ITV

Category: MAM

  • Bankersklub hires Gaurav Kathuria to lead marketing and partnerships in growth-hungry fintech blitz

    Bankersklub hires Gaurav Kathuria to lead marketing and partnerships in growth-hungry fintech blitz

    MUMBAI: In the mad scramble for fintech dominance, where buzzwords fly faster than balance sheets, Bankersklub has just made a power move. The corporate finance aggregator – already making waves by blending old-school banking smarts with new-age startup hustle – has roped in Gaurav Kathuria as its head of marketing & partnerships. It’s the kind of appointment that says, “We’re not just playing to survive – we’re scaling to dominate.”

    Kathuria’s appointment is a key piece in Bankersklub’s playbook to build a sustainable, scalable fintech brand that’s not afraid to speak the language of VCs, IPOs and big-ticket clients. And with over 20 years of experience across marketing, growth, and digital transformation – including stints at The Times of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Visa Inc., and Home Credit – Kathuria isn’t here to faff around.

    In his new role, he’ll lead everything from partnerships and integrated campaigns to performance marketing, content creation and automation. Basically, he’ll be the man behind the fintech curtain, pulling levers that drive brand visibility and lead generation while the rest of us wonder how they suddenly appeared on every timeline and podcast.

    Welcoming him on board, Bankersklub founder & CEO Rajat Chopra stated, “We are excited to welcome Gaurav as our head of marketing & partnerships. His demonstrated success in brand development, client engagement, and strategic partnerships aligns perfectly with our vision for Bankersklub’s growth. Gaurav’s leadership and expertise will help us scale successful marketing and relationship-building strategies. We are confident that by cultivating high-impact partnerships and optimizing marketing efforts, Gaurav’s leadership will play a key role in propelling Bankersklub to new heights in a competitive marketplace.”

    True to fintech form, this isn’t just about making noise – it’s about making it measurable.

    And Kathuria gets that.

    “I am excited to join Bankersklub and contribute to its mission of facilitating strategic investment opportunities for high-growth companies. My goal is to leverage data-driven marketing strategies and optimize performance across digital and offline channels to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. By forging strategic partnerships and alliances, I aim to position Bankersklub as a trusted platform for Pre-IPO, IPO, and Growth Capital stage companies. I look forward to driving scalable and sustainable growth by aligning marketing initiatives with business objectives and delivering measurable outcomes,” said Kathuria.

    Armed with Martech know-how, automation wizardry, and a knack for demand generation, Kathuria’s reputation for turning campaign dashboards into deal flow could be the secret sauce Bankersklub needs to keep climbing the fintech food chain.

  • Fat Tiger on a roll with plan to roar into 200 cities with 500 new outlets

    Fat Tiger on a roll with plan to roar into 200 cities with 500 new outlets

    MUMBAI: Rolling out the dough and the dim sum, India’s beloved QSR brand Fat Tiger is cooking up a storm with a bold new expansion strategy aimed at taking its pan-Asian flavours far and wide. The brand has announced a three-year plan to launch 500 new outlets across 200 cities, growing from its current footprint of 80 cities. The expansion, a mix of company-owned and franchise-operated stores, will see the leasing of over 150,000 sq. ft of retail space, with each outlet spanning between 300–500 sq. ft.

    But this isn’t just about more momo and boba, it’s also about boosting employment. The brand aims to create over 1,750 job opportunities, cementing its role as a growth driver in the Indian QSR landscape.

    Fat Tiger founder and director Sahaj Chopra and Sahil Arya said, “We are focused on growing Fat Tiger’s presence across 200 cities, making our offerings accessible to more customers while generating employment opportunities at scale.”

    Known for its innovative spin on traditional favourites, Fat Tiger is not your average quick-serve pit stop. With a menu bursting with momo varieties including new hits like BBQ Momo and Kimchi Momo, the brand has carved a niche for itself. Add to that their signature boba drinks and comfort food classics, and you’ve got a recipe for rapid expansion.

    Fat Tiger also prides itself on being the first Indian QSR brand to bring international tea flavours to Indian consumers, while championing sustainability and quality.

    As competition heats up in the QSR space, Fat Tiger’s ambitious plan not only spices up the category, it serves up a winning mix of scale, innovation, and flavour.

    In true tiger style, the brand is poised to pounce on new opportunities, bringing its unique blend of modern-meets-traditional to doorsteps and tastebuds all across the country.

  • Elver goes full toss with #ElverXI and cricketer collabs to launch Neo Buds with a bang

    Elver goes full toss with #ElverXI and cricketer collabs to launch Neo Buds with a bang

    MUMBAI: Elver has swung for the fences.

    The electronics upstart has launched its latest campaign, #ElverXI, and it’s pulling in cricketers faster than a T20 powerplay. With its first proudly ‘Make in India’ product—the Neo Buds—now in play, Elver is scoring big with both tech buffs and die-hard cricket fans.

    The Mumbai-based brand unveiled the campaign on 15 April, teaming up with a full-blown squad of cricketers including Vijay Shankar, Shashank Singh, Naman Dhir, Ashutosh Sharma, Shahrukh Khan, Abhinav Manohar, Swapnil Singh, Sandeep Sharma, Vaibhav Arora and Arshin Kulkarni.

    Each player, much like each Elver product feature, brings something special to the table—or in this case, the pitch.

    The result? A cheeky, cricket-themed showcase of gadgets that are slicker than a Ravindra Jadeja run-out.

    The idea behind #ElverXI is simple: every cricketer becomes the face of a unique product feature, from active noise cancellation (ANC) to long battery life.

    Elver cleverly aligns sports performance with tech finesse—because let’s face it, if your earbuds can survive a net session with Ashutosh Sharma, they can probably handle your Monday Zoom calls.

    Speaking of Sharma, the brand’s first campaign video stars the man himself. It’s a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the classic ‘Sharma Ji ka ladka’ trope—except this one isn’t cracking IIT entrance papers, he’s cracking sixes. And with the Neo Buds’ ANC Mode, he’s shown dodging distractions like bouncers—both on and off the pitch. Sharma’s recent breakout performance makes him the perfect poster boy for this audio-powered, cricket-mad campaign.

    Elver’s Neo Buds are no slouch in the spec department either. With 13mm drivers, IPX4-rated sweat resistance, and a whopping 100 hours of standby battery life, these aren’t just budget earbuds—they’re match-winners in their own right.

    Commenting on the campaign, Elver brand manager Harsh Bhandari said, “We’re excited to bring this campaign to life through cricket, a sport that unites millions in India. It’s a perfect opportunity for fans to connect with both the essence of the game and our brand’s milestones, including the launch of our first ‘Make in India’ product, Neo Buds.”

    Running until the end of May, #ElverXI will continue to bowl over audiences across social media, complete with contests, giveaways, and a shot at becoming the 11th player in Elver’s digital dream team. Fans can flex their trivia, comment game, and meme skills to win exclusive merch and products.

  • Crown Rice turns Delhi’s daily traffic into a billboard of basmati-powered bliss

    Crown Rice turns Delhi’s daily traffic into a billboard of basmati-powered bliss

    MUMBAI: In Delhi, it’s not just the traffic that’s bumper-to-bumper—so are the eyes glued to Crown Rice’s new out-of-home (OOH) campaign. Unveiled across the capital’s busiest stretches, the basmati giant’s latest ad blitz has served up emotion, nostalgia and hunger in equal measure, all under the heartwarming banner of ‘Khushiyon Ka Khazana’.

    From bustling roundabouts to metro hotspots, DRRK Foods’ flagship brand is now smiling down on thousands with visuals that scream flavour, family and festivity.

    “At Crown Rice, we believe that food is at the heart of every happy moment, whether it’s a festive feast or a simple family dinner. With our ‘Khushiyon Ka Khazana’ campaign, we’re celebrating those everyday moments of togetherness that begin with a wholesome plate of basmati rice. This campaign is our way of reaching out to families and being a part of their special moments, and very soon, we are planning to extend this initiative to other regions of north India,” said DRRK Foods joint MD Vikram Marwaha.

    While other FMCG brands try to shout louder, Crown Rice has taken a more poetic route—stirring hearts with aroma-led memories and dinnertime nostalgia. In a city where the average red light lasts longer than most Netflix reels, Crown’s billboard strategy is banking on meaningful glances turning into memorable mealtimes.

    The campaign also underscores DRRK Foods’ larger ambitions in metro markets, aiming to boost brand affinity and visibility in the cluttered consumer landscape. And judging by the current chatter, it’s already doing just that.

    So, next time you’re stuck in Delhi traffic, don’t be surprised if you catch yourself craving rice, not road rage.

  • Kevin Shah climbs the comms ladder as SGA names him managing director

    Kevin Shah climbs the comms ladder as SGA names him managing director

    MUMBAI: Strategic Growth Advisors (SGA), one of India’s fastest-growing integrated communications consultancies, has announced the elevation of Kevin Shah to the role of managing director. Shah, who previously served as executive director, has been instrumental in the firm’s transformation from a specialist investor relations outfit into a full-service communications powerhouse.

    A second-generation leader, Kevin brings a unique mix of sharp strategic thinking and emotional intelligence. Over the past decade, he has spearheaded SGA’s diversification into three new verticals corporate reporting, public relations, and brand & design each now a critical pillar of the firm’s operations.

    SGA founder & chairman Samir Shah said, “Kevin’s elevation marks a significant milestone in SGA’s journey of evolution and growth.  It reflects the trust he has earned and the value he has brought to the organisation over the last 13 years”.

    With a style that balances purpose with performance, Kevin has championed a culture of collaboration and client-first thinking. His approach has earned SGA the trust of some of India’s most respected brands.

    Commenting on his new role Kevin Shah Stated, “Stepping into the role of managing director at SGA is both an honour and a profound responsibility. From the early days of the firm, my journey has been one of continuous learning and growth, guided by the principles instilled by my father and the collective wisdom of our team.”

    “Our evolution from a specialized investor relations advisory to a full-spectrum communications powerhouse is a testament to our own learning, collective efforts and unwavering dedication to growth and value addition. As I embark on this new chapter, my focus will be on nurturing people, deepening client partnerships, and driving innovation across our service offerings. Together, we will strive to uphold SGA’s legacy of excellence in the communications landscape,” Kevin Shah added.

    With a strong team behind him and an eye on the future, Kevin Shah’s appointment signals a fresh era for SGA, one that blends legacy with new-age leadership.

  • OTT or not OTT: Streaming takes a starry U-turn in India

    OTT or not OTT: Streaming takes a starry U-turn in India

    MUMBAI: OTT promised to disrupt, democratise and decentralise content.

    But as of 2025, that promise is looking increasingly like a nostalgic trailer.

    In the latest firecracker of an episode from the podcast What India Needs!, host and media entrepreneur Shutapa Paul sat down with content maven Sidharth Jain to lift the lid on Indian streaming’s messy midlife crisis.

    Jain, the guy behind hit shows and sleepless nights for scriptwriters everywhere, joined Paul for a raw and revealing chat on what’s working, what’s worrisome, and what’s getting washed out in India’s $4.5 billion OTT pool – a figure projected to cannonball to $27.2 billion by 2033.

    “The beauty of OTT is that there’s something for everyone,” Jain said, though he noted that grim, gritty narratives are slowly being benched in favour of feel-good, lighter content. Apparently, viewers want dopamine, not depression. And that shift is forcing creators to think pastel instead of pitch-black.

    Paul took aim at censorship, calling out platforms for self-censoring and dodging anything remotely political. “Streaming platforms don’t want to commission or carry content which can be political or controversial,” she said. Jain didn’t disagree. “Why create something that could lead to legal battles and unnecessary trouble?” he added.

    Under India’s IT Rules of 2021, platforms now navigate a vague maze of self-regulation, which has led to more red tape than revolution. Ambiguity is the enemy, and it’s pushing creators to pull punches before they’ve even picked up the pen.

    So, is streaming still a playground for the underdog? Not quite. Jain threw shade on the idea of democratisation, noting how star-driven content and legacy studios have once again taken centre stage. “OTT was always about convenience… The real democratisation is happening on platforms like Youtube and social media, where anyone can create and share content,” he said.

    In fact, OTT has started borrowing a page from the FMCG playbook. Star power is the new sugar, slick campaigns are the packaging, and your attention is the shelf space everyone wants. Jain pointed out that platforms now prefer faces that can light up billboards—and bring built-in followers to boot.

    For those looking to break in, Jain offered a reality check, not a rose-tinted filter: “I would never recommend someone to enter this industry for an easy career. It’s easier to become a pilot or climb a mountain peak than find a sustainable career here.”

    His advice?

    Start scrappy.

    Use Youtube.

    Make short films.

    Be consistent.

    Be authentic.

    And, above all, be ready to get punched in the creative gut before anything clicks.

    The episode isn’t just a chinwag – it’s a crash course in surviving India’s streaming jungle. Jain and Paul unpack the evolution of OTT from a scrappy disruptor to a polished, star-backed machine that’s still figuring out where to go next. In a market with over 480 million OTT users and growing, the stakes – and expectations – are sky-high.

    Watch link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5yVct5K2dKP0VoMmtYtIBF?si=DEwz-r8xTwudBkrhqa7BHg 

  • Jayaram Nair sparks Intensity in Tribes JV, relocates to Bangalore for brand blitz

    Jayaram Nair sparks Intensity in Tribes JV, relocates to Bangalore for brand blitz

    MUMBAI: Jayaram Nair, a seasoned brand activation guru, has launched Intensity, a joint venture with Tribes Communication, and is relocating to Bengaluru to spearhead the new venture. Nair, who boasts 26 years of experience in the cut-throat world of BTL media, is promising to deliver “high impact solutions” across India’s sprawling marketing landscape.

    “I’m excited to announce my new gig,” Nair declared on LinkedIn, “Intensity is a fresh venture, a JV with the award-winning Tribes Communication. We’re talking integrated brand building, folks, and we’re ready to get going.

    Nair’s resume reads like a who’s who of Indian advertising, with stints at Cheil India, Percept Ltd, and Publicis Groupe. He’s a self-proclaimed “growth specialist,” “motivator,” and “change leader,” with a knack for P&L management and a “practical approach” to problem-solving.

    “I’ve been around the block,” Nair quipped, “From Mumbai to Gurgaon, I’ve seen it all. Now, I’m bringing that experience to Bangalore, but let’s be honest, the whole world’s my playground.”

    Intensity, backed by Tribes’ extensive network across 14 cities, is set to offer a full suite of brand building services, from live events and retail branding to loyalty programs and gaming events. Nair’s experience in “dark marketing” (read: cigarette promotions) suggests he’s not afraid to tackle tricky briefs.

    “With a handpicked team and a pool of top-notch partners, we’re ready to fuel growth,” Nair asserted. “We’re not just building brands; we’re building empires.”

    He will be operating from Bengaluru, but it is clear his ambition is to take on the whole of the Indian market.
    This move marks a bold step for both Nair and Tribes, as the duo aims to carve out a significant slice of India’s burgeoning marketing pie. With Nair’s experience and Tribes’ reach, they are setting their sights high.

  • SportsSkill aims for global expansion with gamified training and AI blitz

    SportsSkill aims for global expansion with gamified training and AI blitz

    MUMBAI: Pune-based sports tech firm SportsSkill has unveiled plans for global expansion and a gamified training centre that’s set to revolutionise athletic development. It is aiming to democratise high-performance training, making it accessible to anyone with a sporting itch, and the company is  not shy about its ambitions.

    At the forefront of this transformation is the unveiling of SportsSkill’s latest innovation—a state-of-the-art, high-performance gamified training center, the first of its kind. This unique facility seamlessly blends serious training with gamification, offering athletes an immersive experience that enhances fitness, hones technique, and builds competitive spirit—all in a fun, engaging environment.

    Designed to push limits while maintaining peak efficiency and measurable outcomes, the center marks a significant step in delivering real-world, hands-on training to complement the company’s robust digital ecosystem.

    Looking ahead, one of the major milestones for 2025 will be SportsSkill’s expansion into international markets during the second half of the year. This strategic move aims to introduce its advanced, AI-powered sports training application to a global audience. With a strong foundation in India, the company now aims to make high-performance, personalised training accessible to athletes around the world, regardless of location or level of play.

    With its integrated approach that combines on-ground training innovation with digital intelligence, SportsSkill is well-positioned to become a key global player in the evolving sports training ecosystem.

    “We are incredibly excited about what 2025 holds for SportsSkill,” said SportsSkill co-founder Chetan Desai. “The international expansion is just the beginning. Our new gamified center, collaborations with schools, and enhanced R&D efforts are all geared toward one goal: empowering athletes everywhere with the tools they need to perform at their best. This is a huge leap forward in our mission to transform the world of sports training.”

    “Our goal for this year is to bring next-gen sports training to even more athletes,” said Co-founder SportsSkill Abhinav Sinha.“Whether it is through expanding the number of sports available on the app, working closely with educational institutions, or providing a gamified training experience at our new center, we are fully committed to making world-class athletic training accessible to all. Our new B2B2C approach will allow us to scale even faster and offer customized solutions that cater to the unique needs of various sectors in the sports ecosystem.”

    SportsSkill is also doubling down on research and development, adding more sports to its app and sharpening their AI edge. The company is not just aiming to train athletes; the aim is to build a sporting empire, one gamified training session at a time. This isn’t just about fitness; it’s a full-throttle assault on the global sports training market, and SportsSkill is  coming in hot.

  • Aaroha charts a new course with desi twist on modern leadership

    Aaroha charts a new course with desi twist on modern leadership

    MUMBAI: In an era where chaos is the new constant and ambiguity is a daily affair, a Hyderabad-based startup is turning eastward for answers to leadership. Aaroha, launched today, is on a mission to reshape leadership development in India through a human-centric lens rooted in Indian philosophy.

    Founded by Kalpana Sinha, Haritha Kandalla, and Ketaki Kadekar industry veterans with over 70 years of collective experience, Aaroha brings together wisdom from the Vedas with practical frameworks to help leaders navigate the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world and its newer cousin, BANI (brittle, anxious, non-linear, and incomprehensible).

    “Traditional leadership models tend to emphasize the individualistic leader, while Indian philosophy talks about a leader as someone who takes the collective along, and that is the need of the hour given the VUCA-BANI world we live in,” said Aaroha co-founder and managing partner Kalpana Sinha. “Our approach redefines a leader to harness their natural strengths of adaptability and flexibility and also embrace an other-in approach towards leadership, which can enable organizations to create sustainable growth, retain key talent and foster innovation in increasingly complex business environments.”

    Aaroha’s launch is backed by insights from its India Business Leaders Survey 2025, which drew responses from CXOs of both family-run and professionally managed firms more than half of which clock over 1 billion dollars in revenue. The top concern? Talent acquiring it, retaining it, and building a culture future-ready enough to keep it engaged.

    The report revealed that leaders are struggling with tech adoption, accountability, and driving change, even as business expectations evolve faster than annual budgets. The call for leadership that goes beyond KPIs and job descriptions is growing louder.

    Aaroha’s flagship offerings include leadership assessments, coaching, capability workshops, and organisational culture interventions. At the heart of it all is a proprietary framework that melds ancient Indian thought, think interdependence, self-awareness, dharma with modern tools for measurable business results.

    The firm also focuses on fostering intergenerational collaboration, empowering next-gen talent, and addressing attrition by making purpose and learning part of the everyday leadership experience.

    By tapping into India’s philosophical legacy and applying it to modern leadership challenges, Aaroha is scripting a new playbook, one that balances heart and hustle, vision and value. It’s not just about climbing the ladder anymore; it’s about knowing which one to lean on.

  • Havas India reels in Prashanth Challapalli to spark digital & innovation fire

    Havas India reels in Prashanth Challapalli to spark digital & innovation fire

    MUMBAI: Havas India has hired Prashanth Challapalli, a digital dynamo, to ignite its creative network as chief digital & innovation officer. Based in Mumbai, he’ll be reporting to  Havas India, SEA, and north Asia group CEO  Rana Barua. Challapalli, a veteran of the digital trenches with over 25 years under his belt, is tasked with fusing cutting-edge tech with creative wizardry, conjuring up digital-first solutions that’ll make brands pop.

    Said Barua: “Innovation is no longer an option; it is imperative. The creative industry is undergoing a seismic shift driven by technology, data, and consumer behaviour. Prashant will work closely with network leaders to drive the convergence of creative, media, and health, powered by data-driven innovation and technology, while seamlessly integrating storytelling to enhance impact.”

    Challapalli, formerly boss of Gravity Integrated, where he sprinkled his stardust on the likes of Amazon Pay, Google, and Tata Motors, reckons he’s ready for the challenge. “We’re in the ‘Attention Economy’, where AI’s rewriting the rulebook. Creativity’s still king, but innovation’s gone beyond a fancy advert. 

    Havas’s integrated model, with its AI-powered Converged OS, is like a digital Swiss Army knife. I’m chuffed to be joining a team that’s pushing the envelope, setting new creative benchmarks, and crafting a fresh narrative for Havas, its brands, and its people.”

    This appointment is a clear shot across the bow, a digital thunderbolt aimed at shaking up the advertising landscape. Havas is betting big on Challapalli’s ability to weave digital magic, and deliver solutions that are not just innovative, but downright electrifying.