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Tag: S Shivakumar

  • Bobby Pawar joins Network18 to lead creative initiatives in branded content

    Bobby Pawar joins Network18 to lead creative initiatives in branded content

    Mumbai: News18 Studio, the branded content arm of Network18, has announced the appointment of renowned adman and former chairman & chief creative officer of Havas Group, Bobby Pawar as a creative consultant. In this role, Bobby will work closely with the network’s branded content team to lead creative initiatives and infuse innovative solutions into brand strategies.

    With over 30 years in advertising, Bobby Pawar is a legendary figure known for his exceptionally effective work for numerous brands. He has received over 400 awards throughout his illustrious career, cementing his status as a leading creative force in the field.

    Prior to joining News18 Studio, Bobby was chairman & chief creative officer at Havas Group. With successful stints as a CCO in Publicis and JWT India, he is credited with turning around the creative reputations and fortunes of these agencies. His advertising work, created for agencies in India and USA, has won more than 400 Indian and international awards.

    Commenting on his new role, Bobby Pawar said, “It’s an exciting step for me to help create powerful brand stories through engaging content after having done my bit in conventional advertising. I am thrilled to join the talented team at Network 18 and use my experience to push creative boundaries for effective solutions. I look forward to helping create compelling content that not only entertains but also inspires and engages audiences, and equally creates impact for brands.”

    Speaking on the new appointment, News18 Studio president S Shivakumar said, “At News18 Studios, we integrate newsworthy content with a story-first approach to drive conversations and achieve brand objectives. Having someone of Bobby’s stature with us will energise our creative endeavours and also inspire our young team. We look forward to Bobby helping us deliver more impactful solutions that resonate with our brand partners.”

    As Network18’s branded content division, News18 Studio partners with purpose-driven brands to lead powerful conversations that contribute to nation-building. Brand partnerships play a key role in driving brand narratives, fostering a sense of community, and aligning with cultural movements, all while engaging stakeholders who shape the future. Through engaging storytelling, brands can communicate their vision, spark innovation, drive positive conversations, and make products and services more accessible and relatable to consumers.

    News18 Studio’s recent high-impact initiatives include ‘Mission Swachhta aur Paani’ with Harpic, ‘Sanjeevani – United Against Cancer’ with Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation and Tata Trusts, ‘Period or Pride’ with Whisper and ‘Sustainable is Attainable’ with Tata Power, among various others.

  • Network18 Digital appoints new leadership team for general news, branded content business

    Network18 Digital appoints new leadership team for general news, branded content business

    Mumbai: Network18 has announced key appointments for its digital arm – Network18 Digital. According to a statement, the media company is putting in place an experienced team for branded content vertical with strategic additions at both national and regional levels.

    Shobit Bhargava has joined Network18 Digital as national sales head for general news cluster. Bhargava has earlier worked with prominent brands including Times Group, Vodafone, ICICI Bank, Sify, and ITC. At Times Group, he was instrumental in turning around the technology vertical, making it the fastest-growing vertical fuelled by ‘branded content.’

    He will report to Network18 Digital chief operating officer for branded content, revenue management S Shivakumar.

    Sonali Melmane has been appointed as the regional head (West). With over 13 years of experience, she has worked with companies like Star Sports, Times of India, and Standard Chartered Bank. In her previous role with Star Sports, she was responsible for sales and brand solutions across various sporting events like cricket, domestic leagues, and international sports.

    Gunjan Mann has been roped in as the regional head (North). She has been a media marketing professional with over 16 years of experience spread across publishers and agencies. She started her career with experiential marketing and over the years has transitioned into selling space and IPs. She has worked in organisations like Times of India, GroupM, DDB Mudra, and exchange4media.

    Sasi Venkatesh has joined as the regional head (South). With over two decades of experience, Venkatesh is an accomplished sales and marketing professional. Till recently, he was leading the ad solutions business for The Times of India, Bangalore managing key business verticals such as e-business, retail, automobiles, and interior decor. Prior to his stint with ToI, he had worked with organizations like Flipkart Ads, UFO Digital Cinema, and Radio Mirchi.

    All the regional heads will report to Bhargava, said the company in a statement.

    Aneesha Ranjan, who has been leading the North region has been moved to a central strategy role, wherein she will directly work with Shivakumar.

    “Branded content has emerged as a strong focus area for us. In the last few months, we have seen this vertical grow rapidly,” said S Shivakumar. “Keeping the future potential in mind, we are putting in place an experienced leadership team across regions. This vertical will continue to expand as Network18 Digital strives to produce path-breaking and innovative work for its clients to drive unparalleled RoI.”