Moves and wins roundup: Week of 2 Sept

IAS appoints Marc Grabowski as COO and Srishti Gupta as CPO

Integral Ad Science (IAS), a global media measurement and optimisation platform, has appointed Marc Grabowski as chief operating officer (COO) and Srishti Gupta as chief product officer (CPO), effective September 16, 2024. Grabowski, previously with Oracle Advertising, will oversee IAS's commercial operations, focusing on customer success and business strategy, while Gupta, formerly of Rokt, will lead the company’s product strategy and development. Both will report directly to Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of IAS.

Grabowski brings extensive leadership experience in the advertising industry, having previously managed Oracle’s global advertising products, including Moat and BlueKai. His experience spans demand and supply-side operations, and he has held executive roles at Criteo, Persio, and Yahoo! At IAS, he will focus on enhancing data integrity and advancing AI-backed technology across emerging channels like Connected TV (CTV) and social media, with a goal of improving outcomes for customers and partners.

Gupta has a track record of driving growth across B2B and B2C channels. Before joining IAS, she was the Chief Product Officer at Rokt, where she led the development of e-commerce solutions. Gupta also held leadership roles at Amazon and IRI, where she spearheaded cross-channel ad measurement products. At IAS, she aims to build on the company's foundation of delivering trust and transparency in digital media, further enhancing customer value through innovative products.

Approach Entertainment named PR and celebrity partner for Healthcare Innovation Conclave 

Approach Entertainment, a firm that specialises in film production, celebrity management, and entertainment marketing, has been appointed the exclusive PR and celebrity partner for the third edition of the Healthcare and Wellness Innovation Conclave. The event, organised by Aristocrat Media, will take place on September 21, 2024, at MIT World Peace University, Pune, and will gather healthcare leaders and innovators to discuss advancements in the sector. The conclave aims to foster collaboration in healthcare and wellness innovation.

As the event’s exclusive PR and celebrity partner, Approach Entertainment will enhance the conclave’s media visibility by leveraging its expertise in communications and celebrity management.  The agency aims to bring greater attention to the event and showcase groundbreaking work in the industry.

Nippo appoints Lateral Thinkers Communications as strategic partner 

Indo National Limited, the manufacturer of consumer electrical brand Nippo, has appointed Lateral Thinkers Communications as its public relations partner. The partnership aims to strengthen Nippo's corporate messaging and enhance its brand presence across media platforms.

The Bengaluru-based PR agency will manage Nippo's media relations, corporate communications, and crisis management. Nippo, which has been a household name in India for over five decades, offers a range of electrical products, including batteries, flashlights, and LED lighting, since its establishment in 1972.

Tusharr Kumar appointed CEO of OML Entertainment 

OML Entertainment has appointed Tusharr Kumar as its new chief executive officer. With over 15 years of experience in industries such as new media, automotive, and FMCG, he has been with OML since 2012, serving most recently as Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, he will focus on expanding the company's advertising, artist representation, creator tech, and long-form content businesses. His predecessor, Gunjan Arya, who led OML for five years, oversaw the company’s international expansion and growth into one of India’s largest branded content and entertainment firms.

Under Tusharr’s leadership, OML aims to further consolidate its core businesses, including branded content and influencer marketing, through its platform, Hypothesis. The company will also continue its push into long-form content production. As CEO, Tusharr will steer OML's strategic direction, leveraging his experience in the digital media landscape to strengthen its foothold in both domestic and international markets.

VeriSmart AI partners with The Media Manifest for strategic communications 

Mumbai-based blockchain adtech firm VeriSmart AI has announced a strategic partnership with pblic relations agency The Media Manifest. This collaboration aims to strengthen the company's AI’s communication strategies and amplify its presence in the blockchain and adtech sectors. The Media Manifest will focus on highlighting VeriSmart's advancements in blockchain technology and data privacy, positioning the company as a leader in the evolving landscape of decentralised data intelligence.

Founded in 2017, VeriSmart AI leverages blockchain to ensure privacy and security in digital advertising by allowing data interoperability while maintaining user control. Its decentralised data intelligence framework supports over 528 million users globally. The partnership with The Media Manifest, which specialises in areas like technology and finance, is expected to enhance VeriSmart’s outreach and contribute to shaping the narrative on data privacy and blockchain innovation in the advertising technology space.

Cheil India appoints Sudhir Das as senior executive creative director

Cheil India has announced the appointment of Sudhir Das as senior executive creative director, responsible for overseeing the creative work for Samsung's mobile business and exclusive stores. Das will operate from the Gurgaon office, reporting to Vikash Chemjong, chief creative officer at Cheil India.

With over two decades of experience in advertising, Das has worked with leading agencies like Publicis, McCann, Leo Burnett, and Dentsu WebChutney. He has contributed to campaigns for major brands such as Coca Cola, Nestle, Apple, Google, and Airtel, earning numerous national and international awards. In his new role, Sudhir is set to bring his creative expertise to strengthen Cheil’s output for Samsung.

Senvion India partners with Pitchfork for strategic communications 

Senvion India, a player in the renewable wind energy sector, has partnered with PR agency Pitchfork Partners to enhance its brand visibility and strengthen communication efforts. This collaboration aims to solidify Senvion's leadership in the Indian wind energy market and promote its commitment to sustainability. Pitchfork Partners will handle media relations, thought leadership, and event-based initiatives to boost the company's public presence.

The partnership is part of Senvion's broader mission to drive growth in the renewable energy sector. The communications strategy, managed by Pitchfork Partners, will focus on amplifying the company's role in the sector, aligning with India’s shift toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Brand Street Integrated expands Pune operations, appoints Krishna Mugatkar as business director

Marketing agency Brand Street Integrated (BSI) announced its expansion into Pune, appointing Krishna Mugatkar as the new business director. This move aims to strengthen BSI's presence in western India, serving clients like HyFun and Provilac.

With over 12 years of experience, Mugatkar brings expertise across various sectors, including B2B sales, offline marketing, and real estate. Having worked with companies like OYO, Foodpanda, and 360 Realtors, his strengths in market research, operational planning, and growth strategies make him a valuable addition to BSI. His appointment aligns with the agency’s vision to enhance service offerings and drive business growth in the region.

Amgen appoints Anumita Tripathi as director of corporate affairs for India 

Amgen has named Anumita Tripathi as its director of corporate affairs for India, where she will oversee the company’s external communications and internal strategies aimed at enhancing its reputation and workforce engagement. Tripathi steps into this role with a wealth of experience, having spent over 16 years in corporate communications, including her most recent position as head of communications at Medtronic India.

At Medtronic, Tripathi led initiatives in reputation management, crisis communication, and patient awareness, while also advancing the company’s digital presence. In her new role at Amgen, she will focus on strengthening the company's brand visibility and fostering a cohesive communication strategy across the organisation.

Team Pumpkin secures social media mandate for Kotak Securities

Digital-first agency Team Pumpkin has been awarded the social media mandate for stock broking firm Kotak Securities Limited (KSL). The agency will handle KSL’s digital marketing efforts, focusing on enhancing the brand’s presence and engagement across various online platforms to reach new investor segments.

Team Pumpkin will develop and execute comprehensive social media strategies, utilising data-driven insights and creative approaches to boost brand awareness. The account will be managed from the agency’s Mumbai office, ensuring consistent messaging and engagement for KSL's across digital channels.

PRandit secures media relations mandate for 0xPPL

Gurugram-based PR firm PRandit Solution has been appointed to handle media relations for 0xPPL, a social networking platform tailored for crypto enthusiasts. As 0xPPL’s first and only PR partner, the agency will manage media outreach and strategic communications to strengthen the platform’s credibility and presence in the blockchain-driven space. This mandate includes securing media opportunities for 0xPPL across various national and international outlets.

0xPPL is a social network designed to integrate blockchain activities seamlessly, enabling users to track trends and engage with on-chain applications. The platform aims to be a central hub for Web3 discovery, with features like an account abstraction wallet set to launch soon. PRandit, founded in 2018, has an extensive track record in strategic communications and has worked with over 500 clients, including notable startups and organisations across various sectors.

Swastik expands digital leadership with key appointments 

Swastik Pictures has strengthened its digital leadership by appointing Jitendra Joshi as head of digital monetisation and brand partnerships, and Smita Roy as head of digital operations. Joshi will focus on content monetisation through strategic partnerships and ad revenue initiatives, while Roy will oversee expanding Swastik’s digital presence and enhancing content distribution to a wider audience. 

Joshi brings 17 years of experience in media and advertising, previously leading projects at Sony Pictures Networks. Roy, with a similar level of experience across media and entertainment, has held key roles at Qyuki Digital Media, Eros Now, and Hungama Digital. Their appointments aim to enhance Swastik's digital content strategy, positioning the company for further expansion in the evolving digital landscape.

Anand Ramachandran joins Hitwicket as creative director to elevate gaming experience

Hitwicket, a strategy-based gaming startup, has appointed Anand Ramachandran as its new creative director. With over two decades of experience in game development and interactive entertainment, including roles at Disney Byju's Early Learn App and Hike Messenger, Ramachandran is expected to enhance the user experience and drive the company’s global engagement. His expertise will shape the game’s design and product roadmap as Hitwicket aims to expand its user base and establish itself as a leading brand in the global gaming industry.

Ramachandran’s appointment comes at a time of significant growth for Hitwicket, which recently surpassed 10 million downloads. He will focus on refining the user journey, pushing creative boundaries in cricket gaming, and exploring new avenues for player engagement.  

ASCI Board appoints Partha Sinha as new chairman

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has appointed Partha Sinha, president and chief brand officer of Bennett Coleman & Company Limited, as its chairman for 2024-25. Sudhanshu Vats of Pidilite Industries was named vice-chairman, while S Subramanyeswar of Lintas India was appointed treasurer. The appointments follow ASCI's 38th Annual General Meeting. Sinha brings extensive experience from leading roles in major firms such as Ogilvy, Publicis, and Citibank, along with expertise in brand marketing and media.

During the past year, ASCI made significant strides in promoting ethical advertising. The ASCI Academy expanded its reach, impacting over 33,000 professionals through training programs and forming 75 alliances. ASCI also conducted research on emerging industry challenges, including generative AI, diversity, and data protection. The organisation introduced new guidelines on deceptive patterns and green claims, processed over 10,000 complaints, and reviewed more than 8,200 advertisements.

Prashant Verma joins CoinDCX as chief growth and marketing officer

Prashant Verma has been appointed as the chief growth and marketing officer (CGMO) at crypto exchange CoinDCX. In his new role, he will oversee user growth, revenue generation, and marketing strategies, while also managing the brand's presence across India. His responsibilities extend to marketing initiatives for BitOasis in the Middle East, as well as spearheading the company's geographical expansion and market launches.

Verma’s extensive experience in consumer tech, including leadership roles at Blinkit and Licious, is expected to be crucial for CoinDCX’s ambitious goal of onboarding 50 million people into the crypto space by 2025. Additionally, Minal Thukral, who previously managed growth at CoinDCX, will now focus on driving DeFi initiatives at Okto.

Raj Nair joins Garage Worldwide as chief creative officer 

Garage Worldwide has appointed Raj Nair as its new chief creative officer, bringing over 30 years of advertising experience to the agency. Nair, who previously served as CEO and CCO at Madison BMB, will lead the creative and strategic direction at Garage Worldwide, aiming to enhance the agency's offerings and continue delivering impactful work for its clients.

His career includes stints at major agencies like HTA, Enterprise, and Contract, where he has worked on campaigns for well-known brands such as Cadbury, Asian Paints, and Bajaj Auto. Nair brings a deep passion for creativity, which has been recognised with numerous industry awards, including Cannes Lions and One Show. Under his leadership, Garage Worldwide aims to strengthen its presence in the industry, working with brands like Imperial Blue Whiskey and Tata Sons, and engaging with young talent through initiatives like the Portfolio Evening with Miami Ad School.

OAP rebrands to OAP Mediatech, expanding beyond traditional OOH advertising 

Outdoor Advertising Professionals India, commonly known as OAP, has rebranded itself as OAP Mediatech, signaling its shift towards becoming a comprehensive media solutions provider. Established in 2002, OAP has been a key player in the out-of-home (OOH) advertising industry, with a revenue of INR 373 crores in FY 2022-2023. The company's CEO, Abhijit Sengupta stated that this rebranding reflects its strategy to integrate technology, data, and research into its services, extending beyond traditional OOH media.

To support this transition, OAP Mediatech has appointed Yash Punjabi as business director to lead planning and strategy for ATL media, and Vipul Mehta as head of buying and operations. The company has introduced several innovative tools, including ProLocator, a location intelligence planning tool for OOH, and ProVisualiser, a survey tool using computer vision technology. Additionally, OAP Mediatech is venturing into mainline media planning and buying across TV, print, radio, and OTT platforms.

80 dB Communications secures PR mandate for Experion Technologies

80 dB Communications has been appointed to handle PR and media management for Experion Technologies, a product engineering company. The agency will manage Experion’s external communications, highlighting its innovations across various sectors, including EV charging and green lending platforms. The partnership aims to enhance Experion’s visibility and brand presence across India.

Experion Technologies, which began operations in India in 2006, employs over 1,500 people across three Indian cities and eight international offices. The company is known for its digital solutions and partnerships with more than 500 clients globally. With plans for further expansion, Experion aims to leverage its partnership with 80 dB Communications to attract talent and establish a stronger market presence.

Nandita Ghoshal launches 37Bold Partners communications agency

37Bold Partners will offer a range of services, including corporate PR, personality PR, event management, regional media outreach, media buying strategies, and influencer marketing. With a network that spans major metro cities across India, the firm aims to provide comprehensive and seamless PR services nationwide. 

Korra partners with Kerakoll India to develop contractor loyalty app

Korra, a digital marketing agency, has partnered with Kerakoll India, a construction chemical company, to create a loyalty application aimed at enhancing engagement with contractors and applicators. This collaboration seeks to develop a user-friendly app that will help Kerakoll India improve customer retention, increase brand visibility, and address business challenges.

The partnership will leverage Korra's digital expertise to provide Kerakoll with targeted marketing initiatives and innovative engagement strategies. By integrating advanced data analytics and creating a multi-tiered rewards system, the collaboration aims to strengthen Kerakoll’s market presence and provide valuable insights into contractor engagement within the construction materials industry.

FCB India appoints Punit Singh as chief strategy officer

FCB India has announced the appointment of Punit Singh as its new chief strategy officer. Singh brings nearly two decades of experience in brand planning, having worked with brands like Google, Maruti Suzuki, Honda, and Pepsi. His previous role was with Dentsu Creative, where he served as head of planning for strategy, brand, digital, and communications (North).

Ashima Mehra, CEO of FCB India, expressed confidence in Singh's ability to drive the agency's strategic vision forward, citing his deep understanding of consumer behaviour and market dynamics. Singh, in turn, expressed his enthusiasm for joining the FCB India team and working to develop creative strategies that deliver strong results for clients.

Buffalo Soldiers partners with BathXpertz for creative and digital media strategy

Buffalo Soldiers has been appointed to manage the creative, social media, and digital media needs for BathXpertz, a bathroom remodeling brand in India. This collaboration aims to strengthen BathXpertz's market presence and drive brand engagement through targeted digital campaigns and innovative social media strategies as the company seeks to reach a broader audience and enhance sales. The partnership will focus on increasing brand awareness, generating quality leads, and ultimately driving sales to further BathXpertz’s growth across India. 

Arré Studio appoints Raghav Raj Kodesia to lead scripted entertainment

Arré Studio has appointed Raghav Raj Kodesia, former vice president of Hindi original content at Zee5, as its new head of scripted entertainment. He brings over 15 years of experience in content creation, strategy, and talent management to the role.

During his tenure at Zee5, Kodesia was instrumental in the development of shows and films like 'Taj', 'Tripling', 'Pitchers', and 'State of Siege'. His prior roles at Zee Entertainment and Kwan Entertainment focused on talent management and brand partnerships, further underscoring his expertise in the media industry. His experience in building successful franchises and leading major projects is expected to shape Arré Studio's content strategy as the company looks to expand its offerings. 

Boba Bhai partners with One Source for strategic marketing expansion

Boba Bhai, a bubble tea brand in India backed by Titan Capital, has partnered with integrated marketing consultancy One Source to boost its digital presence and corporate communications. The partnership will encompass social media, influencer marketing, and creative duties.

Currently operating 32 outlets in seven Indian cities, Boba Bhai aims to expand into more Tier 1 and 2 cities over the next six months. One Source will utilise consumer insights-driven strategies to enhance Boba Bhai’s brand visibility and consumer engagement, supporting its rapid growth in the bubble tea market.

Tyroo|CJ welcomes Sumit Kumar as director-global growth program

Tyroo has appointed Sumit Kumar as director of global growth programs for its partnership with CJ, aiming to enhance the company’s global growth strategies. Kumar brings extensive experience in driving growth and revenue within the adtech sector, having held leadership positions at InMobi, Mobext, Oxigen Wallet, and Tyroo previously. His expertise will be crucial in leveraging cross-border mobile and desktop demand and supply to boost the partnership's international market presence.

In his new role, Kumar will focus on expanding Tyroo|CJ's market reach, optimising product offerings, and improving client experiences globally. Based in Bangalore, he will lead efforts to generate significant revenue growth by entering new markets and strengthening collaboration with CJ, particularly for clients in the US, UK, and EU. This move reflects Tyroo’s commitment to providing local expertise and support to global brands seeking success in the APAC region.

Zee appoints Shiva Chinnasamy as chief technology officer 

Zee Entertainment Enterprises has appointed Shiva Chinnasamy as its chief technology and product officer. Based at the broadcaster's technology and innovation centre in Bengaluru, he will report to Amit Goenka, president of digital business. He will lead initiatives in data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enhance consumer experience and support the company's growth.

Chinnasamy brings over 20 years of experience in technology and data science, having worked with companies such as Google, Amazon, and Verizon Labs. His role at Zee will involve developing long-term technological solutions to drive innovation and improve content distribution and monetisation across the company's platforms.

Philips names Bharath Sesha as managing director for Indian subcontinent

Philips has appointed Bharath Sesha as the managing director for the Indian subcontinent. He replaces Daniel Mazon, who has moved to a global position at Philips' headquarters in the Netherlands.

In his new role, Sesha will oversee the company's growth strategy in India, focusing on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. He will also manage the healthcare business from Gurgaon and be responsible for Philips' operations, including the Philips Innovation Campus in Bangalore, the Healthcare Innovation Centre in Pune, and Global Business Services in Chennai. 

Sesha brings over 20 years of global leadership experience, with a strong background in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. Before joining Philips, he was managing director at Heubach Colorants India Ltd. 

ENIL appoints Sumit Aggarwal as chief strategy and growth officer

Entertainment Network India Limited (ENIL), the parent company of Radio Mirchi and Gaana, has appointed Sumit Aggarwal as chief strategy and growth officer. He will lead ENIL's strategic vision and growth initiatives across its radio, digital, and events platforms. His role will focus on driving innovation, expanding the audience base, and advancing digital transformation to strengthen ENIL's market position.

Aggarwal brings over two decades of experience from various industries, including media, consumer products, and health-tech. Prior to rejoining ENIL, he was the head of strategy and data science at Viacom18 Media.

Aggarwal has held several key roles at ENIL before, such as cluster head for Gujarat and head of strategy and international business, where he contributed significantly to the company's growth through strategic and operational improvements. He holds a degree from MIT Sloan School of Management.