ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Blinkit goes big or goes home, paints Karnataka towns red with OOH campaign

    Blinkit goes big or goes home, paints Karnataka towns red with OOH campaign

    MUMBAI: Have you ever walked down your street and thought, “If only instant delivery services knew I existed!”? Well, Blinkit just heard your existential crisis loud and clear. Known for its rocket-speed expansion, Blinkit now takes over not just your screens but your streets, launching a splashy, eye-catching OOH (out-of-home) campaign across six cities in Karnataka—Tumakuru, Shivamogga, Hubli, Gulbarga, Bidar, and Bellary. Talk about making a statement; these guys aren’t blinking anytime soon.

    Executed by The Local Talk—a new-age advertising guru—this ambitious campaign ensures Blinkit is impossible to miss. Strategic placements in prime locations mean the brand is quite literally in your face, no matter where you turn. Subtlety? Never heard of her.

    The Local Talk director Anil Soni clearly gets the memo, “OOH advertising plays a crucial role in helping brands like Blinkit establish a strong presence in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-impact campaigns that drive both awareness and engagement.” Translation? Expect Blinkit billboards to be your new local landmarks.

    Why such a bold move? Blinkit is committed to conquering markets beyond the metros. Smaller cities are getting their moment in the spotlight (and a whole lot of billboards) as the company aims to democratise instant delivery. After all, who said fast service should be a big-city privilege?

    So the next time you’re wandering about town, don’t be surprised if Blinkit’s OOH campaign stares back at you—bold, bright, and as unavoidable as your next online shopping spree.

  • Billion Electric charges ahead with Sanjeev Kulkarni as CEO

    Billion Electric charges ahead with Sanjeev Kulkarni as CEO

    MUMBAI: Billion Electric Mobility (BillionE), India’s pioneering E-Mobility-as-a-Service (eMaaS) platform, has put its growth plans into high gear by appointing Sanjeev Kulkarni as chief executive officer. A seasoned industry leader with over 32 years in automotive and manufacturing, Kulkarni steps up from his role as chief operating officer to spearhead the company’s ambitious expansion in commercial EV solutions.

    With a stellar track record at Bosch Limited in India and Germany, as well as Kalyani Group Pune, Kulkarni has driven large-scale projects, strengthened OEM partnerships, and accelerated revenue growth. As CEO, his focus will be on scaling BillionE’s electric truck and airport tarmac EV bus business, enhancing industry collaborations, and boosting India’s clean mobility transition.

    Welcoming Sanjeev to his new role, Billion Electric Mobility founder & chief platform architect Kartikey Hariyani & co-founder Musfara Wajid said, “It has been more than 5-years we have known Sanjeev working on various strategic initiatives within the e-mobility space in India / abroad.  Since 2023, Sanjeev has been part of our leadership team and over the last 2-years, Billion Electric Mobility has seen the foundation laid for the e-MaaS business with his, strategic foresightand extensive industry experience. His proven ability to scale operations, drive innovation, and foster collaborations will be critical as we expand our E-MaaS business. With Sanjeev at the helm, I’m confident we will scale faster, deepen partnerships, and create a stronger foundation for India’s EV transition.”  

    Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Billion Electric Mobility CEO Sanjeev Kulkarni said, “The EV industry is at an exciting juncture, and Billion Electric is well-positioned to accelerate India’s transition to sustainable mobility. Our focus will be on scaling our E-MaaS business with various corporate customers with our range of Electric Trucks for inter-city transport, , maximizing operational efficiency, and strengthening collaborations with OEMs and fleet operators. I look forward to working with our talented team to develop robust solutions that power India’s EV future.”

    Quoting on the development, Billion Electric Mobility lead advisor Piroshaw Sarkari (Phil) added, “BillionE is a platform that drives a concept of energy on wheels, in a way different from traditional transporter and therefore Sanjeevs experience is found very relevant to lead this platform!”

    As BillionE continues to drive India’s EV transition through its Energy Transition Network, Kulkarni’s leadership marks a pivotal step in its journey. With a strengthened leadership team, including newly appointed lead advisor Pirojshaw Sarkari (Phil), the company is set to electrify the commercial transport sector and push the boundaries of sustainable mobility.

  • Annapurna Vishwanathan joins Airbus as VP head of IM & Digital

    Annapurna Vishwanathan joins Airbus as VP head of IM & Digital

    MUMBAI: Airbus has appointed Annapurna Vishwanathan as vice president, head of IM & Digital, India and south Asia. She previously served as CIO at Cummins India and has worked at Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, GE Digital, and GE Corporate in various digital and technology-focused roles.

    At Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, she was head of digital, managing technology initiatives. At GE Digital, she was senior director of product software engineering, overseeing global product development and critical systems. She also worked on digital transformation at GE Corporate as IT transformation manager.

    Her earlier experience at GE Corporate includes roles as senior team manager for sourcing systems, IT PMO for global operations finance, and corporate audit staff. She began her career at Atos Origin as a trainee programmer and was part of GE’s Information Management Leadership Program (IMLP).  

  • Goafest 2025 returns to Goa with a bang

    Goafest 2025 returns to Goa with a bang

    MUMBAI:  South Asia’s biggest creative extravaganza, Goafest, is heading back to its spiritual home in Goa for its eighteenth edition. Organised by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), Goafest 2025 will take place from 21 to 23 May at the Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon Goa. This year, the festival welcomes Amazon MX Player as its title sponsor.

    A fresh twist awaits attendees with the debut of the ‘Goafest Village’—a dynamic, multi-venue experience packed with immersive engagements under one roof. Themed ‘Ignite _____’, the festival is set to spark game-changing discussions on creativity, brand evolution and consumer engagement.

    Celebrated as the mecca of advertising, media and marketing, Goafest promises three action-packed days of learning, networking and inspiration. The Abby Awards Powered by One Show will once again take centre stage, honouring South Asia’s most outstanding creative minds.
     

    Prasanth Kumar, Rana Barua, Jaideep Gandhi

    GroupM South Asia CEO & AAAI president Prasanth Kumar said, “Goafest is a beacon of creativity and connection. Returning to Goa feels like coming home. ‘Ignite _____’ is more than a theme—it’s a call to action for bold ideas, groundbreaking conversations and visionary thinking. The Goafest Village concept will elevate networking, collaboration and the overall festival experience.”

    TA president and group CEO of Havas India, south east and north Asia Rana Barua added: “Goafest is where ideas meet impact. This year, we aim to push creative boundaries further with ‘Ignite _____’. The AbbyY Awards Powered by One Show continue to be the gold standard of creative excellence, and this year’s edition will be nothing short of inspiring.”

    Goafest 2025 organising committee  chairman Jaideep Gandhi promised an even bigger spectacle, saying, “With new initiatives like Goafest Village, we are redefining engagement, learning and industry collaboration. Our mission is to propel India’s creative and marketing ecosystem onto the global stage.”

    Havas Media Network India CEO and co-chair of the organising committee  Mohit Joshi, added, “Tech, data and agility are rewriting advertising. At Goafest 2025, we’ll ignite powerful conversations that challenge norms and fuel ideas with real-world impact.”
     

    Ajay Kakar, Aruna Daryanani, Mohit Joshi

    “Goafest has always been a platform where the brightest minds in advertising, media, and marketing converge to exchange ideas and push creative boundaries. Bringing the festival back to Goa this year is about rekindling the energy and spirit that makes Goafest truly special. With a larger-than-ever scale, immersive experiences, and an inspiring lineup of industry leaders, Goafest 2025 will be a space where innovation meets opportunity. We are excited to welcome the entire industry to Goa for three days of learning, networking, and, most importantly, celebrating creativity. We also look forward to honoring the best minds in the industry with the Abby Awards Powered by One Show,” added Adani group corporate branding Ajay Kakar.
     

    Amazon MX Player  director Aruna Daryanani, highlighted the synergy between the festival and the brand’s mission: “As a platform redefining entertainment and advertising, we’re thrilled to partner with Goafest 2025. The theme ‘Ignite _____’ aligns perfectly with our vision of pushing creative and content boundaries.”

    Drawing over 2,000 industry professionals annually, Goafest 2025 is set to be bigger, bolder and more immersive than ever. Expect a melting pot of creativity, commerce and culture—all under the Goan sun.

  • Oneplus shoots for the stars, puts Dolby Vision in every creator’s pocket

    Oneplus shoots for the stars, puts Dolby Vision in every creator’s pocket

    MUMBAI: Ever fancied yourself the next Scorsese but stuck filming cat videos? Good news! Oneplus is here to rescue you (and maybe even your bored feline) from cinematic obscurity. The smartphone giant is handing everyday creators a Hollywood upgrade with Dolby Vision technology, right on the sleek new Oneplus 13. Because who needs Spielberg when your phone can make your selfies look Oscar-worthy?

    On 13 March 2025, Oneplus launched its snazzy new campaign, #ShootYourShort, encouraging storytellers, filmmakers, and content creators to flex their cinematic muscles using the impressive Dolby Vision features on the Oneplus 13.

    To kickstart the fun, Oneplus roped in four award-winning directors—Maanvi Bedi, Sreemoyi Singh, Chattarpal Ninawane, and Mohammad Ali—to showcase their short films, shot entirely on Oneplus 13. These shorts capture the vibrant, colourful chaos of Holi, turning ordinary festival moments into visual masterpieces. Think vibrant colours, sharp contrasts, and emotional storytelling that could make even Tarantino raise an eyebrow.

    “At Oneplus India, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of smartphone photography and videography,” said Oneplus India director of marketing Ishita Grover. “With #ShootYourShort, we are providing creators and our community an opportunity to explore their artistic vision using the power of Dolby Vision on the Oneplus 13. With Holi around the corner, this campaign celebrates the festival’s vibrant colors and emotions, bringing them to life with stunning picture quality. We are committed to delivering a cinema-grade experience in Dolby Vision that empowers professionals and enthusiasts alike to create visually stunning content with the Oneplus 13.”

    Echoing this enthusiasm, Sameer Seth from Dolby Laboratories chimed in, “Dolby Vision has long been the imaging technology of choice for the world’s leading storytellers and device makers enabling them to deliver unparalleled visual experiences. With the Oneplus 13, we are excited to bring this content creation technology into the hands of everyday creators, empowering them to capture every detail with incredible contrast and lifelike colors. Dolby Vision ensures that every frame is optimized for brilliance and naturalness, allowing creators to push the boundaries of smartphone cinematography.” Translation: your Tiktok dances are about to get Oscar-level cinematography.

    But the cinematic fun doesn’t stop there. Oneplus is inviting all creative minds (yes, even you binge-watchers) to join the #ShootYourShort challenge. Participants can submit their own cinematic mini-masterpieces inspired by a colour of their choice, highlighting the powerful capabilities of Oneplus 13’s Dolby Vision videography.

    To sweeten the deal, the top three submissions will bask in glory (and bragging rights), proving that cinema magic truly fits into your pocket.

    So, grab your Oneplus 13, say ‘action!’, and remember—even Spielberg had to start somewhere.

  • Sintex rolls up sleeves to honour plumbers, gives credit where pipes are due

    Sintex rolls up sleeves to honour plumbers, gives credit where pipes are due

    MUMBAI: Ever had a blocked drain or a leaky tap at 3 am? Yeah, thought so. Imagine dealing with that horror daily. Enter plumbers—the unsung avengers of our watery nightmares. Thankfully, Sintex has finally decided it’s time to roll out the red carpet (or at least digital hoardings) for these heroes. About time, isn’t it?

    From 11 March (Plumbers’ Day) until World Water Day on 22 March 2025, Sintex is running a unique campaign, charmingly called ‘Sintex Nalkaar’, to spotlight plumbers, those invisible magicians behind your running showers and flushing toilets.

    The campaign, splashed across high-traffic areas in Chhattisgarh and Punjab, features digital hoardings proudly displaying plumbers’ faces. It’s like the Hollywood Walk of Fame—but with spanners and pipes instead of stars. Sintex clearly believes in going big or going home, giving these essential craftsmen the public kudos they deserve.

    Sintex isn’t stopping at digital fanfare. The company is hosting special plumber meet-and-greet events, honouring plumbers who ace their tasks using the innovative ‘Plumber Pride App’. Not your typical plumber party—no leaky faucets here, just hearty appreciation, networking, and new earning opportunities.

    These events also showcase Sintex’s latest products, including the economical Sintex Smart Water Tank and the premium Sintex Pure+. Who knew plumbing could be both prestigious and profitable? Clearly, Sintex is plumbing the depths of creativity to inspire more to join the trade.

    “At Sintex, we deeply value and respect our longstanding relationship with the plumbing community,” says Welspun BAPL MD and Sintex director, Yashovardhan Agarwal. “Plumbers are the silent heroes of water infrastructure, ensuring every home and business receives an uninterrupted supply of water—one of life’s most essential resources. Through this community initiative, we aim to honour and amplify the voices of a profession that is often overlooked yet serves as the backbone of our industry. This campaign aligns with our commitment to building a water-positive infrastructure building a thriving community of plumbers—an integral part of the Sintex family.”

    Plumbers don’t just fix leaks—they’re eco-warriors in disguise. These experts save thousands of gallons of water annually by spotting leaks, installing efficient fixtures, and preventing water contamination. They’re educators, repair specialists, and infrastructure whisperers, all wrapped into one invaluable package.

    Next time your pipes rebel, remember—plumbers aren’t just fixing your water issues; they’re saving the world, one drip at a time.

     

  • Lemma appoints Salil Shanker as chief partnership officer – APAC

    Lemma appoints Salil Shanker as chief partnership officer – APAC

    MUMBAI: Lemma has appointed Salil Shanker as its chief partnership officer – APAC. With a strong background in digital innovation and omnichannel strategy, Shanker has held key roles at Dentsu (Amnet) – Isobar and GroupM, focusing on business transformation and growth.

    In this new role, he will work on strengthening partnerships and expanding Lemma’s presence across the APAC region, bringing valuable expertise to the company’s strategic initiatives.

  • Flipkart media maestro Akash Jain climbs the corporate ladder

    Flipkart media maestro Akash Jain climbs the corporate ladder

    MUMBAI: Akash Jain has been promoted to director of marketing, head of Media at Flipkart from being just head of media – associate director earlier. The ambitious Bengaluru-based executive, who’s been turning heads at the e-commerce behemoth for nearly eight years, is now firmly in the driver’s seat of the company’s entire media strategy.

    Jain, who cut his teeth at Odigma, an Infibeam.com company, before joining the Flipkart juggernaut, will now be calling the shots for both digital and ATL media operations for Flipkart’s core business and its buzzy new venture, Flipkart Minutes.

    The  Indian School of Business alumnus completed the prestigious Google Digital Insider Programme in 2022. His meteoric rise through the ranks at Flipkart has been nothing short of spectacular – from senior manager to associate director to director now.

    Before making waves at Flipkart, Jain had quite the entrepreneurial streak, founding ContestJunction.com, a one-stop-shop for coupons and giveaways that promised punters “gadgets, giveaways, free trips, meet and greets, vouchers and much more.” 

    His previous role saw him heading the media strategy for some of Flipkart’s most profitable ventures, including the wildly successful Big Billion Days sale that pulled in a staggering 91 million customers during early access and day one. Not too shabby for a computer science graduate from Visvesvaraya Technological University.

    Industry insiders reckon Jain’s expertise in building media playbooks and go-to-market strategies for product launches and sale events has been instrumental in Flipkart’s dominance in the cut-throat e-commerce space. His deft handling of partnerships with Meta, Google and third-party relations has clearly paid dividends.

    With Jain at the helm of media operations, competitors will need to pull their socks up if they hope to keep pace with Flipkart’s aggressive marketing manoeuvres. As the digital landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, having a media maven like Jain controlling the purse strings could give Flipkart the edge it needs to stay ahead of the pack.

  • Retail giant DMart poaches Unilever bigwig for top job

    Retail giant DMart poaches Unilever bigwig for top job

     MUMBAI: Supermarket giant Avenue Supermarts (DMart) has nabbed Unilever veteran Anshul Asawa as its CEO-designate after a nearly three-decade love affair with the global consumer goods behemoth.

    The poaching of Asawa, who was barely 11 months into his stint as general manager for Greater Asia and head of Unilever Thailand, marks a seismic shift for one of India’s most profitable retail operations as it gears up for its next phase of bare-knuckle expansion.

    Asawa brings a bulging CV to the budget retailer, having cut his teeth across a veritable smorgasbord of roles at Unilever spanning marketing, sales, digital commerce and general management across multiple continents.
    Most recently, the IIT Roorkee and IIM Lucknow alumnus had been calling the shots in Bangkok, but his three-year stint in London saw him spearhead Unilever’s global digital and e-commerce strategy—experience that will prove invaluable as DMart looks to beef up its online presence against well-funded rivals.

    The retail maverick, who describes his purpose as “Make every stroke count,” made waves during his time in the Netherlands as VP marketing for home care across Europe, where he delivered a cracking innovation programme and led the strategic assault of laundry products into central and eastern Europe.

    But perhaps most relevant to his new Indian supermarket gig was Asawa’s transformative stint as general manager for east branch and rural channels at Hindustan Unilever between 2007 and 2010. During this period, he masterminded a rural expansion that tripled coverage and added a staggering one million outlets in just two years—the sort of aggressive scalability that has DMart’s shareholders positively frothing at the mouth.

    His leadership of the Shakti programme, which improved the livelihoods of thousands of rural women entrepreneurs while expanding market reach, also demonstrates the kind of purpose-driven approach that might help DMart burnish its credentials beyond its no-frills, pile-it-high-sell-it-cheap reputation.

    Industry insiders suggest Asawa’s appointment signals Avenue Supermarts’ intention to accelerate both its bricks-and-mortar expansion and its somewhat lacklustre e-commerce presence through DMart Ready, which has struggled to match the tech prowess of deep-pocketed competitors like Blinkit and Zepto.

    The appointment represents a passing of the baton from DMart’s legendary founder Radhakishan Damani, whose notoriously sharp focus on costs and shrewd real estate strategy transformed a single Mumbai store in 2002 into a retail juggernaut with over 300 outlets and a market cap that makes most traditional retailers green with envy.

    As Asawa prepares to take the helm of one of India’s most enviable retail success stories, his first challenge will be navigating the tricky transition from a founder-led operation to a professionally managed powerhouse without losing the secret sauce that made DMart the darling of value-conscious shoppers and growth-hungry investors alike.

  • Mattress firm Wakefit throws down the gauntlet to Netflix in battle for India’s shut-eye

    Mattress firm Wakefit throws down the gauntlet to Netflix in battle for India’s shut-eye

    MUMBAI:  In a ballsy marketing campaign that’s got the attention of the advertising world, Indian mattress maker Wakefit has taken a full-page broadside at streaming behemoth Netflix, cheekily positioning the US giant as its direct competitor in the battle for Indians’ bedtime hours.

    The eye-catching advert, splashed across mainline newspapers nationwide, references Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings’ infamous 2017 quip that “sleep” was their biggest competitor—a joke that’s turned into a bloody nightmare for millions of Indians, according to Wakefit.

    “In India, the joke came true,” proclaims the advert with undisguised glee. “According to Wakefit’s Great Indian Sleep Scorecard 2025, 51 per cent Indians blame binge-watching for late nights, and one in three of us have insomnia. Happy now, Mr Co-founder?”

    wakefitThe cheeky campaign, timed to coincide with World Sleep Day which was on 14 March, sees Wakefit positioning itself as the plucky David to streaming’s Goliath, declaring “sleep a.k.a. Wakefit is competing back” with what the company has dubbed “sleep-tech vs screen-tech” and “now sleeping vs now streaming.”

    Wakefit co-founder Chaitanya Ramalingegowda didn’t stop at print. The savvy entrepreneur took to social media with a video of himself reading the advert, further amplifying the message that’s struck a chord with knackered Indians nationwide.

    “May ‘du-dumm’ become the sound of India crashing on a Wakefit mattress,” the advert proclaims in a cheeky reference to Netflix’s iconic sound logo. “The road is long. It may take several seasons to beat the competition. But this show is never getting cancelled.”

    Not content with mere verbal sparring, Wakefit is backing its fighting talk with action, offering punters up to 55 per cent off all mattresses until 16 March—a commercial sweetener that’s got cash-conscious consumers sitting up in their beds.

    The campaign dovetails perfectly with this year’s World Sleep Day theme: “Make Sleep Health a Priority.” The annual awareness day, organised by the World Sleep Society, aims to elevate conversations around sleep health globally at a time when digital distractions are at an all-time high.

    Industry analysts are calling Wakefit’s campaign a masterstroke in challenger brand marketing. By positioning streaming giants as the villain in India’s sleep crisis narrative, the mattress maker has effectively elevated itself from flogging bedroom furniture to championing a public health cause.

    With Netflix raking in billions globally while Indians increasingly struggle to catch their forty winks, Wakefit’s provocative question—”Happy now, Mr Co-founder?”—might just be keeping a few streaming executives up at night for a change.