Tag: India

India – RepIndia, an India-based digital agency, has announced key leadership promotions, elevating Neelanjan Dasgupta, Durgesh Tiwari, Sanya Sitlani, Nitin Sharma, and Guru Mishra to new roles. These changes underscore the agency’s commitment to enhancing its digital capabilities and fostering innovation.

The five senior team members promoted have played a pivotal role in driving RepIndia’s success and innovation over the years. These promotions are designed to strengthen the agency’s core leadership and accelerate growth across various digital verticals.

Previously serving as creative head (West), Dasgupta has been appointed vice president of creative strategy and innovations. During his tenure, he delivered award-winning campaigns and onboarded high-profile clients including JSW Steel, JSW Energy, MTV, JBL, Joyville, Amante, Amazon Mini TV, and many more.

In his new role, he will focus on enhancing RepIndia’s creative offerings and driving innovative solutions across markets.

Speaking on his promotion, Dasgupta said, “RepIndia has taught me everything I know about advertising. It has provided me with a safe space to grow, where accountability and kindness go hand in hand. I will always carry these values as a leader and professional.”

Following suit, Tiwari has also been promoted to associate vice president for listening, ORM, and analytics.

Previously senior account director, Tiwari grew his team from 20 to over 100, significantly boosting the agency’s capabilities in social listening, ORM, and analytics. His strategic leadership has been key in acquiring major clients like NPCI, DigiYatra, BluSmart, and Subway, contributing to RepIndia’s international expansion.

Joining Tiwari, Sitlani also takes on the role of associate vice president for planning and growth, where she will drive strategic initiatives and uncover new opportunities to advance the agency and its clients.

Previously an account director for account planning and growth, Sitlani played a key role in acquiring clients such as JBL, Pearl Academy, Kajaria, Colorbar, CARE Hospitals, and others, further expanding RepIndia’s portfolio and market presence.

“We’re heavily involved in a wide range of initiatives—from pitches to strategy for existing clients and reviewing work across accounts,” she shared. 

Mishra also joins the roster of promotions, having been elevated to senior vice president for digital media and buying, underscoring RepIndia’s commitment to expanding its media capabilities.

Before this, he served as vice president for digital media and buying. Under Mishra’s leadership, the digital media team expanded significantly, securing clients like Kajaria, Instax, M3M, Fortis, Haldirams, and others. His extensive experience in digital media strategy is expected to drive RepIndia’s media operations and innovate digital buying practices.

Commenting on his new role, Mishra shared, “When I joined RepIndia, the team was just 2 members. Today, it’s grown to over 18 members. The journey has been rewarding, and I look forward to leading our media operations into the future.”

Finally, Sharma joins the leadership team as associate vice president for search, recognised for his crucial role in enhancing the agency’s search marketing expertise.

Sharma has been instrumental in strengthening RepIndia’s search capabilities, working with prominent brands like Hero MotoCorp (across 8 countries), Merino Laminates, Kajaria Ceramics, Migsun Group, and more. Previously associate director of SEO, he has grown his team to over 20 members, further bolstering RepIndia’s search marketing expertise.

These leadership appointments come as RepIndia positions itself for growth in 2025. With a strengthened team across search, media, creative strategy, planning, and analytics, the agency aims to enhance its offerings and drive digital innovation. The changes reflect RepIndia’s focus on building internal capabilities for the future of digital marketing in India.

Archit Chenoy, CEO of RepIndia, commented, “At RepIndia, our strength lies in our people and their ability to drive meaningful impact for our clients. These promotions are a testament to the incredible talent, dedication, and innovative spirit that define our team. As we look ahead to 2025, this strengthened leadership will play a critical role in shaping the future of digital marketing, delivering cutting-edge solutions, and unlocking new growth opportunities for our clients and our agency alike.” 

India – Kimberly-Clark is set to strengthen its presence in India by scaling up operations and boosting investment at its Bengaluru-based Global Digital Technology Center (GDTC), with a strategic focus on advanced innovations and digital transformation.

Kimberly-Clark revealed that over the next three years, its GDTC will expand its AI/ML capabilities and digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement, further supporting its global ‘Powering Care’ strategy and commitment to consumer-centricity.

The Bengaluru GDTC is driving Kimberly-Clark’s tech advancements while contributing to India’s innovation ecosystem by partnering with startups, universities, and industry leaders to develop cutting-edge solutions.

“Our Bengaluru GDTC is a testament to Kimberly-Clark’s deep-rooted commitment to innovation and the immense breadth of Indian talent,” said Zack Hicks, chief digital and technology officer at Kimberly-Clark. 

“In just five years, the centre has evolved into a key growth engine for our digital strategies, delivering AI-powered commercial and supply chain solutions and pioneering advancements in modern manufacturing. Looking ahead, we remain focused on further investing in India, leveraging the country’s outstanding talent and technological expertise to shape the future of Kimberly-Clark and pioneer industry-leading innovation in our core categories,” Hicks explained. 

Founded in 2018 with a $2.5 million investment, the Bengaluru GDTC has grown eightfold in five years, focusing on digital capabilities like AI, ML, data analytics, and cloud transformation. The center leverages AI/ML to optimise sales predictions, refine e-commerce pricing, and automate processes like order entry. In 2024, Gen AI platforms boosted employee productivity by 25%, while AI-driven sales analytics improved execution by 10% in regions including Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. These innovations enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve accuracy.

The GDTC recently hosted its third Digital Hackathon, ‘UNLOKC 2024,’ bringing together Kimberly-Clark employees and tech partners to create digital solutions for business opportunities in supply chain, marketing, and finance.

As Kimberly-Clark’s largest tech hub, the Bengaluru GDTC will remain a key driver of global growth and innovation, attracting top talent and expanding its capabilities to shape the company’s future and its tech ecosystem.

India – After a rigorous multi-agency pitch, Complan has entrusted Lowe Lintas with its creative mandate, marking the beginning of a new chapter focused on growth and innovation for the iconic nutritional brand.

This collaboration aims to strengthen Complan’s market position, enhance its relevance, and drive innovation while continuing its legacy of trust, quality, and performance.

Under this mandate, Lowe Lintas will harness its expertise in brand storytelling and consumer insights to drive Complan’s growth and enhance consumer engagement by fostering deeper connections across local, ethnic, cultural, and sub-cultural levels. 

The agency’s role is to develop a strategic and creative direction that strengthens Complan’s leadership position in the health and nutrition sector.

Speaking on the win, Subramanyeswar S. (Subbu), group CEO and CSO-APAC at MullenLowe Global, said, “It’s an absolute honour to win the strategic and creative mandate for a very special brand like Complan that nourished millions of people in our country. We look forward to growing Complan taller through a new experiential and storied trajectory that will bring the business, the brand, and the audience it serves closer than they have ever been.”

India – Samsung has joined forces with Cheil India to launch an augmented reality (AR)-powered print campaign, highlighting the innovative ‘Sketch-to-Image’ feature of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra just in time for the holiday season.

This Christmas-themed campaign celebrates the festive season by blending traditional print with the immersive power of AR. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is positioned as the ultimate holiday companion, offering users a unique tool for creativity and imagination.

Conceptualised and created with Cheil India, the campaign captures the magic of the season with a Santa-themed AR game, powered by the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra’s revolutionary Sketch-to-Image feature. Readers of the print advertisement were invited to scan a QR code, which brought a 3D render of the device to life, immersing them in the holiday spirit.

The interactive experience began with a simple Santa sketch, which quickly transformed into a vibrant AI-generated image. This showcased the capabilities of the Tab S10 Ultra’s S Pen and AI tools, allowing users to see their creativity come to life in stunning detail.

At the heart of the campaign is the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra’s Sketch-to-Image feature, demonstrating its ability to turn doodles into professional-quality visuals. Whether for festive illustrations or more complex graphics, the device empowers users to unleash their creativity, making it the perfect companion for this holiday season.

“At Samsung, innovation drives us to create magical experiences. The Sketch-to-Image feature on our Galaxy Tab S10 is a perfect example. When we envisioned the Santa AR game, we needed a tool that could bring our ideas to life seamlessly. From doodles to lifelike graphics, this feature helps transforms every concept into reality, powering the creativity behind this interactive experience. It’s not just a feature—it’s a gateway for creators, developers, and storytellers to unleash their imaginations with precision and ease. With Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Series, the possibilities are endless. What will you create next?” said Aditya Babbar, vice president of MX Business at Samsung India.

Vikash Chemjong, CCO of Cheil India, also commented, “This holiday season, Cheil India partners with the Galaxy Tab S10 Series to redefine how creativity meets celebration. From the groundbreaking Sketch to Image feature to the whimsical Santa AR game, we’re blending technology with imagination, bringing festive joy to every generation. Together, we’re shaping experiences that inspire and innovate.”

India – YouTube has announced plans to intensify its crackdown on egregious clickbait, aiming to curb the spread of misleading content on the platform and ensure viewers receive accurate and reliable information.

Egregious clickbait refers to video titles or thumbnails that make promises or claims not fulfilled within the video itself, particularly when the content pertains to breaking news or current events.

Examples of egregious clickbait include a video titled ‘The president resigned!’ that doesn’t mention the resignation or a thumbnail labelled ‘Top political news’ with no news content. Such tactics can mislead viewers, leaving them frustrated, especially when seeking timely or important information.

To tackle the issue, YouTube announced plans to ramp up enforcement against videos with titles or thumbnails that make unfulfilled promises. This is particularly crucial for content covering breaking news or current events, ensuring viewers are not misled by what they watch on the platform.

Launching in India over the coming months, this initiative gives creators time to adapt to the updated enforcement policies. YouTube will initially remove violating content without issuing strikes and will focus enforcement on new video uploads as it continues to educate creators.

India – To captivate digital-savvy audiences, Flipkart has unveiled its latest ‘Android Advantage’ campaign, blending humour, relatability, and innovation with the whimsical charm of a Sad Panda, turning it into an internet sensation.

Flipkart’s campaign shares a  relatable story of modern connection, following a man who turns into a panda—a playful metaphor for feeling ignored by his phone-obsessed partner. The twist? He’s planning a heartfelt surprise using Android’s exclusive features like Google Gemini and Circle to Search.

The film showcases how technology fosters heartfelt connections, highlighting Android’s advanced features. Its engaging story has captivated audiences, amassing over 100 million Instagram views and sparking viral social media buzz within a week.

Before the ad film premiered, the Sad Panda had already made its mark in unexpected places. As part of the campaign, the forlorn character appeared in meme-worthy scenarios—sitting dejectedly on a park bench, holding signs at Marine Drive, or sulking outside a club—sparking curiosity and lively conversations online.

As Sad Panda trended on Twitter, influencers joined the buzz, sharing photos and videos with the melancholy mascot. Meme pages and pop culture accounts quickly amplified its charm, making Sad Panda a relatable symbol of humorous loneliness that struck a chord with Gen Z audiences.

The campaign combines pop culture and modern technology to craft a narrative that resonates with younger audiences. With its engaging storyline and showcase of Android’s cutting-edge innovations, the Sad Panda campaign aims to redefine digital storytelling with a fresh, innovative approach.

Flipkart’s Sad Panda will return for Flipkart’s Big Saving Days starting December 20, spotlighting the best deals on Android Advantage—an ideal opportunity for audiences to upgrade their devices.

India – Following a series of cheeky Children’s Day billboards, BigBasket and Talented reunite for a heartwarming Christmas campaign that celebrates the magic of generosity and festive cheer.

Produced by Pu Productions, the heartfelt campaign film ‘Judy the Star’ tells the story of an elderly couple who accidentally spread Christmas cheer with the help of a broken phone, a wrong order, and a BigBasket delivery executive.

Commenting on the film, director Deepak Thomas said, “Most wrong orders end up in a long chat with customer service. But it was wonderful to paint a world where a broken phone results in twelve huge stars at your doorstep. It was a delight filming Judy and the BigBasket delivery executive finding their way around my favourite nooks, crannies, and bylanes of Bandra and lighting up the neighbourhood.”

Raagaleena Sripada, marketing head at Big Basket Retail, said, “This campaign was designed to showcase the joy and convenience of celebrating Christmas with us. Whether it’s decorating your home with trees and ornaments, indulging in cakes and cookies, or finding the perfect gifts like toys and electronics—everything you need for the season is delivered to your doorstep in just 10 minutes. By doing this, we also wanted to highlight the spirit of giving, the true essence of Christmas.” 

Leena Gupta and Aakash Desai from Talented added, “It is rare to see a truly Indian Christmas represented in advertising media. While the festival has wider themes of generosity and giving, the media portrayal has never moved beyond Santa Claus and reindeer. We made a very conscious decision to show an authentic X-mas via the lens of an old couple—another cohort that is treated like a monolith in advertising. All these representation decisions resulted in a heartwarming fictional story, not too far from our own non-fictional experience of Christmas.” 

Singapore – Magnite has announced the expansion of its Magnite Audiences solution by making its debut in India and Southeast Asia. The solution empowers publishers to unlock the full value of their audiences, while helping buyers connect with high value audiences at scale. 

Magnite Audiences sits within the Magnite Access suite, a collection of audience and addressability tools purpose-built for publishers and buyers to maximise the value of their data assets.

Magnite Audiences’ standardised, scalable segments based on publisher first-party data enable publishers to monetise their audiences and protect their user data. These audience segments, which include interest, purchase intent, demographic, seasonal and custom categories, provide the value and scale buyers want to achieve their campaign goals across key demographics. 

Moreover, they also offer significant reach from a trusted pool of standardised data originating from first party sources without compromising quality.

Gavin Buxton, managing director for Asia at Magnite, said, “Amid the changing identity landscape, buyers and publishers need to explore different models and approaches to solve for audience addressability. Magnite is committed to providing our clients with solutions like Magnite Audiences to help buyers and publishers package, find and reach audiences in new ways. The tool is ready and available for activation in India and Southeast Asia, and we look forward to continued adoption as more publishers and buyers begin to leverage it to their benefit.”

Meanwhile, Dinesh Joshi, vice president for product monetisation and analytics at NDTV, commented, “It’s essential for us to be able to create value from the vast amount of data at our disposal so that we can both enable precise targeting for advertisers while also enhancing the user experience we provide. Leveraging Magnite Audiences is helping us tap into new revenue streams and increase the attractiveness of our ad offerings, while bringing more personalisation to our readers and viewers.”

Lastly, Harish Iyer, EVP for media & investment at Interactive Avenues, stated, “As a full-service digital marketing agency, we constantly look for new ways of activating audience data at scale. We are confident that Magnite Audiences will play a pivotal role in this journey by helping us curate customized ad inventory that aligns with our clients’ campaign goals. We look forward to leveraging this partnership to drive measurable impact for leading brands.”

India – Rockit, the new-age energy beverage founded by Vedant Garg, has teamed up with design agency Stratedgy to debut its bold new packaging—shifting away from machismo-driven branding to embrace a vibrant, inclusive, and positive aesthetic.

Rockit’s packaging embodies a bold vision, featuring vibrant colours, playful designs, and a commitment to inclusivity—celebrating speed, ambition, and positivity in every detail.

The brand’s fresh look signals a bold departure from the grungy designs, aggressive branding, and testosterone-driven narratives that have long defined the energy drink category. It aims to disrupt the traditional energy drink market by providing a refreshing alternative to the cluttered, hyper-edgy designs in the market. 

Rockit’s packaging embodies a bold vision, featuring vibrant colours, playful designs, and a commitment to inclusivity—celebrating speed, ambition, and positivity in every detail.

Commenting on the look, Kruti Berawala, co-founder at Stratedgy, said, “We wanted to create something truly different in this category. Rockit isn’t just another energy drink—it’s a statement: a brand for anyone chasing momentum, breaking stereotypes, and redefining what energy means in India. It is inclusive, approachable, and free from the heavy-handed machismo often seen in this space.”

Backed by Sauce.vc with an initial investment of ₹6 crores and supported by Rannvijay Singh as both investor and brand ambassador, Rockit aims to cut through the clutter and redefine energy for Indian consumers.

Neelesh Patodi, CEO at Rockit, commented, “The beverage industry in India has seen tremendous growth, and more so in energy drinks. It is poised to further grow 3X in the next 3 years. We are confident that with our right mix of product, taste, design, and distribution first approach, we will create the fastest-growing beverage business in India.”

“With Rannvijay as the brand ambassador and Sauce.vc as our partner, together we make a perfect team to create a refreshing alternative to existing options that will align with the new India. We look forward to winning the trust of our consumers with our commitment to quality and affordability,” Patodi added. 

India – Del Monte has partnered with marketing agency YAAP to debut its new campaign, ‘The King of All Chocolate Flavoured Syrups,’ celebrating the rich, indulgent taste of its signature chocolate syrup and positioning it as the ultimate choice for chocolate lovers.

Del Monte’s campaign highlights the syrup’s standout features, including 40% more cocoa, which enhances its rich taste and velvety texture. It brings to life the idea of chocolate syrup that reigns supreme, showcasing its versatility as the perfect addition to milkshakes, pancakes, and desserts.

The campaign combines nostalgic visuals and indulgent storytelling to resonate with families and individuals looking to elevate their meals. By showcasing the syrup through the eyes of those who experience it, the campaign positions the product not just as a treat but as the centrepiece of cherished moments.

Anshu Anand, CMO at Del Monte, shared, “At Del Monte, we’ve always believed in staying tuned to consumer needs and delivering products that raise the bar. The chocolate syrup category has long been a familiar space, but as we understood, the demand existed for a more thicker, tastier chocolate syrup that Del Monte could offer.” 

“With this campaign, we’re not just highlighting our product’s superior qualities; we’re making a statement about how we shine in the existing market that is challenging with other dominating brands in the market. It was the right moment to bring this message to life, and we’re thrilled with how it aligns with our legacy of quality and creativity,” Anand added. 

Kiranpreet Kaur, DGM marketing at Del Monte, also said, “The concept of ‘The King of All Chocolate Flavoured Syrups’ emerged from a deep understanding of what today’s consumers value—excellence that stands out. The team briefing was anchored on one key idea: celebrating the product’s unparalleled richness and superiority. The campaign’s regal communication reflects this thought. From strategy to execution, we aimed to craft a narrative that showcases how our chocolate syrup isn’t just a treat; it’s the reigning choice for families seeking indulgence in every bite.”

Conceptualised by YAAP and directed by Vivek Dubey, Del Monte’s campaign combines captivating visuals with relatable storytelling, focusing not just on the product but on the magic it brings to people’s lives. The narrative highlights the syrup’s indulgent appeal, capturing the joy and admiration it inspires and showcasing how families treat it like the king it truly is.

Manan, partner at YAAP, remarked, “The product is already a favourite among kids and adults alike, so we wanted the campaign to reflect its universal appeal while standing out in a crowded market. Del Monte’s commitment to quality and innovation gave us the confidence to push boundaries and create something truly unique. This campaign celebrates not just the richness of the syrup but the joy and indulgence it brings to families, a perfect alignment with Del Monte’s ethos.”

Building on this, Karan Arora, revenue head at YAAP, continued, “Working with Del Monte over the years has been a masterclass in quality and innovation. The collaboration between YAAP and Del Monte has been incredibly rewarding, driven by a shared passion for delivering excellence. The chocolate syrup is a prime example of Del Monte’s dedication to creating products that evoke both delight and nostalgia.” 

“For us, this campaign was about celebrating the role Del Monte plays in enriching everyday lives. From ideation to execution, it’s been a journey of storytelling that captures both flavour and emotion,” Arora added. 

The campaign is now live across theatres, YouTube, and social media. To engage chocolate enthusiasts further, Del Monte invites consumers to share their creative recipes and memorable moments.