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Tag: Paritosh Srivastava

  • Skoda fuels fanfare with ‘Fans Not Owners’ drive for 25 years in India

    Skoda fuels fanfare with ‘Fans Not Owners’ drive for 25 years in India

    MUMBAI: For Škoda, it’s not just about cars, it’s about cult status on wheels. Marking its 25th year in India, the Czech automaker has rolled out an integrated campaign titled ‘Fans Not Owners’, in partnership with ‘Team Drive’ at Publicis Groupe India, creatively led by BBH India.

    The campaign flips the conventional script of horsepower and specs, spotlighting Škoda drivers not as customers but as true-blue fans. It seeks to bridge the gap between admiration and action, nudging legions of admirers to take the leap into ownership.

    At the heart of the campaign is ‘Doda’, a heartwarming film that captures the whimsical love of a young girl for her Škoda. The story unfolds through the eyes of children who see magic in the machines, celebrating decades of emotional connections. Another film celebrating young fandom and pride is set to follow soon.

    The brand went a step further with a playful ‘Doda Takeover’ on Instagram, where Maya, the child protagonist, engaged Škoda’s followers. Even dealerships joined the celebration at some outlets in Mumbai, the Škoda logo was swapped out for Doda.

    Škoda Auto India brand director Ashish Gupta explained: “Our customers are more than just owners, they’re passionate fans who truly live the brand. As we celebrate 25 years, it’s this deep emotional connection that powers us forward.”

    Škoda’s 360-degree campaign doesn’t just dwell on sentiment, it reinforces the company’s reputation for European engineering, safety, and reliability while positioning its cars as practical, aspirational, and ready for modern Indian lifestyles.

    Saatchi & Saatchi India, BBH India and Saatchi Propagate CEO Paritosh Srivastava called the campaign “a step forward in building brand love and trust.” BBH India Chief creative officer Parikshit Bhattaccharya summed up the spirit: “Škoda was never just a car, it was always an emotion.”

    With 25 years on Indian roads and a fandom passed down through generations, Škoda is steering into the future with more than an engine, it’s running on emotion.

  • Saatchi Propagate India onboards Saurabh Mankhand as EVP & head of consumer experience

    Saatchi Propagate India onboards Saurabh Mankhand as EVP & head of consumer experience

    MUMBAI: Publicis Groupe India’s full-funnel digital agency Saatchi Propagate has enhanced its leadership team by appointing Saurabh Mankhand as EVP & Head of Consumer Experience.

    Saurabh will spearhead the agency’s Consumer Experience (CX) practice, focused on integrating strategy, data, content, platform innovation, and emerging technologies to deliver measurable impact for brands. He will also play a key role in promoting Publicis Groupe’s unique ‘Power of One’ model to unlock new opportunities and strengthen client partnerships.

    Marking his return to Publicis Groupe India, Saurabh brings over two decades of experience in driving integrated marketing strategies, digital innovation, and business transformation. He has led mandates for brands including Unilever, Jio, Vodafone, and IBM, while building teams and service lines across e-commerce, B2B, and consumer sectors. Prior to this, he served at OLIVER+ as the Business Head for eCommerce & Technology Services. He has also held leadership roles at Indigo Consulting and Ogilvy India.  

    Reporting into Saatchi & Saatchi India, BBH India, and Saatchi Propagate India CEO Paritosh Srivastava, Saurabh will work closely with Saatchi Propagate India EVP & Business Head, Prachi Bali and Saatchi & Saatchi India, BBH India and Saatchi Propagate India, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Snehasis Bose.

    Speaking on the appointment, Srivastava said, “Saatchi Propagate India has been on an amazing growth journey over the last few years. Today, we are amongst the top digital agencies in the country, working with some of the major national and international brands. To keep this momentum going, we are strengthening our capabilities with a focus on owning the entire CX journey. Saurabh’s deep expertise in this space makes him the perfect partner to lead us into this next phase. With Snehasis, Saurabh and Prachi at the helm, Saatchi Propagate India is ready for its next phase of growth.”

    Mankhand added, “The future of brand growth is about creating predictive, personalised experiences through a seamless convergence of strategy, data, and platform innovation across the entire omni-channel ecosystem. This has placed CX at the very core of the business, and I’m excited to join the team at Saatchi Propagate India, who are already deeply engaged with clients on these strategic journeys. My focus will be on enhancing our collective ability to deliver proactive CX solutions that not only meet modern customer expectations but deliver the significant, measurable growth our clients demand.”
     

  • 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.

  • L&K Saatchi & Saatchi appoints Ekta Relan as chief strategy officer

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi appoints Ekta Relan as chief strategy officer

    Mumbai: L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, a part of Publicis Groupe India, has strengthened its strategy leadership by elevating Snehasis Bose, its chief strategy officer (CSO), to the role of group chief strategy officer. With this, Snehasis will now oversee strategy across L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, Publicis India, and Saatchi & Saatchi Propagate. Additionally, Ekta Relan takes over the reins as the new chief strategy officer (CSO) for L&K Saatchi & Saatchi. Together, Snehasis and Ekta will collaborate to enhance the agency’s strategic initiatives.

    Commenting on the appointments, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi and Publicis India  CEO Paritosh Srivastava said, “Given the disproportionate growth all three agency brands have seen in client results, creative respect and revenue over the last few years, and the significant role the strategic function has played, it is the right time for us to introduce a force multiplier. Snehasis is a proven war horse who has been a great asset and the most dependable partner to the agency. It’s a natural progression for him to bring his influence and impact across the other agencies. Ekta is a rare talent, with her wealth of experience and strategic acumen, she is the perfect strategic leader and cultural fit to take L&K Saatchi & Saatchi’s spirit of ‘Our Client’s Business Is Our Business’ to the next level.”

    With over 25 years of experience, Snehasis has been associated with agencies like McCann Erickson, Publicis Ambience, IMRB International, and Contract Advertising. He joined L&K Saatchi & Saatchi in 2015 and was elevated to CSO in 2020. Over the past nine years, Snehasis has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovative approach that have driven growth for brands like Hero MotoCorp, ITC, Renault, JioMart, Audi, Reliance Digital, Zepto, Akasa Air, Nivea, Relaxo, Dabur, Groupo Bimbo, AU Bank among others, leading to his elevation to Group CSO with additional mandate for Publicis India and Saatchi & Saatchi Propagate. He will continue reporting to Paritosh.

    Ekta boasts a career spanning 23 years. She joins L&K Saatchi & Saatchi after a successful stint as chief strategy officer at Lowe Lintas, where she led the strategy team for Unilever, the agency’s biggest client, apart from driving new business acquisitions. Ekta has also worked with Mullen Lintas, Sapient Nitro Singapore and Unilever Singapore. During her illustrious career, she has played an instrumental role in crafting winning strategies for renowned brands like Glow & Lovely, Pepsodent, Close Up, Surf Excel, Vim, Lifebuoy, Tata Tea, SBI Life, Saffola, Tata Cliq, Dabur’s Real, Samsonite and Bajaj Avenger among others. She has also served on jury panels for prestigious awards like Effies and AME.

    Ekta’s dedication to developing solutions that challenge cultural norms and deliver impactful results seamlessly aligns with L&K Saatchi & Saatchi’s vision. She will collaborate closely with Paritosh and Snehasis to drive forward the agency’s strategic initiatives.

    Snehasis, added, “My journey at L&K Saatchi & Saatchi has been transformational, and this new role promises to be orbit-shifting! Both Publicis India and Saatchi & Saatchi Propagate are on accelerated growth curves, and I am grateful to be an active part of their stories. With Ekta’s rich experience, deep wisdom and hunger for the new, I look forward to creating a symbiotic partnership that will unlock new possibilities for our clients, taking the L&K Saatchi & Saatchi ownership mandate to the next level. Looking forward to more audacity, challenges and rocket-like growth!”

    Speaking on her appointment Ekta, said “L&K Saatchi & Saatchi is on a dynamic growth trajectory, redefining the role an agency can play for its clients’ business. I am thrilled to be a part of this enriching journey where commerce and culture beautifully fuel each other. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the agency’s talented team, also learning and leveraging the power of the entire Publicis ecosystem to build solid brands that connect with their audience in unexpected and relevant ways.” 

  • Publicis India names Aman Mannan and Shitu Patil as joint national creative directors

    Publicis India names Aman Mannan and Shitu Patil as joint national creative directors

    Mumbai: In a bid to strengthen its creative leadership, Publicis India, a part of Publicis Groupe India, has appointed Aman Mannan and Shitu Patil as joint national creative directors (NCDs). In their new roles, the duo will lead the creative vision for all brands at Publicis India, and report to managing director, Oindrila Roy.  

    Aman has nearly 25 years of experience across leading agencies such as Interface Communication, McCann Erickson, DDB Mudra Group, and Leo Burnett India. Under his creative leadership, these agencies earned widespread acclaim at prestigious events such as Cannes, The One Show, Clios, LIA, ABBYs, and Effies (India and APAC), among others. Additionally, he has served as a jury member at Goafest, Radio Mirchi Awards, and OOH Awards. Aman has worked with a range of brands such as P&G, Unilever, Coca-Cola, Mahindra and Mahindra, Godrej, Sony, Amazon, HDFC Bank, HDFC Life, among others. He has also co-authored the story and screenplay for the popular web show ‘Saas, Bahu aur Flamingo’, earning the nomination for Best Screenplay at the Filmfare OTT Awards.

    A dynamic creative leader with 23 years of advertising and branding experience, Shitu joined L&K Saatchi & Saatchi in 2022, starting her second stint with the Groupe. She has worked with leading agencies like Lowe Lintas, FCB and Publicis Ambience. She also successfully ran her own design agency, Plus One. Shitu’s accolades include D&AD, Effies, ABBYs, and Kyoorius awards, along with jury roles at D&AD and ABBYs. Her diverse brand portfolio features Lakme, Raymond, Cartier, Renault, and others.

    In the new roles as NCDs, Aman and Shitu will leverage their expertise to lead the agency’s creative vision across all offices in India.

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi and Publicis India CEO Paritosh Srivastava said, “Publicis India has been on an amazing journey of resurgence in the past two years, with a focus on both growth and creative excellence yielding rich dividends. Our impressive portfolio of work and client roster rival that of any top agency in the country. The search for the perfect blend of creative talent and cultural fit was challenging, but in Aman and Shitu, we have found a team of rare creative talent that spans the entire spectrum of creativity. We are confident that these two wonderful people will inspire our teams and clients to new heights.”

    Publicis India MD Oindrila Roy added, “Aman and Shitu are a powerhouse of creativity and their experience in delivering award-winning work reaffirms this. We are confident that as NCDs, they will inspire our teams with new energies.  We are certain that their creative prowess and strategic acumen will contribute to the continued success and growth of Publicis India.”

    Shitu said, “My journey at the agency has been nothing short of exciting and full of learnings. I am thankful to Paritosh, Oindrila, and the entire team for their continued trust and support. I really believe we are as good as our people and my focus is going to be on uplifting and strengthening our teams further to create distinguished work and take both our clients and agency to greater glory. I am excited about this new journey and look forward to closely working with Paritosh, Oindrila and Aman.”

    Aman added, “I am looking forward to working closely with Paritosh, Oindrila, and the team to build on the great work they have already done. I hope to create state-of-the-art solutions, placing art firmly at the centre of our endeavours and infusing new-age work with age-old wisdom. I aim to integrate the best practices of cinema writing and thinking into our projects, contributing to the development of a unique voice for Publicis India.”

  • L&K Saatchi & Saatchi elevates Rohit Malkani and Kartik Smetacek to chief creative officers

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi elevates Rohit Malkani and Kartik Smetacek to chief creative officers

    Mumbai: L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, a part of Publicis Groupe India, has elevated Kartik Smetacek and Rohit  Malkani, its joint national creative directors, to the roles of chief creative officers (CCOs). The duo will continue reporting to L&K Saatchi & Saatchi and Publicis  Worldwide India CEO Paritosh Srivastava.

    This move signifies the agency’s commitment to world-class creativity for brand-building through modern, purpose-led work.

    As chief creative officers, both Kartik and Rohit will guide L&K Saatchi & Saatchi’s creative vision, drawing from their understanding of the evolving media landscape.

    Kartik and Rohit joined L&K Saatchi & Saatchi in 2014 and 2016, respectively, as executive creative directors and were later promoted to joint national creative directors in 2019.

    Under their leadership, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi bagged the Number 2 Creative Agency at Abby’s 2023 and received recognition at award shows such as Spikes Asia, AdFest Asia, D&AD, One  Show and Kyoorious. They also led notable agency campaigns, including Zepto’s ‘Delivery at  Bumrah Speed’, Reliance Digital’s ‘Technology se Rishta Jodo’, Greenpanel’s- ‘Earthquake’,  Flite’s- ‘Sar Utha, Kadam Badha’, JioMart’s- ‘Shopping Aisa, India Jaisa’, Cashify’s ‘Refurbished  Smartphone’, and Vicks’ ‘Vicks Khol, India Bol’ this year.  

    Commenting on Rohit and Kartik’s new role, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi and Publicis Worldwide India CEO Paritosh Srivastava said, “Kartik and Rohit have been true partners to me in every way over the last few years. They have been integral members of our leadership team, aligned with the vision for our agency and its product in the country. They have contributed significantly to the agency’s evolution. The last few years at the agency have been marked by creative renaissance and strong business growth. Now, as we embark into the next phase of  our journey, with bigger goals and ambition, the nucleus of powerful leadership at L&K  Saatchi & Saatchi, with Kartik & Rohit as CCOs and Snehasis as CSO, will play an even more  significant role.”

    “Over the last few years, we’ve been on a journey of transformation as an agency, especially when it comes to our product. This elevation for Rohit and myself further underlines that commitment. Our internal creative excellence programme ‘Go One Better’ is backed by the entire agency, across departments, and the outcomes are evident. Needless to add, our mission is only half achieved, and I look forward to the many milestones ahead,” said  L&K Saatchi & Saatchi chief creative officer Kartik  Smetacek.

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi chief creative officer Rohit Malkani added, “This is as much a  massive honour as it is a responsibility. It’s been an amazing seven years at L&K Saatchi & Saatchi,  without much of an itch! But the journey to build a legacy has just started. With Paritosh and the rest of the leadership team, we’ve carved a path for the agency, driven by Revenue,  Respect and Results. There’s a great momentum so far and Kartik and I can’t wait to take  things to the next level.”

     

  • AU Small Finance Bank & Kiara Advani ask “Soch Badlo aur Bank Bhi”

    AU Small Finance Bank & Kiara Advani ask “Soch Badlo aur Bank Bhi”

    Mumbai: AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s largest SFB and a name synonymous with innovative banking solutions and customer-centricity expands its brand campaign, Badlaav Humse Hai, under a tactical theme of “Soch Badlo aur Bank Bhi”.

    The campaign encompasses thought-provoking messaging across three distinct product themes – savings accounts, current accounts, and video banking for complete banking, each designed to empower customers with choice, and convenience offered through technology-led solutions. L&K Saatchi & Saatchi is the creative agency of the campaign.

    Leading Bollywood female actor Kiara Advani’s continued brand association with AU Small Finance Bank adds a touch of warmth and youthfulness to the campaign. Her versatile persona embodies the bank’s commitment to understanding and catering to the diverse needs of its customers. The campaign features her as a solution provider towards banking-related matters, celebrating the ever-increasing empowered financial decision-making by women in India.

    In a world where traditional banking norms often confine customers, AU Small Finance Bank champions banking that adapts to individuals and businesses while staying within the regulatory guidelines. The campaign’s overarching message is clear: It’s time to rethink on your existing banking solutions and embrace Badlaav that cater to evolving needs.

    Speaking about this new campaign, AU Small Finance Bank executive director Uttam Tibrewal said, “Extending from our previous brand campaign ‘Badlaav Humse Hai’, which garnered immense appreciation and amplified AU SFB brand presence, we are delighted to launch this latest brand campaign. AU has always believed in capturing customers imagination and challenging the status quo to deliver what they actually desire. This new brand campaign reflects that ideology and is tailored to resonate with the evolving aspirations of our customers. Recognizing the paradigm shift in role of women in financial decision making, we are elated to continue with Ms. Kiara Advani personifying our brand ethos. Our vision transcends beyond conventional banking—we are here to give complete banking through financial journeys that are convenient, accessible, modern, and attuned to the customers requirements.

    Our message is to empower every individual with banking like never before. The Soch Badlo, aur Bank Bhi campaign celebrates that change that redefines banking.”

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi & Publicis Worldwide India CEO Paritosh Srivastava added “AU Small Finance Bank has had an incredible journey over the last six years and gained the trust of millions. It’s the largest SFB in the country. Our philosophy of being the agent of change in the banking industry is at the heart of our success. This campaign builds on the philosophy of ‘Badlav Humse Hai’ and highlights the superior quality of AU Bank’s products which are designed keeping the consumer pain points in mind. It also urges consumers to question their banking choice. AU SFB is already a respected bank. Now, we have to build a powerful brand that will resonate with millions of Indians and transform their banking experience.”

    The campaign is strategically crafted to resonate with diverse audiences across the country highlighting the monthly interest payment with competitive interest rates of up to 7.25 per cent per annum on savings account, complete business banking solutions starting with a feature-loaded current account and state of-the-art AU 0101 Digital Banking platform with 24×7 video banking to provide branch-like experience.

    The campaign will broadcast on TV, print, radio, OOH, and digital platforms, targeting a wide audience, and consolidating AU SFB’s position as the first preference of customers.

  • Skoda Auto &Publicis Worldwide India collaborate to unveil five-film series

    Skoda Auto &Publicis Worldwide India collaborate to unveil five-film series

    Mumbai: Following the success of the Škoda Slavia launch campaign, Skoda Auto India has launched the second leg of the integrated campaign to promote Skoda Slavia to the Indian masses.

    The campaign, created in collaboration with its agency partner, Publicis Worldwide India, consists of a series of five films that continue to push the Slavia journey forward.

    The campaign is a part of SkodaAuto’s 2.0 philosophy of “Made of what really matters.”

    The inaugural launch campaign undertaken earlier this year was built on the central thought – “The car that’s in your heart, is the car that really matters.”

    The campaign will use all necessary platforms, with a focus on digital and social platforms.

    Publicis Worldwide India CEO Paritosh Srivastava said, “Slavia  is a real game changer for Skodain India, it’s a great product with a very bright future. The launch campaign did very well, and the challenge was to push the narrative of “Made of what really matters” further.” 

    He further added, “This campaign focuses on the features but done the Skodaway with simplicity, warmth, and charm at the heart of it. The stories have universal appeal and will connect with audiences of all profiles across the country. As an agency, we have done some glorious work on Škoda in the past and are confident that this campaign will also do wonders for the brand.”

    The films take viewers through the lives of an Indian family and how each of the game-changing features of Slavia helps them navigate their everyday journey with humour and the right insights.

    ŠkodaAuto India head of marketing Tarun Jha said, “We wanted to give each feature of the Slavia a pedestal of its own and break free from conventional methods of highlighting them. We wanted the campaign to have a crisp storyline with a touch of humour.”

    He further added, “Skoda believes in customer centricity and each feature is developed keeping our customers in mind. We are confident that the heart-warming campaign will create a lasting impression in the minds of our audiences.”

  • L&K Saatchi & Saatchi bags creative mandate of Akasa Air

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi bags creative mandate of Akasa Air

    Mumbai:  L&K Saatchi & Saatchi has won the creative mandate of India’s newest airline brand, Akasa Air. As its creative partner, the agency will manage strategic and creative initiatives for the airline, which include developing brand and tactical communication for above-the-line and below-the-line elements. It will also develop brand communication campaigns and creatives for launch and sustenance phases and be involved in designing brand identity applications across mediums.

    The account will be managed by the Mumbai office of the agency.

    Commenting on the association, Akasa Air co-founder and chief marketing & experience officer Belson Coutinho said, “We are on a journey to build India’s most dependable and affordable airline that delivers warm, reliable, and efficient service. Hence, it is inevitable to have a communication strategy that complements both the brand promise and our actual delivery on the ground. We want our brand communication to be authentic, drive creativity and innovation, and at the same time reflect our core value of empathy.”

    “We found L&K Saatchi & Saatchi an ideal partner to help us on our journey with their creative, collaborative, and insights-led approach, and we are pleased to have them on board as our Agency on Record,” he added.

    Sharing his views on how Akasa Air would power India’s growth engine, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi CEO Paritosh Srivastava said, “It’s literally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to launch an airline; it doesn’t get bigger than this. The experience of being a part of the core team at Akasa and going through the journey of the launch of something as massive and transformational for our country and people is truly humbling. Aviation is a tough business, and everyone involved has to bring their best game to the table. We will try everything in our power to contribute to Akasa’s success in the time to come. We believe we are not an agency for Akasa; we feel a sense of ownership, and treat this as our own business.”