ITV

Category: People

  • Bhaskar Das: Industry legend passes on

    Bhaskar Das: Industry legend passes on

    MUMBAI: The doctors had given up on him. His family was counting down the days with dread. The well-loved media professional  Bhaskar Das passed away this morning at Breach Candy hospital following a long battle with cancer. He was only 72. His boss, mentor  and friend Pradeep Guha had passed on in 2021. Both had teamed up to transform Bennett Coleman & Co into the powerhouse it once was. 

    His wife had sent out a message around a fortnight ago, informing friends about the cancer that had spread through his body and ravaged it.

    He had been out of hospital at least a couple of times in the past two years. Every one hoped that the cancer would be in remission. But it was not to be. 

    RIP, Bhaskar. You will be missed. As will your smlie.
     

  • Banking to pharma: A marketing maverick takes helm at Sun Pharma

    Banking to pharma: A marketing maverick takes helm at Sun Pharma

    MUMBAI: After an 18-year whirlwind of success in banking marketing, Pulak Sarmah has made a bold leap into the pharmaceutical arena, becoming the head of corporate marketing & brand at Sun Pharma.

    Known for his strategic brilliance and brand-building acumen, Sarmah’s transition signals a pivotal moment in the marketing industry, blending two diverse worlds under the leadership of a proven marketing veteran. With Sun Pharma’s global ambitions in focus, his appointment is set to redefine the company’s brand narrative and solidify its position on the world stage.

    Sarmah began his professional journey in 2006 at Ogilvy & Mather in client servicing, setting the foundation for an illustrious career. Over the next 18 years, he rose through pivotal roles within the Kotak Group, showcasing his expertise in branding and communication. Briefly stepping away to fulfil a long-standing entrepreneurial dream, he ran a food joint named “Not Just Momos!” for a year. Returning to the corporate world, Sarmah served as Vice President of Brand and Corporate Communication at Kotak Mahindra Bank, where he was instrumental in defining the bank’s identity and spearheaded successful campaigns such as #IndiaInvited.

    His most recent position was executive vice president – brand, corporate communication, and consumer insights at Zurich Kotak General Insurance, where he spearheaded impactful marketing strategies, consumer insight initiatives, and brand-building efforts that set benchmarks in the industry.

    Sarmah expressed his enthusiasm for the new opportunity via a LinkedIn post, “Today, I embark on a new professional journey as head of corporate marketing & brand at Sun Pharma. Having spent the last 18 years building various brands within the Kotak Group, I am looking forward to this exciting opportunity at Sun Pharma. Thank you, everyone, for your love and best wishes.”

    At Sun Pharma, Sarmah will oversee corporate marketing and branding initiatives, leveraging his extensive experience to elevate the company’s global standing. His track record of delivering innovative campaigns and creating impactful brand narratives aligns seamlessly with Sun Pharma’s vision for the future.

  • Joy n Crew strengthens leadership with former Cox & Kings executives

    Joy n Crew strengthens leadership with former Cox & Kings executives

    MUMBAI: As the world gets ready to rediscover the joy of exploration in 2025, Joy n Crew is gearing up to redefine premium travel experiences.

    In a bold move set to steer the company toward new horizons, the luxury travel brand has onboarded two stalwarts from the legendary Cox & Kings, signalling its ambition to lead the pack in an increasingly competitive travel industry.

    With a rich legacy of curating unforgettable journeys, Joy n Crew is now doubling down on innovation and customer delight. These strategic appointments not only fortify its leadership team but also pave the way for a transformative digital strategy aimed at enhancing its premium services.

    With a thriving customer base of 12,000 travellers, the company is set to inspire even more wanderlust while maintaining its reputation for excellence.

    This is more than just a leadership shuffle—it’s the beginning of a new chapter for Joy n Crew and its loyal explorers.

    Are you ready to join the expedition?

    Sangram Ghorpade, formerly senior vice president at Cox & Kings, assumes the role of CEO at Joy n Crew. With over two decades of experience, Sangram has a stellar track record, including spearheading Cox & Kings’ expansion into tier one and tier two cities. Under his guidance, the franchise network grew from zero to 170 outlets, driving 25 per cent year-on-year growth in sales and profits. Ghorpade’s leadership was pivotal in crafting innovative travel solutions and fostering long-lasting customer relationships.

    Speaking on his appointment, Ghorpade shared, “My passion for travel stems from its ability to create lasting memories and build meaningful connections. At Joy n Crew, we aim to deliver experiences that are both extraordinary and accessible. My strategy will focus on blending innovation with personalised service to grow our reach while remaining true to the ethos of thoughtful travel.”

    Abhinav Chandra, an accomplished service quality leader with 22 plus years of experience, will take on the role of chief service delivery officer in February 2025. During his tenure at Cox & Kings, Abhinav transformed service delivery by implementing six sigma methodologies and digital transformation strategies, earning accolades like the Pinnacle Star Award.

    Excited about his new journey, Chandra stated, “Joy n Crew is poised to redefine how we experience travel. I look forward to driving service excellence, building trust, and fostering innovation that enhances customer satisfaction. Travel is about the details, and I’m excited to ensure every touchpoint reflects the care and quality our customers deserve.”

    The appointments signal Joy n Crew’s commitment to redefining premium travel through innovation, strategic leadership, and customer-centric experiences.

    Joy n Crew founder, Pragya Adiraj expressed her enthusiasm, “Bringing Sangram and Abhinav on board marks a significant milestone for Joy n Crew. Both are seasoned leaders with a proven track record of delivering impactful results, particularly during their time at Cox & Kings. Their expertise, strategic vision, and customer-first approach align perfectly with our mission to make travel extraordinary. We are confident they will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Joy n Crew and delivering unparalleled experiences to our customers.”

  • Media veteran Sulina Menon joins Rise India Chapter’s advisory board

    Media veteran Sulina Menon joins Rise India Chapter’s advisory board

    MUMBAI: Sulina Menon, a seasoned professional with over 37 years of experience in advertising and communications, has joined the advisory board of Rise India Chapter. Rise is a global organisation committed to fostering gender diversity in the broadcast and media technology sector, with initiatives such as its award-winning mentoring program, the Rise Awards, and the Rise Up Academy that inspires the next generation.

    Having served as a mentor at Rise for the past two years, Sulina expressed her excitement about contributing further to the organization’s mission to empower women and promote inclusivity. 

    She remarked, “Being part of this transformative journey is an honor.”

    Sulina’s career spans leadership roles across major advertising agencies, broadcasters, and brands, including Zee group, Carat Media, Cheil, Starcom, and Omnicom group. Her extensive portfolio includes work with globally renowned brands like Airtel, Gillette, Nestlé, Samsung, Dabur, and Levi’s, where she helped shape impactful brand strategies.

    An ICF-approved Grow More Coach, Sulina is also passionate about mentoring high-performing individuals and leaders, offering strategic counsel to help them overcome challenges and realize their potential. Known for her empathetic and intuitive coaching style, she combines deep industry knowledge with a results-driven approach to foster growth and innovation. She currently runs her own consultancy Media Power and has been doing so for the past three years or so. 

    As a new advisory board member, Sulina aims to leverage her expertise to further Rise’s mission of creating a more inclusive industry and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

  • Vikram Sakhuja honored with AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award

    Vikram Sakhuja honored with AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award

    MUMBAI: The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) presented its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Madison Media & OOH group CEO Vikram Sakhuja, on 10 January at a glittering ceremony attended by leading figures from the advertising and marketing industry – Piyush Pandey, Prasoon Joshi, N. P. Singh, Arvind Sharma, Madhukar Kamath, Ramesh Narayan, Sam Balsara, Shashi Sinha, Anupriya Acharya, Prasanth Kumar, and another 200 of them. 

    With nearly four decades of expertise, Sakhuja has been associated with global giants like Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Co, Star TV, Mindshare, Maxus, and GroupM. An alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta, his career highlights include setting up India’s first media AOR, launching the country’s first afternoon soap opera, and leading brand introductions during P&G’s and Coca-Cola’s early days in India. He has also been instrumental in pioneering research initiatives such as BASES and retail audits and transforming GroupM into India’s largest and most awarded marketing investment powerhouse.

    Accepting the award, Sakhuja reflected on his 38-year journey, including 23 years in the agency world. He noted how his 15 years in marketing gave him a solid foundation. And how his early years in  DCM between IIT and IIM shaped his professional outlook, stating, “After five years of college, I got a taste of professionalism, and it tasted pretty good. I said to myself: If this is what corporate life prepares us for, I’m all game for it.”

    He added: “I am truly humbled to have been given the Lifetime Achievement Award by AAAI. When I look at the list of 31 recipients before me, it’s genuinely humbling because they were all legends. I am a mere mortal. That said, it is brilliant to receive this validation from my peers. I thank the entire industry for this lovely honour that I’ve been bestowed with.”

    In response to the honour, Madison World chairman Sam Balsara remarked:  “This lifetime achievement award is a testament to Vikram’s tireless work ethic, his passion for excellence and his commitment to making a positive impact on the media industry as a whole.”

    Sakhuja remains an active contributor to the industry through roles in organizations like the Advertising Standards Council of India (Asci), Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), Readership Studies Council of India (RSCI), Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), and Ficci’s marketing committee.

    The accolade recognises Sakhuja’s outstanding contributions to shaping India’s media and advertising landscape.

  • A powerhouse move: Deepali Handa joins Endemol Shine India

    A powerhouse move: Deepali Handa joins Endemol Shine India

    MUMBAI: What does it take to lead commercials and production at one of India’s most prominent content powerhouses?

    Endemol Shine India, part of Banijay Entertainment’s global empire, seems to have found the answer in Deepali Handa.

    After an illustrious 15-year journey at BBC Studios as its commercial head, Handa steps into her new role as executive vice president with unmatched expertise in both scripted and unscripted genres.

    This move not only signals a new era for Endemol Shine India but also cements Deepak Dhar’s leadership vision of bringing in seasoned industry stalwarts to drive innovative storytelling and production excellence. With over two decades of experience in shaping content strategies, Handa’s appointment promises to redefine the creative and commercial blueprint for the company.

    Who better to steer the helm at one of the industry’s most dynamic production houses than someone who’s been a cornerstone in scripted and unscripted success stories?

    Handa’s journey and her next chapter at Endemol Shine India are stories waiting to unfold.

    Before joining Endemol Shine India, Handa played pivotal roles at BBC Studios India, where she served as head of commercials, production, and executive producer. Her extensive portfolio includes leading large-scale production operations, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving profitability through innovative strategies.

    Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India group COO, Rishi Negi expressed confidence in Deepali’s capabilities, “Deepali’s expertise and insights in both production and commercials make her a valuable addition to our leadership team. We look forward to her playing a pivotal role in ensuring we stay at the forefront of delivering quality and cutting-edge content to our partners and consumers.”

    Handa’s addition reflects Endemol Shine India’s commitment to staying ahead in the dynamic world of television and entertainment. Known for producing iconic formats such as Bigg Boss and MasterChef India, Endemol Shine continues to innovate and adapt to meet evolving audience preferences.

    Excited about her new role, Handa commented, “Endemol Shine India has made its mark and held its own, be it in big-scale unscripted format production or scripted content. I’m excited to join the bandwagon and contribute to its legacy of producing world-class content.”

    Her career showcases versatility across diverse formats, including television, films, and documentaries, underscoring her deep understanding of storytelling across mediums.

    Handa’s strategic leadership is expected to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining the high-quality benchmarks Endemol Shine India is known for. She will oversee both scripted and unscripted projects, ensuring the company continues to set industry standards.

  • Siddharth Dabhade hangs up his boots at MIQ, joins Lemma

    Siddharth Dabhade hangs up his boots at MIQ, joins Lemma

    MUMBAI: After 24 years of navigating the competitive corridors of tech giants like IBM, Microsoft, Google, and Criteo, Siddharth Dabhade steps into the limelight with a new challenge.

    His journey from the boardrooms of global multinationals to the forefront of cutting-edge innovation now finds him driving Lemma’s vision of revolutionising the digital out-of-home (DOOH) landscape.

    As the newly appointed CBO, performance business at Lemma, Dabhade’s mission is clear: to take this omnichannel platform to unprecedented heights with its trailblazing, outcome-focused DOOH solutions.

    Can his wealth of expertise and transformative leadership redefine the boundaries of advertising?

    The stage is set for a new chapter in Lemma’s growth story.

    Dabhade brings over 24 years of leadership experience in the digital advertising and technology sectors. Before joining Lemma, Dabhade served as the MD at MIQ, where he successfully launched and scaled commercial operations across India and China. He has held key leadership roles at industry giants such as IBM, Microsoft, Google, and Criteo, amassing expertise in P&L management, strategic advisory, business development, and customer relationships.

    At Google, Dabhade led the travel business for India, and during his tenure at Criteo, he significantly contributed to the APAC leadership team, driving the company’s growth in the Indian market.

    Commenting on his new role, Dabhade said, “As Digital Out-Of-Home (DOOH) continues to grow, it is now at the heart of omnichannel journeys, offering brands unparalleled opportunities to connect with consumers across screens and digital spaces. I’m excited to be a part of Lemma’s vision to pioneer this shift and to lead the expansion of the new solution as a powerful tool for outcome-driven growth through outdoor media globally.”

    Lemma founder & CEO, Gulab Patil welcomed Dabhade’s appointment, stating, “Siddharth’s track record of driving growth in the digital adtech and programmatic space makes him an invaluable addition to our team. With this solution, we’re offering brands the next level of full-funnel performance driven by OOH, and Siddharth will be key in ensuring its success across markets. His leadership will be instrumental in capitalising on the massive opportunities that OOH now presents in not only shaping but also driving results through a full-funnel approach, from Outdoor to outcomes.”

    Under Dabhade’s leadership, Lemma aims to reinforce its mission to transform emerging media through programmatic adtech. The company is focused on offering brands a comprehensive outdoor-to-outcome solution, leveraging DOOH to drive measurable results. This strategic expansion signals a pivotal moment in Lemma’s journey, positioning it at the forefront of the $65 billion global OOH market.

  • Orient Technologies appoints Shrihari Bhat as CEO

    Orient Technologies appoints Shrihari Bhat as CEO

    MUMBAI: Orient Technologies Ltd., an IT solutions and services provider specialising in cloud and data management for enterprises in India, has appointed Shrihari Bhat as its chief executive officer, effective 1 January 2025. The board of directors approved his appointment in November 2024. With over 25 years of leadership experience, Shrihari will guide the company in enhancing its service offerings and expanding its market presence.

    He holds a degree in engineering and a Master’s in marketing management. Before joining Orient Technologies, he served as a division executive for International markets at FIS and held senior roles at NCR and FirstData (now Fiserv). In his new position, Shrihari will oversee technology transformation and business expansion, supporting the company’s goal of becoming a key player in the IT solutions landscape.

    Orient Technologies Ltd chairman and managing director Ajay Sawant said, “Shrihari is a highly accomplished business leader and we are delighted to welcome him on our team. Shrihari has demonstrated a strong track record in building high-performance teams and executing strategic growth initiatives. He will be working closely with Umesh, Jayesh, Ujjwal, and me to foster innovation and ensure our company’s success. His in-depth knowledge and industry expertise, combined with his visionary approach, will be instrumental in guiding the company as we continue to expand our presence and deliver innovative solutions to our clients.”

    Shrihari’s experience includes leading cross-functional teams and delivering advanced solutions, with over 20 years spent in international markets, including Singapore. His global perspective will aid in scaling innovative solutions across regions.

    “I am deeply humbled and grateful to the board of directors at Orient Technologies Ltd. for entrusting me with this exceptional opportunity,” Shrihari stated. “As I step into this role, I am keenly aware of the responsibility and privilege that comes with leading a pioneering IT services organization. My focus will be on empowering our teams to deliver exceptional solutions and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and customer-centricity. I am committed to building a resilient and agile organisation that not only adapts to the rapidly evolving IT landscape but also leads the way in digital transformation, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data management. Together with our talented team, I look forward to delivering operational excellence, driving innovation, and creating value for our customers, partners, and stakeholders.”

  • SW Network appoints Keerthi Kumar as business head for Bengaluru operations

    SW Network appoints Keerthi Kumar as business head for Bengaluru operations

    MUMBAI: SW Network, an advertising and marketing agency known for integrating creativity with technology, is expanding its presence in Bengaluru. The agency focuses on delivering innovative solutions that combine media, technology, and strategy to drive impact for clients in India and beyond.

    SW Network has appointed Keerthi Kumar as the business head for its Bengaluru operations. With over 14 years of experience at agencies such as Leo Burnett, Dentsu Webchutney, and FoxyMoron, has successfully managed award-winning campaigns for global and domestic brands. He has built high-performing teams and led initiatives that have garnered industry recognition and delivered measurable business outcomes.

    SW Network co-founder Raghav Bagai commented, “Bengaluru is India’s tech capital, and our expansion here reflects our ambition to be at the forefront of creative and technological excellence. Keerthi’s expertise in delivering integrated solutions that merge creativity with cutting-edge technology will enable us to provide even greater value to our clients and establish SW Network as a dominant force in the region and beyond.”

    SW Network co-founder Pranav Agarwal added; “At SW Network, we focus on creating meaningful impact through creativity, technology, and strategy. Keerthi’s expertise in market dynamics and team building aligns with our vision to set new benchmarks in Bengaluru. His leadership will drive our regional growth while shaping a future where brands, innovation, and value come together.”

    Keerthi Kumar sharing his vision said: “As SW Network deepens its presence in Bengaluru, the agency continues to uphold its commitment to adding value by merging creativity, media, technology, and strategy to offer transformative solutions for its clients. Building on our strong foundation and core values, we are dedicated to developing a high-performing team that delivers significant impact and enduring value to our clients.”

  • Tarandeep Singh Sekhon rejoins KidZania as chief business officer

    Tarandeep Singh Sekhon rejoins KidZania as chief business officer

    MUMBAI: In the vibrant world of tiny professionals and big dreams, KidZania India is stepping into 2024 with a blockbuster twist straight out of a storybook. As the bustling indoor theme parks in Mumbai and Delhi gear up for another exciting year, the spotlight shifts to a familiar face returning to lead the charge.

    Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, the seasoned strategist with a knack for weaving magic into brands, has rejoined the $554.8 million company, KidZania, as chief business officer. With his sights set on crafting new adventures, forging strategic partnerships, and elevating the brand to new heights, Sekhon is set to write the next thrilling chapter in KidZania’s journey.

    The ultimate playground of imagination is ready to dream bigger and soar higher—one little leader at a time.

    After previously serving as KidZania’s Marketing Director, where he played a key role in shaping the brand’s identity, Sekhon is rejoining with a renewed vision to enhance KidZania’s value proposition. During his earlier tenure, he created impactful experiences for children and families, which set benchmarks in the edutainment space.

    In his new role, Sekhon aims to steer the brand toward new heights by fostering innovation and building meaningful collaborations. “I’m thrilled to return to KidZania in a new leadership capacity at a pivotal time in the brand’s journey,” said Sekhon. “With a clear vision for growth, I look forward to collaborating with our partners to unlock fresh opportunities, drive innovation in strategic partnerships and sales, and solidify KidZania’s position as a leading global brand. Our mission remains clear: to be the preferred edutainment destination in each market and continue to create impactful experiences for children, families, and brands, while reinforcing our commitment to excellence and long-term value creation.”

    Sekhon brings over 20 years of experience in leisure, entertainment, and experiential marketing. His expertise includes strategic brand partnerships, leadership, and creating unparalleled consumer experiences. His stint in the sports and entertainment industry saw him deliver significant business growth, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic leader.

    KidZania operates in 30 locations across 20 countries, catering to over 10 million visitors annually. Sekhon’s leadership is expected to enhance the brand’s global footprint and reinforce its position as the top edutainment destination for children and families.

    With his focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, and long-term value creation, Sekhon aims to steer KidZania towards becoming the preferred choice for edutainment in every market it serves.