigns focused purely on reach, No Pain Period integrated precision influencer targeting, community sensitivity, and impactful storytelling. The success is a testament to Boomlet’s expertise in managing large-scale influencer operations with finesse.

  • Boardroom gets a digital dose as Liqvd Asia appoints Anasuya Ghosh

    Boardroom gets a digital dose as Liqvd Asia appoints Anasuya Ghosh

    MUMBAI: Liqvd Asia just added a bold new chapter to its governance playbook. The digital-first advertising agency has appointed Anasuya Chaudhuri-Ghosh, a seasoned hand in insurance and innovation as an Independent director to its Board, signalling a sharper strategic lens and a future-ready mindset.

    With over 25 years of cross-industry leadership, Anasuya brings a formidable blend of underwriting grit, digital transformation chops, and brand-building flair. Her appointment is aimed at not just strengthening board objectivity but also adding firepower to Liqvd Asia’s long-term growth and governance roadmap.
    Liqvd Asia founder Arnab Mitra said, “We are delighted to welcome Anu to the Board as an Independent Director. Her deep expertise in strategic leadership, digital transformation, and business operations will bring invaluable perspectives to our governance framework. Anu’s sharp strategic acumen, operational depth, and passion for digital-first thinking will add tremendous value to our boardroom conversations. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in our journey as we continue to scale with integrity, innovation, and a future-focused vision.”

    Anasuya Chaudhuri Ghosh added, “I’m excited to join the Board of Liqvd Asia at such a pivotal point in its journey. The agency’s bold, tech-forward vision and its ability to blend creativity with technology resonate deeply with my passion for digital transformation and purpose-led innovation. I look forward to collaborating with the leadership team to drive strategic growth, strengthen governance frameworks, and contribute to creating meaningful, long-term value for all stakeholders.”

    Anasuya’s CV reads like a masterclass in insurance sector leadership from LIC of India to Birla Sun Life, Reliance Nippon Life and IndiaFirst Life, to her current role as head of marketing at Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance (SUD Life). Notably, her work with InsurTech startups like Loop Health and ecosystem builders like the India Insurtech Association showcases her knack for marrying tradition with tech innovation.

    While she continues her role at SUD Life, Anasuya joins the Liqvd Asia board in an independent capacity offering a valuable outside-in view as the agency scales. Her inclusion also reflects a push for gender diversity and fresh, future-facing perspectives at the leadership table.

    With this appointment, Liqvd Asia sends a strong message, the boardroom is no longer just about compliance, but creativity, curiosity, and courageous growth.

  • Anymind adds horsepower with five senior hires to supercharge AI-native BPaaS transformation

    Anymind adds horsepower with five senior hires to supercharge AI-native BPaaS transformation

    MUMBAI: Anymind Group just hit the gas pedal on its AI-native ambitions and they didn’t stop for speed limits. In one of its biggest leadership reshuffles yet, the Singapore- and India-headquartered BPaaS (Business process as a service) player has appointed five heavy-hitters to steer its next-gen business engine into high gear. With talent sourced from Google, P&G, and its own rising stars, Anymind’s management garage is now fully tuned for the next leg of digital transformation.

    Announced on 16 April 2025, the appointments reflect the company’s aggressive pivot toward an AI-native BPaaS model essentially, AI meets ops meets scalability. With a focus on marketing, e-commerce, creator economy, and fulfillment, the company is throwing every tool in the tech shed at building a future-ready, hyper-scalable engine for growth.

    CEO & co-founder Kosuke Sogo put it plainly, “These appointments mark a significant step forward as we scale our solutions across Asia and beyond. With deep expertise in technology, digital commerce, and fulfillment, we’re strengthening the leadership we need to navigate the next phase of our growth and shape the future of how business is done.”

    Ryuji Takemoto takes charge as chief product officer, The company’s first-ever CPO, Takemoto has been with Anymind since day one, literally he was their first engineer in 2016. Now, he will embed AI across the company’s operations, lead the AI App Studio, and integrate next-gen product development across five engineering hubs in Tokyo, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangalore, and Hangzhou.

    “As Anymind advances our transformation to become an AI-native company, I am committed to accelerating this journey by deepening the implementation of AI technologies into our platforms and enhance feature sets,” said Takemoto.

    Shodai Fujita becomes country manager, Japan, Fujita started as a fresh grad with Anymind, cut his teeth in Thailand and Vietnam, then launched influencer marketing in Japan. After co-leading the Japanese market, he now takes full control of the company’s business in one of Asia’s biggest consumer markets.

    “Having started my career at Anymind and grown alongside the company, I’m deeply honoured to now lead our Japan business,” said Fujita, ready to ride the AI wave with local precision.

    Kiatisak Watcharapruk joins as MD of creator growth, Fresh out of Google’s Asia-Pacific HQ, where he spearheaded the launch of Gemini and other AI products, Kiatisak steps in to replace Moindy founder Punsak Limvatanayingyong. He now leads the creator growth division, which supports over 2,900 content creators globally.

    “I’m thrilled to join Anymind Group at such a pivotal time for the creator economy,” he said. “I’m particularly excited to harness the power of AI to optimise content creation, distribution, and monetisation.”

    Masaki Okawa joins as MD of strategy, Ex-P&G exec and Logipeace strategist, Okawa will be driving business across e-commerce, emerging markets, and revenue-scale initiatives. With 16 years of global FMCG experience, he’s got just the toolkit to make spreadsheets and storytelling work together. “I aspire to be a catalyst to take Anymind to the next level,” he said, adding that AI + BPaaS + business dev = his new formula for success.

    Steven Tan becomes MD of fulfillment, keeps CEO hat at Arche Digital, Having joined via the acquisition of Malaysia-based Arche Digital, Tan now expands his remit across warehousing, shipping, and Anylogi Anymind’s international logistics platform.

    “We’re taking a strategic step to drive further operational excellence and sustainable scalability,” said Tan, looking to connect the dots between offline grit and online smarts. This management power-up follows closely on the heels of Lan Anh Nguyen’s appointment as country manager for Vietnam earlier this year. With a roster this stacked, Anymind seems more than ready to drive their BPaaS machine into uncharted and AI-automated territory.
     

  • Anubhav Roda joins PinDrop as partnership director

    Anubhav Roda joins PinDrop as partnership director

    MUMBAI: Anubhav Roda, a seasoned veteran in the sports sponsorship game, has made a power play, joining PinDrop as its new partnership director. Roda, known for his knack for nailing lucrative deals, brings a wealth of experience, having previously juggled partnerships at SportQuake, the International League T20, and even a stint at Deloitte, where he strategised sporting success.

    “From the get-go, Sean and Menino’s data-driven approach hooked me,” Roda quipped, clearly chuffed with his new gig. “. Their vision of empowering brands and rights holders to create measurable, impactful sponsorships aligns perfectly with my own passion for leveraging analytics to drive success.”

    He’s diving headfirst into PinDrop’s impressive roster, which includes the likes of Newcastle United, Rangers FC, and the International Tennis Federation, not to mention forays into the wild west of Web3.

    PinDrop, a rising star in the sports marketing arena, prides itself on its “insights-led” strategy, a fancy way of saying the company actually knows what its team is up to. PinDrop’s  focus on quantifying sponsorship performance has clearly struck a chord with Roda, who sees “tremendous potential” in blockchain’s ability to shake up fan engagement.

    Roda’s CV reads like a sports fan’s dream, with pit stops at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, PwC, and even a stint writing for sports outlets like SportsKeeda and Scroll. He’s clearly not afraid to get his hands dirty, having also managed the commercial side of Minerva Punjab Football Club and Delhi Dynamos FC.

  • The House of Rare’s cool spin on summer fashion

    The House of Rare’s cool spin on summer fashion

    MUMBAI: The House of Rare redefines summer fashion with its SS25 campaign film, ‘White Echoes’, shot in the snow-capped serenity of Kashmir. Known for its innovative storytelling, the brand has delivered a striking juxtaposition of seasonal contrasts—where breezy summer wear meets the frozen silence of winter.

    The House of Rare comprising Rare Rabbit, Rareism, Rare’Z, and Rare Ones—has launched its Spring-Summer 2025 campaign with an unexpected twist. Titled White Echoes, the campaign brings summer fashion into the heart of winter, turning snow-blanketed valleys, misty trails, and frozen lakes into a bold new runway.

    The campaign features The Ruby Edit for women and Summer Layers for men, blending style, comfort, and artistic finesse with a backdrop few would associate with summer fashion.

    Conceptualised and produced entirely in-house, the campaign captures the spirit of pushing boundaries. “This campaign reflects the kind of storytelling we believe in,” said The House of Rare chief business officer Pulkit Verma, “White Echoes is more than a campaign it’s a statement. It reflects our belief that fashion should move people, surprise them, and challenge the ordinary. Kashmir gave us a stunning canvas, but it was the resilience of our crew and the soul of our collections that brought the story alive.”

    The concept sparked from a single question by the brand’s founder, “Why not make summer feel cool by shooting it in the cold?” That seed of inspiration led the team to brave -7°C temperatures in Kashmir, turning adversity into art. The result is not just a campaign it’s an immersive experience.

    The Ruby Edit for women celebrates expressive silhouettes light, flowing, and full of character. Think free-spirited kaftans, breezy brunch-to-beach dresses, co-ord sets that balance ease with edge, and dramatic yet wearable skirts.

    Summer Layers for men leans into texture and tailoring, with bold prints, embroidered shirts from the Tuscan Sun line, and structured pieces from the Guild collection. The looks are rounded off with printed co-ords, shackets, mandarin collar shirts, and versatile denim—designed for modern, unpredictable days.

  • Publicis powers ahead with a pitch-perfect Q1

    Publicis powers ahead with a pitch-perfect Q1

    MUMBAI: Publicis Groupe has come out swinging in 2025, delivering a knockout first quarter with organic growth clockin

    g in at a robust 4.9 per cent and net revenue up 9.4 per cent. Not too shabby in a jittery global economy.
    Despite storm clouds on the macro front, the Paris-based ad titan bagged a record haul of new business—about a dozen juicy wins—keeping the growth engine humming and the champagne flowing. 

    Publicis now confidently reaffirms full-year guidance of four to five  per cent organic growth and a tidy €1.9–€2.0bn in free cash flow (before working capital shifts).

    Since January, the group has splashed out €500m on M&A, snapping up assets in data, digital media and influencer marketing. That war chest spending cements its self-styled “Category of One” status, a blend of consultancy cool and creative chops.

    “We’ve never been in a stronger position to help our clients, in the good times, and even more importantly, in the challenging ones.,” said chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun, who’s clearly in campaign mode. “Thanks to our unrivalled identity graph and 25,000 engineers, we’re future-proofing clients in the AI era while helping them spend smarter and grow faster.”

    Publicis continues to punch above its weight, proudly touting an industry-high margin of 18 per cent last year, with more juice to come in 2025. Diversified revenues and a connected media ecosystem are helping it dodge economic wobbles while keeping competitors in the rear-view mirror.

    As consolidation looms in adland, Publicis is eyeing not just another year of outperformance—but long-term dominance. Watch this space.