MUMBAI: Advertising veteran Samir Sagar has stepped into a new role as senior vice president at TBWAIndia, charting the next chapter of a career brewed in strategy, storytelling and brand wizardry.
Before joining TBWA, Sagar helmed the business at Famous Innovations as Business Head, where he led integrated marketing and brand communication mandates for marquee clients. His longest stint, however, was at MullenLowe Lintas Group, where he spent seven years rising through the ranks from associate vice president to senior vice president, shaping campaigns across Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Sagar’s early journey took him through McCann Erickson as brand leader and The Thinking Machine in Jakarta, where he worked as brand partner, experiences that helped sharpen his strategic lens and creative instincts.
With this move, Sagar brings his trademark blend of insight, innovation and leadership to TBWA, an agency known for its “Disruption” philosophy. It’s a fitting match, one creative disruptor joining another.
MUMBAI: When it comes to intimate wellness, Cipla Health is ready to turn the page, or rather, Unfold it. The healthcare major has entered the sexual wellness space with Unfold, a brand that dares to redefine intimacy with trust, style, and self-assurance at its core.
To bring this bold vision to life, c teamed up with Dcell, the specialist design arm of Mullenlowe Lintas Group, to craft a striking, stigma-free identity that feels as global as it is grounded in Indian sensibilities.
“With Unfold, we’ve entered the sexual wellness category guided by strong consumer insights, where trust and packaging play a pivotal role,” said Cipla Health managing director and CEO Shivam Puri. “Dcell has translated these insights into a modern, fresh design that reframes intimacy while remaining stigma-free.”
Unfold’s design breaks away from the conventional cues of the category. Its sleek, metallic holographic finish and layered visuals symbolise the idea of “unfolding” passion and connection, while vibrant colours bring modernity and warmth to the fore.
“Unfold is more than just a product, it’s a step towards normalising conversations around intimacy in India,” said Dcell executive design director Bhumika Shah. “Its aspirational yet discreet design reflects a shift towards products that combine aesthetics with confidence and quality.”
With an identity that’s as confident as its message, Unfold doesn’t just sell wellness, it invites India to open up to it.
MUMBAI: Shantanu Sapre, a seasoned advertising leader with more than 25 years in the business, has been appointed chief business officer at MullenLowe Lintas Group. He stepped into the role in July after a three-year entrepreneurial run, where he was involved in tech start-ups building mobile apps in ticketing, quizzing and fantasy sports. Sapre is no stranger to the agency. Over a 15-year stint at MullenLowe, he rose from executive vice president to president, steering some of its biggest business units and contributing nearly a quarter of its India revenues at his peak. He was instrumental in driving the agency’s “hyperbundling” solutions, pushing digital transformation, and broadening its client roster beyond FMCG to online, fashion, sport and media brands. Earlier in his career, Sapre held leadership roles at Leo Burnett, TBWA, Euro RSCG and MTV Networks India, where he helped launch Viacom Brand Solutions. His portfolio includes campaigns for Bajaj Auto, Surf, Axis Bank, Johnson’s Baby, Burger King, FirstCry and Mumbai Indians. In 2015, Campaign Asia named him Account Person of the Year. Back at MullenLowe, Sapre is expected to lean on his blend of big-agency heft and start-up agility to sharpen the group’s growth strategy, deepen client relationships and accelerate digital-led innovation.
MUMBAI – After nearly three decades of steering one of India’s most respected PR engines, president of Lintas Live, Ameer Ismail, has officially called time on his storied stint at MullenLowe Lintas group.
Ismail, a name long synonymous with the rise and reinvention of Lintas Live (formerly LinOpinion), is stepping down to pursue “new opportunities” in the ever-evolving world of communications, hinting at an AI-infused future that has him excited and energised.
“I’ve had a dream run,” said Ismail. “The future of PR is exhilarating—AI is opening up an entirely new canvas. My next move will build on the deep experience I’ve gathered across disciplines.”
Joining Lintas in 1996, Ismail became one of India’s longest-serving PR heads. Over the years, he transformed the agency from a traditional public relations outfit into a digital-first, integrated comms powerhouse—fusing media strategy, influencer engagement, crisis comms, and creative storytelling into award-winning campaigns . His leadership earned client trust across sectors, with marquee names like Tata Starbucks, Etihad Airways, Hyatt, Budweiser, Sony Pictures Networks India, and Visit Victoria turning to Lintas Live for cutting-edge comms.
Ismail held multiple senior roles within the group—across dCell, Advent, and Lintertainment—before spearheading the Golin joint venture and joining its global leadership in 2014. By 2018, he was also chief growth officer at PointNine Lintas, all while continuing to captain the PR business.
With over 500 brands and countless C-suite leaders under his strategic wing, Ismail’s counsel became industry gold. He’s served on advisory boards and juries for Sabre, Abby, and Fulcrum, and was feted by CMO Asia in 2011 for his contribution to corporate comms.
While he readies for his next act, Lintas Live, backed by a robust client roster and mentored leadership, remains in steady hands. Ismail will stay on in the short term to ensure a smooth transition.
A committed mentor and academic, he continues to lecture at top comms schools including Symbiosis, XIC, and Scranton University, and serves on the Score advisory council.
As Ameer Ismail bows out, the Indian PR world salutes a leader who didn’t just follow trends—he wrote the playbook.
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.
Mumbai: Lowe Lintas, a brand-building and advertising company, has been awarded the creative mandate for Amaron, the flagship brand of Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Ltd (formerly known as Amara Raja Batteries Ltd), after a keenly contested multi-agency pitch.
Amaron is an Indian manufacturer and supplier of industrial and automotive batteries, serving sectors like auto aftermarket, OEMs, industrial power backup, home energy solutions, and electric vehicles (EVs) with products such as cells, packs, and chargers. The company is known for its reliable automotive batteries and has consistently provided high-performance solutions for various vehicles. As the automotive industry moves toward sustainable and energy-efficient technologies, Amaron contributes to this shift. Additionally, Amaron has expanded into lubricants, establishing itself as a significant player in the energy and mobility sector.
This partnership with Lowe Lintas is a significant milestone and promises to be a journey that will energise Amaron’s brand presence and market share.
Commenting on the partnership, Amara Raja Group executive director – automotive & industrial Harshavardhana Gourineni said, “As Lowe Lintas takes the charge from our longstanding relationship with our previous agency partner, we reflect on our journey with them as they played a pivotal role in establishing and nurturing the Amaron brand over the years, and built a strong market presence in India and the globe. The decision to partner with Lowe Lintas comes as we look to the future and aim to scale new heights. We chose Lowe Lintas for their proven track record of building some of the biggest brands in the country through strategic thinking and creative effectiveness, which aligns perfectly with our vision for the next phase of Amaron’s growth in taking the brand to newer heights by building the brand which will now represent all the products the brand is diversified into. Together, we are excited to begin this new chapter and continue to lead the way in our global diversification journey.”
Lowe Lintas, a part of MullenLowe Lintas Group, has a rich legacy of not only creating impactful campaigns for some of the most celebrated brands in India but also building brands from scratch and turning them into successes. Known for its strategic thinking and creativity, the agency is well-equipped to amplify Amaron’s brand narrative and drive consumer engagement by creating deeper connections at local, ethnic, cultural, and sub-cultural levels. This inherent strength of the agency gives a strong edge to win in the marketplace.
MullenLowe Group, group CEO – India & chief strategy officer – APAC, S Subramanyeswar (Subbu) sharing his enthusiasm about the appointment, “It is a privilege to be chosen as a partner to lead Amaron’s electrifying journey as they take big strides in the automotive sector! Taking the baton from the brand’s longstanding and respected peer, it is a massive responsibility for us. I’m glad Amaron found in us the right mix of strategic, creative, and digital capabilities to accelerate the brand and the business in their ambitious next phase of growth.”
This partnership between Lowe Lintas and Amaron is poised to set new benchmarks in the advertising world, leveraging the strengths of both organisations to deliver compelling communication strategies.
Mumbai: Fali Vakeel, a towering figure in the world of Indian advertising, has passed away on 16 March 2024, just two months ahead of his birthday on 6 May.
His contributions to the advertising industry have left an indelible mark that will be cherished for years to come.
Vakeel’s career spanned over several decades, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Indian advertising. Even after his retirement as vice chairman of Lintas, Vakeel remained deeply intertwined with the agency, serving as the trustee of its Employee Welfare Trust.
Throughout his illustrious career, Fali Vakeel witnessed the evolution of the advertising industry, navigating through numerous changes with resilience and grace. Fali Vakeel was not only known for his quick wit, wisdom, he was titled as the ‘Last of the Mad Men in Indian advertising,’ by his colleagues and peers in the industry.
Expressing his profound grief, MullenLowe Global – Group CEO India and CSO (APAC) Subramanyeswar S (Subbu) said, “Once in a rare while, someone like Fali comes along to not only raise the bar in their field of operation, but they create an entirely new standards of measurement – CREATIVITY, in our case. Our deepest condolences goes to his family, personal friends, and to the entire Lintas community. He will always be an inspirer and admirer to us. May he rest in peace!”
Under Vakeel’s leadership at Lintas experienced significant growth, securing prestigious clients and accolades. His impact extended beyond the boardroom. Fali was admired for his mentoring and nurturing of talent within the industry, shaping the careers of many aspiring advertising professionals. His dedication to fostering a culture of creativity will continue to inspire generations to come.
In his memory, the Lintas family extends its deepest condolences to Fali Vakeel’s loved ones. A man of great warmth and humor, Fali Vakeel will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
His funeral will take place on 16 March Saturday at the Parsi Prayer Hall, Worli at 3.40 pm and Uthumna on Sunday 17 March at 3.40 pm.
Mumbai: Flipkart Health+, the digital healthcare marketplace platform of India’s homegrown Flipkart Group, rolled out a captivating new advertising campaign in collaboration with Lowe Lintas, the creative agency of MullenLowe Lintas Group. This campaign aims to establish Flipkart Health+ as the preferred platform for online medicine purchases in Uttar Pradesh (UP).
To strengthen its foothold in UP, the campaign focuses on exciting seller discounts on medicines, making Flipkart Health+ an attractive option for consumers seeking affordable, genuine, and reliable medicines. Moreover, the company has deployed various initiatives to improve delivery speed and the availability of a wide range of medicines to enhance the overall customer experience. In addition, Flipkart Health+ has also initiated offline awareness activations at seller partner stores to boost the campaign.
The campaign created by Lowe Lintas Bengaluru showcases Flipkart Health+ as the go-to platform for all medicinal needs with a localized touch. Both the films’ narratives are centered around the dynamic relationship between Saurabh Shukla and Sparsh Srivastava, set against the backdrop of UP. The grandfather-grandson duo navigate through a local setup. Both campaigns comically endorse the convenience, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of purchasing medicines via Flipkart Health+. This approach adds authenticity to the campaign and enhances its resonance with the local audience.
Speaking about the campaign, Flipkart Health+ head of marketing & growth Dhruvish Thakkar said, “Within a short span of two years, Flipkart Health+ has established itself as one of India’s most trusted online pharmacy brands that is solving for affordability and accessibility across India. We’re excited to strengthen our presence in Uttar Pradesh through offers and initiatives that elevate customers’ experience and position Flipkart Health+ as a reliable healthcare partner. Through the campaign, we aim to underscore UP as a priority market for Flipkart Health+.”
Lowe Lintas Bengaluru executive director – head of creative, copy (South) Arpan Bhattacharyya also added, “As UP is a priority market for Flipkart Health+, we dug into the colorful fabric of the land and came up with characters who could deliver the message with a signature punch. We kept the messaging simple and to the point. And then turned it over to the magical duo of Saurabh Shukla and Sparsh Srivastava who added more than just a dose of swagger to the campaign. Hopefully, it’s just what the doctor ordered!”
Mumbai – MullenLowe Lintas Group India has recently been included in the esteemed list of the “100 Best Companies for Women in India” by Avtar and Seramount. This recognition underscores the Group’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and highlights the company’s efforts to create an equitable and empowering workplace, especially for women.
This accolade uniquely places MullenLowe Lintas Group as the only advertising agency from India, in the company of other admired corporations like Bayer, Aditya Birla Group, HP, Mondelez and Accenture. All these corporations, share a commitment to advancing gender diversity in the workplace, and some of them who also happen to be the agency’s clients.
Congratulating the agency on this big moment, MullenLowe Global CEO Kristen Cavallo said, “It’s no surprise the team in India has been recognized as one of the Best Companies for Women. It’s a place where smart thinking is highly regarded, creativity thrives, and people feel valued. I’m really proud of the leadership in India and it’s an honor to share this acknowledgment with other great companies.”
Avtar, India’s premier Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion solutions firm along with Seramount, a strategic professional services and research firm dedicated to supporting high-performing, inclusive workplaces in the United States, conducted the eighth successive edition of the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) study in 2023. The application form with close to 300 questions, required applicant companies to provide data of high-order granularity on their practices, programmes and policies to ensure gender inclusion at their workplaces.
Sharing his pride over the recognition, MullenLowe Lintas Group CEO Subbu said, “At MullenLowe Lintas Group, we have won many awards over the years. Awards of every kind for creative and strategic excellence, across all countries. But this is an award we will cherish the most. It is the first of its kind won by an advertising company in India, making it a truly wow moment for all of us. It is a real tribute to all the brilliant women who have graced us with their skill, intellect, and talent. For us, this award celebrates all the women who have ever walked the halls of MullenLowe Lintas Group. And we vow to make it a place where women can find peace, prosperity, and an environment to unleash their infinite potential.”
MullenLowe Lintas Group India has consistently championed diversity and gender equality through a range of initiatives and policies. The company’s commitment to providing equal opportunities, promoting women’s leadership, and nurturing a supportive work environment has been pivotal in securing this prestigious recognition.
MullenLowe Lintas Group HR director Garima Pant said, “Our people practices are designed to support women in the unique challenges they face while balancing and excelling at various roles in and outside the office. Being part of this list reinforces our standing as an employer of choice,” she further added “Our focus is to continuously work towards improving on our own efforts. We participated in this study because we want to measure ourselves with the best in the industry.”
Over the last eight decades the agency has built an inclusive, diverse, and admirable environment. With over 39 per cent female representation among the network’s employees, it continues to play an active role in the dialogue on gender equality. The organisation’s Apex DEI Council, Women of the Future, Gender Neutral Parental Leave Policy are some of the noteworthy initiatives positioning itself as a coveted employer in the industry.
The Group provides its employees universal primary caregiver leave (26 weeks – maternity leave), preferential parking for expectant and new mothers, mother’s room, and coverage of OPD for vaccinations. They have assessed policies across the employee life cycle to build more equity in practices.
In addition, the Group has some one-of-a-kind policies in securing mental and physical well-being with people-friendly initiatives such as scheduled downtime, holiday homes and holiday travel reimbursement.
Commenting on the occasion, Avtar Group founder-president Dr. Saundarya Rajesh said, “It’s great to see an advertising organisation be a part of this list for the very first time. Creativity flourishes when perspectives flourish and by fostering an environment where women can thrive, MullenLowe Lintas Group is not just changing the game, they’re also creating a more vibrant, innovative, and equitable future for advertising, one idea at a time. Inclusion is an ongoing commitment; constantly innovating, focusing on growth aspirations of diversity talent, must be part of leadership priorities, always!”
Mumbai: The India Chapter of International Advertising Association (IAA) presented the eighth edition of its prestigious IndAA Awards on 1 September at a ceremony hosted at the Taj Lands End, Mumbai.
ABP Network and Sony Pictures Network were the co-partner while Network18 and Jio Cinema were the associate partners for the event.
The awards to honour real advertising that creatively cut through to the market before it could impress the all-client jury saw work by 15 creative agencies take the top honours across 18 product and service categories and one special category.
The awards saw 102 campaigns being shortlisted of which, by design, only one in each category was awarded. In case of close contests the jury awarded joint winners after much deliberation.
Among creative agencies, Leo Burnett, MullenLowe Lintas Group and Ogilvy won three IndIAA Awards each, representing the very best work in that category. BBDO, DDB Mudra and TBWA won two awards each.
Other creative agencies and creators to win an IndIAA Award were Grey Group, Kehat Kabira Pictures, McCann Worldgroup, Publicis Worldwide, Rediffusion, SG Media, Talented, The Script Room, The Womb and Tilt Brand Solutions.
Two HUL brands were among winners, in the Food & Beverage and Personal Care categories. HDFC Life won in Insurance while HDFC Mutual Fund won in Banking & Finance.
Jury chairman and Nestle India chairman & MD Suresh Narayanan said “In my fifth year as the jury chair, I feel intimately acquainted with this room and honoured to be among some of the greatest creative minds in the country- – advertising gurus, communication experts, and marketing wizards.
Narayana presented a short poem titled ‘Jury Chair ka Sambodhan,’ “a reflection of his five years in this esteemed role.” He then went on to recite a few lines of the same in Hindi which received a hearty applause from the audience.
IAA president Avinash Pandey sheds light on how the IndIAA Awards exemplify creative excellence and have set the gold standard for creative awards in India. He stated, “It’s been an intriguing year for arguably the most active industry association of its kind. We’ve demonstrated that our industry can be a catalyst for change, particularly in breaking gender bias. We celebrate the winners reflecting the growing synergy between associations and showcasing the remarkable impact of the communication industry. The positive feedback from young leaders has been heartening, and our industry’s enthusiasm for AdAsia remains strong. We’re organising a delegation led by Sam Balsara for AdAsia 23 in Seoul, the largest event of its kind in Asia.”
IAA IndIAA Awards chairman, Abhishek Karnani said, “IAA Awards are unique because you can’t “enter” them.” A group of seasoned journalists shortlisted 102 campaigns across 19 categories from over a thousand ads. This accomplishes two important goals- first, it ensures that only genuine work is presented to the jury, keeping scam ads at bay, second, it truly democratises the creative process by not charging an entry fee, making fundraising for this grand event a challenging task.”
He further said, what sets the IAA awards apart is that they are judged by senior marketers who own and invest in the brands. We showcase the transformative power of communication for our beloved country and society, embodying IAA’s unwavering belief in the ability of communication to drive change.
IAA honoured Ayushmann Khurrana as the “Most Disruptive Brand in Entertainment Industry”. On questioning his criteria while choosing a Brand, he replied, “I believe before taking on a brand it resonates with the credibility of my films. Credibility is everything. I think only going with commercials will be very myopic. My father once told me, ‘Goddess Saraswati comes before Goddess Lakshmi. I always go like that. If you earn respect, nothing like that.”
Speaking about being an outsider in Bollywood, he said that the first choice had to be truly different and clatter-breaking. “I’ll never get a second chance being an outsider. So it’s all about the choices you make eventually. Everybody is hard-working and talented. It’s the kind of opportunities you get and firmly success is nothing but when preparation meets opportunity,” he avers.
The Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA) felicitated the all-India winners of its maiden Changemakers For Good Awards at the IndIAA Awards 2023. These meaningful awards are to salute those individuals and companies in the communication space who have used their talent to make the world a better place.
The winners for the four categories were:
● Advertising (for transformational messages) – Lowe Lintas for their International Women’s Day 2022 entry.
● Government (for transformational messaging by a Government arm). –RK Swamy Associated for State Bank of India.
● Industry Leader (someone who led societal change in the last few years).- CVL Srinivas, Country Head, WPP Group.
● Innovation (where technology or approach made the difference) – Lowe Lintas for International Women’s Day 2022.
