Moves and wins roundup: Week of 23 Sept

Fortune Hotels appoints Rajesh Nath as marketing head

Fortune Hotels has appointed Rajesh Nath as the Head of Sales and Marketing. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality sales, Nath will guide the brand’s growth and strengthen its market position. He has previously held roles at ITC Hotels, including Head of Sales for the South Region.

Nath holds an MBA from Calcutta University and a degree from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. Under his leadership, Fortune Hotels aims to balance its business and leisure segments while enhancing the overall guest experience.

Kido hires Lead Experts for digital marketing

Kido International Preschool India has hired Lead Experts tasking it to enhance Kido’s market presence through digital marketing solutions. The deal aims to generate leads and attract enrolments by targeting Indian parents with tailored campaigns.

The partnership focuses on expanding Kido’s reach in the Indian market. Lead Experts has implemented social media and Google Ads to showcase Kido’s educational benefits. This strategy has resulted in increased enrolments and engagement.

Ducati India partners with Burson

Ducati India has appointed Burson as its strategic communications partner. Burson will handle Ducati’s communication services to enhance brand positioning and engagement in the Indian market. This collaboration aims to strengthen Ducati’s reputation and expand its presence among motorcycle enthusiasts in India.

Gallant Play appoints as Anshuman president

Gallant Play has appointed Anshuman as its new President to lead the company’s strategic expansion and enhance its sporting facilities across India. Anshuman, with over two decades of experience in business growth and consumer marketing, will oversee the development and implementation of key initiatives, aiming to integrate sports into educational curricula nationwide.

He will focus on expanding Gallant Play’s presence by managing partnerships with schools, sports organisations, and community groups. His responsibilities include daily operations, market expansion, and developing go-to-market strategies for the company’s services. Anshuman’s appointment aligns with Gallant Play’s mission to foster a world-class sporting culture and contribute to India’s growth as a sporting nation.

Jigsaw hires Rahul Advani as cultural anthropologist

Jigsaw Brand Consultants has appointed Rahul Advani as senior cultural anthropologist. Advani brings 10 years of experience in researching culture and society in India, focusing on technology, youth, class, and gender dynamics. He holds a PhD in Anthropology from King’s College London, where he studied social media behaviour among lower-middle-class young men in western India.

Advani’s research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and he has co-authored a book on the connections between Singapore and India. His work has been featured in The Straits Times.

Prior to joining Jigsaw, he contributed to agencies such as Quantum Consumer Solutions. This appointment aims to enhance the consultancy’s strategic approach to consumer insights and marketing planning.

Rajdeepak Das joins The One Club for Creativity board

Rajdeepak Das, chief creative officer of Publicis Groupe South Asia, has been appointed to the international board of directors for The One Club for Creativity for a three-year term. The board focuses on shaping global programming, supporting The One Show and ADC Annual Awards, and enhancing the Global Creative Rankings. It also connects with universities and recommends judges for awards.

This month, Sompat Trisadikun, CCO at Grey Thailand, also joined the board. The One Club for Creativity is a non-profit organisation that supports the global creative community, with revenue from awards funding initiatives in education, inclusion, gender equality, and creative development.

Junglee Music, Windows collaborate for films

Junglee Music and Windows Production are collaborating again to release four new Bengali films, starting with ‘Bohurupi’ (The Face-shifter) in October 2024 and ‘Amar Boss’ (My Boss) in December 2024. This partnership has produced projects since 2013, including ‘Belaseshe’ (At Sunset), and ‘Rosogolla’ (Poached Indian Cheese Balls in Syrup).

One of the upcoming films feature the song ‘Dakatiya Banshi’ (The Bandit’s Flute), composed by Bonnie Chakraborty and performed by Shrestha Das and others. The song is expected to be a hit. This collaboration aims to build on the legacy established over the past decade, enhancing the musical landscape of Bengali cinema.

Unicommerce expands leadership team

Unicommerce has announced the appointment of two senior directors to enhance its leadership team. Pranay Kale has been named the Head of India Sales, bringing over 18 years of experience in the SaaS industry. Vaibhav Mehrotra has been appointed to lead marketing efforts, with a career spanning over 15 years in brand and digital marketing.

These hires are part of Unicommerce’s strategy to strengthen its position as a technology partner for brands and marketplaces. The company currently serves over 3,600 clients across various regions, including India and Southeast Asia.

Tute Consult hires Nimoli Shah as director of luxury

Tute Consult has appointed Nimoli Shah as director of luxury and business head of Tribe, the agency’s influencer marketing vertical. Shah previously served as business head at Schbang Mmaximise.

She has over 15 years of experience in the luxury, fashion, and lifestyle sectors. Shah will oversee Tute Consult’s luxury practice and lead its influencer marketing division. Her responsibilities include strategic counsel and creative solutions for clients in the luxury segment.

Shah’s experience includes working with various high-profile brands across industries. She will also develop strategies for connecting brands with digital influencers. This appointment aims to strengthen Tute Consult’s offerings in luxury and influencer marketing.

Prius Communications secures SMI events mandate

Prius Communications has acquired the events and branding mandate for Social Media Icons (SMI). Following the successful Social Media Icon Conclave and Awards 2024 in New Delhi, Prius Communications plans to organise regional events in Kolkata, Goa, and either Bengaluru or Hyderabad.

These events aim to honour influential figures in social media across various categories. At the recent conclave, over 15 brands supported the event, highlighting the significance of social media today. The event recognised 35 prominent influencers, celebrating their impact on society.

Mavcomm Consulting partners with INDEA

Mavcomm Consulting has been awarded the integrated communications mandate for INDEA, India’s first dedicated school for automobile design, under the XLRI Centre for Automobile Design and Management. The collaboration aims to enhance INDEA’s brand presence in the automotive sector.

Mavcomm will handle strategic communications, media engagement, and digital presence for INDEA. The school aims to bridge design skills and strategic management for automotive professionals. Mavcomm has experience in the automotive sector and has worked with prominent brands. The partnership is set to strengthen INDEA’s positioning within the automotive design education landscape.

6 Ballygunge Place opens restaurant in Delhi

6 Ballygunge Place, a Bengali fine-dining restaurant, has opened its first restaurant in New Delhi, appointing 80dB Communications as its integrated communications partner.

The restaurant, which has been a staple of authentic Bengali cuisine in Kolkata since 2003, aims to introduce its offerings to the Delhi market. 80DB Communications will manage media relations and social media strategies to enhance the restaurant’s visibility.

Sudham Ravinutala joins Eastman as CMO

Sudham Ravinutala has been appointed chief marketing officer of Eastman Auto and Power Ltd. In his role, Ravinutala will lead marketing and product strategy, focusing on expanding the company’s brand presence in last mile e-mobility, continued energy, and solar rooftop solutions.

Ravinutala brings 25 years of experience, having worked with companies such as Nokia, Lenovo, TVS Electronics, and Luminous. His responsibilities include enhancing customer engagement and positioning Eastman as a leader in the energy sector. The company expects his leadership to play a key role in expanding its market footprint and introducing innovative marketing strategies.

Ravinutala's appointment comes as Eastman aims to grow its portfolio and solidify its reputation in the industry. In addition to his corporate experience, Ravinutala is a published author with several successful novels in the romance genre. Eastman views this new appointment as crucial for driving the company’s next phase of growth.

Groyyo appoints senior leaders

Groyyo has appointed two senior leaders to drive its business expansion. Smita Verma Kansal, formerly with Geniemode, has joined as chief business officer, bringing 26 years of experience in sourcing and operations across multiple regions and markets. She will focus on expanding partnerships with international brands and growing the company’s global presence.

Alessandro Bertini has been appointed vice president - commercial, with expertise in business development and strategy in the fashion industry.

Groyyo aims to leverage these appointments to fulfil its objective to digitalise over 20 million SME manufacturers across Asia and enable them to access global markets.

iProspect secures ARDEX ENDURA's digital mandate

iProspect India has been awarded the digital media mandate for ARDEX ENDURA, a construction chemicals brand. iProspect will handle the brand’s digital transformation, focusing on social media management, content development, and SEO strategies. The agency will also revamp ARDEX ENDURA’s website to improve user experience and search visibility.

iProspect India, part of dentsu India, aims to increase ARDEX ENDURA’s brand awareness and community engagement. By leveraging its expertise in data-driven insights, iProspect plans to position ARDEX ENDURA for market leadership by 2030. The partnership follows a multi-agency pitch and will be serviced from iProspect’s Mumbai and Bengaluru offices.

Zoo Media partners with KraftJar

Zoo Media has partnered with KraftJar to offer combined offline and digital experiential marketing solutions. The partnership aims to provide brands with a consistent marketing strategy across multiple platforms.

Zoo Media’s digital expertise will complement KraftJar’s strength in experiential intellectual property (IP) development. This collaboration aims to simplify marketing for brands by delivering cohesive strategies and execution across digital and on-ground touchpoints. KraftJar’s IP-focused experiential marketing will now be accessible to Zoo Media’s client base.

Tamara Leisure names new sales VP

Tamara Leisure Experiences has appointed Leslie Morrison as vice president of sales and marketing. Morrison, with over 25 years of experience in hospitality, will lead the company’s sales and marketing strategies. He has previously worked in luxury hotels such as Leela Palaces, Ananda in the Himalayas, and Westin Hotels.

Morrison holds a degree in Travel Management from IMM Kolkata and a Bachelor of Commerce from St Xavier’s College, University of Kolkata. In his new role, he will focus on enhancing the company’s guest experience and leading key initiatives. Morrison is also an experienced traveler and enjoys spending time with his family.

Décor influencer acquires interiors magazine

Rati Chaudhary, a décor influencer, has acquired ‘The Ideal Home and Garden’ magazine from Next Gen Publishing. Chaudhary, who has been consulting for the magazine’s Instagram account, decided to take full ownership after its closure during the pandemic. The magazine, which retained a strong online following, will now be developed into a multi-platform brand.

Next Gen Publishing will continue to support the publication by managing advertising and sponsored content. Chaudhary plans to introduce fresh content while building a community of design enthusiasts. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Industry veterans launch new digital agency

Three industry veterans have launched Itch, a new digital agency aiming to reshape the advertising landscape. The agency, founded by Naman, Apoorva, and Surbhi, seeks to create engaging ads that are different from traditional advertising. The new agency aims to blend creative storytelling with efficient processes to deliver impactful campaigns.

Itch will focus on strategic thinking, creative innovation, and adaptability. The founders bring expertise in creative direction, operations, and business growth, positioning Itch as a fresh player in the digital space. Itch aims to provide clients with marketing solutions that stand out in a saturated advertising environment. The agency has already secured a few key accounts.

WebX IMS gets communications mandate for Ecofinity

Ecofinity, a clean energy startup, has appointed WebX Integrated Marketing Solutions (WebX IMS) as its strategic communications partner. WebX IMS will manage Ecofinity's brand communications across digital, social, and public relations channels.

Ecofinity focuses on biogas, waste-to-energy, and future mobility solutions. The partnership with WebX IMS aims to enhance Ecofinity's communication efforts in the clean energy sector.

WebX IMS, an integrated brand communications agency, sees this collaboration as its entry into the clean energy and renewables industry. The agency will work to elevate Ecofinity's brand and drive engagement with its target audience.

MAIA Estates hires Sanaa Ruia as creative director

MAIA Estates has appointed Sanaa Ruia as its new creative director to enhance design and innovation in real estate.

Ruia holds a postgraduate degree in luxury marketing from the London School of Arts and has nearly two decades of experience in luxury branding. She founded Nomada, an accessories brand present in over 35 global luxury stores.

Her previous work includes corporate solutions for clients like Estée Lauder and Vistara Airlines. Ruia has also collaborated with MAIA Estates on design projects, giving her insight into the company's brand identity.

In her new role, Ruia will oversee marketing strategies, project branding, and interior design as MAIA Estates aims to redefine premium real estate.

Netcore Cloud appoints Siddharth Gopalkrishnan as COO

Netcore Cloud has appointed Siddharth Gopalkrishnan as its chief operating officer (COO) to support its global expansion and revenue growth. The company aims to achieve $200 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) within the next three years.

Siddharth Gopalkrishnan, an IIM Bangalore graduate, brings over 16 years of experience from McKinsey & Co, where he worked on digital initiatives across sectors including e-commerce, financial services, and healthcare.

In his new role, Gopalkrishnan will focus on improving customer engagement, retention, and personalisation strategies while refining the company's go-to-market approach. He will also work on increasing operational efficiency and strengthening strategic partnerships to expand Netcore Cloud's global presence.

Sinch partners with MoEngage for customer engagement

Sinch has announced a partnership with MoEngage to enhance customer engagement capabilities for businesses. Sinch will join MoEngage's Catalyst Partner Program, aiming to provide businesses with seamless communication solutions.

The partnership will integrate Sinch's communication APIs and MoEngage's customer engagement platform, enabling brands to engage customers across multiple channels. This collaboration will help businesses streamline their communication processes and improve customer experience through real-time communication and advanced analytics.

The partnership is expected to boost businesses' marketing, service, support, and payment interactions. By leveraging Sinch and MoEngage’s combined technologies, companies can create connected experiences that improve operational efficiency and customer engagement.

Spinta Digital opens Hyderabad office

Spinta Digital has opened its office in Hyderabad. With this new branch, the company aims to provide services to local businesses, targeting Hyderabad’s fast growing market. The company plans to collaborate with local enterprises to deliver its customised marketing solutions and services.

Spinta Digital is a marketing agency that specialises in corporate branding, digital marketing, content creation, and lead generation. It works with brands across sectors, using data-driven strategies to enhance customer engagement and brand awareness.

Wondrlab wins creative mandate for Blue Heaven

Wondrlab, a martech company, has secured the brand mandate for Blue Heaven, an Indian cosmetics brand. The partnership will focus on rebranding Blue Heaven to appeal to a younger audience and enhance its market presence.

Wondrlab will employ a full-funnel marketing approach to manage the brand's creative reinvention. The collaboration will begin with a festive campaign featuring new concepts and strategies to expand Blue Heaven's consumer base. With over 50 years in the cosmetics industry, Blue Heaven continues to evolve its brand through this initiative.

Crosshairs bags PR mandate for India Today Conclave

Crosshairs Communication has secured the public relations mandate for the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2024. The event is set to take place on September 25-26 at Taj Lands End.

Crosshairs will manage key messaging and communication strategies for the conclave, continuing its partnership with the event, which spans over a decade. The conclave will feature various political figures and celebrities, including Nitin Gadkari, Chirag Paswan, Ajit Pawar, Saif Ali Khan, Kartik Aryan, Kiran Rao, and Richa Chadha.

FCB Ulka appoints Ajay Ravindran as national planning director

FCB Ulka, part of FCB Group India, has appointed Ajay Ravindran as its national planning director.

Ravindran's experience spans across brand strategy, advertising, social media, content, media planning, and market research. He specialises in new-age planning, bringing together storytelling, social media culture, and technology. In his previous role as head of brand marketing for Razorpay, he executed innovative strategies rolling out campaigns that integrated technology, creativity, and storytelling.

During his career, Ravindran has worked on brands including Unilever, Britannia, Colgate, Vodafone-Idea, Dell, Titan, TVS, 3M, and many others. A multi-time EFFIE award winner, he has led planning teams in agencies like Ogilvy, VML, MullenLowe Lintas Group, and Grey.

PRtainment bags PR mandate for Crown Rice 

PRtainment Media and Communications has been appointed as the official PR partner for DRRK Foods’ flagship brand, Crown Rice. The partnership aims to strengthen Crown Rice’s market presence across India by showcasing its basmati rice. PRtainment will implement an integrated PR strategy, promoting the brand through traditional and digital platforms.

This collaboration marks a strategic step for Crown Rice, as PRtainment plans to elevate the brand's visibility and engage a larger audience. With a focus on health-conscious consumers, the partnership is aimed at boosting Crown Rice’s standing in the premium rice segment.