Moves and Wins: Week of 16 June

Criteo, Dentsu sign global commerce deal

Criteo and Dentsu have announced a global partnership to deliver enhanced commerce and performance media campaigns using Criteo’s commerce media platform. Dentsu becomes the first global holding company to adopt the complete platform stack. Through this partnership, Dentsu clients will access AI-powered audiences, planning tools, consultancy services, and measurement capabilities to optimise commerce outcomes. Criteo’s retailer and publisher network will benefit from increased demand by connecting Dentsu’s brands to their media inventory. The agreement will integrate Dentsu. Audiences with Criteo’s Commerce Audiences, combining global identity solutions with commerce intent data. This merged audience capability will be activated across Criteo’s demand platforms to improve campaign performance throughout the shopping journey. Dentsu will also deploy Criteo’s platforms in four key areas. Commerce Max will support SKU-level campaign planning across over 200 global retailers. Commerce Growth will drive video and display-based performance campaigns. Commerce Grid will provide access to curated supply packages with audience overlays, and Commerce Yield will assist retailers in building media networks using Criteo’s consultancy. Criteo connects marketers and media owners to drive commerce outcomes and open internet engagement. Dentsu operates in 120 countries, offering integrated media, CXM, and creative services.

Shubhranshu Singh joins Effie LIONS board

Shubhranshu Singh, chief marketing officer of Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, has joined the inaugural board of directors of the Effie LIONS Foundation, a non-profit based in New York. The foundation was formed following Informa plc’s acquisition of Effie Worldwide. It aims to support the global marketing industry by fostering talent from underrepresented communities. As a board member, Singh will contribute to shaping the foundation’s programmes, particularly focusing on the needs of India and South Asia. He will also serve on two board committees and participate in biannual meetings held in January and during the Cannes Lions Festival in June. Board members hold full authority in guiding the foundation’s strategic direction and ensuring its financial integrity. The board comprises leaders from brands, media, non-profit organisations, and academia, to address future talent needs in marketing.

Confiance wins PR mandate for Specta

Confiance Communications has secured the public relations mandate for Specta Quartz Surfaces, a Jaipur-based brand specialising in engineered quartz. The agency will lead Specta’s communications strategy to position it as a culture-forward home surfaces brand rooted in Indian design sensibilities. The agency will deliver a long-term roadmap involving storytelling, thought leadership, media visibility, and innovation showcases to enhance the brand's presence among architects, interior designers, and homeowners in urban India.  Confiance will focus on integrating cultural and seasonal narratives, promoting Specta’s design language in editorials, launching pop-culture-inspired campaigns, and amplifying the brand’s sustainability and Make in India initiatives. These include an emphasis on local production, non-toxic materials, low-waste manufacturing, and social impact goals. Confiance Communications is known for its work with startups, venture capital firms, and listed companies such as ProcMart, TIL Limited, and Just Herbs. It has supported the media presence of over 100 organisations and helped craft more than 10,000 brand stories, according to a company press release. Specta Quartz Surfaces leverages Italy's Breton technology to produce quartz.

Warner Bros Pictures, Bhanushali Studios Limited (BSL), and JOAT Films have formed a five-film partnership to develop Indian adaptations of Warner Bros titles. The venture will blend Indian cultural elements with the original emotional narratives, and Warner Bros Pictures will handle global distribution. BSL, led by Vinod Bhanushali, has recent success with the web original film Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai (Just one person is enough), which won five 2023 Filmfare OTT Awards. JOAT Films, under Jack Nguyen, contributes three decades of Asian production expertise. Development of the first adaptation is underway, with creative teams and production timelines to be announced.

ARE appoints senior leaders for India

Asia Research & Engagement (ARE) has expanded its India team with two senior appointments. Shishir Soti has joined as director, of global operations and partnerships, and Arun Kumar as strategic advisor – power markets and technology innovation. Soti brings 25 years of experience in banking and environmental organisations, having held roles at Standard Chartered, ICICI Bank, the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation and the Environmental Defense Fund. He will integrate India into ARE’s regional programmes on financed emissions, sustainable food systems and transition financing, and lead stakeholder engagement and fundraising strategy. Kumar arrives with over 25 years in power markets, technology and strategy, having led teams at PTC India, HSBC Securities, KPMG, and Crisil, where he was ranked among India’s top energy analysts. He will advise on regulatory trends, market innovation, and grid decarbonisation. Both the leaders will collaborate with Rituj Sahu, director – protein transition (India), who has led ARE’s food systems, climate finance and impact stewardship work since 2022. Through their combined expertise, they will focus on three core areas—energy transition and financed emissions engagement, sustainable agriculture systems pertaining primarily to protein transition, and capital mobilisation linking global finance with local sustainability goals. Founded in Singapore in 2013, ARE endeavours to align capital markets, corporate strategy, and policy to drive sustainability outcomes across Asia’s key economies including China, India, and Japan.

Human Global wins HRD Antwerp creative mandate

Mumbai-based agency Human Global has secured the creative mandate for HRD Antwerp, Europe’s largest diamond grading company. The mandate covers a launch campaign, social media design and film production. Founded in 2023, Human Global specialises in branding, design, and communications. The agency will craft brand communication for HRD Antwerp, leveraging its five-decade legacy in diamond and jewellery grading, education, and retailer services. Human Global’s duties include producing a series of personalised films, designing social media assets, and developing the launch campaign. HRD Antwerp, established in Antwerp’s diamond trade since the 1400s, provides grading, education and retail services worldwide.

Zyod and Fan Mania launch licensed merchandise venture

Apparel manufacturer Zyod has partnered with licensing company Fan Mania to introduce premium licensed merchandise in India. Under the agreement, Zyod will handle production and distribution across its Indian network, while Fan Mania will manage licensing, design approvals, and brand liaison. The collaboration will bring products from gaming franchises, animation series and film IPs—including PlayStation, Peanuts, Hasbro, Sanrio and Warner Brothers—to Indian retailers. The partnership will combine Zyod’s manufacturing capabilities and retail network with Fan Mania’s global IP access. The duo aims to meet the rising consumer demand for pop culture merchandise by delivering collections that reflect current trends and cultural relevance. Founded in 2023, Zyod offers a catalogue of 10,000 monthly styles with rapid turnaround and flexible minimum order quantities. Fan Mania, with offices in Dubai, Dammam, Istanbul and Mumbai, holds licences for global brands across apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty and home.

Bizzcom Solutions launches operations in the USA

PR and communications agency Bizzcom Solutions has expanded into the United States by launching its business operations in New Jersey and New York. The agency will offer PR, media relations, digital communication, brand storytelling, thought leadership campaigns and crisis management across education, hospitality, IT, healthcare, wealth management, fashion and wellness sectors. The expansion aims to connect US brands with strong narratives and open fresh avenues for Indian businesses seeking international visibility. Founded in India, Bizzcom Solutions specialises in reputation management, corporate branding, event promotion, and influencer collaborations.

GMR Rugby League partners with HSBC for Season 1

The inaugural GMR Rugby Premier League has announced HSBC India as its ‘Powered By’ partner for Season 1. Organised by Rugby India and GMR Sports, the league kicks off in Mumbai on 15 June and concludes on 29 June at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex. GMR serves as the league’s title partner. The tournament, which is the world’s first franchise-based Rugby Sevens competition, will feature 34 matches. Thirty marquee international players from countries including New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Fiji, and the UK will compete alongside 18 other international players from Canada, Hong Kong, and Germany. Thirty Indian players will also take part. Rugby India, the national governing body, was established in 1998 and is recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. GMR Sports, which owns cricket, kabaddi, kho-kho, and rugby franchises, is expanding its global portfolio with this league.

iCubesWire wins digital marketing mandate from Central Park

Luxury real estate developer Central Park has appointed iCubesWire as its digital transformation partner following a multi-agency pitch. The appointment includes social media management, performance marketing, digital listening, search, and media planning responsibilities. iCubesWire will also handle Central Park’s creative strategy and online reputation. The agency is expected to drive brand engagement through immersive digital experiences aligned with the real estate firm’s positioning in the NCR market.

Canara HSBC onboards Jasprit Bumrah and Sanjana Ganesan as brand ambassadors

Canara HSBC Life Insurance has appointed Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah and sports presenter Sanjana Ganesan as brand ambassadors. According to the insurer, both Bumrah and Ganesan reflect shared values of reliability and commitment. Bumrah is known for consistent performance under pressure in international cricket. Ganesan, recognised for her work in sports broadcasting, brings a trusted public presence. The brand plans to roll out integrated campaigns anchored in the new partnership to connect with a range of audiences, including digital-first consumers, families, and emerging affluent segments. Founded in 2007, Canara HSBC Life Insurance is a bancassurance-led life insurance company backed by Canara Bank, HSBC Insurance (Asia Pacific), and Punjab National Bank. Its products span life, health, term, retirement, and group insurance, distributed through partner banks, digital platforms, and direct sales. The company filed a draft red herring prospectus in April 2025 with the SEBI for a proposed IPO.

Som Distilleries awards PR mandate to Image Stereo

Som Distilleries & Breweries Ltd has appointed Image Stereo as its public relations and brand communications agency following a multi-agency pitch. The Delhi-based agency will lead national and regional PR strategy, brand positioning, and product promotions for Som’s expansion in the Indian market. The partnership includes managing visibility for upcoming initiatives such as new product launches, factory setups, and a revamped portfolio across beer and IMFL (Indian-made foreign liquor) categories. The strategy will include PR, influencer collaborations, LinkedIn campaigns, and event management to enhance consumer, trade and investor engagement. The appointment follows Som’s recent announcement of an 18.8% rise in consolidated net profit for Q4 FY2025, driven by volume growth in the IMFL segment. The company is currently expanding its product offerings and opening a greenfield manufacturing facility in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh. The plant is expected to create 700–800 jobs and support local supply chains. Som’s product portfolio includes beer, spirits and ready-to-drink beverages under brands such as Hunter, Black Fort, Milestone, and Woodpecker. Image Stereo, founded in April 2024, offers integrated communication services across industries. It has its offices in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.