ITV

Category: People

  • Madison Loop appoints Sudarshan Karandikar as vice president

    Madison Loop appoints Sudarshan Karandikar as vice president

    MUMBAI: Madison Media Loop, a unit of Madison World has announced the appointment of Sudarshan Karandikar as vice president to drive strategic innovation.

    Karandikar is a seasoned advertising and marketing professional with over two decades of experience across India’s leading agencies, including Ogilvy, McCann, FCB Interface, SSB & B Lintas, and Dentsu. Known for his sharp strategic thinking and cultural sensitivity, Sudarshan has led brand-building efforts across categories such as FMCG, BFSI, Automobile, Travel, and Entertainment. His portfolio features impactful campaigns for brands like Perfetti, Go Air, Saffola Masala Oats, ICICI Direct, ITC, Mahindra Tractors, and Nickelodeon.

    He, along with the creative team, played a key role in bringing to life one of India’s most internationally acclaimed social campaigns, ‘Mumbai Traffic Police’s Punishing Signal’, which won top honors at D&AD and The One Show for its innovation and cultural relevance. Sudarshan led the execution, ensuring the idea translated seamlessly from concept to impact.

    Beyond mainstream advertising, Sudarshan has consulted for a leading creative agency, a premium travel brand, and a global single malt entering the Indian market. He is also in the process of developing music and content IPs designed to resonate with emerging consumer mindsets and digital behaviors.

    “We’re pleased to welcome Sudarshan to the Madison family, his depth of experience across some of the most respected agencies and brands, combined with his strategic clarity, creative agility and the ability to create fun in the workplace, makes him a strong asset to Madison Loop. As we continue to expand our digital-first creative offerings, his leadership will play a key role in delivering impactful and culturally relevant solutions for our clients,” said Madison Media and OOH group CEO Vikram Sakhuja.

    Karandikar commented, “I’ve always believed that culture, creativity and technology are the three levers that can truly shift brand narratives, joining forces with Madison Loop is exciting because the team here shares that belief—and is actively building for the future. I’m looking forward to co-creating ideas that not only break through the noise but leave a lasting imprint.”

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  • Deepali Naair steps down as group CMO at CKA Birla Group after power-packed run

    Deepali Naair steps down as group CMO at CKA Birla Group after power-packed run

    MUMBAI: Marketing heavyweight Deepali Naair has called time on her high-voltage tenure as group chief marketing officer at the CKA Birla group, wrapping up a transformative 2.5-year stint marked by bold rebranding moves, big-league M&As, and boardroom-to-ground level action across a sprawling portfolio of businesses.

    Naair, a veteran of IBM, IIFL, Mahindra Holidays and L&T Insurance, exits after helming marquee projects like the launch of BirlaNu, renaming of Trust Hospitals, and the pivotal transition from CK Birla Group to the sharper, sleeker ‘CKA’ moniker. Her remit spanned industrial giants—from NBC Bearings to GMMCO, Orient Electric to Avtec—and included stints leading marketing strategy for Birlasoft, Neosym, and the group’s hospitals and fertility ventures.

    “It felt like being at a private equity firm with a front-row view,” Naair said in a LinkedIn post, recalling her tenure that also saw her coordinate four mergers and acquisitions, launch a new school, and even host the president of India.

    Colleagues describe her as a formidable mix of brand savant and business tactician—one who brings both EQ and IQ to the table. Known for her cross-industry versatility, Naair has toggled between digital transformation, brand identity overhauls, and sales pipeline acceleration with equal flair.

    The exit marks the close of yet another chapter in a career that spans three decades and top-drawer roles at Tata Motors, BPL Mobile, Marico, HSBC Asset Management, and Mahindra group, where she was also on the diversity council. From launching Mediker’s “school adda” campaigns to reshaping demand patterns at Mahindra resorts via analytics, Naair has consistently played in the big leagues.

    With no announcement yet on her next move, speculation is already swirling about what challenge she’ll take on next. If history is anything to go by, it’ll be bold, brand-first, and anything but boring.

  • Red Bull-branded jumper Felix Baumgartner dies in paragliding crash at 56

    Red Bull-branded jumper Felix Baumgartner dies in paragliding crash at 56

    MUMBAI: Felix Baumgartner, the Austrian skydiver who stunned the world with his supersonic leap from the edge of space in 2012, has died aged 56 in a paragliding crash in Porto Sant’Elpidio, Italy.

    The Red Bull poster boy, dubbed “Fearless Felix”, reportedly lost control of his glider and plummeted to the ground near a hotel swimming pool, with local authorities suspecting a medical emergency during flight.

    Baumgartner shot to fame in October 2012 when he jumped from 39km above the Earth as part of the Red Bull Stratos project. The death-defying stunt saw him break three records—highest freefall, fastest speed in freefall, and highest manned balloon flight—and made him the first human to break the sound barrier without mechanical assistance.

    The former paratrooper and Base jumping legend carved a name for himself leaping off skyscrapers, bridges and cliffs. His Red Bull jump remains one of the most iconic branded stunts of all time, catapulting the energy drink maker into global cultural relevance.

    His death marks the end of an era for extreme sports.

  • Inderpeet Singh Gaba joins Miraggio as vp, brand marketing

    Inderpeet Singh Gaba joins Miraggio as vp, brand marketing

    MUMBAI: After putting his best foot forward with global giants like Birkenstock and Luxottica, Inderpeet Singh Gaba has now slung his marketing savvy over his shoulder, quite literally, by stepping into his new role as vice president, brand marketing at Miraggio, the fast-growing handbag brand.

    With a résumé that reads like a fashion week guest list stints at Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, Vision Express, PepperTap and Aditya Birla Group — Gaba brings a heady mix of retail precision, digital chops, and global brand-building firepower. Most recently, at Birkenstock, he helped plant the iconic German sandal brand firmly into the Indian fashion consciousness.

    From comfortable soles to luxury totes, Gaba’s marketing journey proves he’s no stranger to switching gears and strutting with style.

  • PW adds more force to its formula with Satish Sharma as new CMO

    PW adds more force to its formula with Satish Sharma as new CMO

    MUMBAI: It’s not rocket science, it’s marketing. And Physicswallah just found the right mind to lead the charge. In a move to amplify its brand and deepen its market resonance, India’s edtech powerhouse has appointed Satish Sharma as its new chief marketing officer (CMO). Sharma, a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience, has donned many hats entrepreneur, brand strategist, and tech transformation expert. Most recently, he co-founded Unyscape, a global marketing and analytics firm, where he served as both COO and CMO. Prior to that, he held formative roles at IBM and Tata Steel, adding operational muscle to his marketing brain.

    A graduate of IIT Varanasi, Satish now steps into Physicswallah (PW) at a time when the company is doubling down on its mission to democratise education across India and beyond. With offerings spanning test prep, skilling, higher education, and study abroad, PW is evolving rapidly and it needs marketing leadership to match its ambition.

    “The brand’s attempt at making education accessible to those who wish to learn deeply resonates with me,” Sharma said. “I look forward to amplifying the impact with authenticity and empathy.”

    PW’s Founder and CEO, Alakh Pandey, echoed the sentiment: “Satish brings a rare mix of strategic clarity and operational excellence. As we enter the next chapter of growth, his experience will be invaluable in building a brand learners trust and love.”

    With Sharma in the cockpit, Physicswallah is clearly gearing up to accelerate its brand journey powered not just by formulas and facts, but by focus and finesse.

  • Manoj Nair takes off as marketing director, India & subcontinent, at Saudi Tourism Authority

    Manoj Nair takes off as marketing director, India & subcontinent, at Saudi Tourism Authority

    MUMBAI: Manoj Nair has been appointed marketing director for India and the subcontinent at the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), marking a pivotal move in STA’s push to deepen its footprint across one of its fastest-growing outbound travel markets.

    Nair was previously CEO of Sartha Global Marketing and Mileage Communications, where he represented marquee tourism boards including Brand USA, Visit California, Hong Kong Tourism Board, and TripAdvisor. With over 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism sector, his career has spanned brand-building, customer-centric innovation, and business growth.

    Before his CEO innings, Nair led marketing at FCM Travel Solutions, the Indian arm of Flight Centre Travel Group, where he helped sharpen the brand’s edge in a crowded marketplace. His earlier stints with Thomas Cook and Kuoni further cemented his reputation as a marketer with a sharp global lens and local nuance.

    A recipient of the Most Influential Marketing Leader title from the World Marketing Congress, Nair holds degrees from Mumbai University, IIM Kolkata, and an international MBA from Marketing Week London. He has also advised IIM Sirmaur, India’s only IIM offering a tourism-focused MBA programme.

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  • Rohit Jangra rises to senior director, integrated planning at dentsu

    Rohit Jangra rises to senior director, integrated planning at dentsu

    MUMBAI: Rohit Jangra has been promoted to senior director, integrated planning at dentsu, marking another milestone in his steadily rising career within the agency’s planning and strategy ranks.

    Jangra, who joined dentsu in 2017 as lead media manager, has worn many hats since, climbing to group head in 2018, associate director in 2021, and director in 2022, before stepping into his newest role. His journey is a masterclass in consistency, curiosity, and campaign craft.

    Academically, Jangra holds a postgraduate diploma in advertising and public relations from K.C. College, Churchgate, specialising in media planning, along with a bachelor’s degree in mass media (advertising) from Birla College of Arts, Science & Commerce.

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  • BITS Pilani ropes in edtech veteran Samit Dayal to lead digital push

    BITS Pilani ropes in edtech veteran Samit Dayal to lead digital push

    MUMBAI: BITS Pilani has appointed seasoned education and SaaS executive Samit Dayal as general manager – institutional engagement at BITS Pilani Digital, its ambitious foray into the online learning space. With a 25-year track record of launching and scaling multimillion-dollar education and tech ventures across South Asia and the Middle East, Dayal is expected to power BITS’ plans of reaching over 100,000 students in five years.

    In his new role, Dayal will drive partnerships with colleges, universities and edtech platforms, integrate online courses into existing curricula, and design school outreach programmes—all aimed at cementing BITS Pilani Digital’s presence in India’s rapidly evolving higher education market.

    Dayal most recently served as business head at SafeBus (MTAP Technologies), where he drove Rs 1 crore in revenue, led an international foray into Germany and the Gulf, and maintained a 100 per cent renewal rate across key school contracts.

    Earlier, as vice president – education at FranklinCovey South Asia, he built the India and SAARC operations from scratch, raking in over $400,000 in revenues and forging license deals across Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. His previous stints also include key leadership roles at HeadHonchos, Career Launcher, and i360, with a deep focus on franchise expansion, B2B/B2C education sales, and executive learning programmes.

    Known for his strategic acumen and people-first approach, Dayal blends mindfulness with aggressive go-to-market tactics. With the Indian edtech sector shifting from boom to consolidation, his entry signals BITS Pilani’s serious intent to dominate the digital education space—not just with legacy, but with lethal execution.

  • Theblurr brings on Sainath Saraban as co-founder and chief creative officer

    Theblurr brings on Sainath Saraban as co-founder and chief creative officer

    MUMBAI: Theblurr has announced the appointment of Sainath Saraban as co-founder and CCO. With a legacy of bold storytelling and a globally attuned creative lens, Sainath will lead Theblurr’s creative vision across markets, helping brands cut through noise with ideas rooted in insight, craft, and outcomes.

    Sai brings over two decades of creative leadership, having worked across India, the USA, LATAM, S.E. Asia, Europe, and Africa. His portfolio spans some of the world’s most respected brands including Pepsi, Bacardi, Coca-Cola, Nike, Levi’s, Amazon, Microsoft, and Hewlett-Packard with standout work like the iconic ‘Aaj kuch Toofani karte hai’ campaign for Thums Up.

    From his early days at JWT and McCann to becoming National Creative Director at Leo Burnett India, and later founding Simple Creative Inc. and Studio Simple in the U.S., Sai has continuously bridged cultural nuance with big-brand storytelling. His work as a Global Creative Director with Hewlett-Packard demonstrates that great ideas can travel globally while staying locally relevant.

    “Sai is not just a creative leader—he’s a global storyteller who speaks the language of culture, technology, and human truth,” said Theblurr co-founder & CEO Shamsuddin Jasani. “At Theblurr, where we combine AI with human intelligence, he will be key in driving creative excellence with speed and purpose.”

    Commenting on his appointment, Sai said, “Theblurr is the kind of agency I’ve always wanted to build a creative playground fueled by technology and purpose. From campaign thinking to platform storytelling, I’m excited to create work that is culturally alive, globally scalable, and commercially impactful.”

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  • Aman Kishore appointed head of marketing at Bits Pilani Digital

    Aman Kishore appointed head of marketing at Bits Pilani Digital

    MUMBAI: Bits Pilani Digital, the online education arm of India’s esteemed Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, has announced the appointment of Aman Kishore as its new head of marketing. Kishore, a seasoned professional with over 24 years of experience in integrated marketing and communication, steps into the role with immediate effect, having joined in April 2025.

    His extensive career spans a diverse portfolio of leading brands, including Samsung Mobiles, BMW, Mini Honda, Lufthansa, Nestle, Vodafone, Dabur, Walmart, Singapore Red Cross, and Mundi Pharma. At Bits Pilani Digital, Kishore will leverage his expertise in integrated campaigns, digital strategy, media integration, and performance marketing to expand the institution’s legacy to a wider audience.

    Before this latest assignment, Kishore served as integrated campaign lead at Cheil India, where he spearheaded marketing efforts for Samsung Mobiles’ innovative A-series, M-series, and F-series, focusing on GenZ engagement through digital, influencer, and social content. He also led the Samsung CSR initiative, ‘Solve for Tomorrow.

    His prior experience includes a notable four-year tenure as deputy general manager at The Times Of India, where he managed business development, revenue growth, and P&L for a unit responsible for marquee events such as the Literature Festival and Global Music Festival – Life in Colour. He also held significant roles at Serviceplan India, overseeing integrated media for BMW, MINI, and Lufthansa, and at Ogilvy & Mather, where he led business and strategy for clients like Honda Jazz and Vodafone.

    Kishore’s appointment signals Bits Pilani Digital’s commitment to robust marketing and a content-driven approach as it expands its digital offerings in data science and artificial intelligence. He brings a proven track record of developing communication solutions that deliver business goals, fostering consumer insights, and mentoring teams, all while maintaining a keen focus on technology and digital innovation.