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Category: People

  • Saatchi Propagate India onboards Saurabh Mankhand as EVP & head of consumer experience

    Saatchi Propagate India onboards Saurabh Mankhand as EVP & head of consumer experience

    MUMBAI: Publicis Groupe India’s full-funnel digital agency Saatchi Propagate has enhanced its leadership team by appointing Saurabh Mankhand as EVP & Head of Consumer Experience.

    Saurabh will spearhead the agency’s Consumer Experience (CX) practice, focused on integrating strategy, data, content, platform innovation, and emerging technologies to deliver measurable impact for brands. He will also play a key role in promoting Publicis Groupe’s unique ‘Power of One’ model to unlock new opportunities and strengthen client partnerships.

    Marking his return to Publicis Groupe India, Saurabh brings over two decades of experience in driving integrated marketing strategies, digital innovation, and business transformation. He has led mandates for brands including Unilever, Jio, Vodafone, and IBM, while building teams and service lines across e-commerce, B2B, and consumer sectors. Prior to this, he served at OLIVER+ as the Business Head for eCommerce & Technology Services. He has also held leadership roles at Indigo Consulting and Ogilvy India.  

    Reporting into Saatchi & Saatchi India, BBH India, and Saatchi Propagate India CEO Paritosh Srivastava, Saurabh will work closely with Saatchi Propagate India EVP & Business Head, Prachi Bali and Saatchi & Saatchi India, BBH India and Saatchi Propagate India, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Snehasis Bose.

    Speaking on the appointment, Srivastava said, “Saatchi Propagate India has been on an amazing growth journey over the last few years. Today, we are amongst the top digital agencies in the country, working with some of the major national and international brands. To keep this momentum going, we are strengthening our capabilities with a focus on owning the entire CX journey. Saurabh’s deep expertise in this space makes him the perfect partner to lead us into this next phase. With Snehasis, Saurabh and Prachi at the helm, Saatchi Propagate India is ready for its next phase of growth.”

    Mankhand added, “The future of brand growth is about creating predictive, personalised experiences through a seamless convergence of strategy, data, and platform innovation across the entire omni-channel ecosystem. This has placed CX at the very core of the business, and I’m excited to join the team at Saatchi Propagate India, who are already deeply engaged with clients on these strategic journeys. My focus will be on enhancing our collective ability to deliver proactive CX solutions that not only meet modern customer expectations but deliver the significant, measurable growth our clients demand.”
     

  • Mehrotra Kapoor takes the editor’s chair in fine health

    Mehrotra Kapoor takes the editor’s chair in fine health

    MUMBAI: The newsroom is getting a health check and Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor is writing the prescription. India Today Group has roped in the award-winning journalist as senior editor and anchor to helm the launch of what it calls India’s first-of-its-kind omni-platform brand dedicated to health and wellness. The initiative, rooted in the credo “to inform, not influence,” aims to bring science-backed, trustworthy content to a nation in the middle of what experts call a “health revolution.”

    With over 17 years in the media trenches, Sonal has built a reputation for hard-hitting, human-centred storytelling across some of India’s biggest newsrooms from 11 years as associate editor and anchor at NDTV, to over three years as editor at Moneycontrol.com. Now, she brings that editorial muscle to a sector she’s deeply invested in, armed not just with a journalist’s instincts but also a Harvard certification in nutrition.

    Reporting to B V Rao and working closely with Supriya Prasad, Sonal will spearhead content that blends digital innovation, credible journalism, and wellness expertise. It’s a brief that mirrors her own personal passions from cooking up wholesome meals and dancing to recharge, to hands-on parenting all while keeping a sharp eye on making complex health topics accessible and engaging.

    India Today is betting big on the booming health and wellness space, and with Sonal at the helm, the platform promises to be as fact-rich as it is relatable proving that good health and good journalism aren’t mutually exclusive.

     

  • Nishith Desai Associates adds two heavyweights to global strategy roster

    Nishith Desai Associates adds two heavyweights to global strategy roster

    MUMBAI: When a law firm starts playing in the big league of global strategy, you know it’s thinking far beyond dusty courtrooms. Nishith Desai Associates (NDA) has just brought in two star players Chintan Vaishnav in Boston and Ritika Patni in New York to sharpen its edge in techno-policy, cross-border strategy, and boardroom advisory.

    Dr Vaishnav, a futurist and techno-policy strategist, is best known for steering the Atal Innovation Mission at NITI Aayog and chairing the Startup20 Engagement Group during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023. With a Ph.D. in Engineering Systems and an M.S. in Technology and Policy from MIT, plus a B.A. in Indian Classical Music for good measure, he’s part scientist, part strategist, part storyteller. At NDA, he will spearhead work in AI governance, innovation policy, and public-private collaboration essentially, the legal brains trust for an increasingly tech-led world.

    On the other coast, Ritika Patni takes charge as leader of NDA’s Global Legal Strategy Consulting Practice. A gold medallist from NUJS Kolkata and MBA alumna from Columbia Business School, she’s worn many hats corporate lawyer at Linklaters London, founder of wellness startup Arth, and consultant to Fortune 500s at Alvarez & Marsal. Her new brief at NDA: guiding cross-border strategy for technology, healthcare, and professional services clients.

    The hires reinforce NDA’s unique “4D” model Practice, Industry, Leadership, Skillset which has long drawn in experts from outside the conventional legal track. It’s the same formula that brought in an engineer-turned-lawyer (Vaibhav Parikh), a surgeon-turned-lawyer (Milind Antani), a CA-MBA-turned-lawyer (Nishchal Joshipura), and a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence (Mihir Parikh).

    Founder Nishith Desai calls the appointments “a commitment to embracing change and challenging conventional thinking” as NDA evolves into a strategic legal consulting powerhouse. With Vaishnav’s policy chops and Patni’s cross-border acumen, the firm looks set to blend law, leadership, and lateral thinking in a way few others can match.
     

  • Truecaller Ads appoints Archana Roche as global head of measurement & analytics

    Truecaller Ads appoints Archana Roche as global head of measurement & analytics

    MUMBAI: Truecaller has announced the appointment of Archana Roche as global head of measurement & analytics for its rapidly growing Ad Solutions business. This strategic hire reflects Truecaller’s deepening focus on building a world-class advertising ecosystem powered by data-driven insights, transparent metrics, and business impact.

    With the advertising landscape becoming increasingly performance-oriented, Truecaller Ad Solutions is positioning itself as a trusted partner for brands seeking measurable and meaningful outcomes. Archana’s appointment marks a critical step in embedding measurement as a strategic cornerstone of the platform designed to enable advertisers to unlock greater return on investment through rigorous, full-funnel analytics and evidence-based attribution.

    Bringing over 18 years of experience in digital measurement, ad effectiveness, and data strategy, Archana joins Truecaller from Aleph, where she served as Global Lead for Meta Measurement. In her previous role, she led marketing effectiveness initiatives across Europe, Africa, and APAC, driving adoption of advanced methodologies such as incrementality testing, lift studies, and Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM). Her career spans strategic roles at Tata Motors, Pidilite, and Future Group—anchoring her expertise in both digital-first and traditional marketing environments.

    “Measurement will be a defining factor in the next phase of growth for Truecaller Ad Solutions,” said Archana Roche. “We’re building a measurement framework rooted in trust, precision, and accountability—ensuring every ad dollar delivers clarity and real business results. Our mission is to create an ecosystem where advertisers not only measure what matters, but also act on it with confidence.”

    Speaking on her appointment, Truecaller VP global ads business, Hemant Arora said, “I’m delighted to welcome Archana on board. Under her leadership, Truecaller Ad Solutions will continue to evolve its analytics capabilities—integrating performance metrics across the customer journey, from awareness to conversion. This move reinforces Truecaller’s ambition to offer a comprehensive, insight-led advertising platform that delivers both scale and precision”

  • FTA Global adds AI-powered punch with Rohit Salian as VP brand & strategy

    FTA Global adds AI-powered punch with Rohit Salian as VP brand & strategy

    MUMBAI: When creativity meets code, the sparks can light up a brand. That’s the bet FTA Global is making with the appointment of Rohit Salian as vice president for brand & strategy, a role that also hands him the reins of the company’s freshly minted FTA Creative Labs. The new-age marketing company wants to rewire how campaigns are imagined, merging human imagination with artificial intelligence to craft brand stories that are scalable, insight-rich and, in their words, “future-defining.”

    Salian, with over 12 years in the advertising trenches, has worn multiple creative and strategic hats at NP Digital India, Oliver+, Creative Land Asia and others. His portfolio packs heavyweight campaigns from the brand revamp of Standard Chartered India to Reliance Jio’s blockbuster launch plus Effies for Good-winning work.

    In his dual mandate, Salian will shape FTA Global’s brand playbook while building Creative Labs into an innovation hub that treats AI not as a threat, but a collaborator. “We’re building a space where campaigns are not just made, but imagined differently with speed, scale and soul,” he said.

    FTA Global founder & MD Senthil Kumar Hariram calls the move “transformative,” adding that Salian’s mix of brand ecosystem know-how and creative vision will “push boundaries and redefine the way brands communicate in a digital-first world.”

    If all goes to plan, FTA Global won’t just ride the AI wave, it’ll be busy teaching it how to surf.

  • Anirban Mozumdar joins TBWAIndia as chief strategy officer

    Anirban Mozumdar joins TBWAIndia as chief strategy officer

    MUMBAI: TBWAIndia announced the appointment of Anirban Mozumdar as its chief strategy officer. Anirban brings with him nearly three decades of expertise in branding, advertising and communications, further strengthening the agency’s reputation for delivering disruptive brand strategies and experiences. He will report to TBWA India CEO Govind Pandey.

    Anirban’s 28-year career spans diverse roles – account management, strategic leadership, and entrepreneurship. At Leo, he spearheaded P&G brands, notably amplifying Tide’s ‘Surprising Whiteness’ across ASEAN. As an entrepreneur, he collaborated with HCLTech and Intuit globally.

    He also transformed chlorophyll into a full-service consultancy. Most recently, as Havas India’s chief strategy officer, he led brand strategy for major clients like Reckitt and Burger King. Inherently aligned with TBWA’s disruptive spirit, Anirban brings a sharp, future-facing lens to brand strategy, helping businesses lead with purpose and clarity.

    “Anirban has built brands across categories ranging from consumer electronics and FMCG to industrial products. His diverse experience spanning regional roles for P&G, entrepreneurial brand consulting leadership at chlorophyll, and work across B2C, B2B and D2C sectors, gives him a unique ability to blend data‑driven insight with creative thinking. I’m thrilled to welcome Anirban as our chief strategy officer. His strategic acumen will help TBWAIndia push boundaries and deliver disruptive, results-driven work for our clients,” said Pandey.

    Speaking on his new role, Anirban said, “To be at The Disruption Company at this time when disruption is rife, truly feels like being at the right place at the right time. I am looking forward to building business through brand and purpose, deepening our relationships and bringing my recent experience on technology brands and brand consulting to build reputation through results.”

    Beyond work, Anirban is a closet poet and an amateur crooner. He loves etymology, language and starts each morning with Wordle.

  • Infectious Advertising hires Divesh Mehta and Kiran Salkar for key roles

    Infectious Advertising hires Divesh Mehta and Kiran Salkar for key roles

    MUMBAI: Infectious Advertising has just doubled its dose of creative and strategic medicine and the side effect could be potent campaigns. The independent agency has onboarded two industry veterans: Divesh Mehta as associate vice president planning and Kiran Salkar as creative director for art, bolstering both its brand strategy muscle and design flair.

    Mehta, who clocks in nearly 15 years in marketing communications, was a founding member of an omni-channel apparel brand that shook up casual wear retail. His advertising innings have spanned BFSI, finance, hospitality, pharma and heavy industry, all with the belief that “the right strategic intervention can transform client business.” On his move, Mehta said Infectious’ work is “both rooted and refreshing the kind of energy I want to be part of.”

    Salkar also brings over 15 years of adland experience, leading campaigns for marquee brands like Lux, Sunsilk, BMW, Tata Motors, Parle, Taj, SBI and Orra. An illustrator at heart with a photographer’s sensibility, he’s known for marrying bold aesthetics with brand storytelling. “I’m excited to join Infectious and look forward to doing some kickass work,” he said, adding that he’s been following the agency’s work “for a while” and likes what he’s seen.

    Co-founders Nisha Singhania and Ramanuj Shastry called the duo’s arrival a shot in the arm: “Both bring the attitude and skill sets needed to take Infectious to the next level.” With Mehta’s strategic scalpel and Salkar’s visual sizzle, the agency looks set to turn more heads and maybe win a few more awards in the months ahead.

  • MP Morgan Capital signs Nikhil Singhal to script global media strategy

    MP Morgan Capital signs Nikhil Singhal to script global media strategy

     MUMBAI: MP Morgan Capital has added a new chapter to its growth story and it comes with a media twist. The Singapore-based strategy management and corporate advisory firm has brought on board Nikhil Singhal as its global strategic media advisor, tasking him with steering its communications game across the Middle East, London, and Singapore.

    The appointment is more than just a title shuffle. Known for his expertise in public relations and image management, Singhal is expected to sharpen MP Morgan Capital’s corporate media services and give its global outreach a decisive edge. For a firm operating in some of the world’s most competitive financial hubs, that could mean turning strategic insights into headline impact.

    “This partnership will be a game-changer for Vigor Media Worldwide,” said Singhal, referring to his own media venture. “It will allow us to accelerate plans to strengthen and expand our offerings to both Indian and overseas clients.”

    For MP Morgan Capital, the move signals a doubling down on its advisory capabilities pairing financial acumen with media mastery. With Singhal’s appointment, the firm is positioning itself not just to navigate global markets, but to tell its story with the precision of a pressroom and the punch of a boardroom.
     

  • Big FM names Sunil Kumaran chief executive post-Abe Thomas departure

    Big FM names Sunil Kumaran chief executive post-Abe Thomas departure

    MUMBAI: Big FM has handed the reins to Sunil Kumaran, elevating the long-time chief operating officer to chief executive after the exit of Abe Thomas, who has helmed the station since 2018. Kumaran, a 14-year veteran of the network and with over 25 years in media and communications, has been tasked with driving the Sapphire Media-owned broadcaster’s next phase of growth.

    Chairman Sahil Mangla hailed Thomas’s “visionary leadership” and called Kumaran the “ideal choice” to steer the brand forward. Kumaran said his mission was to reimagine radio as a “true multimedia force,” blending content, data and tech-led storytelling to create a “future-ready” brand that connects with audiences, shapes culture and delivers for partners.

    The appointment underscores Big FM’s ambition to stay ahead in India’s fast-evolving audio entertainment market.

  • Yezdi Nagporewalla to lead KPMG India for second term

    Yezdi Nagporewalla to lead KPMG India for second term

    MUMBAI: : KPMG in India has reappointed Yezdi Nagporewalla as chief executive officer for a second three-year term starting February 2027, signalling the firm’s commitment to strategic continuity and aggressive market focus.

    The extension comes on the back of a strong growth run under Nagporewalla’s leadership, marked by robust client engagement, sharper governance, and a culture of integrity-driven performance. His current term, which ends in early 2027, will be followed immediately by the renewed stint.

    “It’s been our privilege to have Yezdi lead the India firm over the past three years,” said KPMG India  non-executive chairman Ajay Mehra,. “His ability to build trust and strengthen relationships with clients and people has been crucial. His insights will help scale the firm to a brighter future.”

    “It is both my honour and privilege to have been re-appointed as the CEO, and I look forward to inspiring confidence and empowering change among our clients and colleagues,” Nagporewalla said. “My focus will be to continue sharpening the firm’s client focus, integrating innovative approaches, deepening expertise and enhancing our culture to unlock value for our clients. Over the past years, we have built trust among our stakeholders with a clear emphasis on ethics and quality which will remain our core. As a firm, we aim to realise the vision of being the ‘clear choice’ and ‘making the difference’ for our clients, people and public at large. We will double down on our focus towards both – nation building and our firm’s growth.”

    Under his stewardship, the firm has significantly expanded its partner and director base, attracted top talent from rivals, and clocked strong performance metrics. With the India market evolving at pace, the decision underscores the board’s confidence in Nagporewalla’s vision to make KPMG the “clear choice” for clients and stakeholders.