Omnicom Media Group has appoints Rita Verma as the organisation’s new Chief Talent Officer. She succeeds Anju Kurien – who has retired from her position after 13 years of service, during which she was instrumental in accelerating OMG’s strategic footprint in the market.
In her role, Verma is tasked with solidifying OMG India’s people-centric ethos, championing the group’s vision, and nurturing future-ready teams to advance the growth trajectory.
Speaking of the appointment, Kartik Sharma, Group CEO – Omnicom Media Group India, said: “Talent is our defining edge when it comes to propelling our collective success and that of our clients. With Rita steering our talent practice, we look forward to fortifying our commitment to our people-centric approach and driving transformations to progress further on our future-fit agenda.”
Dentsu has entered a strategic partnership with Ripplr, a leader in digital-first distribution and logistics companies, driving customised strategies that fuel client growth.
Narayan Devanathan
Under the joint leadership of Narayan Devanathan, President & Chief Strategy Officer, South Asia at Dentsu, and Abhishek Nehru and Santosh Dabke, Co-Founders of Ripplr, this collaboration will leverage the expertise of each party to deliver client-led solutions that bridge the gap between demand and supply chains.
Commenting on the alliance, Devanathan said: “Ripplr stands out as the unparalleled digital-first leader in distribution and logistics solutions, facilitating the most efficient movement of products from factory to retail. Moreover, when it comes to motivating consumers to engage with products across various channels—be it offline, online, or omnichannel—nobody does it better than dentsu. With our comprehensive suite of solutions at the intersection of marketing, technology, and consulting, this alliance will enable businesses to pinpoint the sweet spot between demand and supply, creatively and effectively bridging gaps across the entire value chain.”
Abhishek Nehru
Added Nehru: “Ripplr is one of the largest FMCG authorised distribution companies, and our platform services more than one lakh retailers across 10+ cities. We have built a robust tech-enabled playbook for all FMCG brands, along with smart data analytics, helping brands to scale up in the ever-changing omnichannel market. With dentsu as a partner, which is a powerhouse of research, analysis, and strategy, and Ripplr’s execution and reach capability, the combined synergy will enable us to launch and scale brands faster and more efficiently across multiple geographies.”
Harsha Razdan
Said Harsha Razdan, CEO South Asia, Dentsu said: “In today’s dynamic business landscape, where time is of the essence, we understand the urgency of responding swiftly to client needs. We firmly believe that complementary solutions are paramount to not only meeting these demands but also overcoming challenges and fostering sustainable growth. Our partnership with Ripplr marks a significant milestone in our journey. By joining forces, we are empowered to offer a comprehensive spectrum of distribution and customer-facing solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our clients. This collaboration enables us to provide unparalleled value and innovation, ensuring that our clients remain ahead of the curve in an ever-changing market landscape.”
FCB India, part of the FCB Group agencies, has appointed Mayuresh Dubhashi as the new Chief Creative Officer (CCO).
Mayuresh brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Chief Creative Officer, with over twenty years in the advertising industry working on some of the biggest brands in the country from The Times of India, Airtel, Pepsi Co, P&G, Oreo, Flipkart, Amazon etc. He’s been at the forefront of combining new-age technologies with classic storytelling in his work which includes designing the Indian Cricket Team’s jersey for MPL using data as well as turning an Oreo cookie into an A.I tool to express oneself.
As the new Chief Creative Officer, Mayuresh will be at the forefront of FCB India’s creative efforts, partnering closely with FCB India’s CEO Ashima Mehra. His role extends beyond FCB India, as he will also be a key member of FCB Group India’s creative leadership, collaborating with leaders across agencies to continue to elevate the work across the network.
Content distribution platform Tata Play has joined hands with Amazon Prime to offer Tata Play DTH and Tata Play Binge customers multiple ways to access Prime Video’s content. Tata Play DTH subscribers can now choose from multiple packs starting from INR 199 per month, that offer a variety of their TV channels along with Prime Lite with Tata Play. In addition, Binge subscribers can get Prime Lite with Tata Play along with 30+ other popular apps at various price points. At INR 199 per month, users can subscribe to 6 OTT apps, including Prime Video, from a list of 33 apps, or can subscribe to all 33, including Prime Video at INR 349 per month.
Said Harit Nagpal, Managing Director and CEO, Tata Play, on the partnership. “While on the one hand, Tata Play’s robust content distribution network will help in expanding Amazon Prime’s outreach to newer audience segments, on the other, addition of Prime Lite Membership with Tata Play will make Binge a more compelling proposition.”
Added Gaurav Gandhi, vice president, APAC & MENA, Prime Video: “At Prime Video, our mission is to super-serve our customers with the best of entertainment, and we are constantly looking at ways to strengthen our distribution to ensure wider availability of our much-loved movies and series. The collaboration with Tata Play provides its DTH and digital customers seamless access to Prime Video’s full selection of content, as well as Prime Lite benefits like unlimited free shopping & shipping of ‘Same-day/Next-Day’ delivery, Prime exclusive deals and much more. We look forward to working with Tata Play to make premium entertainment even more accessible to customers in India.”
Carat India has bagged the television media mandate for Waaree Energies Limited, manufacturer of solar PV modules. As per the mandate, Carat will oversee the brand’s television media across India exclusively. They will also support in strategizing and planning other traditional media and buying for print, radio, and digital.
Said Nilesh Malani, Chief Marketing Officer, Waaree Energies Limited: “Selection of Carat as our media partner is a choice intended to amplify our brand’s impact and to contribute towards promotion of sustainable advancements in India. We have confidence in Carat India’s ability to create imaginative and visually appealing campaigns that will help us connect with our target audience, thereby reinforcing our commitment to expediting the clean energy transition in India and facilitating positive transformations for a more environmentally friendly future.”
Commenting on the partnership, Anita Kotwani, CEO, Media, South Asia, Dentsu, added: “It is an absolute privilege and honour to join hands with Waaree Energies Limited and contribute to their growth journey in India. This partnership marks a pivotal moment, where our expertise and dedication merge with Waaree Energies Limited’s vision and ambition. Together, we believe that we are poised to achieve milestones and drive growth, emphasizing our commitment to delivering quality in every aspect of our collaboration.”
Said Sanchayeeta Verma, CEO, Carat India: “Waaree Energies Limited is one of India’s largest manufacturer of solar PV modules and a global player. We believe that it has an important role towards India’s net zero goals. At Carat, we are deeply committed to this as it is a vital priority in Dentsu’s Business to Business to Society B2B2S goals. Moreover, we believe that our expertise will be pivotal in realizing Waaree Energies Limited’s vision: delivering cost-effective sustainable energy solutions across the market. We are extremely delighted to come on board as ‘Partners on Record’ of Waaree Energies Limited.”
Turtlemint, the insurtech platform, has launched its newest digital ad campaign, ‘Bharosa Jeet Liya’ created by Tilt Brand Solutions.
During the launch, Dhirendra Mahyavanshi, Co-Founder & CEO of Turtlemint, said: “At Turtlemint, we believe in the power of trust and the indispensable value of human touch in our services. ‘Bharosa Jeet Liya’ is more than a campaign; it’s a celebration of how our advisors use our technology to enhance their ability to connect with and support their clients. This campaign stands as a tribute to the dedication of our insurance advisors, who tirelessly work to make the insurance experience more accessible, understandable, and, most importantly, trustworthy for our clients.”
Business Today TV, the digital news channel from the Business Today stable, has launched its market show titled ‘Daily Calls’. The show is hosted by Sakshi Batra.
Notes a communique: “The show gives viewers insights and clarity on their market queries through live sessions featuring expert analysts,” adding: “A helpline number – 73030 80488, has also been floated where viewers send their queries in both written and video formats.”
Qoruz, an influencer marketing analytics platform, has partners with Oasis Fertility, a comprehensive healthcare provider specialising in fertility treatments.
Said Praanesh Bhuvaneswar, Co-Founder and CEO of Qoruz: “At Qoruz, we are dedicated to enhancing how brands communicate and resonate with their audiences through effective influencer collaborations. Our partnership with Oasis Fertility reflects this commitment, providing them with access to our platform’s advanced analytics and strategic insights. This collaboration enables Oasis to efficiently leverage our tools in the vital field of reproductive health, ensuring they can offer reliable and empathetic guidance to those seeking fertility solutions.”
Added Soumyadip Chatterjee, Chief Marketing Officer at Oasis Fertility: “Our partnership with Qoruz marks a pivotal step in our journey. Qoruz has been integral to our influencer marketing strategy, aiding us from identification to ROI metrics. By leveraging their advanced analytics, we have effectively reached the right key opinion leaders and those in need of fertility assistance. Looking ahead, this partnership promises to further enhance our reach and effectiveness, allowing us to connect with our audience in increasingly impactful ways.”
Zee Entertainment is getting set to broadcast DP World ILT20 Season 3. Season 3 of the DP World International League T20 that is scheduled to begin from Saturday, January 11, 2025.
The 34-match event will be played at the three UAE cricket venues – Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah – starting from January 11, 2025 to February 9, 2025. It will be aired on Zee TV channels and on Zee5.
The franchise-style tournament will see six teams playing 34 matches. The league’s six franchise teams include Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global).
Said Ashish Sehgal, Chief Growth Officer – Ad Sales, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL): “Zee is delighted to present DP World ILT20 third season and promises an electrifying experience to cricket fans in India and around the world. With the world’s finest players, iconic stadiums, and infrastructure and six leading sporting franchises, our goal is to build upon the previous year’s success, further solidifying the league’s stature as one of the most-widely followed cricket events in the world. In our pursuit to grow the market, we are continuously exploring innovative ways to enhance the fan experience, making it more interactive, immersive, and engaging. We are collaborating with cutting-edge technologies and creating new avenues for cricket enthusiasts to connect with the sport. As we embark on this exciting new season, our goal is to ensure that this truly-global league becomes more accessible to viewers worldwide.”
Added CEO DP World ILT20 David White: “We are delighted to confirm the window for DP World International League T20 Season 3. The window has been finalised after discussions with our stakeholders. We have begun our preparations for Season 3 with an aim of making the league even bigger and better.”
OneOTT Intertainment Ltd (OIL), a private Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Triple Play Broadband, a Class A regional ISP with a strong presence in Delhi and the national capital region have announced a strategic alliance. OIL, a part of NxtDigital Media Group and a subsidiary of Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd. (HGS), will work with Triple Play to leverage its vast expanse of fibre and direct broadband customers across the predominantly commercial regions of the national capital region, especially Gurugram. The alliance comes close on the heels of entering into an agreement with leading Mumbai-base ISP Seven Star – for acquiring a majority stake.
Said Vynsley Fernandes, Whole-time Director at HGS and MD and CEO of OIL: “Triple Play is an exceptional ISP in terms of market reach and quality of service and we’re delighted to welcome them into the Hinduja fold. We’re committed to working together to deliver value to our customers; a commitment which is also solidly reflected in us acquiring a majority stake in Seven Star’s broadband business, with whom we entered into an alliance earlier this year.”
Added Triple Play Broadband Chairman and Managing Director, Navneet Sethi: “We have established a very strong business in Triple Play across Delhi and the NCR, built on significant investments in infrastructure. We believe it is the right time to align with what is easily one of India’s most agile ISPs, viz. OIL – where together we will not only expand the customer base but also offer a wider portfolio of solutions”.
Praful Akali, Managing Director and Founder, Medulla and Ashish Khazanchi, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Enormous, have joined as Jury Chairs for Health category and Still Print category respectively, at The Abby Awards 2024.
The Abby Awards powered by One Show will be held on May 29, 30 and 31 as part of Goafest 2024 which is being held in Mumbai this year.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Rise Worldwide have announced their partnership for exclusive digital and virtual inventory sponsorship sales in India for select upcoming marquee series to be played in England.
Speaking about the partnership Tony Singh, ECB’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The market in India presents huge opportunities and we are excited to explore unique digital and virtual sponsorship sales in the country with Rise. By combining our expertise, we are looking forward to unlocking innovative opportunities for brands to interact with India’s passionate cricketing fan base.”
Added Nikhil Bardia, Head of Rise Worldwide, added: “Given our expertise in enabling strong brand properties through impactful interventions, the growth of digital and virtual inventory is the next step to build more value. We are committed to identifying customized avenues tailored to ECB’s brand partners to engage with their target demographics in India. The association also enables us to push the boundaries of possibility, and deliver unparalleled value to fans and sponsors alike.”
