Venke Sharma, who led Disney Star as executive director - consumer strategy and innovation, has moved on from the company. Sharma started at the media and entertainment firm eleven years ago with a mandate to build and nurture the Digital Marketing and CRM capability across Star India Network. Over the years, his role evolved, encompassing a wide range of responsibilities in Consumer Strategy and Innovation. Among the numerous digital marketing campaigns executed early on were 'Satyamev Jayate' for Star Plus, IPL, PKL launch campaigns and the iconic Mauka Mauka for Star Sports. 

Sharma said, "Scaling the CRM practice to handle a phenomenal volume of consumer responses across all channel brands and Disney+ Hotstar is a satisfying accomplishment, as is the successful adoption of our transformative Ad Sales CRM tool 'Hive.' However, the defining moments of my tenure were the establishment of 'The Distillery,' our data-driven analytics nerve center, and its subsequent transformation into a global insights hub collaborating with various Disney teams worldwide. Its evolution into a Consumer Strategy and Innovation practice has empowered multiple facets of the Disney Star business in India, making this a rewarding journey."

Sharma began his career at Mudra Communications as general manager, and went on to work across Tribal DDB India, ARC Worlwide, Leo Burnett Worldwide and Star TV Network.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/start-design-group-appoints-ad-and-media-veteran-tarun-rai-as-its-co-chairman-28691.htm">Start Design Group appoints ad and media veteran Tarun Rai as its co-chairman </a>

Disney Star’s Venke Sharma quits; Sharma was exec director consumer strategy, innovation

Venke Sharma began his career at Mudra Communications as general manager, and went on to work across Tribal DDB India, ARC Worlwide, Leo Burnett Worldwide and Star TV Network.

Indian start-ups back Digital Competition Bill, while Big Tech continues to oppose

Author Amitav Ghosh's forewarning about Mumbai billboards comes to light post recent billboard tragedy

Menaka Menon takes charge as president and managing partner - growth and strategy of DDB Mudra South

GroupM appoints Wavemaker CEO Toby Jenner as global president, GroupM Clients

Greater Chennai Corporation removes 460 unauthorised hoardings

Mumbai hoarding collapse: Ego Media's Bhavesh Bhinde arrested

Representational image via Unsplash

Zee-Sony merger saga ends: Timeline of the failed merger

Why are Indian brands advertising in NYC's Times Square?

What Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick teaches us about leadership

Advertising is in the position where tobacco was: IPG's Arun Kumar 

Biz Moves: Interactive Avenues, Verve Media, Foxymoron and Grapes

There is an opportunity for building a better agency, not just a different one: Manja's Prajato Guha

Is Ajmera Group the brand behind the tragic ad hoarding collapse in Mumbai?

After Hong Kong and Singapore, Nepal bans MDH, Everest

Viacom18 - Star India deal: NCLT admits merger scheme

BARC appoints Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri as its new chief of measurement science and analytics

Piyush Pandey

Adtech regulation a priority for Modi govt in third term: MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Credibility of news and platforms are as important as monetisation challenges: Anurag Thakur

HUL: Meet the leaders who have emerged from "The CEO Factory"

Punit Goenka addresses Zee employees; ensures no layoffs due to failed merger

Disney's strategic sale to Viacom18 set to boost market share to 40 percent

The Leader's Edge: Storyboard18 in conversation with leaders, decision makers and disruptors

Nobody’s Perfect Retro Porsche Ad

In Conversation With Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard

Shahid Kapoor And Varun Ganjoo Speaks On PokerBaazi's Campaign

In conversation with IHCL’s Puneet Chhatwal & GroupM’s Kate Scott-Dawkins

Why are brands including e-sports in their sports marketing itinerary?

Storyboard18 x The English Nut: How to pronounce these 10 brand names

Experts' Take On Reinvention Of Ad Campaigns Through Technology

Experts Speak On Key Emerging Trends In Cannes Lions Entries

Leaders of the future have to be outstanding human beings: Nestle MD

In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

Leading consumer health and hygiene company, Reckitt has appointed Kanika Kalra as the Regional Marketing Director, Health & Nutrition at Reckitt - South Asia. In this role, Kalra will lead marketing strategies for Reckitt’s portfolio of health and nutrition brands across India and other South Asian markets.

Kalra brings with her over 20 years of experience in driving consumer, consumer technology and marketing practices ranging from a myriad of sectors, including personal care, beauty, food and beverage, fashion, and E-Commerce among others.

Before joining Reckitt India, Kalra was associated with McKinsey & Company as Partner and worked extensively across the firm’s Consumer, Consumer Technology and Marketing practices. She was also the Managing Partner of McKinsey’s Mumbai office from 2020-2023 where she spearheaded the building of the firm’s new Mumbai office. Kalra led the diversity and inclusion initiatives for McKinsey India.

Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt – South Asia, said, “At Reckitt, we are consistently working towards building a healthier world and we look forward to working with Kanika in her new role to help take this vision forward. As the Indian consumer is ever evolving, Kanika’s proven ability and expertise will further help us lead our strategic marketing in a direction that meaningfully connects and resonates with our consumer base across markets.”

Kalra added "Reckitt’s impressive growth as a leading health, hygiene and nutrition company is inspiring. I am excited about working with our portfolio of iconic brands and creating new experiences that address the deepest needs of our consumers, at a time when we are all resetting the way we think about our health and that of our family and community.”

Prior to McKinsey, Kalra has worked with Snapdeal, Unilever in Personal Care, and Pepsico as well as GSK Consumer. She holds a bachelor’s degree of Arts in Mathematics from Lady Shri Ram College of Commerce, New Delhi, and a PGDM in Marketing from Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow.



Reckitt appoints Kanika Kalra as Regional Marketing Director – Health & Nutrition

Anita Goyal, wife of Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal, passed away on May 16, 2024, due to cancer. Anita Goyal was the executive vice president of Jet Airways and in 2015 she took up the role of a non-executive vice president. Naresh Goyal was granted bail earlier in May by the Bombay High Court for two months on humanitarian grounds after he filed an application citing his wife’s ill-health.

A single bench of Justice NJ Jamadar granted him interim bail upon payment of a surety of Rs 1 lakh and under the condition that he will stay within the jurisdiction of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court of Mumbai. "The applicant (Goyal) shall be released on interim bail for a period of two months. He shall abide by all conditions imposed," the bench said.

The erstwhile promoter of Jet Airways has been facing trial in an alleged Rs 538 crore money laundering case involving a loan fraud complaint by PSU lender Canara Bank, after being arrested by Enforcement Directorate in September 2023. His wife too was arrested two months later after the ED submitted its chargesheet in the case.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/spicejets-turbulent-aviation-journey-explained-24596.htm">SpiceJet's turbulent aviation journey: Explained</a>

Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal's wife Anita Goyal dies

Google chief Sundar Pichai shared his first-ever post on LinkedIn, a platform owned by Microsoft. Pichai shared, "For my first-ever LinkedIn post, I thought I’d share a sneak peek of the Shoreline Amphitheatre stage, as we put some finishing touches on our keynote for Google I/O tomorrow. Can’t wait to see those seats filled with developers from around the world who are building the next generation of AI experiences." 

He added, "Excited to join Demis Hassabis Elizabeth Reid Sissie H. James Manyika and others on stage. We'll share how our Gemini models are bringing breakthrough AI capabilities to people through our products, as well as innovation across safety, research, infrastructure…we’re going to talk about it all. Tune in if you can — 10 a.m. PT tomorrow!" 

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LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals, has more than 1 billion members and has offices around the globe. 

Earlier this month, Microsoft Corp. and LinkedIn released the 2024 Work Trend Index, a joint report on the state of AI at work titled, “AI at work is here. Now comes the hard part.” The research — based on a survey of 31,000 people across 31 countries, labor and hiring trends on LinkedIn, trillions of Microsoft 365 productivity signals, and research with Fortune 500 customers — shows how, just one year in, AI is influencing the way people work, lead and hire around the world. 

Microsoft also announced new capabilities in Copilot for Microsoft 365, and LinkedIn made free more than 50 learning courses for LinkedIn Premium subscribers designed to empower professionals at all levels to advance their AI aptitude.

“AI is democratizing expertise across the workforce,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “Our latest research highlights the opportunity for every organization to apply this technology to drive better decision-making, collaboration — and ultimately business outcomes.”

Sundar Pichai's first-ever LinkedIn post: What did the Google boss say?

Firstpost has issued an alert about fraudulent ads involving the misuse of the name and image of its Managing Editor, Palki Sharma by cyber criminals. Individuals have been deceived through false ads on social media, particularly Facebook and Instagram, claiming to offer stock market courses by Palki Sharma.

Bringing attention to the false ads, Palki Sharma posted on X and alerted the users. In her post, she said, “This is a scam. A lot of you have shared these posts with me in the last few days. (Thanks for flagging!) My photos are being misused and such fraudulent ads are being circulated on Facebook. Despite complaints, @Meta has not taken action.”

Palki Sharma does not provide any investment advice or stock market course through WhatsApp or any other social media platform. She is not associated with any group offering stock recommendations or financial advice, and people are urged to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities immediately.

To avoid falling victim to such fraud, it is recommended to ignore advice from unknown sources, verify information from official sources, and maintain secure practices for personal and financial transactions. It is important not to trust any information shared through unofficial channels and sources. In case of any suspicious activity, Firstpost advises people to report it to the appropriate authorities immediately.

For further information and to report fraudulent activities, please visit <a href="https://www.cybercrime.gov.in/">www.cybercrime.gov.in</a> or contact the helpline number – 1930 or the cyber cell of the local police department.

Link to the post on X: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is a scam. A lot of you have shared these posts with me in the last few days. (Thanks for flagging!) My photos are being misused and such fraudulent ads are being circulated on Facebook. Despite complaints, <a href="https://twitter.com/Meta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Meta</a> has not taken action. <a href="https://t.co/B5zkQkDwGH">pic.twitter.com/B5zkQkDwGH</a>&mdash; Palki Sharma (@palkisu) <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu/status/1787546496956596362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Scam alert! Fake ads impersonating Palki Sharma of Firstpost

Games24x7 announced the elevation of Tridib Mukherjee to the position of Chief Data Science & AI Officer. In his new role, Tridib will continue to drive Games24x7's data-centric approach, leveraging his extensive expertise in data science and artificial intelligence to drive innovation and enhance user experiences.

Having served as the Vice President of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Games24x7 for over six years, Tridib played a pivotal role in implementing cutting-edge algorithms and AI-driven solutions that propelled Games24x7 to the forefront of the online gaming industry. Tridib will continue to spearhead data science & AI teams and enable product teams to create personalized and engaging experiences for players.

Commenting on the announcement, Bhavin Pandya, Co-CEO and Co-founder, Games24x7 said, “Our scientific approach to running business really goes all the way back to our inception and has been the primary force behind our success. We are delighted to announce Tridib's promotion to Chief Data Science & AI Officer. With his expertise and the exceptional talent of our AI and data science team, which has grown significantly over the past five years, we've continuously raised the bar when it comes to offering personalised gameplay experiences including responsible gaming.  We are confident that the organization will continue this tradition of innovation under his leadership, and we wish him the very best as he spearheads our data-driven journey to new heights.”

Tridib Mukherjee, now the Chief Data Science & AI Officer, Games24x7 said, “At Games24x7, we have always worked for the players and our operating ethos of 'Science of Gaming' has been the guiding principle behind every decision we make. Over the past six years, I've had the privilege of working alongside an incredibly talented team dedicated to advancing the frontiers of gaming through the lens of data science. And I look forward to many more years of collaboration and innovation as we continue our mission of leveraging technology to create even more engaging and enjoyable gaming experiences for our users.”

With over two decades of experience and a distinguished academic background, including a PhD in Computer Science & Engineering from Arizona State University, Tridib Mukherjee is uniquely positioned to lead Games24x7's data science initiatives to new heights. His prolific record as an author of over 70 research papers and multiple patents in AI and data sciences reflects his deep expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, and more. The talented team at Games24x7, along with Tridib's leadership and award-winning contributions, positions the organization to shape the future direction of the industry and deliver unparalleled gaming experiences to its users.

Games24x7 elevates Tridib Mukherjee as Chief Data Science & AI Officer

Unilever's Chief People and Transformation Officer, Nitin Paranjpe, took to LinkedIn to share a story about defying self-doubt and finding unexpected joys in embracing a personal challenge, even if the results are... well, let's just say entertaining.


“I am musically challenged. I struggle with rhythm; I don’t have any natural talent. Around twenty years ago, I decided to test this. I wanted to see, if you are challenged in a particular field, what can you do with effort and discipline,” he said in his post.


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Almost 20 years ago Paranjpe found someone to teach him the keyboard. “If you want to know the outcome of that study, I still play badly. That’s how I challenged I am,” he said.


But then it was still a win for him because he always thought he wouldn't be able to string together a tune even if he was given the notes. Paranjpe goes on about his tryst with music. 


He didn’t find a lot of success in his learning story but definitely found joy. “Anyone who listens to me today could well say-My god! After so many years you still suck,” he said.


And to that he’d say, “Yeah, and that's okay. You have no idea where I was compared to where I am now.” Paranjpe ended the note with a profound thought. He said, “What started off purely as a challenge has turned out to be a lot of fun.”


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/hul-appoints-vipul-mathur-as-executive-director-personal-care-takes-over-from-madhusudhan-rao-30619.htm">HUL appoints Vipul Mathur as Executive Director, Personal Care</a>

Unilever’s Nitin Paranjpe shares an endearing story about his lack of musical talent

The marketing industry plays a dynamic role in influencing consumer behaviour and fostering economic growth. After the grand success of the first two editions of Storyboard18 Visionaries, held in Gurugram and Bengaluru, the program is now gearing up to be in the city of marketing and creative excellence, Mumbai. 


The third edition of Visionaries to be held on Friday, April 26th will witness some of the biggest names in brand marketing come together to celebrate the brilliance of marketing mavens.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/sustainability-at-heart-and-purpose-defines-the-path-diageos-hina-nagarajan-24779.htm">Sustainability at heart and purpose defines the path: Diageo India's Hina Nagarajan</a> 


Storyboard18 Visionaries celebrates luminaries from the world of brands and marketing who have disrupted and revolutionised the way we approach media and advertising. The Visionaries is a one of its kind platform that presents opportunities for the sharpest minds in the business to convene, celebrate excellence and exchange ideas that power growth. It is a night of gala celebration shaping the future of marketing in India.


The city chapters of Visionaries aim to bring together meaningful conversations, spotlighting path-breaking achievements and future gazing strategies.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/storyboard18-visionaries-britannias-varun-berry-shares-leadership-lessons-24840.htm">Storyboard18 Visionaries: Britannia's Varun Berry shares leadership lessons</a> 


The Mumbai event promises to be an evening to remember, with the coming together of iconic leaders and new-age marketers. The event will feature a keynote address by Bharat Puri, CEO, Pidilite Industries and a special address by Santosh Iyer, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India Pvt Ltd. The evening will spotlight leading marketers from a wide-range of brands including HDFC Bank, P&G, Mercedes, Hindustan Unilever, Visa, L'Oreal, Mondelez, Spotify, UltraTech and Mahindra Group, among others. It will also feature engaging conversations with Nishant Kalra, Country Vice President, Salesforce, and MVS Murthy, CMO, Federal Bank, among others. The Visionaries programme for CXOs and executives brings a ringside view into ways of shaping consumer behaviour.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/storyboard18-visionaries-bengaluru-chapter-blockbuster-celebration-of-marketing-brilliance-24771.htm">Storyboard18 Visionaries - Bengaluru chapter: Blockbuster celebration of marketing brilliance</a> 


The Visionaries programme for CXOs and executives provides unparalleled insights of how the best and brightest function in complex times. So, meet us at the point where cutting-edge ideas and visionary leaders who are changing our approach to media, marketing and advertising, converge to power transformation.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/the-visionaries">The Visionaries</a>

Storyboard18 Visionaries Mumbai Edition is here!: Join the celebration of marketing mavens

The Derma Co., an active ingredient backed skincare brand from Honasa Consumer Limited, marked a milestone of achieving an annual revenue rate of INR 500 crore. "This achievement underscores Honasa Consumers’ capabilities to craft and scale new brands with strategic innovations, delivering exceptional skincare solutions to consumers across India," Honasa Consumer said in a statement. The milestone demonstrate the strength of the brand's on-trend, data-based innovation strategy, the company stated. 

Its focus on leveraging data for product innovation and responding swiftly to emerging trends continues to be a cornerstone of the strategy, the company added. 

Commenting on this milestone, Varun Alagh, Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Honasa Consumer Limited, says “The Derma Co.'s remarkable achievement of INR 500 crore annual run rate is a strong testament to our strategic brand-building approach at Honasa Consumer Limited. Our success is an output of in-depth consumer study of the evolving consumer demands and being able to innovate swiftly to deliver differentiated propositions to our consumers. This focus on excellence has helped us set new benchmarks across the active ingredient-based skincare segment. At Honasa, we are committed to continue our quest towards fueling our innovations and offer brands that serve the evolving consumer demands.”

Last month, Honasa Consumer Limited, the parent of Mamaearth, also launched ‘Staze’, a colour cosmetic line in a bid to enter the segment currently dominated by the likes of L'Oreal, Lakme, Sugar. “Staze is poised to carve its niche with a distinct emphasis on performance and innovation. We firmly believe that Gen Z consumers, who are seeking value and innovation, and Staze is uniquely positioned to meet and exceed their expectations", said Ghazal Alagh, Chief Innovation Officer, Honasa Consumer Ltd.

Varun Alagh added, “Honasa has always been at the forefront of innovation and being the pioneers in the BPC industry, we recognised a vital opportunity to address the burgeoning demand for innovative yet accessible colour cosmetics. And with the colour cosmetics segment boasting a remarkable CAGR of 12 percent and a substantial size of Rs 15,000 crore, it became evident that there was a gap in the market. These factors paved the way for Staze…”



Mamaearth-maker Honasa Consumer's second brand, The Derma Co., enters the Rs 500 crore ARR club

For Nidhi Mehta, director - finance, GOZOOP Group, Chief Financial Officers’ role extends beyond traditional finance boundaries. They are responsible for the finance and accounting professionals who perform operational functions and services in a strategic advisory role to the CEO and the rest of the C-suite peers. 


In a conversation with Storyboard18, she added, “A CFO's role commands a lot of respect in the ad agency as they advise other department heads, assist them in maximising revenues and controlling expenses without sacrificing customer needs and the agency's reputation.”


Edited Excerpts


Tell us about your career trajectory and journey. Where and how you started and what got you here.


I am a chartered accountant by profession. Post my three-year article ship, this is my first corporate job at GOZOOP Group. Years back I had not heard of GOZOOP but there was definitely a vibe when I entered the office for an interview. 


Digital Marketing was a thriving industry then and the core management at GOZOOP was impressive. The job profile offered was perfect and hence, there were no second thoughts. It's been years since that decision and since then there has been no looking back. 


What led you to join the advertising agency ecosystem in finance? What were your initial impressions and thoughts of the ad agency business? 


Advertising is always an exciting industry. In this new emerging era, where there is a wave of entrepreneurship and brand building, marketing today plays the most pivotal role for any new business start-up. Digital marketing helps thousands of new business entrepreneurs push boundaries and drive impact. 


How has the role of a CFO in an ad agency changed over the years? What does the job entail today? Where have you seen the biggest changes in what the role and function mean to the business? 


The CFO's role is extending beyond traditional finance boundaries and an increasing number of finance leaders view it as a pathway to the CEO position. The modern CFO is aspirational. 


Once mere observers in the boardroom, they are now crafting long-term strategies that ensure organisational stability. They are integral members of the top executive team, possessing a profound understanding of the company's vision. 


How do other departments and functions in the agency view the role of the CFO and the finance function? 


A CFO's and finance team's role in an ad agency is viewed as the most challenging role as they oversee the company's financial activities. This includes being responsible for the finance and accounting professionals who perform operational functions and services in a strategic advisory role to the CEO and the rest of the C-suite peers. 


A CFO's role commands a lot of respect in the ad agency as they advise other department heads, assist them in maximising revenues and controlling expenses without sacrificing customer needs and the agency's reputation.


How has the agency business model evolved? What have been the key changes and disruptions according to you and the impact of these shifts on the ad agency business model? 


Advertising agencies have evolved by leaps and bounds. It began with a simple printed ad in a newspaper and evolved into radio and television, commercials, billboards and digital advertising in the modern era. Advertising techniques have also become more sophisticated, incorporating psychology and consumer behaviour studies to create persuasive and effective campaigns.

 
Agencies are facing threats from all places. Is the business model future-ready? 


It is definitely future-ready as today the focus has shifted from the product to address consumer needs. With the emergence of new technologies and data-driven approaches, agencies can remain indispensable by tapping into this potential. 


However, with the pace of changes happening across the industry, agencies that do not develop a framework and plan for modernising their operational model that's inclusive of AI and technology will likely encounter increased challenges with both client and talent retention. 


From your observation, do you see any gender inequality or disparity in the finance function across levels? Agency leadership has traditionally been male dominated and advertising was seen as a boys club. Does that hold true for finance as well and the CFOs in advertising?


Not at all. The finance department at GOZOOP was and is always driven by women leadership. As far as the industry is concerned, there are several factors that lead to one's leadership goal.


What are the steps ad agencies must take to advance CFOs' role in advertising?


Agencies should enhance better communication between CFOs and other departmental heads. Regular meetings between them are needed to negotiate and discuss expenses and budgets that are aligned to the company's goals. 


A CFO should be made an integral part of all important decision-making of the agency as finance and marketers think and behave very differently. A combination of their brainstorming where marketers are driven by creativity and finance is driven by numbers and budgets could lead to some amazing outcomes for both the client and the agency.


What according to you are the biggest threats facing the advertising agency business today?

In-housing and talent retention are two of the biggest pressures that agencies face today. The threat remains that a brand will bring certain functions in-house, leaving agencies without that business. Brands are in-house because they believe they can do better work in a cheaper, faster and more transparent way. The other big issue is around both recruitment and retention of talent. There has always been volatility for agencies around talent. 


What are the trends you are currently witnessing in advertising, and what is the role of a CFO in such a scenario?


The rapid emergence of AI and the increasing role of technology within business operations is the current trend. CFOs should follow a test-and-learn approach where with their ability they are ready to take a smart risk and foresee how certain trends will impact their business. 


They should encourage the team to begin taking steps now to experiment with AI, explore how technology can drive operational value for the business, and help them understand how internal talent is spending their time and how to maximise their value for the business. 


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/managing-your-mind-at-work-and-beyond-isnt-easy-it-takes-a-lot-of-maturity-and-wisdom-says-bajaj-autos-deepika-warrier-16913.htm">Managing your mind at work and beyond isn't easy; it takes a lot of maturity and wisdom, says Bajaj Auto’s Deepika Warrier</a>

CFOs breaking boundaries, crafting long-term strategies for organisational stability: Nidhi Mehta, GOZOOP Group

Anupam Mittal, the founder and CEO of People Group and Shaadi.com, and a prominent investor on Shark Tank India, is widely recognized for his strategic investments in renowned startups and unicorn companies such as Ola Cabs, BigBasket, Druva, among others. Mittal is also one of the leading voices to take on big tech firms like Google and Meta, slamming them for their "unfair" monopolistic practices in markets like India. 

On April 9, Meta "arbitrarily" disabled his company's account, prompting Mittal to call out the Mark Zuckerberg-led company on social media. Mittal also tagged Meta's India operations' head Sandhya Devanathan in the post. 

A frustrated Mittal said, "So, shockingly our Meta account was arbitrarily disabled this morning with nobody in the know or able to help, even at our scale. This is the dysfunction of Big Tech & monopolies, something hashtag#cci must take note of. Sandhya Devanathan" 

Netizens chimed in with sympathies and suggestions. Relating to Mittal's frustration users said Meta is "only sale no support" while some urged Mittal to assemble all the Sharks and create their own Made-in-India social media platform like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. 

When Mittal took on Google 

On March 1, Google announced it would remove apps from 10 Indian developers, including Shaadi.com, Naukri.com, jeevansathi.com, and Bharat Matrimony, from its Play Store in India for non-compliance with its billing policies. Among the most prominent voices that spoke out against Google's practices, was Anupam Mittal. 

“Today is a dark day for India Internet,” Mittal said as he came out hitting hard against Google’s action of delisting Indian apps. 

Mittal wrote on X, “Google has delisted major apps from its app store even though legal hearings are underway @CCI_India & @indSupremeCourt Their false narratives & audacity show they have little regard for India. Make no mistake - this is the new Digital East India Co and this #Lagaan must be stopped! Pls RT and #SaveOurStartups”.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/anupam-mittal-asks-is-google-evil-as-the-battle-between-google-and-indian-app-developers-rages-on-25363.htm">Read more: Anupam Mittal asks, "Is Google evil?", as the battle between Google and Indian app developers rages on</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/interactive-avenues-anupam-mittals-first-investment-as-an-angel-investor-25997.htm">Read more: Interactive Avenues: Anupam Mittal’s first investment as an angel investor</a>

Angry Mittal?: Anupam Mittal "shocked" after Meta disables his company's account

DDB Mudra Group elevates Menaka Menon, current National Strategy Head, to take on the role of leading the south office. She will lead operations and strategic thinking for clients based out of the Bengaluru office. 

Ranji Cherian who ran and scaled the south office for over 16 years will now lead Client Excellence at the group.

Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra Group, said, “We believe that everything we do is built on strong strategic pillars; be it our work or how we do our work. In her new role, Menaka will use her strategic background to add more value to our client’s business, while building a strong culture of creativity in the office. Over the last few years, some of our best work has come from our South office and I’m really excited to work with Menaka to push us to newer heights.”

Menaka Menon said, “I am super excited about this new role and look forward to further strengthening the South operation and building a strong, closely knit team, geared towards creating great work that has the power to move people.”

With over 23 years of experience in business and strategy, she has experience across advertising, broadcast media and strategic consulting. Menaka has spent over 15 years in advertising with stints at agencies such as FCB, VML, and Leo Burnett.
 


IMAGO, a global visual content provider headquartered in Berlin appoints Sanjay Trehan in an advisory role. Trehan is a seasoned digital and new media consultant and provides guidance to companies in the areas of digital media, marketing, adtech, content and subscription.

As Storyboard18 reached out to Trehan, he said, "India is a content rich market and a visual content player like Imago, which is a top-notch global player, provides a lot of opportunities in the Indian market and further expands Imago's footprint."

Sophie Romeiss, chief operating officer (COO) at IMAGO, commented, “This collaboration with Sanjay, a digital media pioneer and expert, is set to mark a significant step forward in our commitment to expanding our reach and providing world-class services in dynamic markets such as India. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring and look forward to growing together.”

Trehan is currently associated with AdPushup and YuktaMedia, and also offers advisory services to PwC India's technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) practice. Prior to this, Trehan held executive positions at media organisations such as HT Media, Times Internet and NDTV, as well as spearheading initiatives at MSN at Microsoft India. He crafted their GTM strategies for global partnerships and facilitated expansion efforts. 

He also mentors emerging businesses, aiding them in scaling operations, enhancing audience engagement, and exploring innovative revenue channels.

On his appointment, Trehan said, “I am delighted to be associated with IMAGO, one of the leading global players in visual content, and looking forward to growing their footprint in India, a market which has huge potential and possibilities.”

IMAGO is a global visual content provider with headquarters in Berlin. Over 500 million images and videos from News, Sports, Entertainment and Creative can be licensed through IMAGO. Founded in 1997 in Berlin, IMAGO offers many years of expertise and solution-oriented customer service through personal contacts, daily availability from 6 am to midnight, commissioned photography, photo and video research, image selections, FTP feeds and newsletters for inspiration. IMAGO provides solutions for every need. Content can be licensed with one click via our webshop and larger projects can be implemented easily and successfully with our individual enterprise solutions.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/barc-appoints-dr-bikramjit-chaudhuri-as-its-new-chief-of-measurement-science-and-analytics-31868.htm">BARC appoints Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri as its new chief of measurement science and analytics</a>

Sanjay Trehan joins as advisor for global visual content provider IMAGO

Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has announced the appointment of Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri as its new Chief of Measurement Science and Analytics. 

He will succeed Dr Derrick Gray, a veteran audience measurement and advanced analytics executive, who has been a member of BARC India for six years.

Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri (Bikram) is a Ph.D. from IIT Bombay and holds a Master of Statistics degree from the Indian Statistical Institute, Delhi. He comes in with experience spanning over three decades in the areas of Statistics, Stochastic Modelling, Market Measurement, Consumer Segmentation, AI and ML, Demand Forecasting and Big Data Analytics. He has several research papers, publications, and patents in these aspects under his belt.

Bikram is currently associated with the Datamatics Group of Companies as the Global Head of Data Science and Advanced Analytics, since 2016. Prior to Datamatics, Bikram has held multiple leadership roles, and has led large teams of senior talent across levels at KPMG, Nielsen and ZS Associates.

Chaudhari said, "I am excited to join BARC India as the Chief of Measurement Science & Analytics. It will be an absolute honour and privilege to be a part of a multitalented and versatile team that runs the largest Audience Measurement system in the world, in one of the most complex multimedia markets. I am looking forward to leveraging my deep expertise and diverse experience to further evolve the current measurement system to meet the growing needs of the industry. Looking forward to an exhilarating journey and a fulfilling association with BARC India."

Nakul Chopra, Chief Executive Officer, BARC India, said, “Derrick has been a wonderful partner, a mentor and a friend to numerous individuals and industry peers. We congratulate him as he embraces his next adventure and wish him nothing but the absolute best. In his stead, I’m happy to welcome Bikram to the BARC India family. He brings deep knowledge and rich expertise in Big Data, Research and Business Intelligence. I’m confident that with his strategic vision and passion for excellence, he will not only uphold the legacy Derrick leaves us with, but also help navigate our future in this fast-evolving environment.”



Hetarth Patel, who led WebEngage as vice president - MEA and managing director - UAE, has been elevated to the position of vice president - growth markets (MEA, Americas, APAC).

Patel began his career at Idea Cellular and went on to work across Comverse, Telenity, Flytxt and Oracle.

As the director - strategy and sales development, strategic accounts ECEMEA at Oracle, Patel headed strategy and sales development for strategic accounts across Eastern and Central Europe, CIS, Russia, Middle East and Africa with a focus on customer experience (CX) portfolio across industries. 

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/modi-naturals-cmo-mukesh-ghuraiya-steps-down-31843.htm">Modi Naturals' CMO Mukesh Ghuraiya steps down</a>

WebEngage elevates Hetarth Patel to vice president - growth markets (MEA, Americas, APAC)

Mukesh Ghuraiya, who led Modi Naturals as chief marketing officer, has stepped down from his position.

He stated, "After a remarkable journey filled with growth, learning, and countless new friendships, I have decided to step down from my role as Chief Marketing Officer at Modi Naturals. I am immensely grateful for the experiences that have enriched my professional life and the relationships that have brightened my personal one during my tenure."


He further added, "As I close this chapter at Modi Naturals , I carry with me something far more valuable than just professional experience or personal growth. The biggest takeaway from my time here isn’t encapsulated by projects completed or skills acquired, but rather by the genuine, enduring friendships I've made along the way."


Ghuraiya began his career at Bloomberg TV India and went on to work across Network18, Lava International, Rado Watch and Philips.


As the category head - oral healthcare ( Electric Toothbrush ) at Philips, he was responsible for building the Electric toothbrush & Personal mask business from scratch for Philips India. He led marketing strategy, execution and deliver on brand metrics, sales and profitability targets.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/groupm-appoints-wavemaker-ceo-toby-jenner-as-global-president-groupm-clients-31823.htm">GroupM appoints Wavemaker CEO Toby Jenner as global president, GroupM Clients</a>

Modi Naturals' CMO Mukesh Ghuraiya steps down

GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, today announced the appointment of Toby Jenner as Global President, GroupM Clients. Jenner will assume responsibility for leading GroupM’s global proposition and go to market strategy as well as its growth, marketing, and communications teams and functions. The move is designed to further accelerate the company’s growth and solidify its position as the industry’s leading media investment and marketing partner.


Jenner will continue to oversee Wavemaker alongside his expanded remit. He brings over two decades of leadership experience in driving growth and managing operations at GroupM agencies MediaCom and Wavemaker, working across local, regional, and global roles in markets such as Australia, Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom.


“Toby’s deep understanding of client needs, industry knowledge, and track record as the industry’s most successful new business leader make him the best possible candidate to lead our growth and marketing efforts going forward,” said Christian Juhl, Global CEO of GroupM. “We have the strongest agencies in the business backed by the world’s most advanced media delivery platform and codified way of working underpinned by our unrivalled, scaled intelligence. Putting our story in Toby’s hands will give us a significant edge as we further strengthen our position and look to accelerate our growth in the months ahead.”


In his new role, Jenner will oversee strategy and operations for GroupM’s business development, growth, marketing, and communications to clients, employees, and industry audiences. He will work closely with agency and GroupM leadership to identify growth opportunities, develop integrated solutions that leverage the skills and expertise of the industry’s deepest bench of talent, and effectively communicate GroupM’s value proposition.


“Over the past year and a half, we’ve demonstrated the success of combining agency talent with GroupM’s Globally scaled technology and activation capabilities,” said Jenner. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our networked capabilities which we have been developing across GroupM to drive the next phase of growth for our organization. I look forward to collaborating with Christian, our agency leaders, and, just as importantly, the incredible talent we have across the world’s #1 media group to help drive our clients’ business impact and deliver them exceptional growth.”


Jenner’s appointment is part of GroupM’s ongoing business transformation to accelerate growth and innovation by unifying its teams and capabilities to provide more integrated, agile, and effective solutions for clients.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/havas-media-network-india-elevates-uday-mohan-and-r-venkatasubramanian-as-chief-operating-officers-31724.htm">Havas Media Network India elevates Uday Mohan and R. Venkatasubramanian as chief operating officers</a>

Kartik Gupta, who has assumed the position of a chief financial officer of ANI Technologies, parent company of Ola Cabs in November 2023, has stepped down from his position, stated a Moneycontrol report. As the CFO, he was responsible for financial strategy, top/bottom-line growth, cost optimization and vendor negotiations, tax and treasury management and investor relations.

This development comes post two weeks when Hemant Bakshi, chief executive officer, OLA Cabs, too had stepped down.

As reported by Moneycontrol, currently, a restructuring is ongoing which is likely to affect 10 percent of the staff. Aimed at productivity enhancement in an AI-led era, the restructuring will allow Ola to strengthen cost structures, focus on growth and increase its bottom line.

Gupta began his career at Procter & Gamble as a financial manager, and held various roles in different capacities.

As the vice president and regional CFO, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Grooming (Gillette,Venus, Braun), Gupta was responsible for overseeing top-line, bottom-line, cash results, long-term strategy, supply chain, and capacity decisions for $1B business spanning 105+ countries across Africa, Middle East, India, and Asia-Pacific with complex go-to-market models and supply chains.

He managed a large India business as a focus market along with the listed legal entity - Gillette India Limited. 


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/unilever-exec-who-joined-ola-cabs-as-ceo-quits-after-four-months-30218.htm">Hemant Bakshi, the Unilever exec who joined Ola Cabs as CEO quits after four months</a>

Ola Cab's CFO Kartik Gupta quits

Havas Media Network India, the specialized media division of Havas India has announced the elevation of two of its senior leaders. While Uday Mohan steps into the position of chief operating officer of Havas Media India, R. Venkatasubramanian assumes the role of COO of Havas Play. They will continue reporting to Mohit Joshi, CEO, Havas Media Network India.


In his new role as COO, Mohan will spearhead the comprehensive operations and strategic growth initiatives of Havas Media India. With more than two decades of expertise in the media industry, Mohan has been instrumental in driving the success of Havas Media India over a span of 16+ years in the agency. His adept leadership has led to the acquisition of several prestigious clients and garnered acclaim for the agency's innovation across sectors.

 

R. Venkatasubramanian took charge of Havas Play last year when the specialised function was launched in India along with several other countries globally. Under his guidance, Havas Play has championed numerous IPs and initiatives across its sports, content, and entertainment divisions, solidifying its position as a leading player in a highly competitive landscape.

 

Rana Barua, group chief executive officer, Havas India, South East Asia and North Asia (Japan and South Korea) said, “Uday and Venkat's elevations come at an important juncture for Havas Media Network India, as the agency experiences remarkable growth. Their strategic prowess and dedication have been instrumental in driving our agency's success over the years and their elevation reflects our confidence in their vision and ability to continue fostering innovation, collaboration, and client satisfaction. I wish them all the best.”


Mohit Joshi, chief executive officer, Havas Media Network India, said, “With Uday and Venkat at the helm of their respective business divisions, Havas Media Network India has made significant strides, evident in the agency's expanded client portfolio, new acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. This elevation underscores our unwavering dedication to fortifying our organizational framework by nurturing our in-house capabilities. Leaders like them are key to our goal of making media meaningful for our clients and the industry at large as their exceptional industry acumen is pivotal in leading a team as diverse as ours. I extend my sincerest congratulations to Uday and Venkat on their new roles and look forward to our continued trajectory of growth and success together.”


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/honeywell-automation-india-elevates-atul-pai-to-md-31626.htm">Honeywell Automation India elevates Atul Pai to MD</a>

Havas Media Network India elevates Uday Mohan and R. Venkatasubramanian as chief operating officers

Sneha Mahant Mehta, who led Apparel Group India as head - marketing (Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, Charles & Keith, Aldo & more), has joined Arvind Fashions as head marketing : US Polo Assn (USPA).

Mehta started her career at Madura Fashion & Lifestyle (Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd), and went on to work across Ocean Blue Bloating, The Indian Luxury Expo, GQ India, Gulf News and Vogue.

As the marketing manager of Louis Philippe, Mehta was involved in brand and product marketing for Louis Philippe, sub brands LP & Luxure & footwear business. She also looked after degree planning and execution at a national level across medium - print, online, PR, events, direct marketing, alliances & CRM. This was followed by planning and execution of marketing calendar for the brands, media planning in co-ordination with media planning agency and launching the brand website and social media.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/honeywell-automation-india-elevates-atul-pai-to-md-31626.htm">Honeywell Automation India elevates Atul Pai to MD</a>

Apparel Group India's Sneha Mahant Mehta joins Arvind Fashions as head marketing : US Polo Assn (USPA)

Atul Pai, who was previously the vice president and general manager (BA - Building Automation), India, has been elevated to the position of managing director by Honeywell Automation India.

Pai began his career at Thermax, went on to work across Cruise Controls, Tata Honeywell, and Honeywell International Inc. Over a period, he has held various roles in different capacities at Honeywell. In his past role as director - finance and CFO - HBS South Asia, Pacific, ME, India & Africa, he oversaw financial infrastructure and monitored financial metrics to drive business performance supporting all the countries in the said geography. 

Honeywell Building Automation (BA) is a technology enterprise having the vision of participating in our customer growth story in keeping their infrastructure sustainable, operationally efficient and protecting lives. 


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/neville-shah-moves-on-from-ogilvy-31536.htm">Neville Shah moves on from Ogilvy</a>

Disney Star’s Venke Sharma quits; Sharma was exec director consumer strategy, innovation

Venke Sharma began his career at Mudra Communications as general manager, and went on to work across Tribal DDB India, ARC Worlwide, Leo Burnett Worldwide and Star TV Network.

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