ITV

Category: MAM

  • Mindshare Fulcrum appoints Bharat Sethi as principal partner – programmatic

    Mindshare Fulcrum appoints Bharat Sethi as principal partner – programmatic

    MUMBAI: Digital marketing professional  Bharat Sethi has joined Mindshare Fulcrum as principal partner – programmatic, bringing over 15 years of industry experience to the role.

    Sethi, who previously served as head of media at Tatvic, boasts an impressive career spanning major tech firms including Google and Yahoo. During his five-year tenure at Google, he developed expertise in data analysis, digital strategy and software as a service (SaaS).

    His appointment comes as Mindshare continues to strengthen its programmatic advertising capabilities across video, display and connected TV platforms.

    Prior to Google, Sethi worked at Cognizant as an account manager for Doubleclick India. His earlier roles include optimisation strategist at Yahoo and account manager at Komli Media, where he managed performance and re-marketing campaigns across India and southeast Asia.

    Sethi holds an MBA in information technology/finance from SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies and a BE in computer science from Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology.

  • Rakesh Rajput bids adieu to Havells after 21 years

    Rakesh Rajput bids adieu to Havells after 21 years

    MUMBAI: Havells India Ltd has announced the resignation of Rakesh Rajput as executive vice president for sales & marketing of the cable division effective 11 March 2025. Rajput, who has been a key pillar of the organisation for over two decades, is stepping down for personal reasons, bringing an emotional close to his illustrious 21-year tenure.

    In his resignation letter, Rajput expressed gratitude to Anil Rai Gupta, chairman & MD of Havells, and the late Qimat Rai Gupta, acknowledging their trust and support in shaping his career. “This was a difficult decision, but the memories and experiences I have gathered at Havells will always stay with me,” he wrote, reflecting on his journey with the company.

    Havells, one of India’s top electrical goods companies, has yet to announce a successor for the EVP role. The company’s leadership transition comes at a time when it continues to expand its market presence in the consumer and industrial segments.

    Rajput’s departure marks a significant shift in Havells’ senior management, as the company navigates a dynamic business landscape. Industry insiders anticipate an announcement regarding the next phase of leadership soon. This resignation was formally communicated to the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in compliance with SEBI’s listing obligations.

  • Value 360 locks in Keshav Shanbhag as CFO for upcoming public listing

    Value 360 locks in Keshav Shanbhag as CFO for upcoming public listing

    MUMBAI: A company on the brink of a public listing needs a steady hand at the financial wheel enter Keshav Shanbhag, Value 360 Communications’ newly appointed as CFO. The firm prepares to make history as the first publicly listed PR company in the country, Shanbhag’s arrival signals a strategic push towards financial strength and investor confidence.

    The timing couldn’t be more significant. Value 360 Communications recently closed Its pre-IPO investment round, attracting heavyweight investors including film star Huma Qureshi and is set to file its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) for its SME IPO. In this high-stakes moment, Shanbhag will oversee financial strategy, investor relations, and corporate governance, ensuring a smooth ascent to the stock market.

    With over 17 years of experience, Shanbhag isn’t new to the high-pressure world of IPOs, mergers, and turnarounds. He’s played pivotal roles at MCX, IN10 Media, and Dentsu Aegis Network, financial strategies that drove business transformations. His work at MCX, in particular, made waves when he spearheaded the company’s IPO, bagging the title of best mid-cap equity deal in the APAC region and earning himself the coveted most valuable player award.

    Value 360 Communications group CEO & co-founder Kunal Kishore said, “Bringing Keshav on board as CFO marks a strategic advancement in our journey. His proven expertise in managing IPOs, M&A transactions, and driving business transformation perfectly complements our ambitious five-year growth strategy. We are confident his management will be instrumental in creating substantial value for our stakeholders as we work toward scaling our operations exponentially as we complete 20 years of operations in 2027.”

    Shanbhag himself is no stranger to high-stakes financial management. Speaking about his new role, he remarked, “I’m honoured to join Value 360 Communications at such a transformative juncture in its corporate journey. The opportunity to steer the company’s financial strategy as it prepares for its public listing represents a unique challenge. I look forward to leveraging my experience in capital markets and investor relations to advance Value 360 Communications’ position as the market pioneer in integrated communications, while delivering exceptional value to our clients, stakeholders, and future shareholders.”

    Value 360 Communications isn’t just preparing for an IPO it’s gearing up for exponential growth. The company’s five-year roadmap focuses on expanding operations, investing in technology, enhancing capacity, and pursuing strategic acquisitions. Its impressive client roster already features Tata Motors, Pernod Ricard, Kia Motors, Skoda, Fedex, Digi Yatra, Poco, Zupee, Mondelez, Audi India, and Easemytrip, among others.

    With Shanbhag at the financial helm, the company is set to break barriers, redefine communications, and make waves on the stock market.

  • Experience Commerce bags Parle Candy Culture’s digital storytelling mandate

    Experience Commerce bags Parle Candy Culture’s digital storytelling mandate

    MUMBAI: Experience Commerce, the integrated marketing powerhouse under the Cheil Network, has scored a sugary-sweet victory, clinching the digital mandate for Parle Candy Culture. Following a multi-agency pitch, the agency has been appointed as Parle’s official digital partner, tasked with spearheading social media marketing, media planning, and buying for the confectionery giant’s much-loved brands.

    Launched in 2020 as a digital-first initiative, Parle Candy Culture has been a vibrant platform connecting consumers with Parle’s iconic sweets, including Melody, Kismi, Londonderry, Mango Bite, Orange Bite, Mazelo, Poppins, Rol-a-Cola, 2 in 1 Éclair, and Kapi Candy. Now, with Experience Commerce at the helm, the brand is set to dial up its digital storytelling, creating immersive, engaging, and nostalgia-infused experiences for its audience.

    As part of its sugar rush strategy, Experience Commerce will lead always-on social media management, keeping the buzz alive with real-time content and trend-led campaigns. The agency will craft compelling product storytelling and festive campaigns, making Parle candies the centrepiece of every celebration. Additionally, SEO-driven YouTube optimisation will enhance discoverability and engagement, while high-impact influencer and celebrity collaborations will sweeten brand conversations and extend consumer reach.  

    By leveraging precision-targeted media strategies, the agency aims to maximise reach, minimise spillover, and drive stronger brand affinity.

    Parle Products vice president Mayank Shah said, “Parle Candy Culture is a digital-first initiative, and we needed a partner with strong expertise in digital marketing. With Experience Commerce, we have found the perfect collaborator—one that understands our vision and aligns with our objectives. We are excited to create content that truly connects with our audience and drives meaningful engagement. We look forward to the creativity and strategic value that EC brings in strengthening Parle’s legacy in the digital space.”

    Experience Commerce vice president for Growth Bhawana Daga stated, “Parle Products is a cherished and beloved brand with deep-rooted nostalgia among Indian consumers. We are thrilled to take on this mandate and look forward to crafting compelling digital narratives that enhance the brand’s connection with its audience. Our unique blend of data-driven insights, creative excellence, and precision media planning will ensure that Parle Candy Culture remains a leader in the confectionery space’s digital ecosystem.”

    With over 17 years of expertise in crafting award-winning digital campaigns, Experience Commerce is poised to redefine the confectionery industry’s digital landscape. As they gear up to celebrate India’s love for Parle candies in fresh, innovative ways, one thing is certain this partnership is bound to be a treat for the senses.

  • Thomas Cook unveils gee-whiz multicurrency travel card for Indian globetrotters

    Thomas Cook unveils gee-whiz multicurrency travel card for Indian globetrotters

    MUMBAI: Thomas Cook India today launched its revolutionary borderless prepaid multi-currency travel card, crafted specifically for India’s burgeoning overseas holiday market amid record-breaking foreign travel spending.

    The card—unveiled in partnership with Mastercard and Visa—arrives as Indian travellers splashed out a staggering $17 billion on overseas travel in FY 2024, marking a 25 per cent year-on-year surge. Industry projections suggest this figure could rocket to $55.4 billion by 2034.

    This first-of-its-kind eco-friendly travel card, made from recycled plastic, supports 12 global currencies and offers cardholders seamless spending power across more than 70 million merchant establishments and three million ATMs worldwide.

    “We’ve built this card to address the evolving needs of India’s leisure segment,” said Thomas Cook India executive vice-president of foreign exchange Deepesh Varma. “It offers smooth multi-currency access, worldwide acceptance, and exclusive travel benefits—all with the reliability and security that our customers demand.”

    Security features include embedded chip and pin technology, complimentary insurance cover up to Rs 7.5 lakh, and free emergency cash assistance if the card is lost or stolen.

    The borderless travel card also packs a punch with exclusive perks, including:
    * Free airport lounge access at select international airports in India
    * Complimentary porter services
    * A free international sim card
    * 25 per cent off select global attractions
    * Reward points redeemable for Thomas Cook holidays, flights and hotels

    Mastercard senior vice president for South Asia Anubhav Gupta  highlighted the changing landscape: “Today, the number of Indians travelling abroad in a single quarter is comparable to annual numbers from just 10 years ago.”

    The timing of the launch—at the start of India’s key travel booking season—appears strategic as Thomas Cook seeks to reinforce its position as “India ka Forex Specialist” while tapping into the growing demand from tier two and three cities.

    Visa India  country manager Rishi Chhabra called the new offering “a joint commitment to financial inclusion and delivering unparalleled convenience to Indian globetrotters.”

    The card represents Thomas Cook’s latest innovation in its prepaid portfolio, which already includes Study Buddy for students and EnterpriseFX for business travellers.

  • NeoNiche appoints Sandeep Mishra as chief creative officer

    NeoNiche appoints Sandeep Mishra as chief creative officer

    MUMBAI: Neoniche Integrated Solutions Pvt Ltd. has strengthened its management team with the appointment of Sandeep Mishra as chief creative officer. His arrival marks a strategic move to elevate the company’s creative direction and redefine immersive brand experiences.

    With over 25 years in events and advertising, Mishra is a seasoned creative expert known for pioneering award-winning campaigns. He has previously held management roles at Join Ventures, Toast Events, and Laqshya Media Group, where he served as national creative director, spearheading innovative marketing strategies that left a lasting impact. His expertise lies in blending creativity with technology to craft compelling brand narratives.

    Neoniche founder & CEO Prateek N. Kumar stated, “Mishra’s vision and expertise make him an invaluable addition to our team. His ability to transform ideas into engaging experiences aligns perfectly with our mission to push creative boundaries in experiential marketing.”

    Mishra said, “I look forward to shaping impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences and take brand storytelling to the next level.”

    With this appointment, Neoniche embarks on a new chapter of creative excellence, reinforcing its commitment to delivering innovative and immersive marketing experiences.
     

  • Kapture CX names Devika Rajeev as HR head to power growth & culture

    Kapture CX names Devika Rajeev as HR head to power growth & culture

    MUMBAI: The gen AI-powered customer experience platform has appointed Devika Rajeev as its new head of HR, bringing in a wealth of experience to supercharge its workforce and fuel its ambitious growth plans.

    With 13 years of HR mastery under her belt, Devika isn’t just any hire—she’s a force to be reckoned with. From scaling teams at rocket-speed to crafting high-impact people strategies, she has done it all. At Sattva Consulting, she was the mastermind behind tripling the organisation’s headcount while implementing game-changing HR initiatives. Before that, she sharpened her expertise at Wipro, Heidrick & Struggles, and Ola, managing diverse teams and shaping people-first cultures.

    An alumna of XLRI Jamshedpur, Devika holds a postgraduate diploma in personnel management & industrial relations and a B.A. (Hons) in mathematics from Delhi University. Now, at Kapture CX, she steps into a crucial role—one that requires equal parts strategy, agility, and a knack for making workplaces thrive.

    In her new role, Devika will lead strategic HR initiatives, talent acquisition, and retention while strengthening employee engagement. Her mission? To build a dynamic and inclusive work environment that aligns with Kapture CX’s rapid expansion. With her leadership, expect a culture that champions collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth.

    Kapture CX CEO & co-founder Sheshgiri Kamath welcomed her aboard with enthusiasm, “At Kapture, we believe that people are at the heart of everything we do. Devika’s extensive experience in HR leadership, combined with her ability to drive strategic talent initiatives, makes her a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to her contributions in building a strong, people-first culture as we continue our growth journey.”

    Devika, equally excited about the challenge ahead, shared her thoughts, “I am thrilled to join Kapture CX at such an exciting phase of its journey. The company’s commitment to innovation and customer-centricity is truly inspiring, and I look forward to strengthening our HR strategies to nurture talent, foster a high-performance culture, and support the organisation’s ambitious goals.”

    With Kapture CX continuing its march towards redefining customer experience, Devika’s appointment marks a strategic shift in how the company plans to invest in its people.

     

  • Grihshobha Inspire Awards 2025 to honour women pioneers on 20 March

    Grihshobha Inspire Awards 2025 to honour women pioneers on 20 March

    MUMBAI: Grihshobha is set to launch the inaugural Grihshobha Inspire Awards 2025 on 20 March at Travancore Palace, New Delhi. This prestigious event will honour women who have made a profound impact across sectors including business, governance, social change, entertainment, STEM, defence, and the arts.

    Bringing together prominent figures, industry stalwarts, and influencers, the awards will celebrate those who have shattered barriers, redefined success, and paved the way for future generations. The Caravan editor & Delhi Press executive publisher Anant Nath said, “These awards go beyond recognition they are about inspiring millions to chase their ambitions fearlessly.”

    A distinguished all-women jury has been appointed to select the winners, with former Femina editor Sathya Saran as jury head. Other jury members include Richa Shah (director, Delhi Press), Padmapriya Janakiraman (actor), Nuriya Ansari (president, Learning Links Foundation), Dilshad Master (director, Outward Bound Himalaya), and Surabhi Kanga (web editor, The Caravan).

    Some winners have already been announced. With a commitment to empowering women and amplifying their achievements, the Grihshobha Inspire Awards 2025 aims to motivate countless others to break barriers, build legacies, and inspire change.
     

  • Motilal Oswal elevates marketing maven Mundra to group media head

    Motilal Oswal elevates marketing maven Mundra to group media head

    MUMBAI: Financial services giant Motilal Oswal has promoted Varun Mundra to group head of media and innovations, capping the digital-first marketer’s swift rise through the company’s marketing ranks.

    Mundra, who joined the firm less than three years ago, steps up from his previous role as senior vice president of marketing for the wealth management division, where he spearheaded brand growth and product excellence initiatives for India’s seventh-largest broking house.

    “The journey has been nothing short of amazing—filled with learnings, challenges, and some big wins along the way,” Mundra said of his time at Motilal Oswal. He credited senior leadership, including Sandeep Walunj, for their “trust and support” in his ascent.

    The ET Brand Equity Shark 2024 “Rising Star” winner brings a distinctive pedigree to the role, having cut his teeth at several top-flight advertising agencies. Before joining Motilal Oswal in 2022, Mundra served as director of business and client relations at The Glitch, where he managed campaigns for CoinSwitch, Kuber, SleepyCat and Netflix India.

    His résumé includes stints at White Rivers Media, Isobar, Jack in the Box Worldwide and Dentsu Webchutney, where he honed his craft working with blue-chip clients like Hindustan Unilever, Visa India, CEAT Tyres and Godrej.

    Industry observers note that Mundra’s promotion coincides with Motilal Oswal’s aggressive push to modernise its marketing approach and capture India’s digitally-savvy retail investor community.

    The marketing executive’s previous initiatives at the firm included securing branding rights to Mumbai’s Malad Metro Station—establishing “Motilal Oswal Malad West”—and creating branded studio partnerships with financial news channels CNBCTV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar.

    Mundra’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged early when, as a 17-year-old college student, he founded a digital agency that landed him features on CNBCTV18’s Young Turks and in The Times of India. He holds degrees from the University of Westminster and Coventry University London.

  • Wow! Momo crashes cup noodles market with ‘Desi-Asian’ flavour bomb

    Wow! Momo crashes cup noodles market with ‘Desi-Asian’ flavour bomb

    MUMBAI: Hold onto your chopsticks—Wow! Momo has just sent shockwaves through the FMCG world by diving headfirst into the instant noodles market. With the launch of Wow! Noodles, the homegrown QSR legend has cooked up a storm, bringing India its first-ever Desi-Asian range of cup noodles. Think Thukpa from Tibet, Khao Suey from Burma, Manchurian, Korean, and India’s beloved Chinese Bhel—all in one slurp-worthy collection.

    If instant noodles were a race, Wow! Momo just floored the accelerator. The brand is aiming for a jaw-dropping Rs 100 crore business within 24 months. With a fusion of bold flavours and a commitment to quality, it is revolutionising the way India experiences quick, tasty meals whether in dorm rooms, boardrooms, or 35,000 feet above ground.

    Wow! Noodles is rolling out faster than a hot wok on high flame. Already available on leading Quick Commerce platforms like Instamart, Zepto, Blinkit, BigBasket, Flipkart Minutes, and D Mart Ready, the range is also flying off the shelves of Modern Trade giants such as Reliance, More Retail, Spencer’s, Spar, and Ratnadeep. And it doesn’t stop there, the brand has inked deals with over 10,000 general trade stores across 200+ towns and cities.

    If that wasn’t impressive enough, these flavour-packed noodles are also soaring high in the skies. Akasa Air, Air India Express, and SpiceJet have added them to their inflight menus, proving that noodles truly have no boundaries. Travellers have lapped them up, making Wow! Noodles the hottest mid-air snack since peanuts.

    Beyond just a product launch, Wow! Noodles is stirring up excitement with immersive in-store activations, eye-catching displays, and aggressive sampling at retail points. Whether it’s a college kid hunting for a midnight snack or a busy professional craving a quick fix, these noodles are winning hearts across all demographics.

    Sagar Daryani, Group CEO & founder of Wow! Momo, can barely contain his enthusiasm. “At Wow! Momo Foods, innovation is in our DNA. With Wow! Noodles, we are disrupting the cup noodles category by bringing the perfect blend of desi and Asian flavours in a format that is both convenient and exciting. As we continue to expand our FMCG footprint, this launch marks a significant step towards making Wow! Momo a household name beyond QSR.”

    Mithun Appaiah, CEO of Wow! FMCG, echoed the excitement: “We are leveraging the strong brand equity of Wow! Momo to make Wow! Noodles a household favourite. With our focus on product innovation and strategic channel expansion, we are confident about an exciting year ahead—bringing new flavours, scaling our distribution reach, and disrupting the FMCG space.”

    Wow! FMCG has been on a meteoric rise since its inception 24 months ago. The brand’s packaged momos have already disrupted the frozen foods category, racking up an impressive Rs 60 crore annual recurring revenue (ARR) and dominating key distribution channels. Now, with 16 SKUs of momos and nine SKUs of cup noodles, the brand is available in over 10,000 stores across 200 plus towns and cities. And if that wasn’t enough, Wow! Momo’s FMCG division has just landed in the Middle East, partnering with retail giant Lulu Group for its international expansion.

    With a solid recipe for success and an appetite for innovation, Wow! Momo isn’t just selling noodles—it’s stirring up a revolution in how India slurps, snacks, and satisfies its cravings. Whether at home, on the go, or mid-flight, Wow! Noodles is here to make every meal an adventure.