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Tag: marketing

  • Star power dominates ads: Celebrity endorsements surge in 2024

    Star power dominates ads: Celebrity endorsements surge in 2024

    MUMBAI: Celebrity endorsements remained the lifeblood of India’s advertising world in 2024, proving once again that a star-studded ad is worth its weight in gold. While brands pull every trick in the book to grab eyeballs, Indian cinema icons, cricketing heroes, and TV stars effortlessly steal the show. Because let’s face it—if Shah Rukh Khan tells you to buy a biscuit, you probably will.

    The latest TAM AdEx-Rewinding year 2024 for Celebrity Endorsement spills the tea: celebrities shone in 30 per cent of all TV ads, with male film actors leading at 42 per cent. Star power isn’t just a marketing gimmick—it’s the secret sauce to making brands unforgettable. From daredevil action heroes to six-hitting cricketers, these celebs know how to work their magic.

    The numbers tell an interesting story. Celebrity-led ad volume grew three per cent in 2024, though overall, the past three years saw some dips—down eight per cent in 2023 and six per cent in 2024 compared to 2022. Yet, brands are still betting big on famous faces.

    The IPL season acted as a turbo boost, making April–June the golden quarter for ad volumes. If you watched TV, you likely saw Akshay Kumar’s megawatt grin or Shah Rukh Khan’s signature charm pushing a product your way. Resistance was futile.

    What’s hot? Over the 50 per cent of celebrity-endorsed ads that belonged to three dominant sectors:

    . Food & Beverages (24 per cent) – Because who can resist a snack endorsed by Indian cinema royalty?

    .   Personal Care & Hygiene (17 per cent) – Grooming advice from a glamorous star? Say no more.

     .  Household Products (11 per cent) – Even A-listers appreciate a squeaky-clean home.

    Well who ruled the ad space? Some faces were simply everywhere. Akshay Kumar clocked in a mind-blowing 20 hours per day of ad visibility—essentially living in commercial breaks. Meanwhile, M.S. Dhoni played a different kind of innings, endorsing a whopping 52 brands like a true business strategist. And in the product category race, E-commerce Gaming emerged as the big winner, attracting the highest number of celebrity endorsements. Looks like stars aren’t just playing games on screen—they’re cashing in on them, too.

    Brands love a power couple, and 2024 was the year they proved their worth. Leading the romance-meets-commerce charge were Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna, holding a 17 per cent share of celebrity couple endorsements. Not far behind were Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt (14 per cent), followed by the ever-charming Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli (13 per cent).

    Together, these dynamic duos helped drive 50 per cent of all celebrity-led ads, proving that love might be priceless, but in the advertising world, it’s an absolute goldmine. When an Indian cinema star and a cricketing legend sell you something together, how can you possibly say no?

    Also, It turns out, men and women have their own advertising niches. Male celebrities dominated Food & Beverage ads (59 per cent), while female stars ruled Personal Care & Hygiene (67 per cent)—because let’s face it, no one wants beard oil tips from Kiara Advani, and Alia Bhatt recommending a spicy chicken burger might feel oddly suspicious.

    Meanwhile, the Agriculture, Telecom, and Media sectors remained a male-only club, as if female celebrities don’t know how to answer a phone or grow crops. Maybe it’s time to shake things up and give the audience a little variety. Just imagine Deepika Padukone selling tractor insurance—now that’s a campaign we’d love to see! Just a thought.

    Final takeaway? Celebrities still rule! No matter how much the ad world changes, one thing stays constant—celebrities run the show. Whether it’s an Indian cinema megastar, a cricketing legend, or a TV heartthrob, brands will always bank on their charm. Love them or roll your eyes, celebrity ads are here to stay—because let’s be honest, they work.

  • Zepto and Škoda tease 10-minute car deliveries, but there’s a catch

    Zepto and Škoda tease 10-minute car deliveries, but there’s a catch

    MUMBAI: Last night, at precisely 9 pm, Zepto turned social media upside down with a cheeky new TVC that had people convinced they’d cracked the code to 10-minute car deliveries. Yes, you read that right.

    Imagine scrolling through the Zepto app, adding a Škoda Kylaq to your cart, and having it delivered before you can even pick a playlist for your first drive. Too good to be true? Well, it is.

    The ad, directed with a mischievous twinkle, never outright says that Zepto will deliver cars. But the visual storytelling cleverly nudged viewers into believing the impossible. The message? A bold synergy between Zepto and Škoda—without a single spoken word confirming the deal.

    And, naturally, media outlets pounced. Business Today, India Today, CarDekho, and a flurry of others sprinted to drop the juiciest headline first. “Zepto to Deliver Škoda Cars in 10 Minutes!” screamed one. “End of Dealerships?” suggested another. The internet had a field day.

    But before the world could collectively lose its mind, Zepto’s co-founder & CEO Aadit Palicha, stepped in at around 7 pm today to clear the air with a LinkedIn post that read: “No, We’re Not Delivering Cars in 10 Minutes… yet. We’ve seen the headlines—Škoda & Zepto delivering cars in 10 minutes?! We love the energy, but let’s clear things up: you won’t be ordering a Škoda Kylaq from the Zepto app (as tempting as that sounds).

    What you can get in 10 minutes? A test drive of the Škoda Kylaq for now 🙂

    But… who knows what the future holds?”

    Aadit

    That last line? A classic cliffhanger. Zepto may not be handing over car keys at your doorstep just yet, but they’ve certainly kept the audience hooked. And let’s be honest, with how fast commerce is evolving, nothing sounds impossible anymore.

    So, while you might not be able to get a brand-new Škoda delivered faster than your morning espresso, the hype around this stunt proves one thing: Zepto and Škoda know exactly how to grab attention.

    What’s next? Supercars on subscription? Jetpack deliveries? One thing’s for sure—2025 is looking exciting.

  • Shejale-Ganganna’s LS Digital mastermind revolutionary AI Marketing Stack

    Shejale-Ganganna’s LS Digital mastermind revolutionary AI Marketing Stack

    MUMBAI: Founded by visionary leaders Prasad Shejale and Venugopal Ganganna, LS Digital has long been the underdog-turned-powerhouse in the marketing world. Now, with the launch of their much-anticipated “AI Marketing Stack”, they’ve thrown down the gauntlet to competitors, effectively saying, ‘AI isn’t optional anymore – it’s your secret weapon’.

    This revolutionary offering integrates cutting-edge AI tools into every facet of marketing, empowering businesses to unlock insights, optimise campaigns, and stay miles ahead of the competition in today’s ever-evolving digital ecosystem.

    What sets LS Digital apart? Well, it’s not just about slapping a buzzword on a product. This stack is more like a power packed pitstop for marketers, blending tools that decode data, predict consumer behaviour, and even create hyper-personalised campaigns.

    Prasad, the “master strategist” CEO, pairs perfectly with Venugopal, the “technological wizard” CIO, making LS Digital a dynamic duo in the marketing universe. Together, they’ve created a solution that not only future-proofs brands but turns AI from a mystery into a necessity. And the best part? They’re making it accessible for businesses large and small. Intrigued yet?

    From L to R: LS Digital founder & CEO Prasad Shejale; LS Digital co-founder & CIO Venugopal Ganganna

    LS Digital gets it: CMOs aren’t here for more jargon, they’re here for tools that actually do the heavy lifting. And that’s where swoops in AI Marketing Stack—a marketer’s secret sauce that promises to spice up campaigns, cut the fluff, and deliver results faster than you can say, conversion rates! AI features include:

    1    Research AI: Turning customer data into golden insights faster than you can say “target audience.”

    2    Generate AI: Because no one has time to write generic content anymore—this tool churns out campaigns and social posts so personalised, they might as well come with your customers’ birthstones.

    3    Predictive AI: It’s like a marketing crystal ball—forecasting trends and fine-tuning campaigns like it’s nobody’s business (except yours).

    Oh, and they aren’t stopping there. They’re letting existing clients take their Research AI tool for a free test spin—no strings attached. Why? Because getting CMOs hooked on AI shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth.

    Shejale said, “AI isn’t just another tool; it’s the foundation for tomorrow’s marketing success. With our AI Marketing Stack, we’re removing the hurdles and enabling brands to explore new frontiers of growth and innovation. This is about making every brand unstoppable in the age of AI.”

    Adding to this vision, Ganganna emphasised the strategic depth of the initiative: “AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about staying ahead of the curve. With our solutions, we’re not just helping clients optimise campaigns; we’re future-proofing their strategies.” Ganganna also highlighted LS Digital’s partnership with Quilt, an expert in AI culture analysis and market intelligence, which has been instrumental in refining the stack’s capabilities.

    Forget everything you thought you knew about marketing—it’s not just about playing darts with data anymore. LS Digital’s new AI Marketing Stack is like upgrading from a rusty bicycle to a rocket ship; it promises to make AI the default setting for every brand aiming to win the marketing race.

    Indiantelevision.com Sreeyom Sil had an exclusive tête-à-tête with Venugopal Ganganna during LS Digital’s big launch event in Mumbai. Amidst the buzz and excitement, Ganganna spilled the beans on how this stack is a marketer’s dream come true and why it’s set to leave competitors playing catch-up. Let’s dig in!

    What inspired the creation of the AI marketing stack? Who were the key collaborators?

    The AI marketing stack has been a product of collaborative innovation involving multiple partners, technologies, and our experience over the last 18 months of building a digital business transformation agency. Our partnerships with companies like Quill.ai, Gemini, Vertex AI, Claude, and others helped shape the stack. We connected the dots around data intelligence, creative automation, and predictive modelling to tackle real-world marketing challenges.

    What’s the price tag for this innovation, and what ROI are you targeting?

    Our investment in the AI marketing stack amounts to $2–3 million over the past 18 to 24 months, spanning technology, talent, and research. But the expected ROI isn’t just financial – it’s about driving marketing transformation. We measure success through cost savings, productivity improvements, and efficiency gains, aiming for a 15–25 per cent uplift in these areas for our clients.

    Who are your target clients?

    The stack is industry-agnostic but tailored for sectors like FMCG, retail, e-commerce, BFSI, and lifestyle brands – areas that demand scalability, hyper-personalisation, and data-driven insights. We cater to enterprise clients needing large-scale solutions, mid-sized brands seeking efficiency at an accessible cost, and digital-first businesses looking to integrate creativity, media, and predictive modelling seamlessly.

    What makes this stack unique compared to similar tools?

    It’s not just a tool – it’s a customised AI agent, or rather 20 agents, designed for specific marketing needs such as predictive analytics, hyper-personalised media planning, and consumer cohort analysis. It’s a combination of many agents that integrate across platforms, scale effectively, and, most importantly, are cost-effective. We also offer a tiered pricing model ranging from SMB subscriptions to enterprise-level solutions with advanced capabilities.

    Is the stack India-focused, or is global expansion in the works?

    While the initial launch was in India, we’ve already done projects across GCC, SEA, the UK, and the US. As we scale, we’re targeting the Middle East, North America, and the EU as key hubs for enterprise adoption.

    What are the biggest challenges clients face when transitioning to AI-driven marketing?

    The main challenge is: where do I start? How do I begin? There’s scepticism about AI’s ROI, fears of complexity, and integration issues. To tackle these, we offer exclusive free access to our research modules for a few months, supported by dedicated training. This removes the barrier to entry, enabling brands to test the waters without huge upfront budgets.

    Ganganna is clear: AI isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. LS Digital’s AI Marketing Stack doesn’t just level the playing field; it flips the script entirely. Imagine a world where marketers swap their guesswork for a precise, algorithm-fueled strategy—and that’s exactly the future LS Digital promises.

    So, what’s next? The tools are here, the playbook is ready, and LS Digital is handing CMOs the keys to the AI kingdom. Ganganna leaves us with this thought: “AI isn’t just about technology; it’s about staying ahead of the curve and winning the race.” And with that, LS Digital makes one thing clear—when it comes to marketing, it’s no longer a sprint; it’s a smart race powered by algorithms.

  • C Com Digital teams up with Rushi Ventures to redefine F&B branding

    C Com Digital teams up with Rushi Ventures to redefine F&B branding

    MUMBAI: In a move that promises to revolutionise its online presence, Rushi Ventures Pvt Ltd (RVPL) has joined hands with C Com Digital, a global full-service techno digital marketing agency. The partnership will drive digital transformation across RVPL’s diverse food and beverage portfolio, including celebrated brands Rushi Fudzs, Mumbai Bowls, and Say Yummee.

    From its humble beginnings in 1993 as ‘Udipi Refreshment’, founded by Sham Shinde, RVPL has grown into a multi-brand enterprise. Now under the leadership of Siddhartha Shinde, the company blends a legacy of excellence with a flair for innovation. C Com Digital will spearhead digital campaigns, social media management, and strategic print marketing to amplify RVPL’s reach and resonance across Mumbai and Thane.

    Here’s a quick rundown of the brands set to sizzle in the spotlight:

    . Rushi Fudzs: A tribute to Mumbai’s soul food-think vada pav and dabeli with a dash of modern charm.

    . Mumbai Bowls: Customisable meals in a bowl, curated for the Gen Z crowd and corporate hustlers.

    . Say Yummee: A vibrant QSR offering everything from pav bhaji to pasta, created to delight Millennials and Gen Z alike.

    Each brand brings a unique flavour to the table, and C Com Digital’s job is to ensure they shine brighter in the crowded F&B market.

    RVPL’s MD, Siddhartha Shinde expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, “At RVPL, our journey has been fuelled by a passion for food, a legacy of excellence, and a belief in constant innovation. Partnering with C Com Digital marks a new chapter, allowing us to engage with audiences in meaningful ways. Their expertise will be pivotal as we expand our footprint and bring our unique offerings to more customers.”

    Meanwhile, C Com Digital founder & director Chandan Bagwe shared his vision, “Rushi Ventures is a remarkable blend of legacy and modernity in the F&B space. This partnership is an opportunity to craft dynamic, data-driven strategies that will elevate their brands, ensuring they stay relevant and top-of-mind in an increasingly digital world.”

    C Com Digital’s strategy will focus on expanding brand visibility, boosting customer engagement, and data-driven storytelling.

    Through creative campaigns, precision targeting, and relentless innovation, C Com Digital aims to establish RVPL as a leader in the F&B industry. With a legacy that began in 1993 and a vision that looks far into the future, the partnership is set to cook up something truly spectacular.

  • AI to transform marketing strategies, not its core – Vikram Sakhuja

    AI to transform marketing strategies, not its core – Vikram Sakhuja

    MUMBAI: Artificial intelligence (AI) has gone from being a buzzword to an indispensable tool, revolutionising industries across the globe.

    At the 19 India Digital Summit, Madison Media & OOH at Madison World group CEO Vikram Sakhuja shared his views on how AI is transforming marketing strategies without disrupting its core principles. Spoiler alert: marketing fundamentals are safe, but the methods? They’re getting an AI upgrade!

    Sakhuja made it clear that while AI is rewriting the “how” of marketing, the “why” and “what” remain rooted in human understanding.  “The core principles of marketing will largely remain unchanged. What will evolve and transform are the methods of marketing,” he said during a thought-provoking session hosted by India Today Group consumer revenue group CMO & COO, Vivek Malhotra.

    Malhotra posed the billion-dollar question: Can publishers leverage AI-driven algorithms to help the ad industry scale to $1 trillion? Sakhuja’s reply was simple: AI’s learning thrives on data. “You can’t just write an algorithm; it’s the data fed into the system that enables learning and improvement over time,” he noted, adding that companies like Google are refining AI engines to optimise media spends through better data.

    Can AI foster human connection? The answer is a surprising yes.

    Are algorithms too mechanical to form meaningful consumer bonds? Not according to Sakhuja.  “AI can create a deep connection. For instance, when Meta launches a trailer, the number of shares it gets is a real-time pulse check,” he explained. AI helps broadcasters and advertisers bypass traditional targeting and focus on consumers who actually engage.

    And the examples don’t stop there. Think about Cadbury’s Diwali campaign, where Shah Rukh Khan’s virtual presence personalised messages for neighbourhood stores. That’s AI delivering local charm on a national scale.

    Sakhuja dismissed the notion that AI is the sole domain of new-age brands. “Of course, legacy brands can embrace AI,” he said. He highlighted how even routine tasks like food delivery via Swiggy or Zomato rely on AI, demonstrating its seamless integration into daily life.

    The takeaway? Age doesn’t matter if you’re willing to innovate.

    But wait, what about data validation? With great data comes great responsibility.
    Sakhuja cautioned about the dangers of bad data—what he called the “garbage in, garbage out” problem. Feeding unvalidated data into AI can lead to “hallucinations” (no, not the psychedelic kind) where outputs are wildly off-mark.

    The solution? “Validation checks are crucial to ensure accuracy and prevent biases. The key is balancing AI’s capabilities with human oversight,” Sakhuja advised, adding that ethical use and privacy concerns need to stay top of mind.

    Three ways AI supercharges marketing:

    1    Precision targeting: AI identifies who’s engaging and how, skipping old-school guesswork.

    2    Customised experiences: From localised campaigns to dynamic messaging, AI personalises at scale.

    3    Smart scaling: Brands like Cadbury use AI to connect with millions while keeping it personal.

    Final thought: Will AI replace humans? Not likely. Sakhuja pointed out that AI is a tool, not a replacement. “Human judgment remains critical. Over-reliance on AI could erode the creativity and ethics that define good marketing,” he concluded.

    So how will your brand embrace the AI wave without losing its human touch?

  • Zahid Gawandi joins hBits: Will the real estate game change forever?

    Zahid Gawandi joins hBits: Will the real estate game change forever?

    MUMBAI: hBits, India’s leading platform for investing in commercial real estate, has just made a big power move by appointing Zahid Gawandi as its director – brand & marketing.

    With over 20 years of marketing wizardry under his belt, Gawandi is all set to redefine hBits’ brand strategy and spearhead its market expansion. This appointment comes hot on the heels of the company’s impressive Rs 40 crore fundraise—talk about momentum!

    Gawandi isn’t just another marketing pro. He’s a brand guru with a track record that can rival a blockbuster movie. From launching Reliance Money to leading the rebranding of SBI Securities Ltd, Gawandi has done it all. He’s also dabbled in industries ranging from Fintech to FMCG to Automobiles.

    But wait, there’s more. Gawandi is no stranger to global markets, thanks to his time with advertising giants like Dentsu and Hakuhodo. Need more reasons to trust him? He’s a sought-after speaker, a business school faculty member, and even a jury member for prestigious marketing awards. Oh, and did we mention he’s also a marathon runner? Clearly, this man doesn’t know how to slow down.

    hBits is betting big on Gawandi’s knack for understanding consumer insights and his flair for crafting integrated marketing strategies. According to hBits founder & CEO Shiv Parekh, “With our recent Rs 40 crore fundraise, hBits is poised for exponential growth. Zahid’s strategic vision and expertise in marketing and brand building will be instrumental in positioning hBits as the preferred Proptech platform for fractional ownership of premium commercial real estate.”

    Gawandi plans to hit the ground running (literally, if his marathon habits are any indication). He will focus on:

    ●    Building integrated marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility.

    ●    Leveraging cutting-edge digital campaigns to attract clients.

    ●    Strengthening investor engagement through powerful product narratives.

    According to hBits co-founder Samir Bhandari, “Zahid’s extensive experience in BFSI, his grasp of global marketing dynamics, and his ability to inspire teams make him an invaluable asset to hBits. His marketing acumen will undoubtedly propel us toward even greater success.”

    If marketing were a race, Gawandi would already be at the finish line—probably wearing a medal. With him on board, hBits is ready to soar to new heights. Will he deliver a marketing masterstroke? 

  • IAA-ad:tech unite for ‘Honours Awards’ to celebrate tech in marketing

    IAA-ad:tech unite for ‘Honours Awards’ to celebrate tech in marketing

    MUMBAI: In a world obsessed with instant gratification, where a fleeting moment can spark a billion impressions, the advertising and marketing industry stands as the unsung hero.

    Here, creativity marries cutting-edge technology, and platforms morph into virtual canvases for brand storytelling. In this exhilarating age of innovation, the Indian chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) and ad:tech are set to unveil an initiative that promises to rewrite the rules of recognition.

    The inaugural Honours Awards will shine a spotlight on the trailblazers—those who dare to challenge the norm, harness technology, and craft campaigns that inspire and innovate. It’s not just an awards show; it’s a celebration of the visionaries redefining the way we see the world through the lens of advertising.

    This groundbreaking partnership between IAA and ad:tech marks a historic moment for the industry, one that honours not just the work but the relentless pursuit of excellence that shapes it.

    As the anticipation builds, so does the promise of a night to remember—where every accolade is a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of modern advertising.

    Scheduled to take place during ad:tech 2025 on 6 March at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, the awards aim to celebrate the innovators driving digital transformation.

    What sets this partnership apart?

    It seamlessly merges IAA’s industry excellence with ad:tech’s focus on the future of technology and marketing solutions.

    But why do we need awards for tech in advertising? As The Salt Inc Consulting CEO & founder and IAA Mancom member, Neena Dasgupta puts it, “Through the Honour Awards in partnership with ad:tech, IAA wants to push the boundaries across digital which continues to evolve as a medium. The jury for the awards will consist of 15 digital evangelists who are looking forward to judging some path-breaking work.”

    The Honours Awards will highlight achievements across several forward-thinking categories, including:

    ●    Marketing Automation/Marketing Cloud
    ●    Data, Analytics & Intelligence
    ●    Content and Social Media
    ●    Conversational Marketing
    ●    Retail Media/eCommerce
    ●    Influencer Marketing
    ●    Customer Experience
    ●    AI Interventions in Marketing
    ●    Performance Marketing

    Have you worked on a groundbreaking campaign in one of these areas? If so, the nomination deadline is 4 February 2025. Submit your entry here.

    Why now?

    Comexposium India MD, Jaswant Singh emphasised the timeliness of this initiative: “For over 14 years, ad:tech India has been a leading platform showcasing the transformative power of technology in advertising and marketing. Partnering with the IAA India Chapter for this inaugural edition, we look forward to celebrating the innovators driving the future of marketing forward.”

    The communication landscape is rapidly changing, with technologies like generative AI leading the charge. “Technology is a game-changer for the communications space,” said IAA – India Chapter president Abhishek Karnani. He added that these awards would honour “the best work in the space” and encourage more innovation.

    The awards will be judged by an esteemed panel of industry leaders and experts from various sectors, ensuring that only the most innovative and impactful solutions are recognised.

    Are you curious to see what campaigns stand out? Imagine the conversations and trends this recognition could spark in the coming years.

    Mark your calendar.

    ad:tech 2025 will run on 5-6 March at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, with the awards ceremony on the final day. For more details about the event, click here.

    The Honours Awards promise to bridge the gap between technological innovation and its recognition in advertising and marketing. Whether you’re an industry veteran or a digital evangelist, this event offers a front-row seat to the future of marketing.

  • Banking to pharma: A marketing maverick takes helm at Sun Pharma

    Banking to pharma: A marketing maverick takes helm at Sun Pharma

    MUMBAI: After an 18-year whirlwind of success in banking marketing, Pulak Sarmah has made a bold leap into the pharmaceutical arena, becoming the head of corporate marketing & brand at Sun Pharma.

    Known for his strategic brilliance and brand-building acumen, Sarmah’s transition signals a pivotal moment in the marketing industry, blending two diverse worlds under the leadership of a proven marketing veteran. With Sun Pharma’s global ambitions in focus, his appointment is set to redefine the company’s brand narrative and solidify its position on the world stage.

    Sarmah began his professional journey in 2006 at Ogilvy & Mather in client servicing, setting the foundation for an illustrious career. Over the next 18 years, he rose through pivotal roles within the Kotak Group, showcasing his expertise in branding and communication. Briefly stepping away to fulfil a long-standing entrepreneurial dream, he ran a food joint named “Not Just Momos!” for a year. Returning to the corporate world, Sarmah served as Vice President of Brand and Corporate Communication at Kotak Mahindra Bank, where he was instrumental in defining the bank’s identity and spearheaded successful campaigns such as #IndiaInvited.

    His most recent position was executive vice president – brand, corporate communication, and consumer insights at Zurich Kotak General Insurance, where he spearheaded impactful marketing strategies, consumer insight initiatives, and brand-building efforts that set benchmarks in the industry.

    Sarmah expressed his enthusiasm for the new opportunity via a LinkedIn post, “Today, I embark on a new professional journey as head of corporate marketing & brand at Sun Pharma. Having spent the last 18 years building various brands within the Kotak Group, I am looking forward to this exciting opportunity at Sun Pharma. Thank you, everyone, for your love and best wishes.”

    At Sun Pharma, Sarmah will oversee corporate marketing and branding initiatives, leveraging his extensive experience to elevate the company’s global standing. His track record of delivering innovative campaigns and creating impactful brand narratives aligns seamlessly with Sun Pharma’s vision for the future.

  • SW Network appoints Keerthi Kumar as business head for Bengaluru operations

    SW Network appoints Keerthi Kumar as business head for Bengaluru operations

    MUMBAI: SW Network, an advertising and marketing agency known for integrating creativity with technology, is expanding its presence in Bengaluru. The agency focuses on delivering innovative solutions that combine media, technology, and strategy to drive impact for clients in India and beyond.

    SW Network has appointed Keerthi Kumar as the business head for its Bengaluru operations. With over 14 years of experience at agencies such as Leo Burnett, Dentsu Webchutney, and FoxyMoron, has successfully managed award-winning campaigns for global and domestic brands. He has built high-performing teams and led initiatives that have garnered industry recognition and delivered measurable business outcomes.

    SW Network co-founder Raghav Bagai commented, “Bengaluru is India’s tech capital, and our expansion here reflects our ambition to be at the forefront of creative and technological excellence. Keerthi’s expertise in delivering integrated solutions that merge creativity with cutting-edge technology will enable us to provide even greater value to our clients and establish SW Network as a dominant force in the region and beyond.”

    SW Network co-founder Pranav Agarwal added; “At SW Network, we focus on creating meaningful impact through creativity, technology, and strategy. Keerthi’s expertise in market dynamics and team building aligns with our vision to set new benchmarks in Bengaluru. His leadership will drive our regional growth while shaping a future where brands, innovation, and value come together.”

    Keerthi Kumar sharing his vision said: “As SW Network deepens its presence in Bengaluru, the agency continues to uphold its commitment to adding value by merging creativity, media, technology, and strategy to offer transformative solutions for its clients. Building on our strong foundation and core values, we are dedicated to developing a high-performing team that delivers significant impact and enduring value to our clients.”

  • Havas Media Network ropes in Pankaj Nayak from Dentsu

    Havas Media Network ropes in Pankaj Nayak from Dentsu

    MUMBAI: Havas Media Network has appointed Pankaj Nayak as CEO – Singapore & president – southeast Asia, effective immediately. With over two decades of experience in marketing and media across Asia, Nayak is set to drive the network’s strategic growth and innovation in the region.

    Nayak’s career encompasses leadership roles at prominent agencies. He served as managing director of the media group at Dentsu Singapore, where he enhanced product offerings in insights, commerce, experience, and analytics. Prior to Dentsu, Nayak held positions including OMD APAC chief marketing officer and Omnicom Media Group Asia Pacific, director of business development.

    An alumnus of the University of Mumbai, Nayak holds a Master of management studies in marketing and a Bachelor of Science in statistics from St. Xavier’s College.

    In his new role, Nayak will oversee Havas Media Network’s operations in Singapore and Southeast Asia, focusing on delivering integrated media solutions and fostering client partnerships.

    Havas Media Network’s leadership expressed confidence in Nayak’s appointment, citing his extensive experience and strategic vision as pivotal for the network’s expansion in the dynamic Southeast Asian market.