Moves and wins roundup: Week of 31 March

82.5 Communications names Rohitash Srivastava as chief strategy officer

82.5 Communications has appointed Rohitash Srivastava as its chief strategy officer in an internal transfer from Ogilvy India (North). The move is aimed at strengthening the agency’s strategic capabilities as it experiences business growth and recognition for its campaigns. Srivastava, a communication planner and brand consultant with two decades of experience, previously led strategic planning at Ogilvy India (North). His portfolio includes work for major brands such as The Coca-Cola Company, GSK’s Eno, Dabur India, Perfetti, Mother Dairy, and RSPL Group. He has received multiple EFFIE awards, including a Gold and three Silvers in APAC EFFIES, and has been recognised as India’s Top Digital Planner by Digital Market Asia and Business World in 2016. Srivastava's appointment comes amid 82.5 Communications’ efforts to boost its market position within the Ogilvy network. The agency aims to leverage Srivastava's expertise in consumer-centric strategies and brand-building. Beyond advertising, Srivastava is involved in academia and social initiatives. He teaches brand strategy at institutions such as MICA and MET Mumbai and contributes to publications like Brand Equity and WARC.

Cheil SWA appoints Jitender Dabas as Cheil X CEO

Cheil South West Asia (SWA) has named Jitender Dabas as CEO of Cheil X, an independent agency within the Cheil India group. Dabas will also serve as group chief strategy officer for Cheil SWA, overseeing creative, strategy, digital marketing, media, influencer marketing, content production, and retail design operations of the agency. Dabas joins from McCann Worldgroup, where he worked as chief operating officer and chief strategy officer for India. He has held leadership roles across WPP and IPG, earning recognition for strategic effectiveness. An IIT Delhi alumnus, he has served on juries for Cannes Lions, WARC Awards, and the Effies. Cheil X operates independently under Cheil India, managing non-Samsung accounts. Dabas will oversee offices in Delhi and Mumbai while supporting agencies within the Cheil SWA network. His appointment aligns with Cheil’s strategy to expand digital marketing, content production, and brand experience capabilities in India. Cheil Worldwide, headquartered in Seoul, is a global agency network with operations in 46 countries.

Curry Nation secures communications mandate for JAIHIND

Curry Nation has won the integrated communications mandate for JAIHIND, a Pune-based multi-brand retail chain in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, Nashik, and Pune. The agency secured the mandate following its UNLIMIT workshop, which led to the brand repositioning itself from a 'men’s only store' to a 'men’s mall'. Curry Nation will handle digital community engagement, brand messaging across multiple platforms, campaign execution, and customer relationship strategies. The agency will enhance JAIHIND’s brand identity and awareness while supporting its long-term vision of catering to men’s fashion needs.

DDB Tribal appoints new leaders

DDB Tribal North has appointed Ashna Nandrajog as senior vice president - business and Mohini Varma as executive vice president - planning. Nandrajog brings two decades of experience in brand management, having worked with companies such as Bata, Ford, and Maruti Suzuki at agencies including Contract, FCB Ulka, and Ogilvy. Varma, a Gold APAC Effie and formerly a correspondent with NDTV, has led brand strategies for clients such as Netflix, Google, and PepsiCo at agencies including Toaster and JWT. DDB Tribal, part of the DDB Mudra Group, focuses on data-driven creativity and strategic brand growth. It operates across multiple divisions, including DDB Mudra, 22feet Tribal Worldwide, and Track.

BeanstalkAsia appoints Rajneesh Chaturvedi as CEO

BeanstalkAsia, an integrated marketing communications agency, has appointed Rajneesh Chaturvedi as its chief executive officer (CEO). Chaturvedi, who brings over 20 years of experience in consumer marketing, brand strategy, and media, has worked in industries such as FMCG, BFSI, media & entertainment, and e-commerce. His previous leadership roles include positions at Medlife and Kraft Heinz, where he contributed to the launch of the Kraft portfolio in India. He has also held leadership positions at WPP Group and IPG Mediabrands, working on campaigns for global brands. Chaturvedi’s entrepreneurial background includes co-founding Lokal Vokal, a hyperlocal OTT platform. Specialising in brand strategy, digital marketing, and public relations services, BeanstalkAsia's business operations have spread across India, Nepal, and Dubai. It serves sectors including healthcare, FMCG, fintech, and real estate, working with clients like Apollo Hospital, Berger Paints Nepal, and HDFC Ergo General Insurance. Chaturvedi’s appointment is seen as a move to accelerate the company’s growth in the areas of media planning, brand strategy, and marketing.

Grey India names Harsh Kapadia as CCO

Grey India has appointed Harsh Kapadia as its chief creative officer (CCO). Kapadia joins from MRM New York, where he held the same role since 2021, and brings with him global experience in leading creative campaigns. He will work alongside Anusha Shetty, CEO of Grey India, to steer the agency's growth in key Indian markets including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Kapadia, a Mumbai native, has a proven track record working with global brands like Google, Reckitt, and Diageo. He will focus on creating campaigns tailored to the Indian market while applying global standards. This move also marks his return to the WPP network after previous roles at VML and JWT. 

Kaizzen appoints Suresh Rangarajan as senior VP - South

Kaizzen, a communications agency, has appointed Suresh Rangarajan as senior vice president – South to strengthen its presence in South India. With over 25 years of experience in both corporate and agency roles, Rangarajan brings expertise in technology, telecommunications, and automotive sectors.

In his new role, Rangarajan will oversee the agency’s efforts to expand its client base and lead strategic communications in the region. Kaizzen’s leadership team expressed confidence in Rangarajan’s ability to drive growth and strengthen the agency’s position in key South Indian markets, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

Amagi partners with Sports Studio for FreeLiveSports.tv support

Amagi, a cloud-based SaaS provider, has teamed up with Sports Studio, Inc to support its FreeLiveSports.tv platform with streaming and monetisation solutions. This partnership enables Sports Studio to distribute content seamlessly across its sports channels, offering viewers a broad selection of live sports content through 120 dedicated FAST channels.

Sports Studio, which operates under the Free Live Sports brand, aims to simplify content monetisation and enhance distribution for sports rights holders. By utilising Amagi’s technology, the platform can now offer sports channels more effectively, helping rights holders reach larger audiences. The collaboration includes full-service channel creation, providing valuable support for content owners who lack the resources to build their own channels. The Free Live Sports platform offers over 140 channels and thousands of hours of VOD, catering to a global audience.

Branquila unveils 'BrandWIDTH' advisory board

Branquila Brand Ventures has announced the launch of 'BrandWIDTH', an advisory board consisting of experts from various industries, including media, marketing, digital commerce, and entertainment. The panel includes notable figures such as Raj Nayak, Rajesh Kamat, and Dr Anurag Batra, who will provide strategic guidance to Branquila’s growth and innovation.

The initiative aims to enhance Branquila's offerings to its partners by leveraging the board’s expertise in reshaping business strategies.

Hypothesis by OML wins influencer marketing mandate for Ather Energy

Hypothesis by OML has been appointed as the influencer marketing partner for Ather Energy, an electric two-wheeler brand. This collaboration will see Hypothesis utilise its proprietary technology to craft creative campaigns that target Gen Z and millennial consumers.

The initiative aims to enhance brand affinity and audience engagement through influencer-driven content across social and video platforms. Hypothesis will combine data-driven insights with creative storytelling to amplify Ather Energy's reach and foster deep connections with its customer base.

Hypothesis has facilitated over 100 campaigns with thousands of influencers.

IOS Sports and Entertainment ropes in Vantika Agrawal

Indian chess star Vantika Agrawal has joined IOS Sports and Entertainment for professional management. The 2024 Arjuna Awardee, known for her achievements in international chess, including two gold medals at the 2024 Chess Olympiad and a silver at the 2022 Asian Games, will now be represented by the sports management company.

IOS will assist Agrawal with brand endorsements, media relations, and career development, aiming to elevate her global profile. Agrawal’s signing reflects her rising prominence in chess and the potential for further opportunities in the sport and beyond.

Mavcomm Group and Genuus announce partnership

Mavcomm Group and Genuus have announced a partnership to offer marketing and communications solutions. This collaboration combines Mavcomm’s expertise in public relations, reputation management, and branded content with Genuus’ strengths in digital marketing, Martech, and AI-powered content creation.

Mavcomm Group, with over two decades of experience, and Genuus, a leader in Martech, plan to deliver data-driven, integrated marketing solutions to enhance client engagement and business growth. The alliance will enable businesses to leverage advanced capabilities such as AI and marketing automation to create impactful brand campaigns.

Through this partnership, the duo aims to provide clients with a one-stop solution for digital engagement, brand storytelling, and content amplification across India, Singapore, and the UAE.

Dentsu wins Forevermark's creative mandate

Dentsu Creative Isobar has secured the integrated creative mandate for Forevermark, a luxury diamond brand under the De Beers Group. Dentsu will oversee the brand’s creative strategy and communications to strengthen its market presence in India.

As Forevermark looks to redefine its brand narrative, Dentsu will work on crafting a modern identity that blends heritage with contemporary luxury. The agency’s fresh approach will include a new campaign aimed at resonating with the modern consumer and enhancing Forevermark’s status as a symbol of sophistication.

This partnership marks a significant step for both brands, combining Forevermark’s legacy with Dentsu’s expertise in transformative creativity to create innovative and impactful campaigns.

PivotRoots bags digital mandate for Bindu Jeera Fizz

Bindu, a South Indian Jeera Fizz brand, has appointed PivotRoots, a Havas Company, as its digital agency. The agency will help Bindu expand its national presence through a multi-platform digital strategy focusing on brand communications and consumer engagement.

As Bindu aims to grow beyond South India, the partnership will focus on leveraging digital innovation and culturally relevant content. PivotRoots will strengthen the brand’s visibility and position Bindu as the leading choice for Jeera beverages, highlighting its premium taste and health benefits.

Tilt Brand Solutions bags brand and communications mandate for Enamor

Enamor, a lingerie brand in India, has selected Mumbai-based Tilt Brand Solutions as its brand and communications agency of record. The appointment follows a multi-agency pitch. Enamor, launched in 2001 as a joint venture with Barbara of Paris, has established itself by focusing on fashion, functionality, and innovation.

Tilt Brand Solutions will manage the brand's strategic communication and help elevate its presence in India. The collaboration aims to engage a new generation of consumers and refresh Enamor's brand narrative.

Medicaps University unveils new brand identity

Medicaps University has launched a new brand logo and visual identity as part of its efforts to reinforce its commitment to academic excellence. The university, established over two decades ago, offers interdisciplinary programs in fields such as Engineering, Science, Management, and Law.

The new identity reflects the university's mission to produce socially responsible professionals and critical thinkers. The brand logo, which integrates geometric patterns, symbolizes intellectual and professional development and reinforces the focus on leadership, innovation, and holistic growth. The colour scheme of deep purple and burgundy represents wisdom and academic vitality. The university aims to provide students with an education that prepares them for the demands of an evolving world.

Ampverse Pulse launches digital media buying platform

Ampverse Pulse has introduced Pulse Media, a digital media buying platform aimed at advertising to gamers across Southeast Asia and the Gulf states. Pulse Media allows advertisers to target over 30,000 gaming creators’ channels and in-game inventory, offering immersive advertising formats across mobile and PC games.

The platform uses programmatic advertising solutions and AI-driven optimisation to help brands effectively reach consumers in highly engaged gaming environments. It supports services including live stream integration, AI-driven campaigns, and non-disruptive in-game ads, blending with gameplay.

Pulse Media provides advertising solutions for brands such as Tencent and Red Bull. It is operational in Southeast Asia, India, and MENA, and has offices in Bangkok, Manila, Delhi, and Dubai. The service aims to help brands engage with younger generations, including Gen Z and Gen Alpha.