Tag: L&K Saatchi & Saatchi

  • McCann Worldgroup appoints marketing veteran

    McCann Worldgroup appoints marketing veteran

    MUMBAI: Snehsikt Anand has been appointed business head at McCann Worldgroup, marking a return to agency life after a year of freelance consultancy. The seasoned marketing professional brings over 18 years of through-the-line marketing experience to one of advertising’s most established networks.

    Anand joins McCann after working as an independent marketing consultant, where he provided brand and communication advice to emerging agencies and production houses. Before his freelance period, he served as business head for west and HUL (rural) at Dentsu, where he managed Hindustan Unilever’s house-to-house business across India.

    At Dentsu, Anand’s client relationship skills helped create opportunities for business growth through territory expansion and cross-selling initiatives. Prior to joining Dentsu, Anand co-founded BrandBall, where as head of strategy he increased annual turnover fourfold and expanded the client roster tenfold over four years. 
    His experience includes positions at several prominent agencies including L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy, Triton Communications, and Civilisation Communications. He also gained client-side experience as assistant manager-marketing at ICICI Prudential AMC Ltd.

    At McCann, Anand will likely apply his RoI-driven approach to marketing communications, leveraging his expertise in advertising, integrated marketing and team management as he takes on this new leadership role.

  • Former Ogilvy client servicing leader Harish Shetty  buzzes into Buzzlab

    Former Ogilvy client servicing leader Harish Shetty buzzes into Buzzlab

    MUMBAI: In a delicious corporate pirouette, Harish Shetty—the ad world’s strategic virtuoso—has landed at Buzzlab, Asia’s content-led growth consulting firm, as client services director.

    Shedding his Ogilvy stripes after a 12-year advertising odyssey, Shetty arrives with a portfolio that reads like a who’s who of marketing mavens. His corporate catwalk includes strutting through L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, Famous Innovations, and MullenLowe Lintas Group.

    “I didn’t choose advertising—advertising chose me,” Shetty quipped, channeling equal parts swagger and self-deprecation. “Somewhere along the way, I found my passion for data-driven marketing, and that’s been the driving force behind everything I do. The real thrill comes from seeing how ideas translate into measurable impact. What’s even more exciting is how today’s young agencies are redefining the space—bringing bold, creative thinking backed by real numbers. Brands, too, are evolving; they’re no longer just advertisers, they’re speaking the language of creators—engaging, storytelling, and building communities rather than just selling. And that’s exactly what excites me about Buzzlab. It’s a place where creativity meets strategy, where big ideas don’t just stay ideas—they turn into measurable outcomes. I feel genuinely energised by this shift in the creative and media landscape, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place than Buzzlab to be part of this shift.”

    Buzzlab’s founder &  CEO  Sindhu Biswal  sees Shetty as a disruptive force. “He wants to unlearn everything, challenge playbooks,” he  said — music to the ears of an agency positioning itself as the rebel child of traditional advertising.

    Co-founder Sushant Sadamate hints at Shetty’s real value: not just strategising, but getting his hands dirty. “He’ll inspire clients while delivering standout campaigns,”  Sadamate promised—a bold declaration in an industry often more sizzle than steak.

    For Buzzlab, Shetty represents more than a hire. He’s a statement: creativity must now speak the language of data, community, and measurable impact.

  • Roshni Kavina joins L&K Saatchi & Saatchi as national creative director

    Roshni Kavina joins L&K Saatchi & Saatchi as national creative director

    Mumbai: Publicis Groupe India’s L&K Saatchi & Saatchi has strengthened its creative leadership by appointing Roshni Kavina as national creative director. As the national creative director, Roshni will be instrumental in further elevating the agency’s creative output, driving innovation, and advancing brand success for clients. Based out of the agency’s Mumbai office, Roshni will report to Kartik Smetacek and Rohit Malkani, the agency’s chief creative officers.

    With two decades of experience in advertising and design, this move marks Roshni’s return to Publicis Groupe. She served as the executive creative director at Publicis Ambience from 2015 to 2021, managing coveted accounts such as Lakmé, Enamor, and Ferrero Rocher. She has also earlier been with Publicis Groupe at Saatchi & Saatchi and BBH India. Roshni joins L&K Saatchi & Saatchi from Byju’s International, where she was brand strategy and creative head for North America and Canada. In addition, she founded ‘The Nextdoor Artist,’ an art studio, in 2013.

    Roshni has supported several global luxury brands as an independent creative consultant and played a key role in shaping design communications for brands such as The Body Shop, Burberry, Elle18, Vaseline, Pantaloons, Irasva, and Marico, among many others. Her work has received extensive recognition and accolades at platforms such as Cannes Lions, Spikes Asia, Adfest, Abbys, and Effies.

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi and Publicis India CEO Paritosh Srivastava said, “It is heartwarming to see Roshni returning to the team, especially as we continue to expand our portfolio with new lifestyle and luxury brands. Having worked with her in the past on some major brands, I am confident that her expertise in lifestyle and luxury branding, and her design capability will further boost our creative excellence.”

    “Roshni comes in at exactly the right time to partner with the creative leadership on a couple of large accounts we’ve recently won. Her skillset greatly enhances the agency’s creative firepower, and we look forward to big things from her in the months to come,” added L&K Saatchi & Saatchi chief creative officers Kartik Smetacek and Rohit Malkani, in a joint statement.

    “I believe that no matter which path we take, as long as we visit new worlds and learn along the way, the journey is well lived. Having worked with Paritosh on some of the most coveted brands in my earlier stint, I am thrilled to return to familiar grounds. It is a pleasure to be a part of a team where each member brings unique strength, and I am excited to help build the lifestyle and luxury brands portfolio for L&K Saatchi & Saatchi. I am honoured to be a part of the family and can’t wait to get started,” said L&K Saatchi & Saatchi NCD Roshni Kavina.

  • Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation chooses L&K Saatchi & Saatchi India as advertising partner

    Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation chooses L&K Saatchi & Saatchi India as advertising partner

    Mumbai – Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation, formerly known as L&T Switchgear, has partnered with L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, a part of Publicis Groupe India, as its new advertising agency. It has unveiled a powerful campaign to enhance brand resonance and align with the new identity following its acquisition by Schneider Electric in 2020. The campaign seeks to strengthen the trust and heritage associated with the L&T Electrical & Automation brand under its new name – Lauritz Knudsen.

    Directed by renowned filmmaker Ashim Ahluwalia and featuring an inspiring anthem by music maestro Shankar Mahadevan, the magnum opus film opens with a compelling shot of L&T Switchgear’s original signage. It then takes the viewer on a journey through houses, hospitals, agricultural lands and various geographies to show how L&T Switchgear has contributed to the country’s growth through its partnerships and products. The film seamlessly transitions between scenes via their products, finally culminating on the same sign, now under a new name: Lauritz Knudsen.

    Schneider Electric India VP- Global Marketing, CMO, Rajat Abbi said, “Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation, Formerly L&T Switchgear, boasts a remarkable 70+ year legacy in powering the electrical industry and resonating with the heartbeat of the nation. Despite the name change, our core identity remains unchanged – it’s only the trust of our customers and partners that now carries a new name. Collaborating with L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, we’re happy that the team aligned with our values and helped us bring our vision to life. Effective storytelling is pivotal to any campaign, and our new brand film weaves together our entire journey and our key offering, beautifully. We eagerly anticipate the creativity that L&K Saatchi & Saatchi will bring to the table next.”

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi CCO Rohit Malkani said, “One doesn’t often get to work with a musical genius, a renowned filmmaker and a voice that has moved millions, all in one TVC! That’s precisely what Lauritz Knudsen offered us in terms of an opportunity. The film has really been the icing on the cake after a toughly contested pitch. The challenge was to not just establish the new name and identity strongly but also tell the story of L&T Switchgear and its journey in building India. The result is a seamless piece of storytelling, weaving all practices in one symphony.”

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi executive director Atin Wahal said, “It is our privilege to partner with Lauritz Knudsen Electrical & Automation, a brand with a rich 70-year legacy in India, at this pivotal stage of their rebranding journey. At L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, we prioritise understanding our client’s business and delivering impactful results. This campaign underscores the brand’s legacy of trust while highlighting its continuous evolution towards a brighter future. The campaign is reassuring, uplifting and beautifully integrates the core values of both the brands.”

    The campaign has been rolled out across TV and digital platforms, ensuring broad reach and engagement. It also includes a partnership with India’s renowned game show Kaun Banega Crorepati. The campaign is being broadcast in multiple languages — Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada — demonstrating the brand’s pan-India presence.

  • L&K Saatchi & Saatchi India launches CollegeDekho’s “Banayenge India ka Kal” campaign

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi India launches CollegeDekho’s “Banayenge India ka Kal” campaign

    Mumbai: In a significant move to establish a compelling brand purpose based on deep consumer insight and to build brand awareness, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi India has launched CollegeDekho’s first integrated brand campaign, ‘Banayenge India ka Kal,’ across television, OTT, and digital mediums.

    The campaign highlights a poignant story of a father, who has always provided the best for his son, now turning to CollegeDekho for college guidance. It resonates with the profound love and sacrifices parents make for their children, and the insight that despite their best efforts, parents often feel unsure about choosing the right college due to a lack of current knowledge. In these crucial moments, they need a trusted expert to guide them.

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi India chief creative officer Rohit Malkani said, “This is what happens when a brave client, a strong insight, a great script and a passionate director get together! We’re super thrilled to put out this film for CollegeDekho, which beautifully captures the mood of a young boy about to apply for college. The nuanced performances and authenticity don’t just strike home but also make it something to watch repeatedly.”

    “The vision of CollegeDekho is one of purpose and we have been ever so inspired since our initial conversations. This campaign is a labour of our love and passion with a clear vision. We are thrilled to have partnered with CollegeDekho to bring this inspiring vision to life, which can truly make a difference to millions of students in India,” added Hindol Purkayastha, Head- North & East, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi India.

    CollegeDekho chief marketing officer Abhinav Upadhyay said, “We’ve chosen L&K Saatchi & Saatchi India for our first-ever brand campaign based on conversations that built trust. As the largest Higher Education Ecosystem in India, we wanted an honest way to establish our brand purpose and raison d’etre while working with a consumer insight that spoke the language of millions of students and parents that we guide every year. We are confident that this campaign will resonate deeply with our audience, further solidifying CollegeDekho as a trusted educational partner.”

    The campaign aims to enhance brand awareness and establish a memorable brand purpose. With L&K Saatchi & Saatchi India’s creative expertise and CollegeDekho’s vision, this campaign is set to make a significant impact in the education sector, guiding countless families towards brighter futures for themselves and the nation.

  • L&K Saatchi & Saatchi India’s new film for Zee Sarthak challenges menstrual discrimination

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi India’s new film for Zee Sarthak challenges menstrual discrimination

    Mumbai: L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, part of Publicis Groupe India, has unveiled a thought-provoking film to celebrate the ‘Naali Bindu’ (Red Dot) initiative by Zee Sarthak, an Odia general entertainment channel.

    The initiative addresses the continued isolation faced by approximately 28 per cent of girls in India while having their periods, perpetuated by the misbelief that their shadows are impure. Using ‘Rabana Chhaya’, a dying traditional art form of shadow puppetry from Odisha, the film poignantly portrays the story of a girl subjected to this taboo and orthodox belief. Its powerful narrative aims to raise awareness and challenge menstrual discrimination.

    The use of shadow puppetry in the campaign is symbolic; it reflects the shadowy stigma surrounding menstruation and challenges the notion that something as natural as a girl’s shadow can be impure. Odisha is a unique state where menstruation is celebrated during the Raja Parba festival. This cultural backdrop provides a powerful contrast to prevailing societal beliefs. The film will be aired on both television and digital platforms.

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi India’s ability to craft impactful narratives aligns perfectly with Zee Sarthak’s mission to challenge regressive norms. This campaign is a testament to the agency’s capacity to empower brands and communities, fostering deeper connections and promoting social progress.

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi India chief creative officer Rohit Malkani said, “Our association with Zee Sarthak and Nali Bindu is something we hold very dear. Every year, the entire team including our client puts on their thinking caps a month or so before Raja Parba to create a piece of communication that endears, cuts through and most importantly undoes a social knot. This year we are super proud of a creative output that not only seeks to highlight a social prejudice but revives a traditional art form as well.”

    Zee Sarthak chief channel officer Pratik Seal added, “As a channel deeply rooted in cultural contexts, we understand the importance of addressing and challenging regressive norms. Our Naali Bindu initiative is an effort to eradicate menstrual discrimination and promote dignity and respect for young girls. By using Rabana Chhaya, we not only bring attention to a critical issue but also honour a traditional art form, thus driving impact and cultural significance.”

  • Industry unites to draw massive delegation for Goafest 2024

    Industry unites to draw massive delegation for Goafest 2024

    Mumbai: Goafest, South Asia’s premier festival celebrating creativity excellence, continues to drive industry growth and collaboration. This year, the festival has achieved remarkable success with a surge in delegate entries and unprecedented support from industry leaders. Scheduled to take place from 29 to 31 May at the Westin Mumbai, Powai Lake, this year’s event has drawn increased participation from agencies and clients of all scales, underscoring its expanding influence and reach.

    The 17th edition of Goafest boasts of an impressive line-up with delegation from media agencies including Havas Media, Publicis Media, Group M, Madison Communications, Initiative Media, OMD, and Zenith Optimedia, among others. Creative powerhouses TLG India, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, Leo Burnett, FCB Group, Havas Worldwide are also on board, along with brands like Nestle, Tips Industries, Kotak General Insurance, and Airtel. Media giants Bennett Coleman, ABP Group, Zee Media, Navabharat Media Network, et al have also shown unwavering registration support. The festival’s appeal spans multinational agencies to smaller firms, showcasing its inclusive ethos.

    Goafest remains a pivotal industry event, driving innovation, creativity, and collaboration year after year. It’s a hub for professionals to share ideas, learn from experts, and showcase groundbreaking work. The festival’s impact resonates throughout the industry, inspiring creativity and enhancing professional networks.

    Goafest 2024 chairman of the delegates committee – Sam Balsara expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “Goafest has always been a beacon of creativity and innovation in the advertising industry. This year’s entries have set a new benchmark for excellence. The support from the industry has been overwhelming, and the record number of registrations is a clear indicator of the vibrant and dynamic nature of advertising media and marketing industry.”

  • L&K Saatchi & Saatchi unveils Cooling Tomorrow Together campaign for SRF Floron AC Gas

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi unveils Cooling Tomorrow Together campaign for SRF Floron AC Gas

    Mumbai: L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, part of Publicis Groupe India, has conceptualised the latest campaign for SRF Floron AC gas, a SRF Limited brand. Titled ‘Cooling Tomorrow Together’, the campaign comprises two films that will be aired exclusively on JioCinema at the Indian Premier League.

    One of the dominant players in the air conditioning and cooling refrigerants industry, SRF Limited seeks to highlight the crucial role of AC refrigerants in staying cool during the summer. The two 10-second advertisements establish the “We Cool (AC): What Keeps You Cool” narrative.

    The films take an exaggerated, humorous route, depicting two extreme scenarios where the protagonists do not get angry despite provocation.

    Depicting everyday situations, the first ad shows a driver staying calm as his expensive car gets hit on an empty road. The second ad showcases a husband being saved from his wife’s fury when he forgets about his dinner date and falls asleep, all thanks to the superior cooling power of SRF Floron AC gas.

    Through these light-hearted narratives, the campaign effectively highlights the product’s key benefit: its ability to maintain car and room temperature, promoting a sense of calm and well-being for drivers and consumers alike.

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi CCO Rohit Malkani in India said, “It isn’t easy to advertise or tell a story about a product that is neither seen nor heard. We went in search of an ‘Oh! I never knew Floron did that!’ idea. We aimed to bring the AC refrigerant out of its hiding place and give it its rightful value in life situations. The result is a set of films that are fun, quirky, and delightful.”

    A SRF Floron representative added, “’Cooling Tomorrow Together’ is more than just a campaign; it’s a pledge of tranquillity amidst life’s chaos. In collaboration with SRF Floron, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi has artfully captured our vision: to redefine comfort. This initiative aims to engage and enlighten consumers about the technology behind their home cooling appliances and car airconditioning, while cementing SRF Floron’s status as the ultimate choice for AC cooling gas in the market.”

    Home AC: 

    Car AC: 

  • Niraj Ruparel, Chandani Samdaria, Chandni Shah, Senthil and P G Aditya appointed as jury chairs for Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show

    Niraj Ruparel, Chandani Samdaria, Chandni Shah, Senthil and P G Aditya appointed as jury chairs for Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show

    Mumbai: Niraj Ruparel, Emerging tech lead for WPP and head of mobile at GroupM, Chandani Samdaria, executive creative director at L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, Chandni Shah, COO of FCB Kinnect, Senthil, CCO, VML and P G Aditya, CCO and co-founder of Talented, join as jury chair for Technology category, Red Abby category, Mobile category, Integrated category and Digital category respectively, at The Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show.

    Niraj Ruparel, Emerging Tech Lead for WPP and Head of Mobile at GroupM, has been appointed jury chair in Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show in the Technology category.

    Niraj is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in Generative AI, Metaverse Marketing, Mobile Marketing, Voice Marketing, XR marketing, consumer platforms, brand communications, and marketing analytics.

    Niraj has been instrumental in developing cutting-edge creative technology solutions for agencies and clients in India.

    Niraj is a go-to expert for all things related to voice, technology, mobile, and digital platforms. His work has won several awards, including FOMG, WARC, Cannes, and I-com Data Creativity Awards. In addition, he has been personally recognised for his achievements, including winning the prestigious inaugural WPP Ignite awards, Niraj has been listed in Campaign Asia’s Top 40 Rising Talent and has been featured as a top digital marketing leader in 2022 by CMO Asia.

    Niraj was recently awarded for his contribution to Metaverse & AI industry at IAA Tech Plus 2023.

    Niraj is a true industry maverick shaping the future of digital marketing. Additionally, he’s also a die-hard fitness fanatic, hula hooper and an affectionate father.

    Chandani Samdaria, executive creative director at L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, India has been appointed jury chair in Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show in the Red Abby category

    Chandani has been a National Gold Medalist in Figure and Artistic Skating.  She then smoothly transitioned from gliding on wheels to gliding through ideas, campaigns and briefs.

    With a career spanning over 14 years, she has honed her skills at agencies like Lowe Lintas, Leo Burnett and now L&K Saatchi &. Saatchi.

    Chandani was awarded 40 under 40, 2023 by Social Samosa.

    Chandani has created campaigns for giants like Vicks, Head & Shoulders, Nivea, Tide, Ariel, Amazon Audible, Knorr, Closeup, Kwality Wall’s, Axis Bank, Hotstar, and more.

    For every brand, her forever mantra has been to conceive campaigns that weave powerful ideas through cultural insights.

    Chandni Shah, COO of FCB Kinnect has been appointed jury chair in Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show in the Mobile category.

    Chandni heads a team of over 400 talented #Kinnectors across multiple cities. Her charisma is unmatched and she’s a torchbearer for the next generation. Her all-guns-blazing attitude has forged strong client relationships, attracting an enviable roster of blue-chip companies.

    Under her leadership, FCB Kinnect has won some note-worthy global industry accolades, such as Cannes Lions, One Show, Spikes Asia, Grand Clio and many more.

    She was one of IMPACT’s 50 Most Influential Women. She was also the recipient of the SHE 2022 award by Agency Reporter. Chandni has also been listed in Campaign South Asia’s prestigious 40 Under 40 Award and the Young Business Leader Award for the South Asia region.

    While having contributed to almost all their large clients, she works closely with HDFC Bank, Amazon, Tata Motors, TVS, Aditya Birla Capital Group etc.

    A young woman leader herself, Chandni grooms her #Kinnectors to break the ceiling and #GetGreatShitDone.

    Senthil CCO, VML India has been appointed jury chair in the Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show in the Integrated category.

    Senthil is the spearhead of the creative team at VML, the world’s largest creative company that’s powering the business of ideas and inspiring growth for several international brands and national market leaders, working with multilingual creative and digital teams across the country.

    Senthil believes in leading by example and leading from the front with insightful ideas that have built legendary local brands like Wipro, The Times Of India, Tata Steel, Tata Gluco Plus, Himalayan, Apollo Tyres, Hero Motors, Aditya Birla Fashion, Murugappa Group, Nestle Munch, Star Sports and leading global brands like Nike, Levi’s, Puma, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, KitKat, Johnnie Walker, Google, Facebook, Rotary International, Shell, Unilever Radiant and Unicef.

    THE ECONOMIC TIMES gave Senthil the coveted title of ‘Lion Hunter’ for winning India’s first Gold Lions in Film & Film Craft at the Cannes Lions International Festival. He has also won India’s first One Show Gold Pencils in Film, Film Craft and Film Innovation and several D&AD, Spikes, Clio Awards and New York Festival Gold Medals.

    With over 300 International Awards, Senthil is the most awarded writer, creative director and film director in Indian advertising, while leading the company to several ‘Agency Of The Year’ and ‘Campaign of the Year’ titles. Senthil has been voted ‘Copywriter of the Year’ and ‘Film Director of the Year’ several times at the National and Asia Pacific regional creative festivals.

    P G Aditya, CCO and co-founder of Talented has been appointed jury chair in Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show in the Digital category.

    PG Aditiya is the creator of India’s most awarded campaign ever: The Unfiltered History Tour, an undercover tour of the British Museum’s disputed artefacts – for VICE.

    Talented is an employee-owned creative agency founded by PG Aditya prior to which he was the CCO of Dentsu Webchutney until February 2022.  His work is responsible for India’s only “Agency of the Year” title so far at Cannes Lions.        

    PG Aditya has helped elevate the country’s credentials at international stages through campaigns like Why is this a Swiggy Ad?, Travel on Cleartrip and Flipkart’s Hagglebot. PG was also recognised as APAC’s #1 CCO by the One Show & as  Creative Agency Leader of the Year by the IAA

    The Abby Awards will be held on the 29th, 30th, and 31st of May during Goafest 2024.

    For more details on The Abby Awards, visit https://abbyawards.com/