ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Rehua India seals the deal as most trusted brand at Pride of India 2025

    Rehua India seals the deal as most trusted brand at Pride of India 2025

    MUMBAI: Trust isn’t just earned, it’s engineered. Rehua India, a pioneer in polymer-based solutions, has been crowned the Most Trusted Brand of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Pride of India Conclave 2025, hosted by The Brand Story. This recognition cements Rehua’s standing as a leader in high-performance interior, building, and industrial solutions.

    The conclave, held at Hyatt Centric Candolim, Goa, brought together industry stalwarts, with Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, former cabinet minister, as the chief guest. The event also saw the presence of international actor and author Kabir Bedi, singer Shibani Kashyap, music composer Anand Raj Anand, and Maria Isabel de Carvalho Mendonça Raimundo, consul general of Portugal, Goa.

    With over 25 years of innovation in India, Rehua has blended precision engineering with sustainability, offering products that redefine modern living. Speaking on the achievement Rehua India executive vice president Tushar Verma shared, “Trust is the foundation of our brand, and this honour reaffirms our commitment to delivering world-class solutions. This award is a testament to our passion for innovation and customer satisfaction.”

    Rehua brand team members Rutvik Karnik and Sairaj Hemachandran stated, “This award amplifies our credibility, instilling even greater confidence among customers, architects, and industry partners. It motivates us to elevate our offerings and expand our footprint in India with renewed conviction.”

    From high-performance edgebands to kitchen innovations, Rehua continues to set new benchmarks in design and functionality. As the company looks ahead, its focus remains on sustainability, cutting-edge solutions, and enhancing customer experiences proving that when it comes to trust, Rehua has it sealed tight.

  • Om Jha levels up: From Pepsico prodigy to global media maestro

    Om Jha levels up: From Pepsico prodigy to global media maestro

    MUMBAI: Five and a half years ago, Om Jha took his first sip of Pepsico’s high-energy corporate culture—nervous, excited, and ready to shake things up. Now, with a portfolio of impactful marketing, media, and data-driven campaigns under his belt, he is stepping into the future with a brand-new role in the company’s global media & transformation team. From Gurgaon to Plano, Texas, Jha’s journey has been nothing short of fizz-tastic. But what’s next? Let’s pop the cap and find out.

    “I was stepping in to do something I had never done before,” Jha reminisced about his early days at Pepsico. “Thanks to Vishal Kaul for hiring me and introducing me to the world of possibilities, and thanks to George Kovoor and Anshul Khanna for letting me define my own role with every passing year.”

    Jha didn’t just dip his toes into the Pepsico pool—he dived in headfirst. As head of media & partnerships (2019–2022), he spearheaded efforts to connect Pepsico’s legendary brands with consumers using a potent mix of media, data, and technology. He led high-stakes advertising and marketing negotiations, ensuring every penny squeezed out more efficiency and effectiveness.

    By 2022, he stepped up as director – media, data, marketing capabilities & partnerships. Here, he architected a robust first-party data-led marketing infrastructure, setting the stage for cutting-edge digital campaigns and award-winning brand partnerships.

    Fast forward to March 2025, and Jha is now embracing his biggest role yet—director of global media capabilities. This new challenge places him at the intersection of global strategy and transformation, a role tailor-made for someone who thrives on the ever-evolving media landscape.

    But Pepsico is just one stop in Jha’s dynamic career. Before this, he was assistant vice president – customer strategy at Disney Star (2018-2019), where he led the strategy vertical for the northern region, handling TV and digital ad sales revenue across multiple entertainment portfolios. Prior to that, he spent nearly two years as senior director – strategy at GroupM, simplifying media and technology for brands while driving insights-based performance marketing.

    Jha’s journey also took him through the telecom world. At Airtel (2015-2016), he headed business planning & consumer insights for the Delhi circle, overseeing operational strategy, financial planning, and product pricing. Before that, he honed his consulting expertise at KPMG India (2014-2015), managing large-scale business transformation projects.

    His early career included a five-year stint at Idea Cellular Ltd, where he worked as chief of staff in the MD’s office, focusing on corporate strategy and operations. He also gained experience in engineering and manufacturing at Mahindra Group (2005-2007), before transitioning into business roles.

    “A huge thank you to Shyam Venugopal and Abhishek Jadon for this opportunity,” Jha said, his excitement as palpable as the fizz in a freshly opened Pepsi can.

    Corporate careers are a bit like carbonated drinks—always under pressure, occasionally shaken, but ultimately, they’re all about making a splash. And if Jha’s track record is anything to go by, he’s about to pop the lid on something truly groundbreaking.

  • Carson Dalton bids adieu to Coca-Cola, pops the cap on GSK role

    Carson Dalton bids adieu to Coca-Cola, pops the cap on GSK role

    MUMBAI: Carson Dalton is on the move again. After nearly five years of stirring up success at Coca-Cola, he’s now uncapping a fresh opportunity at GSK as executive vice president – communications & government affairs. From fizzy drinks to pharmaceuticals, Dalton’s career shift is as refreshing as an ice-cold cola on a scorching summer day. But what made him trade in the red can for the white lab coat? Let’s dive in.

    At the end of February, Dalton waved goodbye to The Coca-Cola Company, leaving behind an iconic American brand with a truly global footprint. “Coca-Cola is an iconic American company with a set of truly global brands, it is also a profoundly local business as all beverages are made in a country. This means the company has a significant socio-economic multiplier effect in the local communities where it is served,” he reflected.

    Dalton, who was at the heart of Coca-Cola’s communications across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives, had his hands full juggling multiple stakeholders. “The efforts of my multi-faceted and agile team involve enabling and protecting the interconnected value chain of our brands and bottling partners. We engage with bottling teams, collaborate with local and global functions, consumers, partners, customers, and various external stakeholders.”

    For Dalton, the magic of Coca-Cola wasn’t just in its fizzy formulas but in the bigger picture—how consumer goods mirror economic trajectories. “Since joining the company, I’ve been most excited to focus my efforts at the intersection of business, economics and governance as the growth of consumer goods mirrors the overall economic trajectory of a country,” he said.

    He leaves behind a legacy of strategic storytelling, navigating regulatory landscapes, and, of course, ensuring that every sip of Coke came with a side of strong brand positioning. But he’s not one to stay still for long. He’s already got his next big gig lined up.

    “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as executive vice president – communications & government affairs at GSK!” he announced, barely letting the Coca-Cola bubbles settle.

    Corporate careers, he muses, are a game of ladders—each step bringing new challenges, new drinks (Thums Up, in his case), and a higher vantage point to survey the landscape. “Growth is the blood of a career. It is akin to a step ladder – you climb a step every few years, do a high five, have a celebratory drink (of Thums Up), elevate your network, look at the world around you from the newfound height and then look up the steps above yet to be climbed.”

    And climb he has. The move to GSK puts Dalton at the helm of communications and government affairs for a global pharmaceutical giant. It’s a shift from sugary indulgence to healthcare essentials, but if anyone can navigate the high-pressure world of corporate storytelling, it’s him.

  • Mindteck’s CEO logs out after five years of steering growth

    Mindteck’s CEO logs out after five years of steering growth

    MUMBAI: After five years at the helm, Mindteck’s managing director and CEO, Anand Balakrishnan, is set to bid adieu, with his resignation effective from 31 May 2025. The global engineering and technology solutions company announced that Balakrishnan will continue in his role for the next three months, ensuring a seamless leadership transition.

    Reflecting on his tenure, Balakrishnan described the journey as both “rewarding and challenging,” stating, “With Mindteck well-positioned for continued success, I feel this is the right time for a leadership transition. My decision is based on personal reasons, and I look forward to focusing on these aspects at this stage in my life.”

    Under his leadership, Mindteck saw significant transformation, with sustainable growth and improved liquidity shaping its trajectory. “While we regret to see Anand step down, we respect his decision,” said Mindteck chairman Yusuf Lanewala. “He has played a crucial role in positioning Mindteck for long-term success, and we extend our gratitude for his contributions.”

    The Board has accepted his resignation and has tasked the Nomination and Remuneration Committee with selecting a suitable successor. As Mindteck gears up for its next chapter, all eyes are on who will take the baton to drive the company’s future growth.

  • TCS welcomes finance veteran Sanjay Bhandarkar as independent director

    TCS welcomes finance veteran Sanjay Bhandarkar as independent director

    MUMBAI: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has made a bullish move, roping in finance industry veteran Sanjay V. Bhandarkar as an additional director and independent non-executive director for a five-year term, effective from 4 March 2025, until 3 March 2030. The appointment, recommended by the nomination and remuneration committee, awaits shareholder approval.

    When it comes to finance, investment banking, and corporate strategy, Bhandarkar is no newbie. He’s the man who played a pivotal role in shaping India’s financial advisory landscape. Having held leadership positions at Rothschild India and ICICI, he boasts an impressive track record in M&A, restructuring, and equity capital markets. If there’s a corporate puzzle to solve, chances are, Bhandarkar has already cracked a tougher one.

    Bhandarkar’s expertise isn’t just limited to boardrooms. He has advised the Government of India on landmark projects, including the first-ever e-auctions for 3G and BWA spectrum, and played a critical role in restructuring the infamous Enron and GE-backed Dabhol power project. Simply put, he knows how to navigate the high-stakes financial chessboard.

    Currently, Bhandarkar serves on the boards of Tata Power, HDFC Asset Management, Chemplast Sanmar, and Tata Projects. He also holds key roles in investment committees and advisory boards, lending his strategic mind to South Asia Growth Fund II and III and 1crowd, a seed capital stage investing platform.

    With TCS being a global tech giant, what does an investment banking whiz bring to the table? Strategic foresight, financial acumen, and the ability to navigate complex business environments. The appointment of a seasoned finance professional is no coincidence. It’s a calculated move to ensure the company’s growth trajectory stays as ambitious as ever. Bhandarkar’s addition to the TCS board signals a sharper focus on financial strategy and governance.

  • BCCI Seeks media buying partner for Tata IPL 2025

    BCCI Seeks media buying partner for Tata IPL 2025

    MUMBAI : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for agencies looking to manage media buying and strategy for the Tata IPL 2025—a golden opportunity to shape the marketing of one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles.

    The selected agency will be responsible for the pan-India media strategy, ensuring effective allocation of budgets across multiple platforms, including television, radio, digital, print, out of home an out of home innovations.

    Interested parties must confirm their participation via email at rfq@bcci.tv and demonstrate their capability to handle media buying across all listed platforms at a similar scale.

    Eligible agencies will be asked to submit a detailed proposal, including:
    * A comprehensive media plan and strategy for IPL 2025 within a budget of Rs 30 crores (excluding taxes), with cost breakdowns for each medium.
    * Proof of work and in-house expertise in media buying across all platforms.
    * Agency fee, commission, or cost per medium.
    * Discount structures for bulk buying.
    * Innovative outdoor marketing ideas.

    The deadline for participation it the EOI is 10 March 2025, while the proposal submission document too has an end date of 13 March 2025.

    With the IPL being a marketing juggernaut, this opportunity promises not just visibility but a chance to shape how millions engage with the tournament. Let the bidding begin!

  • FCB India wins creative mandate for Dulcoflex

    FCB India wins creative mandate for Dulcoflex

    MUMBAI: FCB India, part of FCB Group India (IPG Group), has secured the creative mandate for Dulcoflex, a global brand in digestive health, and has been . The agency will develop integrated marketing campaigns to strengthen Dulcoflex’s position in the laxative category and increase its relevance among Indian consumers.

    The account was awarded following a multi-agency pitch and will be managed from FCB India’s Mumbai office.

    Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, India director – brand & innovation Nupur Gurbaxani said,: “Dulcoflex has been a trusted companion for millions of consumers worldwide. As we further strengthen our presence in India, we are thrilled to collaborate with FCB India, part of IPG Group. Their expertise in crafting insightful and consumer-centric campaigns aligns perfectly with our mission of making self-care as simple it should be.”

    FCB India CEO Ashima Mehra commented, “We are excited to partner with Dulcoflex, a brand synonymous with digestive wellness. Digestive health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and through our creative expertise, we aim to break barriers and spark meaningful conversations around this category.”

  • Adani Ports’ new film highlights its role in enabling business growth

    Adani Ports’ new film highlights its role in enabling business growth

    MUMBAI: The Adani Group has launched its latest film, Journey of Dreams, as part of its ongoing Hum Karke Dikhate Hain series, highlighting the transformative impact of Adani Ports on businesses and communities across India.

    The narrative-driven film celebrates India’s spirit of determination, illustrating how Adani Ports enables businesses-both large and small-to thrive through seamless connectivity and world-class infrastructure. As India’s largest integrated ports and logistics company, Adani Ports and SEZ Limited (APSEZ) plays a crucial role in economic growth by facilitating global trade and empowering entrepreneurs.

    The film opens with a touching scene where a young girl watches a ship sail into the horizon and asks her father, “Do ships carry big things, Papa?” To which he replies, “They carry big dreams too.” This sets the stage for an inspiring journey showcasing the global reach enabled by Adani Ports.

    The story follows a father’s aspirations as his handcrafted Namda toys—a traditional wool-felting craft from Gujarat’s Kutch region—find international markets thanks to the logistical support of Adani Ports. His journey reflects the countless small business owners across India who benefit from the company’s extensive infrastructure and global market access.

    Adani Group head of corporate branding, Ajay Kakar stated, “At Adani Ports, we do more than move goods—we create pathways for dreams. Our world-class facilities and connectivity help businesses flourish, improving millions of lives. This film beautifully showcases how our ports serve as catalysts for aspirations, turning dreams into reality.”

    The film, created by Ogilvy India, aligns with Adani’s vision of business with a human touch. Ogilvy India chief advisor, Piyush Pandey stated, “Big businesses and projects hold true significance when they positively impact communities. This campaign captures Adani Ports’ commitment to fostering growth at every level.”

    Part of the AdaniHKKDH series, Journey of Dreams will be broadcast across multiple platforms, reinforcing Adani Ports’ role in shaping India’s economic future.
     

  • M S Walia appointed COO of Capital India Finance, bringing 30 years of expertise

    M S Walia appointed COO of Capital India Finance, bringing 30 years of expertise

    MUMBAI: Capital India Finance Ltd has appointed M S Walia as its new COO, leveraging his nearly three decades of experience in the financial services sector.

    Walia, an expert in regional markets, portfolio management, and customer dynamics, is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the company’s operations. His expertise will be key in driving efficiency, expanding market presence, and refining financial strategies to fuel Capital India Finance’s growth.

    Before this role, Walia had a distinguished career at Sammaan Capital Ltd (formerly Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd) and spent eight years at Standard Chartered Bank, among other key positions in leading financial institutions.

    His academic credentials include executive education at Insead, a certification from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, an MBA in finance from Pune University, and a graduate degree from Punjab University.  

  • Harman welcomes Christian Sobottka as new CEO; Michael Mauser hung his boots after 27 years

    Harman welcomes Christian Sobottka as new CEO; Michael Mauser hung his boots after 27 years

    MUMBAI: A changing of the guard is underway at Harman International, the tech powerhouse behind cutting-edge automotive, consumer, and enterprise innovations. Michael Mauser, the company’s longtime leader, is stepping down as president & CEO on 31 March 2025, making way for Christian Sobottka, who will officially assume the role on 1 April 2025.

    After 27 years at Harman, Mauser has decided to pass the baton, having led the company through industry-defining moments, including Samsung’s acquisition in 2017, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global semiconductor shortages. Under his leadership, Harman hit $11 billion in revenue, achieved record profitability, and amassed a jaw-dropping $45 billion in automotive business backlog.

    “After nearly three decades with Harman and aligned with our diligent succession planning process, I have decided to step away to spend more time with my family and explore new opportunities,” Mauser said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and confident in Christian’s ability to lead Harman into its next chapter.”

    Stepping up is Sobottka, a seasoned automotive industry veteran with over 25 years of experience. Since taking over as president of Harman’s automotive division in 2021, Sobottka has been at the forefront of major transformations, steering Harman towards a product- and software-focused model. His expertise in advanced in-cabin experiences and strategic automotive partnerships makes him the ideal choice to drive Harman’s next wave of innovation.

    “I am honored to assume the role of president & CEO of Harman,” Sobottka said. “Building on our legacy of innovation and excellence, I look forward to working with our talented teams to drive the next phase of growth and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and partners.”

    Harman’s board of directors chairman Young Sohn praised Mauser’s unwavering leadership and vision, stating, “We extend our deepest gratitude to Michael for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to Harman’s success. His strategic vision has positioned the company for continued growth. We are confident that Christian’s extensive experience and proven track record make him the ideal leader to guide Harman into the future.”

    Alongside Sobottka’s appointment, Harman’s lifestyle division president Dave Rogers will join the board of directors, marking another shift in the company’s leadership team.

    With its legacy of cutting-edge innovation, Harman remains committed to revolutionising connected technology across automotive, consumer, and enterprise markets. The transition from Mauser to Sobottka signals a new era of growth, software-driven advancements, and global expansion.