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Tag: Rekha Rao

  • Women of industry band together to form Oon

    Women of industry band together to form Oon

    MUMBAI: A fresh collective of leading women professionals has launched Oon, an integrated marketing communications firm that aims to simultaneously serve clients with top-tier expertise and create a collaborative platform for independent women professionals.

    The brainchild of industry veteran Rekha Rao, who boasts nearly three decades of experience spanning advertising, film production, public relations, and corporate communications, Oon (a dialectal version of “one” in British English) is putting a distinctly feminine spin on the marketing world.

    “Over the years I have seen women navigating multiple challenges to thrive and succeed in the punishing marketing, media, and communications industry,” says Oon founder & chief executive Rao. “This wealth of potential and experience with women who are already successful and those who have immense talent but need the opportunity inspired me to create something unique.”

    The powerhouse network includes a veritable who’s who of female talent—marketers, entrepreneurs, strategists, journalists, content specialists, art directors, filmmakers, and advocates from LGBTQAI+, PwD and sustainability communities. The collective also features digital marketers, influencers, and practising professionals including doctors, lawyers, chartered accountants and academicians—each bringing at least 15 years of experience to the table.

    From design and advertising to PR, content to reputation management, digital marketing to policy advocacy, Oon curates bespoke teams tailored to diverse client needs from their pool of experts. The firm offers solutions across the communications spectrum, with experience spanning global brands, corporate leaders, start-ups, and entrepreneurs.

    Rao, known for her out-of-the-box thinking and penchant for large-scale campaigns that have garnered over 100 awards, envisions Oon as “not just an agency—it’s a movement” representing the “49.75 per cent of the world that is women.”

    The Oon collective includes an impressive roster of specialists, including creative strategist Amee Sanghvi, strategic growth partner Anshul Mishra, award-winning journalist Anusha Subramaniam, and transgender activist Gauri Sawant serving as LGBTQIA+ counsel.
     

    oon collective

    For clients seeking fresh perspective in marketing communications, OON promises a distinctive approach—delivering campaigns that don’t just target audiences but genuinely speak to them, all while advancing opportunities for women in the industry.

    The Oon Collective:
    o Amee Sanghvi- Creative and Design Strategist | Creative Brand Partner, Oon
    o Anshul Mishra- Strategic Growth Partner | Scale-up Specialist | Marketing Counsel @ OON
    o Anusha Subramaniam – Award-winning journalist | Content Consultant | Inclusion Advocate | Strategic Content Counsel @ OON
    o Dipali Sikand – Serial Entrepreneur | Women Empowerment Champion @ OON
    o Gauri Sawant- Transgender Activist | LGBTQIA+ Counsel @ OON
    o Gayatri Ramanathan – Sustainability & ESG storytelling expert
    o Minari Shah- Corporate and Brand Narratives | Building Leaders of the Future | Corporate and C-Suite Reputation Counsel @ OON
    o Nitisha Agrawal, Nitisha Agrawal | Founder & Director, Smokeless Cookstove Foundation | Access to clean energy & climate adaptability for the most marginal communities | Climate Change from the Grassroots Specialist @ OON
    o Pallavi Mutalik Hebbar, Consulting & Risk Advisory,Geopolitics,  AI Counsel @ OON 
    o Renuka Sanghvi, Mental and Emotional Health Counsel @ OON
    o   Roopa Arun, Educationist | Policy | Institution Building | Education Industry Counsel @ OON
    o Sangita Thakur – Founder, Ashtavakra Accessibility Solutions | PwD Counsel and Inclusive Communications Strategist @ OON
    o Sowmya Raman- Organisational Transformation | Change Management Specialist |  Talent and Internal Communications Counsel @ OON
    o Talish Ray, Partner, TRS Law Offices | Policy and Law | Legal Expert @ OON
    o Wei Ling Chiu, Founder & Chief Client Engagement Officer, Be Bold | B2B and Enterprise Technology Counsel @ OON

    The OON Partners:
    o Preeti Juneja, DreamWeb India | Personal Branding Partner, OON
    o  Rachana Chowdhary, Founder & CEO, MediaValueWorks | Partner, OON
    o Smita Uchil, Co-founder, Mavendoer | Digital Partner, OON
    o Wei Ling Chiu, Founder & Chief Client Engagement Officer, Be Bold | B2B and Enterprise Technology Partner @ OON

     

  • ZENO Group appoints Prashant Subramanian as national corporate practice lead

    ZENO Group appoints Prashant Subramanian as national corporate practice lead

    Mumbai: Zeno has announced the appointment of Prashant Subramanian as the national practice lead – corporate. With more than 18 years of experience across sectors, Prashant will play a vital role in expanding Zeno India’s corporate practice. Based in Gurugram, Prashant will work closely with Zeno India MD Rekha Rao.

    “The addition of Prashant with his wealth of experience across sectors coupled with Zeno’s unique corporate offerings will help deliver strategic thinking and real impact to clients in India,” said Zeno Group India MD Rekha Rao. “Zeno is known for keeping in step and leveraging timely developments in the communications sector to innovate and provide real business impact. Prashant will also be integral in delivering our latest technology-backed integrated marketing services to the market.”

    Prashant’s expertise extends across various industries, including, public health, pharma, healthcare, FMCG, media & entertainment, consumer technology, ed-tech, health-tech, ai, robotics, banking, and financial services, among others. With a strong foundation in public relations, strategy development, advocacy, campaign, and project management, he has consistently delivered impactful communication solutions that align with organizational objectives.

    On his move to Zeno, Prashant said “I am enthusiastic about joining Zeno during this crucial phase of the organization’s progression. Zeno’s distinguished global perspective coupled with its use of innovative contemporary methods to provide effective communications for clients, has consistently defined its identity. I look forward to partnering with the skilled team at Zeno to cultivate robust corporate practice. I am confident that my background and expertise will contribute significantly to Zeno’s success and enable us to leverage emerging opportunities and realizing our long-term vision.”

    Prashant occupied pivotal agency positions including vice president – North at Kaizzen prior to joining Zeno. Additionally, he made notable contributions while working with corporate giants like Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Ltd, a prominent real estate conglomerate; and SG Cricket, the world’s largest cricket equipment manufacturer, where he served as the brand & category head.

  • RVCJ launches India’s first and biggest celebration of memes with Meme Utsav

    RVCJ launches India’s first and biggest celebration of memes with Meme Utsav

    Mumbai In a groundbreaking move, RVCJ is thrilled to announce the launch of “Meme Utsav,” India’s first and largest celebration dedicated to the world of memes. The event aims to honour and recognize the unsung heroes behind the screens – the ingenious minds who bring laughter and thought-provoking insights to our daily digital lives. “Meme Utsav” is set to be an IP (Intellectual Property) event, taking place at NESCO Goregaon East, Mumbai, on the 16th and 17 December, spanning over two exciting days.

    Memes have undoubtedly become a cultural phenomenon, transcending the digital realm to become a language of their own. Studies have shown that memes possess the extraordinary power to generate up to ten times the reach and engagement of a regular social media post. However, despite their pervasive influence, the creative geniuses behind memes often remain anonymous, hidden, and unrecognised behind the humour they create.

    Meme Utsav seeks to change this by providing a platform for these talented individuals to step into the limelight. For the first time in India, meme creators will be celebrated for their contributions to online culture. This grand celebration aims not only to acknowledge their efforts but also to delve into the fascinating process of meme creation and award our country’s top meme creators. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet and interact with the faces behind the most viral and entertaining memes of our time.

    “Meme Utsav” offers an unprecedented opportunity for brands to dive into the heart of meme culture and harness the limitless potential of humour, wit, and viral engagement. In today’s digital landscape, memes have evolved into a language of their own, and savvy brands recognise their power as a key element of modern communication. This event is not just a celebration; it’s a gateway to connect with a community that thrives on creativity and laughter. Brands that join us at Meme Utsav will find themselves at the forefront of a cultural revolution, where their messages blend seamlessly with the humour that captivates millions. RVCJ extends an enthusiastic welcome to all brands to be a part of this exhilarating journey, where brand meets creativity, and the possibilities are boundless. Embrace the meme, and let your brand’s voice resonate in the hearts of a diverse and engaged audience. Together, we’ll redefine the future of brand engagement in the digital age at Meme Utsav!”

    RVCJ Digital Media co-founder, and chief revenue officer A. Aziz Khan said, “We are ecstatic to introduce Meme Utsav, a platform that finally puts a spotlight on the brilliant minds who tirelessly craft the memes that enrich our online experiences. Meme Utsav isn’t just an event; it’s a movement that brings well-deserved recognition to the creative geniuses behind the screens. Our aim is to provide a stage where meme content creators can stand tall, and their wit and humour can be celebrated with the grandeur they truly deserve.”

    RVCJ Digital Media head of IP content Rekha Rao passionately added, “Meme Utsav is not just a celebration; it’s a revelation of the vibrant, evolving language of our digital era. Memes have become a powerful means of communication, and through this event, we aim to spotlight the creators who shape our online conversations with wit, satire, and thought-provoking humour.”

  • Zeno Group wins PR mandates of The Derma Co and Aqualogica from the house of Honasa

    Zeno Group wins PR mandates of The Derma Co and Aqualogica from the house of Honasa

    Mumbai: Honasa Consumer (HCPL) on Tuesday announced the appointment of Zeno Group to lead its strategic brand communications mandate for two brands, The Derma Co and Aqualogica.

    As part of the mandate, Zeno will lead the communication strategy for the two brands by managing communications across both traditional and new-age digital channels.

    Zeno Group has been tasked with driving awareness of the need for hydration while building equity for Aqualogica.

    In addition, Zeno will also partner with Honasa in promoting The Derma Co’s skincare solutions powered by science.

    Speaking on the appointment, Honasa Consumer co-founder & chief innovation officer Ghazal Alagh said, “We are delighted to appoint Zeno as our PR partner. Their experience in handling consumer brands and their excellent understanding of millennial and GenZ consumers were impressive. We are confident they will ably partner with us in our journey to educate Indian consumers to make informed choices on science-backed skin solutions from The Derma Co and Aqualogica.”

    Adding to this, Zeno India managing director Rekha Rao said, “We love skincare brands that stand true to their promises, like The Derma Co and Aqualogica. The refreshing product portfolio gives us immense scope to explore PR creatively. Added to this, working with an admirable, dynamic Indian unicorn as its strategic communications partner is a matter of great pride to Zeno.”

  • Zeno Group India to expand Peppa Pig’s presence in Indian market

    Zeno Group India to expand Peppa Pig’s presence in Indian market

    Mumbai: Hasbro’s global content studio Entertainment One (eOne) has awarded the integrated communications mandate of their popular children’s property Peppa Pig to Zeno Group India.

    Zeno will be responsible for leading the brand’s communication strategy, delivered across traditional and new-age media channels. The agency will also help to expand Peppa Pig’s audience reach and presence in the Indian market.

    Zeno was chosen following a competitive pitch that challenged agencies to focus on storytelling concepts that would work across multiple platforms.

    Speaking on the partnership, Global Franchise Strategy & Management vice president Robin Gay said, “Zeno India delighted us with their ability to go beyond the tactical, giving depth and definition to ideas that synergized with how we wish to build Peppa Pig in India. Their understanding of the media and influencers and their ideas to draw Indian audiences to Peppa Pig excited us, and we are delighted to be working with the extremely driven and creative team of Zeno.”

    Zeno India managing director Rekha Rao added, “We are thrilled to partner with eOne, a global leader in delivering splendid content, at a time when content is the single most powerful driver of growth and viewership. At Zeno, we have a proven record of delivering creative solutions through profound storytelling. The aim is to build the Peppa Pig experience beyond the screen through engaging content and activities across touchpoints to deliver impactful, integrated marketing campaigns.”

  • Vertuals strengthens leadership team with two new hires

    Vertuals strengthens leadership team with two new hires

    MUMBAI: Vertuals, the digital content specialist unit from IdeateLabs has bolstered its team with the appointment of two industry stalwarts Rekha Rao and Sandeep Vasudevan as business heads. Based in Mumbai, they will report to the managing partner, Ajay Tripathi.

    Rao has been in the industry for more than two decades. She has adept understanding of content trends, consumer insights, IP/content management, planning and strategising, revenue modelling, P&L management, start-up incubation among others.

    Rao will spearhead the revenue generation and profitability of Vertuals, whereas Vasudevan will be responsible for introducing creative and innovative audio-visual content, with a focus on bringing technological innovation into the creative offerings, while overseeing the entire business vertical.

    Vasudevan comes with an exceptional track record of success in creating content for television and digital media. Over the span of two decades in the industry he has covered various genres and specialises in all aspects of the creative process from ideation to visual conceptualisation, show flows and structuring, scripting, shoot and post.

    On the latest development Vertuals managing partner Ajay Tripathi said, “We are delighted to have Rekha and Sandeep onboard. Vertuals is on an aggressive expansion mode. We are foraying into various new divisions in the content space such as creating OTT web series, interesting AV ads, VR films, short-form and long-form content that masters in storytelling, which is in our company’s DNA. To spearhead these operations, we were looking forward to strengthening our leadership team by getting on board the right mix of professionals from the industry. Rekha and Sandeep come with an impressive work-background that will be ensuring our growth and strengthening our foothold in the market guaranteeing enhancement in brand storytelling, innovative concepts and ideas that will help our clients in shaping their communication.”

    Rao expressed her excitement for the new role “It is fascinating for me to work with a zealous team, where creativity and innovation are inbuilt in their DNA. I will be focusing on enhancing the revenue model aligned to the company’s vision and ensuring building of various IPs. I’m keen to deliver innovative strategy, client-focused solutions and creating sustained engagement with the clients using all available tools & skill sets at Vertuals leading to better ROIs for clients with introduction of new IPs.”

    Vasudevan said, “I am excited to be a part of the sturdy and young team at Vertuals. I come with a vision to marry technology and creativity in the field of content. I believe that it’s not just about telling stories but bring innovating concepts to the table by marrying technology and creativity. Technology is constantly changing the way we consume content, and I firmly believe that how we consume content determines what content is consumed.”

  • MSLGROUP makes 16 new appointments to strengthen its Asia team

    MSLGROUP makes 16 new appointments to strengthen its Asia team

    MUMBAI: It is a big day for the MSLGROUP. The strategic communications and engagement consultancy of Publicis Groupe, and the largest brand and reputation advisory network in Europe, Greater China, India and Asia overall has announced 16 new hires in Asia. The new appointments have been made within corporate advisory and reputation management, marketing communications, financial communications, public affairs and social engagement across Greater China, India and Singapore.

    Some of the key appointments include Amit Misra as the executive vice president and director of public affairs, MSLGROUP in Delhi; Rekha Rao has been hired as general manager, 20:20 MSL in Mumbai; Gaurav Trivedi will be working as a managing director, CNC in Delhi; Lusha Niu has been appointed at the position of director of Financial Communications and Corporate Advisory, MSLGROUP in Shanghai; Lan Jie will be working as director of Marketing Communications, MSLGROUP in Shanghai; April Chang will be taking the charge as director of Learning & People Development, MSLGROUP in Taipei; Fu Yumei has been hired as senior associate director of Healthcare, MSLGROUP in Singapore.

    The appointments were planned much in advance, informs MSLGROUP Group CEO Jaideep Shergill. “Since our annual year begins from January, we wanted to be all set for the New Year. In these two months, the new hires will get enough time to get a hang of how we function and they will be ready to take complete charge of their responsibilities by the time the annual year begins,” says Shergill, also informing that most of the positions have been specially created in order to make an efficient progress.

    In fact, Shergill adds that some of the appointments like Amit Misra and Rekha Rao are the senior most appointments at MSLGROUP in many years. “Plus, all the appointments are in different sections of the company and the new hires would be working out of different locations like Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai, which would add to our growth as we will be capturing different markets,” he says.

    In his new role, Amit Misra will serve as the overall market leader for MSLGROUP in Delhi and the practice leader for Public Affairs across India. In addition, he will work in close conjunction with 20:20 MSL in Delhi for business development, talent training, key client relationship management, and providing public affairs counseling to clients.
    Amit is a seasoned communications professional with over 18 years of experience spanning corporate and consulting roles in several international agencies, and is experienced in leading operations, building portfolio of marquee clients, and strengthening the company’s strategic communications practice.
    Jaideep Shergill-MSL

    Shergill says that they have observed that Delhi is a very potential market and thus they needed somebody with enough experience to grow in the region. “Amit would do just that,” he says.

    Rekha Rao would take up responsibilities that include operational performance, growth, profitability, talent management and client engagement. Rekha has over 17 years experience and specialises in FMCG, consumer and lifestyle PR and she has the distinction of working with global giants like Unilever & P&G. She has also managed PR campaigns for major MNCs like Monsanto (BT Cotton Seeds), Revlon, Porsche, and Right Choice. Rekha’s work has also been awarded. She has 6 India SABREs and AFAQS awards in her kitty.

    The advantage for the company is that, Rao also has a strong creative background, having spent 12 years with advertisement agencies such as Leo Burnett, Lowe and Triton. “Rekha comes from a non-technology background and would really help us grow. 20:20 MSL was a tech PR agency till sometime back and thus most of the employees on board are from a technological background. Now that the focus of the company has changed, we needed somebody from the consumer background and Rekha is just apt for that position,” says Shergill.

    Hitesh Malhotra would be responsible for managing the social media marketing portfolio to develop integrated communications and engagement strategy for the online community. Prior to joining MSLGROUP, he worked at MakeMyTrip.com with social media marketing.

    Rahul Lakhpati has over 12 years experience in public relations and journalism, specialising in strategic communications and content-focused storytelling. Prior to joining MSLGROUP, Rahul has worked at several international agencies and Lokmat, one of the largest Indian daily newspapers as a Sub Editor and Reporter.

    The company has hired Madhavi Mukherjee for its Bengaluru office and they are really looking forward to grow with this new recruit. Madhavi has 10 years of professional experience, specialising in providing advisory in marketing communication and branding, media verticals, CSR strategies and digital communications. Prior to this role, Madhavi worked for MSLGROUP in India as well as other communications agencies.

    MSLGROUP Asia president Glenn Osaki said in a press release: “Our strategy of bringing together the region’s best-in-class agencies across multiple disciplines has created a highly dynamic network to drive change in our industry. Our high-value strategic communications advisory, award-winning experiential, 360-degree marketing, digital and creative hubs, and integrated solutions in tandem with our investment in career development programs have set the standard in Asia. We are happy to see that the region’s top talent from diverse backgrounds including advertising, strategic consultancy, public affairs, and social media and digital marketing, have chosen to join the MSLGROUP family.”

  • MSLGROUP announces two senior hires

    MSLGROUP announces two senior hires

    MUMBAI: MSLGROUP, Publicis Groupe’s strategic communications and engagement consultancy, has appointed two industry veterans to its fold – Amit Misra comes on board as executive vice president & director – public affairs in Delhi and Rekha Rao, as general manager in Mumbai of 20:20 MSL.

     

    Amit Misra will be the overall market leader for MSLGROUP for the Delhi market & the practice leader for the public affairs practice across India for MSLGROUP. In addition, he will also strategically collaborate with 20:20 MSL in Delhi for business development, PA, key client relationships and talent development.

     

    In her role, Rekha Rao will report to Ian Sequeira, senior VP at 20:20 MSL and her key responsibilities will include operational performance, growth, profitability, talent management and client engagement.  

     

    On the appointments, MSLGROUP CEO Jaideep Shergill said: “We warmly welcome Amit and Rekha to our family and eagerly look forward to their contribution in helping us grow in both reputation and expertise. Each of them comes with capabilities necessary to provide the more value-adding, strategic and content centric offerings that our clients increasingly are looking for in India. MSLGROUP is a people centric agency. We invest in our talent by giving them exceptional opportunities to work on exciting client engagements, attend world class trainings and pursue an international career. We see that this is appreciated: never before have had so many of the industry’s top talent wanted to join MSLGROUP, where Misra and Rao are very notable examples. By appointing Amit Misra and Rekha Rao in their new roles, we are strengthening MSLGROUP’s core functions, which will further add impetus to our continuing growth story.”

     

    With these two hires, MSLGROUP wants to forge ahead.

  • Mahesh Bhupathi, Rahul Bose join Colgate-Palmolive as ambassadors

    Mahesh Bhupathi, Rahul Bose join Colgate-Palmolive as ambassadors

    MUMBAI: Oral care brand Colgate-Palmolive (India) has roped in Indian tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi and actor, rugby player Rahul Bose as ambassadors to support Colgate Total‘s awareness campaign for ‘Healthy Mouth‘.


    Colgate-Palmolive (India) VP-marketing Rekha Rao said, “In India, there is a growing awareness towards maintaining a healthy body. However, not all of us realise the importance of a ‘Healthy Mouth‘.”


    “Mahesh and Rahul pay a lot of emphasis on physical wellness which is critical in their professions. They will support Colgate in our endeavor to create widespread awareness on the importance of a ‘Healthy Mouth‘,” Rao added.


    Bhupathi and Bose will also feature in a series of TV commercial that will be aired across the country, both on regional and national channels.


    “As professional athletes, we sometimes do not give much importance to what is not visible to us. A ‘Healthy Mouth‘ is linked to our overall health and is something that cannot be taken for granted. Given our busy lifestyles, Colgate Total‘s unique formula ensures that we get the best oral care, and an overall healthy mouth,” Bhupathi added.


    “When I got to know the significance of a healthy mouth for a healthy body from the leaders of oral care, Colgate, it was amazing to learn how Colgate Total so completely meets my oral care needs. Having experienced Colgate Total, I recommend it to my friends and family,” Bose added.


    Available in 75 gm and 150 gm packs across the country, Colgate Total‘s formula has been granted the Seal of Acceptance by the Indian Dental Association.

  • Colgate ties up with upcoming Tintin film

    Colgate ties up with upcoming Tintin film

    MUMBAI: Colgate-Palmolive India has tied up with Sony Pictures for the upcoming film ‘The Adventures of Tintin‘ which releases on 11 November.

    There is a contest and the winner will visit Tintin‘s homeland – Brussels.

    Colgate 360 degree surround toothbrush has announced the ‘Fight-Against-Evil‘ contest that gives the consumers a chance to be part of Tintin‘s life. Winners stand a chance of winning Tintin merchandise. Three winners will also get to win a 5-day trip to Brussels, Tintin‘s homeland.
     
    Colgate-Palmolive India VP marketing Rekha Rao said, “We are excited to partner with Sony Pictures to bring the ‘Fight-Against-Evil‘ contest to our consumers. Most of us have been Tintin fans and we are delighted to present our consumers with an opportunity to be part of their favourite character‘s life.”

    Sony Pictures India director marketing Divya Pathak added, “The Adventures of Tintin is the movie event of the year and Tintin, together with the movie‘s creators Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson, are icons in India. We see this partnership with Colgate as iconic brands coming together to give Tintin fans one more reason to celebrate the release of this much-awaited movie.”

    The new TVC campaign introducing the contest draws synergies of Tintin and Colgate 360° Surround toothbrush fighting evil forces. While Tintin travels the world solving mysteries, Colgate 360° Surround helps fight the evil forces all across the mouth.