Moves and Wins: Week of 02 June

Neeraj Bassi to lead Ogilvy Consulting in India

Ogilvy India has announced the launch of Ogilvy Consulting in India, with Neeraj Bassi being appointed to lead the practice. Bassi will also serve as head of strategic planning for Ogilvy India (north) and will be based in the agency's Gurugram office. Bassi returns to Ogilvy with 28 years of experience in strategy and business growth roles. Most recently, he served as chief growth officer at Cheil X. His prior roles include chief strategy officer at Publicis, Havas, and Cheil India. He began his career at McCann Erickson and held positions at JWT Dubai. His last stint at Ogilvy was as president – strategic planning until 2015. Ogilvy Consulting, a business arm of Ogilvy, addresses three key areas globally: growth and innovation, business design, and digital transformation. The unit integrates expertise across brand strategy, customer engagement and commerce, partnerships, and public relations into a unified offering.

GMR named title sponsor for RPL

GMR Group has been announced as the title sponsor for Season 1 of the Rugby Premier League (RPL), which will take place in Mumbai from June 15 to 29, 2025. The league is organised by Rugby India in partnership with GMR Sports. The RPL is the world’s first franchise-based Rugby 7s tournament and will feature six founding teams. The league will include 30 Indian players and 18 international players from countries such as Canada, Hong Kong, and Germany. Top rugby nations like New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the USA will also be represented. Matches will be held at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex in Andheri, Mumbai. The event aims to boost the profile of rugby in India and attract a new generation of players. Focusing on developing regional talent and supporting less mainstream sports, GMR Sports has previously invested in cricket, kabaddi, and kho-kho. Its sports portfolio now includes franchises in India, the UAE, South Africa, the US, and the UK.

Narayana College of Health Sciences adopts new brand identity

Narayana College of Health Sciences has adopted a unified brand identity under Narayana Health, unveiling a new logo aligned with its parent organisation. The update comes as part of the group’s ongoing institutional development under the Narayana Hrudayalaya Foundations trust. The colleges train 450–500 students annually through diploma, graduate, and postgraduate programmes in nursing, physiotherapy, and allied health sciences. Students receive clinical exposure in Narayana’s hospitals and are mentored by experienced faculty. Facilities include advanced clinical labs, a modern reference library, and research centres. The colleges offer soft skills development, in-house IELTS training, and career counselling services. Training is aimed at producing high-quality healthcare professionals prepared for roles in hospitals and the broader healthcare sector. The new logo will be adopted by seven institutes across Bengaluru and Mysore, including the College of Nursing, School of Nursing, and Institutes for Physiotherapy, Para Medical Sciences, and Allied Health Sciences.

Team Pumpkin wins digital mandate for MamyPoko, Bangladesh

Team Pumpkin has secured the digital mandate for MamyPoko Pants, Bangladesh. The agency will manage the brand’s digital presence, covering social media strategy, influencer outreach, and performance marketing. The win expands Team Pumpkin’s presence in the baby care category, where it has worked with MamyPoko Pants India since 2017. The account will be led by the agency’s Gurugram office and will support Unicharm Corporation’s efforts to strengthen its brand footprint in Bangladesh. The agency’s responsibilities include developing platform-specific content, managing influencer collaborations, and executing digital campaigns. The agency will endeavour to create engaging content that resonates with young parents in the region. MamyPoko Pants is a baby diaper brand across Asia. Team Pumpkin operates across five locations, including India and Canada. Its portfolio includes brands in sectors such as banking, retail, and health and wellness.

Netcore Cloud opens office in Chennai

Netcore Cloud has opened a new office in Chennai, marking its sixth in India and second in South India. The expansion is aimed at improving proximity to customers and tapping into the regional technology talent pool. The Chennai hub will serve as a base for senior leadership and support top clients in Tamil Nadu, including TVS Credit, Indian Bank, Shriram Life Insurance, Shriram Finance, and GRT Jewellers. The office is expected to become Netcore’s fastest-growing location in India within two years. The company plans to introduce new initiatives from the Chennai centre, such as AI-led onboarding, SMB go-to-market models, and partner-driven solution selling. The hub will also focus on attracting talent across AI/ML, product engineering, revenue operations, and implementation. Chennai’s business landscape—featuring a mix of legacy enterprises, tech startups, and BFSI players—makes it a key market for Netcore. The company also plans to run mentorship programmes and campus initiatives to contribute to the local ecosystem.

Somaiya, Jio Labs launch MarCom MBA course

KJ Somaiya Institute of Management has partnered with Jio Creative Labs to launch a new two-year full-time MBA in Marketing Communications. The programme aims to bridge academic learning and industry application by offering a blended format that includes classroom teaching and on-the-job experience. Students will attend sessions three days a week at the Somaiya campus in Vidyavihar and spend two days at Jio Creative Labs’ Mumbai office. The structure allows students to work on real brand briefs from the outset. The course is jointly delivered by faculty from the institute and professionals from Jio Creative Labs. It covers client servicing, business development, digital marketing, content strategy, and celebrity management. Students will also benefit from masterclasses by creative and marketing leaders, guaranteed internships, and mentorship at JCL. The programme aims to address rapid changes in the marketing and media landscape by equipping students with practical experience. Admissions are open, and the first batch of 30 students will begin in September 2025.

Initiative wins Sensodent media account

Initiative has been appointed as the media agency on record for Sensodent, an oral care brand from Indoco Remedies Ltd. The appointment follows a multi-agency pitch and includes responsibilities across media strategy, planning, and deployment. The agency will drive awareness, trials, and brand relevance for Sensodent, which is positioned in the oral sensitivity category. Indoco Remedies, based in Mumbai, operates in more than 55 countries and aims to strengthen Sensodent’s leadership in the over-the-counter oral care market. Initiative will focus on a comprehensive media approach spanning multiple platforms to expand Sensodent’s consumer reach. The brand Sensodent K is part of Indoco’s portfolio and is seen as a growth opportunity in a developing segment within the oral health sector. The engagement underscores Indoco’s intent to scale Sensodent and improve its cultural and consumer relevance across India. Initiative’s Mumbai office will lead the account.

OML, TribeVibe partner for Zakir Khan’s comedy tour

Only Much Louder and TribeVibe Entertainment, a BookMyShow enterprise, have announced a partnership to launch Zakir Khan’s nationwide stand-up comedy tour, which will cover over 60 cities. The initiative marks the largest deal of its kind in Indian stand-up, with over 160,000 attendees expected. The tour aims to bring live comedy to audiences across India. The collaboration draws on Zakir Khan’s wide appeal, OML’s artist management expertise, BookMyShow’s audience analytics, and TribeVibe’s production capabilities. Extending beyond the traditional comedy circuit, the tour aims to improve access to large-scale live events in India’s emerging markets. It also signals a shift in India’s live entertainment sector, where audiences are increasingly engaging with premium local content.

MSys Technologies rebrands as Aziro

MSys Technologies has rebranded as Aziro to reflect its transition into an AI-native product engineering company. The move signifies a renewed focus on innovation and intelligent automation for enterprises and software vendors worldwide. Aziro aims to support clients in building autonomous, scalable software systems, backed by product engineering. With this brand refresh, Aziro offers its services including infrastructure engineering, fintech, digital infrastructure, AI integration, and platform modernisation. The company aims to enable businesses to adopt cognitive automation and improve their software ecosystems from early-stage development to IPO readiness.

NAOS India names Roshan Kunder as marketing director

NAOS India has promoted Roshan Kunder to director – of marketing, e-commerce and modern trade. In his new role, he will oversee strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the company’s consumer engagement and digital presence across brands. Kunder will focus on integrating NAOS’s digital platforms and building a unified Customer Relationship Management framework. He will also lead retail expansion efforts while maintaining the scientific positioning of key brands such as Bioderma. With over 80 patents in its portfolio, Bioderma is a key brand under NAOS. Kunder’s mandate includes reinforcing its identity as a science-led skincare label and enhancing its distribution and brand experience across India. NAOS operates globally in more than 100 countries, with all products designed and manufactured at its facility in Aix-en-Provence, France. Founded in 1977, NAOS includes three skincare brands—Bioderma, Institut Esthederm, and Etat Pur.

Fixderma appoints Aakriti Jain as PR and marketing head

Fixderma has appointed Aakriti Jain as head of PR and marketing communications. She will lead brand storytelling, integrated marketing, and communication strategies to support the skincare company’s growth. Jain brings over 13 years of experience in public relations and consumer engagement. She will work closely with internal teams and external partners to enhance Fixderma’s visibility and shape its brand identity through high-impact campaigns and activations. Her role includes responsibility for both online and offline initiatives to deepen consumer connections. She will also collaborate with the company’s leadership to develop a unified brand narrative across channels. Fixderma, established in 2010, offers dermatologist-prescribed skincare solutions and exports its products to more than 40 countries. Its premium range, FCL, addresses skin concerns such as ageing, acne, dryness, and hyperpigmentation, bridging prescription-based care and over-the-counter cosmetics. The company recently opened its first flagship store in Gurgaon in 2024 and is supported by a network of over 15,000 dermatologists. Fixderma is also a seller on leading e-commerce platforms.

The Script Room names Alisha Sharma as executive creative director

Creative agency The Script Room has appointed Alisha Sharma as executive creative director as it marks its sixth anniversary. Sharma joins with over a decade of experience across leading agencies such as Ogilvy and Leo Burnett, and has led campaigns for brands including Spotify, PepsiCo, Amazon, Asian Paints, and MP Tourism. Sharma played a significant role in launching Spotify in India, shaping its brand tone and leading campaigns such as ‘Life kate mazze se, jab music chale Spotify pe’ (Life’s more fun when music plays on Spotify) and ‘There’s a Playlist for That’. Her work contributed to Spotify becoming a major streaming platform in the country. She has also received recognition from international award platforms including Cannes Lions, One Show, Clio Awards, and Spikes Asia, and served on juries such as the Young Director Awards at Cannes.

Eggfirst names Gayatri Gogate as chief operating officer

Advertising agency Eggfirst has appointed Gayatri Gogate as chief operating officer to lead the company’s next phase of strategic growth. Gogate brings over 20 years of experience across advertising, retail, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Her previous roles include leadership positions at Leo Burnett, TBWA, McDonald’s India, and Nykaa. She also co-founded the FMCG brand Spice Story. In her new role, Gogate will oversee operations, strengthen client partnerships, and lead business transformation initiatives. The appointment is aimed at scaling Eggfirst’s operations and enhancing its value delivery to clients across India. Eggfirst specialises in semi-urban and rural advertising, with a focus on combining traditional and digital media to reach tier-2, tier-3, and rural audiences. The agency’s capabilities include social media, influencer marketing, and data-driven digital campaigns. It has previously worked with public figures such as Amitabh Bachchan, MS Dhoni, Anil Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Vicky Kaushal, and Sonu Sood.

The Sock Street unveils new brand identity

The Sock Street has launched a new brand identity to align with its vision of transforming socks into expressive essentials for daily wear. The rebrand is anchored in the themes of curiosity, creativity, and conscious style, and features a redesigned logo called ‘Eyes’, which draws on graffiti-style street culture and symbolism tied to self-expression. Founded in 2024, The Sock Street offers socks made from combed cotton, bamboo, and sustainable materials. The rebranding reflects its commitment to delivering comfort and durability through bilateral treatment and seamless construction. The updated packaging incorporates narrative-driven designs and bolder graphics aligned with the brand’s visual identity. The collections include pop-culture-inspired prints and themed packs such as the Gym Pack, reinforcing the brand’s focus on storytelling through design. While the brand continues to operate in the direct-to-consumer space, the rebrand signifies a broader ambition to establish itself as a purpose-led lifestyle brand. The Sock Street aims to position socks not merely as fashion accessories but as a medium for personal style. It continues to develop products that emphasise user comfort while supporting sustainable fashion practices. With the rebrand, The Sock Street is focused on scaling its operations while retaining a customer-first approach and narrative-driven innovation.

Aurionpro appoints Sachin Salian as CMO

Aurionpro Solutions has appointed Sachin Salian as its new chief marketing officer. With more than 20 years of experience in strategic marketing, digital transformation, and brand leadership, he will oversee the company’s global marketing operations across the banking, mobility, payments, and government sectors. Salian will be responsible for driving brand strategy, digital engagement, communications, and go-to-market initiatives across key international markets. His previous roles include leadership positions at technology-driven organisations where he led efforts in enhancing brand equity and customer engagement. At Aurionpro, he will work with business leaders to strengthen the brand’s market presence and support its global expansion plans. His focus will include both corporate and product-level marketing aimed at delivering long-term value through data-driven and customer-centric strategies. Aurionpro Solutions operates as a global technology provider with a focus on innovation across several sectors. The company expects Salian’s appointment to accelerate its next phase of growth by building a marketing framework that aligns with its strategic goals and market opportunities.

Times Music appoints Dextryl Ferrao to lead catalogue marketing

Times Music has appointed Dextryl Ferrao as head of catalogue exploitation and marketing. In this role, Ferrao will oversee strategic initiatives focused on monetising the company’s catalogue, driving international collaborations, and managing artist services and content marketing. Ferrao will manage Times Music’s catalogue, which includes Spiritual, Pop, Hindi, Punjabi, and regional genres. He will also be responsible for the ARC Musicq and Symphony Recording Co. catalogues acquired by the company. Ferrao will work closely with Primary Wave, the US-based music publishing company, under Times Music’s strategic partnership for India. With over 25 years of experience at Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music, Ferrao has led various global catalogue marketing campaigns and licensing deals involving artists such as Daft Punk, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, and AR Rahman. He is expected to leverage his expertise to scale Times Music’s reach in India and globally. This appointment aligns with Times Music’s strategy to expand its influence across local and international markets by unlocking the commercial potential of its extensive catalogue. The move also signals a focus on building long-term value in a changing music industry landscape. Ferrao’s role is positioned at the intersection of content strategy and market expansion, contributing to Times Music’s efforts to grow its footprint through strategic catalogue exploitation and targeted marketing efforts.

Hakuhodo India appoints new leadership team

Hakuhodo India has appointed new leadership team including Ranjeev Vij as managing partner and Ruchi Kohli as senior business partner for its Hakuhodo.Sync division. Vij brings over 27 years of experience and previously served as executive director at TBWA\India. He is expected to lead business development and strategic growth initiatives. Kohli has over 16 years of experience in consumer research and brand planning, with a focus on delivering integrated, culturally relevant solutions. The appointments are part of Hakuhodo’s broader goal to evolve its operations in line with changing market dynamics. The agency said its focus remains on integrating creativity, data and technology to provide comprehensive marketing solutions. Hakuhodo India operates six offices and houses four core brands—Hakuhodo.Sync, Hakuhodo.Lync, Hakuhodo.Wyng, and MA+TH. The agency also collaborates with digital and performance marketing firms to deliver a full suite of services.

Sam Bhattacharjee unveils Active VFX era

Visual effects director Sam Bhattacharjee has introduced the 'Active VFX' era, a collaborative model for visual effects (VFX) production that prioritises dynamic interaction between technology and artistic intent. Bhattacharjee, known for India’s first AI-led feature film ‘IRaH’, is moving away from traditional automation to real-time, intent-driven design. From his UK-based studio ‘Do It Creative’, he has developed three platforms—FaceForge, DSync, and DColor App—that enable artists to make subtle real-time adjustments, reducing manual labour while maintaining creative control. These platforms are designed not to replace human craftsmanship but to safeguard and enhance it. Bhattacharjee’s tools are currently in beta testing and are designed to offer responsive solutions throughout a film's lifecycle, such as adjusting performances without reshoots, maintaining emotional depth across languages, and simplifying colour grading. He argues that the role of AI should be to support creativity rather than dominate it. With large-scale productions such as ‘Housefull 5’ and ‘Sardar Ji 3’ pushing the limits of complexity and scale, Bhattacharjee believes the industry is entering a new chapter where VFX tools serve as active collaborators rather than static add-ons.

Brand Raga introduces YouFlexible marketing model

Marketing agency Brand Raga has repositioned itself as a 360° marketing consultancy, unveiling a new proprietary model called YouFlexible. The framework is designed to provide customised solutions across brand strategy, digital performance, political communications and creative storytelling. The YouFlexible approach consolidates regional insights with cross-functional capabilities, allowing Brand Raga to serve both private and government clients across metro cities and tier-1 markets. The agency has a track record of success, including an INR 71,000 campaign that generated INR 28 lakhs in flood relief donations and a manifesto campaign in Karnataka that reached over two crore citizens. In the political sector, Brand Raga has maintained a 100% win rate for election clients since 2018. The consultancy has also driven sales for women-led self-help groups and F&B brands through hybrid and digital campaigns. Brand Raga said the new model is built to deliver high-impact outcomes by integrating data, strategy, and storytelling. The agency currently serves over 80 clients and has delivered more than 250 campaigns across diverse sectors including real estate, social enterprises and governance.