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Tag: Neville Shah

  • Rivals unite to shape Mumbai’s creative future

    Rivals unite to shape Mumbai’s creative future

    MUMBAI: In an industry known for cutthroat competition, Mumbai’s ad world hit pause on rivalry for one night of pure creative synergy. Portfolio Night 2025, hosted by BBDO, DDB Mudra Group and TBWA India, wasn’t just about portfolios; it was about passion, purpose, and a pinch of personality.

    Organised by The One Club for Creativity, the global event gathered students, recent grads and young professionals for a high-energy evening of one-on-one portfolio reviews. In fast-paced 15-minute sessions, hopefuls met top creative directors, got real feedback, and maybe even their big break.

    DDB Mudra CCO Rahul Mathew, called it a necessity, not just a vision. “Our only real asset is talent. Events like this help us find, mentor and protect it, and that benefits everyone.

    Each participant faced multiple rounds of reviews, rated on ideas, execution, originality, variety, consistency, presentation, and yes, attitude. But it wasn’t all critique and scorecards; it was also about connection.

    FCB Group India digital creative partner Kartikeya Tiwari, said he looks beyond the basics, “I look for courage and personality. Most portfolios are skilful, but what stands out is soul.”

    For FCB Group India CCO Neville Shah, the future needs boldness, “Some portfolios were too perfect. We need work that surprises us, that makes us say, ‘What is this?’”

    Meanwhile, Leo Burnett national creative director Vikram Pandey (Spiky), found hope in the next generation’s openness to technology. “The ones embracing AI are the ones shaping the future. AI won’t take jobs, people who use AI well will.”

    Among the buzzing crowd was Shivani Unnikrishnan, a student at École Intuit Lab, who left the night inspired, “It was our first time, and we learned so much. Meeting creative directors gave us new perspectives and confidence.”

    At the close of the evening, Kareena and Sumit were crowned Mumbai’s All-Stars. They will now represent the city in the global All-Star programme, competing with winners from around the world. A final win could take them to New York City for a week-long, in-person workshop.

    In the end, though, every participant walked away richer, with sharper insights, stronger networks and a renewed sense of creative confidence. Because at Portfolio Night, even rivals agree on one thing: when creativity wins, everyone does.

  • Flipkart’s Big Bang Diwali sale explodes onto screens

    Flipkart’s Big Bang Diwali sale explodes onto screens

    MUMBAI: When Flipkart says its Big Bang Diwali sale is explosive, it means it, quite literally. In a bold, cinematic twist on festive advertising, the e-commerce giant has teamed up with FCB Kinnect to light up screens (and emotions) with its most boisterous campaign yet.

    This year’s Diwali campaign ditches the done-to-death tropes of smiling families and twinkling diyas. Instead, Flipkart goes full fireworks, dramatising the idea of “out with the old, in with the new” in spectacular slow motion.

    In the film, India’s most stubborn possessions, cracked-screen phones, creaky chairs, faded shirts, get their grand goodbye. They’re paraded into a warehouse and set off like festive rockets, each blast synced to the nostalgic tune of “Intehaan ho gayi intezaar ki.” The result? A visual symphony of emotion, chaos, and cathartic release.

    “We made a different kind of Diwali ad for a different kind of Diwali sale,” said  Flipkart VP – marketing & growth Pratik Shetty. “It’s about letting go of the old and resetting into something better with a bang.”

    The campaign captures that bittersweet tug-of-war between attachment and renewal: a truth that hits home for every Indian household this season. With deals that are as explosive as the visuals, Flipkart’s Big Bang Diwali sale urges shoppers to finally upgrade everything they’ve been holding onto.

    FCB Kinnect CEO Rohan Mehta summed it up neatly, “It’s not just about selling products, it’s about selling the feeling of upgrading your life. That’s what Diwali is truly about.”

    FCB Kinnect CCO Neville Shah added, “We wanted to make a Diwali blockbuster: equal parts emotion, drama, and nostalgia. Watching old things go out in a blaze of glory felt like a love letter to everything we’ve outgrown.”

    From cracked screens to shiny new dreams, Flipkart’s latest festive saga is a bang-on reminder that sometimes, letting go really is worth celebrating.

     

  • Asian Paints damp proof shields Old Trafford pitch

    Asian Paints damp proof shields Old Trafford pitch

    MUMBAI – In a unique activation, Asian Paints Damp Proof – India’s leading waterproofing solution has branded the cricket rain pitch cover at Old Trafford stadium during the recent India vs. England Test match. This crucial rain shield, which protects the cricket pitch from sudden downpours and ensures minimal game delays, became a powerful symbol of Asian Paints Damp Proof’s leadership in waterproofing, much like how the brand protects millions of Indian homes from water damage.

    Partnering with FCB Kinnect, Asian Paints brilliantly leveraged cricket’s rain delays, a cultural moment followed intensely across India, to demonstrate the brand’s promise of protection.

    Cricket in India is more than just a sport, it’s a shared passion that unites over a billion people. Yet, rain delays often bring matches to a halt, creating moments of tension and anticipation that dominate conversations nationwide. By owning the stadium’s rain pitch cover, Asian Paints Damp Proof turned these rain interruptions into a live demonstration of its expertise, protecting the very heart of the game – the pitch.

    Asian Paints MD & CEO Amit Syngle said, “Cricket is deeply loved in India, and when rain interrupts a match, it creates a moment everyone talks about. As India’s leading waterproofing solutions brand, we leveraged this moment to demonstrate our expertise where it truly counts. By integration on the cricket rain pitch cover, we reinforced our promise of protection in the most impactful way.”

    FCB Kinnect CEO Rohan Mehta added, “Brand leaders lead conversations, rather than join them. We saw the rain interruption and turned it into a moment of brand truth, and it became a real-time demonstration of the brand’s promise. At FCB Kinnect, this is the kind of creative integration we thrive on – culturally resonant and undeniably effective.”

    Neville Shah, CCO, FCB Kinnect, said, “Rain is truly frustrating when it comes to cricket. Covering the pitch to keep it dry, has always been a part of the sport. Spotting the media opportunity with a seamless connection to our core proposition is what makes the idea truly stand out. It’s not just ANY sponsorship. It’s relevant.”

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  • SBI & FCB Kinnect make loans a source of festive joy

    SBI & FCB Kinnect make loans a source of festive joy

    Mumbai: While consumers often enjoy making lifestyle upgrades during the festive season, the idea of taking a loan can be daunting. To change this perception, SBI, India’s largest public sector bank, has launched the ‘Celebrations Unlimited’ campaign, celebrating Indian consumers making significant purchases during the festivities.

    Conceptualized by FCB Kinnect, the campaign highlights SBI’s multi-loan offerings — car loan, gold loan, personal loan, and loan against Mutual Funds—that can enhance celebrations. Instead of a serious finance message, the campaign uses humor to show that taking a loan can be a cause for celebration, connecting with potential customers and positioning SBI as a preferred choice for festive loans.

    SBI DMD (retail – PB & RE) G. S. Rana said, “We’re not just offering loans, we’re empowering people to achieve their dreams. Festivities make even the smallest celebrations more joyful, and with the offerings we have, there’s no reason why loans can’t be celebrated as well.”

    FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India CCO Neville Shah added, “This is the time where you bring new joy into your life. Why let anything stand in the way, especially when the product is here to make it happen? So why not celebrate it? That’s exactly what we did.”

    FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India CEO Rohan Mehta said, “Relatability fosters a sense of connection and draws people closer to the brand. Many individuals share similar feelings about taking out a loan. FCB Kinnect has once again demonstrated how a simple insight can transform into a powerful creative idea that truly resonates.”

  • FCB Kinnect appoints Yogesh Mani Pradhan as group ECD (west)

    FCB Kinnect appoints Yogesh Mani Pradhan as group ECD (west)

    Mumbai: FCB Kinnect has appointed Yogesh Mani Pradhan as group executive creative director (west) to lead creative work at its Mumbai office. With over two decades of experience at Ogilvy, Yogesh has worked with brands including Castrol, Mondelez, Bajaj Chetak, Adidas, Amazon, ITC Vivel, and Mumbai Indians. His notable campaigns include ‘Truckasana’ for Castrol, ‘Sit Together’ for Cadbury Dairy Milk, ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ for Vogue, and ‘I Will Wear Out Plastic’ for UNEP.

    Speaking about the appointment, FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India CEO Rohan Mehta said, “I am thrilled to welcome Yogi to the Kinnect family. His extensive experience in advertising and creative work with a wide range of brands will undoubtedly elevate our creative capabilities. Fondly known as the work-dad, he is exactly what our talent needs – someone to mentor them and build them through the rigour of advertising. Together, Yogi and Neville form a dynamic duo – their complementary partnership promises to deliver exceptional work for our clients.”

    FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India CCO Neville Shah added, “Yogesh brings with him great ideas, invaluable experience, and sage-like calm. Here to uplift the quality and the craft of the Mumbai office, I am super excited to be reunited and working with him.”

    FCB Kinnect group executive creative director Yogesh Pradhan said, “I look forward to working with the Mumbai team to cultivate a vibrant creative culture and camaraderie. I’m thrilled to be part of the FCB Kinnect family as it gathers momentum towards becoming a powerhouse integrated creative agency.”

  • FCB Kinnect & Flipkart curates ‘After Dark #IYKYFK’ campaign

    FCB Kinnect & Flipkart curates ‘After Dark #IYKYFK’ campaign

    Mumbai: Tapping into Gen Z’s late-night shopping habits, Flipkart launched the ‘After Dark #IYKYFK’ (If You Know You Flipkart) sale ahead of the big billion days sale. The campaign featured glow-in-the-dark billboards near popular spots, like Mumbai’s Carter Road and Delhi’s Cyber Hub, visible only at night with QR codes for exclusive access. Audible billboards were also placed at these hotspots, while engagement was driven through X, Instagram, push notifications, and dating apps.

    Speaking on the campaign, FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India CEO Rohan Mehta said, “A fun creative idea, a deep understanding of the new-age consumer, and flawless execution, all working together to deliver a great creative solution for Flipkart Big Billion Days. Our relentless drive to leverage multiple touchpoints creatively turned this idea into a truly integrated and unforgettable experience.”

    FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India CCO Neville Shah added, “The sharpness of the business problem resulted in an effortlessly creative solution. Reaching the right audience was only half the battle. Think of it like finding the party. With this campaign, we didn’t just point to the party; we gave night owls a reason to stay up and party with us, all night long.”

  • Flipkart and FCB Kinnect Unveil ‘Big Sale of Small Things’

    Flipkart and FCB Kinnect Unveil ‘Big Sale of Small Things’

    Mumbai: As we focus on larger aspects of life, it’s common to overlook smaller items that may seem less important. To address this, the Bengaluru-based e-commerce giant will launch the ‘Big Sale of Small Things’ to highlight items people often forget when preparing for the Big Billion Days (BBD) sale. The campaign aims to remind shoppers of easily overlooked products, including fashion and lifestyle accessories, books, small electronics, home décor, and more.

    Simply put, small things have big discounts on Flipkart’s ‘Big Sale of Small Things’. True to the distinctive tone of bizarre humour, this campaign has the internet in splits.

    Speaking on the integrated campaign, FCB Kinnect CCO Neville Shah said, “We’ve always said, the idea comes first. And that’s what has won here. A simple thought that makes you think. What do we do when we need small things? Making that funny was a whole other story. But so much fun working on these with the team. Truly gratifying.”

    FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India CEO Rohan Mehta added, “Being a fully integrated agency is what we set out to be – and this, our first campaign for Flipkart goes to show what we can do when we leverage all our offerings to service the idea best. A perfect example of how creativity can be an economic multiplier.”

  • FCB Kinnect appoints Sumera Dewan as EVP – North

    FCB Kinnect appoints Sumera Dewan as EVP – North

    Mumbai: Sumera Dewan, formerly president at Punt Creative, will now spearhead FCB Kinnect’s strategic growth in the North region. She will oversee the office, managing over 100 Kinnectors, and will be responsible for the P&L in this dynamic, high-growth area.

    While collaborating with the Delhi team, she will work closely with Neville Shah – recently appointed CCO FCB Kinnect, to develop creative solutions for business challenges for our brands.

    Her leadership is anticipated to further enhance FCB Kinnect’s dedication to fostering a culture of both creative and strategic excellence. Sumera’s extensive experience and commitment to nurturing high-talent-density teams and long-term client relationships will be invaluable as she helps steer FCB Kinnect to new heights.

    In a career spanning 14 years, Sumera has also had stints with Dentsu Webchutney, JWT (now part of VML), and Dentsu One (now part of Dentsu Creative). She’s excelled in both account management and strategic roles, forging meaningful partnerships with a diverse range of clients, including YouTube, Levi Strauss & Co, Nestle, Airtel, Under Armour, Tinder, Spotify, Unilever, Van Heusen, among others.

    Her impressive track record includes winning prestigious awards like Cannes Lions, One Show, Abbys, Kyoorius, and EFFIES for campaigns such as Code Name (URI Film), HerShe (Hersheys), Axe Your Ex (Tinder), among others.

    Speaking about the appointment, FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India CEO Rohan Mehta said, “Sumera’s energy is palpable. The varied experience she brings to the table will significantly enhance FCB Kinnect’s full-funnel services for our clients. Her alignment with our ethos of leveraging creativity to solve real business challenges, combined with her strategic growth expertise, will be instrumental in deepening our relationships with both existing and potential clients in the North. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Kinnect family.”

    Sumera added, “I’m thrilled to join FCB Kinnect at this pivotal moment in their journey. Chandni and Rohan’s dedication to delivering exceptional creative work and elevating the agency on a global stage drew me in. Kinnect is founded on a solid base with the ambition and resources to reach new heights of creative excellence, driving remarkable results for our client partners. My aim will be to cultivate a culture of outcome-driven work that makes a tangible impact on the brands we partner with while also realizing the agency’s creative aspirations.”

  • FCB Kinnect names Neville Shah as the new CCO

    FCB Kinnect names Neville Shah as the new CCO

    Mumbai: FCB Kinnect, part of FCB Group India, welcomes Neville Shah as its new chief creative officer, representing a pivotal moment in the agency’s continuous creative progression.

    As chief creative officer, Neville will partner closely with FCB Kinnect’s CEO Rohan Mehta and COO Chandni Shah to lead the offices for FCB Kinnect and FCB/SIX across the country. He will also be a key member of FCB Group India’s creative leadership, collaborating with leaders across agencies to continue elevating the work across the network.

    With over twenty years of experience, Neville emerges as a profound creative leader for the modern era, consistently advocating for curiosity. He has worked on brands like Mondelez, Bajaj Auto, Chevrolet, Standard Chartered Bank, Star Sports, Amazon, and more, embracing uniqueness and steering them toward the quest for creative brilliance.

    On his appointment, Dheeraj Sinha, FCB Group CEO of India and South Asia, said, “Neville joins us at such an exciting time for the FCB Group in India, where we are forging a new phase of growth and glory. His passion for modern creativity and adeptness at leveraging data and technology make him an exceptional addition to our team. Under his leadership, we will continue to foster an environment that celebrates creativity as an economic multiplier, empowers talent, and produces globally benchmarked work that sets the standard for innovation and excellence in our industry.”

    FCB Kinnect and FCB/SIX India chief executive officer Rohan Mehta said on the appointment, “Neville’s professional journey has been truly remarkable, marked by outstanding growth. We are excited about the opportunity this presents for our young creatives to enhance their craft under his mentorship. In today’s advertising landscape, humour serves as a powerful catalyst, and with Neville, we anticipate leveraging this element even more effectively for our brands. With him at the helm, we aim to foster a unified creative culture at FCB Kinnect, where innovation is a collective pursuit that spans across verticals, to deliver unparalleled digital-first creative solutions to our clients.”

    FCB Kinnect chief creative officer Neville Shah added, “I am very excited to be part of FCB Kinnect. Every conversation has been about driving great creative work and strengthening creative culture. There is so much talent, so many resources to make great things happen here. We are in the business of ideas and great ideas are what we will chase. It’s what will help our clients win and put us on the global map. The agency and the group are rife with ambition and there’s no better time to start this journey.”

  • Neville Shah exits Ogilvy after a decade

    Neville Shah exits Ogilvy after a decade

    Mumbai: Neville Shah, who has been serving as the senior executive creative director at Ogilvy for the past ten years, has decided to depart from the creative agency.

    Shah expressed that his decade-long tenure at Ogilvy has been a significant part of his professional journey, making his decision to leave a heartfelt one. He mentioned that he will miss working with his colleagues and team.

    Shah joined Ogilvy in July 2014. Before that, he worked as the national creative director at MTV India from October 2013 to July 2014. His earlier roles include executive creative director-APAC at Commonwealth from June 2012 to July 2013, creative director at Creativeland Asia from November 2011 to June 2012, and senior creative director at JWT from April 2011 to November 2011.

    Previously, Shah was the creative director at DDB Mudra from May 2010 to April 2011. He began his career as a copy supervisor at TBWA India in April 2005 and later became group head copy in January 2009.