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Category: MAM

  • Glance Digital exec Manish Gupta joins L&T Finance as digital transformation czar

    Glance Digital exec Manish Gupta joins L&T Finance as digital transformation czar

    MUMBAI: L&T Finance has roped in Manish Kumar Gupta as chief executive – urban unsecured assets, payments & digital partnerships as it gears up for a new phase of digital transformation. A fintech veteran, Manish has over 23 years of experience across top financial and technology giants.

    Manish’s impressive CV reads like a masterclass in leadership – from launching India’s first mobile-only digital bank, digibank by DBS, to driving innovation at TransUnion CIBIL as chief product officer, where he developed the latest CIBIL score. He has led digital and business transformations at heavyweight names including ICICI Bank, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, DBS Bank, and TransUnion CIBIL.

    His latest stint was at InMobi Group’s Glance Digital, where he served as senior vice president and general manager, scaling the business globally with AI-powered content and commerce solutions on smart devices.

    Said Manish on Linkedin:  “Last week I completed a wonderful and enriching chapter of my life with InMobi and Glance ! The emotions of leaving Glance were overwhelming! I will miss the culture, my team, my friends that have supported me for the last five plus  years! As I embark on a new journey, I will cherish every moment I spent at Glance!  Once an InMobian always an InMobian!

    With a robust track record in both traditional and digital-first financial ecosystems, Manish is known for turning ambitious ideas into business wins. A certified financial planner and CertICM holder, he is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and holds an MBA from ISB, Hyderabad.

    Having worked in India, Hong Kong, and Singapore, Manish’s global experience makes him a strategic addition to L&T Finance’s leadership team.

  • Goafest 2025 unveils power-packed speaker line-up

    Goafest 2025 unveils power-packed speaker line-up

    MUMBAI: Get ready to be dazzled – Goafest 2025 is back, and it’s pulling out all the stops. The 18th edition of South Asia’s largest creative festival has unveiled a star-studded line-up of speakers, featuring the sharpest creative and marketing minds from India and beyond. With the theme ‘Ignite ____’, this year’s festival is set to spark change, fuel collaborations, and unlock new growth avenues.

    The speaker roster reads like a who’s who of the industry – Rishad Tobaccowala, Youri Guerassimov (Marcel), Prasoon Joshi, Amarjit Singh Batra (Spotify), Geetika Mehta (Nivea), Vikram Mehra (Saregama), Karan Bedi (Amazon MX Player), P.G. Aditiya (Talented), Tejas Apte (HUL), Ankit Desai (Marico), Shubhranshu Singh (Tata Motors), Rajeev Jain (DS Group), Ajay Kakar (Adani Group), Arjun Choudhary (Swiggy), Sanket Prakash Tulangekar (MMT), Pragya Bijalwan (Voltas), Kanika Anand (Airtel), Aruna Daryanani (Amazon MX Player), Darshana Shah (Aditya Birla Capital), Satya Raghavan (Google), Ajit Verghese (JioStar), Bobby Pawar, Sonal Dabral, Rathi Gangappa (Starcom), Rashmi Sehgal (Zenith), Lulu Raghwan (Landor), Rajdeepak Das (Publicis), Deepak Dhar (Banijay), Yash Chopra (Amazon MX Player), Biprorshee Das (WARC), Sujeet Kulkarni (Andersen), Karthi Marshan, Nisha Singhania (Infectious), Rubeena Singh, Shekhar Narayanaswami (Times Innovative), Sandeep Bommireddy (Adonmo) and Promita Saha (Karukrit).
    Anupriya Acharya
    Masterclass sessions at Goafest 2025 will feature a diverse set of industry leaders, including Nick Eagleton (D&AD), Senthil Kumar (VML), Vara Prasad (ITC), Krishnendu Dutta (Ipsos), Jayesh Moorjani (Google), Jayant Rajan (Meta), Gowthaman Ragothaman, Shahad Anand (Media Kart), Amogh Dusad, Anoop Menon (Meta), Debapriya Dutt (Earthday.org) and Karuna Singh  (Earthday.org) 

    But that’s just the start. Bollywood bigwigs Kareena Kapoor Khan, Suniel Shetty, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vijay Varma, and cricket legend Gautam Gambhir will bring star power to the festival. And for those looking to party, Mika Singh’s live performance is set to bring the house down.

    This year’s Goafest introduces the Goafest Village, a multi-stage experience featuring Advertising Plays, Advertising Rocks, and GoaFresh. The event will run from May 21 to 23 at Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon, Goa, co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and the Advertising Club (TAC).

    Rohit OhriPublicis grouple south Asia CEO and immediate past president of AAAI Anupriya Acharya said, “This year, we’ve designed the festival in a manner that delivers conversations that matter. Every session has been thoughtfully curated to offer value, be it through fresh perspectives, actionable insights, or future-facing ideas. In an industry that is adapting to the fast-evolving pace, we are excited to present yet another power-packed edition of Goafest, further strengthening the platform’s position as one that encourages learning, meaningful exchange, and forward-thinking dialogue.”

    Rohit Ohri, creative mentor for Goafest 2025, added, “Goafest has always stood for creativity that breaks boundaries. We’re spotlighting voices that inspire change.  This year’s line-up is designed to ignite new possibilities. It’s about creativity that breaks boundaries.”

    The festival promises to be a whirlwind of insights, entertainment, and networking – a must-attend for anyone in the world of creativity and marketing.

  • The Sleep Co names Nirav Lalan as chief growth officer

    The Sleep Co names Nirav Lalan as chief growth officer

    MUMBAI: The Sleep Co is waking up to a fresh wave of leadership as it promotes Nirav Lalan to chief growth officer (CGO), recognising his stellar role in propelling the brand to 20x growth in just under three years.

    Nirav, who joined the company in 2022, has been the brain behind its meteoric rise, cracking new growth channels and redefining comfort-tech. “Nirav has been a driving force behind our expansion,” said The Sleep Co co-founder Priyanka Salot. “His sharp strategies and knack for consumer insight have helped us scale faster than ever.”

    Taking on his new role, Nirav Lalan shared his excitement: “It’s a privilege to be part of this extraordinary journey. I look forward to pushing the boundaries even further.”

    The move is part of The Sleep Company’s strategy to fortify its leadership bench and set the stage for sustainable, long-term growth.

  • Why are more Indian households focusing on BLDC fans for cooling?

    Why are more Indian households focusing on BLDC fans for cooling?

    With temperatures rising and power bills high, Indian households are rethinking how they can stay cool. While the traditional fan remains a familiar fixture in homes, the BLDC fan quickly emerges as the smarter alternative. Designed for energy efficiency, durability, and modern convenience, BLDC fans are becoming the preferred choice for daily cooling, especially among families who want to reduce their electricity usage without compromising comfort.

    Affordability

    The biggest driver of this shift is energy savings. A standard ceiling fan typically consumes around 75–80 watts of power. Meanwhile, a BLDC fan consumes only about 28–35 watts, cutting energy usage up to 60%. Over the course of a year, especially in homes where fans run for long hours daily, this difference translates into noticeable savings on electricity bills.

    The cumulative benefit for households with multiple fans becomes more significant, making BLDC fans a wise investment rather than just a trendy upgrade.

    Stable comfort and fluctuating voltage

    Many Indian homes experience voltage fluctuations, especially in smaller towns and tier-2 cities. Traditional fans lose speed or performance under such conditions. BLDC fans come with motor control technology that keeps the fan running at a consistent speed, even when the voltage drops. This ensures uninterrupted comfort and better control over cooling day and night.

    Silent, smooth, and hassle-free operations

    Another reason families are making the switch is the quieter performance of BLDC fans. With no brushes inside the motor, these fans make far less noise than conventional ones. This makes them ideal for bedrooms, study areas, or even baby rooms, spaces where silence enhances comfort.

    Additionally, BLDC fans often include a remote control, eliminating the need to get up to adjust speed or switch it off. Some models even have timers and sleep modes, offering added convenience today.

    Built to last longer

    Since they have a brushless design, BLDC motors experience minimal wear and tear. This means lower maintenance, less frequent repairs, and a longer product life, which is massive for Indian consumers who value appliance durability. Many quality-focused brands now offer BLDC models with extended warranties, further reassuring customers about their long-term value.

    Stylish designs matching modern homes

    Aesthetics also matters in performance. Today’s homeowners seek appliances that look good and blend with modern interiors. Fans are available in various sleek designs, from minimalist matte finishes to wooden or metallic textures. Whether you are designing a new home or upgrading a room, there is a fan to match your style.

    Affordable modern technology

    While the initial cost of a BLDC fan may be slightly higher than a regular fan, the long-term benefits easily outweigh the price difference. Reduced electricity bills, fewer service issues, and enhanced comfort make them a smart and future-ready choice for everyday use.

    Conclusion

    As energy costs rise and smart living becomes the norm, the traditional fan is getting a much-needed upgrade. The BLDC fan offers Indian households a combination of savings, style, and sustainability. For families seeking smarter cooling solutions, making the switch is no longer a question but a necessity. 
     

  • Sapphire Media tunes into Big FM 92.7 with a Rs 261 crore takeover

    Sapphire Media tunes into Big FM 92.7 with a Rs 261 crore takeover

    MUMBAI: Sapphire Media Ltd has officially acquired the debt-ridden Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (RBNL), which owns Big FM 92.7, following a successful bid of Rs 261 crore during the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP). With 58 stations and a reach across 1,200 towns and 50,000+ villages, Big FM is one of India’s largest radio networks.

    The acquisition comes after Sapphire Media, promoted by Kaithal-based entrepreneur Sahil Mangla and media professional-turned-entrepreneur Aditya Vashistha, received all necessary regulatory approvals, including a green light from the ministry of information & broadcasting. The company promptly cleared dues to the committee of creditors (CoC) as per the approved resolution plan.

    The saga reached its crescendo on  23 December  2024, when the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) dismissed petitions from rival bidders and upheld the National Company Law Tribunal’s (NCLT’s) 6 May 2024, decision in favour of Sapphire Media. Rivals like Radio Orange and others had contested the resolution, but Sapphire’s bid, which secured 88.97 per cent of CoC votes, emerged victorious.

    Big FM, known for its rich legacy and a massive listener base of 340 million, will now undergo a wave of innovation under Sapphire Media’s stewardship. The group, which already boasts a vast outdoor advertising network and recently launched the Hindi news channel India Daily 24×7, plans to inject fresh energy into the radio brand, blending its heritage with cutting-edge content creation.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Big FM into the Sapphire Media family. This acquisition aligns with our vision of becoming a leader in digital content creation and broadcasting,” the company stated.

    The CIRP against RBNL was flagged off on 24 February 2023, following a petition by IDBI Trusteeship Services, the financial creditor. Six resolution plans were submitted, but Sapphire’s bid struck the winning note.

  • Pai charts a Prime course with content strategy role at Amazon

    Pai charts a Prime course with content strategy role at Amazon

    MUMBAI: From broadcast boardrooms to the streaming screen, Saurabh Pai is now scripting his next chapter at Amazon. The media and strategy specialist has taken on a new role in content strategy at Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, marking a pivotal move in his two-decade-long career in content, analytics, and business planning.

    Known for bringing a data-driven approach to programming decisions, Pai’s new position comes after a nearly three-year stint at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., where he served as director of network strategy. There, he played a key role in streamlining content planning across the network’s bouquet of channels, using tools like Looker and deep market insights to sharpen audience segmentation and performance forecasting.

    Before Zee, Pai spent close to seven years at Times Television Network, where he wore multiple hats across content and product management. From crafting viewer-first propositions to budgeting and performance tracking, he emerged as a critical thinker with a flair for aligning content with consumer intent.

    His career also includes a previous stint at Zee as Research Head for niche channels and product lead for Zee Studio, where his early work shaped how the network approached English-language content in India.

    At Prime Video, Pai will help steer content decisions in one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive streaming markets. With streaming giants increasingly leaning on insight-led content curation, his hybrid background in content, data and distribution is expected to play a key role in shaping Amazon’s next wave of originals and acquisitions in India.

    One thing’s clear: with this move, Pai isn’t just tuning in, he’s ready to help write the next big streaming script.

  • Zee lines up Ashwin Gargava to dial up DTH business

    Zee lines up Ashwin Gargava to dial up DTH business

    MUMBAI: The DTH dial just turned up a notch. Ashwin Gargava, a seasoned media professional with over two decades of experience, has been appointed as head of the DTH business at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), an expanded role that signals the network’s intent to sharpen its focus and operational rigour in the Direct-To-Home vertical.

    Known for his deep domain knowledge and deft handling of affiliate partnerships, Gargava steps into the upgraded mandate with a clear mission: to align Zee’s DTH play more closely with the strategic priorities of its Affiliate Sales team, and drive smarter, more synergised monetisation across platforms.

    A Zee veteran since 2015, Gargava has steadily scaled leadership ladders from building affiliate support to spearheading partnerships. Prior to Zee, he has worn multiple hats across HBO, Turner Broadcasting, Fox International Channels, and Magna Publishing, bringing together a portfolio rich in placement strategy, network negotiations, and international business development.

    In an era where traditional distribution and digital convergence increasingly overlap, Gargava’s expanded role will be key in making the DTH business not just future-ready, but future-resilient. And if his track record is anything to go by, it’s clear he’s not just along for the ride, he’s in the driver’s seat, with Zee’s DTH ambitions firmly in his sights.

  • Game changers take the stage at Stairs National Games and Ebel Awards

    Game changers take the stage at Stairs National Games and Ebel Awards

    MUMBAI: It’s not just medals that will be won, minds, movements and milestones are in the making. On Monday, 19 May, New Delhi’s Talkatora Indoor Stadium will host a sports spectacle with a purpose as the Stairs National Games 2025 and Ebel Awards 2025 roll out the red carpet for grassroots glory and transformative youth leadership.

    Organised by the Stairs Foundation (Society for Transformation, Inclusion, and Recognition through Sports), the event is no ordinary gathering. It’s a dynamic convergence of young athletes, changemakers, policymakers, and performers from across the country and beyond, coming together to prove that sport is more than just play, it’s a powerful language for unity and impact.

    With participation from over 20 states, the Stairs National Games champions inclusivity by levelling the playing field where talent, not privilege, determines victory. At the same time, the Stairs National Sports Excellence Awards will spotlight those who’ve quietly coached, mentored, and built India’s sports ecosystem from the ground up.

    The evening will crescendo with the Ebel (Ek Bharat Ek Lakshya) Awards 2025, recognising individuals and institutions creating ripples in education, wellness, inclusion, and innovation. The awards have become one of India’s most aspirational honours in youth transformation saluting local heroes and global allies redefining empowerment from the grassroots.

    Chief guest Pankaj Kumar Singh, Minister for Health, Family Welfare, Transport, and IT, will headline the proceedings, joined by H.E. Patrick John Rata, High Commissioner of New Zealand to India, and several dignitaries from governance, diplomacy, and public service. Special guests also include Sheeshpal Rajput, Vikram K. Porwal (IPS), and Ajit Sharan, bringing a blend of policy and purpose to the celebration.

    Taking centre stage alongside these stalwarts are Stairs Brand Ambassadors international boxer Gaurav Bidhuri, actor and youth advocate Amit Sadh, and para-athlete Rohtash Chaudhary, who embody the campaign’s core belief: that India’s future leaders will rise from its playgrounds.

    Stairs Foundation founder & President Siddhartha Upadhyay states, “We are building a scalable and sustainable model of youth empowerment. By combining sports, education, equity, and ethical leadership, we’re nurturing not just athletes but visionary citizens. The Stairs platform is about democratising opportunity, amplifying grassroots voices, and preparing India’s youth to lead, inspire, and transform. India’s future will rise from its playgrounds.”

    Expect more than applause, the event will feature taekwondo, yoga, jump rope acts, and a stirring audiovisual tribute to Stairs’ journey. With the Stairs platform aligned to the United Nations sustainable development goals, and partnerships spanning embassies, federations, and NGOs, the evening promises to be a launchpad for larger conversations and collaborations.

    And just like that, the whistle  will blow for a movement that’s raising much more than games. It’s raising a nation.

  • Sole to soul wins as McCann India walks away with One Show Honours

    Sole to soul wins as McCann India walks away with One Show Honours

    MUMBAI: When purpose meets powerful storytelling, awards follow and McCann Worldgroup India’s recent haul at the One Show Awards 2025 proves just that. The agency took home seven accolades, including a Silver, a Bronze and five Merits, for campaigns that turned everyday struggles into stories of strength.

    Leading the charge (and the applause) was ‘Fit My Feet’ for Buckaroo Footwear, a campaign that reimagined mobility for children born with clubfoot, a condition that affects tens of thousands across India annually. The initiative didn’t just earn a Silver in IP & Product Design and a Bronze in Health & Wellness, it also stepped up with four Merit awards.

    Designed as a simple but significant intervention, the campaign introduced affordable corrective footwear distributed through a hyperlocal network of over 4,500 cobblers, resulting in 228,000 plus pairs making their way to children who needed them most.

    Not far behind was another grassroots gem ‘Dabba Savings Account’ for ESAF Small Finance Bank. A clever rework of the humble steel kitchen container into a discreet piggy bank, the campaign helped promote financial literacy among rural women. The result? Over 120,000 new bank accounts opened without a single rupee spent on traditional media and a Merit Award in Direct Marketing to show for it.

    McCann Worldgroup Chairman and McCann Worldgroup India Asia Pacific and CEO & CCO Prasoon Joshi said, “It’s deeply fulfilling to work on ideas grounded in empathy and everyday realities that resonate on a global stage. These campaigns are a reminder that creativity, when driven by purpose, can become a genuine force for change whether it’s improving mobility for those with clubfoot or enabling rural women through financial empowerment. I’m grateful to the jury for this recognition, which I accept on behalf of my entire team committed to making ideas matter.”

    With trophies in hand and purpose in their stride, McCann Worldgroup India has shown that in advertising, walking the talk sometimes begins with simply helping someone walk.

  • Shaadi Smart Not Shaadi Spent as Citykart Plays the Budget Band

    Shaadi Smart Not Shaadi Spent as Citykart Plays the Budget Band

    MUMBAI: Why should baraatis have all the fun? This wedding season, Citykart is bringing the dhol and discounts straight to the streets with its “Band Baja Budget” campaign, a festive fusion of joy and judicious spending designed for families juggling big dreams and tight wallets.

    Setting the tone quite literally, bus shelters across UP and Bihar have been transformed into mini wedding mandaps complete with traditional trimmings and all the shaadi sparkle. It’s a head-turning twist that’s got passersby stopping for selfies and shoppers stepping into stores with the wedding vibe already in full swing.

    At its heart, the campaign hits a real cultural chord. Weddings in India are grand but gruelling for the budget, especially for middle-income families. Citykart’s offers including 40 per cent off on sarees, guaranteed cashback on every purchase, and smart gifting combos like trolley bags, dinner sets, and dry irons strike the perfect balance between celebration and savings.

    “We understand the emotional and financial weight weddings carry,” said Citykart founder, Sudhanshu Agarwal. “This campaign says you don’t have to sacrifice joy for affordability. At Citykart, both walk hand in hand or should we say, down the aisle?”

    Inside stores, the mandap motif continues with festive window displays and curated clusters of wedding-ready essentials, giving shoppers a sense of occasion without the typical spending stress. Meanwhile, digital platforms are amplifying the message to ensure the campaign reaches hearts and homes across the region.

    With a stronghold in tier 2 and 3 cities and a reputation for stylish, pocket-friendly fashion, Citykart has always championed value. Now, with Band Baja Budget, it’s turning that value into a veritable wedding vow promising that no celebration should come at the cost of compromise.

    So whether you’re dressing for the sangeet or gifting for the big day, Citykart’s got your shaadi shopping covered mandap to mehendi, and every memory in between.