Category: MAM

  • Shaurya Sharma tunes Into Zee TV as new marketing head

    Shaurya Sharma tunes Into Zee TV as new marketing head

    MUMBAI: From hyperlocal deliveries to high-decibel dramas, Shaurya Sharma is making a channel change that’s set to shake things up. The marketing maven has officially joined Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd as head of marketing for Zee TV (vice president for marketing), bringing with him a powerhouse portfolio that spans Disney-Star, Sun TV Network, Pernod Ricard, and more. With this move, Sharma takes charge of one of India’s most iconic general entertainment channels at a time when content consumption and audience loyalty is shifting faster than TRP charts.

    Armed with more than a decade of cross-category experience from liquor to logistics to linear TV Sharma’s trajectory is defined by versatility and results. Most recently, he served as Cluster marketing head for Sun Neo, Sun Marathi, and Sun Bangla at Sun TV Network, leading communication planning, social media strategy, and content marketing across diverse audience bases.

    Prior to that, he helmed marketing at Shadowfax, where he not only curated the brand’s voice but also launched India’s first ad-film on delivery jobs featuring Aparshakti Khurana and Supriya Shukla, reducing CPO by 15 per cent with his loyalty-building initiatives.

    His Disney-Star stint was equally action-packed, leading digital marketing for brands like Star Bharat and managing subscription strategy for the network’s vast distribution footprint.

    From boosting NPS scores in hyperlocal delivery to driving channel loyalty in competitive regional markets, Sharma’s work reflects a razor-sharp focus on brand resonance and consumer behaviour, both essentials in the ever-evolving GEC space.

    With Zee Tv now under his marketing stewardship, the small screen is likely to see big moves. And if history is any clue, Sharma’s campaigns won’t just sell shows, they’ll start conversations.

  • Sip happens as TOVA gets a wellness boost from the Poonawallas

    Sip happens as TOVA gets a wellness boost from the Poonawallas

    MUMBAI: When heritage meets herb, the result is a wellness wave in a bottle. In a move that blends Ayurvedic wisdom with cutting-edge consumer health innovation, Yohan and Michelle Poonawalla have poured capital and confidence into TOVA, a mass-premium beverage brand known for its immunity-boosting, herb-infused packaged water. The strategic investment by the Poonawalla Group signals a bold endorsement of India’s evolving wellness market, where ancient traditions are being smartly reimagined for modern palates.

    Founded in 2022 by Lakshmi and PS Srinivasan under Ayushkalki Wellness, TOVA has been bottling centuries of Ayurvedic knowledge into light, flavourful sips aimed at daily immunity and wellbeing. With formulas backed by R&D from top Indian food tech institutes, the brand champions a more inclusive, mass-premium approach to healthy hydration without the synthetic buzzwords or elitist price tags.

    “Investing in TOVA is an extension of our belief in promoting a healthier future,” said Poonawalla Group chairman Yohan Poonawalla. “We are excited to support ventures that combine traditional wisdom with modern innovation. TOVA’s vision of bottling the benefits of Ayurveda in a convenient and appealing form is perfectly aligned with today’s wellness-conscious consumer, and we look forward to mentoring and supporting their journey towards becoming a household name.”

    The Poonawallas’ interest in health, sustainability and innovation is well documented spanning sectors from engineering to green energy. With this new backing, TOVA is poised to scale up R&D, expand its distribution, and step more confidently into India’s health-forward mainstream.

    “We see immense potential in TOVA’s unique approach to health and wellness. Their focus on research, quality, and innovation resonates with our values. This partnership not only aligns with our broader commitment to sustainability and wellness but also provides an opportunity to impact lives positively on a mass scale,” said Poonawalla Group director Michelle Poonawalla.

    From school runs to boardrooms, wellness is no longer niche and TOVA taps directly into that shift. Whether it’s Ashwagandha-infused water for calm or Tulsi-laced hydration for immunity, the brand offers functional, natural solutions in a form that fits busy, urban lives.

    “We are deeply honoured to have the support of the Poonawalla Group,” said TOVA co-founders Lakshmi and PS Srinivasan. “Their belief in our vision and commitment to nurturing innovation will play a critical role in accelerating TOVA’s growth. This partnership empowers us to strengthen our R&D, expand our distribution, and deepen our impact on promoting everyday wellness.”

    With 14 million households now actively seeking Ayurvedic solutions, the timing couldn’t be better. And with the Poonawallas on board, TOVA isn’t just riding the wellness trend, it’s bottling a movement.

    Wellness just got a new signature flavour and it’s Poonawalla-approved.

  • Disruption edition Forbes India turns sweet sixteen with giant strides

    Disruption edition Forbes India turns sweet sixteen with giant strides

    MUMBAI: Who says turning sixteen can’t come with serious swagger? Forbes India has marked its 16th anniversary not with cake and candles, but with a hard-hitting, forward-looking special edition titled Giant Strides, a tribute to the power of disruption as the engine of transformation. Themed around seismic shifts shaping the country’s economy, society and culture, the commemorative issue brings together some of India’s sharpest minds and boldest voices.

    From boardrooms to Olympic podiums, this edition rounds up a powerhouse lineup: Mercedes-Benz India CEO Santosh Iyer, Tata Power Praveer Sinha, Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, Info Edge Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Mahindra Rajesh Jejurikar, Zydus Group Sharvil Patel, and even Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, who steps in to talk about mental health and elite sport.

    The essays span everything from clean energy to AI, manufacturing to healthcare, charting India’s reinvention across sectors. These aren’t just nostalgic reflections; they’re bold blueprints for the road ahead, a call to embrace reinvention with urgency, clarity and intent.

    Ditching its usual cover design, the issue features a striking new visual identity, a bold aesthetic shift that mirrors the theme of transformation itself. It’s disruption, by design.

    In keeping with Forbes India’s mission since its 2009 debut, this edition doubles down on future-forward storytelling, shining a light on the entrepreneurs, thinkers and leaders driving the next chapter of India’s growth. Because in the age of disruption, standing still isn’t an option, it’s a liability.

    You can grab a copy at your nearest newsstand or digitally. But don’t expect a nostalgia fest. This is not a rear-view mirror moment, it’s a periscope into possibility.

    Sixteen years in, and Forbes India is still writing tomorrow’s headlines today.

  • How to Harness the Power of Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Implementation Service

    How to Harness the Power of Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Implementation Service

    Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is where the business and nonprofit operations of today are beginning. Salesforce is the strongest and most enduring CRM system, allowing organizations to automate processes, connect on a deeper level, and see results. For non-profits, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Implementation service is revolutionary, allowing mission-oriented organizations to manage donors, programs, and volunteers with maximum impact. All that being said, achieving the highest potential of Salesforce NonProfit Cloud Implementation needs experienced hand-holding, making the choice of a consulting partner paramount.

    Why Your Organization Needs a Salesforce Consulting Partner

    Deploying Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Implementation is a challenging process that requires professional skills. A Salesforce consulting partner offers:

    ●    Broad platform expertise and highly tested implementation methods.

    ●    Tuned-up deployment to your nonprofit’s distinctive processes and information requirements.

    ●    Smooth integration with other software (fundraising, finance, email marketing, etc.).

    ●    Regular training and support are needed to ensure that users take up and sustain success.

    Fact: Nonprofits working with certified Salesforce consulting partners realize faster, more efficient Salesforce NonProfit Cloud Implementation and realize greater return on investment.

    Key Things to Remember When Selecting a Salesforce Consulting Partner

    1. Define Your Nonprofit’s Objectives

    Before looking for a Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Implementation service partner, clarify your goals:

    ●    What problem does Salesforce NonProfit Cloud Implementation need to address?

    ●    Do you need a full implementation, customization, or occasional assistance?

    ●    Do you need integration with other nonprofit solutions?

    ●    Clear objectives allow you to decide which Salesforce consulting partners best suit your needs.

    2. Experience and Industry Expertise

    Partners vary. Seek a consulting partner with:

    ●    Proven expertise in Salesforce NonProfit Cloud Implementation.

    ●    Track record of successful nonprofit implementations similar to yours.

    ●    Familiarity with nonprofit-specific issues such as donation management, grant tracking, and volunteer involvement.

    3. Certifications and Credentials

    Salesforce provides certifications that attest to experience in numerous domains. For an effective NonProfit Cloud Implementation, make sure your partner possesses:

    ●    Salesforce Certified Administrator

    ●    Salesforce Certified Nonprofit Cloud Consultant

    ●    Salesforce Certified Developer or Architect

    ●    A highly certified team guarantees best practices and current awareness.

    4. Customization and Integration Capabilities

    Your nonprofit organization probably has many software programs that it uses. The proper Salesforce consulting partner will:

    ●    Tailor Salesforce NonProfit Cloud Implementation to your operations.

    ●    Integrate Salesforce with fundraising websites, accounting packages, and other systems for easy data transfer.

    ●    Offer solutions that expand and evolve along with your organization.

    5. Communication and Collaboration

    Effective communication is key to an effective partnership. Consider:

    ●    Responsiveness and clarity when answering your questions.

    ●    Ability to explain technical things in plain language.

    ●    Being willing to engage your team in critical decisions and share open project progress.  
     

    6. Training and Post-Implementation Support

    Salesforce NonProfit Cloud Implementation is an ongoing process. Ongoing support is essential. Ask:

    ●    Support packages and service level agreements (SLAs).

    ●    Staff and volunteer training programs.

    ●    Proactive troubleshooting and learning new Salesforce features.

    Why Melonleaf Consulting is the Best at Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Implementation

    When it comes to Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Implementation service, Melonleaf Consulting is unique in many ways:

    ●  Certified Salesforce Experts: An Expert team that is certified in NonProfit Cloud Implementation and other Salesforce fields.

    ●  Industry-Specific Solutions: In-depth understanding of nonprofit industry requirements, leading to customized solutions for donor management, program tracking, and so much more.

    ●  Seamless Integration Services: Skill in integrating Salesforce NonProfit Cloud Implementation with your current tools and databases.

    ●  Extensive Support: Continuing support and training to get maximum value from your Salesforce investment and achieve long-term success.

    Having Melonleaf Consulting as your Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Implementation partner means that you have a partner dedicated to your cause and your success.

    Best Practices for a Successful Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Implementation

    ●  Begin with a Discovery Phase: Document your needs and align current processes with Salesforce NonProfit Cloud Implementation.

    ●  Apply a Phased Implementation: Divide the project into phases-manageable requirements, design, configuration, testing, deployment, and support.

    ●  Prioritize Data Quality: Clean and normalize your data prior to migration for accuracy and reliability.

    ●  Facilitate User Adoption: Spend on extensive training and change management so that your organization will adopt the new system.

    ●  Monitor and Optimize: Monitor the effect of Salesforce NonProfit Cloud Implementation periodically and optimize it as necessary.

    Final Thoughts

    Choosing the proper Salesforce consulting partner is most critical to ensuring your Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Implementation provides long-term value. Make sure to look at:

    ●    A history of working with nonprofits and successful NonProfit Cloud Implementation track records.

    ●    Current certifications and relevant Salesforce experience.

    ●    Customization, integration, and support capabilities.

    ●    Communication and team-centricity.

    Melonleaf Consulting is the ideal option for organizations in need of great Salesforce Non Profit Cloud Implementation service. With their professionalism, your nonprofit will be able to harness the true power of Salesforce NonProfit Cloud Implementation to drive forward your mission, mobilize supporters, and deliver quantifiable impact.

    Remember: Your ideal Salesforce Non Profit Cloud Implementation partner doesn’t simply install software- they power your team, simplify your processes, and propel your organization toward success in the digital age. Don’t rush, do your homework, and select a partner who is committed to your success.

  • Ameer Ismail signs off after 28 years at Lintas Live: PR titan to chase new-age dreams

    Ameer Ismail signs off after 28 years at Lintas Live: PR titan to chase new-age dreams

    MUMBAI – After nearly three decades of steering one of India’s most respected PR engines, president of Lintas Live, Ameer Ismail, has officially called time on his storied stint at MullenLowe Lintas group.

    Ismail, a name long synonymous with the rise and reinvention of Lintas Live (formerly LinOpinion), is stepping down to pursue “new opportunities” in the ever-evolving world of communications, hinting at an AI-infused future that has him excited and energised.

    “I’ve had a dream run,” said Ismail. “The future of PR is exhilarating—AI is opening up an entirely new canvas. My next move will build on the deep experience I’ve gathered across disciplines.”

    Joining Lintas in 1996, Ismail became one of India’s longest-serving PR heads. Over the years, he transformed the agency from a traditional public relations outfit into a digital-first, integrated comms powerhouse—fusing media strategy, influencer engagement, crisis comms, and creative storytelling into award-winning campaigns
    .
    His leadership earned client trust across sectors, with marquee names like Tata Starbucks, Etihad Airways, Hyatt, Budweiser, Sony Pictures Networks India, and Visit Victoria turning to Lintas Live for cutting-edge comms.

    Ismail held multiple senior roles within the group—across dCell, Advent, and Lintertainment—before spearheading the Golin joint venture and joining its global leadership in 2014. By 2018, he was also chief growth officer at PointNine Lintas, all while continuing to captain the PR business.

    With over 500 brands and countless C-suite leaders under his strategic wing, Ismail’s counsel became industry gold. He’s served on advisory boards and juries for Sabre, Abby, and Fulcrum, and was feted by CMO Asia in 2011 for his contribution to corporate comms.

    While he readies for his next act, Lintas Live, backed by a robust client roster and mentored leadership, remains in steady hands. Ismail will stay on in the short term to ensure a smooth transition.

    A committed mentor and academic, he continues to lecture at top comms schools including Symbiosis, XIC, and Scranton University, and serves on the Score advisory council.

    As Ameer Ismail bows out, the Indian PR world salutes a leader who didn’t just follow trends—he wrote the playbook.

  • Shamik Guha takes charge at EssenceMediacom: From baby oils to big brands

    Shamik Guha takes charge at EssenceMediacom: From baby oils to big brands

    MUMBAI: Shamik Guha has swapped healthcare for high-stakes hygiene as he steps into the role of general manager – client services at EssenceMediacom, where he’ll now steer the media strategy for FMCG titan P&G.
    From baby oils to baby steps in data science, Guha’s journey reads like a masterclass in media evolution. With over 18 years of industry hustle—spanning Emami, Lintas, OMD, Dabur, Abbott, and now EssenceMediacom—he’s worn every media hat from planner to P&L boss.

    At Abbott, he helped nutritional juggernauts like Pediasure and Ensure bulk up in market share, while tightening cost controls and orchestrating full-funnel media. Before that, his time at Dabur saw him blend Ayurveda with mass-market savvy, launching new SKUs and managing crores in baby and women’s health categories.

    From pushing IPL impact buys at Freecharge to stoking strategy at Dabur and crunching data at Seagull, Guha’s career has been one long pitch-perfect campaign. Now, with P&G’s mighty portfolio on his media menu, expect the playbook to only get sharper
    .
    New gig, same hustle. Shamik Guha’s back on the agency side—and he’s not playing small.

  • LS Digital reshuffles deck with three CXO elevations to power global growth and strategy

    LS Digital reshuffles deck with three CXO elevations to power global growth and strategy

    MUMBAI: LS Digital has pressed the accelerator on leadership transformation. The integrated digital business transformation (DBT) company has elevated three of its senior leaders—Anuraj Gupta as chief growth officer for India and MEA, Shantanu Bhattacharyya as chief client officer – media, and Sudhindra CN as chief strategy officer.

    The move underscores LS Digital’s global ambitions, with the trio now steering growth, client success, and strategic direction across India, MEA, the UK, and the US.

    “The elevation of Anuraj, Shantanu & Sudhindra marks a significant step forward in our mission to build a future-ready organisation”, said LS Digital group chief business officer & CEO – media Rupak Ved. “Their strategic foresight and commitment to client success will play a key role in accelerating our growth”.

    Gupta will now lead strategic growth initiatives, with a sharp focus on revenue expansion and client acquisition across India and MEA. “I’m excited to take on this expanded responsibility at a time when brands are seeking integrated solutions that tie marketing performance to business outcomes”, Gupta said.

    Bhattacharyya steps in to lead LS Digital’s media client portfolio, orchestrating seamless delivery across media, creative, data, tech, and CX. “Today, client success hinges on clarity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of evolving business needs”, Bhattacharyya noted.

    As CSO, Sudhindra will focus on crafting centralised strategy frameworks that fuse AI, data, and human creativity for scalable business impact. “In a digital-first world, strategy must evolve to become both dynamic and deeply integrated across the customer lifecycle”, he said.

    LS Digital continues to push the boundaries of digital transformation with a team that now reflects sharper intent and deeper global alignment.

     

  • First cry no more as Pee Safe tackles first periods with zero fear

    First cry no more as Pee Safe tackles first periods with zero fear

    MUMBAI: What do an 8-year-old footballer, a referee, and a nutrition coach have in common? They’re all part of Pee Safe’s mission to make periods less panic, more power. Marking Menstrual Hygiene Day with both emotion and impact, Pee Safe launched its new campaign #ZeroPeriod, a heartfelt initiative to tackle the fear and silence surrounding first periods. The digital video commercial (DVC) at the centre of the campaign portrays the experience of a young footballer who starts her first period mid-game capturing confusion, stigma, and eventually, empowerment.

    At the core of Zero Period is Pee Safe’s Disposable Period Panty, designed specifically for first-time menstruators. Think: leak-proof, ultra-absorbent, breathable underwear that feels like everyday wear, not an awkward afterthought. It’s a simple innovation aiming to give girls one less reason to leave the game whether it’s sport, school, or simply being themselves.

    According to Pee Safe founder Vikas Bagaria said, “Zero Period is about making space for honest conversations around menstruation, especially the first one. For many young girls, that experience can be confusing and isolating. Our intent with this campaign is to challenge the idea that periods are a disruption or something to be hidden. We want girls to feel equipped, reassured, and uninterrupted in whatever they choose to do.”

    According to Pee Safe co-founder Rithish Kumar said, “We notice young girls stepping away from activities they love because of the fear or stigma attached to menstruation. With Zero Period, we want to change that by fostering understanding and support, particularly in environments like schools and sports. Our goal is simple: to help make periods easier, not just physically, but emotionally and socially too.”

    The campaign goes beyond storytelling, it includes real-life advocates such as Divya Kumari, a national-level kabaddi referee, and Dr Ankita Pathak, a former kho-kho player and nutrition coach for the National Games 2025. Together, they’re proof that periods shouldn’t bench ambition.

    In collaboration with the SRF Foundation and Akhandjyoti Foundation, Pee Safe is taking this movement offline as well. The brand is conducting on-ground menstrual hygiene awareness sessions in underserved communities and across top schools like KR Mangalam, GD Goenka, Bal Bharati, and Delhi Public School.

    These sessions designed to offer accurate information, emotional reassurance, and free access to hygiene products aim to give young girls the confidence to manage their periods with dignity, minus the fear.

    With over 500 students already reached and more sessions underway, Pee Safe is scoring high on both empathy and impact. First periods may always come with nerves, but thanks to Zero Period, they may now come with fewer exits and more goals.

  • Smile Group names Gagandeep Singh Bedi to lead Healthtech venture builder in Asia

    Smile Group names Gagandeep Singh Bedi to lead Healthtech venture builder in Asia

    MUMBAI: Smile Group has taken a bold step into Healthtech. The tech investment and venture-building firm has named pharma industry veteran Gagandeep Singh Bedi as managing partner to lead its new Healthtech Venture Builder initiative, marking its formal foray into a space projected to hit $50 billion across APAC.

    With more than 25 years of leadership experience at Astrazeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and Baxter, Bedi brings both gravitas and grit to the new role. At Astrazeneca India, he steered a turnaround that doubled market growth and tripled market capitalisation to $1 billion, while also contributing to India’s Covid-19 vaccine rollout.

    Bedi has been actively involved in India’s startup ecosystem, leading healthcare innovation partnerships with IIT Kanpur and the India-Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre, alongside early-stage bets in Healthtech startups focused on coronary and oncology care.

    “Smile Group’s strong track record in scaling impactful, tech-forward ventures across Asia is something I’ve always deeply respected”, said Bedi. “Their unique approach—combining capital with deep operational support—resonates strongly with my focus on partnering with mission-driven startup founders”.

    Smile Group founder & CEO Harish Bahl added, “With AI in healthcare becoming a $50B+ opportunity across APAC, and India’s market growing at 42 per cent annually, the pace of change in Healthtech is phenomenal. Gagandeep’s rare combination of corporate leadership and Healthtech experience makes him the ideal fit”.

    The venture builder will focus on co-creating disruptive Healthtech businesses across Asia by combining Smile’s capital firepower and founder-first model with Bedi’s domain expertise and deep ecosystem connects.

  • Shashank Rathod joins Delhivery as media and communications lead after Amazon innings

    Shashank Rathod joins Delhivery as media and communications lead after Amazon innings

    MUMBAI: From packing prime narratives to shipping new stories—Shashank Rathod has stepped into the role of director, media & communications at Delhivery. Rathod took on the mandate in May 2025, bringing over a decade of public relations and corporate communications experience to the logistics major’s fast-paced communications playbook.

    Prior to this, Rathod spent nearly six years at Amazon, most recently as corporate communications manager. Based in Bengaluru, he managed media strategy and brand communications across key verticals during a transformative phase for the e-commerce titan.

    Rathod’s CV also includes stints at Oneplus, Weber Shandwick, and 20:20 MSL, where he led campaigns for marquee clients like Dell, Alibaba, Xiaomi, IBM, and PTC. He began his communications journey at Archetype, handling accounts like Sap Labs and Cisco.

    Speaking on the transition, Rathod said, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as director, media & communications at Delhivery!”

    With Rathod now helming media and communications, Delhivery is expected to focus on a sharper external messaging approach—one that balances enterprise growth with strategic storytelling.