ITV

Category: MAM

  • Plane unveils new identity and AI powered product suite

    Plane unveils new identity and AI powered product suite

    MUMBAI — Plane, the open-source project management workbench trusted by over a million users globally, has announced a major rebrand and the launch of an expanded, AI-powered product suite. While the rebrand includes a new visual logo, it more significantly reflects Plane’s evolution from a developer-focused tool to a scalable platform built for cross-functional teams and modern enterprises.

    Plane’s growth over the past year has been rapid and far-reaching. What began as a lightweight, self-hosted project management alternative has evolved into a unified operating system for work—used by Fortune 500 companies, private defence contractors, government departments in over 20 countries, and high-growth companies across AI, healthcare, manufacturing, and finance.

    “Project management should feel light, adaptable, and transparent,” said Vamsi Kurama, founder of Plane. “This rebrand brings that belief to larger organisations—combining simplicity with the performance, extensibility, and security they demand.”

    At the heart of the rebrand is the introduction of Plane’s unified product suite: a seamless interface that combines project tracking, knowledge management, and AI-driven automation. This evolution is guided by Plane’s core product philosophy, Planes of Work—a flexible model that reflects how real-world teams operate across disciplines and changing priorities. Unlike legacy platforms that enforce rigid workflows or bundled features, Plane lets teams adopt only what they need—without unnecessary upsells or vendor lock-in.

    As part of this transformation, Plane is also introducing Plane Intelligence (Pi)—a suite of AI features currently in beta with select design partners. Pi helps teams query unstructured knowledge across tools, interact with Plane data using models like ChatGPT and Claude, and deploy AI teammates that automate time-consuming workflows. The result is faster decision-making, fewer blockers, and more empowered teams.

    While the open-source Community Edition—with over 37,000 GitHub stars—remains a core part of the company’s DNA, enterprise adoption is accelerating. Plane’s self-hosted and airgapped editions, which offer full feature parity with the cloud version, have gained traction in regulated sectors where control and compliance are critical. Enterprise-grade features such as SAML, RBAC, audit logs, and dedicated implementation services ensure a smooth transition from legacy systems like Jira Server.

    “We didn’t just redesign our logo. We rebuilt Plane to meet the complexity and ambition of modern work,” added Kurama. “And we’ve done it while preserving the clarity and openness of our community values.”

    Plane Intelligence is in beta, available to Business and Enterprise plan users on request.

  • 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.

  • Mohit Joshi named media agency head of the year at IAA Leadership Awards 2025

    Mohit Joshi named media agency head of the year at IAA Leadership Awards 2025

    MUMBAI:  Havas Media Network India  chief executive Mohit Joshi has been awarded media agency head of the year at the International Advertising Association (IAA) Leadership Awards 2025, held in Mumbai on 7 August. The honour caps a stellar run for Joshi, whose leadership has propelled Havas into the top tier of India’s media and advertising ecosystem.

    With nearly three decades in the industry, Joshi took charge at Havas in November 2020 and has since driven a transformation built on digital scale, data-led strategy, and deep integration. His efforts have not only expanded the network’s client portfolio but also embedded its global converged philosophy across teams, operations, and disciplines.

    ‘Mohit has evolved Havas into an integrated powerhouse, aligning media, digital, data, tech, and content into a unified strategic vision,’ said Havas India, Southeast & North Asia  group CEO Rana Barua. ”His leadership, focus on collaboration, and purpose-driven culture make this recognition richly deserved.”

    The IAA, a global body celebrating excellence in marketing and communications, lauded Joshi’s contributions to the industry. ‘Mohit’s track record speaks for itself. He is respected not just for results, but for his collaborative, warm, and helpful approach,’ said IAA India chapter & The Free Press Journal group president Abhishek Karnani.

    ‘This award is a collective win for all of us at Havas Media Network India,’ said Joshi.” It reflects our relentless drive to build an intelligent, impact-driven ecosystem. I’m grateful to my colleagues, clients, and partners for their trust and belief.”

     

  • Alap Ghosh named first India CEO of Assembly

    Alap Ghosh named first India CEO of Assembly

    MUMBAI:  Global omnichannel agency Assembly has appointed Alap Ghosh as its first-ever chief executive officer for India, effective 1 August. Based in Mumbai, Ghosh will report to matt adams, global chief operating officer, and lead the integration of Assembly’s media, tech, creative and commerce arms across India.

    A digital veteran with over 25 years under his belt, Ghosh joins from Google India where he helmed data and technology partnerships, driving innovation for enterprise clients. His earlier stints include leadership roles at Jellyfish and founding a data consultancy, equipping him with deep experience across adtech, martech, programmatic platforms and commercial strategy.

    “India is a critical growth market for Assembly and many of our global clients,” said Assembly global CEO Rick Acampora. “Alap brings the right mix of vision, scale and execution to help us build something truly distinct in the region.”

    Ghosh will be tasked with unifying Assembly’s footprint across Mumbai and Bangalore into a single offering that delivers connected omnichannel experiences. His remit includes accelerating growth, building talent depth and pushing innovation across data, media and creative.

    “India is moving at breakneck speed—creatively, digitally, and culturally,” said Ghosh. “By bringing our teams under one vision and one voice, we can build a next-gen agency model designed for where this market is headed.”

  • 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.

  • Hinduja Group appoints Anand Agarwal as group president – finance

    Hinduja Group appoints Anand Agarwal as group president – finance

     MUMBAI: Money talks and so does experience. In a move that signals serious intent for its next phase of growth, the Hinduja Group has roped in financial veteran Anand Agarwal as group president of Finance. With a career spanning nearly three decades and multiple sectors, Agarwal is expected to steer the conglomerate’s financial strategy with a steady, seasoned hand.

    Agarwal brings to the table heavyweight credentials, he’s a chartered accountant, company Secretary, ICWA, CFA, and an executive MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. His résumé reads like a who’s who of Indian industry: Chambal Fertilisers (as CFO), Tata Power, Peepul Capital PE, AGS Transact Technologies, Aditya Birla Group, Reliance Industries, and ITC Limited.

    He has successfully raised capital from global private equity giants, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds, and helmed several high-stakes M&A deals across the Agri Inputs, Infrastructure (Power), FMCG, Cement, Metals, and Financial Services sectors.

    As group pof Hinduja Group HR Amit Chincholikar put it, “With the Group’s businesses entering a phase of strategic expansion, strong financial leadership is crucial. Anand’s vast experience in corporate finance and M&A, along with his proven ability to manage large-scale financial strategies, will be key in driving the Group’s growth.”

    Agarwal, too, sounds ready to get down to business: “My focus will be on enhancing financial efficiency, optimising capital deployment, and supporting the Group’s expansion plans.”

    With Agarwal’s appointment, the Hinduja Group appears poised to fine-tune its financial engine accelerating towards a future built on bold strategy, smart capital, and sharper execution.

  • Alt plays smart with new campaign: ‘Zugzwang-Proof Your Portfolio’

    Alt plays smart with new campaign: ‘Zugzwang-Proof Your Portfolio’

    MUMBAI: Alt has rolled out its latest digital-first brand campaign, ‘Zugzwang-Proof Your Portfolio’, featuring the youngest world chess champion Gukesh D. This innovative campaign draws parallels from the game of chess to build awareness on the importance of portfolio diversification for long term wealth generation and the role played by alternative investments in building a well-diversified portfolio.

    In chess, zugzwang (German for “compulsion to move”) describes a situation where a player is at a disadvantage because they are forced to make a move wherein any legal move that they make in this position would further worsen their situation, often leading to a loss or significant disadvantage.

    Similar zugzwang situations could also arise in any investor’s financial investments. When an investment portfolio relies entirely on only one asset class, it is left exposed to market volatility and potential zugzwang situations during unfavorable conditions.  The film brings this concept to life by portraying these potential zugzwang situations in investments and how portfolio diversification into alternative assets can avoid them.

    Gukesh takes center-stage in the film, demonstrating how preparation, foresight, and a multi-faceted strategy are equally critical for success in both chess and investing.

    Commenting on the campaign launch, Kunal Moktan, co-founder, Alt said, ‘‘We are excited to feature chess prodigy Gukesh D in our latest digital campaign. The campaign aims to educate investors at all levels about the advantages of building a well-balanced portfolio by leveraging private market alternative assets like commercial real estate, AIF funds, REITs, and private credit. Gukesh’s journey is proof that thinking ahead changes the game, and that’s exactly what we at Alt want to help investors do.”

  • Philips India launches the Philips Avent Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump

    Philips India launches the Philips Avent Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump

    MUMBAI: Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), announced the launch of their biggest innovation – the Philips Avent Hands-free Breast Pump, in India. It was unveiled at an exclusive event in the presence of Masaba Gupta – renowned fashion designer, entrepreneur, actor, and a new mother herself, who is the face of this campaign. With the #GiftOfFreedom campaign, the launch event highlighted the importance of supporting mothers in their breastfeeding journey with more freedom and flexibility, a key highlight during World Breastfeeding Week.

    New mothers get so overwhelmed with the responsibilities of parenting and their constant focus to do the best for their baby, that they end up sacrificing their own care. Infact, research shows that 2 in 3 new mothers get less than one hour to themselves each day. The Philips Avent Hands-free Breast Pump is designed to give mothers that time back, offering a hands-free, comfortable, and discreet pumping experience, freeing them up to multitask and care for themselves without compromising on their baby’s needs. With features like Natural Motion Technology, hospital strength motor & SkinSense breast shields, it has been designed around the needs of a new mother to make her breastfeeding journey smoother.

    Commenting on the launch, Vidyut Kaul – head of Personal Health, Philips growth region (JAPAC, ISC, META & LATAM), said, “At Philips, our mission is to create meaningful innovations that address real-life challenges faced by today’s consumers. Within our Personal Health portfolio, Philips Avent has long been a trusted companion for parents around the world, supporting every stage of the parenting journey, from feeding and soothing to monitoring and care. The launch of the Philips Avent Hands-free Breast Pump marks another step in our commitment to empowering new-age parents. More than just a product, it reflects our belief that self-care is an integral part of motherhood. With this innovation, we aim to bring greater comfort, freedom, and confidence to mothers, making a lasting impact with care.”

    Speaking about her own experience, Masaba Gupta – founder, Entrepreneur & Actor, shared, “Becoming a mother changed everything including how I think about time, rest, and showing up for myself. I have realized that carving out space for yourself is not luxury, it’s essential. That’s why I am happy to be part of this campaign. As an Avent mom, I’ve personally used and trusted Philips Avent products, and this new hands-free breast pump is truly a game-changer. It gives you the freedom to step out for a meeting, a workout, or just a moment of fun, without second-guessing if your baby is okay. It’s not just tech; it’s a quiet form of support for moms who do it all”.

    The event, hosted by Simone Khambatta, one of India’s top mommy bloggers, featured a heartfelt video by Masaba Gupta, followed by a candid conversation between Masaba & her mother Neena Gupta on how parenting has evolved across generations. A powerful ramp- walk with new mums, with Masaba as the showstopper, revealed that all mothers were using the Philips Avent Hands-free breast pump live on stage, showcasing the true freedom it offers to new mothers, setting a new benchmark & empowering mothers to embrace self-care while supporting to always provide the best for their baby.

    In their constant endeavor towards supporting new mothers in their parenting and breastfeeding journey, the event concluded with the announcement of a landmark strategic partnership between Philips Avent and Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, who are coming together to drive awareness and education regarding the challenges of breastfeeding for new mothers, and towards achieving and ensuring that mothers can get all their doubts clarified, they are joining hands to soon provide complementary lactation consultation sessions to all mothers who buy a Philips Avent Electric Breast Pump.

    Sriram Iyer – CEO, Apollo Health and Lifestyle Ltd. said, “At Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, we believe that informed care is empowering care – especially for new mothers navigating the uncertainties and challenges of breastfeeding. This partnership with Philips Avent is a reflection of our shared commitment for supporting mothers with the right knowledge, guidance, and tools they need during this beautiful yet demanding journey.”

    He added further, “Philips Avent’s commitment to empowering new mothers in the motherhood journey through their innovative products, perfectly complements our dedication to expert maternal care and nutrition for newborns. Together, we aim to make momhood a little easier and a lot more empowering- helping mothers live with greater freedom, confidence, and peace of mind.”

  • Instamart teams up with Kalyan Jewellers to roll out Rs 500 crore worth of vouchers this Raksha Bandhan

    Instamart teams up with Kalyan Jewellers to roll out Rs 500 crore worth of vouchers this Raksha Bandhan

    MUMBAI: Raksha Bandhan marks the onset of India’s festive season—and what better way to celebrate than with a thoughtful gift that lasts a lifetime. Gold has long been cherished in Indian culture, symbolizing prosperity and making for both meaningful gifts and smart investments. This Raksha Bandhan, India’s pioneering quick commerce platform – Instamart, has partnered with Kalyan Jewellers to add a touch of sparkle to sibling bonds. With every Rakhi purchase made on the platform, customers will receive a ₹2,100 Kalyan Jewellers voucher. The initiative, amounting to a total voucher value of nearly ₹500 crore, enhances the festive shopping experience while promoting the tradition of thoughtful, lasting gifting.

    Instamart’s Raksha Bandhan campaign, ‘Gehna To Your Behna’, is live from 28 July to 9 August. As part of this special festive offer, every Instamart customer placing an order above Rs 499 will automatically receive a Rs 2,100 voucher from Kalyan Jewellers. The voucher can be used to choose from a stunning selection of gold, diamond and platinum jewellery at Kalyan Jewellers, no matter what you’re picking – a modern piece or a timeless heirloom. With redemption available in-store and validity extended through Diwali 2025, customers have the freedom to shop at their own pace and style. This campaign turns a simple Rakhi purchase into a more meaningful, lasting gift—whether you’re surprising your sibling or treating yourself.

    Sharing insights on this special gift for users, Manender Kaushik, AVP & category head – Instamart, said, “Festivals carry deep sentimental value across India, and gifts are a way to express emotions—whether love, care, or appreciation for those closest to us. Despite the bickering and teasing all year round, this day is filled with banter, but at its core, heartfelt gratitude towards one another. At Instamart, we understand this, and that’s why we’ve teamed up with Kalyan Jewellers to bring something really meaningful to our users – a gift that will last a lifetime. With just a few taps on Instamart, you can get the perfect Rakhi delivered within 10 minutes, alongside a Kalyan Jewellers voucher to help you go all out with your gift.”

    Last Raksha Bandhan, Instamart saw an incredible surge, with nearly 700 Rakhi orders placed every minute and overall sales soaring fivefold. The most popular gifts included toys, chocolates, flowers, and make-up. This year, to make celebrations even more special, Instamart is introducing silver rakhis—available for quick delivery. As a first in quick commerce, these silver rakhis have quickly become a favourite among customers across cities.

    Instamart is now live across 127 cities, offering lightning-fast 10-minute delivery and an expanded assortment of up to 35,000 items. The platform recently introduced Maxxsaver—a feature designed to unlock maximum savings and support more planned, affordable purchases for users across India.

  • OPG Mobility appoints Maharana Ray as president & chief growth officer

    OPG Mobility appoints Maharana Ray as president & chief growth officer

    MUMBAI: OPG Mobility (formerly Okaya EV), announced the appointment of Maharana Ray as president & Chief Growth Officer (CGO). In his new role, he will lead the company’s EV business including the Ferrato and OTTOOPG brands while driving expansion, market development, brand building, and strategic business alliances within the Indian electric mobility value chain.

    A distinguished leader with over two decades in the auto, electric mobility, and energy sectors, Maharana is known for his excellence in driving business expansion, forging strategic alliances, and growing operations. He most recently served as vice president at Chetak Electric (Bajaj Auto), spearheading the network development, strategic planning, and customer experience initiatives, successfully expanding the brand’s pan-India footprint.

    Maharana’s career spans both international and domestic markets, with hands-on experience in 16 countries. His expertise covers Sales, Service, Spares, Channel Management, and HR, making him a well-rounded professional equipped to deliver holistic business growth and operational excellence. He is an alumnus of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, and has been a member of the Achiever’s Club at Symbiosis. His strategic leadership skills have been further complemented by training at IIM Ahmedabad.

    Commenting on the appointment, Anshul Gupta, co-founder, OPG Mobility said, “We are delighted to welcome Maharana Ray to our leadership team. As OPG Mobility enters into its next phase of expansion, his leadership and extensive experience in the mobility and energy segments will be critical to accelerating our business. His vision and emphasis on execution fit well with our overall strategy for the electric vehicle businesses.”

    Talking about his new role at OPG Mobility, Maharana Ray expressed, “As one of India’s fastest growing electric mobility solution providers, I am excited to join OPG Mobility and Power Pvt. Ltd. The company’s mission to develop inclusive, reliable, and sustainable electric mobility solutions that truly shape the future of transportation deeply resonates with me, and I look forward to collaborating with the leadership to explore new avenues for growth, scale operations, and strengthen our presence across India and international markets. We will strive together to build a future where OPG Mobility is a trusted partner in India’s and the world’s EV journey.”