Category: People

Mumbai: Dentsu Creative India has announced the appointment of Manzoor Alam as Executive Creative Director (ECD). He will report into Dentsu Creative India chief creative officer- North, Joy Mohanty. 

As per the mandate, Alam will spearhead teams working on brands like Honda Cars, Max Healthcare, Catch Spices, Royal Stag, 100 Pipers, Herbalife, Hamdard, and Carlsberg, to name a few from the agency’s Gurgaon office. He will focus on nurturing and developing the agency’s creative talent pool, while also establishing it as a hub for delivering top-tier, innovative, and high-calibre work. Showcasing a strong emphasis on modern creativity, Alam’s aim will be to cultivate a vibrant and forward-thinking creative culture that empowers the agency to craft campaigns that deeply resonate with its clients.

Alam has had an exceptional 20-year career, with stints at agencies such as McCann and Rediffusion. Most recently, he served at Lowe Lintas, where he played a significant role in driving creative excellence for various brands. During his tenure, he contributed to the success of Google’s flagship products like Google Search, Google Photos, Google Assistant, Google My Business, and Google Voice. In addition, Manzoor also made significant contributions to other brands, including OLX, HP, Maruti Suzuki, and GoDaddy, among many others. His outstanding achievements and creativity in the advertising industry have been recognized and honoured with accolades at prominent events like Cannes, Effies, and AAAI awards.

Speaking on the appointment, Mohanty said, “Manzoor’s exceptional journey showcases a wealth of experience and an extensive portfolio of accomplishments with leading brands such as Google and OLX, as well as numerous start-ups and tech ventures. His unique ability to infuse his ideas with a strong sense of humanity has endeared him to brands across the spectrum. We are thrilled to have him on board and are certain that he will be instrumental in taking our goals of Modern Creativity to new heights.”

Alam added, “In today’s ever-evolving consumer landscape, it is important to consider both the ‘when’ and ‘how’ of every idea. This calls for a cohesive and integrated approach to deliver our concepts effectively. Dentsu Creative India’s philosophy of ‘Modern creativity’ synchs well with this emerging trend. The organization’s strong emphasis on digital-first, tech-driven initiatives, and data-backed solutions amplifies the potential for impactful ideas to flourish. This is exactly what has drawn me towards Dentsu Creative India. I am excited and look forward to embarking on this inspiring journey.”

Mumbai: The India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) announced the jury for its annual IndIAA Awards.

IAA president Avinash Pandey said, “We are delighted that Suresh Narayanan Chairman and Managing Director Nestle India will Chair this elite jury for our prestigious awards for creative excellence. These awards are unique. They are judged only by very senior advertisers, and you cannot enter these awards on your own. A select group of senior editors of trade publications who review advertising everyday, prepare a shortlist, thereby ensuring there are no scam ads here.”

The other jury members are:

M R Jyothy (Managing Director, Jyothy Laboratories Ltd.), 

Shashank Srivastava (Executive Director, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd),

Geetika Mehta (Managing Director, Hershey India) 

Arun Srinivas (Director and Head – Ads Business., Meta) & 

Veetika Deoras  (Vice President – Brands, Marketing and Data, The Indian Hotels Company Limited)

IndIAA Awards Committee VP IAA & chairperson Abhishek Karnani said, ” In their eighth year now, the IndIAA awards have been recognized as a hallmark of creative excellence in our industry. Since the awards are presented to the co-creators of the work, this event enjoys a very high profile audience of advertisers, creative agencies, media agencies, OOH agencies and PR agencies.

This year, we are pleased to announce that the prestigious four AFAA Changemakers For Good Awards will also be presented at our event, adding a new and meaningful element to our efforts.”

Mumbai: Former Sun Pharma Consumer Healthcare senior executive Tarundeep Singh Rana has joined Zydus Healthcare Ltd as the chief marketing officer. He was with Sun Consumer Healthcare for six years as head of marketing and e-commerce.

Rana announced his move through a LinkedIn post: “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as CMO at Zydus Healthcare Ltd!  Prior to Sun CHC, Tarundeep was with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories as director – OTC for emerging markets.

He has over 23 years of experience in leading big global brands as well as establishing new brands in the consumer healthcare domain across India and emerging markets.

Mumbai: Zoo Media, a global independent network of 11 agency brands is pleased to announce the appointment of Vishnu Kanth Gokul BJ as the head of sales and partnership. With over 24 years of experience, including 18 years in the digital domain, BJ has superior expertise and a proven track record of success in his new role.

As the head of sales and partnership, BJ will be responsible for driving strategic growth and fostering valuable partnerships to further expand Zoo Media’s market presence. With a dynamic background in agency relationships, brand solutions, sponsorship sales, online/mobile ad sales, client servicing, and new product development, Vishnu is well-equipped to lead his team toward successful milestones.

Prior to joining Zoo Media, BJ held key positions at prominent organizations, demonstrating his versatility and proficiency in the industry. He served as the president of Revenues at Qoruz, where he played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth and enhancing the company’s market position. Before that, he served as Cricbuzz regional sales head, successfully developing and executing sales strategies that resulted in substantial business expansion.

Also, BJ has contributed significantly to companies such as Percept Ltd, Sulekha.com, 123Greeting.com, Sify, and Rediff.com, enriching his understanding of diverse industries and market dynamics.

One of BJ’s standout accomplishments is his exceptional networking prowess. He is credited with creating innovative events like the Unofficial Digital Night, Digital Premier League, and Digital Cricket League, fostering unparalleled networking opportunities between agencies and publishers/brands. These initiatives have strengthened relationships within the industry and resulted in mutually beneficial partnerships.

Regarding his appointment, BJ expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I am thrilled to join the dynamic team at Zoo Media. Having worked in the digital sector for over two decades, I look forward to further building Zoo Media’s reputation in innovation and disruptive technologies that solve for the industry’s ever-evolving needs. Helping the organisation scale to new heights, especially globally, is what I will strive to prioritise in my new role.”

In his new role, BJ will report directly to Zoo Media CEO & founder Pratik Gupta, ensuring streamlined communication and alignment with the company’s overall objectives.

Gupta expressed his excitement about BJ’s addition to the team, stating, “With Vishnu spearheading the role as Head of Sales and Partnerships, we are keen to leverage his extensive experience and strategic insights in the digital domain, to accelerate Zoo Media’s growth and forge strong alliances that will elevate our position in the industry.”

Mumbai: Kintree, India’s only Free Family Tree Social App designed to help families connect virtually and explore connections beyond immediate relations, has added muscle to it with the appointment of IIM Ahmedabad Alumni, Vikram Lad who had worked with consumer facing businesses like ZEE Entertainment International, Disney STAR, Chingari in the past. As the co-founder & chief operating officer, Lad will help the firm to further expand it in the social entertainment space focusing on family trees along with marketing, sales, operations & investor relations.

Lad has 18 years of strong track record in the media and entertainment industry. He is an Alumni of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, and his professional career has been highlighted by noteworthy accomplishments and contributions in a variety of leadership positions. He has played a key role in scaling each of the businesses to boost valuation, revenue, P&L management, growth, and marketing.

Welcoming Lad on board, Kintree Private Ltd. founder & director Iftikhar Khan said, “We are extremely pleased to have Mr. Vikram Lad as a Co-Founder & COO of Kintree.  He will undoubtedly keep the business expanding and aid Kintree in reaching its pinnacle. With his creative approach, innovative thinking, and in-depth knowledge of the sector, we want to carve out a bright future for the business. Vikram’s expertise, business acumen, and connections in the sector, in our opinion, will be a guiding force for Kintree.”

On his appointment, Lad said, “I’m glad to be a part of KINTREE, the only family tree app that focuses on connecting families and build meaningful relationships in a secure environment.  of Family group messages in Secured Social App environment.  Working with start-ups and MNC’s in my previous roles, I’m looking forward to the roller-coaster journey with Kintree. My primary focus as Co-Founder & COO will be on creating programmes that drive the business’ expansion. In a dynamic digital media landscape, I am confident that working together, we will open up new opportunities, spur innovation, and forge deep connections.”

Kintree’s dedication to excellence and innovation in the field of Family Social Network is strengthened by the addition of Lad to the team. His experience will be crucial in fostering the company’s future expansion and success. Taking advantage of its positive momentum, Kintree has increased its hiring efforts and recruited a number of new employees for its key teams, including technology, product management, customer service, and others. The fresh talent will give Kintree additional energy to maintain its upward trajectory.

Mumbai: Former Diageo India CMO Deepika Warrier has joined Bajaj Auto as its head of marketing. She was with Diageo India for three years and stepped down as CMO in June this year.

She announced her move through a LinkedIn post: “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Head of Marketing at Bajaj Auto Ltd!”

Prior to Diageo, Warrier was CEO and MD with NourishCo Beverages Ltd. ( a Pepsico-Tata Global Beverages JV).

She also worked with the consumer products brand Pepsico in various leadership capacities for 20 years and is an advisory board member for Social Alpha, a development platform for science and tech innovation start-ups.

Mumbai: Howden, the global insurance group, has announced the appointment of Amit Agarwal as CEO, Howden India, effective 1 August. Agarwal takes over the reins from Praveen Vashista, the former CEO, who will now step up to the position of Chairman. Agarwal’s appointment underlines Howden India’s ambitious growth plans and aspiration to be a leading broker in one of the world’s fastest growing insurance markets by 2026.  

Under Agarwal’s leadership, Howden India will continue its drive for innovation and the expansion of its product offering, and will continue to embed local expertise in India for the benefit of its clients. It will execute on this strategy by attracting top industry talent through an empowered and employee-owned culture that allows its people to build a business for the long-term.

Howden founder & CEO David Howden said, “Ever since we commenced operations in India in 2004, Praveen’s leadership has been constant and loyal. He has grown the business, recruited a talented team and helped to build a leading insurance broker in the country. I thank him for his unwavering support, and know that he will lend his invaluable expertise and guidance to support Howden’s ongoing success and expansion initiatives as Chairman.”

International Growth Markets CEO Sonia Caamaño commented, “Amit’s appointment as CEO underscores our commitment to investing in top talent and local expertise to better serve our clients. His vast knowledge of the Indian insurance market and strategic vision aligns perfectly with Howden’s global objectives and we know that we are primed for the next stage in Howden India’s growth story.”

Agarwal brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in insurance brokerage. Having held significant leadership positions in the insurance sector, his appointment reflects Howden’s commitment to delivering exceptional client solutions and strengthening its position as a leading player in the Indian market. Agarwal joined Howden India in 2019 as a Managing Director and led its Liability & Specialty Risks practice. Prior to this, Agarwal held the role of Director for four years in JLT’s Financial Lines and Credit & Political Risk team in Mumbai. He has also held roles with Marsh and UIB.

Agarwal said, “As I take the reins from Praveen, I would like to thank him for establishing Howden’s strong foothold in the Indian insurance market. India presents a dynamic and ever-evolving insurance landscape, and our focus will be on driving growth, enhancing customer experience, and contributing positively to the development of insurance industry in India. Our employee owned business model is a critical differentiator in attracting the best talent from the market. It aligns the goals of our colleagues with that of the firm and drives them to deliver exceptional services to our clients.”

Howden India received its trading license in 2004 and now employs over 300 people operating across offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune and Hyderabad.  As the sixth largest broker in the country, it has built a strong reputation as a specialist commercial insurance broker in key product lines including Liability & Specialty, Agriculture, Health & Benefits, Aviation, Property & Construction, and Reinsurance.

In 2022, Howden announced it had obtained Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) approval to increase to 100 per cent its stake in Howden India, reflecting the company’s commitment to build a leading broking business in the country that fosters long-term partnerships with clients and focuses on investing in people and data and technology.

Mumbai: AI-driven mobile and web advertising platform, Globale Media, has appointed Ahmed El Gebaly as the regional head of the MENA region. At Globale Media, he will be pivotal in making critical decisions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market. With digital penetration skyrocketing in the Middle East and North Africa, newer horizons will lead to more exciting opportunities in digital marketing. Ahmed has more than seven years of experience in the finance and digital marketing industries and has previously worked with some well-known international organisations.

Globale Media founder and CEO Bhavesh Talreja said, “We are super excited to continue our growth in MENA. With Ahmed El Gebaly’s appointment as the regional head, we mark an important milestone in our journey to bolster our global vision. Ahmed holds extensive experience working within rapidly scaling organizations and digital marketing and advertising technology.”

Ahmed said, “The MENA region is full of opportunities to explore especially the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area where it has the highest purchasing power parity all over the globe, especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). I’m looking forward to making Globale Media one of the leading and biggest networks in the region that can be trustworthy amongst all the digital marketers and clients too.”

Mumbai: Luxury Ride, a one-stop destination for the most opulent range of pre-owned luxury cars, has onboarded Himanshu Arya as the co-founder & CEO of the company. With the announcement the company eyes to overhaul the entire structure as a tech-enabled automobile company. 

Coming with ingenious business planning acumen, Arya will be reimagining the pre-owned luxury car ecosystem. Having gained expertise in the start-up ecosystem over the years in the industry, he is adept at gauging the trends in the market. His trailblazing experience will contribute to steering Luxury Ride toward building a strong stature in the market.     

With the vision to make pre-owned luxury cars accessible, the company has embarked on the journey to make Luxury Ride a leading company in the market. In the process, the company strives to provide an end-to-end technology-driven ecosystem for building a strong value chain that is aimed at elevating the experience of the customers at every stage of buying or selling. 

Speaking on the occasion, Luxury Ride co-founder & MD Sumit Garg said, “The pre-owned luxury cars have made a lot of ripples in the automobile industry in recent years. It comes with a lot of potential to offer the ultimate opulence to customers at a reasonable price. Therefore, to create a niche for pre-owned luxury cars, we welcome Himanshu Arya to maneuver the dynamic terrain proficiently. Bringing his rich experience in technology, marketing, finance, and business to the table, we are committed to scaling the offerings and services for our valued customers.” 

Elaborating on the same, Luxury Ride co-founder & CEO Himanshu Arya said, “With the customers becoming tech savvy riding the digital bandwagon, it becomes imperative for the companies to adapt themselves to the perennially changing market trends. As we at Luxury Ride were already backed by technology, we decided to tailor it and streamline it more efficiently for being a frontier in leveling up the game of the entire pre-owned luxury car industry.”

Mumbai: Responsible and memorable hospitality group Tamara Leisure Experiences (TLE) announces the elevation of Manoj Mathew as senior vice president – operations. Having worked for over three years as vice president – operations, Mathew has fortified and enriched all facets of the company’s operational endeavours. Under his adept leadership, the implementation of best practices has culminated in elevated guest experiences across all properties.

An industry veteran with over 38 years of experience, Mathew has consistently surpassed guest expectations through his exceptional leadership and the unwavering dedication of his teams. In his new capacity, he will retain oversight of the operations function while embracing additional responsibilities, including spearheading upcoming unit launches. His ardor for the industry is evident through active engagements with esteemed organizations like SKAL International, Bangalore, and Karnataka Tourism Society. 

“We are delighted to announce the promotion of Manoj Mathew to senior vice president – operations. His remarkable leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the success of Tamara Leisure Experiences,” said Tamara Leisure Experiences CEO & director Shruti Shibulal. “With his rich industry experience and a keen eye for enhancing guest experiences, we are confident that he will continue to excel in his new role and drive our organization to greater heights.”

Beyond his professional achievements, Mathew is known for his adventurous spirit as an avid traveller, passionate nature lover, and an ardent disciple of global cuisine. His ability to balance professional commitments with personal interests reflects his dedication and zest for life.