ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Taapsee Pannu becomes Nivea’s first Indian global brand ambassador

    Taapsee Pannu becomes Nivea’s first Indian global brand ambassador

    MUMBAI: Nivea India, the country’s most trusted skincare brand, has unveiled cinema star Taapsee Pannu as its first-ever Indian global brand ambassador, launching a new era of skincare innovation with the Nivea Soft Daily UV moisturiser.

    The latest product from Nivea blends 48-hour hydration with 88 per cent UV protection, offering a fuss-free solution for modern consumers who crave lightweight, non-sticky skincare that performs. With its nourishing blend of Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Jojoba Extracts, the Daily UV variant retains the fast-absorbing texture of the original Nivea Soft, now supercharged for sun protection indoors and out.

    To celebrate the launch, Nivea released a cheerful TVC featuring Pannu enjoying sunny moments with friends, highlighting how easily the product slips into everyday life protecting and hydrating without missing a beat.

    “I’ve always believed that skincare should be simple, effective and effortless. With Nivea Soft Daily UV, I get the hydration my skin needs and the UV protection it deserves, all in one lightweight formula. It’s the perfect daily companion for fresh and glowing skin!” said Pannu.

    Nivea India marketing director Shweta Dalal added, “With Nivea Soft Daily UV, we’re addressing the growing need for everyday hydration with added UV protection in a formula that remains true to the much-loved Nivea Soft experience.”

    The launch also coincided with a high-profile visit by Beiersdorf global CEO Vincent Warnery, to India in February. His meeting with Pannu marked the beginning of her global ambassador journey, reinforcing Nivea’s long-term commitment to India and highlighting the nation’s growing Nivea Soft Daily UV is now available online and at retail outlets across India, priced at, Rs 165 for 50ml, Rs 325 for 100ml, Rs 520 for 200ml.
     

  • Bankersklub hires Gaurav Kathuria to lead marketing and partnerships in growth-hungry fintech blitz

    Bankersklub hires Gaurav Kathuria to lead marketing and partnerships in growth-hungry fintech blitz

    MUMBAI: In the mad scramble for fintech dominance, where buzzwords fly faster than balance sheets, Bankersklub has just made a power move. The corporate finance aggregator – already making waves by blending old-school banking smarts with new-age startup hustle – has roped in Gaurav Kathuria as its head of marketing & partnerships. It’s the kind of appointment that says, “We’re not just playing to survive – we’re scaling to dominate.”

    Kathuria’s appointment is a key piece in Bankersklub’s playbook to build a sustainable, scalable fintech brand that’s not afraid to speak the language of VCs, IPOs and big-ticket clients. And with over 20 years of experience across marketing, growth, and digital transformation – including stints at The Times of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Visa Inc., and Home Credit – Kathuria isn’t here to faff around.

    In his new role, he’ll lead everything from partnerships and integrated campaigns to performance marketing, content creation and automation. Basically, he’ll be the man behind the fintech curtain, pulling levers that drive brand visibility and lead generation while the rest of us wonder how they suddenly appeared on every timeline and podcast.

    Welcoming him on board, Bankersklub founder & CEO Rajat Chopra stated, “We are excited to welcome Gaurav as our head of marketing & partnerships. His demonstrated success in brand development, client engagement, and strategic partnerships aligns perfectly with our vision for Bankersklub’s growth. Gaurav’s leadership and expertise will help us scale successful marketing and relationship-building strategies. We are confident that by cultivating high-impact partnerships and optimizing marketing efforts, Gaurav’s leadership will play a key role in propelling Bankersklub to new heights in a competitive marketplace.”

    True to fintech form, this isn’t just about making noise – it’s about making it measurable.

    And Kathuria gets that.

    “I am excited to join Bankersklub and contribute to its mission of facilitating strategic investment opportunities for high-growth companies. My goal is to leverage data-driven marketing strategies and optimize performance across digital and offline channels to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. By forging strategic partnerships and alliances, I aim to position Bankersklub as a trusted platform for Pre-IPO, IPO, and Growth Capital stage companies. I look forward to driving scalable and sustainable growth by aligning marketing initiatives with business objectives and delivering measurable outcomes,” said Kathuria.

    Armed with Martech know-how, automation wizardry, and a knack for demand generation, Kathuria’s reputation for turning campaign dashboards into deal flow could be the secret sauce Bankersklub needs to keep climbing the fintech food chain.

  • Crown Rice turns Delhi’s daily traffic into a billboard of basmati-powered bliss

    Crown Rice turns Delhi’s daily traffic into a billboard of basmati-powered bliss

    MUMBAI: In Delhi, it’s not just the traffic that’s bumper-to-bumper—so are the eyes glued to Crown Rice’s new out-of-home (OOH) campaign. Unveiled across the capital’s busiest stretches, the basmati giant’s latest ad blitz has served up emotion, nostalgia and hunger in equal measure, all under the heartwarming banner of ‘Khushiyon Ka Khazana’.

    From bustling roundabouts to metro hotspots, DRRK Foods’ flagship brand is now smiling down on thousands with visuals that scream flavour, family and festivity.

    “At Crown Rice, we believe that food is at the heart of every happy moment, whether it’s a festive feast or a simple family dinner. With our ‘Khushiyon Ka Khazana’ campaign, we’re celebrating those everyday moments of togetherness that begin with a wholesome plate of basmati rice. This campaign is our way of reaching out to families and being a part of their special moments, and very soon, we are planning to extend this initiative to other regions of north India,” said DRRK Foods joint MD Vikram Marwaha.

    While other FMCG brands try to shout louder, Crown Rice has taken a more poetic route—stirring hearts with aroma-led memories and dinnertime nostalgia. In a city where the average red light lasts longer than most Netflix reels, Crown’s billboard strategy is banking on meaningful glances turning into memorable mealtimes.

    The campaign also underscores DRRK Foods’ larger ambitions in metro markets, aiming to boost brand affinity and visibility in the cluttered consumer landscape. And judging by the current chatter, it’s already doing just that.

    So, next time you’re stuck in Delhi traffic, don’t be surprised if you catch yourself craving rice, not road rage.

  • Kevin Shah climbs the comms ladder as SGA names him managing director

    Kevin Shah climbs the comms ladder as SGA names him managing director

    MUMBAI: Strategic Growth Advisors (SGA), one of India’s fastest-growing integrated communications consultancies, has announced the elevation of Kevin Shah to the role of managing director. Shah, who previously served as executive director, has been instrumental in the firm’s transformation from a specialist investor relations outfit into a full-service communications powerhouse.

    A second-generation leader, Kevin brings a unique mix of sharp strategic thinking and emotional intelligence. Over the past decade, he has spearheaded SGA’s diversification into three new verticals corporate reporting, public relations, and brand & design each now a critical pillar of the firm’s operations.

    SGA founder & chairman Samir Shah said, “Kevin’s elevation marks a significant milestone in SGA’s journey of evolution and growth.  It reflects the trust he has earned and the value he has brought to the organisation over the last 13 years”.

    With a style that balances purpose with performance, Kevin has championed a culture of collaboration and client-first thinking. His approach has earned SGA the trust of some of India’s most respected brands.

    Commenting on his new role Kevin Shah Stated, “Stepping into the role of managing director at SGA is both an honour and a profound responsibility. From the early days of the firm, my journey has been one of continuous learning and growth, guided by the principles instilled by my father and the collective wisdom of our team.”

    “Our evolution from a specialized investor relations advisory to a full-spectrum communications powerhouse is a testament to our own learning, collective efforts and unwavering dedication to growth and value addition. As I embark on this new chapter, my focus will be on nurturing people, deepening client partnerships, and driving innovation across our service offerings. Together, we will strive to uphold SGA’s legacy of excellence in the communications landscape,” Kevin Shah added.

    With a strong team behind him and an eye on the future, Kevin Shah’s appointment signals a fresh era for SGA, one that blends legacy with new-age leadership.

  • Cerave rolls out Derm On-The-Go for accessible skincare in India

    Cerave rolls out Derm On-The-Go for accessible skincare in India

    MUMBAI: Cerave, has launched its ambitious ‘Derm On-The-Go’ campaign in India bringing science-backed skincare guidance directly to the youth.

    Targeting college students, the initiative features one-on-one consultations with over 100 dermatologists, engaging on-campus activations, and dynamic digital outreach across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. The mission? To break down barriers to expert skincare advice and empower young Indians with credible knowledge.

    The programme kicked off in Mumbai with the innovative Ceravan (mobile consultation buses) and Cerakiosk (on-site kiosks), where students received personalised skincare education. With over 1,500 free consultations and more than 15,000 footfalls in Mumbai and Delhi, the initiative is now gearing up for its next stop Bengaluru.

    “Cerave wants to empower every Indian to make informed skincare choices,” said L’oréal Dermatological Beauty, L’oréal India director Rami Itani. “With a dermatologist-to-consumer ratio of just 0.7 per 100,000, access to expert advice is limited. The ‘Derm On-The-Go’ program is designed to make dermatological solutions accessible and actionable, empowering consumers to prioritise their skin health with science-backed expertise, daily.”

    Dermatology MD DNB Siddhi Tiwari remarked, “Everyday in my practice, I meet young people who unknowingly damage their skin by following viral skincare trends. Lack of access to expert advice means they rely on guesswork. The Cerave ‘Derm On-The-Go’ initiative is a game-changer it brings expert guidance directly to those who need it most, in spaces they feel comfortable in. With the right education, we can prevent long-term skin damage and foster a generation of well-informed skincare consumers.”

    Beyond campus visits, the initiative also leverages digital platforms. Top dermatologists and lifestyle influencers will offer insights on Instagram and Youtube busting skincare myths and encouraging informed conversations around skin health.

    Having made its Indian debut in 2023, Cerave continues its mission to make dermatological care accessible. Its product range powered by three Essential Ceramides and Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE) technology offers clinically proven solutions to restore the skin barrier and deliver lasting hydration.

    Looking ahead, Cerave plans to expand ‘Derm On-The-Go’ across more cities, high-traffic zones, and corporate parks reaching even more consumers where they are.

  • Advertising veteran and HR leader pivot to new roles At McCann

    Advertising veteran and HR leader pivot to new roles At McCann

    MUMBAI: Kamal Basu, former CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi India, is embarking on a fresh chapter after a series of high-profile marketing positions in the automotive sector. Meanwhile, Jyoti Mahendru is “coming home” to McCann Worldgroup India as chief talent officer and national communications officer after a stint at VML.

    Basu, who cut his teeth at marquee advertising agencies including Young & Rubicam and Ogilvy before becoming one of the youngest CEOs at Saatchi & Saatchi India in 2008, later headed marketing for Volkswagen Group in India and Nissan India. His tenure at Saatchi & Saatchi saw the agency break into India’s top 10, overseeing launches for brands like Olay, Pampers and the creation of what he calls “the iconic brand OLX India”.

    Since 2021, Basu has been working as a business consultant focusing on brand development projects and serving as a board member for “a leading finance company”. His career trajectory represents the classic adman’s evolution—from agency creative to corporate marketer to independent consultant.

    Mahendru, who describes herself as a “DE&I champion” and “certified mental health ally”, returns to familiar territory at McCann after serving as chief people officer at VML. She previously spent four years at McCann as executive vice president of human resources before her departure in July 2022.

    Her CV boasts an impressive mix of HR leadership roles across diverse sectors—from Bharti Wal-Mart and Star TV Network to the refreshingly frank “sabbatical” period from 2012 to 2017, which she describes simply as “focusing on self & family”.

    The appointments underscore the ongoing talent shuffle in India’s advertising landscape, where agency veterans continue to find new homes even as the industry grapples with transformation.

  • GroupM banks on Vishal Jacob to choreograph its AI future

    GroupM banks on Vishal Jacob to choreograph its AI future

    MUMBAI: Digital marketing heavyweight Vishal Jacob has taken on a new role as president of AI & digital solutions at Choreograph India, part of the GroupM family, after nearly five years at Wavemaker India.

    The veteran, whose career has spanned the rollercoaster ride of India’s digital transformation from the dotcom crash to today’s data-driven marketing landscape, will now lead GroupM India’s artificial intelligence charter while crafting integrated digital solutions for clients.

    “I’ll be working closely with the digital leadership teams to drive smarter outcomes for clients,” said Jacob in his announcement. “I’m excited to be at the intersection of innovation and impact.”

    Jacob brings over two decades of digital marketing experience to the role, having served as chief digital officer and chief transformation officer at Wavemaker. His CV boasts an impressive list of past roles at GroupM, Maxus, The Upper Storey, Mindshare Interaction and Smile Interactive Technologies.

    His previous achievements include transforming an eight-member team into a 100-strong digital powerhouse that garnered recognition at global awards including the Festival of Media, M&M Global and World Media Awards.

    A certified coach from ICF with specialisations in transactional analysis and NLP, Jacob has built his reputation on connecting brands with consumers through integrated ecosystems of paid, owned and earned properties—a talent GroupM will now leverage as it dances into the AI era.

    As traditional agencies scramble to embrace artificial intelligence, Jacob’s appointment signals GroupM’s determination not to miss a step in the industry’s latest transformation jig.

  • Clear Premium Water turns plastic waste into Benches at National Games

    Clear Premium Water turns plastic waste into Benches at National Games

    MUMBAI: Clear Premium Water has launched its ‘Drink, Dispose and Transform’ campaign during the 38 National Games, converting a staggering nine lakh plastic bottles into recycled benches at Maharana Pratap Sports College (MPSC), Dehradun.

    The initiative was officially unveiled in the presence of Uttarakhand’s sports minister Rekha Arya, following the conclusion of the national event. It underscores the brand’s firm commitment to reducing plastic waste and fostering innovation in public spaces.

    Developed under Clear’s eco-conscious campaign, the benches are crafted using high-quality recycled PET (rPET) bottles—offering a powerful symbol of the tangible outcomes of responsible waste management. Of the total bottles collected, six lakh were gathered before the games and three lakh during. An impressive one lakh bottles were segregated at source across 11 venues and transformed into durable seating, effectively reducing landfill waste and curbing carbon emissions.

    “The installation of recycled benches at MPSC Dehradun, in partnership with Clear Premium Water, showcases our commitment to sustainability. By transforming plastic waste into public utilities, we are driving a circular economy and reinforcing our vision for a cleaner, greener future,” said Arya, sports minister of Uttarakhand.

    Clear’s founder & CEO Nayan Shah added, “The installation of recycled benches at MPSC Dehradun reflects our belief that sustainability must be driven by practical, real-world solutions. By transforming used plastic bottles into public utilities, we are closing the loop on plastic waste and creating a model for environmental action that directly benefits the people. The initiative showcases the potential of circular economy solutions, where even discarded bottles are turned into something meaningful. With this drive, we are leading the way and showing to the world that Mission Zero Plastics Bottle Waste is achievable with collective commitment and efforts.”

    The campaign’s impact extended beyond recycling. Over 200 ragpickers and 100 cleaning staff were mobilised across 11 venues to collect and repurpose the waste. Their collective effort not only saved nearly 10,000 kilos of carbon emissions but also conserved 2.67 lakh megajoules of energy—7.5 per cent of which came from green sources.

    Clear Premium Water’s Mission Zero drive made history as the 38 National Games became India’s first national event—and the second globally after the Olympics—to spearhead a large-scale green initiative. The project supports the broader goals of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Mission Life, setting a strong precedent for sustainable action at future global events, including the proposed 2036 Olympics in India.

    By combining innovation, inclusion, and environmental responsibility, Clear Premium Water has shown how corporate sustainability can spark nationwide change—one recycled bottle at a time.

  • Sunrise Spices adds an AI tadka to Bihu with selfie-savvy celebrations

    Sunrise Spices adds an AI tadka to Bihu with selfie-savvy celebrations

    MUMBAI: If you thought Bihu was all about folk tunes, gamusas and those perfect jolpan spreads, think again. Sunrise Spices, a proud ITC brand with deep Assamese roots, just tossed tradition into the tech blender with its latest brainchild-an AI-powered image filter that lets you turn your humble selfie into a festival-ready Assamese portrait. Saree, jewellery, the works.

    Launched nationally on 12 April 2025, this digital dhol beats with heart and holograms. With a simple click or QR scan, users can experience the joy of Rongali Bihu in a modern yet authentically cultural way. Whether you’re in Dibrugarh or Dubai, Sunrise is making sure the beat of the dhol and the spirit of the season reaches you.

    This initiative is more than just a digital delight—it’s a heartfelt effort by Sunrise to ensure that the spirit of Bihu can be felt and shared across the country, no matter where you are.

    The AI filter, hosted on a microsite, works by transforming any uploaded image into a stylised Bihu-themed portrait – think classic Assamese mekhela sador, traditional jewellery, and vibrant background flourishes. Users can click a pic or upload an existing image to get the full festive makeover.

    This clever campaign doesn’t just digitise a cultural experience—it democratises it. The filter is accessible to anyone with a smartphone, effectively turning the entire country into a Bihu-ready canvas. No stage required. No taal missed.
    https://sunrisebihumemory.in

     

  • Team Marksmen engages industry heavyweights to sharpen its strategic edge

    Team Marksmen engages industry heavyweights to sharpen its strategic edge

    MUMBAI: In a move that screams ‘boardroom but make it bold’, Team Marksmen Network (TMN) has taken a solid step up the influence ladder by unveiling its newly minted advisory board—a hand-picked league of industry legends, policy powerhouses, and innovation whisperers.

    Known for stirring India’s business cauldron with hot-brewed insights and sharp-edged forums, TMN has now doubled down on its mission to lead transformation across sectors with a boardroom stacked with brainpower and bragging rights.

    Let’s talk lineup. You’ve got Tayeb Kamali—education bigwig from the UAE Ministry of Interior and a man whose Rolodex probably includes half of Silicon Valley and most of Abu Dhabi. There’s C.P. Gurnani, the man who made digital transformation sexy back when people still said “blockchain” with a straight face. Add to that Datin Seri Sunita Rajakumar, a climate warrior in a boardroom blazer, juggling global councils, professorships, and multiple directorships while saving the planet.

    If that wasn’t enough, Suresh Prabhu—yes, that Suresh Prabhu—brings his weight as a six-time MP and former Union Minister across 10 different ministries (we’re exhausted just writing that). Rounding it out is Ajay Dua, economic policy ace and former Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, who knows how to make sense of GDPs, FDI flows, and government jargon like nobody else.

    This star-studded power panel has one goal: steer TMN’s future with grit, gravitas, and global vision.

    “Collaboration is key to meaningful change. With such accomplished leaders guiding us, we are set to elevate industry dialogue and knowledge-sharing to new heights,” said co-founders Rajesh Khubchandani, Akash Tiwari, and Sharad Gupta.

    CEO Rishi Kapoor added, “This marks a new phase of growth for TMN. With our Advisory Board’s guidance, we will strengthen our strategic initiatives, drive impactful discussions, and create lasting industry transformation.”

    As the network broadens its footprint across sectors, expect sharper debates, smarter policies, and boardroom brawls with a side of insight. With this squad steering the ship, the business ecosystem should buckle up for a wild, wise ride.