ITV

Category: People

  • DEEPALI CHAUDHARY OF NETBIZ BAGS WOMAN PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARD AT CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER SUMMIT 2018

    DEEPALI CHAUDHARY OF NETBIZ BAGS WOMAN PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARD AT CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER SUMMIT 2018

    Mumbai: Adding yet another feather to her cap, Deepali Chaudhary, Operations Director at NetBiz, a 360-degree digital performance-driven agency, was named the ‘Woman Digital Personality of the Year’ at the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) Summit 2018. Mr Nitin Bhandari, Country Director, SouthAsia-Digital, Western Union; and Mr Gaurav Vaidya, Senior Vice President &Head for Analysis, Future General Life Insurance, presented the award to her. The event, held at Taj Land’s End in Mumbai, was attended by several key stakeholders and the who’s who of the digital marketing and media industry.

    The theme for the year was ‘Devising, Aligning, and Deploying a Digital Strategy’. Being a multifaceted woman and a seasoned player in the digital marketing space, Ms Chaudhary has been a major force in taking NetBiz where it is today. The award comes as a recognition of these efforts and her able standing in this space.

    Speaking about this, Deepali Chaudhary said, “It is an honour and a privilege to win this award today. While it is a moment to feel proud of the achievements and the position NetBiz is in today, it is also important to recognize and acknowledge the efforts of the entire team at the organization. It is indeed wonderful to have a team that aligns with your ideas and supports the company’s growth at every step. The award is also an encouragement for me to work better and grow as an individual and mentor at every step.”

    A self-taught and self-made professional, Deepali comes with a rich blend of experience and knowledge in the digital marketing space. She has seamlessly worked across industries and crossed milestones leaving her mark on big organizations and start-ups alike. Such was her determination to forge ahead that she also became one of the most formidable names among top real estate companies in Mumbai – an industry that is traditionally known to be male dominated.

    The CDO Summit this year consisted of an experienced jury that cut across national borders to decide the winners in various categories. The ‘Woman Digital Personality of the Year’ award in particular recognizes women in the digital marketing industry who with their belief and vision possess the ability to transform experiences for the better. The awards applaud their belief in the core ideas and vision of their business and highlight the inspirational leadership skills.

  • Sajeev Rajasekharan joins Harley Davidson India as MD

    Sajeev Rajasekharan joins Harley Davidson India as MD

    MUMBAI: Sajeev Rajasekharan, former EVP of Suzuki Motorcycle India, has joined Harley Davidson India as the managing director.

    In his new role, he will be driving Harley Davidson's recently announced plans to launch mid-size motorcycles in the 250-500 cc range in India.

    Rajasekharan joined Suzuki as executive vice president for sales and after-sales in July 2016.

    Rajasekharan has over two decades of experience in marketing, sales and operations having worked with Panasonic India as the deputy divisional managing director, Electrolux India and Samsung India.

    In July, Harley Davidson announced its plans to launch a mid-size motorcycle in the 250-500 cc range for emerging markets with a focus in India and to challenge Royal Enfield’s leadership position.

  • Riyaz Khambati joins the Operations Management team at NeoNiche Integrated Solutions

    Riyaz Khambati joins the Operations Management team at NeoNiche Integrated Solutions

    National : NeoNiche Integrated Solutions Pvt Ltd. appoints Riyaz Khambati to lead their event operations team. He will be working conjointly with the senior management at NeoNiche and handle overall operations.

    Riyaz is best known for his unmatched expertise in operations and has spearheaded multiple projects in Event Management companies like Percept, Seventy Seven Entertainment, Messe Group, Symphony Events, Wizcraft and Encompass. He has been instrumental in designing customised experiences for brands like Vodafone, Morgan Stanley, and Cosmopolitan.

    Speaking on Riyaz's appointment, Mr. Prateek Kumar, CEO & MD, NeoNiche Integrated Solutions says, "When it comes to operations, it is pivotal to consider all aspects of an event and the intermingling effect each element would have on one another. Over the years, Riyaz has been exposed to numerous events across the globe. He understands the most complex intricacies involved in creating a deeply personal and memorable experience. With his expertise, Riyaz will take our organisation to new heights”

    Commenting on his appointment, Riyaz says, "What drew me towards NeoNiche is their uniqueness in executing experiential events and creating memorable experiences for their clients. When it comes to event operations we agree on a similar strategy that leads to exponential growth. With this appointment, I accept a challenge to grow with a young company indulging in the only passion I have – Event Operations!”

    Prateek adds, “Riyaz is a strategic hire. I am well aware that, when passion and commitment meet opportunity, the result would be transformational for the event experiences that we create”

    During his career, Riyaz has perfected his understanding of the craft in Production, Logistics, and Resource Management.

  • Anuradha Aggarwal quits as Marico CMO

    Anuradha Aggarwal quits as Marico CMO

    MUMBAI: Marico CMO Anuradha Aggarwal has decided to move out of the company. While there is no replacement yet for Aggarwal, in the interim, managing director and CEO Saugata Gupta, will oversee marketing initiatives at Marico. 

    Before joining Marico, Aggarwal was the marketing director of biscuits category for Asia Pacific at Mondelez. 

    She joined Marico in 2015 and has an experience of over 20 years in the industry, Aggarwal has had stints with industry majors like HUL, Vodafone India and Mondelez International

    Aggarwal specialises in leading cross functional teams, brand activation, marketing operations, brand communication development and media planning.

  • IAA appoints Srinivasan Swamy as chairman & world president

    IAA appoints Srinivasan Swamy as chairman & world president

    MUMBAI: Indian advertising professionals seem to be taking the world by storm. Close on the heels of the Pandey brothers becoming the first Asians ever to receive the Lion of St Mark Award (the highest honour at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity), yet another Industry doyen has broken the proverbial glass ceiling.
    R K SWAMY HANSA Group chairman Srinivasan Swamy will take over as the chairman and world president of the illustrious International Advertising Association (IAA), the first Indian ever to do so.

    Sundar, as he is called by his friends, will lead a team of 25 executive committee members from a host of countries including India, USA, UK, Austria, Italy, Poland, Ghana, UAE, Australia, Malaysia, Russia, Netherlands, Kuwait, Iran and Nepal.
    He will take over from the legendary advertising professional Felix Tataru from Romania today at a glittering function to be held in his honour at Bucharest.

    The International Advertising Association is an 80-year old institution and considered the most prestigious advertising body of its kind in the world. The IAA is acknowledged as the world’s most influential network of marketing and communication leaders, aimed at representing the common interests of all the disciplines across the full spectrum of marketing communications – from advertisers to media companies to agencies to direct marketing firms, as well as individual practitioners.

    Its activities involve professional development of marketing communication practitioners, protecting freedom of commercial speech, advertising self-regulation, protecting consumer interest, training and education.

  • Rana Barua joins Havas India as CEO

    Rana Barua joins Havas India as CEO

    MUMBAI: In order to bolster its growth strategy and leadership team, Havas India has appointed Rana Barua as the new CEO.

    In his new role Barua will be responsible for Havas India’s transformation and growth, with a focus on collaboration and partnerships, new business momentum, and building and leading teams.

    Prior to this, Barua held CEO roles with Contract India, Creativeland Asia, and worked with agencies like Ogilvy, Rediffusion Y&R, McCann, JWT and held leadership profiles in leading radio stations, such as Red FM and Radio City.

    Barua will report to Havas Group India and Southeast Asia chairman and CEO Vishnu Mohan and will work closely with the existing leadership teams.

    Mohan says, “Rana’s appointment is a key milestone in the Group’s ongoing efforts to build agile teams and integrated structures to deliver the most impact for clients. Rana is an ideal candidate as his expertise will build on what we have already achieved in India and take Havas Group India forward in its next phase of growth and expansion.”

    Speaking on his appointment, Rana Barua mentions, “The growing complexity of platforms and channels calls for a multi-dimensional approach to marketing and advertising and the Havas Village model of collaboration and integration is exactly what clients are looking for. I am extremely excited to be a part of Havas Group’s futuristic agency model and looking forward to working with the team to start a new chapter for Havas Group in India.”

  • Siyaram Silk gets Ranveer Singh as brand ambassador

    Siyaram Silk gets Ranveer Singh as brand ambassador

    MUMBAI: Siyaram Silk has roped in Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh as the new face of the brand.
    With a rich legacy of 40 years, Siyaram’s men’s wear fashion is synonymous with high quality, continuous innovation and iconic futuristic designs which are local at heart and international in appeal.
    Siyaram’s association with Ranveer Singh, who is hugely followed for his incredibly edgy sense of style, comes at a time when the brand is growing rapidly and evolving to make its presence felt in the textile industry all over the world. Ranveer’s soaring popularity across age groups and cities and his spectacular body of work make him an inspiration to many.
    Commenting on this association, Ranveer Singh said, “This is truly an iconic brand. One that has a great legacy. I’ve grown up watching the Siyaram’s ads so to have been chosen as the ambassador of the brand is quite a nostalgic moment for me. I remember the biggest and most magnificent looking ads were Siyaram’s. So, I’m really excited that I am a part of this family. I have always envisioned it as a brand that inspires people.”
    Siyaram’s CMD Ramesh Poddar is excited about the collaboration and confirms that, “We have signed up Ranveer Singh as our brand ambassador given his sheer popularity across demographics. He is a style and youth icon. Siyaram’s has been a leader in textiles and fabrics for men’s fashion by making global fashion accessible to the Indian consumer and our products come with a culture of legacy & values. Ranveer Singh clearly defines the attributes of our brand and we are looking forward to this fashionable journey with him.”

  • Magic Moments signs Jacqueline Fernandez and Kartik Aaryan as the brand’s new faces

    Magic Moments signs Jacqueline Fernandez and Kartik Aaryan as the brand’s new faces

    New Delhi, 26 September, 2018: Radico Khaitan Limited, the largest Indian spirits company, has appointed glam diva Jacqueline Fernandez and current heartthrob Kartik Aaryan as the brand ambassadors for their premium brand Magic Moments. The actors will endorse Magic Moments’ entire portfolio consisting of Magic Moments, Magic Moments Remix, Magic Moments VERVE and Electra range as the brand looks to reinforce its position as the category leader.
    One of the most successful actresses in recent times, Jacqueline has a fresh and enthusiastic appeal, synonymous to the free spiritedness of the brand. Kartik, a rising star, embodies today’s aspiring millennial, who wants to live each moment to the fullest, intrinsic to the zeal of Magic Moments.
    Managing Director of Radico Khaitan Mr. Abhishek Khaitan, MD, Radico Khaitan said, “We are extremely delighted to have Jacqueline Fernandez and Kartik Aaryan representing Magic Moments. With this association we aim to further strengthen our position in the Indian market and take our brand to the next level. Magic Moments is targeted for the youth and those who are young at heart. Jacqueline and Kartik are the perfect embodiment of what we stand for – distinctive flavor with a confident and sparkling personality.”
    Speaking on her new role and affinity for the brand, actor Jacqueline Fernandez said,” It is exciting to be associated with Magic Moments, a brand that believes in providing unforgettable experiences. It embodies youthfulness, excitement, zeal, free spiritedness and inspires its consumers to live each and every moment.”
    Youth icon and Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan said, “As a brand, Magic Moments promises everything that a fantastic life should be like – fun, enjoyment, zest and, above all, zing. Being a part of this brand makes me feel like I am part of everyone’s magical moments which are being woven together by the Magic Moments Brand.
    Mr. Amar Sinha, COO, Radico Khaitan added, “The premium and super premium market is growing in this category in India. Our new communication aims to be a strong youth oriented, represented by trendsetters Jacqueline and Kartik. As part of the brand association, Jacqueline and Kartik will feature in a new Campaign, ahead of the festive season”.

    Launched in 2006, Magic Moments is a millionaire brand under Radico Khaitan and currently is the largest selling brand in its category in India and 11th largest selling brand in the world. Magic Moments Remix – an extension of Magic Moments brand which was introduced in the flavoured category in 2008 is available in 8 exciting flavours – Orange, Green Apple, Lemon, Chocolate, Raspberry, Lemon & Ginger and Cucumber & Kafirlime, Grapefruit & Watermelon.
    The brand has been extended in the premium segment with Magic Moments VERVE and in ready to drink segment with Magic Moments Electra.

  • Digitas India elevates Mark McDonald as head of creative

    Digitas India elevates Mark McDonald as head of creative

    MUMBAI: Digital agency Digitas from the house of Publicis Groupe has elevated Mark McDonald to a national role as head of creative, India.
    Prior to this McDonald was leading the creative team for the agency’s Mumbai office.
    In his new role, McDonald will oversee the creative team and output for Digitas across its offices in India including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.
    He will report to Digitas India executive director Prithviraj Banerjee.
    Digitas India CEO Amaresh Godbole says, “Mark knows how to build and steer a creative team truly equipped for the digital age, with capabilities spanning experience, content and campaigns. Most importantly, he has fostered a creative culture of playing well with data, strategy, media and technology teams, which is absolutely crucial for us as a connected agency offering.”
    Prithviraj Banerjee mentions, “Mark has attracted and nurtured some great talent, and has been at the helm of several award-winning campaigns for our clients as well as big-ticket new business wins. We have an extremely talented team and with Mark’s leadership, we aim to take our countrywide creative offering to the next level.”
    McDonald says, “It’s a huge honour to lead such an incredibly talented team of digitally savvy creatives. Not only are they great people, but they also possess a unique set of skills that span creative, technology, data and media. I know we’ve just scratched the surface of what we can accomplish here, and I look forward to working closely with the teams in taking our creative to the next level.”

  • Milind Soman the Mantastic Man for active lifestyle brands

    Milind Soman the Mantastic Man for active lifestyle brands

    MUMBAI: Milind Soman, often referred to as the Indian Iron Man, is our own “Old Spice”. Even though he is 53, he can give any 20 year old a run for his money when it comes to doing crunches or running.
    Though Milind has an engineering diploma, he did not see himself making money out of it and turned to modelling in 1988. He was launched on television screens with a big bash in Alisha Chinai’s music video, Made in India, in 1995 and later took the lead role in the Indian science fiction TV series Captain Vyom.
    The model turned actor saw brands luring to sign him when he was at his career pinnacle back in the early 90s. Even at the peak of his career, he was always conscious about the brands he associated himself with. EXCEPT for the time when he did a print ad in 1995 for Tuff shoes!
    One of the most controversial ads of the time was when the then hot pair Milind Soman (http://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/marketing/mam/the-comeback-of-iconic-brands-180502) and Madhu Sapre, were part of a campaign for a little-known brand called Tuff shoes. The ad showcased them wearing nothing more than a pair of shoes each with a python wrapped around their bodies. The ad later had to be withdrawn and both Soman and Sapre were booked for promoting indecency.
    Post the fiasco, he learnt his lesson the hard way and decided never to endorse anything that may lead to his name getting dragged into controversy again.
    India’s ultra-endurance athlete and fitness evangelist believes in practising what he preaches and speaking to Indiantelevision.com, he said, “Even when I was a model 30 years ago, brands came up to me but there were several brands that I couldn’t associate with. Not that I didn’t eat those chips or didn’t have those drinks, but it wasn’t something that I wanted to promote and encourage people to consume.”

    In the span of over two decades that he has been in the industry, he could only manage to promote a handful of brands including Vespa scooter, Excalibur, Phillips, Just For Men, Jeep Compass, Old Spice, Godrej shaving cream and most recently Mobiefit, Duroflex (http://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/marketing/mam/duroflex-launches-sleep-marathon-with-milind-soman-180122), Q Experiences and ICICI Prudential. While people have always known him for his Made in India song, brands have always stayed away from associating with him. Maybe they got cold feet after the Tuff shoes controversy or he just doesn’t come across as a brand ambassador material on a large scale.

    But why don’t we see him doing ads anymore? Despite being interested in associating with brands, he stated his position clearly as: “I am keen on endorsing brands as there is a lot of money in it but there are a lot of products that I won’t advertise. There are a lot of actors who endorse alcohol and pan masala but I will never do that. The categories and things I associate with is really small and niche.”
    But Soman is more than just a pretty face. He began his entrepreneurial journey back in 2014 when he invested in health food startup ONTHERUN. He is also the brand ambassador for the company that sells 100 per cent natural energy bars.
    A few years later, being a fitness enthusiast, The Pinkathon (http://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/marketing/mam/colors-partners-bajaj-for-united-sisters-pinkathon-promoted-by-maximus-mice-170720) ambassador launched his own activewear brand for women Deivee in 2017, along with co-founder Darshan M and Telugu film star Allu Sirish. The company plans to invest Rs 40 crore in the next two years.
    The two startups that are close to his heart haven’t been active on the marketing front at all. This is due to high investment that goes behind creating brand awareness on television, digital and out of home. They say digital is the best way to advertise as it requires minimum investment yet gives great ROI. But Soman’s half a million followers on Facebook and Instagram haven’t been able to translate into sales. He said, “Even with the following I have, I can’t endorse my brands on social media as Facebook won’t let me do it unless I pay them. Virality is important in today’s time to gain traction but achieving virality isn’t easy.”
    If there is anyone in India right now who could easily be the face of health, fitness, and ageing gracefully, it has to be Soman. Off late, the supermodel, actor, producer and fitness enthusiast seems to be doing things right. Maybe the industry has finally begun to see the brand value in him. Late but not too late.