Category: Media and Advertising

  • Instamart and Vetic offer free vet teleconsults for pet parents in India

    Instamart and Vetic offer free vet teleconsults for pet parents in India

    MUMBAI: Instamart, has joined hands with Vetic, the country’s largest pet healthcare provider, to offer free veterinary teleconsultations for pet parents across India.

    Running from 8 to 11 April, the campaign enables Instamart users to access a complimentary online consultation with one of over 250 qualified vets via the Vetic app. To extend support beyond the holiday window, Vetic is offering an additional 1,000 consultations over the following 30 days each user eligible for one free session during this period.

    Vetic founder Gaurav Ajmera said, “Access to quality veterinary care remains a significant challenge across India, especially during emergencies. By partnering with Instamart a platform trusted by millions we’re breaking that barrier and making quality vet support available instantly. This collaboration is a step forward in our mission to provide 24/7, human-grade pet healthcare across India, that meets the needs of today’s pet parents.”

    VP marketing Mayur Hola added, “Instamart has always focused on making everyday convenience more accessible for our users. Pet parents are one of the biggest user groups on Instamart, buying everything from pet food to toys on the platform. We are delighted to offer this service to the many pet parents in the Instamart community.”

    How it works, after any Instamart purchase, users will see a banner on the post-order screen redirecting them to the Vetic app. There, they can book a preferred time slot (slots open two hours in advance), receive confirmation from Vetic’s team, and complete the teleconsultation. A detailed prescription is then provided on the app.

  • Cleartrip appoints Manjari Singhal as new chief growth and business officer

    Cleartrip appoints Manjari Singhal as new chief growth and business officer

    MUMBAI: Cleartrip, has announced a key transition as Anuj Rathi exits his role as chief growth & business officer. Taking on the reins is Manjari Singhal, who will now oversee Business, Growth, Marketing, and Customer Experience at Cleartrip.

    Over the next month, Singhal will collaborate closely with Rathi to ensure a smooth handover. Rathi departs after a milestone year where Cleartrip surged forward on the back of enhanced user engagement and successful agship initiatives such as Novac 2025 (Nation on Vacation) which saw a record spike in bookings.

    Rathi said, “It’s been an incredible ride leading Cleartrip. From flagship events like Nation on Vacation and Big Billion Days to strengthening customer trust, our focus was always on creating a superior product experience. As I move on, I do so with deep pride in the team and confidence that Cleartrip will continue to raise the bar under Manjari’s leadership.”

    Flipkart senior vice president Ajay Veer Yadav acknowledged Rathi’s contributions and welcomed the incoming executive. “We thank Rathi for his immense contributions to Cleartrip over the past year. His leadership has helped the platform scale to new heights, and we wish him the very best as he embarks on his next chapter,” he said.

    He added, “Travel is a significant focus for us at Flipkart, and we are deeply committed to investing in and scaling the business to unlock its huge potential. We are excited to welcome Singhal into this pivotal role. With her proven leadership, strategic vision, and deep understanding of customer behaviour, we are confident that she will continue to drive growth and lead Cleartrip into its next phase of expansion.”

    Singhal said, “Cleartrip has built a strong foundation as a travel-first brand with a customer-first philosophy. I am excited to take on this role and work alongside an exceptional team to unlock the immense potential in travel. With 2025 being a critical year for growth, our focus will be on driving value, enhancing customer experiences, and delivering innovations that make travel simpler and more rewarding for every Indian.”

    Since joining Flipkart in 2019, Manjari has worked across various functions, including Events, Customer Growth, and Platform. She currently manages the Beauty, FMCG, and General Merchandise business and is known for her strategic execution and collaborative approach.

  • Madhuri Singh joins Tamarind Global Dubai as client servicing manager

    Madhuri Singh joins Tamarind Global Dubai as client servicing manager

    MUMBAI: Tamarind Global Dubai has announced the appointment of Madhuri Singh as manager – client servicing, marking a strategic move to enhance client experiences across its MICE, weddings, and luxury travel verticals.

    With over 11 years of hands-on experience in sales and business development within the hospitality industry, Singh brings a refined understanding of client needs and operational finesse. Her strong industry networks and technical expertise in hospitality make her a valuable addition to the Tamarind Global team.

    Before joining Tamarind Global, Singh was at Media One Hotel as the corporate sales manager, Dubai, where she spearheaded business expansion initiatives and played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth and brand recognition.

    Her professional journey also includes notable stints at Equifax Travel & Tourism, Foodlink Global, and Millennium Group of Hotels, where she worked closely on high-profile luxury weddings and events. She has handled clientele and events for premium properties such as Armada Bluebay and Flora Creek Deluxe.

    Armed with an MBA in Marketing Management from Jaipur National University, Singh combines creativity, strategy, and a sharp customer focus—qualities she now brings to her new role.

    Tamarind Global managing partner Louis D’Souza said, “We are excited to welcome Madhuri to our team. A seasoned professional with in-depth experience, industry know-how, and commitment to incomparable client service together make Madhuri truly aligned with Tamarind Global’s vision. We look forward to her invaluable contributions in strengthening our position in the luxury travel and event management sectors in Dubai.”

  • OML flips the script with Moto Edge 60 Fusion’s print-meets-viral campaign

    OML flips the script with Moto Edge 60 Fusion’s print-meets-viral campaign

    MUMBAI: When was the last time a newspaper ad made you do a double-take and go viral? That’s exactly what happened when Only Much Louder (OML) launched a full-throttle campaign for the Moto Edge 60 Fusion, which hit Flipkart on 9 April.

    Equal parts clever, cheeky and culturally bang-on, this multi-platform stunt didn’t just advertise a phone – it slapped every flat-screened competitor across the face with a broadsheet.

    At the centre of the spectacle? A full-page optical illusion in The Times of India that made the page look curved.

    The punchline: “Although it may seem curved, this newspaper page is still flat – just like most ‘quad-curved’ phones.”

    Boom.

    The ad landed like a mic drop, playfully mocking the pretenders while spotlighting the phone’s standout feature – a true all-curved 1.5K immersive display.
    And the internet? It did what the internet does best: ran wild.

    Within hours, meme lords like ‘therealshitgyaan’ and ‘BCBilliofficial’, as well as ‘Twitterati’ favourites like Sagarcasm and Gaurag, jumped on the trend. On LinkedIn, brand nerds Ashish Jhunjhunwala and Shitiz Dogra gave it the ol’ standing ovation for making “an old-school medium” pop again. The buzz generated a whopping 60 million+ impressions and sent #MotoEdge60FusionOnFlipkart straight to the top of X.

    But wait, there’s more.


    OML took the message beyond print with billboards screaming, “Your life is not boring, your display is.” A cheeky jab at humdrum smartphone screens, delivered with street-level sass.

    Then came a short digital film tapping into modern dating woes – where the only thing faker than a bio is the person’s display pic. Cue the hero: the Moto Edge 60 Fusion, armed with the world’s first true-colour camera.

    Finally, someone who looks like their profile picture.

    What a concept.

    OML SVP – revenue Pankaj Malani explained the thinking behind the creative blitz, “At OML, we focus on creating cultural moments by identifying real consumer pain points and addressing them through creativity. When it came to the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion, the idea was to spark curiosity and invite people to question what they see and experience. We didn’t just want to highlight the phone’s standout features—we wanted to tell a story that builds an emotional connection and shapes how people perceive technology.”

    It worked.

    The whole thing – the illusions, the memes, the billboards, the content creator love – stitched together a campaign that was far from formulaic. No dry spec sheets or droning product reveals here. Just smart hooks, viral bait, and a splash of satire.
    Exclusively available on Flipkart from 9 April, the Moto Edge 60 Fusion starts at Rs 20,999. Affordable, curvy, and apparently self-aware, this phone isn’t just bending screens – it’s bending the rules of marketing too.

  • HDFC AMC invests in emotion with heartwarming new SIP campaign film

    HDFC AMC invests in emotion with heartwarming new SIP campaign film

    MUMBAI: Love, dreams, and discipline. HDFC AMC’s latest film proves investing isn’t just financial. HDFC Asset Management Company is giving investor education a heartfelt makeover with the launch of its new film Hum Sab Investors Hain, part of its flagship Zindagi Ke Liye SIP campaign. Conceptualised by Publicis India, the campaign takes a warm, relatable approach to demystifying SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans), encouraging even the most hesitant of investors to take the first step by realising they’re already investors in life.

    The narrative gently unfolds through the story of a baby girl, as we watch her family nurture her, support her, and invest in her dreams emotionally, practically, and aspirationally. From “kisht jazbaat ki” (instalments of emotion) to “kisht sapno ke shuruwat ki” (instalments of dreams), the film paints everyday acts of care and discipline as powerful life investments mirroring the philosophy of SIPs in a deeply human way.

    Speaking on the campaign, Publicis India managing director Oindrila Roy said, “We always aim to simplify the idea of SIPs through emotional storytelling. With ‘Hum Sab Investors Hain’, we wanted to show that investing isn’t just about money; it is something we do every day through the choices we make for our loved ones and their future. This campaign strikes a balance between rational and emotional decision-making, while delivering a very simple and yet powerful message.”

    HDFC Asset Management Company MD & CEO Navneet Munot said, “Life’s greatest rewards often come from the consistent, thoughtful investments we make in our relationships, dreams, and aspirations. At HDFC AMC, we believe that the same principle applies to financial investments small, disciplined contributions through SIPs can lead to significant financial security over time. Our campaign, ‘Zindagi Ke Liye SIP,’ captures this essence beautifully, inspiring people to invest in their future just as they invest in life.”

    Publicis India, national creative director Aman Mannan added, “Once we landed on the insight that it takes a village to bring up a child, the film told itself. This emotional story is about every person in a child’s life who does their bit to make the child’s dreams come true. Thus, establishing that a child is an investment and every person in her/his life is an investor.”

    In an age of complex jargon and intimidating financial choices, Hum Sab Investors Hain simplifies the message with empathy and storytelling. Through this campaign, HDFC AMC continues to position itself as a trusted partner in both financial and emotional journeys reminding us that investing in life is already second nature, and SIPs are just a natural extension of that mindset.

  • Hitachi gives Bharat Kaushal the top job to power India’s next big leap

    Hitachi gives Bharat Kaushal the top job to power India’s next big leap

    MUMBAI: There are power moves, and then there are power-grid-level promotions. In a strategic reshuffle that signals its intent to double down on India, Hitachi Ltd. has elevated Bharat Kaushal to a triple-threat role: Executive chairman, acting managing director of Hitachi India, and corporate officer in charge of regional strategies (India). Effective 1 April 2025, this marks a milestone not just for the company, but for Indian corporate leadership.

    The announcement, made on 9 April 2025, cements Kaushal’s place as a central architect of Hitachi’s Indian ambitions. Already the first Indian MD of Hitachi India since FY2017, Kaushal now commands a wider brief to steer the tech giant’s India game plan, from urban mobility to financial inclusion.

    “I am truly honored and overwhelmed on the trust and confidence placed upon me in steering the future growth for Hitachi in India… Hitachi India is evolving and offering an unparalleled opportunity to further advance its vision of delivering cutting-edge, sustainable solutions…” etched Kaushal

    Kaushal has been no passenger in Hitachi’s Indian journey. Under his watch, the company expanded its presence in energy, infrastructure, healthcare, e-education, and urban mobility, building strong government and public sector alliances.

    Now, with India galloping toward its digital destiny, Kaushal’s elevation reads less like succession and more like strategic ignition. As corporate officer in charge of regional strategy, he’ll design Hitachi’s playbook for a market that’s already a tech titan in the making.

    And let’s face it—Hitachi is no stranger to Indian soil. It’s been around for over nine decades, partnering in everything from railway tech to rural empowerment. But this move signals a new tempo: local leadership for local impact.

    As Kaushal put it, the focus now is on last-mile delivery and solutions that create a “socially empowered society”. That’s not just corporate-speak. That’s policy-aligned, purpose-led growth.

    Hitachi is betting that innovation rooted in India, led by Indians, is the secret to not just surviving the future, but building it.

  • Dentsu South Asia fuses creative and media in leadership makeover

    Dentsu South Asia fuses creative and media in leadership makeover

    MUMBAI: dentsu south Asia is betting big on integration with a leadership shake-up that sees Amit Wadhwa ascending to chief executive of creative and media brands, south Asia while Anita Kotwani takes the reins as chief client officer, south Asia.

    The ad network’s bold restructuring aims to blend traditionally separated creative and media functions into a seamless operation, with both executives reporting to Harsha Razdan, dentsu’s south Asia boss, and Prerna Mehrotra, who oversees media operations across the Asia-Pacific region as CCO and CEO – Media, APAC.

    “Marketing today is more complex than ever, but complexity shouldn’t slow businesses down,” declares Razdan, touting the firm’s One dentsu  model as the solution to untangle clients’ thorny business challenges.

    In his expanded role, Wadhwa will lead dentsu’s creative and media practices, architecting seamless collaboration across three creative brands – Dentsu Creative Webchutney, Dentsu Creative Isobar, and Dentsu Creative PR, and five Media brands – Carat, dentsu X, iProspect, Posterscope, and Sokrati. His priority will be to break silos and establish a unified way of working across these disciplines, ensuring that media and creative function as a cohesive force.

    Says Wadhwa:  “This level of integration hasn’t been done in a long time, giving us the opportunity to shape a new way forward. Success isn’t about a single idea or individual – it happens when the right people collaborate, take ownership, and act with intent. That mindset is what’s driving the next phase of growth at dentsu South Asia. For years, Media and Creative have been distinct powerhouses, each delivering impact in their own way. But the future demands integration, not silos. We are bringing them together – not just for efficiency, but to create a more connected, agile, and strategic approach to solving challenges. 2024 laid the foundation for dentsu; 2025 is about momentum – bigger ideas, faster execution, and smarter impact. With some of the brightest minds in the industry, I’m excited for what’s next.”

    Kotwani will steer client-centric strategies that strengthen partnerships and align solutions with evolving business needs. As chief client officer for dentsu south Asia, she will champion transformative growth by embedding client-centricity into every strategic decision. She will oversee integrated client teams, expanding her remit to creative, media, and CXM, while also ensuring the expansion of the network’s presence in high-growth areas such as business transformation (BX), retail, and commerce. She will deliver bespoke, high-demand client centric solutions by combining expertise from across the network with cutting-edge technology, advanced commerce strategies, and strategic partnerships.

    Says Kotwani: “Clients power everything we do. This role is about creating high-impact partnerships by understanding their challenges and delivering solutions that generate measurable business growth. My focus is on accelerating their success through integrated capabilities, tailored strategies, and seamless execution. We are leveraging dentsu’s full ecosystem to create market-leading solutions that enable brands to scale, adapt, and lead with confidence. With extensive experience in building enduring client relationships and shaping large-scale media and marketing initiatives, I am committed to delivering long-term value. We are bringing together expertise, innovation, and deep market insights to help businesses unlock new opportunities, strengthen brand positioning, and create exponential impact. This is about setting new benchmarks for growth and ensuring our clients stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.”

  • DSP Mutual Fund snaps up marketing powerhouse Aparna Kulkarni

    DSP Mutual Fund snaps up marketing powerhouse Aparna Kulkarni

    MUMBAI: Aparna Kulkarni has stepped into the role of vice president of consumer marketing at DSP Mutual Fund, leaving behind a glittering six-year stint at the Natural Diamond Council.

    At the Natural Diamond Council, Kulkarni built what she calls “the world’s biggest content publishing platform” for natural diamonds, masterminding celebrity campaigns and driving digital performance.

    Her impressive media background includes key positions at Times Network, where she headed marketing for premium movie channels, and Star India, where she managed high-profile shows including Siya Ke Ram and MasterChef India.

    Kulkarni now takes charge of brand marketing and investor education at DSP, bringing her content expertise and digital savvy to the financial services firm at a time when mutual funds are racing to connect with India’s rapidly expanding retail investor base.

    From entertainment to luxury to finance, Kulkarni’s fast-paced career shows no signs of slowing as she takes on this latest challenge at the respected fund house.

  • Chelliah exits Western Digital, leaves strong marketing legacy

    Chelliah exits Western Digital, leaves strong marketing legacy

    MUMBAI: Jaganathan Chelliah has concluded his 11-year association with Western Digital, ending a period marked by significant marketing achievements. His tenure, including a recent consulting phase, saw him drive substantial growth and innovation within the company.

    Chelliah acknowledged the mentorship he received from senior leaders, including Nigel Edwards and Greg Kwolek, crediting them with empowering his ambitious goals. He highlighted strong partnerships with sales teams across India, the Middle East, Turkey, Israel, and Africa, emphasizing the collaborative success between marketing and sales.

    His leadership of the IMEA regional marketing team delivered consistent brand leadership, innovative campaigns, and strategic growth initiatives. He praised his team’s performance, citing their numerous awards and recognitions, and acknowledged their contributions to setting new industry benchmarks.

    A key achievement was the establishment of the Global Creative Development Hub in India, a project realized after five years of effort. He thanked Ravi Pendekanti, Brian Mallari, and Scott Jackson for their support in bringing the hub to fruition.

    Chelliah also recognized the early career support from Rajesh Gupta and Gopal Swaminathan.
    Looking forward, Chelliah indicated a potential focus on AI, noting the dynamic state of the technology sector. He stated he will take time for reflection before announcing his next steps.

  • Urvashi Sharma joins Havas Play, bringing digital flair to experiential marketing

    Urvashi Sharma joins Havas Play, bringing digital flair to experiential marketing

    MUMBAI:  Urvashi Sharma has announced her move to Havas Play, taking on the role of associate vice president. This appointment marks a significant step in Sharma’s career, transitioning her extensive digital advertising sales experience into the realm of experiential marketing. 

    Sharma’s career boasts a strong track record in digital advertising sales, with significant tenures at MX Player and Zee5. At MX Player, she held various roles, including LCS lead: north and regional manager, demonstrating her expertise in strategy, account management, and business development. Her time at Zee5 as a business partner: north LCS further solidified her skills in digital brand solutions and strategic partnerships.

    Prior to her digital media roles, Sharma gained experience in brand solutions and events management at Bennett Coleman and Co Ltd. (Times group), askme.com, The Walt Disney Co, BloombergUTV, and Fever FM (HT Media Ltd.). These positions honed her abilities in client relations, negotiation, and large-scale event management. Her foundational experience includes a stint as a relationship specialist at Genpact