Tag: brand storytelling

  • Aniruddha Basu named national head of ABP One, driving growth strategy

    Aniruddha Basu named national head of ABP One, driving growth strategy

    MUMBAI: ABP Group, one of India’s most respected media conglomerates, has elevated Aniruddha Basu as national head of ABP One, its integrated media solutions arm. The move signals the group’s sharpened focus on delivering high-impact, client-centric campaigns in an increasingly competitive media landscape.

    With over a decade of experience at ABP, Basu brings a nuanced understanding of advertiser expectations, content innovation, and regional market dynamics. In his new role, he will lead strategic direction and business growth for ABP One, which acts as a bridge between brands and audiences by offering a suite of services including creative content, data-led media strategy, and omnichannel execution.

    The group credits Basu with playing a pivotal role in building ABP One into a trusted partner for national and regional marketers alike. He is widely acknowledged for his collaborative leadership style and ability to translate business objectives into engaging, measurable campaigns that stand out in a cluttered media environment.

    Industry observers say Basu’s elevation reflects a broader trend within Indian legacy media houses to empower leaders who can navigate changing client needs, leverage first-party data, and build long-term value through integrated brand experiences.

  • Adarsh Mishra signs on as content lead at Viewtrade to steer strategic storytelling

    Adarsh Mishra signs on as content lead at Viewtrade to steer strategic storytelling

    MUMBAI: Adarsh Mishra has joined Viewtrade Holding Corporation as lead, content, signalling a potential pivot in how the financial infrastructure company approaches brand engagement. With nearly a decade of experience building strategic content ecosystems for new-age platforms, Mishra’s appointment suggests Viewtrade is tightening its focus on narrative-led outreach, both client-facing and public-facing.

    Viewtrade, headquartered in Jersey City and founded in 2000, has long operated at the backend of fintech enablement. The company provides brokerage and technology infrastructure to financial institutions, fintech ventures and wealth managers, covering everything from APIs and white-label platforms to onboarding tools and post-trade services.

    Now, with Mishra’s entry, content may no longer play a background role. Best known for his work with creators and brands like WTF by Nikhil Kamath, BeerBiceps, Figuring Out, and Josh Talks, Mishra brings deep experience in creating content IPs that align creativity with business intent.

    While the specifics of his remit at Viewtrade remain under wraps, industry observers suggest he may help build a structured content strategy—spanning educational assets, thought leadership and platform-led storytelling to support scale, customer enablement, and global reach.

    The move also underlines Viewtrade’s ongoing ambition to remain competitive in a cluttered fintech stack where differentiation increasingly lies in narrative. With financial literacy, onboarding UX, and retention becoming as much about trust as tools, Mishra’s presence could prove instrumental.

  • Edstead premieres ‘Molecules of Hope’ to spotlight India’s healthcare changemakers

    Edstead premieres ‘Molecules of Hope’ to spotlight India’s healthcare changemakers

    MUMBAI: In an evocative blend of insight and emotion, Edstead, the research-first documentary studio, has launched Molecules of Hope, a three-part series that uncovers the beating heart of India’s healthcare transformation. The series, which premiered today, journeys through the stories of Entod Pharmaceuticals, UE Lifesciences, and Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services—three organisations pushing boundaries across medicine, technology, and accessibility.

    From research labs to rural clinics, the series captures real-world impact with unvarnished intimacy. Each episode offers a deep dive into the work of companies breaking barriers—whether it’s driving cutting-edge ophthalmic research, delivering early breast cancer detection in underserved areas, or building hospital networks for the Bharat hinterland. Through authentic storytelling and carefully curated narratives, Edstead showcases the layered realities behind the headlines—where innovation, human intent, and systemic change meet.

    “India’s healthcare sector stands at a critical inflection point, and we saw a powerful opportunity to document this transformation through purposeful, human-centered storytelling”, said Edstead founder Shekhar Bhattacharjee. “This series is not just about science or systems; it’s about the people at the heart of progress. By collaborating with organisations driving real change, we’ve been able to craft narratives that resonate deeply and reflect the tangible impact unfolding across the country.”

    Molecules of Hope emerges at a time when India’s healthcare ecosystem is being rewritten—not just by large hospitals or pharma giants, but by lean startups, community health pioneers, and tech-led disruptors. Edstead’s production not only elevates these voices but also bridges storytelling with purpose, turning brand impact into cultural narrative.

    Through a mix of moving imagery, lived testimonials, and context-rich reporting, the series positions Edstead at the forefront of meaningful branded content. As healthcare becomes more decentralised, inclusive, and technologically driven, Molecules of Hope captures the unsung moments and unlikely heroes shaping this new era.

    The series is now streaming across Edstead’s digital platforms and partner channels.

  • Infectious Advertising hires ex-filmmaker Siddharth Kumar as creative director

    Infectious Advertising hires ex-filmmaker Siddharth Kumar as creative director

    MUMBAI: Siddharth Kumar has returned to the ad world—this time with a few reels under his belt and a mission to shake up creative norms. Infectious Advertising has appointed him as its new creative director, adding a splash of film-school flair to its creative stable.

    The Mumbai-based agency announced the appointment on 23 April 2025. Kumar, who briefly swapped ad scripts for screenplays, wrote, directed, and produced four short films that continue to play the global festival circuit.

    But his roots run deep in the agency world. With over 15 years of experience across marquee firms like Ogilvy, McCann, Leo Burnett, VML, and Publicis, Kumar has helped craft campaigns for household names such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, Vodafone, SBI, Airtel, Nestlé, and Mastercard.

    “My goal is to help build a culture where storytelling thrives. I believe my role is to push the envelope, stir things up, and encourage new kinds of madness,” said Kumar.

    Infectious creative chairman & co-founder Ramanuj Shastry had high praise, “Sid has impressed me in the short time that I have known him. He is a solid writer and great human being. I wish him a great innings at Infectious.”

    creative chairman & co-founder Ramanuj Shastry; CCO Akshay Kapnadak

    CCO Akshay Kapnadak echoed the sentiment, “Siddharth is passionate about storytelling, curious about people, enthusiastic about the business and has a great work ethic. I’m looking forward to see what we all can build together.”

    With this move, Infectious seems keen to turn up the creative voltage, bringing together script sensibilities, ad world grit, and a fresh approach to narrative-led campaigns.

  • Salt just got tastier as Sudeep Puthyathaya steps in as executive creative director

    Salt just got tastier as Sudeep Puthyathaya steps in as executive creative director

    MUMBAI: Just when you thought salt was merely seasoning your fries, along comes Salt Brand Solutions, sprinkling some creative magic into its leadership pot. Picture this: seasoned storyteller Sudeep Puthyathaya struts into Salt’s Mumbai office, bringing with him over 23 years of crafting iconic brand stories and enough creative spice to make even a bland briefing taste delicious. Could this be the recipe for ‘Salt 2.0’ we’ve all been waiting for?

    On 11 March 2025, Salt Brand Solutions announced the hiring of Puthyathaya as its new executive creative director, joining the existing duo—executive director Sagar Mahabaleshwarkar and director Mahesh Chauhan (Mash)—who’ve been shaking things up for quite some time.

    Welcoming the newest spice in Salt’s creative curry, Mash said, “This is a significant step towards further strengthening Salt’s creative leadership.” He further added, “with Sagar, Sudeep, and me coming together, it definitely will add great value to our clients, and this makes me truly excited for Salt 2.0.” Indeed, what good is curry without the right spices?

    Echoing his sentiments, Mahabaleshwarkar remarked, “Sudeep brings a deep understanding of storytelling that connects with real people. His craft in creating human insight-led narratives perfectly complements the creative force we are building at Salt.” Translation? Expect ads that tug at your heartstrings—or at least your purse strings.

    Puthyathaya isn’t exactly new to the storytelling circus. Having juggled creative campaigns for bigwigs like Mercedes-Benz India, Taj Hotels, Royal Enfield, J&J, and Citibank, he’s now ready to spice things up at Salt. With a passion for ‘human-centred narratives’, his style is less boardroom monotony and more Netflix binge-worthy storytelling.

    “I’ve always believed that the most powerful brands are built on stories that resonate at a human level,” Puthyathaya said. “Salt’s culture of bold, insight-driven thinking is a perfect fit for the kind of work I want to create. I’m excited to collaborate with Mash and Sagar to craft narratives that strengthens brand narratives and leave a lasting impact.” Forget salt bae; it’s story bae season now.

    Adding credibility to his creative cooking skills, Puthyathaya has judged the prestigious New York Festivals and Abby’s, proving he’s not just here to cook up stories—he knows how to taste-test them too.

    Founded in 2011 by Mash, Salt Brand Solutions prides itself on being the invisible yet indispensable seasoning of the branding world. With Sudeep now joining Mash and Sagar, expect the creativity (and the seasoning) to be dialled up to eleven, turning more heads, breaking more norms, and making brand storytelling anything but bland.

  • Ogilvy elevates Sujoy Roy & Nitin Srivastava as Gurugram CCOs

    Ogilvy elevates Sujoy Roy & Nitin Srivastava as Gurugram CCOs

    MUMBAI: Ogilvy has turned up the creative heat in Gurugram with the appointment of Sujoy Roy and Nitin Srivastava as its new chief creative officers. The duo—both longtime Ogilvy stalwarts—has a track record of crafting bold, award-winning campaigns that not only rake in metal but also leave an imprint on culture.

    Kainaz Karmakar, Harshad Rajadhyaksha, and Sukesh Nayak, chief creative officers of Ogilvy India, cheered on the promotion, “Sujoy and Nitin are Ogilvy stalwarts. Over the years both have created a stellar body of brave work that has helped grow business and reputation for their partners. Their benchmark-setting work across mediums has created impact and earned numerous recognitions locally and globally. But more importantly, it has also earned the love and admiration of our consumers and clients. We are thrilled to see our people step up and take on senior leadership roles. We believe the two of them, along with their partners, will push the boundaries of work. Their individual love for design and ideas will come together to write a new chapter for Ogilvy Gurugram.”

    Roy is as Ogilvy as it gets. Fresh out of college two decades ago, he walked into the agency wide-eyed and hungry—and never left. Over the years, he has hopped between Ogilvy’s Mumbai, Kolkata, and Colombo offices, leaving a creative footprint wherever he went.

    Despite his official title as ‘copywriter,’ Roy has never been boxed in. With a diploma in fine arts, he moves seamlessly between the worlds of art and copy, proving that great ideas don’t care about job descriptions. Seven years ago, he launched Ogilvy Design Cell, which he now leads across Ogilvy India, reinforcing his knack for blending design and storytelling.

    Roy’s work has left audiences and juries dazzled at Cannes, Clio, One Show, the London International Festival, Adfest Asia Pacific, and Young Guns. But he isn’t just here for the trophies—he’s here to make ads that stick. His roster of brands reads like a who’s who of business titans: Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Unilever, Marico, ITC, Asian Paints, Zandu, M P Birla, Pantaloons, and Eveready.

    Beyond national campaigns, Roy has been instrumental in shaping Ogilvy East, bringing Bengali-language advertising to new creative heights. His deep cultural insight has made his campaigns not just memorable but also wildly effective.

    Srivastava’s journey to the top is as colourful as his art. A painter-turned-designer-turned-art-director, Nitin has spent over 25 years proving that creativity has no boundaries. An alumnus of Delhi College of Art, with additional training at Central Saint Martins, London, he currently spearheads Ogilvy north’s luxury and beauty vertical.

    From Coca-Cola to Absolut, Chivas to MINI, and Incredible India to WWF, Srivastava has shaped some of the most iconic brand narratives. His work in the alcobev space for Pernod Ricard is legendary, helping shape brand identities that have stood the test of time.

    With over 100 awards—Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, Clio, London International, Adfest—Srivastava’s creative arsenal is stacked. His work has been featured in Communication Arts multiple times, and he has even made it to the publication’s list of the world’s most prominent art directors.

    When he’s not conjuring up bold brand campaigns, Srivastava balances his high-energy career with a laid-back personal life in Delhi, where he spends time with his dog, February—because of course, even his pet’s name has an artistic flair.

    With Roy and Srivastava at the creative helm, expect a whirlwind of bold ideas, groundbreaking design, and campaigns that push the envelope. Whether it’s a sharp one-liner, an immersive brand experience, or an out-of-the-box visual, Ogilvy Gurugram’s creative future looks bolder than ever.

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

    Agilitas snags ex-Bumble director Samarpita Samaddar for comms lead

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Vaynermedia Australia hires Denny Handlin to lead creative evolution

    Vaynermedia Australia hires Denny Handlin to lead creative evolution

    MUMBAI: If there’s one thing Vaynermedia Australia knows how to do, it’s making waves. Now, the agency is set to make an even bigger splash with the appointment of Denny Handlin as its new executive creative director. With Handlin at the helm, the agency is doubling down on its mission to redefine integrated, social-first marketing across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

    Handlin brings an enviable track record, having held leadership roles at Clemenger Group, Meta, and most recently, Tiktok ANZ, where he was head of global business marketing. From steering high-impact campaigns to leading powerhouse creative teams, he has built a reputation for crafting consumer-first strategies that deliver real business impact.

    Speaking about his new role, Handlin said, “I couldn’t be more excited for this new chapter at Vaynermedia, partnering with world-class clients to put social at the centre of everything we do. The team here is already known for its innovative, creative thinking, and I can’t wait to get started and push the boundaries of what’s possible in this space.”

    Reflecting on his time at Tiktok, he added, “I’ve called Tiktok my home for nearly five years, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had there. I’ve worked with an immensely talented team and am proud of what we’ve built together. I truly wish them all the best.”

    In his new role, Handlin will report to Australia country manager Karen Coleman and Vaynermedia’s head of creative for the Asia Pacific region Woei Hern Chan.

    “Denny brings the best of both worlds—a rare blend of big-agency creative expertise and deep platform experience. We’re in our next phase of growth, evolving beyond just great creative and media to a truly integrated, social-first approach that drives business results. Denny is not only an exceptional creative leader but also a builder of high-performance teams and culture—exactly what we need to shape what’s next,” said Coleman.

    With Vaynermedia charging full speed ahead into its next growth phase, Handlin’s appointment signals a commitment to pushing creative limits and delivering marketing that doesn’t just exist in the social space but dominates it.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Social Panga brings out ‘The Viral Union’ to power influencer marketing

    Social Panga brings out ‘The Viral Union’ to power influencer marketing

    MUMBAI: Social Panga is stepping up its game in the creator economy. The integrated creative and digital marketing agency has launched The Viral Union (TVU)—a dedicated influencer marketing vertical designed to bridge the gap between brands and content creators.

    Led by Sudarshan Kailash, TVU will offer brands 360-degree influencer solutions, spanning nano, micro, and macro influencers, talent partnerships, and performance-driven campaigns. With influencer marketing expected to grow at 25 per cent annually, reaching Rs 10,500 crore by 2027, Social Panga is seizing the opportunity to provide data-backed, scalable, and high-impact influencer marketing strategies.

    Social Panga co-founder Himanshu Arora underscored the significance of this move, “Influencer marketing is no longer an add-on—it’s a core strategy for brands looking to engage audiences authentically. The Viral Union is designed to bridge the gap between content creators and brand narratives, ensuring campaigns that not only drive visibility but also deliver tangible business impact. With TVU, we are doubling down on our commitment to data-backed, creative-first storytelling that truly resonates.”

    Social Panga co-founder Gaurav Arora echoed the sentiment, “We have always believed in deep vertical expertise and evolving with market dynamics. The Viral Union is a natural extension of this philosophy, bringing together data, creativity, and authenticity to drive meaningful engagement for brands. With TVU, we are strengthening our integrated ecosystem—complementing the production excellence of The Yellow Shutter and the creative ingenuity of Social Panga—to elevate brand storytelling and campaign impact.”

    Kailash emphasised the evolving nature of influencer marketing, “Influencer marketing is no longer just about visibility; it’s about delivering real impact. At The Viral Union, we are committed to building campaigns rooted in authenticity, backed by data, and driven by creativity. Our goal is to set new benchmarks in the industry, helping brands connect with audiences in more meaningful and effective ways.”

    TVU is already working with major brands such as Domino’s, AMD, Kit Kat, Bumble, Swiggy, Tata Motors, Pepperfry, and 3M. With plans to scale influencer-driven strategies across multiple platforms, industries, and audience segments, the vertical is set to redefine how brands leverage the power of digital storytelling.

    Social Panga, a part of LS Digital, also operates a production house called The Yellow Shutter, further enhancing its creative capabilities.