MxMIndia

Author: Our Staff

  • As GM, Sony Pictures International Productions

    Sony Pictures Entertainment appoints Nachiket Pantvaidya

    Nachiket Pantvaidya
    Nachiket Pantvaidya

    Sony Pictures Entertainment appoints Nachiket Pantvaidya as General Manager of Sony Pictures International Productions (SPIP).

    In this role, Nachiket will oversee local Indian production while working alongside Shony Panjikaran (General Manager and Head of Sony Pictures Releasing International, India).

    In his earlier assignments, Nachiket was Group CEO, Balaji Telefilms, Business Head of Sony Entertainment Television. He was also the Business Head of Star Plus and held several roles in the Star TV network, including Head of Star Pravah and Managing Director of Fox Television Studios. An IIM-Ahmedabad alumnus, he has also held key management roles in BBC and Disney.

    Shebnem Askin, EVP, Creative Production and Head of Sony Pictures International Production said: “Sanford Panitch and I are so pleased to have Nachiket join the Sony Pictures International Productions to lead our local Indian production. These are exciting times as we take a step to make and release our biggest local slate for the Indian market in the next two years. We are most excited as Nachiket brings along not only rich industry experience but also new energy and dynamic execution skills to lead SPIP to a prime position.”

  • To helm expansion strategy

    Younion appoints Ravi Shankar K as VP of Growth for ASEAN

    Ravi Shankar K
    Ravi Shankar K

    Younion, the marketing agency, has appointed Ravi Shankar K as Vice President of Growth for ASEAN market.

    Said Shajesh Menon, Founder and CEO of Younion: “We are thrilled to welcome Ravi Shankar as our Vice President of Growth (ASEAN). His extensive experience and proven success in the industry make him an invaluable addition to our team. Ravi’s appointment signifies our commitment to expanding our presence and enhancing our portfolio of brand experiences across the ASEAN region.”

  • With 'Hearts to Bravehearts' initiative

    Mahindra commemorates 25 Years of Kargil Vijay Diwas

    Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd has announced the launch of ‘Hearts to Bravehearts’, an initiative to commemorate the 25th anniversary of India’s victory in the Kargil War.

    Said Veejay Nakra, President – Automotive Division, M&M Ltd: “We are deeply honoured to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Kargil victory with our ‘Hearts to Bravehearts’ initiative. This campaign is not just about remembering our heroes but about celebrating the freedom and peace they have secured for us. By sending our heartfelt messages to the brave soldiers who protect our nation, we aim to show them that their sacrifices have not only brought us safety but also endless smiles and a peaceful life. Mahindra is proud to be a part of this significant journey, reinforcing our commitment to exploring the impossible and supporting our nation’s heroes.”

    M&M has tied up with Faujiana as a partner to engage with Kargil war veterans to spread awareness and drive citizen participation through its extensive network. Along the way, the drive will also foster goodwill through the involvement of eminent journalists and celebrities, amplifying the campaign’s emotional resonance.

  • Titled ‘Generation Restoration’

    HDFC MF launches campaign to Combat Climate Change

    HDFC Mutual Fund has launched the fourth edition of its Nurture Nature campaign.

    Commenting on this socially responsible initiative, Navneet Munot, MD & CEO of HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd., said: “Global warming is an existential threat to humanity. As the world grapples with deforestation, rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and groundwater depletion, it is crucial for us to take immediate action. As part of our ongoing Nurture Nature Campaign, now in its fourth year, we have committed to alleviating the water crisis by restoring an existing lake and providing a sustainable source of water.”

  • In collaboration with Madison Communications and Mullen Lintas

    Marico’s Saffola Masala Oats launches new campaign

    Marico’s Saffola Masala Oats has launched a new campaign during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.  The two commercials are conceptualised by Madison Communications with the creative concept by Mullen Lintas and executed by Disney+ Hotstar Creative Works.

    Expressing his excitement about the collaboration, Vaibhav Bhanchawat, Chief Operating Officer- India & Foods Business, Marico Limited said: “We’re thrilled to have Sanjay Manjrekar for this campaign. His playful and relatable personality perfectly complements the campaign’s light-hearted approach, highlighting the brand’s ability to satisfy cravings without compromising on health and taste. Cricket, especially with this ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, is synonymous with passion and energy, just like the emotions we experience around snacking. Sanjay’s presence brings that same kind of excitement to the campaign, reminding viewers that Saffola Masala Oats becomes their go-to choice for those who seek both health and taste in their snacks, especially during the high-octane environment of this tournament.”

    Added Jolene Solanki, Chief Operating Officer- Madison Media Ultra: “Snacking and sports go hand in hand, while many snacking brands take this opportunity to be present during the sport, we at Madison believe that just being present with the regular TVC will only build awareness. Brands spend a huge amount of money on sporting events but very few focus on blending both media and creative together and be relevant, that’s when you make your investments work harder. Conceptualizing the idea and creating a special creative with Sanjay Manjrekar and his famous, trendy line “Behave” along with Saffola Masala oats helped us be relevant during the ICC Men’s T20 World cup 2024.”

  • To Promote clean and sustainable fuel choices

    GAIL launches campaign

    GAIL (India) Limited, India’s largest Natural Gas Company, has launched yet another series ‘Waah Kya Energy Hai’ to highlight the accessibility and benefits of embracing new, clean and environmentally friendly fuel options – Compressed Natural Gas and Piped Natural Gas offered by GAIL and its group companies.

    Launching the campaign, Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, GAIL said: “Wah Kya Energy Hai is strategically crafted with GAIL’s key objectives in mind. It aims to persuade and motivate consumers by presenting natural gas as the smarter, safer, affordable and futuristic choice, one that aligns with environmental consciousness and the evolving needs of society. The campaign also endeavors to highlight the advantages of using natural gas over other fuel choices in view of the effects on both health and the environment. Through these concerted efforts, GAIL’s campaign endeavors to catalyze a widespread shift towards cleaner and more sustainable fuel alternatives.”

  • To strengthen bond with GenZ

    Aditya Roy Kapur is new brand ambassador for Bisleri Limonata

    Bisleri International has announced Aditya Roy Kapur as the new brand ambassador for Bisleri Limonata.

    Said Tushar Malhotra, Director of Sales and Marketing at Bisleri International said: “Bisleri Limonata stands out in lemon beverages with its lime and mint combination and has won over millions of consumers. Aditya Roy Kapur is a great brand fit because he is one of the coolest actors today with an easy going charm. With this campaign, we’re set to strengthen our bond with GenZ consumers and drive even greater demand for Limonata.”

  • Features a state-of-the-art user interface and user experience (UI/UX)

    Sportz Interactive revamps Wisden.com

    Sportz Interactive (SI) has collaborated with Wisden to revamp and launch its official website. This comprehensive project features a state-of-the-art user interface and user experience (UI/UX), making the platform exceptionally user-friendly and engaging.

    Said Ian Sykes, Managing Director of Cricket Properties Ltd & Wisden: “We are thrilled to partner with Sportz Interactive for this significant revamp of Wisden.com. For over 160 years, Wisden has been a trusted source for cricket fans around the world and we are confident that our new website will offer a fantastic and unique user experience, marrying Wisden’s unrivalled heritage with SI’s market-leading tech.”

    Added Alex Chamberlen, Director – Head of UK & EU Operations at Sportz Interactive: “Collaborating with Wisden is an extraordinary opportunity for Sportz Interactive. Our goal is to create a digital platform that not only reflects Wisden’s esteemed history but also sets a new standard for how cricket content is consumed online. We are dedicated to delivering a world-class experience that will delight cricket fans globally.”

  • Launches campaign to empower the elderly

    Rupali Ganguly roped in as Brand Ambassador for adult diapers

    Lifree, an adult diaper brand based in Japan, has roped in television actress Rupali Ganguly as its brand ambassador. Through this engagement, Lifree aims to leverage relatability and trustworthiness amongst the consumers.

    Speaking about their commitment to providing effective solutions, Yuji Ikeda, the Managing Director at Lifree, said: “As a brand, our primary objective has always been providing an ease of life to the adults with urinary incontinence. Lifree Adult Diapers are designed to offer unparalleled protection that ensures our consumers can go about their daily activities, hence fostering a sense of empowerment. We are delighted to join hands with Rupali Ganguly and spread awareness of sensitive health-related concerns with dignity.”

  • With Ranveer Singh and Samantha Ruth Prabhu

    Zomato unveils a new brand film

    In a bid to create excitement around the upcoming Cricket World Cup, Zomato, the food ordering and delivery platform, has unveiled yet an ad film as part of its ongoing ‘Match Ho Toh Zomato’ campaign.

    Directed by Bollywood director duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, the film opens with Ranveer Singh and Samantha Ruth Prabhu reflecting on the importance of India winning the Cricket World Cup. Notes a communique: “The essence behind the film is that one might miss out on ‘n’ number of things in life, but for now the only thing that matters is India winning the World Cup. It captures India’s love for food and cricket as a group of friends, including Ranveer Singh and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, gather around, eyes glued to the screens, engrossed in the cricket season with boxes of food ordered from Zomato. The camaraderie and shared excitement build up to a conclusion with everyone cheering, ‘Indiaaa-India’.”

  • In attendance: captains from corporates, advertising and media

    Sambad CEO Conclave 2024 ends on a high note

    Sambad Group, the largest media house in Odisha, organised the third edition of Sambad CEO Conclave 2024 in Bhubaneswar last week. The theme was ‘Sustainability Practices in Industry’. In attendance: captains from corporates, advertising and media.

    The Chief Guest was Odisha’s newly minted Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo who focused on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) aspects and opined that the corporate sector should maintain a fine balance between these three factors for sustainable development. “Our government is committed that the people of Odisha will take their own decisions regarding issues related to the environment and natural resources. This is one aspect of the Odia Asmita (self-identity),” he said. Cabinet Minister Suresh Pujari also spoke at the event.

    Speaking on the occasion, Avinash Pandey, CEO ABP Network; President, News Broadcasters and Digital Association and President IAA (India Chapter) said:  “Television viewership is larger than internet viewership in India. If we raise issues related to environment and sustainable development in television, they can reach the common masses,” adding: “We all should focus on 5 Ps—People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership—to achieve sustainable growth.”

    Said Madison World Chairman Sam Balsara: “May people from the lower strata are now moving towards the middleclass bracket. This is the first sign of development. Now, we have better infrastructure including road and airport. More and more job avenues are opening up to our youths. Small players in various sectors are now doing well. Our country has recorded the largest digital transactions in the world. Engineers from India are now managing the day-to-day operations of many corporate giants including the Google,” he pointed out.

    Added Srinivasan K. Swamy, CMD, RK Swamy Ltd; Chairman, Asian Federation of Advertising Associations and Chairman Audit Bureau of Circulations: “We all should adhere to the principle of 3 Rs—reuse, repair and recycle—to save our planet. We should conserve water and electricity and use eco-friendly products to protect our environment. The use of plastic should be brought to the minimum level. I hope that the government will introduce chapters on climate change and sustainable growth in the curricula for our students.”

    On the occasion, Pradeep Dwivedi, Group CEO-Eros Media World, gave a presentation on ‘Emerging trends in global media business-Technology driving tectonic shifts’. “The media and entertainment sector can develop their contents, editing and marketing aspects by utilizing AI and other advanced tools like Blockchain, Web3 and Tokenization,” he said.

    Ashwin Padmanabhan, President-Investments, Trading & Partnerships, Group M India, gave a brief presentation on ‘Leveraging influencers and branded content to drive engagement and consideration’. “Around 46 crore people in India are now using social media. The volume of influencer marketing in India has already reached Rs 1,275 crore and it is likely to go up further to Rs 2,800 crore by 2026,” he stated.

    Bharat Avalani, Founder & CEO, Connecting the Dots Consultancy, Malaysia; Secretary General of Asian Federation of Advertising Associations; Global Vice-President, IAA, gave a presentation on ‘Business leaders as storytellers’“Business leaders can give proper orientation to their employees through storytelling. The practice will reduce the mental pressure of the employees and raise overall productivity,” said Avalani.

    Abhishek Karnani, President, the Free Press Journal Group; Ramesh Narayan, Director Strategy, Asian Federation of Advertising Associations and Rani Reddy of Sakshi Media Group also spoke at the conclave.

    IAA governing body members—Ramesh Narayan, Avinash Pandey, Srinivasan K. Swamy, Sam Balsara, Abhishek Karnani and Pradeep Dwivedi—were felicitated at the event. The Sambad Group felicitated five ‘best’ advertisers—Khimji Jewellers, Lalchnd Jewellers, TPCODL, Chandi Bhandar and Freedom Oil—on the occasion.

    Similarly, ‘best’ 11 advertising agencies—Fast Communication, Xpose Advertising, Display Line, Anita Advertisers, Star Advertising, Herald Advertising, Sanket Communications, Annapurna Advertising, NextGen Advertising, P&A Advertising Agency and Tarini Advertising Agency—received felicitations at the conclave.

    Earlier Sambad and Kanak News Editor Tanaya Patnaik delivered the inaugural address, and later Sambad Group Managing Director Monica Nayyar Patnaik delivered the concluding address.

    “The Sambad Group has been organising the CEO conclave for the last three years to deliberate on various issues. The first conclave in 2022 had deliberated on the post-pandemic scenario. The second conclave in 2023 delved into the emerging challenges before the corporate sector. The third conclave focused on sustainability practices in industry,” Monica Nayyar Patnaik said. Tanaya Patnaik set the context for the Conclave on by talking of climate change and its impact on our daily life. “In this summer, a few places in Odisha including Bhubaneswar and Baripada recorded maximum temperatures above 45 Degree Celsius. They were among the hottest places in the world. This is very alarming,” she said.

    FULL PAGE-Odisa Daily

  • Brings unique perspective on emerging

    WK creates campaign for new G-Shock watches

    G-Shock premium luxury watches manufactured by Casio has launched its follow-up to the Shubman Gill campaign with the new Team G-Shock “Rise Above the Shocks” campaign extension, featuring four films that highlight the world of Skateboarding, Rapping, B-boying, and Rally Racing.  The campaign is created by Wieden + Kennedy (WK).

    Said Kapil Batra, National Creative Director, Wieden+Kennedy India: “It was really exciting to dive deep into the sub-cultures and understand the journey of each artist along with the nuances of each art form. We identified instances from their lives where they demonstrated a strong resolve and rose above the shocks. Each story aligned well with G-shock, a watch so resilient it can withstand any shock. Kudos to our partners, Raylin, and his team for bringing these stories alive in such an authentic manner.”

    Talking about the campaign , Hideki Imai, Managing Director, Casio India, added: “It takes us immense pleasure to launch our follow up to ‘Rise Above the Shocks’ campaign with the Team G-Shock in India. As the brand continues to evolve, it is our steadfast endeavour to support and celebrate the young, talented individuals who fiercely embrace the ‘Never Give Up’ attitude, inspiring the Gen Z & Millennials across the country. The Team G-Shock individuals are the true flagbearers in their respective fields, representing individuality, pushing boundaries, and embracing freedom. We are confident that each individual’s unique talents and stories of resilience and triumph will deeply inspire and connect with the Indian youth, fostering a profound connection between G-Shock and its wearers. As Team G-Shock ventures forth, it embodies the spirit of a rising new India, where fearless spirit meets passion, toughness meets talent, and challenges are conquered with unyielding resolve.”