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Tag: FoxyMoron

  • Sportskeeda CTO Sankalp Sharma exits after 10 years at the helm

    Sportskeeda CTO Sankalp Sharma exits after 10 years at the helm

    MUMBAI: You can’t spell Sportskeeda without code. And for the last decade, Sankalp Sharma has been the man behind the machine, the chief technology officer who took a broken codebase, a skeletal team, and a laundry list of experiments, and turned it into a battle-hardened platform serving millions of sports fans worldwide. Now, after 10 years and 7 months, Sharma is moving on, leaving behind a tech legacy etched into the site’s DNA.

    Sharma’s tenure has been one of audacious scale. From six hot codebases and a dozen services, his lean team engineered a system that now handles a billion API calls a day with near-million concurrency. As CTO since December 2020 (after stints as VP of technology and tech lead), he not only scaled from “0 to 1, 1 to 10, and on to 100” but also reshaped how Sportskeeda approached experimentation, reliability, and growth.

    Reflecting on his philosophy, Sharma describes his approach as “going wide, going deep, and going around” spotting unnoticed patterns, rolling up his sleeves to refine systems, and navigating future goals through the fog of war. Along the way, he fostered a culture of curiosity, killed fluff projects early, and championed open-source contributions. His earlier career saw roles at Essencemediacom, Mindshare, VML, Foxymoron, TCS, and even a freelance stint helping startups and Fortune 500 companies alike.

    From one-click deployments to site reliability engineering, from streamlining legacy microservices to mentoring LGBTQIA+ professionals and startup founders, Sharma’s playbook has been as much about people as it was about platforms. As Sportskeeda now looks ahead to its next growth chapter, it does so with a tech foundation built on Sharma’s decade-long vision of harmony amid chaos.

     

  • Madison logs into digital future with Vivek Das as chief digital officer

    Madison logs into digital future with Vivek Das as chief digital officer

    MUMBAI: When the digital world calls, Madison Media answers with a double click and its newest hire is set to hit refresh on the agency’s future. Madison Media, part of Madison World, has roped in Vivek Das as chief digital officer, a role in which he will report to Ajit Varghese, partner and group CEO, Madison Media and OOH. With more than 20 years of experience spanning entrepreneurship, integrated media, and digital transformation, Das is no stranger to reshaping how brands connect with audiences.

    Most recently, he was on the India leadership team at Essencemedia.com, where he helmed Google India and Southeast Asia WPP’s second-largest account globally. His résumé also features leadership stints at Mindshare and VML (formerly Wunderman), besides a CEO turn at Foxymoron. Beyond the boardroom, he mentors LGBTQIA+ professionals and startup founders, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and new-age entrepreneurship.

    Welcoming him aboard, Varghese noted, “Vivek joins us at a pivotal time… At Madison, we are building an AI-first planning framework and embedding digital-first thinking into everything we do. His rich experience makes him the perfect leader to accelerate this journey.”

    Das added his own perspective: “I am thrilled to join Madison at a time of great opportunity and change… In the era of platforms, LLMs, and Artificial Intelligence, I look forward to strengthening Madison’s leadership in new media and enhancing the value we bring to clients and the industry.”

    For Madison, this appointment isn’t just about filling a role, it’s about future-proofing its position in a market where AI, creativity, and consumer-first strategies are rewriting the playbook

  • VML India Appoints Dhruv Warrior as executive creative director

    VML India Appoints Dhruv Warrior as executive creative director

    MUMBAI: VML India has announced the appointment of Dhruv Warrior as executive creative director. With over 17 years of experience in advertising and brand communication, Warrior brings a strong mix of creativity, strategy, and cultural inclusion.

    An internationally awarded creative leader, Warrior has held various positions with JWT, VMLY&R Dubai, and FoxyMoron. He has consistently delivered bold, award-winning campaigns, integrating technology, emerging trends, and precise craft to bring evocative and culturally inclusive campaigns to life.

    VML India CEO Babita Baruah said, “We are excited to have Dhruv join our team. Dhruv’s commitment to infusing creativity with culture will continue to elevate VML’s ethos. Dhruv will work closely with Kalpesh Patankar and Sachin Dhir to continue driving our best work for our clients.”

    VML India CCO, Kalpesh Patankar said, “Dhruv brings in the creativity that understands both global ambitions and local nuances. He has a keen cultural sensibility and a strong command of modern storytelling. VML is constantly evolving to be creatively bold, strategically relevant, and deeply connected to the audiences we serve. We are excited to have Dhruv join us and we look forward to doing some great work.”

    “I am thrilled to join VML India,” said Warrior. “I firmly believe that creative thinking is the engine of transformation, driving strategy, media, engagement, and innovation. VML has set a benchmark in merging insights, strategy, technology, and innovation in their work, and I look forward to continuing to build the strategic acumen to further strengthen the agency’s creative vision. I would like to thank the leadership for this opportunity, and I am certain we are going to continue to bring out great work for our brands.”

    Warrior will be based out of VML’s Bangalore office and will report into Kalpesh Patankar.

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  • Performance marketing agencies shaping the customer experience in FMCG sector

    Performance marketing agencies shaping the customer experience in FMCG sector

    Mumbai: In today’s fast-paced world, Performance Marketing Agencies are the driving force behind the transformation of Customer Experience in the FMCG sector. From captivating social media ads to interactive brand experiences, they ensure that every touchpoint leaves a lasting impression. In essence, Performance Marketing Agencies are the architects of a seamless and engaging journey for FMCG customers, redefining the way brands connect with their audience. By leveraging data analytics and targeted strategies, these agencies craft personalized campaigns that resonate with consumers on a deeper level.

    ETML

    ETML, with its innovative strategies and data-centric approach, is revolutionizing Customer Experience in the FMCG sector. By harnessing the power of data analytics, AI, and digital marketing, ETML crafts solutions purely based on data that resonate with consumers across various touchpoints. Their expertise lies in creating personalized campaigns, making full funnel dashboards, omnichannel attribution, utilizing first-party data in the post-cookie era, optimizing e-commerce platforms, and enhancing brand visibility through targeted advertising across all channels. With a deep understanding of consumer behaviour and market trends, ETML ensures that FMCG brands engage with their audience effectively, driving sales and maintaining long-term retention.

    Interactive Avenues

    Interactive Avenues, a pioneer in digital marketing, is revolutionizing Customer Experience in the FMCG sector through its innovative approach. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI and AR, they create immersive brand experiences that captivate and engage consumers. Through personalized content and targeted campaigns, they ensure that every interaction with the brand is meaningful and memorable. Their data-driven strategies enable FMCG companies to connect with their audience on a deeper level, driving loyalty and brand advocacy. In essence, Interactive Avenues is reshaping the landscape of FMCG marketing by leveraging the power of digital to deliver unparalleled customer experiences.

    WAT Consult

    WAT Consult, a trailblazing performance marketing agency, is revolutionizing the FMCG sector’s customer experience landscape. Through innovative digital strategies, they seamlessly integrate brands into consumers’ lives, fostering deep connections and driving engagement. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI and AR, WAT Consult crafts immersive experiences that captivate audiences and elevate brand loyalty. By decoding consumer behaviour and preferences, they deliver hyper-targeted campaigns across multiple channels, ensuring maximum impact and ROI. With a keen focus on innovation and creativity, WAT Consult continues to shape the FMCG sector’s customer experience, setting new benchmarks for excellence in performance marketing.

    FoxyMoron

    Discover the story of FoxyMoron, an acclaimed full-funnel creative and performance digital agency established in 2008. Specializing in crafting future-ready brands across digital platforms, we integrate content, technology, media, and data to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Our portfolio boasts enduring partnerships with industry giants like L’Oreal, Netflix, Colgate, Amazon India, and more. Proudly affiliated with the Zoo Media Network, India’s largest independent marketing technology company founded in 2008 by Pratik Gupta and Suveer Bajaj, we share a vision of becoming the preferred network for global brands. With over 600 employees across offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, New York City, and Dubai, Zoo Media epitomizes excellence in marketing technology.

    BC Web Wise

    BC Web Wise is transforming FMCG customer experiences through innovative performance marketing strategies. Leveraging data analytics, they craft personalized campaigns that resonate with target audiences, enhancing brand engagement and loyalty. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI and AR, they create immersive experiences, from interactive ads to virtual product trials, amplifying consumer interactions. Their agile approach allows for real-time optimization, ensuring campaigns are always relevant and impactful. Through dynamic storytelling and seamless omnichannel experiences, BC Web Wise empowers FMCG brands to connect with consumers on a deeper level, driving growth and differentiation in a competitive market landscape.

  • Goldmedal’s New Year campaign highlights senior citizens’ loneliness

    Goldmedal’s New Year campaign highlights senior citizens’ loneliness

    Mumbai: Goldmedal Electricals, one of India’s leading fast moving electrical goods (FMEG) companies, announced the launch of their New Year’s ad campaign, which aims to highlight the increasing loneliness amongst senior citizens. As per reports, almost 75 per cent of seniors feel alone despite having families. Social isolation and loneliness among seniors are widespread and are recognized as a priority health problem.

    Conceptualized and executed by FoxyMoron, the flagship agency of Zoo Media, campaign invites the audience to reflect on the emotional needs of the elderly, often overshadowed by the relentless pace of modern life. The busy lifestyles of the younger generation mean that they are often unable to give the time and attention that their elders need. Goldmedal’s ad depicts volunteers sprucing up the interiors of an old-age home with the brand’s products and then spending time with the elderly residents to brighten up their day. It suggests a special New Year’s resolution – giving the gift of time to seniors who might be longing for companionship.

    Speaking about the New Year’s ad campaign, Goldmedal Electricals director Kishan Jain commented, “Our New Year’s campaign goes beyond simply highlighting our electrical solutions. We want to create a meaningful impact by addressing the issue of senior citizen loneliness and emphasizing the need to show appreciation to those who have given us so much. It’s a small gesture that can make a huge difference and bring immense joy to the lives of the elderly.”

    Goldmedal invites the public to join the movement and share their stories of spending time with seniors. The campaign is part of their #GharGharLagtaHai campaign which brings out the various facets of Indian family life that makes every home special.

  • Goldmedal celebrates the spirit of Diwali with a new Ad campaign ‘Ghar Ghar Lagta Hai’

    Goldmedal celebrates the spirit of Diwali with a new Ad campaign ‘Ghar Ghar Lagta Hai’

    Mumbai: Goldmedal Electricals, one of India’s leading electrical manufacturing companies, has released a new digital video ad campaign in time for Diwali. The campaign showcases several of Goldmedal’s products, including doorbells, LED lighting and home automation solutions, against the backdrop of friends and family visiting a home during the festival of lights – with the voiceover highlighting the core message that it is the joy that loved ones bring with their presence that truly makes a “home feel like a home” (‘Ghar Ghar Lagta Hai’).

    Conceptualized by FoxyMoron, the campaign is a heart-warming reflection on the important role that friends and family play in making joyous occasions feel complete, while also depicting how Goldmedal’s products elevate your festive experience.

    Commenting on the new campaign, Goldmedal Electricals director Kishan Jain said, “Festivals are a time to enjoy the company of loved ones within the warmth of our homes. Goldmedal’s products, including our LED lighting, doorbells and home automation solutions, enhance the aesthetics and comfort of your spaces and offer a convenient, hassle-free experience amidst the bustle of the festive season. At the same time, we wanted to highlight, through this ad campaign, that what truly makes our home feel complete during these joyous moments, is the presence of our friends and family.”

    Speaking about the campaign, FoxyMoron business director Shubit Rakshit said, “Zoo Media Network is delighted to partner with Goldmedal to introduce the ‘Ghar Ghar Lagta Hai’ campaign—a compelling illustration of synergized endeavours. FoxyMoron as the lead agency, and The Rabbit Hole as the specialist Video Marketing agency in our network, collaborated to actualize this vision. The campaign’s integrated creative strategy and lifestyle-centric narrative were meticulously crafted to resonate emotionally with consumers, effectively spotlighting Goldmedal’s diverse portfolio. Our objective was to forge a narrative that transcends a singular event, evolving into a scalable initiative seamlessly integrated across the brand and its complete product spectrum.”

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Goldmedal (@goldmedalindia)

     

  • WhatsApp Channels: A brand’s new frontier for enhanced engagement!

    WhatsApp Channels: A brand’s new frontier for enhanced engagement!

    Mumbai: Earlier this month, Meta chief Mark Zukerberg has announced the launch of WhatsApp Channels to over 150 countries including India. With channels, WhatsApp’s goal is to build the most private broadcast service available, according to the company statement. Channels are separate from chats, and who you choose to follow is not visible to other followers.

    A WhatsApp Channel allows companies to send messages to a large number of customers at once. This broadcast feature makes the communication easier and saves resources, as you only need to send one message to reach a lot of people at once.

    Companies can send, for example, important information, updates, product launches, special deals, and company news on the channels. This direct style of communication can improve customer loyalty and brand awareness.

    Several movie stars including Katrina Kaif, Diljit Dosanjh, Akshay Kumar, and Vijay Deverakonda, have already unveiled their WhatsApp Channels. Also, the Indian Cricket Team has also launched its WhatsApp Channel, aligning with the excitement building up around the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

    With all this, we will see what the industry experts have to say regarding Channels, on whether this platform will be a boon for brands and content creators or is it just another gimmick? Let’s find out!

    Edited excerpts

    Chtrbox VP Karan Pherwani

    The introduction of WhatsApp Channels represents an exciting development for both brands and creators within the digital landscape. This feature promises to be a game-changer in terms of community building, offering a unique platform for engagement. While platforms like Discord and Instagram have made strides in this area, WhatsApp’s extensive reach holds the potential to resonate even more profoundly with India’s tier 2 and Tier 3 audiences.

    WhatsApp Channels will serve as open channels for brands and creators to foster meaningful interactions with their followers and consumers. It provides a seamless avenue for keeping the audience informed and engaged. The ability to communicate directly through WhatsApp, a widely used messaging app in India, will undoubtedly enhance the accessibility and intimacy of these connections. This innovation is poised to redefine how brands and creators connect with their target demographics, offering a fresh, dynamic channel for engagement and communication.

    FoxyMoron (Zoo Media) business director Shubit Rakshit

    The platform is a game-changer for content creators and marketers alike, providing an intimate space to connect with audiences. With its enhanced features and commitment to privacy, WhatsApp Channels opens new doors for personalized engagement and authentic communication. It would also be interesting to see how businesses leverage this platform, especially in a diverse market like India, by delivering content in regional languages and vernacular.

    With WhatsApp Channels, the industry at large gains a versatile tool to amplify brand visibility, engagement, and ultimately, ROI.

    TheSmallBigIdea CEO & co-founder Harikrishnan Pillai

    I have reservations against any feature that mimics another platform, especially when the genesis of the existence of the app is far away from that.

    WhatsApp is primarily used for direct and personal conversations with people you know, and you don’t see the need for it to become a platform for one-to-many communication. The core of the platform is interactivity and conversations, which the feature gives a complete miss in the current avatar.

    An extension to the absence of interactivity is the absence of a comments section on WhatsApp, which is a feature that drives engagement on other social platforms. While WhatsApp can argue it as a feature or a limitation, in a one-to-many scenario, there has to be a door for a 2-way conversation.

    WhatsApp is an already overwhelming space. Work conversation, personal conversation groups, status and now this.

    SoCheers group head – outreach Kunal Khandelwal

    WhatsApp’s transition into this territory feels more natural and promising, considering its wide user base. The vision is to offer brands a distinct avenue for connecting with their audience in a more personalized and exclusive manner. However, it would require brands and creators to establish their subscriber base from scratch unlike Instagram’s ‘Broadcast Channels’, where brands and creators can get their existing follower base.

    Thus, to make the most of WhatsApp Channels, brands can captivate their audience by offering special promotions, exclusive insights into upcoming products, and showcasing variations within their product line. This strategy cultivates a sense of exclusivity, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and eagerly anticipates what the brand has to offer. Particularly in industries like entertainment, where frequent updates and releases are the norm, WhatsApp channels prove highly effective. Moreover, brands in this sector can share relatable content, engage directly with fans, and maintain a consistent stream of updates.

  • FoxyMoron appoints Alin Choubey as business head – North

    FoxyMoron appoints Alin Choubey as business head – North

    Mumbai: Zoo Media’s full-funnel creative and performance digital agency FoxyMoron has appointed Alin Choubey as business head North. With his experience in the digital marketing arena for over eight years, Choubey will be strengthening the agency’s North operations. In this role, Alin will be reporting to FoxyMoron’s national head of client partnerships, Prachi Bali.

    He joins FoxyMoron from Chimp&z Inc Worldwide where he served as associate VP. He has previously worked as a partner at Herald Digital and as the digital director at Vermillion Communications. Alin has worked with luxury brands such as Chopard and Tag Heuer and media conglomerates like Warner Media India and Alt Balaji, to name a few. He was also instrumental in the digital launch of international brands like Longines and Pogo TV in India. He also led several multi-leg campaigns, including the notable “Redraw Your World” campaign for Cartoon Network in India. His work for brands such as Tata Play and Discovery Channel has earned him a nomination for the Social Samoa 30 under 30 awards in 2021.

    Bali said, “Alin is a formidable force who has an unwavering drive to propel FoxyMoron’s vision and mission forward.” In him, we see the acumen, experience, and leadership qualities to lead the growing team in the North to create their best work. His diligence in understanding our clients’ needs and doing what it takes to meet their business goals is an asset for our network and all our partners.”

    Choubey said, “I’m excited to be here at FoxyMoron as the agency accelerates into an exciting future. With some of the finest brands as our partners, the opportunities at the Zoo Media network are limitless. While the mission is to continue to make FoxyMoron stand out as a market differentiator, the vision is to expand our ability to bolster our partner brands in attaining their goals.”

    FoxyMoron has offices across Mumbai, Gurugram, Bengaluru, and New York.

  • Zoo Media joins Dawn; announces the launch of global office in New York

    Zoo Media joins Dawn; announces the launch of global office in New York

    Mumbai: Independent agency network Zoo Media Network has announced the launch of its first global office in New York, in partnership with independent agency collective Dawn.

    The Zoo Media network is a multi-specialty, integrated media network. It consists of 11 agency brands, including the flagship full-funnel creative and performance digital agency, FoxyMoron, and web3 rights and services company, Metaform, amongst other prominent agencies.

    Founded by Pratik Gupta and Suveer Bajaj, the network comprises homegrown, acquired, and  joint venture agencies across content, media, data, and technology. Zoo Media houses a team of over 600+ specialists servicing both domestic and international clients, including Netflix, YouTube, Tinder, Kellogg’s, P&G, and Unilever.

    Dawn is the portfolio of 15+ independent, specialist marketing services agencies with a focus on centralised data science, advanced analytics, and econometric measurement. The collective includes renowned agencies like Barkley, Crossmedia, Definition 6, Co: Collective, and Rethink, amongst other illustrious agencies.

    Speaking on the partnership and the foray into global expansion, Zoo Media co-founder Suveer Bajaj said, “After having consolidated a stronghold position for ourselves in India and the Middle East as a leading integrated marketing technology network, expanding our offices into North America was the natural next step. Our prowess in the North American market lies in the range of integrated services that include our best-in-class web3.0, metaverse, and blockchain offerings. In light of this vision, we are happy to have partnered with Dawn and find ourselves among the leading independent agencies in and outside the US to bring our best-in-class marketing technology services to the shores of the US.”

    Zoo Media co-founder Pratik Gupta said, “We’re well on our way to globalising our ambition of taking Indian creativity and technology to the world. We’re excited to work with the agencies within Dawn and bring them the scale of offshore Indian talent.”

    Dawn CEO Bob Kantor said, “Zoo Media has industry-leading technology and development expertise critical to today’s marketers and the modern marketing model. Our agency partners and clients recognise that modern marketing includes the complementary combination of brilliant strategy and creativity with marketing technology.”

    Crossmedia CEO Kamran Asghar said, “We have been collaborating with the Zoo Media team to integrate proprietary technology to accelerate our global expansion. We’re excited to have Zoo Media join Dawn and continue to integrate advanced technology to deliver superior business results for our clients.”

  • FoxyMoron elevates Keerthi Kumar as business head – South

    FoxyMoron elevates Keerthi Kumar as business head – South

    Mumbai: Zoo Media Network’s FoxyMoron has elevated Keerthi Kumar as business head – south. He will be responsible for leading business operations and fostering business development across the region, contributing to the overall growth of the Zoo Media conglomerate.

    Keerthi will continue to report to FoxyMoron national head of client partnerships Prachi Bali.

    In the last 16 months since joining FoxyMoron as group account director, Keerthi has grown the business by 2x while onboarding clients across sectors with multinational corporations, startups, and Indian-owned businesses alike. His current clients include AO Smith, the OTT giants Aha Tamil and Aha Telugu, new NFT brand Fancraze, Bestseller India-JDY, ProduKt & i.scenery, Wrangler, TVS Motor Company and projects with brands such as Zebronics, Arrow & Maharaja Trophy.

    Over the months, under Keerthi’s leadership, the team size has grown considerably, with key senior appointments across art, strategy, and copy being made over the past year.

    Speaking on the development, Bali said, “Keerthi has championed every curveball thrown his way, with hard work and the ability to lead a team effectively. His stellar contribution in growing the business in the market while also maintaining existing client relationships has been a big win for us. Furthermore, what we value most, being a people-first organisation, is that Keerthi leads with empathy.”

    Commenting on his new role, Keerthi added, “I am thrilled to take up the new mantle at FoxyMoron! The South is booming with legacy industries and unicorn companies alike, giving us ample scope to scale our business in the region as a network with the promise of integrated solutions. While I am looking forward to this wonderful new endeavour with FoxyMoron and Zoo Media, I am positive about nurturing a tribe of individuals whose work will define them.”