ITV

Category: Resources

  • Ladies Who Lead launches Venture Vault for open, actionable learning

    Ladies Who Lead launches Venture Vault for open, actionable learning

    MUMBAI: Ladies Who Lead, the exclusive women-led network founded by Aabha Bakaya and Aditya Ghosh, has officially launched Venture Vault an open-to-all, immersive learning platform designed to equip professionals with real-world business insights.

    Previously available only to members, Venture Vault is now accessible to all genders, welcoming founders, freelancers, consultants, and corporate leaders alike. The initiative is built to bridge critical knowledge gaps in strategy, scaling, and leadership through practical, high-impact sessions.

    The first public edition of Venture Vault kicked off in Mumbai, drawing a crowd of over 250 attendees — from CXOs to startup founders. The event featured a star-studded panel including Ghosh, (Akasa Air CEO) Vinay Dube, (Bombay Shaving Company founder) Shantanu Deshpande, (Humans of Bombay founder) Karishma Mehta, and (Blume Ventures) Karthik B. Reddy among others. The sessions tackled early-stage funding, execution challenges, and customer acquisition strategies.

    “We believe that true leadership is nurtured when insights are shared and opportunities are made accessible to everyone,” said Ladies Who Lead founder Bakaya.

    “This platform is our commitment to fostering a future where diverse voices and bold ideas drive innovation.”

    Co-founder Ghosh added, “Following successful pilot runs, we are now introducing Venture Vault to non-members as a pan-India platform to foster knowledge sharing and networking.”

    What sets Venture Vault apart is its focus on actionable learning. Rather than traditional theory-heavy formats, the sessions are designed to offer real-time strategies and conclude with live Q&As, allowing participants to engage directly with business icons.  

    The launch marks the beginning of a multi-city rollout, with upcoming editions set for New Delhi and Bangalore. By integrating digital media, expert-led panels, and interactive formats, Venture Vault is positioned to redefine entrepreneurial education in India.

    With this move, Ladies Who Lead signals its intent to build an inclusive, future-ready professional ecosystem, empowering individuals across sectors to learn, connect, and grow together. 

  • Sri Chaitanya makes its next big move by bringing Grandmaster Gukesh on board

    Sri Chaitanya makes its next big move by bringing Grandmaster Gukesh on board

    MUMBAI: In a strategic move worthy of a grandmaster, Sri Chaitanya Educational Group has pulled off a brand endorsement coup—roping in 18-year-old chess sensation and reigning World Chess champion Gukesh Dommaraju as its official brand ambassador. Now that’s what we call check and mate in the branding game.

    This partnership isn’t just a flashy collaboration—it’s a calculated play aimed squarely at the brains behind India’s most competitive exams. Think JEE and NEET. Think stress, sleepless nights, and syllabus-induced nightmares. Enter Gukesh: composed, analytical, unflinching. In other words, exactly the kind of cool under pressure that exam aspirants aspire to be.

    “As the youngest World Chess Champion and someone from the same age group as JEE and NEET aspirants, Gukesh will be able to connect with students on a deeper level,” the group said. He’ll be hosting mentorship sessions, breaking down mental tactics, and probably dropping a few checkmates in between chapters of organic chemistry.

    Infinity Learn co-founder and Sri Chaitanya Group CEO & director Sushma Boppana couldn’t hide her enthusiasm, “We are delighted to welcome World Chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju as the brand ambassador of Sri Chaitanya. His extraordinary achievements at such a young age make him a perfect role model for students… Gukesh’s ability to tackle complex challenges and stay composed under pressure aligns perfectly with the skills needed to excel in competitive exams.”

    And she’s got a point. If you can outthink grandmasters and hold your nerve on a global chessboard, you can surely take on a three hour physics paper with 60 trick questions.

    Gukesh, as calm and composed as ever, said, “Success in both chess and competitive exams hinges on strategic thinking, disciplined practice, and mental resilience… Together with Sri Chaitanya, we aim to empower young minds, shaping future champions in Engineering, Medicine, and beyond.”

    This move is more than just symbolic. It reflects Sri Chaitanya’s evolving pitch—from rote-driven results to a more holistic, cerebral style of test prep. By pairing academic rigour with strategic thinking, the group wants to breed not just toppers, but thinkers.

    And if they get to flex a world champion in the process? Even better.

  • Britannia puts Tilt in the oven as creative partner for bakery blitz

    Britannia puts Tilt in the oven as creative partner for bakery blitz

    MUMBAI: When your cakes are iconic, your rusks have cult status, and your croissants are quietly doing their flaky thing across Indian breakfast tables, you don’t just hire any agency. You bring in the big knives. Britannia Industries has just appointed Tilt Brand Solutions as its agency on record for its baked goodies – we’re talking Cakes, Rusk, Bread, and Croissant. And no, it’s not half-baked.

    The Mumbai-based creative hotshop will now whip up the brand and communication strategy for Britannia’s adjacency portfolio. That means not just making ads, but kneading brand love into every bite. The agency has been handed the apron to serve up memorable campaigns, engaging content, and maybe a few eyebrow-raising moments on your feed.

    “For Britannia’s adjacency portfolio, it was imperative that we got on board a partner who would be able to bring a perfect amalgamation of creative strength and business acumen to the table. The balanced approach of Tilt Brand Solutions and their category & consumer understanding delivered on the brief. We look forward to this partnership to create a significant impact for these businesses,” said Britannia marketing – general manager Shekhar Agarwal.

    Tilt Brand Solutions, which has been flexing its creative muscles in the Indian adland, now gets to work its dough across formats, platforms and consumer cohorts. Expect punchy campaigns that turn bakery basics into branding blockbusters.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Britannia on this exciting journey. With our shared commitment to innovation and creativity, we are confident of creating impactful and memorable work that resonates with audiences, while also driving growth and leadership in the category,” said Tilt Brand Solutions CBO Hari Krishnan.

  • Birla Open Minds makes a smart move with hands-on STEM spark in schools

    Birla Open Minds makes a smart move with hands-on STEM spark in schools

    MUMBAI: Plug in and play on! Birla Open Minds is rebooting the way students learn, swapping rote memorisation for robotics and chalkboards for circuits. In a bid to prepare students for the tech-first world, the education group has joined hands with Centrado Tech Solutions to roll out a structured, future-focused STEM programme across its schools.

    The initiative will bring hands-on learning in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Robotics into classrooms turning students into creators, not just consumers of technology. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), the curriculum is designed for all grades and will use co-branded STEM kits and interactive digital platforms to make science and technology more accessible and far more fun.

    Birla Open Minds managing director Nirvaan Birla said, “At Birla Open Minds, we are committed to shaping the leaders of tomorrow by providing an education that keeps pace with the evolving world. This collaboration with Centrado is a testament to our vision of fostering innovation and excellence in learning. By integrating hands-on STEM education into our curriculum, we are ensuring that our students don’t just keep up with technological advancements but become the pioneers of the future.”

    Centrado, known for its immersive STEAM-based learning ecosystem, will supply more than just tech. The programme includes teacher training, onboarding support, video-led learning, and real-time assessments, ensuring seamless integration and sustained impact.

    Centrado Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd founder & managing director Anuradha added, “Centrado is proud to collaborate with Birla Open Minds in shaping the future of education through STEM. Our goal is to spark curiosity and enhance problem-solving abilities among students. By integrating AI, IoT, and Robotics, we are enabling the next generation to think critically and embrace technological advancements with confidence.”

    What sets the programme apart is its dual model of learning. Students will dive into collaborative, project-based learning in school, while also exploring real-world concepts independently at home. The idea is to give them both structure and freedom, a potent mix for sparking innovation.

    In a world where algorithms are shaping everything from playlists to policies, this collaboration aims to shape the next generation of problem-solvers who can code, construct, and creatively navigate complexity. For the students of Birla Open Minds, STEM is no longer just an acronym, it’s a way of thinking.

  • Jeel Gandhi takes the wheel at Under 25 to drive India’s youth revolution

    Jeel Gandhi takes the wheel at Under 25 to drive India’s youth revolution

    MUMBAI: In a move that’s equal parts strategic and symbolic, Under 25 — the largest youth-focused media and community network in India — just handed over the keys to Jeel Gandhi as its new CEO. The announcement came on 8 April 2025, with Collective Artists Network naming her the official boss of vibes, vision, and viral reach.

    And let’s be honest, she’s already been running the show. Since joining Under 25, Jeel has turned youthful buzz into real-world impact. Under her leadership, the platform has:

    1    Hosted 100 Summits at Campus (SACs)

    2    Expanded to 30+ cities

    3    Reached 1.5 lakh students offline

    4    Crossed 300 million digital views

    5    Clocked over 500,000 app downloads

    6    Created a Rs 3 crore impact on student wallets

    Not to mention, 40,000 students have paid for experiences via the app — a gen z-approved metric if there ever was one.

    “Under 25 has always been about creating opportunities and building a movement that empowers young minds… Our focus will remain on scaling our impact, amplifying student voices, and creating transformative experiences,” said Under 25’s new CEO, Gandhi.

    This isn’t just a corporate appointment. It’s a generational handover. With her finger firmly on the gen z pulse and a knack for turning memes into meaningful metrics, Jeel has built Under 25 into more than a youth network — it’s a launchpad.

    “Under 25 is a trailblazer in the youth space, and Jeel’s leadership has been instrumental… Her vision and drive will be key to unlocking new avenues of impact,” said Collective Artists Network founder & group CEO Vijay Subramaniam.

    Now with Gandhi officially in the hot seat, the mission is clear: Get India’s youth ready for life — whether they’re founding startups, finding passions, or figuring out how to change the world one swipe at a time.

    This new chapter isn’t just about scaling. It’s about skills, confidence, exposure, and building a community that thinks beyond the syllabus and into the stratosphere.

  • Curry Nation bags Jaihind’s ad brief with full sleeves rolled and strategy stitched

    Curry Nation bags Jaihind’s ad brief with full sleeves rolled and strategy stitched

    MUMBAI: Curry Nation has just tailored itself into the thick of things with Jaihind, one of Pune’s oldest and most trusted menswear retail chains. On 3 April 2025, the indie ad agency known for transforming commodity brands into cultural powerhouses clinched the integrated communications mandate for Jaihind. And this wasn’t your average pitch win—it came hot on the heels of the agency’s signature ‘UNLIMIT’ workshop, a no-holds-barred brand therapy session that helped reposition Jaihind from a ‘men’s only store’ to a more expansive ‘men’s mall’.

    Translation? It’s not just a store—it’s the destination for anyone identifying anywhere on the boy-to-man fashion spectrum.

    Curry Nation will now suit up to handle Jaihind’s entire branding wardrobe—from social media and campaign design to community building and multichannel storytelling. Data tracking, long-term relationship nurturing, and brand personality polishing are all part of the job description.

    “The process followed by Curry Nation of understanding our business inside out is something commendable… the conclusions made us see the whole being and not just parts,” said Jaihind CMD Dinesh Jain in a note that reads part testimonial, part poetic mic drop.

    Jaihind CMD Dinesh Jain; Curry Nation founder Nagessh Pannaswami

    Curry Nation founder Nagessh Pannaswami added, “The UNLIMIT workshop is one of our tools… to provide a platform for uninhibited breakthrough ideation on the business, the brand and the product.”

    Jaihind has been on a style evolution of its own—from housing just fabrics and a few readymades to now boasting eight multi-brand stores across Pune, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nashik. With Curry Nation’s strategic flair and Jaihind’s legacy swag, this isn’t just a rebrand. It’s a retail renaissance dressed to impress.

  • Sharpline Broadcast snaps up 51 per cent in Unayur to spice up its ayurvedic game

    Sharpline Broadcast snaps up 51 per cent in Unayur to spice up its ayurvedic game

    MUMBAI: In a twist more fragrant than a bottle of sandalwood oil, Sharpline Broadcast Limited, a media player with an eye on diversification, has acquired a controlling 51 per cent stake in Unayur Marketing Private Limited—a company better known for ayurvedic elixirs than evening news. And yes, it’s a pivot. A juicy one.

    On 3 April 2025, the company officially disclosed what had originally been approved way back on 11 February 2025: a Rs 9 crore deal to scoop up 5,123 equity shares in Unayur from shareholder Sahil Khan. Sharpline has now confirmed that the agreement will turn Unayur into a fully-fledged subsidiary, pending completion of standard conditions.

    So what took so long to tell the world? A minor whoopsie in internal processes, apparently.

    “While the intimation was duly signed on 11 February 2025, due to an inadvertent oversight… there was an unintended delay in uploading the same,” the company said in a sheepish note to the BSE. The lapse was fixed on 31 March 2025, and the compliance machinery, we’re told, is now firmly greased.

    So why Unayur? Because the herbal wellness train is on full throttle, and Sharpline wants a ticket.

    The Delhi-based Unayur, incorporated in 2019, reported a turnover of Rs 66.30 crore in FY 2023-24. Its track record includes Rs 96.66 crore in FY 2022-23 and Rs 77.26 crore the year before that. The company deals in Unani and Ayurvedic medicines, herbal products, natural health goodies, essential oils, and is even eyeing clinics and hospitals for the holistic health crowd.

    According to Sharpline, “The Company wants to diversify its current business and acquisition of a company with the desired business line is the best way to venture into the same.”

    None of the promoter group has any personal stake in Unayur beyond the acquisition, and no regulatory approvals are needed. The transaction is cash-only, with a one-month timeline to wrap it all up. A classic arm’s-length deal, in every sense.

    From digital screens to neem creams, Sharpline’s strategy is now clearly shooting beyond the broadcast bandwidth. Will this cross-industry cocktail of content and capsules pay off?

    Time, and perhaps turmeric, will tell.

  • Cheil bags Jitender Dabas as CEO to steer Cheil X into bold new orbit

    Cheil bags Jitender Dabas as CEO to steer Cheil X into bold new orbit

    MUMBAI: There’s a new sherpa in the adland Himalayas, and his backpack’s full of strategy, swagger, and serious hardware. Cheil south west Asia has appointed Jitender Dabas—known in industry circles as Jeetu—as CEO of Cheil X, its independent, full-service agency tasked with handling non-Samsung accounts. And in classic Dabas fashion, he’s coming in with more hats than a fashion week runway.

    Effective 3 April 2025, Dabas took charge of Cheil X’s offices in Delhi and Mumbai, with an additional group-wide brief as chief strategy officer for Cheil SWA. Translation: he’s now got his fingers in nearly every pie under the Cheil umbrella, from digital media and influencer marketing to content production, retail design and performance-driven campaigns.

    Dabas joins from McCann Worldgroup, where he wore the twin hats of COO & CSO for India, while also serving as head of effectiveness for APAC. And yes, that’s a lot of hats—but if anyone can juggle strategy, operations, and creative firepower without breaking a sweat, it’s Jeetu.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Jitender Dabas to the Cheil SWA Group and family. His reputation as a professional and leader precedes him, and his appointment marks a significant milestone as Cheil X enters its next phase of growth and transformation… There couldn’t have been anyone better than Jeetu to drive this intersection of creativity, strategy, and technology into a new future-focused agency,” said Cheil India MD and Cheil SWA president, Carlos Limseob Chung.

    With an IIT Delhi pedigree and accolades galore—including the WPP Atticus Award and jury roles at Cannes Lions, WARC, and Effies—Dabas has shaped brand narratives and marketing effectiveness across WPP and IPG for decades. His work has snagged more than 100 awards, from India to international arenas.

    Cheil X is no ordinary outfit. It’s the agency group’s creative spearhead beyond the Samsung portfolio, and with Experience Commerce, Cylndr, and Newrx under its wing, it’s a full-blown warship of marketing muscle.

    Dabas, never one to play it safe, laid out his vision with characteristic clarity, “I am really excited about leading Cheil X at the pivotal moment in its journey in India. As an industry, we are all acutely aware of the change that is upon us… Cheil is a global leader when it comes to solutions at the intersection of creativity and technology, and I am excited about partnering businesses and brands in India… I’m looking forward to creating something future-facing: an agency that doesn’t just keep up with change but leads it.”

    With Cheil doubling down on tech-led storytelling, Dabas isn’t just stepping into a role—he’s launching into a full-blown mission. Consider the advertising galaxy officially on notice.

  • Digidarts hits bullseye as it zooms into MENA with Careem in its crosshairs

    Digidarts hits bullseye as it zooms into MENA with Careem in its crosshairs

    MUMBAI: The Indian digital hotshot with a name as sharp as its strategies, Digidarts is now gunning for the middle east. After a decade of orchestrating 360° digital glory across D2C, fintech, FMCG, and healthcare brands back home, the performance marketing maven is stepping into high-octane markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. And it’s not coming quietly.

    Leading the charge? A juicy new mandate from Careem, the region’s go-to app for everything from rides to groceries. With Careem in the bag, Digidarts has fired the first shot in its MENA conquest. And it’s aiming for results, not just reach.

    “The middle east is a dynamic market with immense potential, and we’re excited to help brands scale with performance-driven strategies. At Digidarts, we don’t just run campaigns, we turn ambition into sustainable digital success,” said Digidarts founder & CEO Siddhartha Vanvani.

    The expansion is well-timed. Digital adoption across the UAE and Saudi Arabia is booming faster than a Tiktok trend, and Kuwait’s quick commerce space is turning into a marketer’s dream. Enter Digidarts, armed with AI-powered analytics, precision targeting, performance creatives and full-funnel conversion wizardry.

    The agency’s ‘Bullseye Performance’ philosophy means business—literally. With a proven record of scaling over 100 brands and delivering ROI like a Wall Street trader on a caffeine rush, Digidarts plans to dominate with data-led, AI-powered audience segmentation and paid media solutions that actually convert.

    From brand awareness to conversions, retention and everything in between, the Indian agency promises to bring its no-fluff, all-fire approach to middle eastern brands tired of marketing mediocrity. The message? It’s not just digital. It’s domination.

  • WPP pops the top on global Heineken® brief with AI-fuelled shopper push

    WPP pops the top on global Heineken® brief with AI-fuelled shopper push

    MUMBAI: When beer meets bots, things get fizzy fast. In a bold shake-up of its global shopper marketing playbook, Heineken® has handed the keys to WPP, appointing it as the global shopper marketing and commerce partner for its entire beer bouquet-including Heineken®, Heineken® 0.0, and the sparkling new Heineken® Silver.

    The move adds another frothy layer to WPP’s ongoing relationship with Heineken and plants the agency group squarely at the intersection of retail, AI and beer-fuelled brand storytelling. The charge will be led by VML Amsterdam, the creative shop tasked with giving beer lovers everywhere a more compelling reason to grab a bottle or two.

    The real power behind the pint? WPP Open, the company’s AI-powered operating system. It’ll steer everything from in-store magic to in-bar brand presence and ecommerce razzle-dazzle. Expect smarter retail activations, Formula 1-fuelled engagement, and UEFA Champions League-level spectacle in your next six-pack.

    “We were impressed by WPP’s deep capabilities in shopper marketing, including their ability to drive higher efficiencies through WPP Open, underpinned by advanced AI. In addition, WPP’s creativity and deep understanding of the Heineken® brand makes them the right partner to increase the impact of shopper touchpoints in our marketing mix, strengthening connections with consumers and drive sustainable growth,” said BTL Heineken Brand global head Rutger van der Stegen.

    The WPP crew will operate from their Amsterdam Campus and collaborate closely with the global Heineken® team to roll out campaigns in key markets worldwide. This goes beyond ads—we’re talking integrated shopper journeys, tailor-made for taprooms and TikTok feeds alike.

    WPP Netherlands chief client officer and Heineken global client lead, Rogier Leliveld added, “We could not be prouder to expand our partnership with Heineken® and leverage WPP Open’s AI capabilities to create world-class experiences for its brands… With the added excitement of UEFA Champions League and F1, the potential of this partnership is  tremendous.”

    WPP already has skin in the game. Ogilvy manages Heineken brand work in markets like Brazil, Spain and Mexico, while Design Bridge and Partners handled the brew giant’s 150 anniversary campaign. Now, with AI on tap and commerce in the crosshairs, Heineken® looks set to pour itself straight into the hearts—and shopping baskets—of millions.