MUMBAI: Averill Sequeira has landed the plum job of chief strategy officer at Essencemediacom, the WPP Media brand, marking another step up the corporate hierarchy for the seasoned media strategist. The appointment, which began in July, caps a career spanning over 20 years in India’s bustling advertising and media planning sector.
Sequeira’s ascent through the ranks reads like a textbook case of steady professional progression. Her journey began modestly in 2004 as a media planner at Madison Communications, before moving to Lodestar Universal where she cut her teeth on communication planning and media tools development.
The real acceleration came during her lengthy stint at Mindshare, GroupM’s media agency, where she spent nearly six years climbing from senior director of business planning to principal partner for strategy. Her remit there included managing strategic units, delivering marketing solutions, and shepherding blue-chip clients like PepsiCo through the digital transformation.
A brief entrepreneurial detour saw her founding TranSkills India, a skills development venture, in 2013—though the appeal of agency life proved too strong to resist for long. She returned to the media fold at Cheil India as general manager of planning, before joining EssenceMediacom India in 2021.
At EssenceMediacom, Sequeira has worn multiple hats, serving first as chief product officer and later as head of creative futures, before her latest promotion to the top strategy role. Her expertise spans customer insight, creative problem-solving, and marketing communications—skills that will prove essential as media agencies grapple with an increasingly fragmented advertising landscape.
The appointment signals WPP Media’s confidence in homegrown talent, particularly as multinational agencies face pressure to localise their leadership teams across key markets like India.
GOA: Day two of Goafest 2025 delivered a technological thriller as Leo India and Mindshare found themselves locked in a perfect 10-point tie for ‘technology specialist agency of the year’—proof that sometimes even the most sophisticated algorithms can’t pick a winner.
Leo India clinched its share of the crown with one silver and two merits, whilst Mindshare matched the tally with one silver and one bronze. It was the sort of neck-and-neck finish that would make a horse race look pedestrian. The chasing pack managed eight points each. ^a t o m network secured third place with one bronze and two merits, whilst Cheil India, Enormous, Havas Life Mumbai, and Madison Media all bagged eight points courtesy of two bronzes each. Good Morning Films managed the same score with a single gold—which suggests that sometimes quality beats quantity, though not by much.
The middle order was positively stuffed with contenders. BBH Communications India private limited, Hyphen Brands, and Tagglabs Experiential each grabbed six points, with BBH and Tagglabs managing a silver apiece whilst Hyphen Brands settled for one bronze and one merit. Tribes Communication also hit six points, though it did it the hard way with three merits—the participation trophy approach to excellence.
The tail-enders weren’t entirely forgotten. FCB India and Interactive Avenues each scraped together four points with two merits apiece, whilst Hogarth Studios managed the same score with a single bronze. Grey Group and VML India brought up the rear with two points each, courtesy of one merit—hardly the stuff of technological revolution, but at least they showed up.
The Abby Creative Awards 2025, powered by The One Show, continued their relentless categorisation of excellence, with broadcaster, PR, digital specialist, design specialist, mobile specialist, and direct specialist awards ensuring that every conceivable advertising niche gets its moment in the sun.
(Pictures: Top: The Mindshare team, below: The Leo India team)
MUMBAI: The glittering second day of Goafest 2025 turned into a proper awards ceremony slugfest as Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd strutted away with the coveted ‘broadcaster of the year’ crown, leaving its competitors nursing wounded egos and consolation prizes.
With the swagger of a seasoned prize-fighter, Zee knocked out the competition with a knockout punch of 28 points, courtesy of two golds, one silver, one bronze and a merit. Not bad for a day’s work, really.
Star India Pvt Ltd put up a respectable fight, clinching second place with 18 points after bagging one gold, one silver and two merits. Meanwhile, Viacom18 Media Private Litd had to settle for bronze medal position with 16 points, managing two silvers and one bronze—a performance that suggests they’re more silver screen than silver medal material.
The others weren’t entirely left empty-handed. Cheil India and Culver Max Entertainment each snagged a gold apiece, earning themselves eight points and a modicum of bragging rights at the office water cooler.
The Abby Creative Awards 2025, powered by The One Show, didn’t stop at the broadcaster shakedown. Day two saw the advertising industry’s finest duke it out across specialist categories including public relations, digital specialist, design specialist, mobile specialist, technology specialist, and direct specialist. Because apparently, everyone’s a specialist these days.
The awards, which have become something of a premier benchmark for excellence in Indian advertising and media, continue to prove that creativity isn’t dead—it’s just very competitive and occasionally ruthless.
MUMBAI: Jayaram Nair, a seasoned brand activation guru, has launched Intensity, a joint venture with Tribes Communication, and is relocating to Bengaluru to spearhead the new venture. Nair, who boasts 26 years of experience in the cut-throat world of BTL media, is promising to deliver “high impact solutions” across India’s sprawling marketing landscape.
“I’m excited to announce my new gig,” Nair declared on LinkedIn, “Intensity is a fresh venture, a JV with the award-winning Tribes Communication. We’re talking integrated brand building, folks, and we’re ready to get going.
Nair’s resume reads like a who’s who of Indian advertising, with stints at Cheil India, Percept Ltd, and Publicis Groupe. He’s a self-proclaimed “growth specialist,” “motivator,” and “change leader,” with a knack for P&L management and a “practical approach” to problem-solving.
“I’ve been around the block,” Nair quipped, “From Mumbai to Gurgaon, I’ve seen it all. Now, I’m bringing that experience to Bangalore, but let’s be honest, the whole world’s my playground.”
Intensity, backed by Tribes’ extensive network across 14 cities, is set to offer a full suite of brand building services, from live events and retail branding to loyalty programs and gaming events. Nair’s experience in “dark marketing” (read: cigarette promotions) suggests he’s not afraid to tackle tricky briefs.
“With a handpicked team and a pool of top-notch partners, we’re ready to fuel growth,” Nair asserted. “We’re not just building brands; we’re building empires.”
He will be operating from Bengaluru, but it is clear his ambition is to take on the whole of the Indian market. This move marks a bold step for both Nair and Tribes, as the duo aims to carve out a significant slice of India’s burgeoning marketing pie. With Nair’s experience and Tribes’ reach, they are setting their sights high.
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.
MUMBAI: This festive season, a little creativity can go a long way, as illustrated by a recent campaign from Samsung.
Samsung, a leading consumer electronics brand, has launched a unique initiative to highlight the sketch-to-image feature of the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, integrating traditional print media with augmented reality (AR) to captivate audiences. The campaign centres around a Christmas-themed AR game, allowing users to engage with the device’s capabilities interactively.
In the print advertisement, readers are invited to scan a QR code that activates a 3D render of the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. The experience begins with a Santa sketch that transforms into a vibrant AI-generated image, showcasing the power of the S Pen and AI tools. Participants can then guide Santa as he delivers gifts across rooftops, enhancing the festive spirit.
The sketch-to-image feature takes centre stage, illustrating its ability to convert simple doodles into detailed visuals. Whether for holiday illustrations or professional graphics, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra empowers users to express their creativity.
‘’At Samsung, innovation drives us to create magical experiences. The Sketch-to-Image feature on our Galaxy Tab S10 is a perfect example. When we envisioned the Santa AR game, we needed a tool that could bring our ideas to life seamlessly. From doodles to lifelike graphics, this feature helps transforms every concept into reality, powering the creativity behind this interactive experience. It’s not just a feature—it’s a gateway for creators, developers, and storytellers to unleash their imaginations with precision and ease. With Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Series, the possibilities are endless. What will you create next?” said Samsung India vice president, MX Business Aditya Babbar.
Cheil India CCO Vikash Chemjong the creative agency behind this campaign, “This holiday season, Cheil India partners with Galaxy Tab S10 Series to redefine how creativity meets celebration. From the groundbreaking Sketch to Image feature to the whimsical Santa AR Game, we’re blending technology with imagination, bringing festive joy to every generation. Together, we’re shaping experiences that inspire and innovate.”
As AI technology continues to evolve, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is at the forefront, aiming to democratise advanced creative tools. With the S Pen’s precision and AI-driven enhancements, the device caters to professionals, creators, and artists alike. This campaign showcases the boundless opportunities that arise when technology and creativity intersect, paving the way for a future where artistic expression is accessible to all.
Mumbai: This Diwali, Samsung is sending “Diwali ki khushiyaan” with its latest campaign featuring the Samsung AI TV, highlighting the magic of family togetherness in today’s fast-paced world. As families often drift apart into their digital routines, the campaign beautifully illustrates how the Samsung Neo QLED 8K can help revive treasured memories and create new moments, combining nostalgia with the cutting-edge capabilities of AI-powered upscaling and Knox security.
The campaign centres on the Samsung AI TV, designed not just for stunning visuals, but for an immersive experience that adapts to the modern lifestyle. The Neo QLED 8K breathes new life into old family videos, showcasing them with unparalleled clarity and detail through AI upscaling technology. Meanwhile, the Knox security feature ensures that data remains protected, enabling a safe and worry-free viewing experience. This makes the Samsung AI TV the ultimate companion for modern families, enhancing their entertainment and connections while elevating Diwali celebrations.
Samsung India senior director, Viplesh Dang expressed the brand’s vision: “Samsung AI TV is about stunning visuals and immersive sound. And that’s not all, it’s also about upscaling happiness! This Diwali, let every experience on your TV screen be a celebration of togetherness and the magic of creating new memories with loved ones. We hope our campaign resonates with families, reminding them that the best celebrations happen when they are shared with the ones who matter the most.”
The campaign film tells the story of a father eager to celebrate Diwali, only to find his family absorbed in their own activities—his daughter on her phone, his son listening to music, and his wife busy with work. Determined to bring them together, he discovers an old family video of a Diwali ladoo-eating contest and plays it on the Samsung Neo QLED 8K AI TV, where the 8K upscaling brings the memory to life with spectacular detail. The nostalgia sparks joy, and soon the whole family joins in to recreate the contest, rekindling the festive spirit.
Cheil India, CCO, Vikash Chemjong stated, “Technology sometimes has been accused of fragmenting a family. So what better time than the festive season to showcase how the right tech can do quite the opposite thing. Because when your TV has AI Upscaling Technology, it can not only turn your old memories into 4K but more than that, it has the power to get people together and light up the festive spark in the family!”
Cheil India – Samsung Business, national head, Mandeep Sharma added, “Samsung AI TV is more than just a piece of technology – it’s a perfect bridge that seamlessly connects our past with the present and rekindles the bond of love & togetherness. Samsung has always endeavoured to light up the festive moments and bring the whole family together.”
Mumbai: Cheil India, an advertising agency has announced the appointment of Sudhir Das as Sr executive creative director. He will be responsible for overseeing the creative output of a segment of Samsung mobile business and Samsung exclusive stores.
In his current role, Sudhir will be reporting to Cheil India CCO Vikash Chemjong and will be based out of the agency’s Gurgaon office.
Sudhir has been in advertising for two-plus decades, in agencies like Publicis, McCann, Leo Burnett, and Dentsu WebChutney, winning around 100 national and international awards along the way. His previous role was group executive creative director at Dentsu Creative.
Sudhir has created advertising for some of India and the world’s most popular brands including Coca Cola, Nestle, Apple, Google, Airtel, LinkedIn, Tanishq, ITC and Uber. Along the way, he has been part of campaigns like ‘Ras-Ras mein India’, ‘Me and Meri Maggi’, ‘Spicejet Democracy’, ‘Cardekho Back-Off’, ‘Airtel 175 Replayed’ and ‘Motorola Deep Connect’ – covering the gamut from large, populist, TV-led campaigns to documentary-style film-making to social and tech innovations.
A proud geek, he is extremely interested in tech and using it new and interesting ways to create social conversations.
Cheil India CCO Vikash Chemjong said, “Sudhir when you meet him, seems alike a misfit in advertising. He doesn’t drink! Is not trying to run off to the hills/beach every chance he gets because he hates travelling! And he is a little anti-social, preferring the company of his cats more than the company of most people [but seeing the type of people surrounding us most days, I have begun to see the wisdom in it.
But dig a little deeper and one begins to see the many reasons for the multi-award winning adman that he is. He is a gamer. A lover of all things tech. A self-professed nerd. An encyclopedia of advertising trivia. Plus a great cook! Not just in what he whips up in the kitchen but what he manages to concoct every time you sit down with him, for work or otherwise. Be it stories. Strategies. Interesting theories. And of course, great advertising ideas! We’re lucky to have him join the Cheil fold. All set to mesmerize us and our clients with his unique and interesting way of telling the brand story.”
Commenting about his appointment, Sudhir said, “This is actually my second stint at Cheil. And it took literally a 15-minute conversation with Vikash to decide that I wanted to be back here. What really attracted me was the hunger to really explore the bleeding edge of creativity, and perhaps more importantly, this hunger was married to a scale and depth of integrated talent that actually manages to get things done. I have a feeling I’m really going to enjoy my time here.”
Cheil SWA group COO Sanjeev Jasani added, “I am happy to welcome Sudhir to Cheil India. He has a much-deserved reputation for being a creative maestro with a penchant for everything that is tech. His repertoire of work is amazing and eclectic in equal measures. I look forward to the unique perspective and ideas that Sudhir brings to the table, which will positively inform our campaigns.”
Mumbai: Cheil India has unveiled a new campaign for Samsung, celebrating the extraordinary grit, determination, and spirit of their Galaxy Z Fold series ambassador and super-user, Neeraj Chopra. The campaign, titled “India Cheers Neeraj,” is a powerful blend of breath-taking visuals, sounds, and emotions that depict how an entire nation is rallying behind Neeraj as he gets ready for the Olympic Games.
The centerpiece of the campaign is a visually stunning 120-second film that brings together a powerful portrait of an Olympian toiling hard, practicing a killer routine, while an artful blend of pan-India imagery shows how ‘his people’ are with him in spirit all the time. Weaving together scenes across the country’s diverse people and landscape—from the Gen Z kids of a metro to serene rural landscapes of Punjab, from the artistic beauty of Kashmir to the rich dance forms of Southern India—the film captures not just the aspirations that Indians have for their hero but also his relentless pursuit to defy all odds and put India at the top again.
The film’s greatest triumph is in its rootedness and portraying Neeraj Chopra for what he is, “the common man’s hero”. We see farmers in their fields at dawn, dreamy-eyed children commuting in the rain in metropolitan cities, an eclectic mix of dancers and musicians in the hills, athletes and bikers on the streets, young professionals in gleaming offices—everyone, from all walks of life, gesturing a javelin throw to show support for a humble and loving sporting legend with an indomitable spirit.
“Samsung believes in empowering individuals to push beyond their limits and achieve greatness. We are putting our might behind Neeraj Chopra, who embodies excellence and limitless possibilities—values that are deeply respected at Samsung. With the ‘India Cheers for Neeraj’ campaign, we aim to harness the collective energy of the nation and ‘Unfold the Best’ in India’s quest for gold in the Paris Olympic games. We aim to invite all Indians to join us in cheering for Neeraj,” said Samsung India’s vice president, MX business Aditya Babbar.
Cheil India CCO Vikas Chemjong marvelled at the original cinematic quality of the piece. “In the wake of a recently won Cricket World Cup, we wanted to bring out the emotion of ‘an entire nation holding its breath once more’. But this time it’s for one athlete who has already done the impossible by winning gold at the last Olympics” he said. “The film’s fleeting montage style is the unifying thread that connects every Indian to this beacon of national pride.”
Vikash was highly appreciative of the film craft, quoting, “In his unique style, director Akash Bhatia has emphasized on Neeraj’s state of mind, where the training grounds in Europe and foggy pathways of the Indian hinterland intertwine, blending both the imagery and music in a perfect symphony. It encapsulates what the Olympian is feeling during practise – a billion hands are behind his one golden throw.”
“Complemented by a music track, created by Jamroom, that mixes traditional Indian instruments and digital soundscapes, the film is bound to create an emotional stir in the viewers,” he added.
The campaign was first revealed with the hashtag #IndiaCheersNeeraj at the India Unpacked event for Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 launch. It is currently being rolled out across digital platforms, cinemas and print media. Samsung has launched a microsite https://www.samsung.com/in/neeraj where fans and followers of Neeraj Chopra can cheer for him. As the Paris Olympics events has been inaugurated, the brand is calling in for more support from the nation to inspire Neeraj.
So far the campaign has generated a significant buzz on social media, with the hashtag #IndiaCheersNeeraj having amassed over 343,000 conversations. From tech reviewers to renowned influencers, all have shared their support, amplifying its reach and impact. More celebrities and sporting legends are also joining in the movement, showing their unwavering support for India’s Olympics team.
Mumbai: Cheil X has launched a communication campaign to showcase the MG Hector’s low cost of maintenance and great resale value. The bedrock of the campaign are the two films which convey the message that MG Hector delivers the most bang for the buck in its category.
MG Hector is the flagship car from the house of JSW MG Motor India. Launched in India in 2019, it disrupted the market with its first-in-class technology offering, under the positioning “It’s a human thing.” The first connected car that came loaded with several unthinkable tech features and took the whole segment by surprise. A car that established a new benchmark in the mid-sized SUV segment.
“The MG Hector, India’s first internet SUV, has become one of the most sought-after SUVs among Indian car buyers, as it seamlessly combines luxury, efficiency, and a bold, robust design with advanced tech features. We are excited to bring value for money campaign to life with our partner, Cheil X. This campaign aims to highlight the MG Hector’s standout offerings, such as its low TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), high resale value, and exceptional quality. Our focus is to showcase how the MG Hector delivers an unparalleled driving experience, meeting the diverse needs of our customers while offering great value.” – JSW MG Motor India head of marketing Udit Malhotra.
The face of the campaign is a couple of films that use humor to drive home the point that MG Hector is a genuine value for money car. Both films use slice of the life, relatable situations to convey the message. The first film, through a banter between two neighbors, highlights how Hector comes with a low maintenance cost of just Rs 500 per month, which is 10-20 per cent lesser than a hatchback (As per NielsonIQ cost of ownership survey – Dec’23). The second film is a conversation between 2 friends, and shows how Hector has an incredible resale value of up to 74 per cent after three years (as per Droom study 2024). The films are part of a communication mix that also includes print, digital and social media campaigns.
Cheil X national creative director Amit Nandwani said, “While MG Hector is loved by its owners and admired by all, not many know that Hector has an unbelievably low maintenance cost and the highest resale value in its segment. We wanted these messages to be a pleasant revelation for our target audience, a delightful discovery. Our films convey the Hector value for money story in a light-hearted, yet relatable manner. The films depict a slice-of-life banter between a Hector owner and a friend. A tinge of humour and brilliant acting make the situations come alive.”
Cheil X chief growth officer Neeraj Bassi added, “We have dialled up the humour to home in the point that we (Indians) are value seekers and this insight has turbocharged the narrative of these films. The campaign puts it into words what we already know that we can’t pass up a product that is value for money”.
