Moves and wins roundup: Week of 21 April

Redhill names Ankita Juneja as country head

Redhill, the Singapore-headquartered communications agency, has appointed Ankita Juneja as its new country head for India. Juneja will oversee business growth, client services and team development across India, reporting directly to Redhill president Manisha Seewal. Based in New Delhi, Juneja brings over 12 years of experience in public relations and communications. Her portfolio includes advisory work for Fortune 500 firms, startups, and sector leaders in technology, aviation, telecom, and corporate industries. Her appointment is expected to support Redhill’s ambitions to enhance its service offerings in corporate reputation, crisis management and integrated marketing. Redhill operates over 20 offices across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the US. The services agency offers include media relations, digital strategy, internal communications, and employer branding. Redhill views India as a priority market in its global growth strategy.

iCubesWire launches hyperlocal influencer targeting

iCubesWire has launched a new hyperlocal influencer targeting feature on its marketing platform, allowing brands to identify and collaborate with influencers at the pin code level across 19,000 locations in India. The feature, described as an industry first, enables marketers to deliver content tailored to specific geographic and cultural contexts, including regional and vernacular preferences. The platform maps over one million influencers across India and now supports region-specific engagement for both urban centres and remote areas. According to iCubesWire’s consumer survey, 65% of Indian users prefer influencers who speak their local language. The update allows brands to run hyper-personalised campaigns aligned with cultural identity and locality. This addition is expected to enhance iCubesWire’s existing ecosystem, which includes campaign tracking, analytics, and influencer management tools.

Zone Media appoints Sahil Bisht as global sales director

Zone Media has appointed Sahil Bisht as its global sales director. Bisht will lead the company’s sales efforts across India, Southeast Asia, the GCC/MENA region, Latin America, and Europe. He will focus on enhancing performance and strengthening relationships in both new and existing markets. Bisht has over 12 years of experience in sales and operations, having worked at Lufthansa Airlines, Genpact India, Business Standard, Admitad India, and KIT Global. Zone Media, which operates a proprietary demand-side platform called BidBox.ai, offers audience targeting and optimisation across programmatic, display, and connected TV ad formats. The company has worked with over 200 global brands, executing more than 25,000 campaigns across nine countries.

Sirca Paints appoints ONEDIGITAL as creative partner

Sirca Paints India has appointed ONEDIGITAL as its creative agency partner following a multi-agency pitch. The collaboration aims to strengthen Sirca’s brand presence and support its marketing strategy in India through integrated communication across digital and traditional media platforms. ONEDIGITAL, a full-service marketing agency focused on architecture, design, and interior product brands, will develop and implement Sirca’s creative strategy. The agency will provide communication support for Sirca’s portfolio of Italian wood coatings, decorative paints, and architectural finishes. This partnership aligns with Sirca’s ongoing efforts to grow its brand footprint and enhance engagement with key stakeholders. Sirca Paints, known for its offerings in premium wood and interior decorative finishes, intends to expand its reach and market share. ONEDIGITAL will apply its domain expertise and content strategy to strengthen the brand’s narrative and positioning in the design-led communication space.Admitad India, and KIT Global. Zone Media, which operates a proprietary demand-side platform called BidBox.ai, offers audience targeting and optimisation across programmatic, display, and connected TV ad formats. The company has worked with over 200 global brands, executing more than 25,000 campaigns across nine countries.

Wit & Chai appoints Saurabh Sankpal as chief creative head

Creative media agency Wit & Chai Group has appointed Saurabh Sankpal as chief creative head. Sankpal brings over two decades of experience from agencies including FCB, Saatchi & Saatchi, DDB, and Publicis, as well as in-house roles at Nykaa and House of Anita Dongre. In his new role, Sankpal will lead creative output across key accounts and collaborate with strategy teams to develop brand narratives aligned with commercial objectives. His portfolio includes campaigns for Volkswagen, MTV, Chupa Chups, and Virgin Mobile, along with strategic consulting work for Roland Berger and AlphaSights. Wit & Chai Group says the appointment supports its vision to foster a culture of experimentation and agility. Sankpal is expected to mentor talent, guide integrated campaigns, and strengthen the agency’s market position among digital-first and challenger brands. 

Alchemist names Chinar Joshi as its Delhi head

Alchemist Marketing & Talent Solutions has appointed Chinar Joshi as head of its Mainline Delhi operations. In addition to leading the Delhi branch, Joshi will oversee the agency’s real estate vertical in the region. Joshi has 20 years of experience in advertising and marketing, with roles across India and Southeast Asia. He has worked on campaigns for brands including Maruti Suzuki, Nokia Global, Johnson & Johnson, Friesland Campina, PETRONAS, Abbott, and IKEA. Before joining Alchemist, he held leadership responsibilities at ALTERTYPE Creative Ventures, managing clients such as Raheja Group, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles, and Citroën India.

IRCTC launches 'Cuboid' ad format with Adgebra

IRCTC has partnered with Adgebra to introduce the ‘Cuboid’ ad format on its digital platforms, including its website and mobile app. This partnership, awarded through an open tender, will enable brands to engage with IRCTC’s 10 million daily active users using a new interactive advertising format. The Cuboid format features six interactive faces integrated natively into the user journey. Early campaigns have shown 3.2 times higher engagement compared to traditional ad formats. The format targets high-intent travel users, offering brands access to affluent demographics and a brand-safe environment. Advertisers in sectors such as EdTech, FMCG, and consumer goods have already adopted the format, reporting improved engagement and brand recall. The offering is available for upcoming campaigns, with growing interest from premium advertisers. Adgebra is the ad tech platform of Inuxu Digital Media Technologies. It delivers rich media and video advertising solutions to over 500 brands, reaching more than 50 crore users through AI-driven targeting.

Inflexion Group, AI&Beyond partner for AI training

Inflexion Group has partnered with AI&Beyond to deliver AI literacy training to account-based marketing (ABM) professionals. The duo will offer programmes including generative AI bootcamp, ethics bootcamp, and AI fluency workshops to Inflexion’s global client base. The training, delivered through Inflexion’s ABM Academy, includes virtual sessions and guided self-study. The bootcamps will help learners build practical AI skills aligned with Inflexion’s ABM framework. Participants will learn to apply AI tools in real marketing workflows, enhance decision-making, and address ethical considerations. AI&Beyond, co-founded by Jaspreet Bindra and Anuj Magazine, focuses on experiential learning and responsible AI use. It operates in India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Inflexion Group has worked with over 50 global technology and professional services companies in ABM. The ABM Academy provides flexible learning options and digital credentials for professionals at all levels.

Techmagnate wins marketing mandate for Aviva Life digital

Techmagnate has secured the digital marketing mandate for Aviva Life Insurance Company India. The appointment follows a multi-agency pitch and will see the digital agency manage Aviva India's digital strategy. Under the agreement, Techmagnate will support the life insurer’s efforts to build its online presence, improve customer engagement, and drive growth. Aviva India is a joint venture between UK-based Aviva Plc. and Dabur Invest Corp, one of India’s established business groups. Techmagnate is expected to lead data-driven campaigns to address evolving consumer demands. The agency has prior experience working with brands in the financial services sector. It has delivered digital solutions for firms such as Bajaj Finserv, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Aditya Birla Finance. Techmagnate positions itself as an SEO-first digital marketing agency with clients in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sectors.

Truecaller proposes Aruna Sundararajan for board seat

Truecaller’s Nomination Committee has proposed the election of Aruna Sundararajan as a new member of the Board of Directors at its upcoming Annual General Meeting on 23 May 2025. The committee also recommends re-electing all current board members. Sundararajan brings experience from senior government roles in India, including positions in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Department of Telecommunications. She currently chairs the Broadband India Forum and serves on the boards of several listed companies, including Delhivery, Info Edge, and L&T Technology Services. The committee states that her background in policy and regulatory affairs will add to the board’s overall expertise. The proposed board, if approved, will consist of six members with diverse competencies. Truecaller, headquartered in Stockholm, is used by over 450 million people worldwide and has been listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 2021.

Amazon India names Priyanka Khaneja Gandhi as ads marketing head

Amazon has appointed Priyanka Khaneja Gandhi as head of ads marketing for Amazon India. She announced the move on LinkedIn, stating she will lead marketing and creative solutions for Amazon Ads in the country. Gandhi previously worked at Colgate-Palmolive India for over 16 years, most recently as Director of Integrated Brand Experience. Her earlier roles involved media, content, digital transformation, and e-commerce performance marketing. She also held leadership positions at media agencies including Madison Communications, Carat, and Starcom, managing campaigns for brands such as Mondelez, Marico, and ICICI. With 25 years of experience across brand marketing and media strategy, Gandhi brings expertise in digital marketing, consumer data, and organisational transformation.

Dreame appoints Kriti Sanon as brand ambassador

Dreame Technology has appointed Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon as its first brand ambassador in India. The company announced the partnership as part of its effort to expand its presence in the Indian market. Sanon will feature in Dreame’s television, digital, and print campaigns, promoting its range of smart home cleaning and grooming products. Dreame’s product line includes robotic vacuums, cordless vacuums, wet and dry cleaning devices, and hair styling tools. All products are available on Amazon India.

Glad U Came announces leadership appointments

Public relations and influencer marketing agency Glad U Came has announced new leadership appointments as part of its growth strategy. Pritesh Potdar has joined as chief operating officer and director, bringing over 15 years of experience in operations and strategy. Tejaswini Vishwakarma has been appointed PR and client servicing manager, with a background handling campaigns for brands such as L’Oréal, Mamaearth, and Spotify. The agency has also promoted Aanya Dewan to brand strategist lead and Jyoti Kumari to influencer marketing lead. Dewan has led client onboarding for brands including Domino’s and Patanjali, while Kumari has worked on award-winning influencer campaigns. The agency said these moves aim to improve client servicing and campaign execution. Glad U Came works with brands across fashion, beauty, lifestyle, entertainment, and tech.

Dharma Media Consultants to lead India Internet Day PR

TiE Delhi-NCR has appointed Dharma Media Consultants as its official communications partner for India Internet Day 2025. The summit will take place on 2 May 2025 at The Leela Ambience, Gurugram. The 14th edition of India Internet Day will highlight the country’s digital and entrepreneurial growth, with this year’s theme marking 25 years of TiE Delhi-NCR. As part of the ‘Super 25’ initiative, the event will recognise top startups, investors, and changemakers contributing to India’s innovation landscape. Dharma Media will manage strategic communications and media outreach to drive visibility and stakeholder engagement. The summit will feature discussions on digital transformation, AI, and investment opportunities in India’s technology ecosystem. The digital economy’s share of GDP has grown significantly and is expected to double its growth rate compared to the overall economy. Speakers include Vijay Shekhar Sharma of Paytm, Apurva Chamaria of Google, and Upasana Taku of MobiKwik. The event will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and business leaders.

Altair Media secures PR mandate for 72nd Miss World Festival

Altair Media, a Mumbai-based agency, has been appointed as the official public relations agency for the 72nd Miss World Festival, to be held in Telangana from 7 to 31 May 2025. The appointment was confirmed by Miss World Limited, the organiser of the global pageant. The festival will feature participants from 140 countries and serve as a platform to promote Telangana’s cultural heritage, tourism offerings, and global profile. The event is expected to attract significant media coverage and highlight Telangana’s traditional arts, crafts, and cuisine. Altair Media will lead strategic communications, manage digital campaigns, and coordinate international media collaborations to position Telangana as a leading destination for culture and tourism. The agency will also support outreach efforts related to Telangana’s healthcare, eco-tourism, and entertainment sectors. Telangana aims showcase its infrastructure, safety, and hospitality capabilities during the event. The festival is part of broader efforts to align tourism with global cultural events and reinforce the state's international appeal.

Liqvd Asia names Mahima Kukreja as creative technologist 

Liqvd Asia has appointed Mahima Kukreja as a creative technologist to lead its tech-enabled creative services. Kukreja will report to Sunil Gangras, head of creative services, and work across the agency’s core businesses to shape and scale its creative-tech capabilities. The move follows Liqvd Asia’s acquisition of performance marketing agency AdLift, part of its strategy to offer end-to-end digital solutions. Kukreja brings more than 13 years of experience at agencies including Ogilvy, DDB and Monks, having delivered campaigns for brands such as Tata, Amazon, Mondelez, KFC, and HBO. Her work spans digital films, AI-powered brand experiences, and integrated campaigns. She was selected for the Cannes Lions See It Be It programme in 2025 and served on juries for Spikes Asia and D&AD. Kukreja also mentors emerging creatives and operates FeelFuzzy.in, a platform offering affordable therapy for young adults.

Jason Kothari launches global entertainment company, Mythik

Entrepreneur Jason Kothari has founded Mythik, a tech-first global entertainment company based in India, to present Eastern mythology, history, and folktales to a global audience. Mythik will leverage immersive technology to bring stories with a built-in audience of 3.5 billion people to life. Kothari’s previous roles include CEO of Valiant Entertainment, which he acquired and led to a sale for $100 million, a turnaround CEO at Housing.com and Snapdeal, and CEO of FreeCharge, which he sold to Axis Bank. He also served on boards of Emaar India, Balaji Telefilms and Al Tibbi, and advised SoftBank. His work in entertainment includes serving as executive producer on Sony’s film Bloodshot. Kothari is the author of Irrationally Passionate, published by HarperCollins India. Mythik’s founding team comprises former leaders from Disney, Netflix, Amazon Studios, Jio and Tencent. The company aims to create what it calls 'the Disney from the East'.

DEPT becomes Adobe's strategic innovation partner

Adobe named DEPT as its 'Digital Strategic Innovation Partner of the Year in India' at 2024 Adobe Partner Awards. The accolade recognises DEPT’s work integrating Adobe solutions to drive digital transformation for Indian brands. Its Accessibility Plugin for Adobe Experience Manager improves digital inclusivity and supports WCAG compliance with minimal setup. DEPT’s global team of more than 550 experts—including over 120 certified specialists—executes projects across the Adobe suite, from Experience Manager to Real-Time CDP. The agency has previously won Adobe Solution Partner of the Year for APAC in 2019, 2021 and 2022. DEPT will present its latest Adobe-driven innovations at the Best of Adobe Summit in Mumbai on 4 June. Its clients include HDFC Bank, HSBC, Tata Capital, Bajaj Allianz and Apollo Tyres. DEPT said its 50/50 model of technology and marketing underpins its work across Brand & Media, Customer Experience, Commerce Growth and Technology & Data.

Hashtag Orange wins digital marketing mandate from ROCA

ROCA India has appointed Hashtag Orange to manage its digital marketing efforts and expand its online reach. The mandate includes developing a digital strategy across platforms, covering social media, SEO, and media planning to build brand awareness and recall. Hashtag Orange will lead digital initiatives to support ROCA’s shift to data-driven engagement and targeted campaigns. The partnership is aimed at strengthening ROCA’s position in the Indian market and adapting to changing consumer behaviour. ROCA is a 100-year-old sanitaryware manufacturer in India. The brand is looking to modernise its communication and expand its digital presence. Hashtag Orange, based in Gurugram, will apply its expertise in integrated marketing to support this effort.

Cream Centre partners with Yellow for rebranding

Cream Centre has partnered with agency Yellow to undertake a rebranding initiative focused on updating its identity and customer experience. The collaboration will include changes to the brand’s visual elements across its locations in India. Cream Centre, operating for 65 years, offers a vegetarian menu and a dining format focused on groups. The rebrand is intended to help the chain remain relevant in a changing food service environment, where consumers are seeking brands that combine legacy with current platforms. Yellow will lead the redesign, including a logo and a revised visual system. The agency will apply its process to balance existing recognition with updated design. The updated branding will be applied across brand touchpoints and platforms.

SocioClout names Jayanth Kumar as managing partner

SocioClout has appointed Jayanth Kumar as its managing partner as part of its plan to expand operations and strengthen its presence in the Indian digital marketing sector. The agency focuses on influencer marketing and branded digital video content. Kumar previously served as Senior Director, India, at DoubleVerify, a global company in media measurement and analytics. His appointment is intended to support SocioClout’s growth plans and operational scale. SocioClout, founded by Bitesh Singh, manages a network of over 100 exclusive creators and has executed more than 10,000 campaigns. The agency combines influencer marketing with brand video production and uses a data-focused approach to marketing performance. The company aims to expand its offerings, enhance client servicing, and increase its market share in the integrated media category. SocioClout’s leadership believes that Kumar’s experience in digital advertising and strategic planning will contribute to its next phase of development.

The Trade Desk names Rahul Kapoor as partnerships VP

The Trade Desk has appointed Rahul Kapoor as vice president of partnerships in India. In his new role, Kapoor will lead the company’s publisher and data partnerships strategy, with a focus on expanding inventory across connected TV (CTV), over-the-top (OTT) platforms, audio, news, and other digital media verticals. Kapoor will oversee initiatives that support the development of the open internet advertising ecosystem. His responsibilities will include strengthening privacy-safe identity solutions, improving supply chain transparency, optimising data use, and advancing retail media and measurement capabilities. These efforts are aimed at aligning the company’s digital advertising offerings with advertiser objectives. Before joining The Trade Desk, Kapoor held senior roles in the media and ad tech industry. He previously served as director of partnership solutions at Google India and was also chief manager at Yahoo. With over two decades of experience in strategic alliances, Kapoor brings knowledge of the digital advertising landscape to his new role at The Trade Desk.

Amigos Foods partners With Orion Digital

Amigos Foods has partnered with Orion Digital to enhance its digital presence and customer engagement. The Jammu & Kashmir-based food and hospitality brand aims to strengthen its online visibility and expand its reach through collaboration. Orion Digital, a full-service digital marketing agency, will deliver a range of services, including social media marketing, content creation, brand strategy, and WhatsApp automation. These efforts are designed to improve Amigos Foods’ interaction with its audience across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Google. Orion Digital will focus on promoting the Amigos Foods restaurant chain while working to improve customer retention and brand credibility. Campaigns under the partnership will include targeted digital promotions and curated content intended to improve customer experiences and increase engagement online. Amigos Foods operates in locations such as Hazratbal, Srinagar, and Baramulla. The company has seen rapid growth in the region’s food and hospitality sector and is positioning itself for broader expansion. The collaboration is already active, with digital activations and marketing initiatives being rolled out. These include promotional content, customer outreach efforts, and enhanced booking systems.

IEIA awards social media management contract to Media Care

Media Care has secured the social media management contract for the 14th edition of the IEIA Open Seminar and Exhibition Services Expo, organised by the Indian Exhibition Industry Association. The event will take place on 2–3 May 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The IEIA Open Seminar is set to convene over 700 leaders from the exhibition and conference sectors, including organisers, trade officials, and government representatives. The event will feature knowledge sessions, an industry expo, and pre-arranged B2B meetings using digital matchmaking tools. Media Care will lead all digital promotion efforts for the seminar. The agency plans to apply data-driven strategies to boost the event’s online presence and audience reach. This includes digital storytelling and campaign targeting to improve stakeholder engagement. The IEIA Open Seminar aims to present the latest innovations in exhibition services and facilitate business development through structured networking. Media Care's appointment as the official digital partner is intended to help maximise the visibility of the event and reinforce its status within the industry.

Sujata Appliances appoints Akshaya Vasishth as marketing head

Sujata Appliances has appointed Akshaya Vasishth as its chief marketing officer. He will lead the marketing strategy for the brand’s core product range, including its mixer-grinders, as well as its recently launched line of premium small domestic appliances. Vasishth brings 18 years of experience in the FMCG and healthcare industries. His previous leadership roles span companies such as Sun Pharma, AbbVie APAC, Himalaya Wellness, Hamdard Foods, and Mahindra & Mahindra. He is also the founder of a digital health platform and an alumnus of IIM Lucknow. The appointment comes as Sujata expands into new categories and higher-end segments of the home appliance market. Vasishth’s role includes driving growth initiatives, digital transformation, and strategic brand positioning to support these goals.

Ghadi Detergent secures naming rights for Delhi station platforms

Ghadi Detergent has obtained exclusive naming rights for platforms 1, 6, 7, 8, and 9 at New Delhi Railway Station. The agreement, valid for one year, enables the RSPL Group-owned brand to display its name prominently as ‘Ghadi Platform’ across multiple high-traffic sections of one of India’s busiest railway hubs, which sees a daily footfall exceeding one million passengers. The branding initiative includes panels, billboards, vinyl wraps, signage, and digital screens across the designated platforms. In addition to the promotional rollout, Ghadi has introduced commuter amenities such as female feeding rooms aimed at improving convenience for passengers while reinforcing its presence. This move aligns with RSPL Group’s strategy to engage with consumers at frequent touchpoints and further strengthens Ghadi Detergent’s market position. With an estimated 20% market share in India’s laundry segment, Ghadi has maintained a steady presence in households across the country for over three decades. By leveraging one of the most frequented public spaces, the brand seeks to enhance its recall and reach across both urban and rural demographics.

Jury chairs announced for Abby Awards 2025

The Advertising Club has announced the appointment of jury chairs for the upcoming ABBY Awards 2025 powered by One Show. The appointed chairs are Ashwini Deshpande for Design, Ashish Chakravarty for Audio, Raj Kamble for Out of Home and Ambient, Ashish Khazanchi for Direct, and Francesco Poletti for Young Maverick Abby categories. Ashwini Deshpande, co-founder and director at Elephant, will oversee the Design category. She has previously served on international juries including Cannes Lions, The One Show, and D&AD, and has been active in various design and mentorship initiatives across Asia. Ashish Chakravarty, executive director and India head of creative at McCann Worldgroup, will head the Audio jury. His career spans multiple agency networks, and he has won over 500 national and international awards. He has served on numerous juries and is consistently ranked among the top creative leaders in India. Raj Kamble, founder and chief creative officer of Famous Innovations, will chair the Out of Home and Ambient category. With experience at global agencies including Lowe and BBDO, he founded Famous Innovations in 2013. His agency has won several regional awards, and Kamble also serves on educational boards and government think tanks. Ashish Khazanchi, managing partner and chief creative officer at Enormous Brands, will lead the Direct category jury. His previous work includes campaigns for Tata Sky, DNA, and several startups. Khazanchi has held senior roles in top agencies and won over 350 awards globally. Francesco Poletti is the chief creative officer, Le Pub Publicis, Italy. He has been appointed as an international jury chair for Young Maverick Abby category. Earlier, he worked as CCO at VMLY&R and creative director at Jung Van Matt.The ABBY Awards will be held during Goafest 2025 from 21 to 23 May in Goa.

Django wins digital marketing mandate for Parag Milk Foods

Parag Milk Foods has appointed Django as its digital marketing partner for three of its key brands — Go Cheese, Pride of Cows, and Avvatar. The collaboration is aimed at enhancing digital engagement and strengthening brand presence across platforms through targeted content, influencer strategies, and performance marketing. Under this partnership, Django will develop tailored digital campaigns for each brand. Go Cheese will focus on themes such as innovation, health, and convenience, highlighting its market leadership through interactive and engaging content formats. Pride of Cows will adopt a comprehensive digital approach, combining loyalty programmes, quick commerce integration, content marketing, and paid media to support its premium positioning. Avvatar, India’s first vegetarian whey protein brand, will leverage influencer partnerships and digital storytelling to engage the fitness and sports nutrition community. The campaigns aim to reinforce Avvatar’s role as a preferred choice among athletes and health-focused consumers. Founded in 2019, Django offers digital solutions including content creation, media strategy, and technology integration.