ITV

Category: PR & Communication

  • 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.

  • Impact Communications bags majority stake in Immersive Communication, set to disrupt market!

    Impact Communications bags majority stake in Immersive Communication, set to disrupt market!

    MUMBAI: In a move set to redefine experiential marketing in India, Impact Communications has acquired a majority stake in Immersive Communication, the cutting-edge experiential and shopper marketing agency founded by industry veteran Arti Singh. This isn’t just another corporate handshake—it’s a collision of legacy wisdom and creative dynamism, promising to turn the industry on its head.

    Impact Communications, long revered for its expertise in brand strategy and execution, now has a fiery new partner in Immersive, known for its tech-driven, innovative approach to consumer engagement. Together, they are poised to craft experiences that don’t just sell products but create memories—because let’s be honest, who remembers a boring billboard?

    Singh, a retail and brand activation maestro, has built Immersive Communication into a powerhouse that thrives on agility and consumer psychology. Having honed her skills at Dentsu, Madison, and other top agencies, she brings the perfect blend of creativity and market insight to this newly forged alliance. And let’s just say, she isn’t here to play small.

    “This strategic partnership with Impact Communications marks a defining moment for Immersive,” said Immersive Communication founder & CEO, Singh. “This collaboration empowers us with the necessary scale, infrastructure, and innovation to reimagine how brands engage with consumers. With Impact’s operational strength and our creative agility infused with our abilities, we are set to deliver unparalleled experiential solutions across the country.”

    Impact group chairman Sanjay Kaul echoed the sentiment, adding, “Partnering with Immersive Communication is a pivotal step toward creating a veritable ‘powerhouse’ that seamlessly blends creativity, technology, and execution scale. With Arti’s leadership, we are confident that this collaboration will redefine the future of experiential marketing in India.”

    So, what does this mean for brands looking to dazzle their consumers? Expect next-level campaigns that blur the line between the physical and digital, fuelled by Impact’s deep-rooted industry know-how and Immersive’s future-facing approach. The collaboration will harness cutting-edge technology, expand creative talent pools, and supercharge operational capabilities—all in the name of crafting experiences that people won’t just engage with but will talk about long after they’ve happened.

    This isn’t just a merger of businesses; it’s a fusion of minds determined to take marketing from predictable to phenomenal. As the industry evolves at breakneck speed, Impact and Immersive are ready to lead the charge—one jaw-dropping campaign at a time.

  • Agilitas snags ex-Bumble director Samarpita Samaddar for comms lead

    Agilitas snags ex-Bumble director Samarpita Samaddar for comms lead

    MUMBAI: Agilitas is making bold moves, and this time, it’s off the track. India’s fastest-growing, end-to-end futuristic sportswear company has roped in Samarpita Samaddar as its communications lead, ensuring the brand sprints ahead in storytelling, reputation, and PR-led campaigns.

    With a stellar track record, Samaddar is no stranger to crafting narratives that resonate. As the former communications director, India and southeast Asia at Bumble Inc., she was the force behind the women-first dating app’s award-winning campaigns, leading its communication strategies and serving as its official spokesperson in India for nearly four years. If Bumble made headlines, chances are, she had a hand in it.

    But her expertise goes beyond swiping right. With 14 years of experience under her belt, Samaddar has built aspirational brands across consumer technology, entertainment, arts, lifestyle, and sports. Before diving into the world of dating apps, she shaped India’s film industry, helping establish powerhouse studios such as Zee Studios and Eros International. Her portfolio boasts over 40 film campaigns, including blockbusters like Bajirao Mastani, Newton, Aligarh, Dhadak, Ki & Ka, and Kesari.

    Now, at Agilitas, she steps into a world where performance meets innovation—this time, in sportswear. Her challenge? To drive brand and corporate communications while ensuring Agilitas makes as much noise in the media as it does in the athletic arena.

    Sharing her excitement on LinkedIn, Samaddar stated, “Super excited to share that I’ll be leading communications strategies at Agilitas in my new role! Building a pathbreaking journey for and telling the story of India’s fastest growing end-to-end, agile, futuristic, consumer-focused sportswear company is a rare opportunity, and I’m all geared up to go! I’m thrilled to help revolutionise India’s sports, fitness and fashion landscape, working closely with visionaries and an incredibly talented team. Here’s to making moves to change how people look and feel as they move!”

    From Hindi cinema to Bumble and now to bold new beginnings in sportswear, Samaddar’s journey proves that storytelling has no boundaries—only new arenas waiting to be conquered.

  • Surbhi Jain Joins Cred as public relations specialist

    Surbhi Jain Joins Cred as public relations specialist

    MUMBAI:  Surbhi Jain has been appointed public relations specialist at Cred. Jain joins the financial technology firm after more than two years at CoinSwitch, where she most recently served as senior manager, public relations.

    In her first week at Cred, Jain praised the organisation’s commitment to its values, particularly highlighting “radical candour” as a core principle driving productive disagreement and stronger outcomes.

    With extensive experience in technology communications, Jain previously held roles at Unacademy, The PRactice, The Mavericks and H+K Strategies India. She brings expertise in stakeholder management, strategic planning and content development to her new position.

    This appointment comes as Cred continues to strengthen its corporate communications team amid ongoing expansion in the Indian fintech sector.

  • Boult cranks up the volume with 80db Communications as PR partner

    Boult cranks up the volume with 80db Communications as PR partner

    MUMBAI: Boult is dialling up its communications game with the onboarding of 80db Communications as its strategic PR partner to sharpen its brand messaging, boost visibility, and drive consumer engagement. If Boult is turning up the decibels, 80db Communications is ready to ensure the world hears every beat loud and clear.

    Known for its cutting-edge innovation, sleek designs, and pocket-friendly pricing, Boult has carved a space for itself in India’s booming wearables market. As competition intensifies, the brand is turning to 80db Communications to fine-tune its media outreach and craft a robust integrated communications strategy that resonates with its growing consumer base.

    “We are excited to partner with 80db Communications at a pivotal time in our growth journey,” said Boult founder & CEO Varun Gupta. “Their expertise in shaping impactful brand narratives will help us foster deeper connections with our consumers.”

    With a strong track record of elevating brands in India’s dynamic consumer tech space, 80db Communications is set to bring its storytelling prowess to Boult’s marketing symphony.

    “Boult has established itself as a strong player in India’s audio and wearables industry. We look forward to leveraging our expertise to amplify their brand story, drive visibility, and enhance engagement with key stakeholders,” said 80db Communications co-founder & joint managing director Abhilasha Padhy.

    With this partnership, Boult aims to further solidify its brand identity while keeping its pulse on India’s evolving wearable tech landscape. 

  • Singer India partners with Communicate India for brand strategy expansion

    Singer India partners with Communicate India for brand strategy expansion

    MUMBAI: Singer India, a subsidiary of SVP Worldwide, has partnered with Communicate India to enhance its market presence and brand visibility.

    With a heritage spanning 170 years, Singer India continues to expand its footprint by diversifying its product range, redesigning its retail presence, and launching its flagship store in Nehru Place, New Delhi. The company is also introducing premium international brands like Pfaff and Husqvarna Viking to the Indian market.

    Communicate India, a leading integrated communications agency, will spearhead Singer India’s brand storytelling efforts, using data-driven strategies to shape its communication approach and boost engagement. The agency has a proven track record in executing high-impact campaigns for multinational brands.

    Singer India head of marketing & communications Shalini Gupta Vachher said, “As we evolve and innovate, we sought a partner who understands our vision. Communicate India impressed us with their strategic insights and fresh ideas, aligning perfectly with our commitment to consumer engagement and brand leadership.”

    Communicate India CEO Akshaara Lalwani said, “Singer India is a legacy brand undergoing a remarkable transformation. Our goal is to ensure this evolution is not just noticed but deeply resonant with consumers. By combining data-driven insights with compelling storytelling, we aim to amplify Singer India’s presence while honouring its rich history.”
     

  • PRP secures PR mandate for Texmaco Rail & Engineering Limited

    PRP secures PR mandate for Texmaco Rail & Engineering Limited

    Mumbai: PR Professionals (PRP), has been awarded the public relations mandate for Texmaco Rail & Engineering Limited. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance Texmaco’s brand visibility, corporate communications, and stakeholder engagement both nationally and globally.

    Texmaco Rail & Engineering Limited, a listed entity of the Adventz Group, is a key player in India’s railway and infrastructure sector. The company operates across three primary business segments freight cars, infra rail & green energy, and infra electrical. With manufacturing facilities in West Bengal, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, Texmaco specialises in rolling stock, locomotive components, hydro-mechanical equipment, bridges, and steel structures. As a manufacturer of freight cars for Indian Railways and international markets, Texmaco has also established strategic alliances with global giants such as Wabtec and Touax.

    Texmaco Rail & Engineering Limited chief sustainability, brand & communication officer Indranil Basu stated, “Partnering with PR Professionals marks a crucial step in reinforcing our corporate communications and stakeholder engagement. As we expand our presence in the railway and infrastructure sector, PRP’s expertise will help amplify our brand narrative, increase media visibility, and foster valuable industry collaborations.”

    PR Professionals founder & managing director Sarvesh Tiwari stated, “We are delighted to collaborate with Texmaco Rail & Engineering, a name synonymous with engineering excellence and innovation in the railway sector. With India’s railway and infrastructure landscape evolving rapidly, Texmaco’s contributions are more significant than ever. We aim to craft compelling narratives that highlight Texmaco’s role in sustainable rail solutions, cutting-edge technology, and infrastructure development.”

    Renowned for its client-centric approach and strategic communication expertise, PR Professionals has built an impressive portfolio in the infrastructure sector. Its clientele includes high-profile organisations such as the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation (IRSDC), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRCL), Patna Metro, Hyderabad Metro, Tata Projects, L&T, Rodic Consultants, Systra, Railtech, CIDCO, and Rapid Metro Gurgaon.

    Founded in 2011, PR Professionals has established itself as in branding, public relations, crisis communication, and digital media solutions. With 12 offices across India and six international locations, PRP has successfully managed major mandates across sectors including infrastructure, railways, aviation, and public enterprises. The Texmaco partnership further cements PRP’s standing as the premier communications agency in India’s infrastructure domain.

  • Hiveminds takes the wheel for Oben Electric’s performance marketing drive

    Hiveminds takes the wheel for Oben Electric’s performance marketing drive

    MUMBAI: The electric revolution just got a fresh jolt, and this time, it’s in marketing. Madison World unit, Hiveminds has taken the driver’s seat in Oben Electric’s performance marketing, ensuring this fast-growing electric two-wheeler brand zooms past the competition. This partnership isn’t just about speed—it’s about precision, leveraging cutting-edge digital strategies to plug Oben Electric directly into the hearts (and wallets) of eco-conscious consumers. Hiveminds will spearhead Oben’s digital marketing, media investments, and conversion strategies across key platforms, ensuring the brand reaches the right audience at the right time.

    As India’s electric vehicle (EV) market revs up, Oben Electric is shifting gears to strengthen its retail footprint and attract a new wave of Gen Z and digital-first customers. With the demand for sustainable mobility soaring, the company is leveraging cutting-edge digital strategies to convert interest into sales.

    Hiveminds founder & CEO Jyothirmayee JT expressed excitement about the collaboration, “EV is one of the most exciting industries right now. I am delighted that we’re getting the opportunity to work with an upcoming brand that is catering to the Gen Z and digital-first customers who are more aware today. The industry now needs a highly data-led approach to customer acquisition and media deployment. With our expertise and proprietary tools, we are sure to deliver business growth through this collaboration.”

    On the other side of the partnership, Oben Electric’s director of marketing Saurav Arora highlighted the significance of performance marketing in their expansion strategy, “As we scale operations, performance marketing is crucial for accelerating demand and optimising conversions. Hiveminds’ expertise in performance marketing will help us maximise digital impact and drive measurable business growth. We are confident this partnership will strengthen our growth journey.”

    Backed by Madison World, which served 500 advertisers last year, Hiveminds continues to push the boundaries of digital marketing, blending proprietary tools, AI-driven insights, and data analytics to drive measurable success. With this latest partnership, Hiveminds is set to give Oben Electric a turbocharged advantage in India’s evolving EV landscape.

  • NP Digital India secures content marketing mandate for Kotak Securities

    NP Digital India secures content marketing mandate for Kotak Securities

    MUMBAI: In a move that strengthens its position in the digital marketing space, NP Digital India has won the content marketing mandate for Kotak Securities, one of India’s most trusted brokerage firms. The collaboration is set to elevate Kotak Securities’ off-site content marketing efforts, ensuring wider reach and improved search visibility.

    By deploying a data-driven and strategic content marketing approach, NP Digital India will work to amplify Kotak Securities’ digital presence. The goal? Making Kotak Securities the go-to authority in capital markets by distributing optimised, high-impact content that resonates with a larger, more relevant audience.

    NP Digital India MD Rubeena Singh expressed excitement about the partnership, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Kotak Securities in strengthening their content marketing strategy. Our expertise lies in crafting performance-driven content solutions that not only improve visibility but also drive meaningful engagement. This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering impactful digital strategies that contribute to business growth.”

    As competition in the financial services sector intensifies, a robust content marketing strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential. NP Digital India will leverage its expertise in SEO-driven content marketing, audience insights, and digital storytelling to position Kotak Securities as a thought leader in capital markets.

    This win cements NP Digital India’s growing reputation as a trusted partner for brands seeking innovative, results-oriented digital marketing solutions. With a blend of creativity, data, and performance, NP Digital India continues to push the boundaries of digital marketing, redefining industry standards in India and beyond.