ITV

Category: News Headline

  • Rhea Kapoor shines at Pantaloons’ festive edit launch

    Rhea Kapoor shines at Pantaloons’ festive edit launch

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, fashion! Rhea Kapoor just gave Mumbai a masterclass in festive style. Pantaloons, the fashion and lifestyle brand from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., unveiled its festive edit collection at the newly revamped R City mall store in Ghatkopar. The launch sparkled brighter with Hindi cinema style icon Rhea Kapoor curating statement-worthy looks and hosting an exclusive styling session for shoppers.

    Known for her bold and eclectic sensibilities, Rhea showed how Pantaloons’ versatile range could seamlessly move from chic workwear to ethnic finery and casual party-ready fits. “I’ve always believed style is about self-expression, and Pantaloons’ new identity celebrates that beautifully,” she said, encouraging guests to mix, match and experiment.

    The festive edit brings together jewel tones, luxe textures and playful silhouettes for every mood, from family gatherings to evening outings. The newly designed 30,000 square feet store itself has been reimagined as a fashion-first destination, with airy white interiors and over 20 brands on display, making style discovery both effortless and immersive.

    Pantaloons CEO Sangeeta Tanwani called the relaunch “a fresh, elevated shopping experience that reflects our fashion-first philosophy,” adding that Rhea Kapoor’s involvement was the perfect fit for inspiring shoppers.

    With 27 years of shaping India’s style journey, Pantaloons is marking a new chapter, one where festive fashion meets fresh retail experiences, and individuality takes centre stage.

  • Zee bridges borders as India’s regional leaders shine in Mauritius

    Zee bridges borders as India’s regional leaders shine in Mauritius

    MUMBAI: From the heart of India to the heart of the Indian Ocean Zee’s grand Leadership Summit Mauritius 2025 proved that local voices can carry global weight. Hosted by Zee MPCG, Zee BJH, and Zee PHH, the summit, themed “Bridging Borders, Building Futures”, brought India’s regional leadership stories to an international stage for the very first time. Viewers can catch the highlights when it airs on Zee MPCG on 27 September 2025 at 2:30 pm.

    The choice of Mauritius was no accident. With 68 per cent of its population of Indian origin, the island nation embodies centuries of cultural ties and shared heritage. The summit was graced by H.E. Prithvirajsing Roopun, GCSK, former president of Mauritius, who underlined that Mauritius and India are united not only by the Indian Ocean but also by bonds of history and heart. Joining him were Veena S. Suthan, second secretary at the Indian High Commission in Mauritius, and Neelam Sharma, noted Mauritian media personality, adding gravitas and local resonance.

    For Zee Media Corporation Limited, this was more than an event, it was a statement. Karan Abhishek Singh, CEO, ZMCL, stressed, “India’s diversity is its strength. By taking regional stories to a global stage, we build bridges of culture, unity, and progress. With its legacy and reach, Zee has always been the voice of leadership, and this Summit reflects our commitment to amplifying regional voices worldwide.”

    Editors from across Zee’s regional networks amplified their home states with conviction:

    Zee MPCG editor Mohit Sinha “True leadership rises from the grassroots. This Summit ensures emerging leaders from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh inspire audiences in India and abroad.”

    Zee BJH editor Raj Kamal Chaudhary: “The Summit was a perfect platform to spotlight Bihar and Jharkhand’s success stories tales of grit and vision that resonate globally.”

    Zee PHH editor Deepak Dhiman: “Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal symbolise entrepreneurial spirit. Their stories at this Summit reflect how regional ambition translates to global impact.”

    Through panel discussions, cultural showcases, and immersive exchanges, the summit positioned regional India not as a footnote but as a force in shaping the global future. By highlighting journeys from farmers to entrepreneurs, grassroots leaders to cultural icons, it proved that India’s progress narrative is incomplete without its states.

    The Zee Leadership Summit Mauritius 2025 will be remembered as the year when India’s regional leaders, often celebrated locally, took centre stage on the world map. By turning community narratives into global conversations, Zee showed that bridging borders isn’t just possible, it’s powerful.

    And on 27 September, when the highlights beam back to millions of living rooms, viewers won’t just be watching a telecast, they’ll be witnessing history.

  • Indian talent shines as International Emmys span record 26 countries

    Indian talent shines as International Emmys span record 26 countries

    MUMBAI: Indian performers have secured three coveted nominations for the 2025 International Emmy Awards, with Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh earning recognition for his performance in Amar Singh Chamkila and the film itself competing in the TV Movie/Mini-Series category. The third nominees is in the kids animation category where Vaibhav Studios’ Lamput has been nominated. 

    The nominations, announced yesterday by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, span a record 26 countries with 64 nominees across 16 categories. India joins an eclectic mix including traditional powerhouses Britain, Germany and France alongside emerging markets such as Kenya, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

    Dosanjh’s portrayal of the legendary Punjabi folk singer in Netflix’s biographical drama has earned him a spot in the best performance by an actor category. He faces competition from Britain’s David Mitchell for Ludwig, Spain’s Oriol Pla for Yo, adicto and Colombia’s Diego Vasquez for One Hundred Years of Solitude.

    The Amar Singh Chamkila film, produced by Window Seat Films for Netflix, will compete against Germany’s Herrhausen: The Banker and the Bomb, Britain’s Lost Boys & Fairies and Chile’s Vencer o Morir in the TV movie category.

    “As the International Emmys continue to recognise the very best in television, the creativity and calibre of this year’s nominees, from a record 26 countries, reflect the global strength of our industry,” said the academy’s president & chief executive Bruce Paisner.

    The nominations showcase television’s increasingly global nature, with South Korea’s Chicken Nugget competing in comedy, Australia’s beloved Bluey nominated for children’s animation, and Qatar’s Al Jazeera earning recognition for its Gaza coverage.

    Winners will be announced at the 53rd International Emmy Awards gala in New York on November 24th, following the World Television Festival from November 21st-23rd. The ceremony’s partners include Dubai Studios, Brazil’s Globo and Turkey’s Ay Yapim, underlining the awards’ international reach.

    Britain leads with seven nominations across multiple categories, while streaming giants Netflix and Disney+ dominate the platform landscape. The breadth of nominated content—from Turkish telenovelas to Finnish children’s programmes—reflects television’s role as a universal storyteller transcending borders and languages.
    The nominees are as follows

    Arts Programming
    Art Matters with Melvyn Bragg
    Oxford Films / Sky Arts
    United Kingdom
     
    DJ Mehdi: Made In France
    Ultra Magnetic / 360 Creative / Unité / Arte France
    France
     
    Herchcovitch; Exposto [Herchcovitch; Exposed]
    Mood Hunter
    Brazil
     
    Ryuichi Sakamoto: Last Days
    NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)
    Japan
     
    Best Performance by an Actor          
    Diljit Dosanjh in Amar Singh Chamkila
    Window Seat Films / Netflix
    India
     
    David Mitchell in Ludwig
    Big Talk Studios / That Mitchell & Webb Company
    United Kingdom
     
    Oriol Pla in Yo, adicto [I, Addict]
    Alea Media / Disney +
    Spain
     
    Diego Vasquez in One Hundred Years of Solitude
    Dynamo Producciones / Netflix
    Colombia
     
    Best Performance by an Actress
    Charlotte Hope in Catch Me A Killer
    Kowalski Films / LMP 51 / Showmax / Night Train Media
    South Africa
     
    Anna Maxwell Martin in Until I Kill You
    World Productions
    United Kingdom
     
    Carolina Miranda in Mujeres Asesinas – Season 2       
    Pletora Productions / ViX
    Mexico
     
    Maria Sid in Smärtpunkten [Pressure Point]
    Kärnfilm / Art & Bob
    Sweden
     
    Comedy
    Chicken Nugget
    Studio N / Plusmedia Entertainment / Netflix
    South Korea
     
    Iris
    Les films entre 2 et 4 / Canal+
    France
     
    Ludwig
    Big Talk Studios / That Mitchell & Webb Company
    United Kingdom
     
    Y Llegaron de Noche [They Came at Night]
    3Pas / Visceral / ViX
    Mexico
     
    Current Affairs
    Dispatch: Kill Zone: Inside Gaza
    Basement Films
    United Kingdom  
     
    Philippines: Diving for Gold
    Keyi Productions / Arte G.E.I.E
    France
     
    Repórter Record Investigação: Desaparecidos Forçados [Enforced Disappearances]
    Record TV / Playplus
    Brazil
     
    Walk the Line
    Mediacorp Pte Ltd
    Singapore
     
    Documentary
    Hell Jumper
    Expectation Entertainment for the BBC
    United Kingdom
     
    King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones
    Abelart Productions
    France
     
    O Prazer é Meu [It’s My Pleasure]
    Amana Cine
    Brazil
     
    School Ties
    IdeaCandy
    South Africa
     
    Drama Series
    Las Azules [Women in Blue]
    Lemon Studios / Apple TV+
    Mexico
     
    Bad Boy
    Sipur Studios / North Road Company / Tedy Production / Hot
    Israel
     
    Koek [Cake]
    Wolflight
    South Africa
     
    Rivals
    Happy Prince part of ITV Studios / Disney+
    United Kingdom    
     
    Kids: Animation
    Bluey
    Ludo Studio
    Australia
     
    Lamput – Season 4  
    Warner Bros. Discovery / Vaibhav Studio / Robot Playground Media / Lil Critter Workshop /
    The Monk Studios / Tribe Audio / The Tuning Folk / Inspidea / Shapeshifter Studio
    Singapore
     
    Lupi e Baduki
    Flamma / Elo / Birdo
    Brazil
     
    Muumilaakso – Season 4 [Moominvalley]
    Gutsy Animations / YLE / SkyOne
    Finland
     
    Kids: Factual & Entertainment
    Auf Fritzis Spuren – Wie war das so in der DDR? [On Fritzi’s Traces – What was it like in the GDR?]
    Balance Film GmbH / Germany Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR) / Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR)
    Germany
     
    Bora, O Pódio é Nosso  
    Globo / Sentimental Filmes
    Brazil
     
    Kids Like Us
    Echo Velvet
    United Kingdom    
     
    Playroom Live
    Eclipse Television Productions
    South Africa
     
    Kids: Live-Action
    Fallen
    Globoplay / Night Train Media / Silver Reel / Hero Squared / Umedia
    United Kingdom   
     
    Luz
    Floresta (Sony)
    Brazil
     
    Prefects
    Peripheral Vision International
    Kenya
     
    Shut UP
    Alfredfilm / Feelgood SFT / Snowreel / Rabbit Films
    Norway
     
    News
    Fantástico: El Salvador: Safety’s Somber Side
    Globo
    Brazil
     
    The Gangs of Haiti
    Sky News
    United Kingdom
     
    Gaza, Search for Life
    Al Jazeera News Directorate  
    Qatar
     
    Syria – The Truth Coming Out
    TV4
    Sweden
     
    Non-Scripted Entertainment
    Big Brother: Canada – Season 12
    Insight Productions
    Canada  
                                     
    Love is Blind: Habibi
    Imagic / Netflix
    United Arab Emirates  
     
    ¿Quién es la Máscara? – Season 6 [The Masked Singer]
    TelevisaUnivisión / Endemol Shine Boomdog
    Mexico
     
    Shaolin Heroes
    Metronome Productions / Banijay / TV 2 Danmark
    Denmark
     
    Short-Form Series
    Beyond Dancing
    Radio Television Hong Kong
    Hong Kong SAR, China
     
    La médiatrice [The Mediator]
    KOTV
    Canada
     
    My Dead Mom
    LoCo Motion Pictures
    Canada
     
    Todo se Transforma – Season 4 [Change is Everything]
    Warner Bros. Discovery / Buffalo Producciones
    Argentina
     
    Sports Documentary
    Argentina ‘78
    Disney+ Original Productions / Pampa Films
    Argentina
     
    Chasing the Sun 2
    T+W
    South Africa
     
    It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed the Spanish Football
    You First Originals
    Spain
     
    Sven
    Whisper / Up & Away Film Entertainment / Prime Video
    United Kingdom  
     
    Telenovela
    Deha [The Good & The Bad]   
    Ay Yapim
    Türkiye
     
    Mania de Voc? [Crazy About You]
    TV Globo
    Brazil
     
    Regreso a Las Sabinas [Return to Las Sabinas]
    Diagonal TV / Disney+
    Spain
     
    Valle Salvaje
    Studio Canal
    Spain
     
    TV Movie/Mini-Series
    Amar Singh Chamkila
    Window Seat Films / Netflix
    India
     
    Herrhausen: The Banker and the Bomb
    Sperl Film
    Germany
     
    Lost Boys & Fairies
    Duck Soup Films
    United Kingdom  
     
    Vencer o Morir [Victory or Death]
    Amazon MGM Studios / Parox S.A.
    Chile

  • Loc8 by Osmo shifts OOH from counting impressions to capturing attention

    Loc8 by Osmo shifts OOH from counting impressions to capturing attention

    MUMBAI:  Having shaped impactful campaigns for brands like Renault, HP, Daikin and Max Estates, OSMO, one of India’s fastest-growing OOH agencies, has unveiled the power behind its success: Loc8, its proprietary planning platform.

    Loc8 is a first-of-its-kind tool built at the intersection of AI and human vision cognition that shifts out-of-home advertising from measuring reach to measuring attention. For the first time, Osmo is detailing how Loc8 delivers actionable insights that answer marketers’ most fundamental question: “Will people notice?” By transforming raw video data into quantifiable visibility and attention metrics, Loc8 provides advertisers with a sharper understanding of audience engagement and placement potential.

    “OOH stands at the brink of a transformation. Advertisers no longer want just eyeballs; they want evidence of attention and ground truth. Loc8 is the breakthrough the OOH industry has been waiting for – a next-generation metric that captures real-time audience attention,” said Osmo, co-founder, Mangesh Shinde.

    He added, “In a world where attention is the most valuable currency, Loc8 equips brands with the power of AI, enabling campaigns that are smarter, measurable and impossible to ignore. At Osmo, we say ‘Attention is the New Oil.’ And with Loc8, we’re helping clients harness it.”

    Loc8 works by combining real-world data collection, machine learning and cognition science into a seamless framework. Real-world site footage captured via IoT devices is analysed by machine learning engines, which generate attention metrics and a visual saliency score refined with live traffic conditions. These insights are then mapped across people, places and placements, measuring commute journeys, traffic speeds, impressions, points of interest, visibility, positioning, obstruction and dwell time. This process helps identify which OOH assets reach the right audience, how many they engage and the depth of attention they command. The results are made instantly accessible through an engagement console that presents clear attention metrics and effectiveness dashboards, enabling advertisers to plan smarter and more attention-led campaigns.

    Already embedded into several landmark campaigns across categories such as automobiles, real estate and consumer goods, Loc8 has been instrumental in unlocking deeper engagement and brand recall in crowded urban landscapes.

    “OOH is at a stage where advertisers increasingly demand accountability. As investments in the medium grow, LOC8 enables decision-makers to conduct a virtual recce with confidence. By combining AI, ML and cognition science, our attention metrics build trust, benchmark asset performance and ensure campaigns are noticed, not just seen,” said Osmo, co-founder, Nipun Arora. 

  • Bengaluru gets set to run the town with News18 Kannada’s Namma Run

    Bengaluru gets set to run the town with News18 Kannada’s Namma Run

    MUMBAI: Bengaluru, lace up the city’s about to swap traffic jams for running shoes. News18 Kannada has announced its debut Namma Run, South Edition, a first-of-its-kind city marathon that hits the streets on 28 September 2025, promising to be as much a celebration of community spirit as it is of fitness.

    The action begins at St. Joseph’s Ground (opposite UB City), with none other than Kannada cinema’s beloved Karunada Chakravarthy, Shiva Rajkumar, inaugurating the event. His presence brings a touch of star power and local pride, setting the stage for what aims to be a landmark fitness festival in the heart of Bengaluru.

    Far from being just a serious runner’s affair, Namma Run is designed as a carnival of inclusivity. Kids can sprint through 1 km and 2 km fun runs or take on a 3 km timed run, while families and grandparents can stroll the 3 km walkathon together. Adults can test their endurance in the 5 km and 10 km fun runs, or step up to the challenge with 5K and 10K timed runs that will bring out Bengaluru’s competitive spirit.

    In short, whether you’re a sneaker-clad school kid, a weekend jogger, or a full-blown marathon junkie, there’s a track waiting with your name on it.

    Bengaluru is just the start. This is the inaugural edition of Namma Run, which will soon set pace across South India with Hyderabad in November, Chennai in December, and Kochi in early 2026 already on the cards. Registration for the Bengaluru run is now open, inviting the city to make history with its first step.

    No marathon is complete without support, and Namma Run comes powered by an impressive lineup. Casagrand leads as presenting sponsor, with Amity University stepping in as co-presenting sponsor. Fybros Smart Electrical Creations and Reliance power the initiative, while Off Limits adds the sporting gear as merchandise partner. Keeping health in check is Narayana Health, while Decathlon takes the title of sports partner. Special support comes from Prominence, Repose Mattress, and Meenakshi TMT, with Twin Birds joining as associate partner.

    At its core, Namma Run is about more than kilometres, it’s about community. By combining inclusivity, competition, and culture, the event seeks to transform a Sunday into a festival of fitness. With music, energy, and the city’s unmistakable buzz, 28 September promises to be a day Bengaluru will remember as the start of something bigger.

    So, whether you’re chasing a personal best or just out for the joy of it, one thing’s certain: Bengaluru is about to run the town.

  • WARC ad forecast: Digital giants to gorge on global bonanza in 2025

    WARC ad forecast: Digital giants to gorge on global bonanza in 2025

    MUMBAI: Global advertising expenditure is set to surge by 7.4 per cent this year to $1.17trn, according to WARC’s latest forecast—the first upward revision in more than a year. The research firm has boosted its projection by 1.2 percentage points since June, driven by what it calls a “social media windfall” and frenetic pre-tariff spending.

    The bonanza is heavily skewed towards a handful of technology titans. Meta, Alphabet and Amazon are forecast to hoover up nearly two-thirds of all advertising growth in 2025, cementing their stranglehold on the global marketing purse strings. Outside China, the trio already commands 55.8 per cent of all advertising spend—a share set to exceed 60 per cent by 2030.

    Digital platforms are cannibalising traditional media with ruthless efficiency. Nine in every ten new advertising dollars are flowing to online-only platforms, leaving legacy media owners—even those with digital arms—to scrap over what WARC likens to “the equivalent of Facebook’s monthly revenue.”

    Social media has emerged as the single largest advertising medium globally, gobbling up 40.6 per cent of new marketing dollars. Spending on the channel is projected to rocket by 14.9 per cent to $306.4bn this year, representing more than a quarter of total global advertising expenditure. Meta remains the chief beneficiary, capturing 60 per cent of all social media advertising spend.

    The spending spree was particularly pronounced in the second quarter, when social media expenditure jumped 20.2 per cent year-on-year—well above WARC’s initial projection of 12.4 per cent growth. The surge was driven by retailers rushing to stockpile inventory and promote value ahead of expected price hikes, with retail now the largest category on both Instagram and TikTok.

    Search advertising is attracting around 22 per cent of new dollars, while retail media platforms are capturing another 21.5 per cent. Amazon is poised to claim over a third of the retail media pie, which is forecast to grow 13.7 per cent to $175bn in 2025.

    The momentum is expected to accelerate further, with global advertising spend projected to rise 8.1 per cent to $1.27trn in 2026 and 7.1 per cent to $1.36trn in 2027. The market is on track to nearly double in value since the pandemic, underscoring advertising’s remarkable resilience despite economic headwinds.

    “This includes disruption to global trade and reduced purchasing power among consumers, brands are doubling down on Meta, Alphabet and Amazon,” said WARC director of data, intelligence and forecasting James Mcdonald. “The global market is set to nearly double in value since the pandemic, underscoring the resilience of advertising in a tougher economic climate.”

    The rosy outlook contrasts sharply with some other industry forecasts. eMarketer recently slashed its projections for American digital advertising spending, citing the impact of trade wars on automotive and retail sectors. But WARC’s global perspective suggests the digital advertising juggernaut shows no signs of slowing.

  • Digital marketing veteran Amit Lall switches to WPP Media as planning lead

    Digital marketing veteran Amit Lall switches to WPP Media as planning lead

    MUMBAI: Amit Lall, a digital marketing stalwart with over two decades in the trenches, has traded his principal partner role at Mindshare for a planning lead position at WPP Media, overseeing the conglomerate’s western and southern Indian operations from Mumbai.

    The move in September ends Lall’s four-year-eight-month stint at Mindshare, where he commanded a team of over 30 professionals whilst juggling a diverse client roster spanning consumer durables, fintech, telecom, pharmaceuticals, and banking. His portfolio included marquee accounts across multiple sectors, positioning him as one of the agency’s key rainmakers in the fiercely competitive western market.

    Before his Mindshare tenure, Lall spent just over a year as senior vice president at DigitalKites Global, where he steered a pioneering audience intelligence platform touching 250 million profiled users—India’s largest first-party audience marketplace. The role saw him managing full profit-and-loss responsibility across markets whilst delivering digital transformation solutions to brands and agencies.

    He has had a fascinating career trajectory. At Omnicom Media Group, he spent over five years crafting digital strategies for western India’s premium clients, earning local and global accolades including Foma and James Burke awards. Earlier, at Mobile2win, he turbocharged mobile advertising revenue by 260 per cent year-on-year during a recession, whilst onboarding 50 new accounts and slashing overheads by 30 per cent.

    Lall’s appointment signals WPP Media’s intent to consolidate its Indian operations under seasoned digital natives who’ve witnessed the subcontinent’s advertising metamorphosis from traditional media to mobile-first strategies. His deep understanding of India’s fragmented media landscape—from pioneering SMS ad networks at Mauj Telecom to managing channel partnerships at Reliance Communications—positions him well to navigate WPP’s evolving client demands.

    The hire comes as global advertising giants scramble to retain top talent in India’s booming digital advertising market, where homegrown expertise commands premium valuations.

  • Sony and LiveU zoom in on future with bonded IP breakthrough at IBC 2025

    Sony and LiveU zoom in on future with bonded IP breakthrough at IBC 2025

    MUMBAI: When Sony meets LiveU, the broadcast world gets a sharper focus. At IBC 2025, the two tech titans announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration that promises to change how stories get from the field to the newsroom fast, reliable, and without the usual workflow headaches.

    The star of the show? The new LiveU TX1, a compact transmission unit built specifically for Sony’s professional camera range. Think of it as a tiny powerhouse: it clips neatly onto cameras like Sony’s freshly launched PXW-Z300, turning them into mobile broadcast hubs. With its small form factor, TX1 slashes production timelines by offering ultra-fast file transfers and bonded IP connectivity on the go.

    At its core is LiveU’s patented LRT (LiveU Reliable Transport) protocol, famed for keeping live feeds smooth, stable, and sharp even in tricky conditions. By combining multiple network connections, TX1 ensures resilient video performance that broadcasters can actually trust for mission-critical operations.

    “Our customers want to be able to deliver files shot on camcorders from wherever the story takes them, back to their galleries, easily, swiftly and reliably,” said Sony Corporation head of media solutions business Masakazu Murata. “Through our collaboration with LiveU, the leading company in video-over-bonded-IP transmission, we are now able to offer customers a workflow integrated with Sony’s ecosystem even for mission-critical operations that require bonding. We look forward to working with LiveU to further streamline workflows and make a significant contribution to the broadcast industry.”

    LiveU CEO and co-founder Samuel Wasserman said, “We are proud to announce this important collaboration with Sony, the global leader in electronics, gaming, entertainment, and imaging technologies. This partnership represents a strong vote of confidence in LiveU’s cutting-edge technology and the innovation we bring and will continue to bring to the market. I would like to thank the Sony team for their professional and collaborative spirit and wish us all great success on our shared journey.”

    The deal signals more than just a shiny new gadget. It’s the start of a broader roadmap where Sony’s camera heritage and LiveU’s connectivity know-how combine to shape the next phase of broadcast production. Journalists, content creators, and live producers can expect fewer cables, faster turnaround, and workflows that keep pace with the news cycle.

    While the TX1 made its debut at IBC 2025, broadcast professionals will need a little patience: the unit will be available through Sony’s accredited distributors and resellers, with release details scheduled for 2026.

    For now, though, one thing is clear, when it comes to capturing the moment and sending it back in real time, Sony and LiveU are keeping the world’s broadcasters firmly in the picture.

  • Adman Chetan Shetty hops over to Publicis Groupe as managing director

    Adman Chetan Shetty hops over to Publicis Groupe as managing director

    JAKARTA: Chetan Shetty, a seasoned advertising executive, has switched allegiances from McCann Worldgroup to Publicis Groupe, taking up the role of managing director at the French advertising conglomerate’s Jakarta office in September.

    The move marks the end of Shetty’s five-and-a-half-year stint at McCann Worldgroup, where he served as managing director since March 2020. During the same period, he also held the managing director position at FCB Global, suggesting he juggled dual roles across the Interpublic group agencies.

    Before his McCann days, Shetty spent nearly two years as partner for content at WPP’s Wavemaker, following a substantial five-and-a-half-year tenure at FCB Global where he climbed from group account director to head of digital.

    His career portfolio reads like a who’s who of multinational brands. At FCB Global, Shetty orchestrated campaigns for Beiersdorf’s Nivea and Mondelez’s Oreo across southeast Asia, whilst winning new business from Unilever (Pepsodent, Zwitsal), Fonterra (Anlene, Anmum), and Standard Chartered Bank. His digital-led integrated campaigns earned him the Citra Pariwara Indonesia award for best digital campaign.

    Earlier in his career, Shetty cut his teeth at MEC (now part of GroupM) during the inaugural seasons of the Indian Premier League, managing Citibank’s sponsorship for the tournament’s first five editions. He also crafted partnerships for Mercedes-Benz, HDFC, and Colgate across television and digital platforms.

    The appointment signals Publicis Groupe’s continued push to strengthen its southeast Asian operations with experienced local talent who understand both global brand strategies and regional market dynamics.

  • Pocket Aces plays new card with Finnet investment

    Pocket Aces plays new card with Finnet investment

    MUMBAI: From filters to finance: Pocket Aces cashes in with Finnet. The Saregama-backed digital entertainment company has announced an investment in Finnet Media, a rising star in managing creators across finance, infotainment, and healthcare.

    Finnet, which represents more than 40 influencers including Anushka Rathod, Chandralekha, Shankar Bhalla, and Dr Pal, has worked with over 500 advertisers and built a 50-member team since its humble beginnings in Bhopal. With this deal, it now finds itself on a bigger stage, supported by one of India’s most dynamic media players.

    For Pocket Aces, the move marks a strategic expansion of its creator management arm, Clout, which already works with over 240 talents in entertainment, comedy, fashion, food, and wellness. Together with Finnet, the portfolio now stretches further into finance and health, categories booming with Gen z audiences looking for trustworthy voices.

    Finnet’s founder and CEO Ayush Shukla reflected on the journey: “I started out with no connections, no backing, just belief in creators. Today, to be invested in by Pocket Aces is validation of that belief. With this partnership, we’re set to go deeper into BFSI and health, driving trust, scale, and growth.”

    Pocket Aces co-founder and CEO Aditi Shrivastava echoed the enthusiasm, “Finnet’s creators are the voice through which millions of young Indians understand money, entrepreneurship, and wellness. We believe the creator economy will only grow bigger, shaping how people learn, shop, and engage.”

    From Filtercopy’s viral sketches to Dice Media’s hit shows and now Finnet’s finance-first storytellers, Pocket Aces seems intent on proving one thing, in India’s creator economy, the house always wins.