Tag: India

India –Punt Partners, an integrated marketing transformation firm specialising in martech, AI, and creative technology, has appointed Harsh Shah as managing director of Punt Creative, its creative services division.

Shah brings nearly two decades of experience in brand strategy, integrated campaigns, and creative storytelling. He has held leadership roles at agencies such as VML (formerly Wunderman Thompson) and Dentsu Webchutney.

Over the years, he has also worked with a wide range of brands, including Meta, Google, YouTube, Uber, Flipkart, HUL, P&G, Marico, Tinder, and Tanishq. His work has been recognised and awarded multiple times by various industry bodies.

Speaking on his appointment, Shah said, “Joining Punt Creative feels like a homecoming to everything I love—ideas that move people, a culture that encourages bold thinking, and an ecosystem that’s embracing the evolution of creativity with both arms. Punt’s vision to unify brand, content, commerce, AI and tech is rare and real. I’m thrilled to lead this next chapter with our incredible talent and founding leadership.”

Punt Creative is the creative services arm of Punt Partners, collaborating with clients to develop brand platforms, IPs, and digital-first campaigns. With an approach that integrates content, technology, data, and creativity, the division aims to offer a modern model of advertising for today’s evolving brands.

“Harsh is not only a creative leader but also a strategic thinker who understands the changing face of brand building. His energy, integrity, and deep industry insight will be instrumental as we continue to scale Punt Creative and bring our integrated vision to life,” said Madhu Sudhan, co-founder of Punt Partners.

“We built Punt Creative to challenge the status quo and create brand experiences that deliver impact across platforms. Harsh’s leadership will help us sharpen that promise. His ability to inspire teams and clients alike makes him the perfect partner for our next leap,” added Priyanka Agarwal, co-founder of Punt Partners.

India –Flipkart partnered with integrated advertising agency SW Network to launch an eye-catching experiential campaign at New Delhi’s Nexus Select Citywalk mall, showcasing the Motorola Edge 60’s built-in stylus through a live, large-scale doodle activation.

As part of the campaign, the courtyard at Nexus Select Citywalk was transformed into a large-scale live canvas, where artists used a giant stylus installation to create real-time doodles—demonstrating the stylus’s function beyond the confines of a screen.

With the mall being one of the busiest in the country, the activation naturally drew attention. Shoppers paused to watch the unfolding artwork, took photos and videos, and shared their reactions online, allowing the campaign to gain traction beyond the physical space and generate organic visibility across digital platforms.

The activation was also supported by a follow-up newspaper jacket, encouraging readers to engage with the stylus feature themselves and extending the campaign’s presence across traditional media.

Raghav Bagai, co-founder at SW Network, commented, “We believe creative ideas should solve real business needs. In this case, highlighting the stylus, quite literally, made the brand stand out and got people to sit up and take notice of an otherwise cluttered category. Mission accomplished.”

Shubham Chawla, director – Youthbeat at SW Network, added, “What looked like a simple doodle on the floor was actually the result of 12 hours of relentless effort and planning. But that’s the thing with good ideas; they often appear effortless, but making them real takes a whole lot of hard work behind the scenes.”

India – To mark Mother’s Day, DCM Shriram Foundation has launched a poignant digital campaign highlighting the urgent issue of high-risk pregnancies and the pressing need for accessible maternal healthcare in rural India.

Part of the Foundation’s Khushali Sehat (Mother & Child Health Program), the campaign brings attention to the challenges of maternal health in underserved communities, particularly the dangers of high-risk pregnancies and the need for timely medical intervention.

Central to the initiative is a short, emotionally driven film conceptualised by EFGH Brand Innovations and directed by Titus Upputuru. It follows Mohan, a young field worker assisting the Foundation’s Mobile Health Units (MHUs), which deliver antenatal and postnatal care to women in remote areas.

Through his work, Mohan identifies high-risk pregnancies and connects patients to nearby Community Health Centres (CHCs) for further treatment. But each encounter also reopens personal wounds—his mother died during a home birth, a reminder of the serious risks associated with non-institutional deliveries.

A pivotal scene in the film takes place at a health camp, where a woman named Rani, eight months pregnant, is found to have critically low haemoglobin levels—an indicator of high-risk pregnancy. The diagnosis underscores the ongoing maternal health crisis in rural India. As Mohan confronts his own grief, a conversation with a doctor at the MHU provides a measure of closure—affirming that his efforts are helping save lives and preventing the kind of loss he once suffered.

Emmanuel Upputuru, founder of EFGH and the writer behind the film, shared, “The idea began with a simple yet profound question: How does a child who has lost his mother celebrate Mother’s Day? For me, it was deeply personal — I lost my mother at 19, and ever since, I find a part of her in every mother I meet. The story wrote itself from there – Titus did the rest of the magic.”

Titus Upputuru, the director of the film, added, “For those of us who lost our mothers early in life, it’s not easy dealing with the few, rare memories. When Emmanuel shared the idea of someone being haunted by his mother, I immediately loved it. I really commend DCM Shriram for this initiative and all the workers, doctors, and nurses, along with the Ashas, working so hard at the grassroots level to help bring the maternal mortality rate down.”

The film will be distributed via the Foundation’s social media channels and YouTube, aiming to raise awareness and spark dialogue around preventive maternal healthcare.

Aman Pannu, president of DCM Shriram Foundation, said, “At DCM Shriram Foundation, we believe that the health of a mother defines the future of a family and the strength of a community. Through Khushali Sehat, we are focused on making quality maternal care accessible in remote regions. This Mother’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to reducing maternal health risks and ensuring every mother’s right to safe and dignified care.”

India – Breaking away from conventional portrayals of motherhood, Vinod Intelligent Cookware has unveiled a poignant Mother’s Day campaign that challenges the long-standing association between mothers and the kitchen.

The campaign, developed in partnership with Network Advertising and Ten Films, centres on a digital film that challenges familiar portrayals of motherhood—specifically the expectation that love is best expressed through home-cooked meals. Moving beyond the popular trope of ‘maa ke haath ka khana’, the film offers a more inclusive view by recognising mothers who may not enjoy cooking but show care in other meaningful ways.

Set in a real home rather than a studio, the film leans into authenticity, using lived-in spaces, everyday characters, and real food to evoke emotional resonance. The narrative unfolds through a quiet conversation between a daughter and her mother, reflecting on a bond built not around meals but around moments of emotional nourishment—encouragement, presence, and quiet acts of support.

Rather than romanticising the kitchen, the story portrays a mother who found her own ways to care for her child—sometimes by ordering food, relying on others, or simply serving meals with love. The daughter’s reflections gently challenge long-held assumptions, underscoring that a mother’s love isn’t confined to culinary effort.

Shayondeep Pal, chief creative officer at Network Advertising and co-director of the film, shared, “Often, we take things for granted—like the idea that all mothers are great cooks. We wanted to break that convention. Countless mothers and fathers don’t enjoy cooking, and that doesn’t diminish the love they give. No cookware brand has ever spoken to them—until now.”

The film is being shared across Vinod Cookware’s digital channels, including Instagram and YouTube, aiming to engage audiences with a message that resonates beyond traditional roles.

“As a cookware brand, we are often expected to reinforce the traditional association between mothers and the kitchen. But at Vinod, we believe love cannot—and should not—be measured by time spent cooking,” said Sunil Agarwal, managing director at Vinod Cookware India Private Limited.

“This Mother’s Day, we chose to honour the quiet, everyday acts of care that often go unnoticed—the emotional nourishment that transcends recipes and routines. Our film is a heartfelt tribute to every mother who questioned her role simply because she didn’t conform to convention. We see her, we value her, and we celebrate her,” Agarwal added.

India – Edelman has announced a series of leadership elevations across its India team, aligning with the firm’s strategic vision for the next phase of growth and continued commitment to integrated client solutions.

Among the key changes, Ashutosh Munshi, previously lead advisor for brand marketing and communications, will take on the expanded role of lead advisor for integrated communications.

In this position, Munshi will oversee the integration of practices, sectors, and capabilities to support the delivery of comprehensive marketing solutions. Over his 22-year tenure at Edelman, he has played a key role in building the brand marketing practice and establishing the firm’s strategic planning and creative functions in India.

Karishma Gupte has been promoted to India brand lead, moving up from her current role as brand lead for Delhi and food and beverage sector lead. She will also take on additional responsibilities as head of the Delhi office. Over the past seven years, Gupte has led award-winning campaigns and contributed to the growth of the firm’s food and beverage portfolio.

Meanwhile, Vasudevan Rangarajan, formerly SVP for public and government affairs, has been named managing director of the practice. Rangarajan has spent over 13 years with the firm and, in recent years, has focused on strengthening Edelman’s policy advisory and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Also part of the leadership changes is Pankaj Suri, who will relocate to Dubai to serve as EVP, people partner for the Middle East.

Suri, who has led the people function for Edelman India for more than 13 years while supporting APAC operations, will transition his India responsibilities to Ashutosh Thatte. Thatte will be elevated to vice president, people partner, effective June 1, 2025. Over his nine years at the firm, he has contributed to business alignment and culture-building efforts across the India team.

Speaking on the appointments, Bhavna Jagtiani, CEO of Edelman India, says, “Our clients and teams have placed deep trust in these leaders over the last decade. Together, we have built a culture of collaboration, quality and innovation that has been at the core of our client and people relationships. I am confident that together, we will unlock new dimensions of value for our clients and teams as we chart our next phase of growth in India.”

India – After more than two decades in India, Cheil India has transitioned into the Cheil SWA Group, reflecting a strategic evolution into an end-to-end marketing solutions provider. The transformation includes a new group structure and leadership appointments.

Founded in 2003 as Samsung’s dedicated agency, Cheil has evolved into a full-service marketing group with a broader client portfolio. Its transformation into the Cheil SWA Group follows years of organic growth and strategic acquisitions, positioning it at the intersection of creativity, technology, and business strategy.

The restructured group comprises seven specialised units—Samsung Business, Cheil X, Experience Commerce, CYLNDR, NewRx, Digital Media & Influencer Marketing, and Cheil GDC—each offering expertise across areas such as creative marketing, digital transformation, performance marketing, content production, retail design, influencer engagement, and technology solutions. This integrated model is aimed at addressing the increasingly complex needs of modern businesses.

With this shift, Cheil SWA Group is also positioning itself as a destination for top industry talent. The realignment breaks down silos between marketing disciplines, offering clients a more streamlined and coordinated approach.

Carlos LimSeob Chung, president and CEO of Cheil SWA, will lead the newly restructured Cheil SWA Group. Jitender Dabas, recently appointed CEO of Cheil X, will oversee the group’s agency operations. Meanwhile, Mandeep Sharma steps in as COO of Cheil India, with a mandate to strengthen customer experience and build out CRM capabilities across the marketing value chain.

“Our transformation into the Cheil SWA Group marks a significant milestone in our journey. Each company within our group is driven by a commitment to innovation and excellence, allowing us to offer comprehensive solutions to our clients. We are excited about the future and confident that our expanded capabilities will enable us to achieve even greater success,” Chung explained.

He added, “Today’s marketing landscape demands integrated thinking and specialised execution. Our transformation into Cheil SWA Group is a natural evolution of our capabilities, allowing us to offer clients seamless access to world-class expertise across every touchpoint of the consumer journey.”

India – Magicbricks, a property platform based in India, has named Havas Media India as its media agency on record (AOR).

Havas Media India’s responsibilities will cover the full spectrum of media services, including strategy, planning, and buying across print, television, radio, cinema, digital, and below-the-line (BTL) channels. This also includes out-of-home (OOH), mobile, and movie integrations, celebrity management, and activations.

Prasun Kumar, chief marketing officer at Magicbricks, said, “Magicbricks has always been at the forefront of innovation in real estate, shaping category narratives and driving impactful conversations. Our full-stack offerings, including Home Interiors, Home Loans, Site Visits & many more apart from the core property platform, cater to varied needs of multiple consumer segments.” 

“As we step into another year of driving growth & scale, we needed a digital-first media agency that could spearhead our integrated mandate. Havas Media’s understanding of the modern consumer with data-driven intelligence & proprietary tools aligns perfectly with our vision,” he added.

According to the agency, its data-driven approach, proprietary tools, and technology-enabled media strategies were key factors in winning the mandate, supporting audience segmentation, media investment efficiency, and overall brand engagement.

Uday Mohan, chief operating officer at Havas Media India, commented, “We are thrilled to add Magicbricks to our marquee client roster. Our Converged OS and Meaningful Brands framework give us a distinctive edge, enabling us to deliver seamless, insight-led media solutions that enhance consumer engagement and maximise ROI.”

“This partnership underscores our commitment to creating strategic, outcome-driven campaigns that aid Magicbricks’ growth and its leadership in the real estate category,” Mohan concluded.

India – Mattel, Inc., a global name in toys and family entertainment, has appointed Dream Theatre as the official licensing agency for its iconic brand portfolio across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Through the new partnership, Dream Theatre will collaborate with top-tier partners across categories to bring Mattel’s licensed merchandise to Indian consumers. The agency aims to tap into its extensive network of retailers and partners, alongside its deep market expertise, to expand the reach of Mattel’s products.

The agreement includes Mattel’s globally loved brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, UNO, Fisher-Price, Scrabble, Thomas the Tank Engine, Pingu, Masters of the Universe, and Barney.

Meredith Norrie, vice president of global licensing and consumer products at Mattel, said, “We’re excited to have Dream Theatre as our official licensing agency in India. Their expertise and passion make them the ideal partner to grow Mattel’s brand portfolio, deliver innovative, high-quality products, and strengthen our connection with consumers across India.”

The partnership is expected to strengthen the regional presence of Mattel’s brands while expanding Dream Theatre’s role in the licensed merchandise market across South Asia.

Jiggy George, founder & CEO of Dream Theatre, expressed, “We are excited to be appointed as Mattel’s Master Licensing Agency in India. This partnership presents an incredible opportunity to bring some of the world’s most loved brands to new generations of fans in this region.”

He continued, “Mattel’s renowned brand portfolio holds a strong emotional connection with families in India and around the world, making it a standout licensing proposition for brands and products in the Indian market. We look forward to driving their continued success through innovative licensing partnerships, localised offerings, and strong collaborations with market leaders in India.”

India – Britannia The Laughing Cow, the processed cheese brand from the joint venture between Britannia Industries and Le Groupe Bel, has launched a new campaign spotlighting its revamped creamier recipe and locally produced range.

Conceptualised by Schbang, Britannia The Laughing Cow’s latest film-led campaign focuses on the idea of cheese that’s “Irresistibly Creamier, Uniquely Crafted with French Expertise”. Set in everyday meal moments, the campaign highlights the brand’s updated recipe and local production, anchored in the relatable response of asking for “One More Please”.

“We rooted our creative thinking in a powerful insight: today’s consumers constantly battle digital distractions, even during everyday meals. By showcasing a choice of food and connection over screens, we repositioned Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese as a simple yet meaningful ally. Showcasing the sheer delight of every bite, the campaign brings alive the brand’s creamier, richer taste further cemented by the spontaneous ask for ‘One More Please’,” said Ria Shah, AVP – integrated brand solution and Puru Agarwal – associate creative director at Schbang.

As part of the campaign, Britannia The Laughing Cow has also introduced a GenAI-powered WhatsApp Recipe Bot, offering users quick, customised recipes featuring its cheese products. The tool aims to make everyday cooking more convenient and engaging.

Abhishek Sinha, chief business officer for dairy and CEO of Britannia Bel Foods, said, “At Britannia Bel Foods, we are proud to bring the finest French cheese-making expertise together with Indian craftsmanship and scale, a blend that truly sets us apart.”

“The new Britannia The Laughing Cow range is a milestone in our journey of making high-quality cheese more accessible and affordable for Indian households. This revamp is not just about taste; it’s a reflection of our commitment to quality, value, and innovation, shaped by global mastery and local understanding. With this creamier, tastier, and locally produced cheese, we’re making it easier than ever for consumers to enjoy a world-class cheese experience every day,” he added.

Britannia The Laughing Cow is produced in India by Britannia Bel Foods, a joint venture between Britannia Industries and France’s Bel Group. Since October 2024, the brand’s cheese products have been locally manufactured at a dedicated facility in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra, using locally sourced ingredients. The updated range blends French cheese-making expertise with Indian taste preferences and features refreshed packaging alongside an improved recipe.

India – Infinix has launched a new campaign for its Note 50s 5G+ smartphone, working with advertising agency SW Network and Flipkart Tech to deploy miniature billboards across select Indian cities, using tongue-in-cheek messages to highlight key product features.

For the campaign, SW Network and Flipkart Tech developed miniature billboards featuring sharp, cheeky messages designed to stand out in cluttered advertising environments. The billboards, which spotlighted features of the Infinix Note 50s 5G+—including a Sony camera sensor, curved display, and 144Hz refresh rate—were placed across high-traffic areas in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

The campaign also included individuals holding placards in front of large competitor billboards, adding a comparative edge to the rollout. The approach drew attention for its unconventional format and minimal physical footprint, prompting discussion across social media and marketing circles.

Speaking about the campaign, the leadership at Flipkart said, “We needed an innovative way to deliver our message of category innovation. The brand was banking on investing in features and questioning the noise. These tiny ads turned out to be a huge success. I won’t be surprised if other brands follow suit.”

Raghav Bagai, co-founder of SW Network, added, “At SW Network, our approach is always to cut through clutter with ideas that feel fresh, contextually sharp, and culturally relevant. These tiny ads proved that sometimes, going small makes the biggest impact.”

The campaign gained traction on social media, with creators, meme pages, and users on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn commenting on its unconventional, small-scale approach.