ITV

Category: MAM

  • Arena Animation announces World Creative Excellence League (WCEL)

    Arena Animation announces World Creative Excellence League (WCEL)

    MUMBAI: Arena Animation, a leader in animation, gaming, digital content creation, and VFX training and a brand of Aptech Limited, proudly announces the launch of the World Creative Excellence League (WCEL), a pioneering global creative competition platform for its students. Designed to encourage and celebrate artistic excellence among students, the inaugural edition of WCEL invites participation from students of Arena Animation from across the world. The competition, aiming to showcase creative talent on a large scale, marks a significant milestone in Arena Animation’s journey as a truly global creative education leader.

    Speaking about the new initiative, Sandip Weling, chief business officer, global retail business, Aptech Ltd and Brand Custodian, Arena Animation, said, “The World Creative Excellence League (WCEL) is more than just a competition; it is an outstanding platform that enables young creators to push their limits, gain recognition, and benchmark themselves against global creative standards. This initiative truly reflects Arena Animation’s long-standing commitment to nurturing creativity, innovation, and world class talent. By connecting students with international exposure and industry leaders, our aim is to build a talent pipeline for the future of the global creative economy.”

    Students participating in the WCEL are competing across 12 creative categories showcasing a wide range of skills. The categories range from Comic Design, Brand Identity Design, Motion Graphics, Cinematic Scenes (Unreal Engine), 3D CGI Advertising, to UI/UX Design, Short Story Reel and many more. The top 2 students in each category stand to win from a prize pool of INR 6,00,000. In its first edition, over 5,500 students have registered for the WCEL competition. In addition to individual student recognition, Arena Animation centres will also have the opportunity to earn the prestigious title of “WCEL Centre of Excellence”. The title will be awarded to centres that demonstrate outstanding participation and performance across multiple benchmarks in the competition, which includes highest number of students participants, maximum no. of qualified artwork submissions, the most nominations across categories and top winning entries. It’s a recognition of the passion, mentorship quality and the creative culture nurtured at these top performing Arena centres – setting benchmarks for others to follow.

    Participant entries comprise original artworks in their chosen categories highlighting the creative vision, skill, and storytelling abilities of Arena Animation students. All entries are judged by a Grand Jury comprising industry leaders and international experts, ensuring high standards of evaluation and global credibility. This elite panel brings diverse perspectives and ensures that the evaluation is aligned with global standards of creative excellence.

    Participating students also benefit from 12 exclusive masterclasses led by experienced mentors, helping them hone their skills conducted by brands such as Adobe, Pantone, and more.

    Arena Animation’s existing flagship event, Creative Minds, is also playing a vital role as a qualifying ground for the WCEL. The top artworks from each category at Creative Minds earn a direct spot, handpicked by the jury, into the WCEL. These jury picked entries are in addition to the top artworks from the primary categories, based on the quality of their artwork and skills of the students. These shortlisted students then compete at the international level, where one ultimate winner per category gets crowned.

  • The Body Shop and The Terra Co. launch purposeful Rakhi campaign

    The Body Shop and The Terra Co. launch purposeful Rakhi campaign

    MUMBAI : The Body Shop, a British-born ethical beauty brand, invites families to honour Rakhi tradition in a way that nurtures both relationships and the planet. This year, the brand strengthens its commitment to meaningful celebrations by partnering with The Terra Co., a homegrown brand focused on eco-friendly and innovative handmade creations. The collaboration marks another milestone in The Body Shop’s journey of responsible retail.

    At the heart of the campaign is a specially curated Rakhi Gift Box, co-created by The Body Shop India and The Terra Co. Thoughtfully designed to reflect the ethos of both brands, each box features Seed Rakhis handcrafted by women artisans, paired with The Body Shop’s nature-inspired beauty treats.

    The collaboration comes alive through the campaign film, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these Rakhis are made. The video captures women artisans carefully tying threads, adding seed details, and assembling the Rakhis into boxes — echoing the campaign message that this is more than a gift, it’s a lifeline for artisan families and a celebration of meaningful giving.

    The Body Shop Asia South, chief brand officer, Harmeet Singh said, “Rakhi is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of love, protection, and lasting promises. At The Body Shop, we see this occasion as a chance to deepen our purpose, making beauty more inclusive, meaningful, and sustainable. This year, our collaboration with The Terra Co brings that vision to life with gifts that grow and traditions that empower. Every Seed Rakhi is handcrafted by women and artisans, making each box a celebration of real stories and second chances. We hope families feel the joy of giving back to their loved ones, their community, and the earth.”

  • Ankit Saxena dials into Oppo for a brand-new chapter

    Ankit Saxena dials into Oppo for a brand-new chapter

    MUMBAI: Ankit Saxena, digital media maven and veteran of the agency circuit, has made the jump from campaign chaos to client-side calm, joining Oppo after more than 12 years of brand wizardry.

    Saxena has spent the last decade sharpening brands and slinging strategy at speed. From FMCG and e-commerce to edtech and entertainment, he’s been the man behind the media curtain at marquee names like Swiggy, Instamart, Puma, and V-Guard. Most recently, he helmed regional digital media ops at Havas, with earlier stints at Dentsu Isobar, WATConsult, and Liqvd Asia.

    Now, at Oppo, he’s expected to bring that same blend of performance and purpose, only with fewer all-nighters and a stronger coffee.

     

  • Ratheesh MS joins Starcom as vice president after long GroupM stint

    Ratheesh MS joins Starcom as vice president after long GroupM stint

    MUMBAI: Advertising veteran Ratheesh MS has taken charge as vice president at Starcom, the media agency under Publicis Groupe. His appointment follows a brief spell at WPP Media and a near decade with GroupM’s Motivator, where he rose to general manager.

    Ratheesh has built a reputation for steering high profile accounts across auto, telecom, e commerce, insurance and consumer goods. His career spans over 19 years with stints at ZenithOptimedia, Wavemaker, Carat, Lintas Media, MPG Group, Malayala Manorama and Infomedia.

    Among his proudest milestones: conceptualising India’s first car night rally for Maruti Suzuki’s Swift, delivering double digit growth for Jabong.com, and leading Honda Cars’ media win in a multi agency pitch.

    At Starcom, Ratheesh is expected to bring his trademark blend of disruptive growth strategy and meticulous media planning to fuel the agency’s next phase of expansion.

  • Blockbusters and billions boost PVR Inox in Q1 of FY’26

    Blockbusters and billions boost PVR Inox in Q1 of FY’26

    MUMBAI: Seats taken, debts shaken PVR INOX sets the tone for a blockbuster FY’26. If the opening quarter of FY’26 is any clue, PVR Inox isn’t just selling popcorn, it’s popping the lid off cinema’s revival story. The multiplex major has posted a stellar Q1 performance for the quarter ending June 30, 2025, powered by Bollywood box office blitzes, Hollywood hits, and a strategic play on alternative programming and screen expansion.

    Cinema seats saw healthy occupation as a total of 10 films crossed the Rs 100 crore mark, with three of them zooming past Rs 200 crore, setting the tone for a more balanced and consistent theatrical performance.

    Bollywood brought in blockbuster numbers for PVR Inox, with collections jumping 38 per cent year-on-year. The charge was led by crowd-pullers like Raid 2, Sitaare Zameen Par, Kesari Chapter 2, Housefull 5, and Jaat all five entered the Rs 100 crore club, and three soared past the Rs 200 crore milestone.

    Hollywood wasn’t far behind, registering a whopping 72% YoY growth for the exhibitor. Mega franchises like Mission Impossible, Final Destination: Bloodlines, Ballerina, and the box office juggernaut F1 drove this spike especially on premium formats like IMAX and 4DX, where admissions rose 20 per cent YoY.

    Regional cinema remained a steady performer, with titles like Tamil’s Good Bad Ugly, Malayalam’s Thudarum, and Tourist Family holding the fort.

    Launched in April, the Blockbuster Tuesdays initiative offering tickets at just Rs 99 proved to be more than a gimmick. It brought in nearly 1 million new and lapsed transactors, giving weekdays a much-needed footfall bump.

    Meanwhile, the exhibitor’s push into alternate programming including IPL match screenings, concerts, comedy shows, and film re-releases contributed over 5 lakh admissions this quarter, reinforcing cinemas as multipurpose destinations.

    That said, the quarter wasn’t without hiccups. PVR Inox estimated a loss of 6–7 lakh admissions due to external disruptions like Operation Sindoor, protests around Punjabi film Akaal, and the suspension of Sardaarji 3.

    Sticking to its asset-light strategy, PVR INOX added 20 new screens this quarter, 14 of which were under FOCO and Asset-Light models. With 55 more screens signed under FOCO and 72 under Asset-Light, expansion continues with minimal capital drag.

    Financially, net debt stood at Rs 8,915 million as of 30 June 2025, a Rs 607 million reduction from March 2025 and a sharp Rs 5,389 million (38 per cent) decline since the merger, signalling strong deleveraging.

    The multiplex chain is optimistic about the coming months, with July already clocking the highest monthly admissions in the past 18 months. Hits like Saiyaara, Superman, Mahavtar Narsimha, and Metro In Dino have already found their footing, while much-anticipated releases like War 2, Border 2, Love & War, and Hollywood heavyweights like Avatar: Fire and Ash and The Conjuring: Last Rites promise more gold at the box office.

    Regional biggies such as Coolie, Toxic, Akhanda 2, and Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 will further bolster the slate.

    With a footprint of 1,745 screens across 353 cinemas in 111 cities across India and Sri Lanka, and a focus on lean growth, PVR Inox is eyeing a full house not just in theatres, but on the balance sheet too.

    As PVR Inox managing director Ajay Bijli summed it up, “The momentum has been supported by a well-performing and steady content slate, giving us confidence in the year ahead.”

    And if Q1 is anything to go by, FY’26 might just be the comeback reel Indian cinema’s been waiting for.

     

  • Costa Coffee promotes Ekta Upadhyay

    Costa Coffee promotes Ekta Upadhyay

    MUMBAI: Ekta Upadhyay has been promoted to assistant general manager and head of marketing at Devyani International, where she will oversee Costa Coffee, the company’s airports business, and New York Fries operations. The appointment marks an expansion of her remit beyond the 300-plus Costa Coffee stores she previously managed.

    Upadhyay, who has spent over 14 years in brand marketing across sectors including fast-moving consumer goods, automobiles and e-commerce, will now focus on scaling the airports vertical and growing the New York Fries quick-service restaurant brand. Her promotion comes as Devyani International, one of India’s largest restaurant operators, seeks to diversify its portfolio beyond its core pizza and coffee offerings.

    Before joining Costa Coffee in 2023,  Upadhyay held senior marketing positions at Apollo Tyres, where she managed communications across the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions, and at fashion e-tailer Koovs.com, where she led brand strategy for the London Stock Exchange-listed company.

    Her career began at media agencies VivaKi and Mindshare, where she handled major accounts including PepsiCo and Yum Restaurants, developing expertise in traditional and digital media buying.

    The appointment signals Devyani International’s ambition to strengthen its marketing capabilities as it expands beyond its traditional restaurant formats into higher-margin airport locations and new quick-service concepts.

  • Techugo and Handloom Mark launch digital campaign

    Techugo and Handloom Mark launch digital campaign

    MUMBAI: In celebration of the 11th National Handloom Day, Techugo, collaborated with the Textile Committee of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to introduce a digital-first campaign that puts India’s handloom legacy in the limelight. The drive, aimed at promoting the theme “Asli Pehchaan, Handloom Mark,” is all about advocating the Handloom Mark to be recognized as the authentic sign of credibility of Indian handloom products, a mark that represents quality, tradition, and trust.

    With the vision to create mass awareness on the value of purchasing authentic handlooms, Techugo developed and created three short web films that emotionally resonate with audiences across various age groups. The films demonstrate the ways in which handloom products, when authenticated by the Handloom Mark, are not only clothes but also cultural heritage passed down through generations.

    The first ad film, “Trending Bhi, Real Bhi,” is a snapshot of a moment between two young friends, one looking at the other’s trendy kurta only to discover it is not only trendy but also real handloom, certified by the Handloom Mark. The second tale, “Maa Ki Nazar,” is a mother-daughter moment when a mother cares so much to make sure her daughter’s first saree experience is nothing less than flawless, courtesy of the Handloom Mark’s trust. The third, “Purane Zamane Ki Baat,” depicts an aged couple recalling the originality of old days, as they experience the same feeling in a collection of handloom pillow covers that are genuine, original, and stamped with trust.

    Techugo senior marketing manager. Arushi Kukreja said, “This campaign is more than a celebration of Indian textiles, as it is a salute to the hands that weave our heritage. The Handloom Mark stands as a badge of honour for artisans and a symbol of trust for consumers. Through this digital initiative, we aimed to create not just visibility but a deep emotional connection across generations. We are truly thrilled to have played a vital role in bringing this vision to life and supporting the Textile Committee’s remarkable initiative to preserve and promote India’s rich handloom legacy.

    Through targeting the campaign for young adults, middle-aged homemakers, and the elderly, the message is very clear, as authentic handloom has a place in the lives of every generation. From kurtas and sarees to pillow covers, each product bearing the Handloom Mark signifies a tradition of craftsmanship and cultural pride. The campaign is streamed on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook with a reach of over one million digital impressions.

    For Techugo, this project is the strength of purpose-led storytelling combined with digital innovation. Though upcoming collaborations with the Textile Committee are being discussed, this campaign is an important step in protecting and spreading the pride of Indian handloom through technology.

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  • Britannia posts Rs 520 crore profit in Q1 on higher revenue and margins

    Britannia posts Rs 520 crore profit in Q1 on higher revenue and margins

    MUMBAI: Biscuit boss Britannia sinks its teeth into a strong Q1, notching up a crisp Rs 520 crore in net profit, driven by higher volumes, improved margins, and a well-baked portfolio mix. Britannia Industries Limited reported a sweet start to FY26, with consolidated net profit rising to Rs 520.13 crore in the quarter ended 30 June 2025. That’s up from Rs 504.88 crore in the same quarter last year. Total consolidated revenue from operations for Q1 stood at Rs 4,622.22 crore, a healthy increase from Rs 4,250.29 crore a year ago.

    The biscuit major’s consolidated total income rose to Rs 4,679.23 crore, aided by other income of Rs 57.01 crore. Britannia’s operational costs climbed too, but were kept under check with total expenses at Rs 3,973.36 crore, up from Rs 3,599.51 crore in Q1 FY25.

    Among the key expense heads, raw material costs stood at Rs 2,550.87 crore, while employee benefits rose to Rs 241.86 crore (up from Rs 201.95 crore YoY), and other expenses totalled Rs 864.21 crore.

    Profit before tax for the quarter came in at Rs 701.02 crore, with tax expenses pegged at Rs 180.89 crore, leading to the final net profit figure of Rs 520.13 crore. The company’s earnings per share (basic and diluted) stood at Rs 21.62, compared to Rs 20.99 in the same quarter last year.

    On the standalone front, Britannia clocked revenue from operations of Rs 4,452.74 crore, up from Rs 4,094.44 crore in Q1 FY25. Standalone profit before tax came in at Rs 674.20 crore, while net profit stood at Rs 498.27 crore compared to Rs 502.08 crore last year. Standalone EPS (basic and diluted) stood at Rs 20.69.

    The biscuit bellwether also reported total comprehensive income of Rs 521.10 crore (consolidated) and Rs 498.27 crore (standalone) for the quarter. The company’s paid-up equity share capital remained unchanged at Rs 24.09 crore.

    Britannia, which has been navigating a volatile input cost environment, has leaned on price optimisation and product mix to drive growth. With Q1 numbers setting the tone, it appears the brand is baking more than just biscuits, it’s cooking up consistent profitability.

    Summary of Key Financials (Consolidated Q1 FY26):

    ●  Revenue from operations: Rs 4,622.22 crore

    ●  Total income: Rs 4,679.23 crore

    ●  Profit before tax: Rs 701.02 crore

    ●  Net profit: Rs 520.13 crore

    ●  EPS (Basic & Diluted): Rs 21.62

    ●  Total comprehensive income: Rs 521.10 crore

    The earnings confirm that Britannia is staying crunchy even in a competitive and inflation-prone FMCG market.

  • The Sleep Co flashes Rs 100 crore marketing purse

    The Sleep Co flashes Rs 100 crore marketing purse

    MUMBAI: The Sleep Co, India’s leading comfort-tech brand, has secured Rs 480 crores in Series D funding from ChrysCapital and 360 ONE Asset, two of the country’s most established private equity firms. The fresh capital will fuel aggressive expansion, manufacturing scale-up and a Rs 100-crore brand-building blitz as the company races to own India’s premium sleep market.

    The Mumbai-based firm has hit a Rs 700-crore annual revenue run rate and notched 60 per cent year-on-year growth in FY25, having recently opened its 150th exclusive outlet. Since its last funding round, monthly revenues have doubled and headcount has swelled from 650 to over 1,500 employees—testament to surging demand for its patented SmartGrid technology.

    Founded by husband-and-wife duo Priyanka Salot and Harshil Salot, The Sleep Co has morphed from a direct-to-consumer startup into an omnichannel juggernaut. Its offline stores now generate 70 per cent of total revenue through a “research online, purchase offline” strategy that blends digital discovery with immersive retail experiences.

    The company’s 150th store doubles as a “Sleep Lab”, featuring pressure and heat mapping tests that pit SmartGrid products against traditional memory foam. Celebrity endorser Anil Kapoor fronts campaigns like “RIP Memory Foam” that position the brand as a lifestyle choice rather than a functional purchase.

    The new funding will bankroll expanded manufacturing capacity, deeper penetration in metro and tier-1 cities, entry into adjacent comfort categories, and heavy R&D investment. The company aims to extend SmartGrid technology—originally developed for mattresses—across chairs, recliners, cushions and sofas.

    “This fundraise powers the next phase of our journey to lead the comfort-tech revolution in India,” said co-founders Priyanka Salot and Harshil Salot. “We’re scaling faster, opening more stores, expanding capacity and doubling down on innovation to transform how India sits and sleeps.”

    ChrysCapital  director & consumer sector lead Rajiv Batra said the investment represents “a compelling opportunity to participate in India’s broader premiumisation wave” as consumers gravitate towards science-led, design-first products.

    360 One Asset senior fund manager Chetan Naik called The Sleep Co “a category-defining brand” that’s “redefining comfort-tech through patented material innovation and omnichannel excellence.”

    The company has previously raised Rs 13.4 crore in pre-Series A, Rs 177 crore in Series B from Premji Invest and Fireside Ventures, and Rs 184 crore in Series C funding. Avendus Capital advised on the latest transaction.
    With strong fundamentals and a growing offline footprint, The Sleep Co is positioning itself to ride India’s wellness boom—transforming sleep from a low-involvement purchase into a premium lifestyle decision.

  • Lloyd D’souza returns to Lava International as chief business officer

    Lloyd D’souza returns to Lava International as chief business officer

    MUMBAI: Lloyd D’souza has rejoined Lava International Ltd  as chief business officer for enterprise business, marking his return to the Indian smartphone manufacturer after a five-year absence.

    The appointment comes as D’souza brings a wealth of government and public sector experience to Lava’s enterprise division. His remit will focus on advancing business across government, corporate customers and public sector undertaking verticals from the company’s Noida headquarters.

    D’souza previously served as head of enterprise business at Lava between March 2018 and October 2020, where he oversaw enterprise sales, international operations, government sales and electronics manufacturing services. His departure coincided with a broader reshuffling in India’s competitive smartphone market.

    Since leaving Lava, D’souza spent over three years as director at Laqshanya Solutions Pvt Ltd, where he specialised in identifying government and public sector clients, coordinating customer relations and managing tender processes. He also held a senior vice president role at Square Panda Inc between October 2020 and February 2022.

    The executive’s career spans over two decades in business development and experiential marketing. He spent 13 years as director of Maverick Marketing, a full-spectrum experiential marketing agency, before transitioning to the mobile technology sector with Karbonn Mobiles in 2015 as executive director.

    At Karbonn, D’souza managed e-commerce, international sales and institutional sales operations during the height of India’s smartphone boom. His expertise in government affairs, crisis management and competitive tendering has made him a sought-after figure in India’s technology sector.

    Lava International, founded in 2009, has been working to reclaim market share in India’s increasingly crowded smartphone market, dominated by Chinese brands and global players. The company’s focus on government and enterprise customers represents a strategic pivot towards higher-margin business segments.

    D’souza’s return signals Lava’s renewed push into enterprise and government markets, sectors where his established relationships and tender management expertise could prove valuable for the homegrown brand.