Moves and wins roundup: Week of 03 March

Coverfox renews AOR partnership with 1702 Digital

Coverfox has reappointed 1702 Digital as its digital agency of record (AOR) to strengthen its digital strategy and market presence. The renewed partnership focuses on enhancing brand visibility, improving customer engagement, and driving long-term growth in the competitive online insurance sector.

1702 Digital will implement a data-driven strategy to optimise Coverfox’s digital presence. The agency, known for its expertise in SEO, performance marketing, and strategic execution, aims to support Coverfox in expanding its digital reach and improving audience engagement.

Coverfox had previously collaborated with 1702 Digital, and the decision to renew the partnership is based on the agency’s proven ability to drive measurable results in the insurance sector. With evolving consumer behaviour and increasing digital competition, Coverfox is looking to leverage tailored digital strategies to maintain a strong market position.

Communicate India bags Singer India's communications mandate

Singer India has appointed Communicate India as its strategic communications partner to enhance its brand presence and visibility in India. The collaboration aims to support Singer India’s expansion efforts, including the launch of its flagship store in Nehru Place, New Delhi, and the introduction of premium global brands PFAFF and Husqvarna Viking.

Singer India, part of the US-based SVP Worldwide, has been expanding its product range and retail footprint. The 170-year-old player in the sewing machine industry has been focusing on innovation and consumer engagement.

Communicate India will manage Singer India’s storytelling and engagement strategies. It will leverage global insights and data-driven approaches to shape the brand’s market positioning and consumer outreach.

Mad Influence promotes Aman Narula to COO position

Influencer marketing agency Mad Influence has elevated Aman Narula to the position of chief operating officer (COO). Previously head of operations, Narula has over seven years of experience in business development and influencer marketing.

His appointment aligns with Mad Influence’s strategy to expand its management structure and drive growth, according to the agency. Founded in 2018, Mad Influence connects brands with influencers aiming to create high-impact digital campaigns.

NP Digital India names Venkata Gavaskar Dontha as head of digital

NP Digital India has appointed Venkata Gavaskar Dontha as its head of digital operations. With over 17 years of experience in performance marketing and digital strategy, Dontha will focus on client retention, revenue growth, and product innovation.

Previously, Dontha was head of performance practice at iProspect India, where he led teams in media, SEO, social, and analytics. His leadership contributed to industry accolades and integrated marketing success. At NP Digital India, he will oversee digital services, ensuring the agency remains competitive in India’s evolving marketing landscape.

Bandhan Life appoints Maneesh Mishra as product and marketing chief

Bandhan Life Insurance has named Maneesh Mishra as chief product and marketing officer to lead product development and marketing. Mishra, with over 23 years of experience in the insurance sector, has expertise in bancassurance, distribution partnerships, and sales strategy.

The company has been expanding, growing its workforce beyond 1,000 employees and opening a new office in Kolkata. With an increasing presence in North and East India through 1,700 Bandhan Bank branches, Bandhan Life is also diversifying its product portfolio to include ULIPs, term plans, and savings products.

AAO NXT bags digital rights for action thriller, Ghamaghot

Odisha-based OTT platform AAO NXT has acquired exclusive streaming rights for the Odia action thriller, 'Ghamaghot'. Directed by Raja D, the film is set for theatrical release on March 13, 2025, before becoming available on the platform.

The film follows a narrative with interconnected events of betrayal, violence, and survival. Featuring actors Deepak Parida, Sanoj Kumar, and Abhishek Panda, 'Ghamaghot' will be available on AAO NXT after its cinema run. The platform is focusing on expanding its regional content, aiming to strengthen its position in the digital entertainment sector.

CereOne Media partners with Yahoo DSP

CereOne Media has partnered with Yahoo’s Demand-Side Platform (DSP) to enhance programmatic advertising capabilities in India. The collaboration is expected to enable advertisers to access AI-powered tools, omnichannel reach, and advanced audience targeting.

Yahoo DSP offers first-party data, AI-driven insights, and real-time campaign optimisation, helping brands improve media efficiency. With this partnership, CereOne aims to provide Indian advertisers with data-driven advertising strategies and better return on investment.

Social Panga hires Soumabha Nandi as EVP for creative strategy

Social Panga has appointed Soumabha Nandi as executive vice president for creative strategy and growth. Nandi, with 13 years of experience in brand transformation, will lead creative direction, strategy, and business expansion.

Having worked with brands like Flipkart, Disney+ Hotstar, and McDonald’s, he brings expertise in combining data-driven insights with creativity. His appointment is part of Social Panga’s efforts to strengthen its creative leadership and drive impactful marketing solutions.

PR Professionals wins Texmaco Rail & Engineering's PR mandate

PR Professionals has secured the public relations mandate for Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd. The partnership aims to enhance Texmaco’s brand presence, corporate communications, and industry engagement in India.

Texmaco, a railway and infrastructure player in India, manufactures freight cars, locomotive components, and steel structures. With manufacturing facilities in multiple states, the company has formed alliances with global firms like Wabtec and Touax. PR Professionals will focus on strengthening Texmaco’s media visibility and stakeholder communications.

Schindler India expands digital mandate with HOWL Digital

HOWL Digital has secured an expanded digital marketing mandate with Schindler India, focusing on driving urban mobility conversations and supporting the brand's growth in India’s infrastructure sector. The partnership, now in its fourth year, aims to enhance Schindler’s digital presence and strengthen customer relationships through a 360-degree marketing strategy.

HOWL Digital will employ cross-platform marketing strategies, utilizing data-driven insights to increase lead generation and customer retention. The agency plans to push the boundaries of digital marketing by incorporating data and technology to streamline Schindler's sales and marketing processes.

This collaboration will also involve creating more engaging digital content to showcase Schindler's contributions to urban mobility, a sector that continues to evolve rapidly in India. The partnership marks an ongoing effort to build stronger, more impactful relationships with both consumers and businesses in the growing Indian market.

DotMe secures $150,000 investment

DotMe, a link-in-bio platform for creators, has raised $150,000 in funding, bringing its valuation to $1.25 million. The investment was led by Mirza L Baig, former co-founder of Jimmy's Cocktails, who will support DotMe’s growth with his expertise in brand-building.

With over one lakh unique monthly users, DotMe has become a hub for creators and brands to engage and monetize their audiences. The new capital will be used to enhance the platform's features and strengthen the connections between creators and brands. DotMe aims to simplify monetisation and expand its presence in the creator economy, which is rapidly growing in India and globally.

This move aligns with the evolving creator economy, which is projected to expand significantly in the coming years. DotMe’s founders plan to use the funding to further develop its platform and solidify its position as a leading player in the creator tools space.

0101.Today launches free AI marketing tool

0101.Today has launched '121 Comms', a free AI-powered tool designed to simplify one-to-one marketing communication for businesses. The tool generates personalised, brand-aligned content for email, WhatsApp, SMS, and RCS, enabling businesses to enhance engagement and improve efficiency.

'121 Comms' allows marketers to quickly create high-impact copy, adapting to various marketing channels and brand requirements. The tool’s intelligent customisation ensures that messaging resonates with its intended audience, helping businesses drive conversions. It supports over 10 tonalities, making it versatile for different industries, including fashion, technology, and food.

Available without any sign-ups or hidden costs, '121 Comms' aims to bridge the gap in content creation by offering instant, context-aware content generation. It is designed to empower businesses and agencies to streamline marketing efforts, reduce costs, and boost overall effectiveness in digital campaigns.

My11Circle partners with JioStar for IPL digital streaming

My11Circle has partnered with JioStar as co-presenting partner for the official digital streaming of the 2025 Tata IPL. This collaboration is aimed at enhancing engagement with cricket fans across India through JioStar's extensive mobile and connected device network.

The partnership builds on My11Circle’s existing role as the official Associate Partner of Tata IPL, which strengthens its position in the fantasy sports market. Through this collaboration, My11Circle aims to deliver an immersive cricket experience, further integrating the fantasy platform with real-time digital content during the IPL season.

By combining its fantasy sports expertise with JioStar’s digital reach, My11Circle aims to deepen its fan engagement and create a dynamic interaction with IPL viewers.
 

FCB India secures creative mandate for Dulcoflex

FCB India has won the creative mandate for Dulcoflex, a digestive health brand. The agency will lead integrated marketing campaigns to strengthen Dulcoflex’s position in the laxative category and expand its presence in the Indian market.

The mandate follows a multi-agency pitch and will be managed from FCB India’s Mumbai office. The agency aims to drive consumer engagement through strategic campaigns tailored to the brand’s goals. Dulcoflex, owned by Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, is a global laxative brand.

Sony Music Publishing renews deal with Tips Music

Sony Music Publishing has renewed its global publishing partnership with Tips Music Ltd, adding YouTube as a platform for international exploitation of the music catalogue. The renewal includes the administration, synchronisation, and promotion of over 32,000 tracks across 24 languages.

This collaboration strengthens the global presence of Indian music, especially Bollywood soundtracks, in international markets. The partnership also opens new revenue opportunities for Tips Music through YouTube, marking a milestone in the international expansion of Indian music. The deal reflects the growing global demand for diverse musical content.

The Communication Council bags PR mandate for ZigZag Vodka

ZigZag Vodka has appointed The Communication Council as its official PR and Communications agency. ZigZag Vodka offers a range of vodka flavours, including lime, orange, and green apple. The brand is focused on appealing to those who embrace creativity and individuality. Its multiple-distilled vodka is marketed as smooth and of exceptional quality.

ZigZag aims to disrupt traditional vodka narratives and create an immersive consumer experience through digital innovation and experiential activations. The Communication Council is being tasked to help ZigZag expand its reach and establish its presence in the competitive spirits market.

VML appoints Kalpesh Patankar as India GCCO

VML has appointed Kalpesh Patankar as India's new group chief creative officer (GCCO). Patankar, who previously held creative leadership roles at Leo Burnett Dubai and VMLY&R Dubai, brings over 20 years of experience to VML.

His expertise in transforming agencies into creative powerhouses has earned him numerous industry accolades. Patankar’s appointment marks a significant step for VML as the agency aims to strengthen its creative leadership in India. His return to India is expected to boost the agency’s growth, with a focus on delivering exceptional creative work for global clients.

Krvvy awards digital marketing mandate to 1702 Digital

Krvvy, a lingerie brand focused on inclusivity and comfort, has teamed up with 1702 Digital to amplify its digital presence. The collaboration will focus on SEO and digital marketing strategies to boost Krvvy’s online visibility and reach a broader audience.

The brand aims to further solidify its position in the lingerie market by empowering individuals to feel confident through high-quality, stylish, and comfortable products. 1702 Digital, known for its expertise in driving growth through bespoke digital marketing strategies, will support Krvvy’s efforts to connect with more customers and increase brand recognition across digital platforms.

Sudeep Subash appointed CEO of Big Bang Social

Sudeep Subash has been appointed as the CEO of Big Bang Social, a leading creator economy platform under Collective Artists Network. Subash, who will continue in his role as Chief Revenue Officer of the network, brings his extensive experience in driving revenue and scaling businesses.

Big Bang Social aims to enhance brand-creator collaborations, leveraging data-driven insights and innovative campaigns. Under Subash’s leadership, the platform will focus on expanding its reach and shaping the future of influencer marketing and branded content in India.

Big Bang Social connects brands, creators, and audiences to foster impactful collaborations, and Subash’s vision is set to drive growth in this dynamic space.

Poppy Seed Communication and Reflection Advertising DMCC forge alliance

Poppy Seed Communication and Reflection Advertising DMCC have announced a partnership to enhance global marketing solutions. The collaboration combines the strengths of both agencies, offering integrated services in brand strategy, digital marketing, content creation, and media buying.

This partnership aims to provide brands worldwide with impactful marketing campaigns driven by customer-centric solutions and innovative digital technologies. With a shared vision to stay ahead of market trends, the alliance will enable both agencies to reach diverse audiences and fuel cross-industry innovation, thus, helping brands achieve better results across global markets.

HiveMinds wins performance marketing mandate for Oben Electric 

HiveMinds, a unit of Madison World, has secured the performance marketing mandate for Oben Electric, an Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer. The partnership aims to enhance customer acquisition and digital expansion.

Oben Electric is looking to expand its retail presence and increase customer engagement through digital-first strategies. HiveMinds will oversee digital marketing, media investments, and conversion strategies across key e-commerce and digital platforms for Oben Electric. The mandate will be managed by the agency’s Bengaluru team.

HiveMinds provides digital marketing services, including performance marketing, e-commerce strategy, and programmatic buying, to brands such as Domino’s, Tanishq, and BigBasket. The agency leverages data-driven strategies to optimise brand engagement and conversions. 

Oben Electric, operating in the growing electric vehicle sector, is working to strengthen its market position by leveraging performance marketing expertise. HiveMinds’ appointment aligns with Oben Electric’s plans to accelerate demand and optimise digital marketing efforts.

Madison World, the parent company of HiveMinds, operates across various media verticals, including television, print, and digital.

SoCheers appoints Prashant Vyas as head of people growth and culture 

SoCheers has appointed Prashant Vyas as head of people growth and culture. Based in Mumbai, he will lead the agency’s talent development strategies.

With over 15 years of experience in human resources, Vyas has worked with agencies such as The Minimalist, Famous Innovations, and the Wunderman Thompson Group. His role at SoCheers includes enhancing employee experience and strengthening workplace culture. 

SoCheers, a digital-first creative agency, focuses on branding, content creation, and influencer marketing. The agency has expanded its team to over 250 professionals and continues to develop data-driven marketing strategies. 

As part of its growth plans, SoCheers is implementing new talent initiatives to align with its business objectives. Vyas’ appointment supports the agency’s focus on employee engagement and organisational development. 

Founded in 2013, SoCheers has received industry recognition at Clio Entertainment, The Webby Awards, and The Drum Awards.

Schbang co-founders secure full ownership stake 

Harshil Karia and Sohil Karia have acquired the shares of Akshay Gurnani in Schbang, consolidating leadership at the independent creative and technology agency. The transition marks a strategic move to strengthen the company’s operations and global reach. 

Harshil Karia will continue as founder and CEO, while Sohil Karia will lead digital transformation initiatives. The leadership consolidation is aimed at driving growth, expanding market presence, and reinforcing Schbang’s position in the advertising industry.

Meanwhile, Akshay Gurnani, co-founder and CEO of creative and technology at Schbang, announced his exit after 10 years. Under his leadership, the agency delivered campaigns for brands such as Tata Consumer, L’Oréal, and Ashok Leyland. His next venture is expected to focus on business effectiveness and digital transformation for brands in India and the UAE.

Founded in 2015, Schbang provides creative, media, and technology transformation services to brands such as Pidilite, Jio, and L’Oréal Group. The agency focuses on integrating marketing strategies with digital innovation. The company has a leadership team of over 35 professionals across creative, media, and technology functions. Its international expansion includes operations in the UK and Europe, following its acquisition of addiktSchbang. Schbang employs over 1,200 professionals and continues to develop integrated marketing solutions. The company is focused on enhancing its global footprint while maintaining a strong presence in India.