Moves and wins roundup: Week of 4 Nov

Brandcom PR unveils new identity 

Brandcom PR, previously known as Brand-Comm, has rebranded to mark its 26th anniversary. The agency revealed a modern logo in blue and red, reflecting its focus on precision, creativity, and forward-thinking. The rebranding follows the recent overhaul of parent company Madison World's brand identity.

Brandcom PR, which has expanded across seven markets, provides PR services to sectors such as education, manufacturing, and healthcare. The company aims to align more closely with Madison World while continuing to evolve in the competitive public relations landscape.

Clarity Communication secures PR mandate for Farmery

Farmery, a D2C brand focused on farm-to-fork model, has partnered with Clarity Communication to enhance its PR efforts. The agency will promote Farmery's focus on sustainability, transparency, and the farm-to-fork model, which offers fresh, organic produce through an online platform.

The partnership will focus on media relations, storytelling campaigns, and digital PR to increase visibility and help position Farmery as the go-to source for ethically sourced food in India.

NXTDIGITAL appoints Rajiv Bhargava as its CFO 

NXTDIGITAL, part of the Hinduja Global Solutions group, has appointed Rajiv Bhargava as its chief financial officer (CFO). Rajiv brings over 30 years of experience across industries such as media, FMCG, and banking.

In his new role, he will oversee financial strategy and help drive operational efficiency and business transformation, particularly as the company explores new growth phases.

AnyMind Group launches gen-AI powered live commerce platform

AnyMind Group has introduced AnyLive, a generative AI-powered live commerce platform to help businesses run 24x7 live streams with virtual hosts in multiple languages.

The platform helps overcome challenges like cross-border expansion and talent shortages in live commerce by offering AI-generated live streamers, automated scripts, and data analytics for optimization. Early results from pilot projects with brands like *Evian* show significant cost reductions and increased engagement.

Goldmine Advertising wins social and digital media mandate for Canara Bank

Goldmine Advertising* has been appointed to manage the social and digital media strategy for Canara Bank. The agency will work on elevating the bank's digital presence, particularly among younger consumers, by creating impactful social media campaigns and community engagement strategies.

The partnership aims to position Canara Bank as a digital-first, forward-thinking brand in India’s competitive banking sector.

8Bit Creatives partners with NODWIN for DreamHack India

8Bit Creatives has partnered with NODWIN Gaming to be the exclusive talent partner for DreamHack India 2024, scheduled for 15th to 17th November 2024 at the Hitex Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad. The collaboration will see 8Bit Creatives leverage its roster of prominent gaming influencers to engage with audiences ahead of and during the event.

DreamHack India, one of the largest gaming festivals in the country, will feature a variety of activities, including esports tournaments, cosplay, music concerts, and other entertainment events.

8Bit Creatives will provide exclusive content and meet-and-greet opportunities for attendees. The event marks the fifth edition of DreamHack India, which has become a major highlight in the Indian gaming calendar. This partnership builds on 8Bit Creatives' previous collaboration with NODWIN Gaming during DreamHack India 2022.

ThinkROI wins Mr. DIY’s digital media mandate

Digital media agency ThinkROI has been appointed as the digital media partner for home improvement retailer Mr. DIY, aiming to expand the brand’s reach and recognition in the Indian market. Leveraging ThinkROI's expertise in branding, creative services, and performance marketing, this collaboration seeks to amplify Mr. DIY's visibility and engagement with Indian consumers, positioning it as a go-to destination for home improvement.

Rupinder Singh, ThinkROI’s chief business officer, highlighted the partnership’s focus on redefining the home improvement concept in India, while Sarada Prasad, ThinkROI's chief growth officer, expressed excitement for the opportunity to transform perceptions of the sector through digital innovation. Mr. DIY India’s CEO, Maneesh Sharma, emphasised the goal of becoming a household name, appealing to families across the country.  

Promodome Communications to manage Kho Kho World Cup campaign

Promodome Communications has been appointed to handle the advertising and digital strategy for the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, scheduled for January 2025. The agency will manage branding, marketing, and digital campaigns to raise the profile of the event both in India and globally.

As part of its mandate, Promodome has also designed the event’s logo and promotional materials. The World Cup will feature top Kho Kho athletes from over 24 countries. Promodome's efforts aim to bring global attention to the sport and celebrate its international appeal.

Brand Street Integrated expands with Kerala office

Brand Street Integrated has launched its new operations in Kerala, expanding its presence in Southern India. The company, known for its experiential and integrated marketing services, aims to offer localized solutions to brands in the region. The Kerala office will provide a full range of marketing services, including digital, rural, and OOH advertising.

Led by Rajinikanth Manickam and Joe Matthew, the new division seeks to deliver tailored campaigns that resonate with local consumers. This expansion follows the success of the company’s operations in Hyderabad and is part of its broader strategy to strengthen its Southern footprint.

Rishabh Pant hires Anant Arora, Indranil Blah for brand management

Indian cricketer, Rishabh Pant has appointed Anant Arora and Indranil Blah to manage his off-field brand engagements. The duo, both renowned in the sports and athlete brand management industry, will handle Pant's commercial ventures, including endorsements, appearances, digital initiatives, and licensing, excluding his playing contracts.

The partnership aims to leverage Pant’s popularity and relatable persona, enhancing his brand presence across multiple platforms. Pant, known for his determination and leadership both on and off the field, is expected to see his brand grow under the strategic guidance of Arora and Blah. Arora, an experienced marketing professional, has worked on over 500 brand campaigns and managed several top celebrities, while Blah brings over two decades of experience in sports and talent management, having worked with high-profile figures and sports organisations in India.

Mana Projects appoints Sharath Hari as marketing head

Mana Projects has appointed Sharath Hari as its new Head of Marketing. Sharath, who holds a Masters degree in marketing and a postgraduate diploma in business management from Deakin Business School, Australia, brings nearly 20 years of experience in brand management, corporate communications, and business strategy.

Before joining Mana Projects, he was corporate communications and brand head at Namdhari Group and held senior roles at Teamwork’s Media and Prestige Constructions. His experience spans key business areas, including public relations and brand reputation management.

Sharath will oversee the company’s marketing efforts in his new role, aiming to enhance its visibility and impact in the competitive real estate market. Mana Projects, based in Bangalore, is known for its commitment to luxury residential developments. Sharath's appointment is part of the company's strategy to strengthen its marketing initiatives and further its growth.

Rediffusion secures creative mandate for Nippon India Mutual Fund

Rediffusion Brand Solutions has been appointed as the creative agency of record for Nippon India Mutual Fund (NIMF) following a competitive, multi-round pitch process. The collaboration aims to strengthen NIMF’s brand positioning within India’s mutual fund sector, one of the country's most competitive financial services markets.

Rediffusion’s strategic approach, which focuses on delivering insight-driven campaigns, will support NIMF in standing out as a trusted investment partner. Key to winning this mandate was Rediffusion’s deep understanding of the mutual fund landscape and its ability to adapt to changing market demands, a quality that aligns well with NIMF's goals.

Rediffusion's creative team will prioritise transparency, process, and discipline in its brand narrative, with an approach designed to resonate with a diverse audience. Moving away from traditional emotional messaging, the agency is set to introduce a bold aesthetic that highlights the disciplined nature of investment.  

Makani Creatives secures creative mandate for Florsheim India 

Florsheim, a heritage footwear brand with over 130 years of history, has appointed Makani Creatives as its agency for brand development and communication in India. This partnership aligns with Florsheim's new product line and retail strategy as the brand seeks to expand its presence in the Indian market. Makani will work to modernise Florsheim's image across digital and traditional platforms to resonate with contemporary consumers.

Pavan Punjabi, chief integration officer at Makani, expressed enthusiasm for working with the legacy brand, highlighting the timing as Florsheim pivots toward future growth. Sunil Renukaiah, business head of Florsheim India, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the agency’s role in engaging Indian audiences. Founded in 1892 in Chicago, Florsheim continues to balance its commitment to quality with innovation, aiming to capture a broader audience in the evolving footwear market.

Flags Communications secures Interem PR mandate

Interem Relocations has selected Flags Communications to manage its public relations work, expanding its decade-long partnership with the firm. Flags Communications, already providing a full suite of marketing communications to Interem, will also oversee all public relations activities, aiming to strengthen Interem's brand visibility and reputation in the global relocation sector.

Flags aims to amplify Interem Relocations' media presence through targeted public relations efforts, showcasing the company's solutions. 

Sokrati, VWO collaborate for digital experience optimisation services

Sokrati has partnered with VWO to enhance digital experience optimisation for clients. This collaboration combines Sokrati's data-driven growth strategies with VWO's expertise in A/B testing and conversion rate optimisation, aiming to help Indian brands improve customer engagement.

The partnership will provide connected solutions by integrating VWO’s optimisation platform with Sokrati’s media expertise. Alliance partners will enable brands to gain insights into customer behaviour and make informed decisions through a data-centric approach. The partners believe that their clients will benefit from improved web and app experiences, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.

Rajveer Ahuja to lead film and entertainment division of PR Professionals

PR Professionals has appointed Rajveer Ahuja as the director of its film and entertainment division. Ahuja has over 20 years of experience in filmmaking, writing, and direction. His career includes acting and writing in the film 'Gollu Aur Pappu' (Gollu and Pappu) and serving as dialogue writer for 'Fugly'. He has contributed to various films such as 'Modiji ki Beti' (Modiji's Daughter), 'Cheel Gadi' (Flying Car), and 'The Last Show', among others. Ahuja has produced the musical series 'Bhoomi' (Earth) by Salim-Sulaiman and has worked on advertisements, including one featuring AR Rahman and a commercial with Shahrukh Khan.

The new division under Ahuja’s leadership aims to expand PR Professionals' influence in the film and entertainment industry. The agency has also worked on publicity for recent Bollywood films like 'Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar' (You are a Liar, I am a Trickster) and 'Dream Girl 2'. Established in 2011, PR Professionals is an integrated communications agency with 12 offices in India and six international locations, focusing on branding and public relations solutions.

Abhishek Gulyani named Zeno Group India MD and APAC head

Zeno Group has appointed Abhishek Gulyani as managing director for India and head of corporate affairs for Asia-Pacific. He will oversee the agency's teams in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, and will report to Paul Mottram, Zeno's regional president for Asia Pacific. He joins Zeno's regional and global leadership teams, bringing significant expertise from his previous role as CEO at Hill & Knowlton India, where he drove growth and introduced new services. He has also held leadership roles at Avian WE and Genesis Burson Marsteller, and worked with American Express in Public Affairs.

In his new role, Gulyani aims to further Zeno’s growth by leveraging its innovative and entrepreneurial culture, working closely with teams across India and Asia-Pacific to push creative boundaries and deliver measurable results. His focus will be on crafting impactful narratives and campaigns aligned with current cultural trends. This appointment follows the departure of Rekha Rao, who led Zeno in India since 2020 and has left to pursue other opportunities.