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Category: MAM

  • Cerave rolls out Derm On-The-Go for accessible skincare in India

    Cerave rolls out Derm On-The-Go for accessible skincare in India

    MUMBAI: Cerave, has launched its ambitious ‘Derm On-The-Go’ campaign in India bringing science-backed skincare guidance directly to the youth.

    Targeting college students, the initiative features one-on-one consultations with over 100 dermatologists, engaging on-campus activations, and dynamic digital outreach across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. The mission? To break down barriers to expert skincare advice and empower young Indians with credible knowledge.

    The programme kicked off in Mumbai with the innovative Ceravan (mobile consultation buses) and Cerakiosk (on-site kiosks), where students received personalised skincare education. With over 1,500 free consultations and more than 15,000 footfalls in Mumbai and Delhi, the initiative is now gearing up for its next stop Bengaluru.

    “Cerave wants to empower every Indian to make informed skincare choices,” said L’oréal Dermatological Beauty, L’oréal India director Rami Itani. “With a dermatologist-to-consumer ratio of just 0.7 per 100,000, access to expert advice is limited. The ‘Derm On-The-Go’ program is designed to make dermatological solutions accessible and actionable, empowering consumers to prioritise their skin health with science-backed expertise, daily.”

    Dermatology MD DNB Siddhi Tiwari remarked, “Everyday in my practice, I meet young people who unknowingly damage their skin by following viral skincare trends. Lack of access to expert advice means they rely on guesswork. The Cerave ‘Derm On-The-Go’ initiative is a game-changer it brings expert guidance directly to those who need it most, in spaces they feel comfortable in. With the right education, we can prevent long-term skin damage and foster a generation of well-informed skincare consumers.”

    Beyond campus visits, the initiative also leverages digital platforms. Top dermatologists and lifestyle influencers will offer insights on Instagram and Youtube busting skincare myths and encouraging informed conversations around skin health.

    Having made its Indian debut in 2023, Cerave continues its mission to make dermatological care accessible. Its product range powered by three Essential Ceramides and Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE) technology offers clinically proven solutions to restore the skin barrier and deliver lasting hydration.

    Looking ahead, Cerave plans to expand ‘Derm On-The-Go’ across more cities, high-traffic zones, and corporate parks reaching even more consumers where they are.

  • Ad veteran Joy Mohanty turns up the .Potntial with creative role

    Ad veteran Joy Mohanty turns up the .Potntial with creative role

    MUMBAI: Joy Mohanty has been elevated as executive creative director at global brand and experience design company .Potntial. He was  the creative director before this elevation. 

    The seasoned adman has  a bulging portfolio spanning more than three decades, having cut his teeth at FCB Ulka in 1993 before climbing the greasy pole at agencies including Leo Burnett, Contract, Capital Advertising (later Publicis Capital) and Lowe Lintas.

    Mohanty’s CV boasts some enviable coups, including spearheading efforts to snatch the coveted Thums Up account from a 25-year incumbent while at Lowe Lintas. He also launched Google Pay (Tez) in India and helped create work for Google Railwire that nabbed a Cannes finalist spot in 2019.

    His creative fingerprints can be found on campaigns for automotive giants Maruti Suzuki, where he orchestrated “one of India’s most disruptive car launch programs” for Swift. One of his creations—the “Kitna Deti Hai” campaign—has been immortalised by Brand Equity/Economic Times as among “the iconic ads that shaped Indian advertising.”

    With stints handling spirits (Pernod Ricard’s Absolut, Blenders Pride and Glenlivet), technology (Google and HP), tyres (Michelin and Apollo) and travel brands (Makemytrip and Spicejet), Mohanty has demonstrated versatility across categories.

    No stranger to creative accolades, he has bagged prestigious gongs including The One Show 2002 for Dabur Back-Aid and D&AD 2002 for Dabur Capsico, which he describes as “an early example of using disruptive packaging as an advertising medium.”

    His new home, .Potntial, positions itself at “the intersection of business, culture, design and tech,” targeting startups with global ambitions and legacy Indian firms seeking a pivot. The company aims to fill what it sees as “the gap between traditional branding methods and the evolving needs of new-age enterprises.”

    For a man who once ventured into entrepreneurship with film production company Lumiere Films back in 1998, this new role might just offer the perfect canvas for his creative potential—or should we say, .Potntial.

     

  • Ganguly pads up for second innings at ICC cricket committee

    Ganguly pads up for second innings at ICC cricket committee

    MUMBAI:Cricket’s global governing body has tossed the ball back to Sourav Ganguly, reappointing the former Indian captain as chairperson of the ICC men’s cricket committee for another term. The 52-year-old, affectionately known as “Dada” by fans, will continue in the role he first took guard at in 2021 after replacing spin wizard Anil Kumble.

    Ganguly’s longtime batting partner VVS Laxman, known for his very, very special wristy flicks, has also been retained on the panel—ensuring India’s continued heavyweight presence at cricket’s administrative crease.

    The refreshed committee features a who’s who of cricket luminaries. Afghanistan’s Hamid Hassan and West Indies legend Desmond Haynes have been drafted in alongside South Africa’s current test and one-day international captain Temba Bavuma and former England batsman Jonathan Trott.

    Meanwhile, in the women’s pavilion, former New Zealand off-spinner Catherine Campbell has been elevated to chairperson of the ICC women’s cricket committee. She’ll be joined in the middle by ex-Australian player Avril Fahey and Cricket South Africa’s Pholetsi Moseki.

    The ICC’s commitment to inclusivity was bowled up by secretary Jay Shah, who announced a special task force and support fund for displaced Afghan women cricketers. “We are deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every cricketer has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances,” Shah declared from the non-striker’s end.

    This support will be backed by a “comprehensive high-performance programme” designed to keep Afghan women’s cricket dreams alive despite challenging political conditions back home—proving that when it comes to cricket diplomacy, the ICC is determined not to be caught out.

     

  • IHCL checks in with 100 new hotels, portfolio bulges to 380

    IHCL checks in with 100 new hotels, portfolio bulges to 380

    MUMBAI: India’s hospitality heavyweight IHCL has flexed its muscles with a staggering 100 new properties in the last fiscal year, comprising 74 signings and 26 openings. The Tata Group behemoth, which operates the iconic Taj brand, now boasts a portfolio bulging at 380 hotels.

    Executive vice president for real estate and development Suma Venkatesh highlighted the company’s “industry leading pipeline” of 137 hotels, crediting IHCL’s “strong brand presence” and “sustained demand buoyancy” for the achievement. The firm’s ambitious “Accelerate 2030” roadmap appears to be motoring along nicely, with upscale and midscale segments—Gateway and Ginger brands—garnering the lion’s share of signings.

    “Ginger crossed a 100-hotel portfolio and Vivanta reached the 50+ hotel mark,” Venkatesh noted, clearly delighted with the milestone.

    Suma venkatesh deepika rao

    The company hasn’t confined its expansion to domestic shores. It has ventured into fresh middle eastern territory with properties in Bahrain and Ras Al Khaimah, adding over 800 keys to its international collection.

    Executive vice president for hotel openings and new businesses Deepika Rao highlighted Ginger’s particularly prolific year, with nine new establishments springing up across commercial hubs, industrial townships, leisure destinations and state capitals.

    Not content with conventional locations, IHCL has also played pioneer in virgin tourism territory. “Building on its legacy, IHCL pioneered new tourism destinations with SeleQtions and Gateway hotels in Diu and expanded its presence in spiritual destinations with a Taj resort in Puri,” Rao explained.

    The hiring spree accompanying this expansion has been equally impressive, with over 2,500 new jobs created across the 26 new properties.

    IHCL, which was founded when Jamsetji Tata opened The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai in 1903, is now hurtling toward its “Accelerate 2030” goal of a 700-hotel portfolio. For a company recently crowned with the “World’s Strongest Hotel Brand 2024” title by Brand Finance, the sky—or perhaps the penthouse suite—appears to be the limit.

  • Advertising veteran and HR leader pivot to new roles At McCann

    Advertising veteran and HR leader pivot to new roles At McCann

    MUMBAI: Kamal Basu, former CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi India, is embarking on a fresh chapter after a series of high-profile marketing positions in the automotive sector. Meanwhile, Jyoti Mahendru is “coming home” to McCann Worldgroup India as chief talent officer and national communications officer after a stint at VML.

    Basu, who cut his teeth at marquee advertising agencies including Young & Rubicam and Ogilvy before becoming one of the youngest CEOs at Saatchi & Saatchi India in 2008, later headed marketing for Volkswagen Group in India and Nissan India. His tenure at Saatchi & Saatchi saw the agency break into India’s top 10, overseeing launches for brands like Olay, Pampers and the creation of what he calls “the iconic brand OLX India”.

    Since 2021, Basu has been working as a business consultant focusing on brand development projects and serving as a board member for “a leading finance company”. His career trajectory represents the classic adman’s evolution—from agency creative to corporate marketer to independent consultant.

    Mahendru, who describes herself as a “DE&I champion” and “certified mental health ally”, returns to familiar territory at McCann after serving as chief people officer at VML. She previously spent four years at McCann as executive vice president of human resources before her departure in July 2022.

    Her CV boasts an impressive mix of HR leadership roles across diverse sectors—from Bharti Wal-Mart and Star TV Network to the refreshingly frank “sabbatical” period from 2012 to 2017, which she describes simply as “focusing on self & family”.

    The appointments underscore the ongoing talent shuffle in India’s advertising landscape, where agency veterans continue to find new homes even as the industry grapples with transformation.

  • Nidhi Kaistha to rev up Lamborghini’s India operation

    Nidhi Kaistha to rev up Lamborghini’s India operation

    MUMBAI: Nidhi Kaistha has been appointed head of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. India, taking the wheel of the Italian supercar manufacturer’s operations in one of Asia Pacific’s fastest-accelerating markets.

    The seasoned executive brings over 25 years of leadership experience to the role, where she’ll steer sales, marketing and after-sales operations across Lamborghini’s Indian presence. She joins from rival Porsche India, where she served as regional sales and pre-owned cars manager.

    Kaistha’s automotive pedigree includes more than 15 years at BMW India, where she held several pole positions including head of corporate, direct and special sales, and lead of business strategy for high-performance models. Her earlier career saw her navigate through the hospitality sector at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and Hyatt Hotels, following a stint as cabin crew with Gulf Air and Jet Airways.

    Known for her strategic thinking and customer-first approach, Kaistha will now pilot Lamborghini’s growth ambitions across its existing showrooms in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, with an eye on further expansion opportunities.

    Her appointment signals Lamborghini’s determination to turbocharge its presence in India’s luxury car market, where ultra-high-net-worth individuals continue to fuel demand despite the country’s notoriously challenging road conditions.

    In taking the top job at Lamborghini India, Kaistha joins a small but growing cohort of women leading premium automotive brands in what remains a predominantly male-dominated industry – a trend that’s gradually shifting gears as carmakers seek diverse leadership to navigate an increasingly complex market.
     

  • GroupM banks on Vishal Jacob to choreograph its AI future

    GroupM banks on Vishal Jacob to choreograph its AI future

    MUMBAI: Digital marketing heavyweight Vishal Jacob has taken on a new role as president of AI & digital solutions at Choreograph India, part of the GroupM family, after nearly five years at Wavemaker India.

    The veteran, whose career has spanned the rollercoaster ride of India’s digital transformation from the dotcom crash to today’s data-driven marketing landscape, will now lead GroupM India’s artificial intelligence charter while crafting integrated digital solutions for clients.

    “I’ll be working closely with the digital leadership teams to drive smarter outcomes for clients,” said Jacob in his announcement. “I’m excited to be at the intersection of innovation and impact.”

    Jacob brings over two decades of digital marketing experience to the role, having served as chief digital officer and chief transformation officer at Wavemaker. His CV boasts an impressive list of past roles at GroupM, Maxus, The Upper Storey, Mindshare Interaction and Smile Interactive Technologies.

    His previous achievements include transforming an eight-member team into a 100-strong digital powerhouse that garnered recognition at global awards including the Festival of Media, M&M Global and World Media Awards.

    A certified coach from ICF with specialisations in transactional analysis and NLP, Jacob has built his reputation on connecting brands with consumers through integrated ecosystems of paid, owned and earned properties—a talent GroupM will now leverage as it dances into the AI era.

    As traditional agencies scramble to embrace artificial intelligence, Jacob’s appointment signals GroupM’s determination not to miss a step in the industry’s latest transformation jig.

  • Libas launches Hyderabad flagship store with a star-studded celebration

    Libas launches Hyderabad flagship store with a star-studded celebration

    MUMBAI: Libas, has officially opened the doors to its latest flagship store at Sarath City Capital Mall, Hyderabad. Spanning a stylish 4,000 sq. ft., the store marks a major milestone in the brand’s expansion across southern India, taking its nationwide retail footprint to over 25 outlets.

    Blending fashion with entertainment, the launch featured the first-ever edition of Libas Circle—a unique brand experience combining a secret concert, store reveal, and exclusive fashion drop. The evening drew over 1,000 fashion and music enthusiasts, with a high-energy live performance by popular cinema singer Akasa setting the tone for a new kind of cultural celebration.

    Strategically located in one of Hyderabad’s busiest lifestyle destinations along the Gachibowli-Miyapur corridor, the store benefits from its proximity to key corporate zones like HITEC City and the Financial District. This makes it ideally positioned to reach Libas’ core audience—urban, style-savvy professionals who value comfort and elegance.

    “Southern India is a critical market for Libas, and Hyderabad has always been on our radar as a high-potential city. Sarath City Mall, with its cosmopolitan crowd and strategic location, offers the perfect launchpad for us to deepen our regional presence,” said Libas founder & CEO Sidhant Keshwani.

    The store features Libas’ full collection—from everyday ethnicwear to occasion-specific designs—crafted with premium fabrics and detailed finishes.
     

  • Adfactors shifts into high gear with Mercedes-Benz India PR mandate

    Adfactors shifts into high gear with Mercedes-Benz India PR mandate

    MUMBAI: In a move that revs up both prestige and responsibility, Mercedes-Benz India has handed the keys to its communications strategy to Adfactors PR, following a rigorous multi-agency evaluation. Effective 1 April 2025, India’s premier public relations consultancy will now drive the luxury automaker’s integrated communications spanning its illustrious product portfolio, corporate narrative, and community engagement initiatives.

    Mercedes-Benz India managing director & CEO Santosh Iyer commented, “As the most desirable luxury car maker in India, Mercedes-Benz’s communication to our discerning customers and multiple stakeholders has been passionate, reflecting the brand’s iconic luxury positioning and unparalleled desirability in the Indian market. Mercedes-Benz is transitioning to an exciting future, introducing new cars having exceptional aesthetics, technological innovations and integrated sustainability. We are glad to welcome Adfactors PR as our communications partner, to collaborate and contribute to our unique brand and sustainable luxury narrative.”

    Adfactors PR co-founder and chairman Rajesh Chaturvedi said, “Partnering with Mercedes-Benz India represents a significant milestone for us. The iconic three-pointed star symbolises not just luxury, but engineering excellence, technological innovation, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Our specialist mobility practice combines deep automotive sector knowledge with cutting-edge communications strategies to enhance brand resonance among discerning luxury consumers. We are committed to amplifying Mercedes-Benz India’s leadership position in sustainable luxury mobility that perfectly aligns with India’s dynamic luxury market.”

    Mercedes-Benz, known for its forward-thinking approach, continues to dominate India’s premium automotive segment. From local manufacturing to an ambitious EV roadmap, the brand is redefining luxury with a conscience tailoring global innovations for Indian sensibilities.

    The partnership is expected to deepen brand resonance as Mercedes-Benz India steers into an electric future with elegance, precision, and purpose now with Adfactors riding shotgun.
     

  • Value 360 ropes in Naina Bhalla as EVP to turbocharge growth ahead of IPO leap

    Value 360 ropes in Naina Bhalla as EVP to turbocharge growth ahead of IPO leap

    MUMBAI: If PR had a power draft, Value 360 just landed a first-round pick.

    Value 360 Communications, the reputation architects behind some of India’s boldest brand campaigns, just added serious firepower to its leadership squad. Naina Bhalla has joined the firm as executive vice president – growth & strategy, a high-stakes hire as the company sharpens its pencils for a planned IPO.

    Announced on 14 April 2025, the move sees Bhalla helm the western India front from Mumbai, while also shaping the firm’s national growth blueprint. With 20 years of heavyweight experience at comms juggernauts like GCI Health, Weber Shandwick, Madison PR, and Burson, she has driven campaigns for brands like Pfizer, GSK, PUMA, Marriott, Colgate, and more.

    “Welcoming a luminary of Naina’s calibre represents a bold, strategic move that will add to our expansion blueprint,” said V360 Group, group CEO & co-founder Kunal Kishore. “Her insight-driven strategies have redefined several campaigns, making her an invaluable addition to our leadership team.”

    Bhalla will spearhead cross-regional growth, anchoring Mumbai ops while driving strategy across key markets. She will focus on analytics-driven, stakeholder-specific frameworks, delivering platform-led solutions with scalable impact.

    “My leadership philosophy – centred on building scalable communications frameworks – is absolutely in sync with the firm’s proven approach,” Bhalla said. “I’m excited to work alongside our exceptional talent to build a team that champions innovation, fuels business growth and consistently upholds communication excellence.”

    The move is part of Value 360’s run-up to its public listing. Alongside onboarding marquee clients such as Kia Motors, Digi Yatra, Skoda, Aston Martin, Tata Motors, Pernod Ricard, and Resmed, the firm is scaling its creative-tech ecosystem via group entities Popkorn and Clanconnect.

    As IPO season heats up, Value 360 looks set to make headlines not just for its campaigns, but for how it builds a future-ready firm from the inside out.