Moves and wins roundup: Week of 12 Aug

PR Professionals secures PR mandate for E-Gaming Federation

PR Professionals (PRP) has been appointed to manage public relations and communications for the E-Gaming Federation (EGF), a non-profit organization focused on consumer protection and regulatory standards in India's online gaming industry. It represents various gaming operators, including one of India's top three gaming unicorns, and plays a key role in the industry's future.

As India’s mobile gaming market continues to grow rapidly, with expected revenues set to nearly double by 2028, effective communication is seen as crucial for the sector's development. PRP, an integrated communications firm with a presence in India and abroad, will collaborate with EGF to promote responsible gaming and consumer protection, contributing to the industry's ongoing expansion.

Zee partners with Curativity to create culturally relevant content

Zee has teamed up with creative partner Curativity to integrate culturally resonant moments into its daily soaps across its general entertainment channels. This collaboration, part of the broadcaster's ‘Winning Moments’ strategy, aims to enhance viewer engagement by weaving in culturally relevant themes that resonate with the audience. The initiative spans both television and digital platforms, with key moments designed to foster community and spark meaningful conversations.

Among the notable campaigns, Zee Tamil's 'Sandhya Ragam' reimagined the Seervarisai custom, highlighting a bride’s achievements over material wealth. Another campaign, #MaaKaVote, launched on Mother's Day, encouraged mothers to prioritise their aspirations. These efforts, along with others like Zee Marathi's #JuneyBandhNaveBandh, have significantly boosted engagement on social media, amplifying the network’s reach.

Hari Om OTT platform strengthens leadership with new appointments

Hari Om, a dedicated platform for mythology and religious content, has expanded its leadership team by appointing Sanjeev Agrawal as business head and Reitu Shharma as script head. Agrawal will manage the platform’s business strategy and development, drawing on his experience across various industries, including media and telecom. His previous roles, notably at Amagi Media, involved key contributions to revenue generation and corporate client management.

Shharma will lead content development, ensuring the authenticity of the platform's offerings. With over a decade of experience in scriptwriting and research for projects like 'Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman' and 'Vighanharta Ganesh', she brings a strong background in India's cultural and religious narratives.

Leo Burnett India appoints Sonal Chhajerh and Pravin Sutar as national creative directors 

Leo Burnett India, a unit of Publicis Groupe India, has announced the promotions of Sonal Chhajerh and Pravin Sutar to the roles of national creative directors. Chhajerh was previously the Groupe executive creative director, while Sutar served as head of creative at Leo Burnett Bangalore. They will continue to report to Rajdeepak Das, chief creative officer of Publicis Groupe, South Asia.

In their new positions, Chhajerh and Sutar will lead the agency's creative efforts across India. Chhajerh, who has been pivotal in campaigns such as P&G Whisper's ‘Missing Chapter,’ and Sutar, who has enhanced Leo Burnett Bangalore’s creative presence with a broad client portfolio, are expected to drive innovation and strengthen the agency's creative strategies. Their appointments reflect Leo Burnett India’s ongoing commitment to expanding its creative capabilities and delivering impactful solutions.

Sony Pictures Networks India announces key leadership changes 

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has implemented three significant leadership changes to support its strategic growth and operational goals. Nachiket Pantvaidya has been appointed as the business head of Sony Entertainment Television (SET), marking his third tenure with SPNI. In addition to this new role, he will continue as general manager at Sony Pictures International Productions (SPIP). His extensive experience in managing P&L, developing successful franchises, and increasing advertising and distribution revenues will be instrumental as he leads both SET and SPIP.

Ajay Bhalwankar, currently heading SPNI’s Sony Marathi will take on additional responsibilities as the business head of Sony SAB. he has been with SPNI since 2014 and has driven the Marathi language channel's growth, capturing a 9% market share through his emphasis on progressive and relatable content. With his creative vision, Ajay is expected to further enhance Sony SAB’s appeal to its diverse audience.

Additionally, Tushar Shah, who oversees English, Bengali, and Infotainment channels, will expand his responsibilities to include Sony MAX, Sony MAX HD, Sony MAX 2, Sony WAH, and Sony PAL, using his 18 years of experience at SPNI to innovate and strengthen these channels’ market presence.

Vector Brand Solutions appoints Gaurav Soi as president-business 

Vector Brand Solutions, a creative agency under Quotient Ventures, has appointed Gaurav Soi as its new president-business. He brings over 20 years of experience in marketing communications and business growth strategies, having worked with agencies like Grey, Havas, and Dentsu Webchutney.

Hari Krishnan, Group Chief Business Officer at Quotient Ventures, emphasised that Gaurav's extensive experience in both online and offline brand strategies makes him an ideal fit for Vector as the agency continues to solidify its position as a full-funnel, hybrid creative brand.  

Max Level secures PR mandate for CyberPowerPC in India 

Max Level, a marketing and PR agency specialising in gaming and esports, has been appointed to manage the public relations for CyberPowerPC in India. CyberPowerPC, an US-based gaming PC manufacturer, entered the Indian market earlier this year through a partnership with Creative Newtech Ltd. The agency will focus on enhancing the company's brand presence in India, leveraging its expertise in the gaming sector.

CyberPowerPC has made significant strides globally, including being the top OEM in the US in 2014-2015 and earning Amazon’s Choice for Gaming Desktop PCs in 2018. With its entry into India, CyberPowerPC aims to cater to the growing gaming community, with Max Level supporting its mission to become a prominent name among Indian gamers.

PNB MetLife names Sourabh Lohtia as chief marketing and communications officer 

PNB MetLife has appointed Sourabh Lohtia as its chief marketing and communications officer. In this expanded role, he will oversee marketing, corporate communications, corporate social responsibility, the e-commerce business, and customer experience management.

With nearly 20 years in the life insurance industry, Lohtia previously served as the director and business head of Bancassurance Retail and head of business development at PNB MetLife. His strategic expertise in brand and digital marketing has been instrumental in the company’s growth. PNB MetLife’s CEO, Sameer Bansal, emphasised that Lohtia’s leadership will be key in advancing the company's initiatives across multiple areas, including customer engagement and corporate social responsibility.

Duolingo English Test appoints Abhinav Kohli as senior Marketing manager for India 

The Duolingo English Test (DET) has appointed Abhinav Kohli as senior marketing manager for India, highlighting its commitment to expanding in this crucial market. Kohli, with over 18 years of experience in strategic marketing, previously worked at Glance, Netflix, and Star Sports, where he developed impactful consumer campaigns and drove significant audience growth. His background includes roles at SportAccord and the International Judo Federation, positioning him well to lead DET’s marketing initiatives in India.

In his new role, Kohli will focus on increasing DET’s reach and engagement across India, leveraging his experience to enhance the test’s accessibility and visibility. The DET, launched in 2019, offers flexible alternative to traditional English proficiency tests, accepted by over 5000 institutions globally. Recent marketing efforts in India include the Study Abroad Fest and collaborations with student organisations, aiming to address students' needs and expand DET’s presence.

Nadiadwala Grandson and Banijay Asia collaborate on content creation 

Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment (NGE) and Banijay Asia have announced a strategic partnership to produce original series and films, including adaptations of international hits. This collaboration aims to offer a fresh range of content to audiences in India and internationally. The partnership brings together NGE's film production expertise and Banijay Asia's global content creation skills.

The joint venture will focus on blending high-quality storytelling with innovative formats to enhance the entertainment experience. Both companies plan to leverage their strengths to set new standards in the industry and deliver engaging content across various platforms.

Vahdam India appoints Akanksha Srivastava Byrnes as senior vice president-marketing 

Vahdam India has appointed Akanksha Srivastava Byrnes as senior vice president of marketing. Based in New York, she will lead the company's marketing efforts across the United States, Canada, and other key global markets. She will be responsible for developing and implementing the brand's global marketing strategy and growth initiatives as Vahdam India expands its international presence.

Byrnes brings over 12 years of experience in marketing roles with major brands such as Mars, PIM Brands, and Godiva Chocolates. Her expertise in innovation, activation, and performance will support Vahdam India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its market position. The company recently introduced its wellness teas and spices at Walmart, marking a significant step in its expansion into the US market.

Social Panga wins DealShare’s digital marketing account

Social Panga, an integrated creative and digital marketing agency, has been selected as the digital marketing partner for DealShare, a grocery delivery service in India. This decision follows a competitive pitch involving multiple agencies. The Gurgaon-based agency will handle the creation of both sales-driven and brand-focused campaigns to enhance DealShare’s digital presence and attract a broader audience.

Social Panga's responsibilities will include positioning DealShare as a top choice for grocery shopping and strengthening its brand visibility online. With its track record of successful marketing strategies, the marketing agency aims to boost DealShare's digital footprint and brand recognition through innovative and effective communication.

Glocal Slam Dunk Communications joins Paralympic Committee of India 

Glocal Slam Dunk Communications has been appointed as the official PR partner for the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). With over four years of industry experience, the agency will use its expertise to enhance the visibility of PCI’s mission, events, and athletes. This partnership builds on the agency's history of successful campaigns in athletics and sports events.

The collaboration aims to increase awareness and support for para-athletes in India. As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games approach, Glocal Slam Dunk Communications will play a key role in promoting Indian para-athletes and their achievements on the global stage.

Alphatec appoints Rohit Uberoi as business head-live and rental

Alphatec, a Mumbai-based distributor of audio and video equipment, has appointed Rohit Uberoi as business head for live and Rrental. With over 30 years in the consumer durables and professional audio sectors, he will focus on expanding Alphatec's presence in the live sound and rental market. His role will involve enhancing stakeholder engagement, showcasing product value, and providing ongoing education to teams and customers.

Uberoi's previous experience includes roles at Sennheiser, Ahuja Radios, and Videocon, where he worked on major product launches. His appointment is expected to support Alphatec's strategic growth objectives and strengthen its position in the professional audio industry.

Aria Communication assigned PR mandate for Suraksha Smart City

Aria Communication, a Mumbai-based public relations (PR) and communications firm, has been appointed to manage the PR mandate for Suraksha Smart City, a greenfield development in Vasai. The agency, which has extensive experience in the real estate sector, will apply its industry knowledge and digital-first strategies to enhance Suraksha Smart City's market presence.

The PR firm plans to launch a community-centered campaign to communicate the latest developments and core values of Suraksha Smart City. The project, which spans 362 square feet, integrates advanced precast technology with a focus on sustainable living, offering a blend of amenities such as schools, health centers, and shopping areas within a tranquil, green environment.

Tonic Worldwide wins digital mandate for Greenply

Tonic Worldwide has secured the digital mandate for Greenply after a competitive multi-agency pitch. The agency will focus on expanding the plywood brand's digital presence through a range of services aimed at enhancing the brand’s social media engagement.

Greenply Industries, established in 1994, is known for its plywood and decorative veneers. The company aims to strengthen its social media strategy to better connect with consumers and highlight its commitment to sustainability. The account will be managed by Tonic Worldwide's Mumbai office.

Shalini Pillai Banerjee joins Microsoft as marketing director for India and South Asia 

Shalini Pillai Banerjee has been appointed as the marketing director for Microsoft in India and South Asia. She announced her new role on LinkedIn, marking a career move after her eight-year tenure at Google India, where she served as the head of consumer apps marketing.

Banerjee brings over 20 years of experience to Microsoft, having held key positions at Coca-Cola and co-founding the SaaS analytics start-up BrandIdea Consultancy. She has an MBA in marketing from the Indian School of Business.

EssenceMediacom secures media mandate for Bambino Pasta Foods

EssenceMediacom, a media agency under GroupM, has been awarded the integrated media mandate for Bambino Pasta Foods. The agency will manage the food company's media strategies from its Bengaluru office, focusing on engaging new-age consumers and strengthening the brand's presence in India's expanding e-commerce market.

Bambino, known for its pasta products since 1982, aims to broaden its reach in India with new product ranges that emphasise health, taste, and convenience. This partnership with EssenceMediacom aligns with uts growth strategy, with the agency committed to delivering tailored media solutions to support the brand's expansion efforts.

Pepper Media acquires Filmrare Studio to boost content services 

Digital media company Pepper Media has acquired Filmrare, a Bengaluru-based immersive tech studio known for creating 3D immersive experiences. This acquisition aims to expand Pepper Media's content offerings by integrating Filmrare's advanced technologies, including Unreal Engine, Unity Engine, Pixel Streaming, and Digital Motion Capture.

Filmrare has worked on projects for clients like Unilever, Sony Entertainment Talent Ventures India, and Shemaroo. Among its key achievements are the creation of the first cinema theater in Decentraland and a SaaS platform for metaverse campaigns. With this acquisition, Pepper Media plans to strengthen its digital content capabilities, catering to the growing demands of brands and creative professionals.