Moves and wins roundup: Week of 10 March

Havas India earns ISO certification

Havas India has obtained the ISO 14001:2015 certification from the British Standards Institution, highlighting its commitment to environmental sustainability. The certification covers Havas Creative India, Havas Media India, Havas Life Mumbai, PivotRoots, Think Design, and Shobiz.

The process involved a year-long audit of environmental policies, protocols, and governance structures across multiple locations. The evaluation focused on carbon footprint reduction, resource management, and compliance with Environmental, Social, and Governance standards. In-person assessments were conducted to ensure adherence to sustainability practices, with leadership teams and departments such as Human Resources driving accountability and long-term action plans.

The certification aims to enhance environmental governance, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide systematic tracking of ESG goals. It also offers Havas India a competitive edge in client pitches by demonstrating a commitment to sustainable marketing solutions. The company plans to develop action plans for each agency to maintain certification and further advance sustainability efforts.

Ather names Saurabh Sharma as marketing head 

Ather Energy Limited has appointed Saurabh Sharma as its head of marketing. Sharma, who joined Ather in 2019 as Brand Head, has played a key role in establishing the Ather 450X and Ather Rizta brands in India’s electric vehicle sector. He later served as General Manager – Scooter Business, overseeing market expansion and business strategy. 

Before Ather, Sharma worked in marketing roles at Nerolac Paints and Mahindra SUVs. In his new position, he will lead Ather’s marketing strategy, focusing on brand positioning and customer engagement. 

Ather Energy, founded in 2013, launched its first electric scooter in 2018 and has since expanded its product lineup, including the Ather 450X and Ather Rizta. The company has also built a public charging network, Ather Grid, with over 2,500 fast chargers installed across India as of December 2024. Ather is preparing for an initial public offering, with a draft red herring prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Board of India in September 2024.

Lubi Industries partners with SunRisers Hyderabad 

Lubi Industries LLP has partnered with SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) as the principal sponsor for the 2025 season of India’s T20 cricket tournament. The agreement aligns Lubi’s brand with SRH, last season’s runners-up, and provides a platform to enhance visibility in the Indian market. 

Lubi, a manufacturer of pumps, motors, valves, and EV chargers, aims to leverage the partnership to strengthen its brand presence. Cricket, with its widespread appeal in India, offers companies an opportunity to engage with a diverse audience. The association with SRH, which has a strong following in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is expected to help Lubi connect with regional consumers while expanding its market reach. 

Lubi has been in operation for over six decades, focusing on innovation and performance in its product offerings. SRH, known for its consistent performances in the T20 league, provides a marketing platform for brands seeking to engage with cricket fans. The upcoming tournament will run for nearly three months, attracting millions of viewers across the country.

Webenza secures Joy Personal Care digital mandate

Webenza has been appointed as the digital marketing agency for Joy Personal Care, a personal care brand under RSH Global. The agency won the mandate following a multi-agency pitch and will be responsible for driving brand awareness and engagement through creative digital content.

With increasing social media penetration, the partnership aims to enhance Joy Personal Care’s digital presence. Webenza will use innovative storytelling and digital marketing strategies to connect with consumers and strengthen the brand’s positioning. Webenza will execute campaigns across various formats to enhance consumer engagement.

FCB Kinnect names Abhinav Tripathi as NCD

FCB Kinnect has appointed Abhinav Tripathi as its national creative director. He moves from McCann Worldgroup, where he was the creative head of the digital and content studio. Tripathi is expected to enhance the agency's creative output and cultural impact in his new role.

His experience includes campaigns for brands like MasterCard, Coca-Cola, and Nescafé. Tripathi brings an extensive portfolio, with multiple industry accolades, including from Cannes Lions and D&AD. He will be expected to lead the agency’s growth in integrated creative solutions in his new role.

PR Pundit Havas Red wins PR mandate for Dr Muffazal Lakdawala

PR Pundit Havas Red has been appointed to manage the public relations mandate of Dr Muffazal Lakdawala, a leading bariatric surgeon and expert in obesity and digestive health. Currently serving as the director of general surgery at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Dr Lakdawala has performed over 50,000 surgeries globally.

He has earned several awards, including the Best Surgeon in the World in 2019 and the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year in 2017. Dr Lakdawala is also a key figure in public health and obesity treatment in India, where he advised the BMC during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is pursuing a Master’s in Bio Design from Stanford University.

Value 360 Communications appoints Keshav Shanbhag as CFO

Value 360 Communications has appointed Keshav Shanbhag as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as it prepares for a public listing. The company, a leading integrated communications firm in India, recently closed its pre-IPO investment round and is set to file its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) for its SME IPO.

Shanbhag, a financial strategist with over 17 years of experience, has expertise in investor relations, IPOs, mergers, and business restructuring. His previous roles include positions at MCX, IN10 Media, and Dentsu Aegis Network. At MCX, he played a key role in its IPO, which was recognised as the ‘Best Mid-cap Equity Deal’ in the Asia-Pacific region.

His appointment is part of Value 360 Communications’ restructuring efforts to strengthen governance and scalability. The company, which has a client portfolio that includes Tata Motors, Kia Motors, Skoda, FedEx, Mondelez, and Audi India, aims to expand operations through capacity building, technology investment, and strategic acquisitions.

PhysicsWallah names Alifiya Nalwala as communications head

PhysicsWallah (PW) has appointed Alifiya Nalwala as group head of corporate communications and public relations. With nearly two decades of journalism experience, primarily in the education sector, she will lead PW’s communication strategies.

Nalwala has previously worked with The Ken, The Indian Express, DNA, Mid Day, and HT Media in editorial and reporting roles. She has won multiple journalism awards, including the Anupama Jayaraman Memorial Award. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass media and a master’s in political science.

PhysicsWallah, founded in 2020, has expanded from a YouTube channel to a hybrid education platform. The company offers test preparation, skilling programmes, higher education courses, and overseas education services. It has received funding from investors such as Hornbill Capital, Lightspeed Ventures, Westbridge, and GSV Ventures.

PHD India secures Bondbazaar media mandate

PHD India has been appointed as the Agency on Record (AOR) for Bondbazaar following a multi-agency pitch. The agency, part of Omnicom Media Group, will handle integrated media strategies, planning, and buying to strengthen Bondbazaar’s market presence. The account will be serviced from PHD India’s Mumbai office. 

Bondbazaar operates as a financial platform focused on fixed-income products, particularly bonds. The company aims to simplify bond investing using technology and a customer-centric approach. Its platform is designed to make bond investments more accessible while offering secure returns. 

PHD India will leverage its data-driven approach to support Bondbazaar’s growth and positioning in the evolving investment market. The collaboration is expected to enhance the brand’s visibility and market engagement as India's bond market continues to expand. 

Bondbazaar is targeting growth amid increasing investor interest in fixed-income securities. The partnership aims to capitalise on this trend by using advanced media strategies to reach potential investors.

Angad Bhatia appointed CEO of Firstpost

Angad Bhatia has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Firstpost and Creator18, a new venture from Network18. In his new role, he will oversee Firstpost’s digital news operations and lead the development of a creator network across the company’s digital platforms. 

Bhatia has experience in building digital media businesses. Before joining Network18, he was CEO of India Lifestyle Network and held leadership roles at Mensa Brands. He was also the founder of MensXP, a digital platform that was acquired by Times Internet. His background includes expertise in media, content, digital commerce, and technology. 

Network18 expects Bhatia to contribute to audience expansion and business growth. His appointment aligns with the group’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the digital media and creator economy space. He will report to Rahul Joshi, Managing Director and Group Editor-in-Chief of Network18. 

New Era Machines awards brand mandate to ABND

ABND has been awarded the brand strategy mandate for New Era Machines, a manufacturer of automated baking and food processing solutions. The partnership aims to strengthen New Era Machines' brand positioning as it looks to expand its market presence. 

New Era Machines specialises in high-performance machinery for biscuit and food production. With operations spanning multiple international markets, the company has been focused on innovation and precision engineering. 

ABND, a Mumbai-based branding agency, will work on refining New Era Machines' identity and aligning it with its long-term business goals. The scope of work will involve strategic brand development and communication planning. 

Further details on the collaboration are expected to be revealed in the coming months. 

KOLAB – HER Music Camp held in Mumbai

KOLAB – HER Music Camp 2025, an initiative by Sony Music Publishing India and the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), was held from 5th to 7th March at Bay Owl Studios in Mumbai. The camp provided a collaborative space for female songwriters, composers, and producers to create original music. 

The event was launched to address gender disparity in the music industry. According to industry data, women remain underrepresented in songwriting and production. The initiative aimed to encourage greater participation and visibility of women in music creation. 

Participants included Bollywood playback singer Priya Saraiya, award-winning singer and producer Shashaa Tirupati, folk artist Bawari Basanti, hip-hop artist Irfana Hameed, and others. The camp facilitated co-writing and production sessions across genres such as pop, rock, R&B, and ballads. 

Beyond the music created, the initiative provided networking and collaboration opportunities for female artists. Bay Owl Studios served as the host venue, supporting the event’s goal of fostering a more inclusive music industry. 

Sony Music Publishing India and IPRS plan to continue similar initiatives to improve representation and economic opportunities for women in the industry.

Impact Communications acquires majority stake in Immersive

Impact Communications has acquired a majority stake in Immersive Communication, an experiential and shopper marketing agency. The partnership aims to enhance brand engagement through technology-driven experiences by combining Impact’s established presence with Immersive’s approach to consumer interaction.

Immersive Communication, founded by Arti Singh, has built its expertise in retail and brand activations. Singh has held leadership roles at major agencies, and her company has developed marketing strategies focusing on consumer behaviour. Impact Communications, a longstanding player in the marketing and communications sector, aims to integrate Immersive’s capabilities to strengthen its offerings in experiential marketing.

With this acquisition, Immersive Communication will expand its services by leveraging Impact’s technological resources while retaining its focus on innovation. The collaboration is expected to improve operational efficiency and provide clients with enhanced marketing solutions.

The move comes as brands seek more dynamic ways to engage consumers through experiential campaigns. Impact Communications and Immersive Communication plan to use their combined expertise to create marketing solutions that align with evolving industry trends. The partnership positions both companies to lead in experiential marketing by integrating creativity, technology, and consumer engagement strategies.

OneVerse expands gaming portfolio with Poker Dangal

OneVerse has announced the integration of Poker Dangal, an online poker platform in India. Founded in 2017, Poker Dangal has become a known player in the Indian gaming scene, with over 20 lakh active users. This move strengthens OneVerse's gaming portfolio and broadens its offerings within the growing gaming industry. 

The integration will provide OneVerse users with access to a range of skill-based and fantasy gaming experiences. Poker Dangal’s inclusion is expected to enhance user engagement across the platform, creating new opportunities for both brands. This partnership aims to accelerate OneVerse's expansion in the global gaming market by combining Poker Dangal’s established presence with OneVerse's immersive virtual gaming environment.

As a leader in the Metaverse space, OneVerse continues to innovate and shape the future of gaming. This strategic integration reinforces OneVerse’s commitment to delivering world-class gaming experiences and expanding its player base worldwide.

Amarnath Securities to invest INR 100 crores in content creation 

Amarnath Securities has announced a INR 100 crore investment in content creation, marking its entry into the media and entertainment sector. The company has partnered with renowned author and filmmaker Dr Deepak Singh to produce high-quality films, web series, and other entertainment content aimed at global audiences. 

This investment represents a significant expansion for Amarnath Securities, which previously focused on industries such as food, agro, and infrastructure. Dr Singh, known for his work on films like 'Soorma' and 'Tiger', will bring his expertise in biopics and storytelling to the partnership. 

The funds will be used to develop meaningful and impactful content, with further investments expected following the success of initial projects. Amarnath Securities aims to establish a strong presence in the entertainment industry through this collaboration, marking a new phase in its business diversification. 

FCB Group India appoints Hariharan Nurani as CFO

FCB Group India has appointed Hariharan Nurani as its Chief Financial Officer to support its continued growth. The agency is experiencing strong momentum, with significant new business wins and expansion. 

Nurani, with his extensive experience in financial planning and risk management, has previously worked with major companies in the media industry, including Ogilvy and GroupM. His expertise will help FCB Group India strengthen its financial framework and drive operational efficiency as it enters its next phase of growth. 

This appointment reflects FCB’s commitment to maintaining its growth trajectory while expanding its creative and business impact in India and South Asia. Nurani’s leadership will play a key role in ensuring the agency's future success. 

BOULT appoints 80dB Communications as PR partner

BOULT, one of India’s fastest-growing wearables brands, has appointed 80dB Communications as its strategic communications partner. The partnership will focus on enhancing BOULT’s brand visibility, strengthening media outreach, and improving consumer engagement across various channels. 

BOULT is known for its innovative and affordable audio products, including headphones, speakers, and smartwatches. The collaboration with 80dB Communications aims to drive the brand’s narrative and further expand its presence in the Indian market. 

80dB will leverage its expertise in reputation management and media strategy to support BOULT’s continued growth in the competitive wearables industry. This partnership marks a significant step in BOULT’s journey as it strengthens its position in the market.