ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • OMD APAC promotes Namrata Roy to vice-president strategy

    OMD APAC promotes Namrata Roy to vice-president strategy

    MUMBAI: OMD APAC has elevated Namrata Roy to vice-president strategy, marking another step forward in her four-year tenure with the media agency network.

    Roy, who most recently served as associate vice president strategy for OMD India, brings extensive experience in media strategy and client leadership to her new role. Her promotion comes after successfully leading strategy for OMD India and previously heading strategy for OMD Malaysia, where she managed key accounts including Danone, Nissan, and Allianz.

    Prior to joining OMD in 2021, Roy held the position of strategy director at Zenith Malaysia, where she managed the Nestlé account. Her career spans over 15 years across leading media agencies, including roles at DDB Mudra Group, Madison Media, Dentsu Aegis Network, and Mindshare.

    Roy’s experience includes working with prominent brands such as Cipla Health, State Bank of India, Mondelez India, and ICICI Group. She began her career as a management intern at Ogilvy, working on Unilever and Mondelez accounts.

    An IPA Advanced Certificate holder in effectiveness, Roy’s appointment reinforces OMD APAC’s commitment to strengthening its strategic leadership across the region.

  • Cleartrip’s new campaign books the right vibe with Dhoni and CarryMinati

    Cleartrip’s new campaign books the right vibe with Dhoni and CarryMinati

    MUMBAI: Not every hotel is a perfect match, just ask MS Dhoni and Carryminati, the unlikely duo starring in Cleartrip’s latest explore hotels by vibe campaign. The travel platform’s new ad cleverly plays on contrasting personalities, showing how the right vibe can make or break a trip.

    The film follows Youtube sensation Carryminati, known for his high-energy, unfiltered style, as he hilariously struggles to match Dhoni’s legendary composure in a setting that’s clearly not his scene. The message? Finding a stay that matches your mood is just as important as the destination itself.

    With the explore hotels by vibe feature, Cleartrip is shifting how travellers pick their stays. Instead of just focusing on location and amenities, the platform now curates hotels based on experience and mood—be it a peaceful retreat or an adrenaline-packed escape.

    “At Cleartrip, we believe the right vibe can transform a trip,” said Cleartrip chief marketing & revenue officer Tavleen Bhatia. “Some travellers chase high-energy adventures, while others seek a slow, relaxing getaway. MS Dhoni and Carryminati bring this contrast to life, proving that, no matter your travel style, there’s a perfect hotel waiting for you.”

    Cleartrip aims to tackle a major OTA (online travel agency) challenge simplifying hotel selection. By allowing travellers to choose stays based on mood, the platform makes travel planning effortless and personalised.

  • Shreyas Iyer joins Incred as brand ambassador, following Rahul Dravid

    Shreyas Iyer joins Incred as brand ambassador, following Rahul Dravid

    MUMBAI : Incred Group has signed star cricketer Shreyas Iyer as its new brand ambassador, stepping into the shoes of the iconic Rahul Dravid. Known for its strong ties to cricket, Incred draws inspiration from the sport’s core values discipline, resilience, and high performance making Iyer the perfect fit to champion its vision of financial confidence and success.

    Incred founder & group CEO Bhupinder Singh expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “Iyer embodies fearlessness and determination qualities that align perfectly with Incred’s mission of empowering individuals to achieve financial confidence. We are thrilled to have him on board as we continue to help people navigate their financial journeys with certainty.”

    Iyer said, “Cricket is full of opinions, but in finance, true expertise stands out. I’m excited to partner with Incred, a leader in financial services, to help spread awareness about smart financial solutions.”

    Incred group head of marketing Radhika Zingade highlighted how the association reflects the brand’s philosophy. “Iyers’ versatility his ability to anchor or accelerate as needed resonates with Incred’s role in guiding customers through different financial phases. This partnership is set to make a lasting impact.”

  • Snigdha Nandan steps up as Standard Chartered’s global digital marketing lead

    Snigdha Nandan steps up as Standard Chartered’s global digital marketing lead

    MUMBAI: Standard Chartered has brought in a heavyweight for its digital marketing leadership. Snigdha Nandan, formerly the director of B2C and digital marketing for APAC at Mastercard, has stepped into the role of executive director and global head of digital marketing at Standard Chartered.

    Nandan is now responsible for leading all digital marketing initiatives for the bank’s top markets in the wealth and retail banking (WRB) sector. From spearheading global campaigns to optimising performance marketing and driving digital transformation, she is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s consumer engagement strategy.

    “This includes driving global marketing campaigns at scale, optimising performance marketing efforts for our key consumer segments and driving a digital transformation initiative that enables us to champion personalised marketing campaigns across the consumer lifecycle. I also lead marketing analytics and effectiveness in my role,” she explained.

    Nandan brings a wealth of experience to Standard Chartered, having spent over 14 years in fintech and payments. At Mastercard, she played a crucial role in shaping brand marketing, paid media, and performance marketing strategies across Asia-Pacific. She also led Mastercard’s global launch of Gamer Xchange and introduced AI/ML-powered solutions like the Digital Engine in Asia.

    Before her tenure at Mastercard, Nandan spent a decade at PayPal, holding leadership roles across consumer and B2B marketing. She was instrumental in driving strategic initiatives in international and regional markets, strengthening PayPal’s presence across APAC with expertise in strategic partnerships, performance marketing, and cross-border commerce.

    Reflecting on how her past experience will shape her role at Standard Chartered, Nandan said, “With my almost 14 years of marketing experience in the fintech and payments space, I have a lot of learnings to take to my new role at Standard Chartered. I have worked across different players in the financial services ecosystem now–from a wallet, to a card network to now an issuer/bank.”

    She added, “These organisations often work in partnership to meet a consumer’s financial needs. For example, the affluent customer segment has been a common one across various roles and I have seen these segments’ digital behaviours over the years. That, in my opinion, is definitely an advantage. I also carry my 14 years of experience in digital marketing to drive excellence as a subject matter expert.”

    Nandan’s appointment comes at a strategic time as Standard Chartered prepares to roll out its ‘Now’s Your Time for Wealth’ campaign. Having already contributed to the campaign, she will now lead the digital charge, ensuring the message—‘The cost of waiting could mean falling short of one’s wealth ambitions’—resonates globally.

    “One month into my role, I am amazed to see the innovation that is happening in the bank and in the financial services space. The way Standard Chartered is innovating with its products to provide more tailored solutions, creating seamless onboarding journeys for customers, driving personalisation across channels, and quickly adopting tools and technology backed by AI to drive this personalisation is impressive,” she stated.

    She further added, “The Digital Transformation initiative that I will lead will be another step in future-proofing our marketing campaigns. There’s a lot more to come.”

    With Nandan at the helm of digital marketing, Standard Chartered is set to amplify its global footprint and redefine personalised banking experiences through AI and data-driven insights. 

  • Chinese Wok storms into Kolkata with a CGI-powered ‘Noodle Storm’ campaign

    Chinese Wok storms into Kolkata with a CGI-powered ‘Noodle Storm’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Chinese Wok has made a sizzling entrance into Kolkata, unveiling a cutting-edge CGI campaign that captures its rapid expansion across India. Known for serving bold and flavour-packed desi-Chinese cuisine, the brand has now set its sights on a city with a rich legacy of Chinese food lovers. And what better way to make an entrance than with a ‘noodle storm’?

    The campaign video features a striking visual—a dynamic whirlwind of noodles illuminating the Indian map—symbolising Chinese Wok’s 220+ locations across 35+ cities. More than just a stunning visual, it encapsulates the brand’s relentless growth and commitment to serving top-notch desi-Chinese food at affordable prices.

    Blending technology with culinary passion, the CGI-led campaign reinforces Chinese Wok’s energetic and youthful personality. The ‘noodle storm’ is more than just a marketing gimmick—it’s a metaphor for the brand’s rapid expansion and its ability to bring people together over a shared love for bold, fiery, and umami-packed flavours.

    Lenexis Foodworks founder & director Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign, “At Chinese Wok, we have always believed in blending innovation with tradition to create an unparalleled dining experience. Our journey has been about more than just expansion—it’s about redefining how desi-Chinese cuisine is enjoyed across India. The ‘noodle storm’ is a visual representation of this journey, symbolising our passion, rapid growth, and deep connection with food lovers nationwide. As we step into Kolkata, a city with a deep-rooted love for Chinese cuisine, we are thrilled to introduce our signature dishes to an audience that truly appreciates diverse flavours.”

    The launch of Chinese Wok in Kolkata is a significant milestone, not just for the brand but for the city’s bustling food scene. From crispy honey chilli potatoes to spicy Sichuan noodles, the brand is bringing its much-loved menu to an audience that craves authentic yet innovative desi-Chinese fare.

    With aggressive expansion plans and a commitment to quality, Chinese Wok continues to dominate the desi-Chinese dining space. Its unique blend of affordability, taste, and innovation positions it as a frontrunner in India’s fast-casual restaurant sector. And with Kolkata now on the map, the brand’s journey is only getting more delicious.

  • MiQ appoints Addy Cutts as commercial director for southeast Asia

    MiQ appoints Addy Cutts as commercial director for southeast Asia

    MUMBAI: Programmatic advertising company MiQ has named Addy Cutts as its commercial director for Southeast Asia. In this newly created role, Cutts will lead the firm’s regional commercial operations and drive market expansion.

    Cutts joins MiQ with over two decades of experience in technology and digital advertising across the UK and Singapore. He previously served as regional director for JAPAC at Oracle Advertising, where he managed revenue growth and market strategy across Southeast Asia, India, ANZ, Thailand, and Japan.

    His career includes executive positions at Visual DNA and Lonely Planet, as well as involvement with First Party Capital. He has also served on the board of IAB Southeast Asia and India.

    “I’m thrilled to join MiQ, who are certainly not your average programmatic media partner,” said Cutts. “What really sets them apart is their tangible commitment to fostering a culture of transparency, trust, and collaboration.”

    MiQ APAC CEO Jason Scott said: “Addy’s appointment reflects our commitment to attracting the best minds in the industry. His understanding of the media landscape and ability to navigate emerging technology trends will be paramount to delivering exceptional value to our clients.”

  • Fedex delivers a big hit with cricket-themed ad campaign

    Fedex delivers a big hit with cricket-themed ad campaign

    MUMBAI: When it comes to logistics, some deliveries are best left to the pros, especially if your courier of choice happens to be a cricketer! That’s the cheeky premise behind Fedex’s latest brand film, The Shipment, created by Saatchi & Saatchi India. Starring Joburg Super Kings’ Faf du Plessis, Devon Conway, and Sibonelo Makhanya, the campaign blends humour with purpose to showcase Fedex’s reliability. Through their comically flawed delivery attempts, the ad underscores the logistics giant’s commitment to empowering SMEs with seamless global shipping solutions.

    “Fedex plays a vital role in empowering SMEs,” said Fedex vice president of marketing and air network for middle east, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa Nitin Navneet Tatiwala. “With our speed, expertise, and global reach, entrepreneurs can trust us to deliver their products seamlessly.”

    Saatchi & Saatchi India, no stranger to cricket-themed storytelling, crafted a campaign that blends sports fandom with brand messaging in a way that sticks. “We threw out over 20 ideas before locking in the final three,” said Saatchi & Saatchi India chief creative officer Rohit Malkani. “From start to finish, it was an absolute riot! Roopali’s direction and Aman’s music were the perfect finishing touches.”

    Saatchi & Saatchi India head of north and east Hindol Purkayastha added, “Cricket fans remember content that stands out. This campaign isn’t just engaging, it’s delivering results in international markets. And we’re just getting started!”

    Blending cricket, comedy, and commerce, the ad highlights how Fedex is the go-to logistics partner for South Africa’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The film follows an ambitious SME owner, Sibusiso, who struggles to get his products delivered on time. Enter three Joburg Super Kings (JSK) cricketers, each attempting bizarre, unconventional shipping methods—with predictably disastrous results. Whether it’s hurling packages like a fast bowler or getting creative with unorthodox deliveries, the message is clear: some things are best left to the experts.

  • Vikrant Massey flips into Campus Activewear’s ‘Move Your Way’ campaign

    Vikrant Massey flips into Campus Activewear’s ‘Move Your Way’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Campus Activewear has taken its ‘Move Your Way’ campaign to the next level, and this time, Vikrant Massey is flipping the script—literally. The leading sports and athleisure footwear brand launched the second leg of its blockbuster campaign, reinforcing the message of embracing authenticity and moving through life with confidence.

    The campaign film doesn’t just talk about individuality—it throws it into a boardroom, flips it mid-air, and lands it right into the heart of self-expression. The film opens with Massey coolly pacing through a high-stakes business meeting. Investors dangle tempting offers—equity, a sports car, a penthouse, even cryptocurrency. But Massey, unfazed, lets his actions do the talking. He executes a flawless backflip in the middle of the room, stylishly nods to his Campus shoes, and drops the iconic line: “Damn good shoes, Yaar!” The investors are left stunned, and the message is crystal clear: When you move your way, the world moves with you.

    Campus Activewear CIO Prerna Aggarwal highlighted the deeper philosophy behind the campaign, “Our ‘Move Your Way’ campaign celebrates authentic self-expression, a journey we began with our first film in November. This second film further emphasises our commitment to this philosophy, reflecting our belief that staying true to oneself unlocks greater opportunities.”

    Massey echoed the sentiment, saying, “Authenticity has always been one of the greatest treasures I believe in, and I’m thrilled to partner with a brand that not only champions this belief but also mirrors my own journey of embracing individuality. Today’s youth are a force to be reckoned with – they are creative, driven, and unique, yet equally committed in pursuing the journeys that align with their values.”

    Moonshot co-founder Devaiah Bopanna shared insights on the creative direction, “Contributing to a brand with such a storied legacy, yet one that’s evolving to meet modern cultural trends, is a rare and exciting opportunity. The brief was all about connecting the dots between the brand’s core belief and cultural insight, all while pushing the creative envelope.”

    The digital-first campaign targets Gen Z audiences where they spend most of their time—on OTT platforms, social media, and youth-centric digital touchpoints. By strategically leveraging digital channels, Campus Activewear aims to inspire young consumers to embrace their individuality and express themselves through fashion.

    With bold storytelling, a charismatic brand ambassador, and a message that hits home, Move Your Way isn’t just a campaign—it’s a movement. And if Vikrant Massey’s backflip is anything to go by, this is only the beginning.

  • Himalaya Babycare champions shared parenting at Maha Kumbh 2025

    Himalaya Babycare champions shared parenting at Maha Kumbh 2025

    MUMBAI: Parenting is a two-player game, yet mothers often bear the brunt of it alone. Himalaya Babycare decided to change the rules at Maha Kumbh 2025, launching the ‘Prepare Your Baby Bag’ campaign to advocate for shared parenting and challenge outdated norms. With over 500 baby bags donated to orphanages, this initiative was more than just a fun challenge – it was a step toward redefining caregiving in India.

    At the heart of the campaign was an interactive booth where parents took on the ‘Prepare Your Baby Bag’ challenge – a timed activity where they raced to pack a baby bag with Himalaya Babycare essentials like baby soap, oil, wipes, lotion, and powder. The challenge wasn’t just about speed; it sparked conversations about equal parenting and the importance of fathers taking an active role in childcare.

    Those who completed the challenge didn’t just walk away with bragging rights; they received complimentary product samples, ensuring they experienced the trusted care of Himalaya Babycare firsthand. In a heartwarming extension of the initiative, these carefully packed baby bags were donated to orphanages, reinforcing Himalaya Babycare’s commitment to nurturing all children, regardless of circumstance.

    Commenting on the campaign, Himalaya Wellness Company director – babycare, Chakravarthi N V shared, “The Maha Kumbh Mela brought millions together, making it the perfect platform to inspire positive change in parenting dynamics. Parenting is a shared journey, yet in many households, childcare responsibilities are often seen as the primary responsibility of mothers. Through this campaign, we encouraged fathers to share the load and embrace equal parenting, thereby creating a supportive environment for families across India.”

    To spread the message further, Himalaya Babycare leveraged social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube, ensuring the campaign resonated across urban and rural India. With content available in Hindi, the initiative successfully reached diverse communities, reinforcing the message that parenting is not a solo act—it’s a duet.

    With a perfect mix of fun, education, and social impact, Himalaya Babycare’s ‘Prepare Your Baby Bag’ campaign proved that changing the world starts at home – one shared responsibility at a time.

  • JioHotstar’s Valentine’s day marketing stunt wins hearts and engagement

    JioHotstar’s Valentine’s day marketing stunt wins hearts and engagement

    MUMBAI: The launch of JioHotstar, a powerhouse streaming platform combining Jiocinema and Disney+ Hotstar, was nothing short of a marketing masterstroke. The announcement, perfectly timed with Valentine’s day, didn’t just introduce a new player in the streaming industry—it made waves through an ingenious moment marketing strategy that captured consumer attention with humour and wit.

    In the lead-up to JioHotstar’s launch, Jiocinema and Disney+ Hotstar engaged in a flirtatious, light-hearted exchange on city billboards and digital platforms, dropping hints of an impending partnership. The playful banter saw JioCinema put up a cheeky proposal: “Looking for someone who digs cricket, reality shows, and live concerts. Know Anyone?” In response, Disney+ Hotstar flirted back with “Cricket is my love language, who wants to match this Valentine’s Day?”

    These teasers ignited curiosity and engagement, setting the perfect stage for JioHotstar’s grand reveal on 14 February.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by JioHotstar (@jiohotstar)

    As soon as JioHotstar made its much-anticipated debut, brands and creators jumped in to celebrate the new era of streaming entertainment.

    Leading the charge was Shaadi.com, India’s top matchmaking platform, which added its signature humour to the mix. The brand placed congratulatory billboards next to JioHotstar’s launch ads with the witty message: “Badhai ho JioHotstar! Aisi jodi toh hum sab deserve karte hain. Get on Shaadi.com.”

    Even Shaadi.com’s founder & CEO Anupam Mittal couldn’t resist joining the fun. Taking to LinkedIn, he quipped, “The crossover you didn’t see coming,” highlighting how playful banters are the future of marketing.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Shaadi.com (@shaadi.com)

    The campaign quickly gained momentum, striking a chord with audiences who appreciated the humour, timing, and creative storytelling. The buzz around JioHotstar’s launch became more than just an industry announcement—it turned into a pop culture moment, making waves across both entertainment and matchmaking circles.

    Beyond the marketing genius, JioHotstar is poised to redefine streaming in India with an extensive content library featuring over 300,000 hours of movies, shows, and exclusive content. The platform also boasts a robust lineup of live sports coverage, making it a go-to destination for India’s 1.4 billion entertainment-hungry viewers.