MxMIndia

Author: Our Staff

  • Before joining Zee Media, he served as National Head for The Q

    Pankaj Rai is Business Head of Wion & Zee Business

    Pankaj Rai
    Pankaj Rai

    Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL) has announced the appointment of Pankaj Rai as the new Business Head for Wion and Zee Business

    Raj brings over 15 years of extensive experience spanning the realms of broadcast and digital media. Before joining Zee Media, he served as National Head for The Q. Prior to that, he held a significant role at Zee Entertainment for more than a decade, managing revenue portfolios for channels such as Zee TV, Zee Cinema, and Zee Bollywood in the North and East regions.

    Notes a communique: “We are confident that his expertise will further strengthen our team and propel us towards our goals.  We are excited about the fresh perspectives and ideas he will bring to the table as we continue to grow and innovate.”

  • Entries are open for the awards

    Ad Club campaign for Abby

    The Advertising Club has unveiled a campaign for the upcoming Abby Awards powered by One Show 2024.

    Speaking on the initiative, Ajay Kakar, Chairperson, Awards Governing Council, Abby Awards said: “At The Advertising Club, we are committed to bringing forward and honouring the masterpieces and the masterminds. The Abby Awards powered by One Show 2024 serve as a testament to the extraordinary work that our industry creates and its potential to shape the future. With this campaign, we invite the industry to come forward, submit their best work, and together elevate the collective creativity to unparalleled global heights.”

    Added Alok Lall, Executive Director, McCann Worldgroup India:  “We believe in celebrating not just the present achievements but also the future that we are collectively building for our industry. The Abby Awards powered by One Show 2024 serve as a beacon for the creativity that defines our industry’s trajectory.”

    Entries are now open for Abby Awards powered by One Show 2024.

  • A storytelling initiative of cricket enthusiasts

    SBI Life launches campaign in collaboration with Tape A Tale

    Ravindra Sharma
    Ravindra Sharma

    SBI Life Insurance launches campaign ‘Beyond The Boundary’ in collaboration with Tape A Tale to honour cricket enthusiasts by conceptualising a platform to narrate inspiring fan stories.

    Sharing views on the significance of the event, Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand, Corporate Communications, and CSR, SBI Life Insurance said: “Cricket in India is more than just a sport; it is a religion for millions of fans. While the players are worshiped like heroes, it is equally important to recognize the cricket fans, as they play a crucial role in the success & popularity of this sport. Thus, in an effort to honor these fans of cricket, SBI Life conceptualized a novel initiative ‘Beyond The Boundary’ in association with Tape A Tale; providing a platform to enable them to narrate inspirational stories about their tryst with cricket, albeit outside the pitch. ‘Beyond the Boundary’ is an enabler for every cricket fan to continue to relentlessly pursue their dreams.” He further added, “The narratives showcased are not merely tales of cricket; they transcend boundaries, representing stories of determination, perseverance, and the perfect balance between pursuing individual dreams and fulfilling familial responsibilities. This initiative clearly aligns with our brand core ‘Apne Liye Apno Ke Liye’ with every cricket enthusiast who dares to dream. We hope to inspire the cricketing fans across the nation to dream big and pursue them responsibly by facilitating platforms that give voice to the unsung heroes and showcase their compelling stories.”

  • Revenue leads will now report directly into MD & CEO Punit Goenka

    Zeel streamlines revenue vertical, Rahul Johri quits

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd has announced strategic changes in the revenue vertical of the broadcast business. Revenue leads will now report directly into MD and CEO Punit Goenka post the resignation of Rahul Johri, President-Business South Asia, the former CEO of the cricket board BCCI and Discovery Networks and a slew of news entities.

    With immediate effect, Ashish Sehgal, Chief Growth Officer, Advertisement Revenue and will now directly report into the MD & CEO.

    Notes a communique: “In line with the strategic approach undertaken by the MD & CEO, this announcement is the first step towards streamlining the organization, in order to optimize the resource allocation and enhance productivity. The Company has accepted the resignation of Rahul Johri. In his stint at Zee for over three years, Johri has led the revenue and monetisation vertical.”

    Said Goenka: “With his rich expertise and experience, Rahul has added immense value to the organisation. I wish him all the success in his future endeavours. I am most certain that with his passion towards the sports and media business, he will continue to contribute towards the industry at large. I also look forward to working closely with Ashish and team, with an aim to drive higher growth in the advertisement revenue segment, as the linear business landscape unlocks more growth opportunities.”

    Commenting on his decision, Johri said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Punit and the entire team. Zee is an ‘Academy of Talent’ and I will always be a proud alumni. I will continue to work towards the upliftment of the sports and media industry, leveraging my expertise to unlock its potential. I wish Punit and team Zee all the very best.”

    Meanwhile, in line with the new lateral structure being implemented, other than Sehgal, all other reportees of Johri, will report into the office of Goenka.

  • Former Prasar Bharati CEO the role of Artificial Intelligence in marketing

    Trust is paramount, especially in the age of AI and deepfakes: Vempati

    “Trust is paramount, especially in the age of AI and deepfakes,” said Shashi Shekhar Vempati at the Branding and Marketing Summit, hosted by ASSOCHAM last week. The former CEO of Prasar Bharati spoke on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation on the marketing landscape. Vempati highlighted the critical significance of data privacy and ethical considerations amidst the proliferation of AI and deepfakes.

    “The future of marketing lies in embracing AI and automation while upholding the values of data privacy and ethical practices,” he said, adding: “Innovative technologies such as generative AI not only break language barriers but also offer invaluable insights for crafting exceptional customer experiences.”

    Reflecting on his tenure at Prasar Bharati, Vempati shared insights into the challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in combating misinformation. “Our experience during the pandemic highlighted the critical role of media in dispelling misinformation and fostering trust.”

  • And Swagat Sarangi, Co-Founder, Smytten as Co-Chair

    IAMAI’s Digitally Native Brands committee appoints Vikas D Nahar as chairman

    The Digitally Native Brands (DNB) Committee of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has appointed Vikas D Nahar, Founder & CEO, Happilo, as the new Chair and Swagat Sarangi, Co-Founder, Smytten, as the new Co-chair, following their election to the posts.

    Said Nahar: “As I step into the esteemed position of Chairperson of the DNB Committee within IAMAI, I am profoundly grateful for the trust placed in me. The election represents not only a transition of leadership but also a reaffirmation of our shared dedication to the growth and progress of our industry. With heartfelt gratitude, I envision fostering collaboration, innovation, and ethical standards, knowing that together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of digital businesses. Let’s embark on this journey with gratitude and determination, knowing that our collective efforts today will shape tomorrow’s success.”

    The DNB Committee Co-chair Swagat Sarangi shared his perspective on the potential of India’s Digitally Native Brands sector and consumer brands, stating, “I am honoured and excited to take on the role of Co-Chair for the Digitally Native Brands Committee. There can’t be a better time in India to build consumer brands. I hope to contribute meaningfully to the ecosystem, fostering collaboration and ensuring better access and support from all stakeholders for the digitally native brands”.

  • To work across brands handled by both offices of the agency

    Nisheeth Srivastava is ECD at BBH

    BBH India, the creative agency within Publicis Groupe India, has appointed Nisheeth Srivastava as Executive Creative Director (ECD). Based out of New Delhi, Srivastava’s mandate involves working across brands handled by both offices of the agency and reporting directly to Parikshit Bhattaccharya, Chief Creative Officer of BBH India.

    Welcoming him to the BBH team, Bhattaccharya said: “Nisheeth’s appointment is in line with our objective of building a high talent density team. His vast body of work is a potent combination of culturally rooted insights and progressive ideas. His experience in handling big brand mandates will add another dimension to our game, specifically in Delhi. He joins a high energy, super collaborative creative leadership team comprising Ashwin Palkar, Swati Balani and Arvind Menon. I look forward to their combined magic as they curl a few into the top right corner for our clients.”

  • In celebration of 125 years in India

    Pepsi launches campaign with Ranveer Singh

     

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    A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh)

    Pepsi launches new campaign with brand ambassador Ranveer Singh in celebration of 125 years in India.

    Speaking on the ‘Yeh Dil Maange More’ campaign, Shailja Joshi, Category Lead, Pepsi Cola, PepsiCo India, said: “Yeh Dil Maange More is more than a campaign; it’s a cultural phenomenon etched in the hearts of Pepsi lovers. As we embark on this journey, Pepsi invites everyone to savour the taste of this timeless sentiment and embrace the exciting evolution that lies ahead. Ranveer Singh is the perfect ambassador to lead the charge, this iconic campaign celebrating our enduring connection with India and paying homage to the timeless pursuit of ‘more’. Through ‘Yeh Dil Maange More’, we aim to honour the youth of India who relentlessly strive for greater aspirations, encouraging them to heed their heart’s desires and aspirations, despite the limiting voices in their heads. It’s not just about celebrating our past but creating a vibrant future for the brand. Our new global branding is a symbolic fusion of our rich legacy and a dynamic future, resonating with consumers across the globe. We are excited to share this with our consumers across generations.”

  • To spearhead the company’s strategic initiatives

    Axis My India onboards Prateek Dubey as COO

    Axis My India, the consumer intelligence company better known for its exit polls on news television, has appointed Prateek Dubey as its Chief Operating Officer (COO). Under a full-time secondment from Google India, Dubey will, notes a communique, play an “instrumental role in spearheading and setting in motion the company’s crucial strategic initiative, a revolutionary People Empowerment Platform (PEP) – ‘a’ App and its pan-India rollout campaign”.

    Commenting on the appointment, Pradeep Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, Axis My India said: “We are thrilled to welcome Prateek Dubey to Axis My India. With his extensive background, Prateek brings a proficient understanding and skillset in building businesses on top of tech platforms. He also displays significantly effective strategic thinking and execution capabilities.”

  • Embarks on a journey of taste and nostalgia reliving Raj Kapoor's legendary charisma

    Coca-Cola Foodmarks launches with celebratory campaign

    Coca-Cola India has announced the launch of Coca-Cola Foodmarks in India, under its ‘A Recipe for Magic’ global campaign. Coca-Cola Foodmarks celebrates global “food landmarks” which are destinations and experiences with a recipe of three key ingredients: the perfect moment, the perfect meal and an ice-cold Coca-Cola.

    As its global rollout, the launch event in India was held at Embassy restaurant, an iconic standout in Connaught Place in Delhi. It was graced by Janhvi Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor who honoured the legendary Raj Kapoor. The highlight was the timeless photograph of two icons, Raj Kapoor and bottle of Coke, both in one frame!

    Said Kaushik Prasad, Senior Director – Marketing, Coca-Cola INSWA: “We are thrilled to introduce Coca-Cola Foodmarks in India, a country known for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant food culture. Coca-Cola Foodmarks embodies the essence of Coke that is to spread Real Magic of shared moments, cultural nuances and culinary excellence. We are excited to bring this experience offering patrons an opportunity to savor flavors while creating lasting memories.”

  • Conceptualised and created by Brand David and Team Marico

    Livon launches digital campaign

    Livon, Marico’s hair serum brand, has launched a digital campaign titled Uncut with Livon – #ExpressInStyle. As a part of the brand’s unfiltered series, Uncut with Livon, delves into uncharted territory with a daring social experiment. The campaign questions stereotypes and societal bias on women’s appearance and hairstyles.

    Conceptualised and created by Brand David and Team Marico, the campaign by Livon showcases a social experiment where four panellists, from different walks of life, are tasked with guessing professions of four women based on their hairstyles. The four women are Mira Erda (race car driver), Indulekha (singer and rapper), Rooparna (stay-at-home mom), and Mallica (finance news reporter).

    Notes a communique: “The uncensored series is committed to challenge social conditioning in its episodes and upcoming series in the future.”

  • In the second edition of its marquee travel event, #NationOnVacation

    Cleartrip urges travellers to book in advance in new campaign

    Cleartrip, now a Flipkart Company, has launched a campaign urging travellers to book in advance.

    This is the second edition of its marquee travel event, #NationOnVacation. In its latest proposition, Cleartrip urges travellers to plan their dream vacation right now before the prices skyrocket.

    Talking about #NationOnVacation, Kunal Dubey, Chief Marketing Officer, Cleartrip said: “Summer is always a period of excitement for travellers across the country. #NationOnVacation was curated and created last year to make travel more accessible, easy and convenient for anyone considering a vacation. This year, we at Cleartrip are set to elevate the travel experience for users across the board. Be it Srinagar, Goa, Jaipur, Bagdogra, Kochi, Bangkok, Singapore, Denpasar, Toronto or London, Cleartrip is committed to providing travellers unparalleled offerings to make their dream summer vacation memorable.”