Category: News Headline

  • Sanjay Subashchandran takes charge as chief operating officer at Vision Time and TrendLoud

    Sanjay Subashchandran takes charge as chief operating officer at Vision Time and TrendLoud

    CHENNAI:  Media and entertainment executive Sanjay Subashchandran has been named chief operating officer of Vision Time India and TrendLoud Digital India, bolstering his already deep involvement with the south Indian content and events scene.

    The dual appointment formalises a remit he has long straddled. At TrendLoud, where he has served as COO since 2020, Subashchandran built a creator economy powerhouse—launching 15 digital channels, producing 23 web series for major OTT platforms and locking in more than 1,000 influencer partnerships.

    A co-founder of TrendLoud in 2015, he previously headed the business for five and a half years, managing media activity for over 80 production houses and delivering 12,000 hours of television content across the south.

    Subashchandran has kept a parallel grip on Vision Time since 2013 as all-India head of media, marketing and content, where he strengthened channel management, drove revenue through strategic partnerships and created Singoo Candy Rush, an interactive children’s property.

    He is also director of the digital-promotion start-up PickMySlot and co-founder of Maximise Entertainment, an events outfit that has staged large-scale celebrity concerts and brokered endorsements for stars from A.R. Rahman to Vijay Sethupathi. Earlier, he ran VisionPro Event Management for 15 years, producing advertiser-funded shows and spectacles such as PepsiCo’s Ooh La La La music talent hunt judged by Rahman.

    With more than two decades in marketing, events and digital content, Subashchandran now consolidates his influence across Vision Time’s broadcast operations and TrendLoud’s fast-growing digital network.

  • Sanchayeeta Verma bows out of Carat India after a high-octane two-year stint

    Sanchayeeta Verma bows out of Carat India after a high-octane two-year stint

    BENGALURU:  Sanchayeeta Verma has stepped down as chief executive of Carat India, closing a chapter that transformed the dentsu agency’s standing in the country’s crowded media market.

    Verma, who took the helm in July 2023, leaves after what she calls “a marquee period of bold pivots and meaningful impact”. During her tenure Carat almost doubled business performance, integrated creative and customer-experience units under the One-dentsu model, and pushed the network into what she dubbed the “algorithmic era.”

    Her leadership brought a flurry of firsts. Carat popularised “attention economy” as a core media metric, built the Brand EQ Index to measure emotional connection, and unveiled the Media++ operating system to give clients data-rich, AI-powered planning tools. She also struck new alliances with e-commerce platforms to unlock what she described as “triple value” for clients, partners and the agency.

    “None of us can exist in isolation,” Verma said, quoting her mentor, the philosopher Daisaku Ikeda, as she thanked her teams, media partners and clients. “To be aware of these connections, to feel appreciation for them, and to give back to society in a spirit of gratitude is the proper way for human beings to live.”

    A recognised thought-leader and champion of women in leadership, Verma has spent more than 25 years shaping India’s advertising and media landscape. Before joining Carat she logged an 11-year run at Wavemaker, where she turned its south India operations from a loss-maker into a multi-city profit engine—growing media billings 15-fold and revenues six-fold—while later heading the ITC India strategic business unit.

    Earlier, she built national communication-planning frameworks at Mindshare, managed key accounts such as GSK and Motorola, and led planning teams at Lowe Lintas and J. Walter Thompson. She began her career in the mid-1990s in product marketing at Kiwi TTK.

    Verma, who has also served on advisory boards in education and civic-tech start-ups, has not yet disclosed her next professional move but remains a sought-after mentor and strategist. Dentsu, for its part, praised her “bold vision and collaborative leadership” and wished her well as Carat readies a successor.

  • Reshmy Warrier returns to WPP Media to lead Unilever business planning

    Reshmy Warrier returns to WPP Media to lead Unilever business planning

    MUMBAI: Reshmy Warrier has rejoined WPP Media as head of business planning and operations for Mindshare’s Unilever account, marking a homecoming after more than 14 years shaping content strategy at Star and Zee5.

    Warrier will steer advanced planning, strategic insights, product development and automation for WPP’s Team Unilever, bringing a mix of media savvy and data-driven flair to one of the world’s most powerful brand portfolios.

    She spent nearly six years at Zee5 as senior vice-president of global content strategy and platform operations, driving a 30 per cent surge in SVOD conversions and an 8 per cent rise in viewership. Earlier, at Star, she led strategy and programming for the English entertainment business, keeping shows like MasterChef Australia and Koffee with Karan at the top of the ratings.

    This is Warrier’s third stint at WPP Media and her second at Mindshare Fulcrum, where she once handled Unilever’s beauty and haircare brands, managing a Rs 200-crore media budget and executing high-profile campaigns such as Dove’s “Hair Damage Meter” and India’s first logo-based augmented reality ad.

    Her career began in outdoor advertising with Cactus Imaging and Kinetic Worldwide before moving into client leadership at Mindshare. Warrier described the move as “a new chapter powered by AI, tech and data to deliver impact-driven solutions for Unilever.”

  • Rajat Sharma takes helm of India’s top news broadcasters’ body

    Rajat Sharma takes helm of India’s top news broadcasters’ body

    NEW DELHI: Rajat Sharma, the seasoned television news anchor and promoter of India TV, has been unanimously elected president of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) for 2025-26. The appointment, announced at the organisation’s board meeting on 19 September positions him at the head of India’s most influential media news lobbying group as the industry navigates mounting regulatory pressures and fierce competition from digital platforms.

    Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing , managing director M.V. Shreyams Kumar will serve as vice-president, whilst News24 Broadcast India chairperson and managing director Anuradha Prasad Shukla takes the honorary treasurer role. Both appointments were unanimous.

    The NBDA board includes heavyweights from India’s media landscape: Rahul Joshi of Network18 Media & Investments, Kalli Purie Bhandal from TV Today Network, and Anil Kumar Malhotra of Zee Media. Other members are Dhruba Mukherjee (ABP Network), I. Venkat (Eenadu Television), Rahul Kanwal (New Delhi Television), Mahesh Kumar Rajaraman (Sun TV Network), and Rohit Gopakumar Velloli from Bennett Coleman & Co.

    Annie Joseph remains secretary general, providing continuity as the association faces an increasingly complex media environment marked by regulatory scrutiny and the relentless rise of streaming platforms and independent news influencers.

  • Screen and serene: TV9 Bangla unveils its vibrant puja specials

    Screen and serene: TV9 Bangla unveils its vibrant puja specials

    MUMBAI: Talk about ‘screen’ goddess! This Durga Puja, TV9 Bangla is donning its festive best, bringing a dazzling mix of heritage, adda, and celebration straight into Bengali living rooms with its Sharadiya line-up.

    Carrying the theme Pujo Ebar TV9 Banglaye, the channel promises a blend of inspiration and entertainment for Bengalis worldwide. The festivities kick off on Mahalaya (21 September) with Panch nari hatey tarobari, a stirring tribute to five trailblazing women, including theatre icon Noti Binodini, literary firebrand Mahasweta Devi, Rabindrasangeet maestro Suchitra Mitra, Antarctic explorer Sudipta Sengupta, and cricket legend Jhulan Goswami.

    From Sasthi to Nabami (28 Sept–1 Oct), Pujor adda adds sparkle with stars like Abir Chatterjee, Mimi Chakraborty and Srijit Mukherji, chatting about their festive spirit and upcoming blockbusters. Meanwhile, Bonedi barir pujo (22–26 Sept) takes viewers inside Bengal’s aristocratic mansions, where grandeur meets tradition.

    The line-up doesn’t stop there. Annya durga (23–27 Sept) salutes unsung heroines: women from the tea gardens and tribal communities who have fought adversity with grit and grace. And, for the community spirit, the TV9 puja competition will crown the best of Bengal across categories: from best theme and idol to women-led pujas and social cause initiatives.

    TV9 Bangla, managing editor & business head, Amritanshu Bhattacharya summed it up: “This Puja, we’re celebrating the rise of women power while adding colour, culture, and excitement. You can’t miss TV9 Bangla’s screen this season.”

    With its mix of star power, tradition, and inspiration, TV9 Bangla’s Sharadiya special looks set to be the perfect festive binge. After all, when it comes to pujo celebrations, this year, the channel is idol talk.

  • TCS opens NYC design studio to reimagine digital experiences with AI

    TCS opens NYC design studio to reimagine digital experiences with AI

    MUMBAI: Big apple, bigger ideas. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has unwrapped its flagship ‘Interactive design studio’ in the heart of New York city, bringing a fresh wave of innovation to midtown Manhattan.

    Spread across 4,000 square feet, the state-of-the-art studio will help clients design seamless, human-like digital experiences by harnessing advanced multimodal AI, digital twin technology, and next-generation design practices.

    “This marks the advent of a new era for design,” said TCS Interactive, president, Kamal Bhadada. “The studio will be a hub for co-creation, giving our designers and clients the tools to create iconic, enduring experiences.”

    The space will also showcase TCS’ cutting-edge work, including its ‘Future athlete project,’ which uses digital twins to monitor health and optimise performance.

    TCS north America, president, Amit Bajaj added “Technology is redefining the art of the possible in customer experience. By expanding in New York, one of the world’s most creative capitals, we aim to help clients reinvent how consumers interact with brands in this new AI-driven world.”

    TCS Interactive has a track record of delivering award-winning digital solutions, from mobile apps for major sporting events to reimagined omnichannel journeys for global brands. The new Manhattan hub builds on this expertise while reinforcing New York’s reputation as a tech and creative powerhouse.

    With over 46,000 associates already in north America and more than 50 years of presence in the region, TCS’ latest investment is both a nod to the city’s commercial resurgence and a commitment to shaping the future of digital experiences.

    Because when it comes to design, TCS is proving that the city that never sleeps just got a studio that never stops creating.

  • GST set to star as Network18 reloads reforms with economic power summit

    GST set to star as Network18 reloads reforms with economic power summit

    MUMBAI: When it comes to India’s growth story, the script is being rewritten and Network18 is handing the nation a sneak peek. On 22 September 2025, Delhi will host Reforms Reloaded 2025, a high-impact summit designed to unpack the country’s most pressing economic questions. With GST 2.0, Aatmanirbharta, Make in India, and Vision 2030 taking centre stage, the event promises to bring together the sharpest minds from government, industry, and diplomacy to map India’s next big leap.

    The summit will feature sector-specific dialogues on how the latest GST reforms are reshaping industries from manufacturing and e-commerce to services and hospitality. At the same time, big-picture conversations will tackle themes like public relief, governance, and international cooperation.
    A star-studded line-up

    Network18 has assembled a heavyweight speaker list that reads like India’s economic Avengers. Among those taking the stage are:

    ●    V. Anantha Nageswaran, chief economic advisor, GoI

    ●    Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, defence secretary of India

    ●    Arunish Chawla, secretary, DIPAM

    ●    Ambassador Anil Sooklal, South African high commissioner to India

    ●    Benedikt Höskuldsson, ambassador of Iceland to India

    ●    Kimmo Lähdevirta, ambassador of Finland to India

    ●    Amitabh Kant, ex-G20 sherpa & former CEO, NITI Aayog

    ●    Rajiv Memani, president, CII & chairman & CEO, EY India

    ●    V. Vaidyanathan, MD & CEO, IDFC First Bank

    ●    Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India

    ●    Nilesh Shah, MD, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management

    ●    Utpal Sheth, founder & mentor, Trust group

    ●    Atul Suri, CEO, Marathon Trends Advisory

    ●    Shashi Shekhar Vempati, co-founder, Deeptech for Bharat

    ●    Vivek Mishra, co-founder & CEO, Raphe Mphibr

    This eclectic mix of economists, policymakers, diplomats, and CEOs will explore everything from macro reforms to micro impact ensuring the conversation spans boardrooms, trading floors, and households alike.

    “Reforms Reloaded 2025 is a platform that brings together India’s top minds to discuss the next chapter of India’s economic journey,” said Network18 CEO for (broadcast) & MD, A+E Networks | TV18 Avinash Kaul. “Global shifts and tech disruption are transforming industries. This summit will highlight how inclusive reforms can empower a self-reliant India.”

    Echoing the sentiment Network18 group chief strategy officer Puneet Singhvi said: “The latest GST reforms have put the spotlight back on Make in India and Vision 2030. By uniting policymakers and business leaders, Reforms Reloaded will spark fresh thinking and deliver practical solutions to unlock opportunities across manufacturing, services, e-commerce, and beyond.”

    The day-long summit, starting 11:00 am onwards, will air live on Network18 channels, giving viewers a front-row seat to the ideas shaping India’s economic destiny. With GST spends and compliance challenges in focus, the summit aims to provide both vision and actionable roadmaps bridging policy intent with ground realities.

    For a nation chasing high growth while balancing global uncertainties, Reforms Reloaded 2025 promises not just a conversation but a compass: charting how India can move from reform to resilience, and from resilience to reinvention.

  • Taste the thunder, ride the storm: Thums Up & Hero launch Thunderwheels 2.0

    Taste the thunder, ride the storm: Thums Up & Hero launch Thunderwheels 2.0

    MUMBAI: When thunder strikes twice, it only gets louder. Thums Up and Hero Motocorp are back with Thunderwheels 2.0, a high-octane sequel to last year’s blockbuster partnership, this time giving young India the chance to ride off on the all-new Hero xtreme 250R.

    The campaign fuses Thums Up’s legendary ‘Toofani’ spirit with Hero’s engineering prowess, serving up a motorcycle that embodies individuality, power, and raw thrill. The Xtreme 250R, a premium 250cc streetfighter, is built for riders who live life on the edge, just like the cola brand’s daredevil persona.

    The hook? “Dum hai toh scan kar.” Special-edition Thums Up packs now feature QR codes that unlock the chance to win the Xtreme 250R, along with a series of energetic, action-packed experiences.

    Hero Motocorp, head of marketing – India BU, Aashish Midha said: “The phenomenal response to Thunderwheels last year reaffirmed how deeply this connects with the new generation of riders. With the Xtreme 250R, we’re delivering a machine designed for those who ride with intent: agile, powerful, and stylish.”

    Coca-cola India, category head – Sparkling Flavors, Sumeli Chatterjee added: “Every Thums Up experience is built to fuel adrenaline. Thunderwheels 2.0, with Hero’s xtreme 250R, is all about engaging thrill seekers and inspiring them to be unstoppable in their dreams.”

    The campaign will thunder across screens and feeds with a full-blown 360 rollout, from TV and digital films to influencer activations and artist collaborations, celebrating the spirit of bold self-expression.

    With Thunderwheels 2.0, Hero and Thums Up aren’t just selling a bike or a bottle, they’re bottling the rush of adventure, daring India’s youth to taste the thunder and ride the storm. 
     

  • Toy story triumph: Funskool wins top honour for export excellence

    Toy story triumph: Funskool wins top honour for export excellence

    MUMBAI: Playtime just turned into prize time. Funskool India, the country’s biggest toymaker, has clinched the coveted platinum award from the Sports goods & toys export promotion council (SGEPC) for outstanding export performance in 2024–25.

    The award, highest in its category, was presented to, Funskool India Ltd., CEO, K A Shabir at a ceremony in New Delhi attended by union minister of youth affairs and sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya.

    Celebrating the win, Shabir said, “We are truly honoured to receive this recognition. It reflects our team’s relentless focus on quality, innovation, and excellence. At Funskool, we have always believed in showcasing India’s toy-making capabilities to the world, and this award reaffirms our mission to make India a global hub for toy manufacturing.”

    Founded in 1987 and backed by the MRF Group, Funskool has been a pioneer in introducing safe, high-quality toys to Indian households, while also exporting a vast range of products worldwide. With state-of-the-art facilities in Goa and Ranipet, the company continues to raise the bar for India’s toy industry.

    For parents and children alike, Funskool’s success means more than just play, it’s proof that Indian toys are winning hearts and markets across the globe. After all, when it comes to fun, this homegrown brand knows how to play to win.

  • AI to the rescue: Flipkart gives bachelor pads a big billion makeover

    AI to the rescue: Flipkart gives bachelor pads a big billion makeover

    MUMBAI: From bro-caves to glow-caves, bachelors are getting a festive glow-up. Flipkart is taking the guesswork out of home upgrades with its cheeky new ‘Bachelor upgrade yojana,’ launched ahead of its mega big billion days sale starting 23 September.

    Conceptualised by 22feet Tribal Worldwide, the campaign taps into AI to help bachelors, notorious for putting off home improvement, spruce up their spaces without lifting more than a finger. All it takes is a quick picture on Whatsapp: the AI-powered bot scans the room and serves up stylish, functional product recommendations, each linked directly to special big billion days offers.

    The idea is rooted in a simple truth: bachelors don’t skip upgrades because they don’t care, but because it feels like too much effort. This bot does the heavy lifting, from curtains to cookware, making a bachelor pad look Diwali-ready in a few clicks.

    The campaign’s film plays up the humour of bachelor life, poking fun at mismatched furniture and makeshift décor while showing how Flipkart swoops in to save the day.

    Flipkart, VP and head of growth & marketing, Pratik Shetty said: “With ‘Yahan kuch bhi ho sakta hai’ as our key theme for this year’s big billion days, we wanted ideas that spark unexpected wonder. The bachelor upgrade yojana does exactly that, turning one of the most change-averse groups into eager home improvers with irresistible deals.”

    22feet Tribal Worldwide, national creative director, Vishnu Srivatsav added: “Big billion days is for everyone, but bachelors probably need it most. With a little AI magic, we spoke to them directly, drawing from hostel and PG stories that everyone can relate to.”

    By mixing AI smarts with festive deals, Flipkart has turned a seasonal sale into a cultural talking point and made bachelor pads the unlikely stars of the big billion days buzz.