Moves and wins roundup: Week of 1 July

Former Times Internet executive Saurabh Gaur launches Performance Ace

Saurabh Gaur, with over 16 years of experience, has launched Performance Ace. He claimed that the company aims to deliver results in digital marketing services, leveraging advanced strategies to drive client success and exceed expectations.  

Gaur began his career at ICICI Lombard and advanced through roles at Games2win, Sify Technologies, and Times Internet, where he spent 11 years. At Times Internet, he served as national sales head and business head of HYPP, driving revenue growth and strategic expansions. He subsequently joined Mensa Brands.

Adrian Mendonza joins Rediffusion senior national creative resource

Adrian Mendonza has joined Rediffusion as a senior national creative resource. Based in Delhi, he will oversee creatives for the agency’s North India operations. In his last role, he led the creative team at RK Swamy BBDO on the Mercedes-Benz brand for five years.

Mendonza was national creative director with Dentsu Marcom and has also worked extensively with Rediffusion, Mudra and Contract Advertising. During his three-decade long career in the industry, he has worked on brands like Taj Group Of Hotels, Tata Motors, Phillips Audio & Lighting Systems, Colgate, Airtel, Hindustan Petroleum, Citibank, Indian Oil, Maruti Suzuki and Daikin Air Conditioners.

Poonam Wahi launches her production house

Poonam Wahi has launched her eponymous production house, called Poonam Wahi Films (PWF), after her last stint with Lintas C:EX. An executive producer with over two decades of experience in the film and advertising industry, she has worked with Chrome Pictures, Equinox Films and Highlight Films. While freelancing she worked on feature films including Lakshay, Sarkar Raaj, 3 Idiots, One Night with the King, Darjeeling Limited, The Fall, and Doors to the Seven Star.

Wahi has partnered with Bollywood celebrities like Akshay Kumar and culinary experts like chef Ranveer Brar in the past to crafting impactful content. PWF has a diverse portfolio of clients, including brands like Reliance, Adani, Tata, Danone India and Swiggy.

SoCheers wins the digital mandate for Asus India

Independent digital-first creative agency, SoCheers, has won the digital mandate of Taiwanese multinational electronics company, Asus, for its Indian business. The account was won following a multi-agency pitch and will be handled from the agency’s Mumbai office.

As part of the mandate, SoCheers will handle both Asus and ROG India Consumer PC’s end-to-end digital responsibilities, which includes overall strategy and management for both the brands across social channels. It will also strengthen the brands' online persona with outreach and influencer marketing, end-to-end management of pre and post content production, as well as strategising and executing digital brand campaigns for upcoming product launches.

Madison Media promotes Vinay Hegde to CEO-investments

Madison Media, part of Madison World, has elevated Vinay Hegde to CEO-Investments. Hegde brings over 25 years of experience to the role, having been with Madison Media for nearly eight years as chief buying officer. He previously held significant positions at Mindshare Fulcrum, Disney, Starcom, HTA, and Percept.

Madison Media, known for its media planning and buying services, caters to top clients like Godrej, Marico, Asian Paints, Titan, and McDonald’s. As part of Madison World, a communications agency founded in 1988, it served around 500 advertisers last year through its 11 units.

Togglehead wins digital mandate for The Arvind Store

Togglehead has bagged the digital marketing mandate for The Arvind Store, a retail division of Arvind Limited. Under this mandate, it will manage the online presence and engagement of Arvind Store brands, including social media management, online ad management and media buying, as well as influencer marketing.

Rucha Bhalekar promoted to associate vice president for Corporate Communications at FCB Group India

Rucha Bhalekar has been promoted to associate vice president—corporate communications at FCB Group India, a move she announced on LinkedIn. Previously, Bhalekar served as director of corporate communications at the company. Bhalekar's career includes roles such as director of corporate communications at FCB Kinnect from 2021 to 2022 and regional communications manager, APAC at Httpool from 2020 to 2021. From 2017 to 2020, she was with Isobar India Group. With extensive experience in corporate, consumer, digital, and brand communications, Bhalekar holds an M.C.M.S in Media Research from Savitribai Phule Pune University.

House of Chikankari, which focuses on meticulously crafted pieces, will benefit from ETML's data analytics capabilities and real-time dashboards, which provide insights into customer behavior for optimised marketing strategies. Both companies are optimistic about redefining the online experience for chikankari enthusiasts, showcasing the artistry and heritage of the brand to a broader audience.

Bloomingdale Public Relations appoints Vikram Kharvi as CEO

Bloomingdale Public Relations, a fastest-growing PR firms in Asia, has appointed Vikram Kharvi as its new chief executive officer. With over 27 years of experience in strategic communications and marketing, Kharvi has held senior roles at leading firms such as Adfactors PR, Tata Housing, Sampark PR, ANSSI Wellness, and Indian Express. His expertise spans public relations, corporate communication, and both traditional and digital marketing, showcasing his capability to lead Bloomingdale PR with exceptional confidence and vision. Founder and group CEO Diana Fernandes expressed confidence in Kharvi's ability to drive the company's growth and innovation. Kharvi will focus on enhancing Bloomingdale PR's capabilities, unlocking new opportunities for expansion, and leading the firm to new heights in strategic communication and brand excellence.

Quotient Ventures elevates Adarsh Atal to group chief creative officer

Mumbai-based brand and communications solutioning Group, Quotient Ventures (comprising Tilt Brand Solutions and Vector Brand Solutions) has announced the promotion of Adarsh Atal to group chief creative officer. Previously chief creative officer, Atal has been key in delivering notable work for clients such as Dream11, Myntra, Livspace, and Swiggy. Atal now joins the new management team led by group chairman and CEO Joseph George, group chief business officer Hari Krishnan, group chief operating officer Michelle Suradkar, and group chief strategy officer Gulshan Singh. 

HTech onboards AdGlobal360 (AGL) to amplify digital marketing efforts

HTech has appointed AdGlobal360 (AGL), the martech company and a member of Hakuhodo International, to oversee its digital marketing efforts. AGL will manage paid media advertising campaigns across digital platforms, including media buying, brand sponsorships, display, and social media advertising for all HONOR product launches. Known for their advanced analytics, innovative marketing, and data-driven strategies, AGL was selected for their proven ability to drive business growth. 

Brave New World appoints Samarjit Choudhry as managing partner and CEO

Brave New World, a nine-year-old independent agency, has appointed Samarjit Choudhry as managing partner and CEO. The agency handles a diverse portfolio of clients including Swadesh, Zalora, Wildcraft, Stanley Black & Decker, and Revolt. Prior to joining Brave New World, Choudhry was recently the chief strategy and growth officer for MediaMonks, with prior stints at agencies including Ogilvy as senior vice president and chief growth officer for Leo Burnett India, respectively. The agency aims to address both short-term goals and long-term value for clients, moving beyond tactical advertising that rarely builds brands.

Zoo Media joins forces with DCMN for integrated marketing solutions

Zoo Media, an Indian agency network, has partnered with international agency DCMN to offer integrated marketing solutions combining offline and digital strengths. This collaboration aims to provide a unified marketing strategy, covering both offline and online platforms, ensuring consistent and impactful brand messaging. This marks a significant expansion for DCMN in India, blending their data-driven approach with Zoo Media's digital expertise to help brands scale effectively.

Sekel Tech refreshes brand identity with new logo and tagline

Sekel Tech has unveiled a new logo and tagline, "Going Beyond," reflecting its commitment to innovation in hyperlocal digital marketing. The rebrand includes enhanced product offerings and a revamped product dashboard, providing real-time insights and streamlined marketing efforts. These changes aim to make hyperlocal marketing more accessible and affordable, reducing the turnaround time for businesses to go live from months to just 48 hours.

House of Beauty elevates Sanjali Giri as chief business officer

House of Beauty has promoted Sanjali Giri to Chief Business Officer (CBO). With 20 years of retail expertise in beauty and fashion, Giri will spearhead strategic initiatives and business growth for the international brands division. Previously VP for international brands distribution and retail, she has accelerated brand expansion within India, introducing six beauty brands to the market and driving their success.

Bold & Beyond wins digital and PR mandate for Mysore Saree Udyog

Bengaluru-based agency Bold & Beyond has secured the digital and PR mandate for Mysore Saree Udyog (MSU). The collaboration will include comprehensive digital, creative, PR, and influencer marketing strategies to enhance MSU’s brand presence. By leveraging a blend of tradition and innovation, the agency aims to strengthen MSU's local and global presence, building a distinctive brand personality.

Signpost India appoints Rameshwar Agrawal as CFO

Signpost India has appointed Rameshwar Agrawal as its new Chief Financial Officer. With over 28 years of experience in finance and leadership roles at HDFC and ICICI, Agrawal will develop and implement financial strategies to support the company's growth. Known for its large-scale public projects, Signpost India recently merged with Pressman Advertising to expand its advertising, digital marketing, and public relations offerings.