MxMIndia

Category: Top Stories

  • Steps down as GM from Sony Pictures

    Lada Guruden Singh to turn producer with Sony studio

    Lada Guruden Singh

    Lada Guruden Singh has stepped down from his role as General Manager, Sony Pictures International Productions, India where he oversaw local production and has signed a producing deal with the studio.

    During his stint as General Manager at SPIP India, Singh was instrumental in bringing and developing the biggest IPs at the studio- from the superhero IP- ‘Shaktimaan’ to the film rights of ‘Madhubala’. He set up these projects along with the remake of Spanish film Campenoes in addition to Chetan Bhagat’s One Indian Girl.

    Said Shebnem Askin, EVP, Creative Production and Head of Sony Pictures International Productions said: “We are thrilled to be able to continue to work with Lada in his new journey as a producer. Of course, we will still be working closely with him, on his slate which includes many of the terrific projects he brought into the company, this should keep us closely connected.”

  • To create awareness about the brand’s range of bottles and tiffins

    Posterscope & Milton launch campaign

    Milton, the home and kitchenware brand, in association with Posterscope, the out-of-home (OOH) agency from Dentsu India, has aunched a campaign titled ‘Milton Liya Kya?’ The campaign aims to create awareness about the brand’s range of bottles and tiffins. The campaign is executed by Posterscope.

    Imtiyaz Vilatra
    Imtiyaz Vilatra

    Speaking on the campaign, Imtiyaz Vilatra, Managing Director, Posterscope India, said, “We are proud to have partnered with Milton to bring this impactful campaign to life. With our in-house creative and strategic planning aid, we have been able to reach millions and reinforce Milton’s position as a leading brand in the homeware industry.”

  • As the National Head, Cheil India – Samsung Business

    Cheil India hires Mandeep Sharma

    Mandeep Sharma
    Mandeep Sharma

    Cheil India has appointd Mandeep Sharma as the National Head, Cheil India- Samsung Business. Mandeep will report to Sanjeev Jasani, COO, Cheil SWA.

    As a part of Sharma’s remit, he will be responsible for identifying, and crafting innovative strategies and systems that will help Samsung face the ever-changing dynamics of marketing landscape. He will be driving the integrated marketing campaigns for our key client Samsung India, weaving together the capabilities which Cheil offers.

    Commenting on the appointment, Carlos Limseob Chung, MD, Cheil SWA, said: “Cheil is leading the advertising mandate for Samsung -one of the most well-known brands in the country, with a portfolio of products that straddles across multiple categories. We wanted to hire someone who is able to harness data and digital alongside the brand marketing so as to deliver gold standard work. Mandeep, with his stellar record of providing integrated marketing solutions to multiple brands is a perfect choice and I am elated to welcome him to Cheil India.”

  • Featuring a vast library of over 600 HTML5 games

    ABP Network expands into online gaming with GamesLIVE launch

    ABP Network has announced its expansion into the world of casual online gaming with the launch of GamesLIVE, under the flagship of ABP LIVE. This platform offers the ultimate free online gaming experience, featuring a vast library of over 600 HTML5 games. GamesLIVE promises endless fun and entertainment, making high-quality games accessible to everyone, anytime, and anywhere.

    Commenting on the launch, Avinash Pandey, CEO of ABP Network, said: “We are delighted to launch GamesLIVE, our new gaming platform under ABP LIVE, which represents our dedication to expanding into the digital entertainment landscape. Our goal is to provide a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience for our users, both at home and on the go. As we look to the future, we constantly strive to expand our offerings to our stakeholders and provide them with an unparalleled experience. Our reputation as a trusted network is well-established, and we aim to achieve the same level of excellence with this gaming platform.”

  • Appoints Shashank Lanjekar as National Strategy Head

    DDB Mudra Group boosts strategic leadership

    Shashank Lanjekar
    Shashank Lanjekar

    DDB Mudra Group has onboarded Shashank Lanjekar as its National Strategy Head. Lanjekar brings over 25 years of experience in advertising, brand management, and strategic planning to the role and will work out of the Group’s Mumbai office. He will closely work with Rahul Mathew, CCO of the Group, to focus on advancing the agency’s strategic offerings across disciplines to further solidify it with strong creative fundamentals.

    Rahul Mathew
    Rahul Mathew

    Said Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra Group: “We believe in strategy that has the power to move the work and the consumer. Not a strategy that merely sits pretty on PowerPoint slides. Shashank embodies the same belief. He will also help us strengthen many of the rigours needed to have a strong strategic backbone. Really excited to work with him again.”

  • To curate premium sports & entertainment IPs

    Havas Play inks strategic partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi

    R. Venkatasubramanian and Mahesh Bhupathi
    R. Venkatasubramanian and Mahesh Bhupathi

    Havas Play, Havas Media Network’s global brand dedicated to earning consumers’ attention and creating enduring business impact through experiences at the intersection of entertainment, sports, technology, and fandom, has entered a strategic partnership in India with SG Sports, Media and Entertainment (SGSE), an arm of the APL Apollo Group. SGSE is helmed by tennis icon Mahesh Bhupathi as Chief Executive Officer.

    As part of the strategic partnership, Havas Play will assist SGSE in executing premium entertainment and sports IPs spanning football, squash, hockey, chess, table tennis & tennis.

    Said Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO, SGSE: “We have always had a clear vision on building a comprehensive and sustainable sports and entertainment story and believe it is the right time to do this at scale in India. We look forward to working closely with Havas Play and tapping into their extensive network to make this happen.”

    Added R Venkatasubramanian, Chief Operating Officer, Havas Play: “Embarking on this strategic journey with SGSE, a visionary in the sports and entertainment realm, is a testament to Havas Play’s commitment to elevating meaningful experiences and fostering innovation in the country’s cultural landscape. With Mahesh Bhupathi’s leadership and our shared vision, we’re poised to create immersive fan engagements through premium IPs, reshaping India’s sports and entertainment ecosystem for generations to come.”

  • Of Havas Creative Network India

    Havas India appoints John Thangaraj as CSO

    John Thangaraj
    John Thangaraj

    Havas India has appointed John Thangaraj as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of Havas Creative Network India and his remit will include Havas Worldwide India (creative), Havas CX India (customer experience), Conran Design Mumbai (brand design), Ekino (technology), and Havas People India (employer branding). Thangaraj will be responsible for driving the strategic mandate of the creative network and will also work closely with Havas Village India leaders to drive integration. He will be based out of Gurugram and report to Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, South East Asia and North Asia (Japan & South Korea).

    Speaking about the appointment, Barua said: “Havas Creative Network India has gained tremendous scale and size over the last six years. One of the agencies which has seen unprecedented growth, new leaders, tremendous business traction is Havas Worldwide India and therefore John will work closely with Anupama Ramaswamy and Kundan Joshee to further drive the growth of the agency. In addition, he will also work closely with Geet Nazir (Conran Design Mumbai), Prashant Tekwani (Havas CX India) and Arindam Sengupta (Havas People India) to further strengthen the strategic vision.  He will further consolidate our client relationships and drive thought-leadership to ensure meaningful business growth and establish Havas Creative Network India as the most future-forward and progressive creative network conglomerate. I wish him all the best.”

  • At Dentsu Creative Webchutney

    Dentsu Creative promotes Surjo Dutt to CCO

    Surjo Dutt
    Surjo Dutt

    Dentsu Creative India has promoted Surjo Dutt to the position of Chief Creative Officer (CCO) at Dentsu Creative Webchutney.

    In his new role, Dutt will spearhead the creative vision of the agency, ensuring the delivery of innovative and integrated solutions that foster business growth for clients. Additionally, he will mentor and guide the creative teams, cultivating a culture of collaboration, experimentation, and excellence. Dutt will continue to report to Amit Wadhwa, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dentsu Creative India.

    Amit Wadhwa
    Amit Wadhwa

    Said Amit Wadhwa: “We have reimagined our creative business to align with the evolving needs of our clients. Dentsu Creative India now encompasses three portfolio brands: Dentsu Creative Webchutney, Dentsu Creative Isobar, and Dentsu Creative PR. Dentsu Creative Webchutney delivers creative solutions across both traditional and digital media. Meanwhile, Dentsu Creative Isobar focuses on enhancing digital experiences, and Dentsu Creative PR handles public relations. The common thread that binds them is the ‘X factor’ – the extra edge, value, and impact that Dentsu Creative brings to its solutions. This is what makes us the preferred partner for our clients in an ever-evolving and competitive market.”

  • Mandate will cover corporate communication

    Juniper Green Energy partners One Source

    Juniper Green Energy, a renewable energy power producer, has partnered with One Source. The mandate will cover corporate communication for Juniper Green Energy.

    Said Indranil Roy Choudhuri, Head of Corporate Communications, Juniper Green Energy: “We are delighted to partner with One Source as we embark on our journey to amplify awareness about renewable energy solutions and our commitment to sustainability. Their proven track record in delivering impactful communication strategies aligned perfectly with our vision to create a greener, more sustainable future.”

    Added Sandeep Rao, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, One Source: “Our focus as a consultancy is on growing our clients’ businesses and we see partners’ business objectives as our own. We are excited to collaborate with Juniper Green Energy and are eager to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and drive meaningful change. We are committed to help elevate Juniper Green Energy’s brand and champion the cause of sustainability.”

  • Conceptualised by Bombay Design Centre

    Kokuyo Camlin unveils high-powered brand campaign

    Camel, from the house of Kokuyo Camel, has launched its latest ad campaign Camel ki Colourful Duniya, Meri Duniya. Conceptualised by Bombay Design Centre, this campaign includes a series of six films.

    Commenting on the campaign, Rishi Kakar, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, Kokuyo Camlin Limited, said: “This campaign throws an interesting light on the world we live in, where parents strive to fulfil their duties as a provider often at the cost of their duties as a caregiver. Every child’s art gives a glimpse of their feelings and brings the family together.  #CamelKiColourfulDuniya captures the role of art in a child’s world as the language of the heart. In other words, Camel brings out the language of the heart.”

    Added film-maker Amole Gupte (of Taare Zameen Pe fame): “My childhood is dipped in vibrant Camel Water Colours! I brought my childhood to life by making the new Camel advertisement films.”

    Said Nandana Nair, Head, Digital Marketing at Kokuyo Camlin Limited: “This campaign underlines the place of Camel and Camlin in every Indian household. Cherished across generations, #CamelKiColourfulDuniya highlights the unifying role of art in bringing families together. These films beautifully portray every child’s joy of engaging with colours and the innocence of their view of the world.”

  • Features why Indian business leaders are embracing AI to scale outputs and drive growth

    Canva releases its second annual Visual Economy Report

    Canva, the popular online design and visual communication platform, released its second annual Visual Economy Report featuring insights from more than 3,700 global business leaders on the drivers and impact of visual communication.

    The company commissioned business intelligence firm Morning Consult to understand how they’re approaching the use of visual communications tools in the workplace and the role AI is playing in their ability to increase productivity, elevate creativity, and streamline workflows. The survey was conducted in 12 markets, including India, the US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

    The top findings from Indian respondents include:

    Unlocking business benefits: Nearly three-quarters (73%) say visual communication tools have increased business performance. From accelerating content creation and team collaboration to stronger audience engagement, visual-first communication is supercharging how organizations save time and money. As a result, 70% of leaders are investing more in visual communication tools than the previous year.

    AI fast tracks productivity: Tighter budgets and increased content demands have led 89% of leaders to explore AI-powered tools as options to accelerate their content production needs. The vast majority (92%) agree the quality of visual content has improved because of AI, yet concerns about plagiarism (80), bias (84%), and job loss (81%) linger.

    Design democratized: The ability to communicate visually is now table stakes in the workplace, regardless of role. The majority of leaders (97%) expect employees in non-design roles to possess some design acumen in order to be effective communicators in their organizations. Consequently, more than two-thirds (67%) are now providing training to those not in design roles to meet a certain threshold of design competency.

    Accelerating scaling through collaboration: More than one-third (41%) of leaders believe the inability to collaborate across teams and complex workflows (38%) is a challenge when creating and scaling content. As a result, when investing in visual communication platforms, business leaders are emphasizing real-time collaboration (96%), more streamlined workflows (95%), and all-in-one functionality (95%).

    Creativity needs the right tools to flourish: 85% believe senior stakeholder resistance to new technology is hindering creativity in the workplace. 82% attribute siloed teams and poor cross-functional collaboration as deterrents to imaginative thinking and fresh outputs.

    From compelling presentations to engaging videos and interactive data visualizations, visuals have become the currency of communication, enabling organizations to cut through the noise.

    Said Rebecca Janes, Creative Designer and Environmental Branding Strategist, FedEx Global Brand: “We use Canva for just about anything that is templatized, from presentations to digital signage, internal websites, invitations, playbooks – the possibilities are endless. The ability to easily collaborate and share designs across so many teams has been a huge timesaver. What would normally take days can take only minutes.”

    The Visual Economy Report surveys 3,707 business leaders in marketing, sales, human resources, and operations who have knowledge of company revenue goals. This group also influences their organisations’ audience engagement strategy and how internal teams communicate with each other, other teams, and the company at large.

  • As their Brand & Communications Agency

    Ather Energy partners with Tilt Brand Solutions

    Ather Energy, electric scooter manufacturers, has partnered with Tilt Brand Solutions as their brand and communications agency, for its upcoming product line.

    Said Ravneet Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy: “We are thrilled to welcome Tilt as our agency partners, as we enter the next phase of our growth journey. Joe and his team bring a potent combination of deep strategic thinking and a sharp creative approach, and together we hope to engage with consumers in new and meaningful ways. We are super-excited about this partnership and look forward to shaping the future of mobility.”

    Added Joseph George, Founder and Group Chairman, Quotient Ventures added: “We are thrilled to partner Ather for this critical addition to their portfolio. We are grateful to them for placing their faith in us to disrupt the market and expand their reach and footprint across the nation. As an agency, working alongside not just the pioneers in mobility of the future, but also such a passionate bunch, is both exciting and fulfilling.”