Moves and wins roundup: Week of 29 July

Ajay Singh promoted as HRX business and marketing head 

HRX, a homegrown fitness brand co-founded by actor Hrithik Roshan and Exceed Entertainment, has promoted Ajay Singh to business and marketing head. In this new role, he will oversee the brand's strategic direction and marketing initiatives.

Singh has been with HRX for several years, contributing significantly to its growth and market presence. He has played a key role in expanding the brand through collaborations, including partnerships with EATFIT, HRX Café, and HRX Gyms with Cult.fit.  

Ritesh Khosla appointed as general counsel of Sony Pictures Networks India

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has appointed Ritesh Khosla as the new general counsel, effective September 1, 2024. Khosla, who succeeds Ashok Nambissan following his retirement, brings over two decades of experience in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, litigation, and intellectual property rights. Prior to this role, he served as the deputy general counsel at SPNI for six years.

In his new position, Khosla will oversee the company's corporate relations, legal and regulatory affairs, secretarial, and standards and practices functions. He will also provide legal guidance, manage the company's legal risks, and serve as SPNI's ombudsperson.

Additionally, Khosla will lead initiatives to enhance SPNI's compliance framework, particularly in digital and intellectual property rights, strengthen legal infrastructure in international markets, and oversee corporate social responsibility initiatives. His focus on mentoring and developing emerging legal talent reflects his commitment to the organisation's future growth and integrity.

Taboola executive Akshay Singh launches BlueOrbit

Akshay Singh, formerly the APAC account management lead at Taboola, has announced the launch of BlueOrbit, a new digital marketing company. Specialising in performance marketing and arbitrage, it will offer tailored digital strategies for businesses worldwide. Drawing from over five years of industry experience, Singh plans to leverage his expertise in market dynamics to drive measurable results for clients.

BlueOrbit will focus on the latest strategies and technology, including AI, to optimise client growth. It will cater to various industries, utilising a data-driven approach to maximise ROI and enhance brand presence.

Origami Creative has partnered with communication and change management expert Dr Aniisu K Verghese to enhance brand solutions for global capability centers (GCCs) in India. The Indian GCC market is expanding rapidly, with projections of 800 new centers within six years, contributing significantly to the country's GDP and employment. Dr. Verghese brings over 24 years of experience in internal communications and personal branding, having worked with organisations like Tesco and Accenture. The partnership aims to strengthen employer branding and employee experience, leveraging Dr. Verghese's expertise to help clients achieve greater brand recognition and reputation.

The collaboration has already seen results, with a recent project involving an audit and competitor analysis for a global brand. Dr. Verghese's recent move to Sydney and his background, including several notable publications and awards, position him to provide strategies for global organisations seeking to enhance their internal communications and branding efforts.

Wavemaker India wins integrated media mandate for Taco Bell

Wavemaker India has secured the integrated media mandate for Taco Bell, an American fast-food chain known for its Mexican-inspired cuisine. The account will be managed from Wavemaker's Delhi office, with the agency tasked with developing and executing media strategies across various online and offline channels. The partnership aims to enhance Taco Bell's brand visibility and position it as a leading player in India's fast-food market.

In collaboration with Media.Monks and Creativeland Productions, Wavemaker launched Taco Bell's large-scale campaign 'Loaded with More,' promoting new menu items like the 'Loaded with More Crispy Chalupa Taco' and '7 Layer' burrito. The campaign focuses on offering an enriched dining experience with more flavours, variety, and value. Taco Bell, which has over 130 restaurants in India, continues to expand its presence and aims to provide memorable dining experiences for Indian consumers.

Segumento strengthens leadership team with strategic appointments

Segumento, an AI-based data intelligence platform, has announced two key leadership appointments. Anupama Mishra joins as head of agency sales and partnerships, bringing over 12 years of experience in various media roles, including Times Internet and TV Today. Her focus will be on enhancing relationships with advertising agencies. Aniket Soman has been appointed as head of partnerships and alliances, with 17 years of experience in companies like Vodafone and HSBC. He will work on building data partnerships and digital alliances.

These appointments are part of Segumento's strategy to expand its market presence and service offerings, particularly in India and Indonesia. The company aims to position itself as a leader in data intelligence and strategic partnerships, leveraging the expertise of its new team members to drive growth and innovation.

TuneIn and India Today Group partner to stream Indian news worldwide

TuneIn has partnered with India Today Group to broadcast live audio streams of three major Indian news channels—India Today, Good News Today, and Aaj Tak—to a global audience. This partnership allows India Today Group to monetise its content and reach listeners worldwide through TuneIn’s platform. The 24/7 audio simulcast ensures that people around the world can stay updated with the latest news from India.

TuneIn’s expertise in distributing global news content will extend the reach of India Today Group’s broadcasts, adding to its portfolio of international news streams from networks like CNN and Al Jazeera. This collaboration aims to provide accessible and reliable Indian news to a broader audience.

Century Pulp and Paper appoints Vector Brand Solutions as communications agency

Century Pulp & Paper (CPP), part of the Aditya Birla Group and a key player in the paper, board, tissue, and pulp markets, has appointed Vector Brand Solutions as its brand and communications agency on record. Vector, a Mumbai-based brand-first full-funnel creative agency under Quotient Ventures, will handle CPP's portfolio to enhance its brand and communications strategy.

CPP, which began operations in 1984, is known for its commitment to sustainability and high-quality, eco-friendly products. This partnership aims to leverage Vector's strategic and creative expertise to engage consumers and support CPP's growth objectives, fostering a stronger brand presence in the domestic and export markets.

FCB Kinnect elevates Kejal Teckchandani to executive vice president–influencer outreach

FCB Kinnect has announced the promotion of Kejal Teckchandani to executive vice president–influencer outreach. In addition to Teckchandani’s promotion, Mala Sharma has been elevated to assistant vice president–influencer outreach. 

Teckchandani, who joined the agency in 2017, has been instrumental in the development of Kinnect Outreach, which has consistently been recognised as the ‘Influencer Marketing Agency of the Year’ by Campaign Asia and bagged awards from Cannes Lions, Clios, One Shows, and D&AD for campaigns including Vigil Aunty (HDFC Bank) and Chatpat (SOSCVI).

Juggernaut Productions expands into TV production

Juggernaut Productions, part of IN10 Media Network, is expanding into television production. Known for OTT shows like CodeM and The Married Woman, the production house aims to deliver high-quality TV content across various genres.

Dipti Kalwani, with over 20 years of media industry experience, will lead the new TV production vertical as senior vice president for TV and AVOD. This move is part of Juggernaut's broader strategy to diversify its content offerings, including documentaries, to cater to a wider audience and solidify its presence in the entertainment industry.

Jajabor Brand Consultancy secures PR mandate for Wellbeing Nutrition 

Jajabor Brand Consultancy (JBC) has been appointed as the strategic communications partner for Wellbeing Nutrition, a wellness brand known for products like Melts and vegan collagen. The collaboration aims to enhance consumer engagement through integrated communication strategies across PR, digital platforms, and brand properties.

The partnership with JBC aligns with the company's goal of addressing consumer needs through scalable, impactful campaigns. The agency will work on building and executing communication strategies to strengthen Wellbeing Nutrition's brand presence and consumer dialogue, emphasising beauty, sports, and performance categories.

SW Network secures digital mandate for Haier Appliances India

Integrated advertising agency, SW Network, has secured the digital mandate for Haier Appliances India. This partnership aims to enhance the brand's awareness and drive business growth through strategic social media marketing, content marketing, and website development services. The mandate was awarded following a multi-agency pitch and will be managed by SW Network’s Delhi headquarters.

Haier Appliances India, a global manufacturer of consumer appliances, seeks to maintain a dynamic and engaging brand image across digital platforms. SW Network will execute a comprehensive social media strategy designed to resonate with modern Indian consumers, consolidating the company's position as a household name in the Indian market.

NeoNiche onboards Kaizzen as strategic communications partner 

NeoNiche, a digital-first full-service marketing company, has announced its partnership with Kaizzen as its new public relations partner. The latter will develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy aimed at enhancing NeoNiche's brand awareness, media relations, and corporate reputation.

This partnership is set to leverage Kaizzen's PR expertise to support NeoNiche’s growth plans through strategic initiatives and targeted campaigns. NeoNiche aims to be one of India's top full-service marketing companies by 2025, focusing on people practices, customer satisfaction, and revenue generation. With Kaizzen's collaboration, it seeks to amplify its visibility, foster meaningful industry conversations, and further its mission of delivering groundbreaking solutions in a rapidly evolving market.

Experience Commerce wins digital and media mandate for Eveready

Experience Commerce (EC), part of the Cheil Network, has been awarded the digital and media mandate for Eveready Industries India Ltd. The Mumbai-based agency will handle a range of services including social media management, online reputation management, SEO, website maintenance, and media planning and buying for Eveready’s battery, flashlights, and lighting divisions.

The agency’s role will involve enhancing Eveready’s digital presence through targeted strategies and interactive content. Experience Commerce will manage the company's website and oversee its social media platforms to improve brand visibility and engagement, aiming to drive both digital interaction and revenue growth.

Admatazz strengthens digital strategy team with new appointments and promotions 

Admatazz, a Mumbai-based digital agency, has bolstered its digital strategy team with new appointments and promotions. Janvi Kothari and Zahadali Tinwala have been appointed to senior positions, while Yashvi Shah has been elevated to senior account strategist.

Kothari, with six years of experience, joins as a senior account strategist from Schbang, focusing on automobile, education, and jewellery brands. Tinwala also brings six years of digital and marketing experience, having worked with brands like BGauss Electric and ICICI Bank.

Shah, previously a senior social media manager at Admatazz, has been promoted to senior account strategist. She was recognised for her role in BFSI digital marketing and her role in the Tata AIA wedding campaign.

Strategic Growth Advisors successfully rebrands US Pharma 

Communication consultancy agency Strategic Growth Advisors (SGA) has successfully rebranded US Pharma India through its creative arm, SGA Capture Life. The rebranding effort includes a new logo that embodies the company's innovation and commitment to affordable healthcare, highlighting the company's dynamic identity.

The rebranding by SGA involved extensive market research, strategic planning, and creative execution. The new logo, featuring orange and blue colors, symbolizes innovation, reliability, and progress, reflecting US Pharma’s future ambitions and dedication to quality healthcare solutions. A manufacturer of pharmaceutical formulations in India, the company has expanded its product offerings significantly under the leadership of Haresh Sanghvi and Tapan Sanghvi. With over three decades of industry expertise, it serves markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. 

Collective Artists Network to build brand awareness of gaming studio Parallel Studios

Collective Artists Network has announced an exclusive partnership with gaming studio Parallel Studios. It will represent Parallel Studios in building brand awareness, conducting audience and consumer research, creating brand and media partnerships, and promoting social media storytelling. This alliance aims to attract new players and build a community around the studio's offerings.

Parallel Studios, staffed by stakeholder from companies like Blizzard and Riot Games, leverages blockchain and NFT technology to develop games, movies, and more, including its award-winning digital trading card game, Parallel. This partnership with Collective Artists Network is a step to expand its reach and redefine the trading card game space, particularly in the Indian market.

Dentsu bolsters APAC leadership team

Dentsu has promoted Ganga Chirravuri to president of product and development in APAC and hired Matt Farrington as president of investment and trading in APAC.

Chirravuri joined Dentsu in March 2023 and in his new role, will continue to drive the strategic development of Dentsu’s digital and data product portfolios. He will lead a team of engineers to build customisable solutions to client, brand, and market needs and drive incremental performance improvement of client ad dollars. Farrington will focus on developing media investment solutions that deliver outcomes for clients, build capabilities within Dentsu’s disciplines, and strengthen relationships with key partners.

82.5 Communications bags the creative mandate for Mother’s Recipe

Indian food brand Mother’s Recipe has appointed 82.5 Communications to handle its creative mandate. The Mumbai office of the agency will manage the brand’s full-service creative duties, following a competitive pitch.

Since its inception in 2001, Mother’s Recipe has been recognised for its ethnic food offerings in India and globally. Its collaboration with 82.5 Communications is aimed at deepening the brand's connection with its audience by emphasising traditional Indian flavours and adapting to contemporary consumer preferences. 

Former Mindshare APAC executive Sidharth Parashar launches Nestassured Realty

Sidharth Parashar, the former chief investment officer at Mindshare APAC, has launched real estate consulting firm Nestassured Realty. Partnering with Aveen Dhall, who brings experience in broadcast sales and real estate, the firm will offer customised solutions for buying, selling, and leasing properties.

Nestassured Realty plans to enhance client investment returns through advanced property tech solutions and personalised services. The company will use tools such as AI-driven analytics, advanced inventory management software, and virtual client experiences to improve client engagement and decision-making.