Moves and wins roundup: Week of 22 April

Omnicom has welcome back Saurabh Kundra as a business director (Investments) according to his latest LinkedIn update. Before this role, Kundra served as an associate director at AGL-Hakuhodo. This appointment marks Kundra's second tenure at Omnicom Media Group; he previously worked there as a senior executive and later as a manager of Digital Implementation. With nine years of professional experience, Kundra has an extensive background in the media industry, having worked with companies such as Businessworld, Sharekhan, Ogilvy & Mather, Essence, and AGL-Hakuhodo.

Sameeksha Uniyal appointed regional head for Bacardi in AMEA

Bacardi India has promoted Sameeksha Uniyal to regional head of Brand for Asia, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA), aiming to enhance business growth in these regions. Uniyal, who has been pivotal in managing Bacardi's rum portfolio in India since 2016, previously led significant marketing campaigns, including the "It’s A Mood" campaign. In her new role, she will oversee the marketing and business operations for Bacardi’s rum brands across AMEA.

Kulfi Collective names Divya Karani as chairperson and executive director

Kulfi Collective has appointed Divya Karani as the new chairperson and executive director of its board. With a three-decade career in the advertising and media industry, including over 12 years as the CEO of Dentsu Media, South Asia, Karani brings extensive experience from various global markets including India, South Asia, the UK, and Asia Pacific. Kulfi Collective, which includes divisions like Supari Studios, Post Office, and Keeda Media, collaborates with major brands like Spotify, Red Bull, and Netflix. Karani’s addition is set to enhance Kulfi’s mission to merge creativity, technology, and data, aiming to bring brands closer to consumers through innovative content and experiences.

Savills India appoints Neha Bahl Gujral as head of marketing and communications

Savills India has announced Neha Bahl Gujral as the new head of marketing and communications for its operations in India. Gujral, who has over two decades of experience in marketing and communications across various industries, brings a background that includes a BBA in marketing and a postgraduate degree in Advertising from MICA. Her career includes significant roles at major corporations such as Samsung, HP, National Geographic, and Microsoft, where she led influential marketing and communication campaigns.

Drone Destination partners with Dentsu Creative PR to enhance market position

Drone Destination, a leading name in the UAV sector and listed on the National Stock Exchange under the code Drone, has appointed Dentsu Creative PR as its official public relations and investor relations agency. Operating from its Gurugram office, Dentsu will oversee Drone Destination's communication strategies and media relations. The company is broadening its scope across the entire drone ecosystem in India, including production, after-sales support, drone services, education, and sports. 

Akashneel Dasgupta departs as chief creative officer of Network Advertising

Akashneel Dasgupta has left his role at Network Advertising, Campaign can confirm, exiting as chief creative officer of the independent advertising agency. Dasgupta joined Network Advertising almost three years ago from BBDO India to lead in the creative role at the fully integrated marketing outfit based out of Mumbai.

Commenting on the movement, he told Campaign India, “I am deciding on my future plans, not absolutely sure what I want to do right now. This is the first time I am taking a break! There’s something on my mind and I’m working on it!”

Dasgupta is a MICA graduate and spent initial years in account planning. He joined Mudra and worked there for five years in account planning role and always had the plan to move to the creative side. Last 15 years have seen him work in creative roles at agencies such as Lintas, ADK Fortune, Dentsu Impact and BBDO Worldwide India.

Publicis Consultants Asia appoint Sahil Chopra as chief operating officer 

MSL, part of Publicis Groupe’s strategic communications arm, has appointed Sahil Chopra as the chief operating officer for Publicis Consultants Asia (PCA). In his new role, Chopra will provide strategic guidance and oversee the delivery of core services across the entertainment, consumer, and technology sectors. Chopra has a background in strategic direction, consumer outreach, and community engagement. His previous experience includes a role as vice-president for marketing and communications at Stanza Living, where he worked with major corporations like General Motors, Ford, and Sony Sports on communication and social media strategies. 

Pratip Mazumder appointed as country manager for inDrive India

inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has appointed Pratip Mazumder as the country manager for its operations in India. Mazumder, an experienced leader with a background in online and consumer tech industries, will oversee all business verticals, local government and public relations, partnerships, and inVision initiatives. His responsibilities will include driving the growth of inDrive's business in India, enhancing safety for riders and drivers, and fine-tuning the company's products and business strategies to meet local needs. He previously held significant roles at Swiggy, Aegon Life India, Uber, and Practo, and brings extensive experience in go-to-market strategies and business development. 

Onetab bolsters leadership team

Onetab, the generative AI SaaS startup is bolstering its operations in India by adding three new senior members to its team. Harish Chouhan joins as senior team lead, bringing over 17 years of experience from companies like Panamax Infotech and InfoBeans Systems. He will focus on strategic planning and innovation. Pratish Gopinath has been appointed as VP—corporate development and will be responsible for spearheading the Bangalore office and fostering strategic partnerships. Ankita Phanse, the new head for HR—strategy & planning, comes with a dual MBA in HR and Finance, aiming to cultivate a positive work culture and implement effective HR strategies. This expansion is part of Onetab's long-term growth strategy, not only in India but also globally, underpinned by their unique proprietary custom LLM model that enhances team interaction and collaboration.