ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Rolls-Royce names Sashi Mukundan EVP to steer India transformation

    Rolls-Royce names Sashi Mukundan EVP to steer India transformation

    MUMBAI: Rolls-Royce is shifting gears in India with a new leadership appointment. The engineering giant has announced Sashi Mukundan as its executive vice president, transformation India, effective October 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening its presence and partnerships across the country.

    In his new role, Mukundan will lead government and business relations for Rolls-Royce in India and play a key part in accelerating the Group’s growth in one of its most strategic global markets.

    For nearly a century, Rolls-Royce has been woven into India’s industrial fabric, combining its heritage of British engineering excellence with local innovation, manufacturing, and collaboration. From powering India’s skies and seas including the Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and major airlines to supporting critical infrastructure like railways, airports, hospitals, and data centres, the company’s footprint in India continues to expand.

    Commenting on the appointment,  Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgic said, “Sashi has a track record of delivering significant commercial growth that has contributed to India’s impressive economic success story. His appointment reaffirms our commitment to expanding our footprint and deepening our partnerships in India. We aspire to become a strategic partner by co-creating, co-developing, and co-manufacturing power and propulsion technologies in India, for India, and for the world, making a meaningful contribution to Viksit Bharat 2047.”

    Mukundan’s appointment comes as Rolls-Royce continues its multi-year transformation into a high-performing, resilient, and globally competitive business. The move signals the company’s intent to align closely with India’s vision of self-reliance and innovation leadership, powered by collaboration, technology, and trust.

  • Lodha hires a design-minded property boss

    Lodha hires a design-minded property boss

    MUMBAI: Lodha group has hired Anubhav Gupta as chief executive of its retail business. The appointment, which took effect in September, brings a property veteran with an unusual pedigree: Gupta is as comfortable talking sustainability metrics as he is flogging luxury flats.

    Gupta spent a decade at Godrej Properties, where he rose to run the Vikhroli project, the company’s flagship mixed-use development in Mumbai. At his peak, he was responsible for just under half of Godrej Properties’ profit after tax—a hefty chunk for one executive to carry. He also wore multiple hats as chief sustainability officer and founder of the company’s in-house design studio, which churned out award-winning products across 170m square feet of real estate in 12 cities.

    Before Lodha, Gupta spent 16 months as chief operating officer at DLF, heading the property giant’s ultra-luxury business. His earlier career reads like a global tour: he taught urban design at MIT and the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, worked as an urban planner for the Chicago Transit Authority, and held senior roles at architectural practices RTKL and RMJM in London and Hong Kong.

    Gupta is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and was named among Asia’s 40 leading designers under 40 by Perspective Global. His work at Godrej earned plaudits for blending design thinking with agile innovation, a buzzword-heavy approach that nonetheless delivered results.

    At Lodha, his brief is to oversee the developer’s retail operations—a natural extension for a man who built his reputation on mixed-use projects. Whether he can replicate his Godrej success in a new setting remains to be seen. But Lodha is clearly betting that a design-savvy executive with a track record in profitability is worth the gamble.

  • Kia India announces new CSO and CBO

    Kia India announces new CSO and CBO

    MUMBAI: Kia India, the premium automobile manufacturer, has announced a major leadership reshuffle with the appointment of Sunhack Park as chief sales officer (CSO) and Joonsu Cho as chief business officer.

    In his new role, Park will spearhead Kia India’s sales strategy, focusing on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and market expansion. With over 28 years of global automotive experience, he has previously held senior positions at Kia headquarters in South Korea, as well as in the Middle East & Africa and India.

    As chief business officer, Cho will lead business strategy, production planning, export logistics, and strategic partnerships, driving operational excellence across divisions. Cho brings with him more than 32 years of leadership experience across Australia, the UK, and Europe.

    Expressing his excitement, Park said in a statement, “I am privileged to take on the role of chief sales officer. This is an exciting phase for the brand as we continue to expand in a dynamic market. My focus will be on driving sales growth, optimising efficiency, and strengthening our dealer network.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Cho added, “I am honoured to assume the role of chief business officer. Kia India has made remarkable progress, and my goal is to develop strategies that sustain growth and operational excellence.”

    With these leadership changes, Kia India reaffirms its commitment to innovation, efficiency, and long-term growth in the Indian automotive market.

  • Veteran journalist, Padma Bhushan awardee TJS George passes away

    Veteran journalist, Padma Bhushan awardee TJS George passes away

    MUMBAI: TJS George, veteran journalist, author and columnist known for his incisive writing and uncompromising editorial independence, passed away on Friday (October 3, 2025) due to age-related complications. He was 97.

    A Padma Bhushan awardee, George was among the most respected figures in Indian English journalism, known for his sharp political analysis and fearless commentary.

    Born on May 7, 1928, in Kerala, George was the fourth child of Thayil Thomas Jacob, a magistrate, and Chachiamma Jacob. He graduated with honours in English Literature from Madras Christian College before beginning his journalistic career in the 1950s with The Free Press Journal in Mumbai.

    Over the decades, he held senior editorial roles at The Searchlight, The Free Press Journal and the Far Eastern Economic Review, and later became the founding editor of Asiaweek in Hong Kong. In India, he served as editorial adviser to The New Indian Express, where his widely read weekly column, Point of View, ran for 25 years until June 2022.

    George was known for his unwavering stand against corruption, social injustice, and communal intolerance. His columns often questioned power and highlighted issues of public concern with clarity and conviction.

    An accomplished author, George wrote several biographies and political works, including Lee Kuan Yew’s Singapore, The Life and Times of Nargis, Krishna Menon: A Biography, and The Dismantling of India: In 35 Portraits:  a collection of essays on politicians, artists, activists, and public figures.

    In recognition of his contributions to journalism and literature, he received several awards including the Padma Bhushan (2011), Rajyotsava Award (2007), Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Award (2024), and Kesari Media Award (2017), among others.

    Through a career spanning more than seven decades, TJS George remained a steadfast voice of reason and integrity in Indian journalism: a writer who never hesitated to speak truth to power. His legacy continues to inspire generations of journalists and readers alike.

  • Kia shifts gears with new chiefs steering sales and business in India

    Kia shifts gears with new chiefs steering sales and business in India

    MUMBAI: Kia India is switching lanes in style and it’s bringing two seasoned drivers to the wheel. The carmaker has announced a leadership shuffle, appointing Sunhack Park as chief sales officer (CSO) and Joonsu Cho as chief business officer (CBO), signalling a bold new lap in its India journey. Park, who brings 28 years of global automotive experience, has worked across South Korea, the Middle East & Africa, and India, and now takes charge of Kia India’s sales strategy. His focus? Sustainable growth, tighter operational efficiency, and expanding Kia’s footprint in one of the world’s most competitive car markets.

    Cho, with over 32 years of leadership experience spanning Australia, the UK, and Europe, will steer business strategy, production planning, exports, and alliances as CBO. His role puts him squarely in the pit crew for Kia India’s next phase of expansion, ensuring the brand accelerates with precision and consistency.

    “This is an exciting phase for the brand as we continue to expand our presence in a dynamic and evolving market,” said Park, underscoring his intent to boost dealer networks and sharpen Kia’s sales edge.

    Cho added: “Kia India has made remarkable strides in the market, and my priority will be to develop and execute robust business strategies that support sustainable growth and operational excellence.”

    The appointments reinforce Kia’s long-term commitment to India, where the brand has quickly carved out a premium niche since entering in 2019. With Park and Cho in the cockpit, Kia seems ready to keep the pedal pressed on innovation and growth in the fast-changing Indian auto landscape.
     

  • Deadline extended for Pmvision2art creative contest

    Deadline extended for Pmvision2art creative contest

    MUMBAI: Brush up your creativity. The government of Maharashtra’s department of cultural afairs, in collaboration with the Advertising Agencies Association of India, has extended the deadline for the Turn Vision into Art: Pmvision2art campaign to 15th October 2025.

    The nationwide initiative invites designers, agencies, and creators to craft iconic posters celebrating India’s transformative programmes over the past decade, from Make in India and Digital India to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Skill India, and the International Day of Yoga.

    Seventy-five winning entries will be showcased at major art galleries, featured in a commemorative coffee-table book, and highlighted on national platforms to inspire millions. Poster submissions should be A2 size and entries can be made via www.pmvision2art.com.

    Minister of cultural affairs Ashish Shelar said, “Creativity has the power to shape how we remember history and imagine the future. Turn Vision into Art is our invitation to the nation’s creative minds to capture the essence of India’s progress through art.”

    With this extension, the campaign offers artists a golden opportunity to make their mark while celebrating a decade of India’s visionary initiatives.

  • Moe’s Art gets a reel deal as Shantanu Anam joins as creative director

    Moe’s Art gets a reel deal as Shantanu Anam joins as creative director

    MUMBAI: When storytelling meets strategy, the screen just got sharper. Moe’s Art, the creative-first communications consultancy, has appointed Shantanu Anam as its new creative director, signalling a bold push into video-led content across brand films, commercials, and original productions.

    With over a decade of experience spanning OTT content, digital media, theatre, and screenwriting, Anam rose to prominence with the viral web series Baked. He has since worn multiple hats writer, actor, director across platforms like All India Bakchod and Arre. Most recently, he served as content head at the Jio-backed media company NEWJ, where he wrote Hotstar Special’s Pariwar and produced Happy Hour. He also starred as Debu in the critically acclaimed dark comedy Dilli Dark, praised for its razor-sharp social satire.

    A Syracuse University alumnus, Anam is tasked with strengthening Moe’s Art’s video content vertical, while also expanding the consultancy’s footprint as a brand solutions partner. The focus will be on multi-format storytelling digital-first videos, on-ground activations, and original IPs such as Happily Never After and The Anti-Agency Show aimed at building deeper audience engagement and meaningful brand connections.

    Moe’s Art co-founder Vishaal Shah said, “In an increasingly cluttered world where AI often adds to the noise, it has become more important than ever for brands to truly connect with their audiences. Shantanu’s versatility across theatre, digital, and OTT brings a fresh creative edge to what Moe’s Art can offer its clients. With his leadership, we aim to craft storytelling that resonates deeply and sets new benchmarks in branded content and audience engagement.”

    Adding his perspective, Shantanu Anam said, “Storytelling is the heartbeat of meaningful communication. At Moe’s Art, I am excited to build on that belief by pushing creative boundaries to craft original, compelling content. My goal is to create work that builds a genuine connection between brands and their audiences’ stories that audiences embrace, and brands can be proud of.”

    With Anam on board, Moe’s Art is poised to turn up the volume on video-first storytelling, proving that when creativity and strategy collide, even brands get a standing ovation.

  • Panasonic merges industry and energy divisions to power growth in India

    Panasonic merges industry and energy divisions to power growth in India

    MUMBAI: When energy meets industry, sparks are bound to fly and Panasonic just flipped the switch. Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND) has strategically merged its Industrial Devices (INDD) and Energy Solutions (ESD) divisions into a single powerhouse: Panasonic Industry & Energy India (PIDEIN). The move promises sleeker operations, sharper customer focus, and a jolt of innovation for the Indian market.

    Helming the new entity is Narayan Kumar, who steps in as chief business officer. Previously the divisional director of INDD, Kumar brings a mix of strategic vision and hands-on B2B experience, reporting directly to PLSIND MD and CEO Tadashi Chiba.

    Commenting on the integration, Chiba said, “By bringing together our Energy and Industry divisions under PIDEIN, we are unlocking new opportunities to innovate and deliver solutions that truly matter. With Narayan’s leadership, we are confident PIDEIN will strengthen our market presence and drive sustainable growth in India.”

    Kumar added, “India is at a critical inflection point as a global manufacturing hub. PIDEIN combines electronic and electromechanical components with energy solutions across Automotive (ICE & EV), Infra ICT, HVAC, and Automation segments. Together, we can help customers build products for a self-sustaining and greener future.”

    Panasonic’s Industrial Devices portfolio in India covers advanced electronic and electromechanical components including passives, sensors, relays, microswitches, BLDC motors, as well as automation products like servo systems, PLCs, HMIs, and sensing solutions. On the energy side, the ESD division supports India’s green push with lithium-ion batteries for EVs, renewable energy storage systems, and energy management solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.

    The consolidation into PIDEIN signals more than just a rebranding, it reflects Panasonic’s drive to streamline operations, foster collaboration, and accelerate innovation. By uniting diverse technologies under one umbrella, the company aims to deliver tailor-made solutions while advancing its global mission of sustainable and customer-centric growth.

    With Narayan Kumar at the helm and a clear roadmap for integrated growth, PIDEIN is set to energise India’s industrial and energy landscape, proving that when the right sparks meet, the future truly lights up.

  • Laura Maness steps down as global chief of Grey after three-year stint

    Laura Maness steps down as global chief of Grey after three-year stint

    NEW YORK: Laura Maness is stepping down as global chief executive of Grey, the 105-year-old advertising agency, after more than three years at the helm. In a LinkedIn post published on Thursday, Maness—the first woman to lead the storied shop—said she would be “passing the baton” to close colleagues whilst embarking on what she described as a “bold new chapter.” She offered no details about her next move.

    The departure marks the end of a brief but eventful tenure for Maness, who became only the sixth global chief in Grey’s history when she took the reins in September 2022. During her time leading the WPP-owned agency, Grey operated as a standalone brand within the Ogilvy network, a structure designed to preserve its independence whilst leveraging the broader group’s resources.

    Maness joined Grey from Havas, where she spent nearly a decade, most recently as chief executive of the group’s north American flagship. At Havas she drove what the industry regarded as a remarkable turnaround, earning the agency accolades including Digiday’s most innovative culture and Ad Age’s best places to work. She also steered Havas to become the first major network agency in America to achieve B Corp certification.

    Before Havas, Maness spent six years at Designkitchen, an independent Chicago shop that was acquired by WPP in 2008 following growth she helped orchestrate. Her career spans stints at FCB Global, Propane and Wunderman, with early roles at Black Dog Interactive and Giant Step during the dot-com era.

    Beyond her executive roles, Maness serves on several boards, including Tory Burch Foundation, Alembic Technologies, B Lab and the 4A’s, where she is vice chair. She co-chairs 50/50 Women on Boards and is a founding member of Chief, the invitation-only network for women leaders.

    Grey, founded in 1917, markets itself on creating “famously effective” ideas for brands. The agency has been named to Newsweek’s top 100 global most loved workplaces and America’s greatest workplaces for women, with women representing 50 per cent of its executive leadership.

    Maness’s cryptic sign-off—”As for what’s next? More to come”—has left industry observers guessing about her future plans.

  • Recruiter Nupur Mehta jumps to James Douglas as managing partner

    Recruiter Nupur Mehta jumps to James Douglas as managing partner

    MUMBAI: Nupur Mehta has landed at James Douglas as managing partner, capping a year of musical chairs in India’s executive search industry. She left PageExecutive in September after just eight months as partner, having previously spent nearly 11 years at Michael Page climbing from senior consultant to director.

    James Douglas positions itself as the successor to EMA Partners’ Indian operations, focused on recruitment and succession planning. Mehta will oversee the firm’s consulting work, helping companies identify talent and groom future leaders. She thanked K Sudarshan, Reet Bhambhani, Subburaj S, Sanjeev Das and Malini Bhupta in her LinkedIn announcement—presumably the team behind the new venture.

    At Michael Page, Mehta ran the healthcare, life sciences and technology practices, managing a team of over 15 sales consultants whilst handling profit-and-loss responsibilities. She served on the Page Group’s global shadow executive board, the India technology board, the Asia-Pacific healthcare board and the India diversity and inclusion council. Before that, she spent two years as associate director building out the same verticals.

    Mehta joined Page Group in 2014 fresh from business school, where she had specialised in human resources. A brief summer internship at Mercer, working on a retirement benefits survey, and a year as a software engineer at HCL Technologies rounded out her early career. Her move suggests James Douglas is betting on experienced recruiters to differentiate itself in a crowded market, where firms like Korn Ferry, Egon Zehnder and Russell Reynolds compete for high-margin executive mandates.

    Whether the new firm can carve out a niche remains to be seen. India’s executive search business has grown as companies scramble for senior talent, but the sector is notoriously relationship-driven. Mehta’s decade-plus Rolodex may prove the firm’s biggest asset.