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Tag: brand strategy

  • Goafest day two blends bold ideas, brand battles and billboard truths under the Goan sun

    Goafest day two blends bold ideas, brand battles and billboard truths under the Goan sun

    MUMBAI: The second day at Goafest 2025 closed on a power-packed note, stitching together the evolving face of leadership, storytelling, advertising, and digital strategy with candid charm and calculated insight.

    The post-lunch energy got a creative jolt with the session ‘WTF is Creative Leadership Now?’, where industry veterans Bobby Pawar, Sonal Dabral, Senthil Kumar and Lulu Raghavan broke down the evolving role of the CCO. “If you’re not in an agency where the CCO is central, you’re in the wrong one”, Bobby declared, dubbing the creative head the “instigator-in-chief”. Lulu called for reinstating the CCO as the creative spine, not a spreadsheet slave. Sonal framed the role as a bridge between brand vision and talent culture. Rohit Ohri summed it up: “The CCO today isn’t the loudest in the room but the one who builds safe, collaborative spaces”.

    Next, Amazon MX Player’s Karan Bedi spotlighted the streaming surge. With over 1.4 billion downloads and 250 million active users, MX is doubling down on drama, romance, and reality content across Amazon platforms. “Streaming video ads are outperforming other formats in brand recall”, Bedi noted, predicting digital video advertising will eclipse TV within a year. He laid out a full-funnel strategy integrating shopping signals, micro-dramas and show-based storytelling to help brands find their tribe.

    The attention then shifted outdoors in the IOAA-backed panel ‘The Last Unskippable Medium’. Times OOH’s Shekhar Narayanaswami noted, “You can’t swipe past a billboard”. Ajay Kakar called for killing the ‘digital vs non-digital’ binary. Promita Saha urged brands to go beyond metros, tapping cultural hotspots like melas. Sandeep Bommireddi argued that digital is a horizontal layer across all media. Dipankar Sanyal closed with a reminder: “OOH isn’t guesswork anymore. It’s data-backed, measurable and fiercely effective”.

    In a lighter yet no-nonsense fireside chat titled ‘Why So Serious?’, Gautam Gambhir disarmed the crowd with brutal honesty. “10,000 runs don’t matter. Match-winning moments define you”, he said. Speaking on leadership and legacy, Gambhir urged youth to make peace with mistakes: “If you take a decision with the right intent, it’s okay to be wrong”. His message: play for the common man, not the broadcaster.

    The storytelling baton passed to ‘Rewriting the Rules of Storytelling’ featuring Suniel Shetty and Deepak Dhar. Shetty spoke of action, discipline and emotional arcs. “Fitness isn’t just muscles, it’s sustainable health”, he said, describing Hunter Season 2 as more heart than hammer. Dhar unpacked Rise and Fall as a metaphorical hustle between privilege and grit. “Great content is built on process and passion”, he said.

    The day wound down with Wine & Cheese hosted by Amazon MX Player, followed by a musical showdown at ‘Advertising Rocks’, giving agency folks their moment to rock the mic. Delegates gathered for a breezy sundowner powered by Truecaller & Big Live before the night turned up with Abby Awards 2025. Set India, Sony Sab and Sharechat handed out honours in digital, design, PR, mobile, and broadcaster categories.

    Masterclasses by Shahad Anand (MediaKart), Sana Shaikh (Flipkart), Nick Eagleton (D&AD), and Senthil Kumar (VML) provided hands-on insights into next-gen ads, innovation pipelines, storytelling craft, and split-second narratives.

    As Goa’s salty breeze cooled the creative heat, day two proved that in a world of scrolls and skips, stories, strategy and serendipity still rule the game.

    Stay tuned as Goafest 2025 enters its final day. For the day three agenda, visit: https://www.goafest.com/goafest2025/event-schedule.php

  • Jigsaw snags ‘Most Promising Research Agency’ crown at Unilever Awards

    Jigsaw snags ‘Most Promising Research Agency’ crown at Unilever Awards

    MUMBAI: In a world drowning in data but starved for real insight, one agency has managed to cut through the noise—Jigsaw. The consumer research and strategy powerhouse has bagged the coveted title of ‘Most Promising & Emerging Research Agency of the Year’ at the prestigious Unilever Insight Excellence Awards. If research had a red carpet, Jigsaw just strutted down it in style.

    This milestone victory is not just about shiny trophies—it’s a testament to Jigsaw’s fearless approach to decoding the Indian consumer. Led by the indomitable Rutu Mody Kamdar, the agency has made a name for itself by challenging conventional wisdom and diving deep into the cultural and behavioural undercurrents that drive consumer choices. Forget stale Powerpoint decks—Jigsaw delivers insights that shake up boardrooms and shape business strategies.

    For Kamdar, this award is more than just industry recognition—it’s a nod to the power of curiosity, culture, and cutting-edge research. “Great clients make agencies do great work, and Unilever has undoubtedly set the gold standard. Their commitment to depth, clarity, and continuous refinement challenges us to push our own limits every day. This award belongs not only to our team at Jigsaw but to every Unilever team that has placed their trust in us, inspiring us to take on complex, thought-provoking projects that truly make a difference,” she said.

    Jigsaw’s meteoric rise in the research world is no accident. The agency’s sharp cultural intuition, deep behavioural insights, and innovative methodologies have placed it firmly in the league of research pioneers. By transforming dry data into compelling, strategic goldmines, Jigsaw is redefining what research means in an era of information overload.

    Winning at the Unilever Insight Excellence Awards cements Jigsaw’s reputation as a trailblazer. With an insatiable hunger for uncovering consumer truths, the agency is all set to scale new heights—turning complex problems into clear, actionable solutions that fuel brand growth.

    So, if you’re a brand looking for insights that don’t just inform but inspire, you might want to get in line—because Jigsaw is playing in the big leagues now.

  • Dabur sticks with Starcom, retains Rs 500 crore media mandate in bold move

    Dabur sticks with Starcom, retains Rs 500 crore media mandate in bold move

    MUMBAI: In the high-stakes world of media accounts, loyalty is a rare commodity—but not for Dabur India. According to sources, the FMCG powerhouse has doubled down on its long-standing partnership with Starcom India, keeping the agency on board for its Rs 500 crore media mandate while merging its digital responsibilities under one roof. If this isn’t a power move, what is?

    Dabur first appointed Starcom as its media agency back in 2015, taking control away from multiple agencies. Since then, the two have built a formidable partnership, and this latest decision signals unwavering trust in Starcom’s capabilities. Industry sources peg the retained account’s value between Rs 450 crore and Rs 500 crore, making it one of the biggest wins in recent advertising history.

    Starcom isn’t the only player to have handled Dabur’s digital business. Dentsu X was entrusted with its digital mandate in April 2022, while Digidarts was recently roped in to fine-tune aspects of the company’s online strategy. But with this consolidation, Dabur appears to be streamlining its media operations under a single agency, ensuring tighter control and a sharper strategic focus.

    Dabur, a titan in hair care, oral care, healthcare, skincare, home care, and food & beverages, has kept a close eye on its advertising expenses. Its Q3 FY2025 ad spend stood at Rs 226 crore, down 7.9 per cent from the Rs 244 crore spent in the same quarter last year. This marks the second consecutive quarter of muted ad expenditure, following Rs 225 crore spent during the previous festive season in Q2 2025.

    Despite a more conservative ad budget, Dabur’s financials remained strong. The company’s net income for Q3 FY2025 saw a 2 per cent rise, reaching Rs 516 crore from Rs 506 crore in the previous year. Meanwhile, operating revenue climbed 3 per cent, hitting Rs 3,355 crore, up from Rs 3,255 crore in the same quarter last year.

    With Starcom at the helm, Dabur’s advertising playbook is getting a strategic revamp. 

  • 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.

  • Om Jha levels up: From Pepsico prodigy to global media maestro

    Om Jha levels up: From Pepsico prodigy to global media maestro

    MUMBAI: Five and a half years ago, Om Jha took his first sip of Pepsico’s high-energy corporate culture—nervous, excited, and ready to shake things up. Now, with a portfolio of impactful marketing, media, and data-driven campaigns under his belt, he is stepping into the future with a brand-new role in the company’s global media & transformation team. From Gurgaon to Plano, Texas, Jha’s journey has been nothing short of fizz-tastic. But what’s next? Let’s pop the cap and find out.

    “I was stepping in to do something I had never done before,” Jha reminisced about his early days at Pepsico. “Thanks to Vishal Kaul for hiring me and introducing me to the world of possibilities, and thanks to George Kovoor and Anshul Khanna for letting me define my own role with every passing year.”

    Jha didn’t just dip his toes into the Pepsico pool—he dived in headfirst. As head of media & partnerships (2019–2022), he spearheaded efforts to connect Pepsico’s legendary brands with consumers using a potent mix of media, data, and technology. He led high-stakes advertising and marketing negotiations, ensuring every penny squeezed out more efficiency and effectiveness.

    By 2022, he stepped up as director – media, data, marketing capabilities & partnerships. Here, he architected a robust first-party data-led marketing infrastructure, setting the stage for cutting-edge digital campaigns and award-winning brand partnerships.

    Fast forward to March 2025, and Jha is now embracing his biggest role yet—director of global media capabilities. This new challenge places him at the intersection of global strategy and transformation, a role tailor-made for someone who thrives on the ever-evolving media landscape.

    But Pepsico is just one stop in Jha’s dynamic career. Before this, he was assistant vice president – customer strategy at Disney Star (2018-2019), where he led the strategy vertical for the northern region, handling TV and digital ad sales revenue across multiple entertainment portfolios. Prior to that, he spent nearly two years as senior director – strategy at GroupM, simplifying media and technology for brands while driving insights-based performance marketing.

    Jha’s journey also took him through the telecom world. At Airtel (2015-2016), he headed business planning & consumer insights for the Delhi circle, overseeing operational strategy, financial planning, and product pricing. Before that, he honed his consulting expertise at KPMG India (2014-2015), managing large-scale business transformation projects.

    His early career included a five-year stint at Idea Cellular Ltd, where he worked as chief of staff in the MD’s office, focusing on corporate strategy and operations. He also gained experience in engineering and manufacturing at Mahindra Group (2005-2007), before transitioning into business roles.

    “A huge thank you to Shyam Venugopal and Abhishek Jadon for this opportunity,” Jha said, his excitement as palpable as the fizz in a freshly opened Pepsi can.

    Corporate careers are a bit like carbonated drinks—always under pressure, occasionally shaken, but ultimately, they’re all about making a splash. And if Jha’s track record is anything to go by, he’s about to pop the lid on something truly groundbreaking.

  • Aarthy Sridhar shifts into the fast lane as CMO of Gulf Oil India

    Aarthy Sridhar shifts into the fast lane as CMO of Gulf Oil India

    MUMBAI: Aarthy Sridhar is shifting gears—from FMCG powerhouse to the high-octane world of lubricants. After an illustrious 14-year journey at Hindustan Unilever (HUL), she is now stepping into her new role as chief marketing officer at Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd. And if her track record is anything to go by, the brand is about to get a turbocharged marketing revamp.

    Sridhar, an IIM Ahmedabad alumna and seasoned marketing leader, has built an impressive career at Unilever, where she drove consumer engagement and brand strategy across multiple categories. Now, she’s set to bring her expertise to a completely different playing field—one filled with high-performance engines, cutting-edge innovation, and a fiercely competitive market.

    In her new role, Sridhar will oversee brand strategy, product innovation, and customer engagement for Gulf Oil India. Known for its strong presence in automotive and industrial lubricants, the company is gearing up for its next phase of growth, and Sridhar is at the helm, ready to fuel its marketing evolution.

    Sridhar expressed her excitement about the new challenge on Linkedin, stating, “Firsts are always special, and after nearly 14 years with my first job at HUL, this one feels especially significant. A truly incredible stint—filled with growth, learning, and countless memories that I will cherish forever. Today, I’m excited to announce the next chapter of my journey as chief marketing officer at Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited.”

    Sridhar’s transition from FMCG to the automotive lubricant industry is an exciting shift that highlights her adaptability and marketing acumen. Gulf Oil, a brand synonymous with endurance, performance, and legacy, is poised to leverage her deep understanding of consumer behaviour and brand-building strategies to stay ahead in the race.

    During her tenure at Unilever, Sridhar spearheaded multiple successful campaigns and strategic initiatives, leaving an indelible mark on the FMCG sector. Now, as she takes charge at Gulf Oil, industry insiders are keen to see how she will apply her data-driven, consumer-focused approach to an industry known for its legacy-driven brand loyalty.

    With 14 years of Unilever experience under her belt, a sharp strategic mind, and an unmatched passion for marketing, Sridhar is ready to hit the ground running—or rather, hit the accelerator full throttle.

     

  • Amit Gujral joins Aarambh Communications as strategic advisor

    Amit Gujral joins Aarambh Communications as strategic advisor

    MUMBAI: When it comes to marketing mastery, few names shine as brightly as Amit Gujral—and now, he’s bringing his magic to Aarambh Communications as a strategic advisor. The former CMO of JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. and LG Electronics India Ltd. is swapping corporate boardrooms for brand storytelling, and with 29 years of experience in branding, advertising, and product marketing, he’s here to ensure Aarambh’s clients don’t just make noise but own the conversation. After all, why just shine when you can dominate?

    Aarambh Communications, co-founded by Sukriti Vajpayee and Himanshu Upadhyay, has carved a niche for itself across FinTech, Healthcare, Lifestyle, NBFCs, MarTech, Consumer, Real Estate, and Ed-Tech. Now, with Gujral at the advisory helm, the firm is poised to take brand storytelling to the next level, blending creative brilliance with sharp market strategy.

    Gujral is no stranger to game-changing campaigns. At JK Tyre, he led the celebrated “JK Tyre Desh Ka Tyre – Jab Hindustan Mile Hindustan Se”, an ad that didn’t just sell tyres—it ignited national pride. His tenure at LG Electronics was equally iconic, spearheading branding initiatives that cemented LG’s leadership in consumer electronics.

    Sharing his excitement, Gujral stated, “Marketing and branding are not just professions for me – they are a lifelong passion. As I begin this fresh innings, I’m excited to embrace this role of mentor, helping businesses navigate their growth journeys with impactful strategies. Aarambh Communications’ track record of creating lasting brand equity is remarkable. I’m looking forward to contributing to their mission and helping further elevate the brands they work with.”

    Vajpayee called this appointment a defining moment, “Having Amit Gujral join our advisory board is a huge win for Aarambh. His unmatched expertise in marketing and his visionary approach align perfectly with our mission to help brands achieve sustained success. Our growth has always been driven by the trust of our clients, and this step further accelerates our commitment to delivering exceptional value in the PR space.”

    Upadhyay echoed this sentiment, “Amit’s appointment comes at a critical juncture as we expand our service offerings. His deep understanding of consumer behaviour and ability to craft multi-channel marketing strategies will allow us to merge innovative marketing and PR tactics, ensuring that our clients receive holistic, results-driven solutions that strengthen their brand’s market presence.”

    With Gujral’s expertise, Aarambh Communications is set to redefine the future of PR and marketing, offering cutting-edge strategies that don’t just amplify brands but forge deeper, more meaningful connections with their audiences.

     

  • Charuta Saoji joins Viacom18 as Colors marketing head, leaving L’Oréal

    Charuta Saoji joins Viacom18 as Colors marketing head, leaving L’Oréal

    Mumbai: In a notable move within the marketing and media landscape, Charuta Ambardekar Saoji has joined Viacom18 as the vice president and head of marketing for Colors, the network’s flagship entertainment channel. Saoji’s transition from L’Oréal, where she served as marketing director, marks a strategic shift in her career towards the dynamic world of television.

    Saoji brings with her a wealth of experience in brand management, having successfully spearheaded campaigns for several high-profile brands at L’Oréal. Her appointment at Viacom18 comes as Colors continues to seek innovative ways to engage audiences and strengthen its market position in the highly competitive television space.

    Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Saoji stated, “I am thrilled to join the Viacom18 family and look forward to shaping the future of Colors’ brand strategy. It’s an exciting time for the channel as we explore fresh approaches to content and audience engagement.”

    This move comes at a crucial time for Viacom18, as the company aims to further consolidate its leadership position in the entertainment industry. Saoji’s expertise in consumer insights and her ability to craft compelling marketing narratives are expected to play a pivotal role in driving Colors’ growth trajectory. The channel, known for its wide range of popular shows, stands to benefit from her leadership in enhancing brand communication and expanding its reach across diverse audience segments.

    Prior to this, Saoji made significant strides at L’Oréal, where she led campaigns that bolstered the brand’s presence in the Indian market. Her experience in navigating the complexities of consumer behavior and brand loyalty will be instrumental in crafting Colors’ future marketing strategies.

    Industry insiders view Saoji’s appointment as a strategic hire that will add considerable depth to Viacom18’s leadership team. With her track record of executing successful marketing strategies, she is well-positioned to elevate the brand’s market presence.

    “Charuta’s appointment reflects our commitment to bringing on board marketing leaders who can drive brand growth through innovation and consumer focus,” said a Viacom18 spokesperson. “Her ability to understand consumer trends and create impactful brand stories aligns perfectly with our vision for Colors.”

  • Contract Advertising wins the mandate for Haldiram’s

    Contract Advertising wins the mandate for Haldiram’s

    Mumbai: In a strategic partnership with Wunderman Thompson, Contract Advertising has won the mandate for Haldiram’s, an Indian multinational sweets and savouries company headquartered in Delhi.

    The mandate was awarded to Contract Advertising India after a multi-agency pitch in which about 16 agencies participated. Contract Mumbai will handle the account.

    Haldiram’s has manufacturing plants in several states of India, including UP, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Bihar, J&K, and Guwahati. A plant is also located in the UK.

    The mandate includes brand strategy and creatives for the domestic market, the export market, and retail/QSRs.

    Welcoming Contract Advertising, Haldiram’s managing director Pankaj Agarwal said, “Haldiram’s has always been trusted for their quality offerings. As a key player in the snack, sweets, and restaurant sectors, we are known to generate excitement amongst the consumers. We, as a brand, are constantly innovating and trying to raise our high-quality standards. To make consumers aware of our wide brand portfolio, we needed an advertising agency that understood our constant rise and the consumer’s changing mindsets. And that is why we are excited to partner with Contract Advertising to build effective marketing communications and reach new heights.”

    Adding to this, Divya Batra marketing head Haldiram’s commented, “Over the years, Haldiram’s has expanded its range from traditional namkeens to western snacks, frozen snacks, ready to eat, ready to cook, chocolates, and many more food categories. To communicate the same to our consumers, we needed an agency passionate about reaching and engaging with consumers impactfully. After an extensive process and multiple pitch rounds, we are exhilarated to partner with Contract. Together with the data & consumer insights approach, we target to build effective marketing communication and increase brand footprint.”

    Started in 1937 in Bikaner, today, Haldiram’s is a household name across multiple states in India. It also supplies 400 plus SKUs internationally, with its trademark being registered in 80 countries, spanning six continents. The company is famous across the globe and is available at various international stores such as Walmart, Tesco, Spinney’s, Carrefour, Metcash, Costco, Woolworth, etc.

    “Haldiram’s is an iconic brand, and it is a household name in India. We are proud of being the agency that has been given the responsibility to craft the narrative for this brand in India and abroad,” added Contract Mumbai EVP and general manager Ayan Chakraborty.

    Contract Mumbai SVP and executive creative director Rahul Ghosh commented, “At Contract, we have a bit of history with Made in India powerhouses. Haldiram’s is one such global success story. Getting to work on the narrative of this iconic brand is the kind of challenge that is a part of our DNA.”

  • Langoor ropes in Ferzad Variyava as chief creative officer

    Langoor ropes in Ferzad Variyava as chief creative officer

    MUMBAI: Digital marketing agency, Langoor has appointed Ferzad Variyava as its chief creative officer. Variyava will drive brand strategy and creative thinking upstream, and help synergise big brand creativity with technology, data and Web 3.0 as part of the digital marketing transformation process.

    Langoor CEO Venugopal Ganganna said, “We are super excited to have Ferzad join us to drive brand strategy and creative thinking. Ferzad’s role as the chief creative officer will enhance our products by augmenting creative value for our clients by using cross-cultural skills of digital engineering and experience immersion. Ferzad will help us create Meta and Web 3.0 deliverables for our clients by leveraging the combined strength of our in-house technology capabilities and a growing roster of live case-studies.”

    “The marketing tapestry has changed now more than ever,” said Ferzad Variyava, talking about his appointment. “Digital marketing experiences today demand marketing enablement through tech, data, meta and so much more. What excites me about Langoor is that they are geared to deliver on digital marketing transformation many steps ahead of the curve. With several live metaverse and Web 3.0 projects, combined with clients and partners spread across continents, Langoor isn’t just another digital agency. I look forward to working with Venu and the Langoor team to provide our customers with all that they would need to prosper and carve a niche for themselves in the ever-changing digital market.”

    In his last role, Variyava was responsible for the creative delivery & brand strategy of key brands in FCB Interface Communications. With over 22 years of mainline experience at some of the biggest network agencies in the country, his cross-category experience is reflected in the portfolio of work he has done on automobile, real estate, luxury, FMCG and e-commerce brands (having worked on brands like Twitter, Lodha, Volkswagen, Mahindra, Snapdeal, Nestle, to name a few).

    Going into the second half of 2022, Langoor has aggressive plans of building a global presence and is in several conversations with clients to deliver enterprise, consumer and Web 3.0 experiences, said the agency in a statement. It also recently announced its partnership with Logicserve Digital to form an independent integrated digital marketing and transformation platform.

    Commenting on the plans, Ganganna added: “It’s an exciting time for brands to add Web 3.0 & Meta experiences into their digital marketing mix and we couldn’t be happier to be the frontrunners in enabling this digital marketing transformation through our tech, data and creative service capabilities. Ferzad’s appointment comes at a time when we are looking to build scale, and deliver export projects while sitting here in India.”