ITV

Category: MAM

  • Indian antitrust watchdog raids global ad giants over alleged price collusion

    Indian antitrust watchdog raids global ad giants over alleged price collusion

    MUMBAI: India’s competition regulator has launched a surprise raid on several advertising behemoths, including GroupM, Dentsu and Interpublic Group, as well as a broadcasters’ industry body over allegations of price-fixing, sources with direct knowledge told Reuters on Tuesday.

    The Competition Commission of India’s officers descended upon roughly 10 locations in Mumbai, New Delhi and Gurugram after initiating a case against the agencies and top broadcasters for allegedly colluding to fix advertising rates and discounts.

    The raids come at a pivotal moment for India’s advertising landscape, which is experiencing significant upheaval following the $8.5 billion merger between Walt Disney and Reliance’s Indian media assets.  This regulatory blitz also follows hot on the heels of Omnicom Group’s $13.25 billion all-stock acquisition of rival Interpublic Group in December, a deal that created the world’s largest advertising agency.

    According to one source who spoke to Reuters, the watchdog is investigating how advertising agencies allegedly conspire with certain broadcasters to fix advertising prices when selling to clients, including discussions around discounts. The allegations reportedly include concerns that certain broadcasters engaged in “collective action” to avoid offering discounts on advertising rates.

    The Indian Broadcasting &  Digital Foundation (IBDF), which represents heavyweight domestic broadcasters including billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance-Disney joint venture and Sony and Zee, has remained tight-lipped about the investigation.

    Representatives from GroupM (owned by Britain’s WPP), IPG Mediabrands and Japan’s Dentsu all declined to comment when approached by Reuters, as did the competition commission itself, which maintains a policy of not publicly disclosing details of enforcement actions or price collusion cases.

  • Better Nutrition bites big, picks Adgcraft to spice up brand visibility

    Better Nutrition bites big, picks Adgcraft to spice up brand visibility

    MUMBAI: Ever wondered what happens when an Olympic medallist, a Masterchef winner, and Shark Tank India meet for lunch? Well, besides one heck of a meal, you get Better Nutrition—India’s first biofortified food brand that’s now seasoning its success with a new PR partner. Time to cook up something special, folks!

    Better Nutrition, famed for championing healthier eating habits with nutrient-rich biofortified grains, has officially onboarded Adgcraft as its public relations partner. Adgcraft’s role involves masterminding all PR strategies and campaigns, ensuring Better Nutrition’s media presence shines brighter than a Michelin-star kitchen.

    Better Nutrition co-founder Prateek Rastogi enthusiastically explained, “At Better Nutrition, our goal has always been to provide natural solutions to the prevalent nutrition deficiencies in everyday diets. Partnering with Adgcraft allows us to communicate our mission more effectively and reach a broader audience. We are confident that this collaboration will help us to reach our target audience more effectively.”

    Adgcraft founder & MD Abhinay Kumar Singh eagerly echoed Rastogi’s sentiments, stating, “We are delighted to join hands with Better Nutrition, a company that aligns with our values of innovation and positive societal impact. Our team is committed to crafting communication strategies that not only enhance brand perception but also contribute to the greater good. Together, we aim to highlight the importance of natural, nutrient-rich diets and support Better Nutrition’s vision of a healthier India.”

    Already endorsed by household names like Olympic sensation PV Sindhu and culinary wizard Masterchef Pankaj Bhadouria—and famously spotlighted on Shark Tank India season 4—Better Nutrition is clearly not your average pantry item. Their menu is packed with biofortified grains enriched with essential nutrients such as zinc, iron, protein, and calcium, all sustainably sourced from over 15,000 environmentally savvy farmers.

    This partnership expands Adgcraft’s impressive client roster, leveraging their proven expertise within India’s FMCG sector and extensive media connections. Can they sprinkle enough PR magic to make nutrition go viral? Well, grab your popcorn (fortified, of course!) and stay tuned.

  • Preetha Athrey hits marketing jackpot, trades up to The Trade Desk as brand marketing director

    Preetha Athrey hits marketing jackpot, trades up to The Trade Desk as brand marketing director

    MUMBAI: Ever watched a seasoned marketer switch gigs like she’s flipping pancakes—swiftly, smoothly, and landing perfectly each time? Meet Preetha Athrey, who just flipped herself a sizzling new role as Director of Brand Marketing at The Trade Desk. If career moves were Olympic sports, she’d be clutching gold by now.

    Athrey, a seasoned brand-builder with a CV dazzling enough to make LinkedIn algorithms blush, announced today: “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as director of brand marketing at The Trade Desk!”

    Athrey’s impressive professional innings include stints as marketing director for Twitter Asia Pacific, two-time entrepreneur, and roles at high-flying corporates such as Airtel, Time Warner, and Apollo Tyres. This certified independent director has navigated brands through marketing whirlwinds and emerged victorious each time. Talk about having more experience than a LinkedIn Influencer has connections!

    At The Trade Desk, a global leader in digital advertising technology, Athrey’s move signals a strategic play—much like swapping pawns for queens in a chess match of corporate marketing. Will her magic branding wand sprinkle gold dust again? Only every colleague who’s ever worked with her would say “obviously, yes!”

    Preetha Athrey stepping into her new role highlights the growing importance of brand narrative in a world ruled by algorithms and attention spans shorter than your last Netflix binge. Who better to keep audiences glued than someone who once kept Twitter timelines ticking across Asia Pacific?

    This career leap is not just a win for Athrey—it’s a slam dunk for The Trade Desk. As marketing continues to evolve at a dizzying pace, they’ve snagged someone who knows precisely how to make brands not just heard but adored.

    Stay tuned, folks—this could get very interesting, very fast. Because when Preetha Athrey makes a move, you know it’s going to shake things up.

  • V-Guard’s Insight-G fan blows away the competition with German Design Award

    V-Guard’s Insight-G fan blows away the competition with German Design Award

    MUMBAI: V-Guard’s Insight-G BLDC fan has breezed past the competition to claim the prestigious German Design Award 2025 in the excellent product design category, solidifying its place among world-class innovations. Recognised for its sleek aesthetics, user-friendly technology, and dust-repellent durability, the fan stands as a testament to intelligent design and efficiency.

    The award was presented at a glittering ceremony at Frankfurt Messe, Germany, attended by over 1,300 global industry experts. Organised by the German Design Council, the award is among the most esteemed in the world, honouring trailblazing products that redefine design excellence.

    An elite jury of 30 international design experts from 16 countries lauded the Insight-G fan for its premium build, advanced functionality, and sustainability, placing it alongside global titans like Toyota, Porsche, and Siemens.

    “Winning the German Design Award is a moment of great pride for us,” said V-Guard Industries managing director Mithun K Chittilappilly. “The Insight-G BLDC Fan showcases our commitment to intelligent design, exceptional performance, and energy efficiency and we remain dedicated to delivering innovative thoughtful solutions that enhance consumers’ lives.” he added.

    This win follows V-Guard’s recent success at the Red Dot Design Awards, reaffirming its reputation for delivering high-quality, future-ready products. With Insight-G, V-Guard isn’t just reinventing the fan, it’s redefining the future of home comfort, one stylish spin at a time.
     

  • Culture Circle unveils Hyderabad’s ultimate luxury fashion hub

    Culture Circle unveils Hyderabad’s ultimate luxury fashion hub

    MUMBAI: Culture Circle, made a spectacular entrance into Hyderabad with an exclusive launch event at Broadway, Banjara Hills. The two-day affair combined high-fashion, celebrity presence, and record-breaking auctions, marking a significant moment for the city’s style-conscious community.

    Following its successful debut in Delhi, Culture Circle’s expansion into south India reinforces its position as a trusted marketplace for authentic sneakers and premium streetwear. The store offers direct access to coveted global brands such as Nike, Yeezy, Jordan, Dunk Low, Jacquemus, Gucci, Prada, Fendi, and Dior at competitive prices.

    The red-carpet gathering saw the presence of noted personalities, including entrepreneurs Rana Daggubati and Naga Chaitanya, actress Sobhita Dhulipala, media personality Rhea Chakraborty, and movie star Sreeleela, further establishing Hyderabad as a prime destination for high-end fashion.

    A major highlight of the event was a high-energy auction featuring rare collectibles, resulting in intense bidding wars,

    – Lost & Found Dunks acquired for Rs 50,000 by Vivek.

    – Louis Vuitton city of dreams collection secured by investor Aditya for Rs 2 lakh.

    – Rolex Hulk sold for Rs 22 lakh to entrepreneur and actress Parul Gulati.

    – Limited Edition Stanley x Messi collaboration fetched Rs 17,000.

    – Nike Air Jordan 1 Pine Greens added to the collection of Nasher Miles founder Abhishek.

    – Tiffany Pendant purchased at Rs 85,000 by Broadway CEO Sankalp.

    – Patek Philippe watch valued at Rs 1.2 crore, acquired by an undisclosed celebrity.

    Culture Circle distinguishes itself through AI-powered authentication and KYC-verified sellers, ensuring all items are genuine and available at the best prices in India.

    Culture Circle co-founder & CEO Devansh Jain Nawal stated, “Hyderabad has long been a hub of culture, cinema, and luxury, making it an ideal location for our expansion. Our goal is to offer the finest luxury and streetwear at the most competitive prices.”

    Culture Circle co-founder & COO Ackshay Jain, added, “This is more than just a store; it’s a space for sneaker and fashion enthusiasts. With Hyderabad now home to our second store, we are thrilled to bring authentic and exclusive products to a wider audience.”

    Celebrity guests also shared their excitement,

    Culture Circle, entrepreneur, Rana Daggubati, said, “I’ve been looking for Lebron UK13 for so long, and it’s finally available on their app!”

    Culture Circle, entrepreneur and actress, Gulati, remarked, “I was searching for this exact Rolex piece this morning, and I found it at Culture Circle’s auction!”

    Culture Circle, media personality, Rhea Chakraborty, commented, “Everyone must check out Culture Circle it has everything in luxury fashion!”  

  • Herkey appoints digital marketing veteran Wasim Sayed as VP to boost growth and brand strategy

    Herkey appoints digital marketing veteran Wasim Sayed as VP to boost growth and brand strategy

    MUMBAI: Imagine navigating a career maze with a handy GPS—sounds dreamy, right? Enter Herkey, the AI-powered fairy godmother dedicated to empowering professional women, now adding an extra turbo boost named Wasim Sayed to drive user growth and marketing. If growth hacking had a face, it’s about to get Wasim’s grin stamped all over it.

    Announced on 18 March 2025, Herkey welcomed Wasim Sayed as its new vice president of growth and marketing. His mission? To turn Herkey’s impressive strides into leaps that’d make even Olympians jealous. Sayed, who comes equipped with 17 years of wizardry in digital and product marketing, will oversee initiatives to amplify user engagement, fine-tune customer acquisition, and supercharge the brand’s presence.

    Throughout his impressive career journey—think growth-stage startups, dazzling unicorns, and even Fortune 500 giants—Sayed has consistently nailed the art of growth. He knows how to turn great ideas into thriving realities, whether it’s B2B or B2C, using his secret sauce of data-driven strategies and razor-sharp market insights.

    “I am excited to join Herkey at a pivotal stage of its journey. The platform has already made significant strides in enabling women’s career advancement, and I look forward to driving innovative marketing and growth strategies to further this mission,” Sayed shared.

    Herkey founder & CEO Neha Bagaria adds, “Wasim’s appointment comes at a time when organisations are increasingly prioritizing helping women advance their careers and increase their earning potential, making Herkey’s role in career enablement for women more relevant than ever.” Translation: They’ve hired the right guy at exactly the right time.

    Why should you care? Because Herkey isn’t just another platform—it’s practically your personal career coach on steroids. And now, with Sayed’s expert navigation, expect this platform to unlock doors faster than you can say ‘promotion’.

  • Hiranandani Group upholds its legacy of innovation and sustainability

    Hiranandani Group upholds its legacy of innovation and sustainability

    MUMBAI: The Hiranandani Group, continues to shape the future of urban development with projects that go beyond construction to build thriving communities. With a strong foundation of trust, transparency, and accountability, the company has established itself as a symbol of excellence in the real estate sector.

    Known for developing integrated townships and eco-conscious designs, the Hiranandani Group redefines modern living by creating spaces that promote a holistic lifestyle. Their focus extends beyond building homes to crafting environments that enhance quality of life, incorporating world-class infrastructure and amenities that cater to evolving urban needs.

    Sustainability remains central to their philosophy, with a strong emphasis on balancing urban expansion with environmental responsibility. Their projects integrate green initiatives such as tree-lined avenues, energy-efficient architecture, and water conservation strategies, reinforcing their dedication to ecological preservation.

    Beyond real estate, the group’s economic contributions are significant, with commercial hubs and IT parks playing a crucial role in employment generation and economic growth. By aligning their projects with global standards, they bring world-class living and working environments to India, ensuring long-term value for residents and businesses alike.

    Hiranandani Group, co-founder & chairman, Niranjan Hiranandani said, “Our journey has always been guided by strong values and a forward-thinking vision. While times evolve, our dedication to quality and innovation stays constant. At Hiranandani, we don’t just create buildings we shape communities and a legacy that stands the test of time.”

    With an unwavering commitment to national and societal advancement, the Hiranandani Group continues to invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, further strengthening its role in shaping the urban landscape.

  • Fast&up Mumbai Walkathon draws 5,000 participants in grand debut

    Fast&up Mumbai Walkathon draws 5,000 participants in grand debut

    MUMBAI: The inaugural Fast&up Mumbai Walkathon witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 5,000 participants taking to the streets to celebrate fitness, community spirit, and the simple joy of walking.

    Flagged off from JVPD Grounds, the event was graced by distinguished personalities, including Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), municipal commissioner, Bhushan Gagrani, IAS officer; Maharashtra Naval Area, flag officer commanding, rear admiral Anil Jaggi; Maharashtra Police, former commissioner, Dhanushkodi Sivanandhan; Fast&up, CFO, Shilpa Khanna; and JustwalkIndia, co-founder, Vinay Bhartia. The scenic route took walkers past film legend Amitabh Bachchan’s residence, along juhu beach, before looping back to the starting point.

    The event featured three walk categories,

    – Ten kilometre pro walk (6:00 am) attracted 42 per cent of participants.

    – Five kilometre family walk (6:20 am) the most popular segment, with 44 per cent of walkers.

    – Three kilometre fun walk (6:40 am) 14 per cent of participants enjoyed a leisurely stroll.

    A major highlight of the walkathon was the participation of 10 individuals with prosthetic legs, showcasing resilience and determination. Women outnumbered men across all categories, making up 52 per cent of the total participants.

    Among the most inspiring walkers was 75-year-old Urmila Bhatia, who urged the younger generation to step away from screens and embrace an active lifestyle. Additionally, eight participants marked their birthdays at the event, making fitness a part of their celebrations.

    Wheelchair participant Niranjan Jadhav commended the initiative, saying, “Events like this inspire confidence and encourage people of all abilities to stay active.”

    As the walkathon clocked an impressive 44 billion steps, it reinforced fitness as a way of life. JustwalkIndia co-founder Vinay said, “Our goal is to provide a platform for citizens to begin their fitness journey. This turnout has been truly humbling.”

    The Fast&up Mumbai Walkathon concluded on an energetic note, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration, camaraderie, and a renewed commitment to fitness setting the stage for even larger editions in the years to come.

  • Awfis expands senior team to drive growth and innovation

    Awfis expands senior team to drive growth and innovation

    MUMBAI: Awfis has strengthened its senior team with key appointments across technology, managed office solutions, and design & build. These strategic hires aim to boost operational excellence and meet the rising demand for flexible workspaces in Tier one and Tier two cities.

    In workplace solutions and growth, strategic advisor, Sanjay Baurai will oversee initiatives related to account management, co-working, manufacturing, government liaison, M&A integration, and overall business strategy. His extensive background in corporate real estate and large-scale operations will help Awfis navigate its next phase of expansion.

    To enhance its managed office segment, national head business development and growth, Parul Seth, senior national director enterprise business, Roshan Alva, and national director sales, Rahul Kanungo join the team. Their expertise in real estate, banking, and technology will drive business expansion and reinforce Awfis’ position in the flexible workspace.

    With increasing demand for premium design & build solutions from GCCs and large corporates, Awfis has added design specialists, Noelle Bianca Aguilar (Philippines) and Debora Emert (USA) to bring global insights to its projects. Additionally, director business development, Kamal Pandey joins with over a decade of experience, ensuring innovative and sustainable workspace solutions.

    On the technology front, chief product & technology officer, Rohit Manghnani will lead Awfis’ digital transformation, focusing on enhancing system capabilities, driving scalability, and improving user experiences.

    Awfis Space Solutions Ltd chairman & managing director Amit Ramani stated, “The expansion of our design & build, managed office, and technology teams is a pivotal step in our growth journey. With their expertise, we are poised to create workspaces that drive productivity, innovation, and business success.” 

  • ADK Global India and The PR Stop. ink partnership to stir the creative pot

    ADK Global India and The PR Stop. ink partnership to stir the creative pot

    MUMBAI: Ever heard the phrase “two heads are better than one”? Well, imagine those two heads belonging to digital marketing maestros and storytelling savants. Intrigued yet? ADK Global India, a leading digital agency, has teamed up with The PR Stop., Mumbai’s storytelling gurus, promising to deliver creative chaos and tech wizardry like never before. Ready for some serious innovation fireworks?

    Announced on 18 March 2025, this partnership aims to boost ADK Global India’s visibility as a formidable challenger in digital marketing. How? By blending creativity, data, and tech to reinvent the consumer experience. Simply put, they’re promising results so seamless you’ll forget they’re working behind the scenes (spoiler: they are).

    ADK Global India CEO Neville Medhora says, “As a challenger agency, we’re all about simplifying complexity with integrated, tech-driven solutions that deliver real impact. This collaboration will help us showcase how our adaptive approach sets us apart and drives growth in a dynamic industry.” Translation: Expect fewer buzzwords, more results.

    Neville

    The PR Stop., known for crafting narratives that slice through clutter, will amplify ADK Global India’s innovative moves. The PR Stop. founder & PR strategist Rohini Saldanha adds, “I’m thrilled to team up with ADK Global India because their innovative, cohesive approach to challenging the status quo and their commitment to client success truly inspires me. At The PR Stop., we’re all about crafting stories that cut through the noise, and this collaboration allows us to spotlight ADK Global India’s mission to lead with relevance and impact.” In other words, prepare for storytelling so sharp it’ll cut through digital fatigue faster than your Wi-Fi speed.

    ADK Global India, with its deep expertise in UI/UX, social media, and search optimisation, is always two steps ahead in user engagement. Combine this with The PR Stop.’s prowess in content development, crisis management, and strategic storytelling, and you’ve got yourself a partnership primed to shake up the status quo.

    So, will this dynamic duo redefine creative and tech innovation, or just make competitors nervous? Either way, grab your popcorn—the digital scene’s about to get interesting.