Moves and wins roundup: Week of 7 Oct

Sunil Kataria re-elected as ISA chairman

The Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) has re-elected Sunil Kataria, managing director of Raymond Lifestyle, as its chairman for 2024-25. Kataria has led the ISA for eight years, strengthening its role in advocating for advertisers across India.

Kataria plans to advance digital measurement and media charter initiatives, focusing on areas like ad fraud prevention, brand safety, and data standards. The ISA also intends to collaborate with organisations such as ASCI and BARC to enhance transparency and efficiency in advertising.

The ISA executive council includes leaders from companies like Hindustan Unilever, Maruti Suzuki, and ITC, reflecting a broad industry representation. The organisation has served as a national body for advertisers for over 72 years, working closely with other industry bodies to support the interests of advertisers in India.

Ayushakti partners with Treize Communications

Ayurvedic health centre Ayushakti has appointed Treize Communications to manage its public relations and communications. Treize Communications will handle online and offline PR for Ayushakti, enhancing the brand’s presence in new-age media. Ayushakti, co-founded by Ayurvedic physician Smita Naram, has a global reach, promoting Ayurveda in regions including Asia, Europe, and the USA.

Established in 1987, the company aims to strengthen its digital and print media presence through this partnership. Treize Communications, founded in 2015, brings expertise in strategic media placements and will support Ayushakti’s long-term brand growth.

MIKADO unveils new brand identity

Digital design studio MIKADO has launched a new brand identity, affirming its position as a global leader in human-centred digital design. Established in 2015, the company works with over 200 clients globally, including brands like Flipkart and Media Corp. The rebranding emphasises MIKADO’s focus on creating digital experiences that connect deeply with users.

MIKADO offers services ranging from social media management to blockchain development, and has expanded its presence in Australia and India. The company aims to integrate advanced technologies like AI and AR to deliver innovative solutions across industries.

Abundantia selects Branquila for communications

Abundantia Entertainment has appointed Branquila Brand Ventures to manage its corporate brand and communications strategy. Branquila will oversee public relations, digital marketing, and creative communication for Abundantia.

This move comes as Abundantia seeks to expand its presence in the entertainment industry following successful projects, including films like Baby and Shakuntala Devi and series such as Breathe. Branquila aims to enhance the brand’s visibility and support its long-term growth strategy in the content creation landscape.

Invengene partners with Landor India for rebranding

Brand consultancy Landor has partnered with Invengene to redefine the pharmaceutical company’s brand identity. The collaboration focuses on positioning Invengene as a catalyst for growth in the injectables market. Landor developed Invengene’s new visual identity, reflecting the company’s commitment to precision and innovation.

The rebranding includes the introduction of CalMarks, highlighting the reliability of Invengene’s products. Invengene aims to revolutionise the injectables market, addressing industry challenges and enhancing healthcare outcomes through this transformation.

Ashley Madison taps Pitchfork Partners for India PR

Ashley Madison, the global married dating platform, has selected Pitchfork Partners Strategic Consulting as its communications agency in India. Pitchfork will manage the company’s public relations, social, and digital strategies as it expands its operations in the country.

With a focus on privacy and discretion, Ashley Madison operates in 45 countries and has over 85 million users. The partnership aims to position Ashley Madison as a discreet platform for personal exploration, tailored to India’s cultural context.

Crosshairs Communications wins Thomas Goode's PR contract

Crosshairs Communication has secured the public relations mandate for British luxury tableware brand Thomas Goode & Co as it enters the Indian market. Established in 1827, Thomas Goode is known for its bespoke porcelain, bone china, and glassware, serving European nobility and the British Royal Family.

Crosshairs will manage the brand's PR strategy and communications for its launch in India, including the opening of a flagship store in Mumbai. The agency aims to position Thomas Goode as a leading destination for luxury tableware in India, building on its existing expertise in luxury public relations.

DDB Mudra appoints Priya Shivakumar as creative head for South region 

DDB Mudra has appointed Priya Shivakumar as its new creative head for the South region. With over two decades of experience, she joins from Wunderman Thompson, where she served as chief creative officer (South). Her work has garnered numerous awards, including Cannes Lions and D&AD Pencils, most notably for her campaign 'Hidden Truth' addressing domestic violence.

In her new role, Shivakumar will collaborate with Rahul Mathew, chief creative officer, and Menaka Menon, president–growth and strategy, to enhance DDB Mudra's creative offerings in the South. Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen DDB Mudra’s regional presence and enhance its ability to deliver culturally nuanced campaigns. Her experience in blending storytelling with technology and craft will be key in advancing the agency’s vision for the Southern markets.  

Magicbricks appoints Prasun Kumar as CMO

Prasun Kumar has been appointed chief marketing officer at Magicbricks, a real estate aggregation portal. Previously, he served as Business Head for New Revenue Verticals and Head of Operations, Digital Marketing, and Quality Assurance. In his new role, Kumar will manage the company’s marketing, research, and editorial functions while also overseeing several strategic revenue verticals.

Before returning to Magicbricks in 2023, he held the position of Chief Marketing Officer at Justdial. With over two decades of experience, Kumar has held leadership roles at companies including Reliance Communications, Sony Mobile Communications, MTS, Levi Strauss & Co., Madison Communications, and McCann Worldgroup.

Gozoop, Vicara PR form JV

Gozoop Group has established a joint venture with Vicara PR to create a new public relations division. This collaboration aims to enhance Gozoop’s service offerings and drive growth through strategic mergers and acquisitions. The partnership will combine Vicara PR’s public relations expertise with Gozoop’s digital marketing capabilities, targeting a 100% growth in the next 12 months.

The venture is designed to meet the needs of new-age brands by providing specialised public relations services. This move aligns with Gozoop’s ongoing strategy of expanding through joint ventures and acquisitions, which began with the acquisition of Red Digital in 2013.

PVR-INOX partners with Khushi Advertising

PVR-INOX has entered into a five-year advertising partnership with Khushi Advertising Ideas to manage cinema advertising in South India. Khushi Advertising, the largest cinema advertising concessionaire in India, will serve as the exclusive ad-sales affiliate for the region. This collaboration aims to strengthen PVR-INOX’s market share in cinema advertising, which is projected to grow by 12% this year.

The partnership reflects confidence in the cinema advertising market, which saw a growth rate of 36% last year. This strategic alliance is expected to enhance advertising revenue for both companies and improve brand engagement through impactful advertising campaigns.

Salim Khubchandani joins SRV Media

SRV Media has appointed Salim Khubchandani to a strategic advisory role, where he will work with the company’s leadership to identify growth opportunities and drive initiatives. He will focus on enhancing SRV Media's market position through consumer data analysis and marketing strategy optimisation.

Khubchandani brings experience in marketing analytics and consumer insights, which he will use to help clients leverage data for improved marketing effectiveness. His role involves close collaboration with the company's functional heads as SRV Media aims to expand its operations.

Mavericks India secures CHOSEN contract

The Mavericks India has won the integrated communications mandate for CHOSEN, a skincare startup targeting Indian skin types. Founded by Dr Renita Rajan in 2020, CHOSEN offers cosmeceuticals and nutri-cosmetics tailored for Skin of Colour, focusing on products free from endocrine disruptors.

The Mavericks India will manage media outreach, campaign planning, and strategic counsel for CHOSEN as it prepares to launch additional products next year. This partnership aligns with CHOSEN's mission to promote long-term skin health based on scientific research and data-driven insights.

Vigor Media Worldwide to lead Renny’s PR

Vigor Media Worldwide has been appointed to handle the public relations for Renny, an Indian manufacturer of steel pipes and scaffolding. Vigor Media will develop a strategic communications plan to strengthen Renny's brand and expand its market presence.

Renny, which produces MS and GI pipes and offers building materials, aims to enhance its global footprint by increasing production capacity and setting up international warehouses. Vigor Media, with its cross-sector expertise, will support Renny's growth in both domestic and international markets.

HealthKart partners with KlugKlug

HealthKart, a subsidiary of Bright Lifecare, has partnered with KlugKlug to enhance its influencer marketing outreach. This collaboration aims to provide insights into influencers, enabling HealthKart to make data-driven decisions in its marketing strategies.

KlugKlug's platform will assist HealthKart in identifying relevant influencers, optimising brand visibility and reach. The platform claims to be increasing campaign efficiency by 60-80%. HealthKart's brands, including MuscleBlaze, is expected to benefit from KlugKlug's data analysis capabilities that assure cost and efficiency improvements.

LS Digital collaborates with DataMorph

LS Digital has announced a collaboration with DataMorph to enhance AI readiness for enterprises. The collaboration aims to reduce data engineering time by 90%, allowing businesses to accelerate AI initiatives. Currently, enterprises spend 60% of their time on data engineering, a challenge that DataMorph's platform seeks to address through no-code and low-code solutions.

This partnership will help expand DataMorph's offerings beyond the US market, facilitating digital business transformation for clients. The collaboration is expected to streamline data management processes, improving data accuracy and compliance, thereby enabling businesses to navigate the data-driven landscape effectively.

Aarti Nagpal joins FCB Group India

FCB Group India has appointed Aarti Nagpal as chief talent officer. In this role, Nagpal will be responsible for developing and implementing the company’s talent strategy. She brings over 16 years of experience in culture-building and organisational transformation across various sectors.

Her focus will be on fostering a culture of growth and collaboration within the organisation.

The appointment comes as FCB Group aims to enhance its workforce capabilities in response to the evolving advertising landscape. Nagpal's expertise in managing diverse teams is expected to contribute to the development of a high-performing and inclusive organisational culture for FCB Group India.

Shailja Patyal returns to PRP Group

PRP Group has appointed Shailja Patyal as vice president of PR Professionals, marking her return to the senior leadership team. Patyal has over 16 years of experience in communications and marketing strategy. In her new role, she will focus on enhancing client management and engagement.

Before rejoining PRP Group, she held major roles at multinational companies, demonstrating her leadership skills. Patyal holds an Executive MBA degree from IIM Kolkata. Her return is anticipated to provide valuable strategic insights, contributing to PRP's ongoing growth and client relationship management efforts. PR Professionals, established in 2011, offers communications solutions.

Vadilal awards creative mandate to 82.5 Communications

Ice-cream stalwart Vadilal has awarded its creative mandate to 82.5 Communications for branding and packaging. The agency will handle the full creative duties for Vadilal’s entire portfolio, including design work for its packaging.

The partnership is expected to strengthen the vegetarian ice-cream brand’s position in India’s competitive ice cream market, with 82.5 Communications developing distinctive brand language and marketing strategies to appeal to consumers across age groups.

82.5 Communications, a part of the Ogilvy Group and WPP India’s youngest creative agency, specialises in brand stewardship, digital content, and production. The agency has its offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.

YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani co-founds OG Beauty

Indian YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani has co-founded OG Beauty, a beauty and wellness brand. Distinct from RENEE Cosmetics, its parent company, OG Beauty will focus on skincare and wellness products with Chanchlani playing an active role in product development and marketing.

Chanchlani’s involvement is expected to drive the brand’s growth by leveraging his large following and creative influence. As a co-founder, he will help shape the brand’s vision, which aims to offer affordable products that promote self-expression and self-care.

MMC hires Pratiksha Bugde as audit director

Media Marketing Compliance (MMC) has appointed Pratiksha Bugde as its new Audit Director in India, as part of its regional expansion. Bugde, who has experience with Ebiquity and Firm Decisions, brings a background in media and marketing audits, with expertise in helping clients optimise their investments.

MMC’s expansion in India aligns with growing demand for its services in the region. Bugde will join MMC’s team to support the firm’s client base and enhance local capabilities. The appointment reflects MMC’s commitment to meeting increasing client needs in a rapidly expanding market.

Headquartered in London, MMC provides media audit and consulting services globally. With India becoming a key growth area, Bugde’s role will involve close collaboration with local and regional teams to drive service delivery and support clients in maximising marketing efficiency.

Dusaan to support Salaam Baalak trust

Dusaan, an e-retailer, has partnered with Delhi’s Salaam Baalak Trust to support children in need during the festive season. Through Dusaan's Har Ghar Tyohaar campaign, a portion of sales will go to the Trust, providing essential services and care for children facing challenging circumstances.

Dusaan's collaboration will help the trust create welcoming spaces for vulnerable children. The partnership aims to provide vital resources such as food, clothing, educational materials, and utilities. Interested citizens can contribute to the cause by purchasing items listed under Har Ghar Tyohaar collection.

Salaam Baalak Trust operates seven shelter homes in Delhi, supporting 350 children and 300-350 receiving daycare services. It has supported over 38,000 children since its founding in 1988, offering rehabilitation and empowerment through healthcare, education, and vocational training.

Dentsu names Abhirup Datta as performance practice CEO

Dentsu India has appointed Abhirup Datta as CEO of performance media solutions, focusing on expanding its performance marketing capabilities to boost sales growth for Sokrati. Datta will lead the Dentsu Performance 2.0 initiative, which leverages AI, data analytics, and automation to deliver marketing solutions for regional and global clients.

With over 20 years of experience in sectors such as retail, telecom, and media, Datta has previously held leadership roles at ZEE5, Disney Star, and HT Media. Reporting to Anita Kotwani, CEO for media – South Asia, Datta will work with Nilesh Gohil, president of performance practice and CEO of Sokrati. He will focus on expanding market reach and developing new go-to-market strategies for the company.

Diageo extends partnership with Enormous

Diageo has renewed its contract with Enormous Brands to handle creative strategy and brand management for its five brands. The renewal follows a year of collaboration, where Enormous Brands delivered campaigns designed to boost brand visibility and consumer engagement across channels.

Under the renewed agreement, Enormous Brands will manage creative strategy and execution for Royal Challenge and Signature from Diageo’s prestige segment, and Singleton and Tanqueray from its Reserve portfolio. Don Julio, a high-end brand within the company’s luxury segment, has been added to Enormous Brands’ portfolio.

Diageo aims to capitalise on growing consumer interest in premium products in India. Enormous Brands will support Diageo in adapting to changing consumption trends by redefining category standards and exploring new growth avenues for its brands.

Former Tilt executives launch ZeroFifty Mediaworks

Rajiv Chatterjee, Shriram Iyer, and T Gangadhar have launched ZeroFifty Mediaworks, a marketing communications firm. ZeroFifty Mediaworks aims to simplify the agency model, offering human creativity-driven solutions to address brand challenges.

The three founders, previously associated with Tilt Brand Solutions, bring experience from various sectors, including advertising, media, and marketing. Chatterjee has worked with brands such as Britannia, Google, and Swiggy during his career. Iyer has over two decades of experience, handling clients like Unilever, Tata Tea, and ICICI Bank. Gangadhar has a background spanning 25 years, including roles at WPP/GroupM and Sony, where he contributed to the launch campaign for the Indian Premier League in 2008.

Get Marketed expands operations to Bengaluru

Marketing agency Get Marketed has expanded its operations to Bengaluru, aiming to support local F&B businesses with innovative digital marketing solutions. Besides its E-Mpact services, the agency offers SEO, social media marketing, content curation, and branding services. This expansion is part of Get Marketed’s broader strategy to enhance its footprint across India, particularly targeting the tech-savvy and vibrant F&B sector in Bengaluru. With a strong portfolio of over 100 clients in the food and beverage industry, the agency aims to replicate its success in the region by driving growth and brand identity for local businesses.