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Tag: Sandeep Dahiya

  • Branquila takes flight as it lands in the UAE with full brand arsenal

    Branquila takes flight as it lands in the UAE with full brand arsenal

    MUMBAI: From building brands to breaking boundaries, Branquila is now boarding in the UAE. Branquila Brand Ventures, the creative brand management agency founded by Sandeep Dahiya in 2022, is charting international territory. The firm has officially launched operations in the UAE, bringing its full suite of brand-building offerings to one of the world’s fastest-growing business hubs.

    With services spanning brand positioning, creative execution, PR, social media, SEO, performance marketing, and licensing, Branquila isn’t arriving with baby steps, it’s jumping into the Emirates with both boots on.

    Best known for driving mandates for marquee Indian names like Endemol Shine India, Banijay Asia, Abundantia Entertainment, Madame Fashion, and Genes Lecoanet Hemant, Branquila now aims to replicate that impact in a market buzzing with entrepreneurial energy.

    “The UAE is brimming with ambition and ideas, it’s the perfect launchpad for our next chapter,” said Branquila Brand founder & CEO Ventures Dahiya. “With our core promise of making brands work for business, we’re excited to help UAE-based businesses scale, stretch, and stand out.”

    Adding firepower to the firm’s expansion is its newly announced advisory board, Brandwidth, a brain trust of industry veterans including Raj Nayak, Rajesh Kamat, Vishal Chaddha, Sudha Sarin, Jaydeep Shetty, and Anand Kumar. The council will help shape Branquila’s growth playbook while providing strategic insight to partners across sectors.

    As D2C, fashion, entertainment, and media brands look to break the clutter in the Gulf, Branquila is betting big that creativity with a little hustle travels well.

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  • Abundantia Entertainment appoints Branquila

    Abundantia Entertainment appoints Branquila

    Mumbai – Abundantia Entertainment has appointed Branquila Brand Ventures (BBV) as its agency to manage the company’s corporate brand and communications mandate. Branquila will handle the brand’s comprehensive mandate, encompassing corporate brand communication strategy, digital marketing, public relations and creative communication.

    Abundantia Entertainment founder & CEO Vikram Malhotra shared his thoughts on the appointment, “We are at a pivotal moment in Abundantia’s journey. on the back of a creatively successful and financially solid last few years, we are now ready to enter a new phase of growth to expand our storytelling and business footprint. Branquila brings a fresh perspective and an innovative approach to brand marketing, and we are excited to work with Sandeep and team as we amplify Abundantia’s presence across the entertainment landscape.

    Echoing the sentiment, Abundantia Entertainment head – Marketing and Communications, Vasundhara Adukia added, “The Abundantia brand is built on the core of differentiated and progressive storytelling. Our vision for brand Abundantia is to be the preferred choice of creative and business collaborators and our work and values constantly need to reflect that. We are delighted to collaborate with Branquila, in who, we believe, we have found the right partners for the growth journey that lies ahead.”

    Branquila Brand Ventures founder & CEO Sandeep Dahiya commented, “We are excited to partner with Abundantia Entertainment, a brand known for bringing pathbreaking stories to life –  across screens, across geographies, and across genres. He further added, “Given Vikram’s vision, we’re looking forward to playing a role in Abundantia’s next phase of growth.”

  • Sandeep Dahiya moves on from Times Group

    Sandeep Dahiya moves on from Times Group

    Mumbai: Times Lifestyle Enterprise CEO and Bennett Coleman and Co Ltd (Times Group) director of brand extension Sandeep Dahiya has decided to move on from the organisation. According to a statement, he will continue to be with the group till mid-November, for a smooth transition.

    Dahiya spent eight years at the media conglomerate, spearheading the launch of its legacy brands into newer consumer categories. 

    “It’s been a great journey over the last eight years – of learning, leading, and growing. Working closely with Vineet Jain has been a privilege, and have much to thank him for my growth and learning here,” Dahiya said, confirming the development.

    At Times Lifestyle Enterprise, Dahiya led the Times Group’s foray in the beauty space, with the launch of Femina Flaunt Studio Salon – a company-owned, company-operated format, in Mumbai.

    “With so much happening in the fashion and beauty space – new consumer awareness, newer platforms, and exciting business-building frameworks, it’s time for me to explore newer challenging avenues,” he further said.

    With over 25 years of experience, Dahiya joined the Times Group from Viacom18, where he spent eight years, heading its consumer products business – creating a scalable & sustainable business model in new categories for brands and IPs of MTV, Nickelodeon, Vh1, and Colors.

  • BCCL & Shoppers Stop ink licensing deal for Femina Flaunt

    BCCL & Shoppers Stop ink licensing deal for Femina Flaunt

    MUMBAI: Bennett, Coleman & Co and Shoppers Stop have formed a strategic partnership to extend Femina into the consumer products space.

     

    As part of this ‘co-create and co-own’ partnership, BCCL will license ‘Femina Flaunt’ to Shoppers Stop, to design, develop, and retail the brand, exclusively across Shoppers Stop stores, in the core fashion categories – apparel, footwear, accessories and bags. Flaunt is the retail identity developed by BCCL for Femina. 

     

    BCCL managing director Vineet Jain said, “This is in line with our brand extension strategy to partner with the best-in-class players to unlock immense hidden value in many of our marquee brands. As a group, we’ve always been ahead on the innovation curve, and this partnership is another such example.”

     

    Shoppers Stop customer care associate & managing director Govind Shrikhande added, “In line with our brand philosophy of Start Something New, we have embarked on a new partnership with the BCCL group to launch ‘Femina Flaunt’ in our stores. The premium positioning of this brand fits seamlessly into our diverse portfolio of premium brands. We are positive that ‘Femina Flaunt’ will be a huge success with our discerning customers.”

     

    BCCL director & business head brand extension Sandeep Dahiya said, “It’s a unique partnership that brings together complementing strengths from two formidable industry leaders, in a format that’s a win-win for both. With Shoppers Stop as the partner, we’re confident of stability, sustainability and most importantly, scalability of our brand, in these categories.” 

     

    The ‘Femina Flaunt’ range will be retailed exclusively through 300-400 sq feet of dedicated shop-in-shop space, within Shoppers Stop stores. The range will be launched in the Fall-Winter season this year, and will be available across 20 Shoppers Stop stores to begin with, and going upto 50 stores by the third year.

     

    Highlighting the uniqueness of the partnership, Dahiya added, “This partnership re-formats the existing licensing template in India, by creating a unique ‘co-create, co-own’ model that creates far more value at both ends. It not only gives Shoppers Stop a great opportunity to add one more strong franchise to its portfolio of premium labels, but also helps BCCL unlock significant value in its marquee brand, while still retaining the ownership of the brand.”

  • Sonia Huria to handle entire Viacom18s communications

    Sonia Huria to handle entire Viacom18s communications

    MUMBAI: After being vacant for almost four months, the position of Viacom18’s corporate communications head is being filled up. The position had been vacant after Sandeep Dahiya decided to move on from the company. Now, Sonia Huria, who was serving as the Colors corporate communications head, will head all the communication and PR functions for Viacom18.

     

    In her new role, she will be handling the communications for all the Viacom18’s broadcast channels including Colors, the ETV channels it recently acquired, VH1, MTV, Nickelodeon, Sonic Nickelodeon and Comedy Central. She will also handle Viacom18’s motion pictures as well as allied functions like consumer products INS and digital. Her appointment is effective from today, 25 November, and she will report directly to Viacom18 Group CEO Sudhanshu Vats.

     

    “Work has already piled up. The entire Viacom18 is getting into the regional market and I will do my best to deliver the message of one Viacom18,” says Huria.

  • Sandeep Dahiya appointed as director and biz-head – brand extensions with The Times Group

    Sandeep Dahiya appointed as director and biz-head – brand extensions with The Times Group

    MUMBAI: Sandeep Dahiya who was sr VP and business head – consumer products at Vaicom 18 has moved on to The Times Group as director and biz-head – brand extensions where he would report to Bennet, Coleman and Co‘s COO Shrijeet Mishra.

    The Times Group, director and biz-head – brand Sandeep Dahiya

    At Viacom18 Sandeep spent eight years across various functions – communications, corporate affairs and consumer products. Over the last five years, he was heading the consumer products business for all Viacom18 brands namely – MTV, Vh1, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Sonic and Nick-Junior and Colors as well as communications. At the consumer products end, Vaicom 18 ended the last financial year with a retail turnover of close to Rs 260-265 crore around MTV and Nickelodeon products, with a presence in over 50 categories and over 65 licensees.

    Dahiya stated, “The reason for shift was a greater challenge and an exciting opportunity. The Times Group has a portfolio of brands that resonate extremely well with their respective consumers. The idea is to extend some of these brands beyond their core businesses, thus driving more engagement and growth. It feels great. It is one of the only media companies that has stayed ahead of the industry growth curve, by virtue of sheer innovation, differentiated way of looking at the business and a great team.”

  • Viacom18 set to bring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise to India

    MUMBAI: Viacom18 is all set to bring the iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise to India on television and in stores. The broadcaster, in association with toy distributor Toy Triangle, will be launching a range of exclusive TMNT merchandise this summer.

    Nick and Sonic started airing the old episodes of the show from 1980s last month as a run up to the launch of the fresh episodes. The television launch will be assisted and furthered by the launch of TMNT toys and merchandise.

    Speaking about the launch, Viacom18 SVP consumer products Sandeep Dahiya said, “In India, L&M and broadcast is a two way street. The property is hugely popular with kids and parents alike today and so, we do not need to wait for the brand to register in the market. We have a strong L&M portfolio in the kids’ genre at Viacom18 and TMNT will further strengthen it.”

    The range of toys is targeted at boys between the ages of 6 to 12 years and will include innovative action figures which will mark Nickelodeons India foray into the action toys category dedicated to the adventure loving young boys of today. This refreshed line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) toy products is created by Playmates, the original master licensee for the property. The range will hit the stores on 1 May.

    Dahiya adds, “We have an exclusive tie up with Hamleys for the first two weeks. So, starting 1 May , for two weeks, the range will be available only at Hamleys toy stores and from around 15 May, other stores also will have it.”

    The range will be present in the key metros initially and will then aim at penetrating the top 25 to 30 cities of the country over the next three months. The action figures and toys are priced between Rs 699 and Rs 8999.

    Adding a modern twist to the existing classic boy’s toys, the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figurines constitute the most articulated Turtles toys ever made; with each figure shown in an acute level of detail and complete with their own personalized Ninja weapon. Adding further play possibilities, the line will also include an array of villains, vehicles, play-sets and role play, enabling fans to fully immerse themselves in the world of the famous brave brotherhood of four.

    The toys are designed with motion sensors built in to them so that they produce up to different sounds for different motions. Apart from this, the range also has innovative features like flexible movable parts.

    “The highlight of this range is the Secret Sewer Lair play-set, which is a first in the Indian market. Also, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will soon be present into other key categories – stationery, back-to-school, publishing and apparel, amongst others,” adds Dahiya.

    The franchise is also set to be turned into a movie over the next couple of years. Michael Bay, who has movies like the Transformers series, Armageddon and Pain and Gain to his credit, has been approached to direct the movie.

  • Nick India teams up with Mahindra Retail for a range of adventure toys

    MUMBAI: Viacom18‘s kids brand Nick India has introduced a new range of adventure toys – Play Nation Royal Express & Play Nation Speed Racing in association with Mahindra Retail.

    This collection of toys will help kids experience a combination of thrill and excitement, plus enable them to build their own racing paths right from scratch. The range of DIY (Do It Yourself) toys will consist of a train set called Play Nation Royal Express and a car set called Play Nation Speed Racing. Both the sets will be available in three versions and will be priced between Rs 1499 and Rs 4999. The toys sets will be available in over 100 retail stores across the nation.

    Viacom18 Media senior vice president – consumer products and communications Sandeep Dahiya said, “We‘re happy to partner with Mahindra Retail to extend our brand to ‘Royal Express‘ and ‘Speed Racing‘. Given their unique features, the range is sure to excite our young consumers with its action, speed and engineering aspects.” He further added, “This partnership is in line with our plan to extend brand ‘Nickelodeon‘ to categories that are relevant as well as exciting, through interesting collaboration like this.”

    Mahindra Retail executive vice president, distribution business and beanstalk Deepinder Kapany added, “We are extremely delighted with this new association with Nickelodeon. The launch of the Play Nation Royal Express and the Play Nation Speed Racing is only the beginning to excite kids to make their very own railway and racing tracks! It‘s more than just fun, as these products can help build teamwork abilities, develop the kids motor and coordination skills while the child has fun and is being entertained in a healthy manner. Our association with Nickelodeon is a perfect platform to launch these toys that are synonymous to fun, entertainment, development and adventure, just like Nickelodeon.”

    The association will also include marketing activities like on-air promotion, consumer interactivity, digital and radio that will help in engagement with kids. The range will be promoted through various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter as well as on the Nick India website.

  • Nick introduces sub brands; Nick Explore first to roll out

    Nick introduces sub brands; Nick Explore first to roll out

    MUMBAI: Taking its licensing and merchandising strategy forward, Nickelodeon India is set to introduce its own sub brands in the Indian market, Nick Explore, Nick Sports and Nick Action.

    The first edition from this kitty is ‘Nick Explore‘ in association with Mexus Education, one of the leading providers of hands-on educational toys for kids. The Nick Explore range of hands-on-learning toys and instructive games exposes kids to the fundamentals of science & technology, thus increasing their imagination and analytical skills.

    These edutainment toys are targeted at eight years and above, with 24 different models and priced from Rs 199 to 2499. Nick Explore includes toys like rocking chairs, quad bikes, 360 degree cannons, walking robots, retro planes, earthquake meters and many more. The components in all the toys are interchangeable, re-usable and comes with infinite possibilities of making new models and machines. The range will be available at Hamleys, Landmark, Reliance Time Out, Shoppers Stop, Beanstalk and several toy stores across the country.

    Speaking on the launch of Nickelodeon‘s sub brands, Viacom18 Media SVP – Consumer Products & Communications Sandeep Dahiya said, “This collaboration marks our entry into a new domain – both from a brand as well as a category perspective. The ‘Nick Explore‘ range of kits, developed by Mexus Education, will help unlock the creative potential in older kids, while exposing them to basics of science in a manner that‘s fun and interactive.”

    Mexus Education MD Rohit Jain adds, “We are delighted to launch our latest innovative designer toys as Nick Explore. This is in continuation with our efforts of making learning enjoyable for kids. Nick Explore series will give a new dimension to the way kids perceive toys and studies by delivering the rare mix of analytical skills and creativity. Now kids can make new designs everyday and experiment with their ideas to make real machines and life size models with world class quality components in Nick Explore products.”

    Nickelodeon‘s association with Mexus Education will include a 360-degree marketing promotion that will include on-air promotion, on-ground activities, digital and radio that will help in consumer engagement. The new product range will be promoted through various social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter as well as on the Nick India website. There will also be contests and retail promotions planned around the range.