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Digital Entertainment Summit 2025 to debut in Delhi as India stakes its claim on the future of global media

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

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In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF), the apex body of digital cable television operators, announced the appointment of Anirudhsinh Jadeja, managing director, GTPL Hathway Limited, as its new president. Jadeja succeeds S.N. Sharma, CEO of DEN Networks Limited whose tenure came to an end.

In the same election, Sankaranarayana, vice chairman of Asianet Satellite Communications Limited was elected as VP of AIDCF and Sanjay Goyal, group CFO of Fastway Transmissions Private Limited was elected as Treasurer of AIDCF.

Sharma remarked, “It has been a privilege to serve as the President of AIDCF during a pivotal phase for the digital cable TV industry. I am proud of the collective strides we’ve made in representing and voicing the sector’s concerns with clarity and conviction."

"As I hand over the baton, I have full confidence that Anirudhsinh Jadeja will lead the Federation with vision and determination. I wish him and the entire AIDCF team continued success,” he added. 

In response to the appointment, Jadeja said, “I am deeply honoured by the trust reposed in me by the AIDCF
members. As President, I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to uphold the Federation’s legacy, enhance industry collaboration, and proactively engage with policymakers to build a stronger, more inclusive future for the digital cable TV sector.”

Manoj Chhangani, secretary general of AIDCF, remarked, "On behalf of AIDCF, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to S.N. Sharma, CEO of DEN Networks Limited, for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment during his tenure as President. Mr. Sharma’s tenure has been marked by strategic foresight, collaborative spirit, and tireless dedication to the digital cable TV sector."

He added, "We also welcome the newly elected leadership team — Anirudhsinh Jadeja, Sankaranarayana and Sanjay Goyal. Under their stewardship, we remain committed to advancing innovation, resilience, and equitable growth across the digital cable television ecosystem.”


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/dth-players-must-pay-for-using-public-airwaves-free-ride-on-spectrum-unfair-aidcfs-sn-sharma-on-cable-tv-crisis-69722.htm">DTH players must pay for using public airwaves, free ride on spectrum unfair: AIDCF's SN Sharma on cable TV crisis</a>

AIDCF names Anirudhsinh Jadeja as President; succeeds S.N. Sharma

Leading marketer and thought-leader from India, Shubhranshu Singh has been appointed to the inaugural board of directors of the Effie LIONS Foundation, representing Asia Pacific on the board. The Effie LIONS Foundation is a nonprofit based in New York that aims to cultivate the next generation of marketing leaders worldwide.

The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization launched by Effie Worldwide and LIONS (organizers of the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity), is focused on advancing marketing education and access for underrepresented communities around the globe.

As a board member, Singh will play an active role in shaping programs that identify and nurture emerging marketing talent, with a specific emphasis on India and South Asia. The board is expected to meet biannually - once in New York or London each January and again in June during the Cannes Lions Festival.

Singh, who is the global chief marketing officer at Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, will also serve on two of the foundation’s working committees.

With more than two decades of experience leading global brand and category strategy, Singh has held senior marketing roles at Royal Enfield, Unilever, Diageo, Visa and Star India. At Tata Motors, he is widely credited with elevating the commercial vehicles brand both in India and international markets.

His work spans brand building, demand generation, customer experience and market development across sectors as diverse as automotive, finance, fast-moving consumer goods and sports.

Singh has been an active figure in the marketing and advertising community, frequently serving as a jury head and panelist for global platforms such as the Effies Global and APAC, MMA Global and Asia-Pacific’s 40 Under 40 Awards. He also served on the managing committee of The Advertising Club, Mumbai, in 2024.

His campaigns have earned accolades from institutions including the National Dadasaheb Phalke Awards, D&AD, IAMAI, and Emvies, among others.

Beyond marketing, Singh has been closely involved in the promotion of major Indian sports leagues, including the Pro Kabaddi League, Indian Super League and Khelo India, and has advised the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in a pro bono capacity.

He also serves on the advisory board of CEQUIN, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing gender equity and supporting young women from marginalized communities.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/simply-speaking-shorts-7-process-over-imagination-68691.htm">Simply Speaking Shorts #7: Process over imagination?</a>

Shubhranshu Singh joins the inaugural board of the Effie LIONS Foundation

Andy Jassy, president and chief executive of Amazon, has been named the 2025 Media Person of the Year by the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, an annual event that celebrates global excellence in advertising and communications.

The honor, one of the festival’s most high-profile awards, is given to an individual who has made a notable impact on the media and creative industries. Festival organizers cited Jassy’s leadership in steering Amazon’s expansion as a media powerhouse — from e-commerce to streaming, advertising, and cloud infrastructure — as a defining force in the evolution of global media.

Philip Thomas, Chair, LIONS, said: “Historically, each year, Cannes Lions has honoured outstanding leaders who have reshaped the media industry. This year, we are proud to recognise Andy Jassy and the entire Amazon organisation. Not only is Amazon the largest media platform globally, but it has also set new standards for scale, creativity, and influence, effectively creating a new model for media. Andy’s visionary leadership continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in media, and we are excited to honour him for his extraordinary contributions.”

The award places Jassy among a group of past recipients that includes prominent tech leaders such as YouTube’s Salar Kamangar, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, Google’s Eric Schmidt, Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg, and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

Jassy is scheduled to appear for a conversation on stage at the festival’s Debussy Theatre on June 18, ahead of the formal award presentation later that evening.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/cannes-lions-sees-global-surge-in-creativity-but-no-mention-of-india-in-growth-narrative-70335.htm">Read more: Cannes Lions sees global surge in creativity - but no mention of India in growth narrative</a>

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy named Media Person of the Year at Cannes Lions 2025

Gaurav Jain, Chief Business Officer at ShareChat & Moj, has stepped down from his role, the company confirmed on Monday.

Jain, who joined the company in October 2022, had been elevated to the CBO position in November 2023.

In a personal update on LinkedIn, Jain wrote, "Today, we shared internally that I’ll be moving on from ShareChat and Moj in the coming weeks. This transition has been in the works for some time, and I’ll still be around for a bit longer before taking up a new challenge.”

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/sharechat-elevates-gaurav-jain-to-chief-business-officer-17844.htm">ShareChat elevates Gaurav Jain to chief business officer</a>

Reflecting on his tenure, he added, "The last three years have been some of the most professionally rewarding and demanding of my career—constantly challenging my understanding of users and customers, and pushing me to take tough calls (some right, some wrong). I’m deeply grateful to my incredible team (including those who moved on along the way), our advertisers, agencies, and partners who’ve walked this journey with us.”

Before joining Sharechat, Jain was Head of APAC Business Expansion at Snap Inc. for under a year. Prior to that, he spent over three years at Meta India as Head of Mid-Market Business, gaining deep experience in digital growth and advertising solutions. His earlier stints include Google, Citi, Nvidia, and others.

Though Jain has not revealed his next role, he hinted at a broader regional opportunity saying, "I'm going from Bharat to Pan-Asian. More on that soon."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/marketers-not-sure-how-to-use-short-form-video-platforms-to-build-brands-gaurav-jain-moj-and-sharechat-18047.htm">Marketers not sure how to use short-form video platforms to build brands: Gaurav Jain, Moj and ShareChat</a>

Gaurav Jain steps down as CBO of ShareChat & Moj

Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran called the crash of Flight AI 171 the most heartbreaking incident of his professional life, as he addressed employees at the airline’s headquarters and training academy in the wake of the fatal Ahmedabad-London accident.

“I’ve seen many crises in my career, but this is the most heartbreaking one,” Chandrasekaran said, recounting his visit to the crash site and the devastation witnessed. He conveyed the company’s deep sorrow and extended condolences to the bereaved families, calling them part of Air India’s extended family.

In his address, Chandrasekaran urged employees to stay focused and resilient amid grief, criticism, and uncertainty. “If you feel distraught, the word you should remember is determination. We need to show resilience and use this moment to build a safer airline,” he said.

He also underscored the complexity of aviation operations and advised staff not to jump to conclusions before official investigation results are released. “This is the time to be calm, to be brave, and resolute,” he said.

During his visit to the Emergency Command Centre, the Integrated Operations Control Centre, and Customer Service and Support units, Chandrasekaran praised the behind-the-scenes work of Air India employees. “Every small action you do, executed with perfection, builds the larger success of the airline,” he noted.

He closed by reaffirming the airline’s long-term mission: “Our job is to get Air India to the place it deserves—one that earns the trust of this country and the people who fly with us. Stay the course.”

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/air-indias-tragic-setback-tata-led-airline-brand-under-safety-and-service-scanner-70228.htm">Read More: Air India’s Tragic Setback: Tata-led airline brand under scanner</a>

Chandrasekaran calls Air India crash 'most heartbreaking' of his career, urges staff to stay determined

Meta has announced the appointment of Arun Srinivas as its new managing director and India Head, underscoring the company's focus on strengthening leadership in a rapidly expanding digital economy. 

With over 25 years of experience spanning FMCG, tech, mobility, and private equity, Srinivas brings a unique blend of consumer insights and operational leadership to the table. Since joining Meta in 2010, he has held pivotal roles in the company's ads business, most recently as Director and Head of Ads for India.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/meta-appoints-arun-srinivas-as-india-head-and-managing-director-70392.htm">Meta names Arun Srinivas as the Managing Director and Head for India</a>

Academic background

Srinivas holds a PGDM in Marketing from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, and a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Madras. He also attended Bhavan's Rajaji Vidyashram and later pursued executive education at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, focusing on Strategic Customer Management.

Early years

Srinivas began his career in 1996 with Reebok, where he cut his teeth in product management, regional sales, and marketing. His early exposure to brand building and market execution in South India laid a strong foundation in understanding consumer behaviour.

In 2001, he joined Hindustan Unilever (HUL), where he spent more than 15 years in roles of increasing responsibility. From leading regional sales teams to steering major FMCG categories like skin care, beverages, and foods, Srinivas played a key role in shaping strategy and driving growth for household brands including Fair & Lovely, Vaseline, Lakmé, and Knorr. His final role at HUL was Category Vice President for Foods in South Asia, overseeing business across India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

Pivoting to tech, startups, and strategic investments

Post-HUL, Srinivas entered the investment world with WestBridge Capital as an Operating Advisor. He led the consumer vertical, guiding companies like Vini Cosmetics and Enrich Salons.

In 2019, he moved to Ola, where he served as Chief Operating Officer and Global Chief Marketing Officer. At Ola, he managed the full India P&L and launched new categories and geographies, including the company's successful foray into London's competitive ride-hailing market.

Rise at Meta

Srinivas joined Meta in September 2020 to lead the Global Business Group in India, overseeing relationships with large advertisers and agencies. 

In 2022, he was promoted to Head of Ads Business in India, managing sales, solutions, measurement, and creative services across the country's vast ecosystem of advertisers.

Now, as India Head, Srinivas will lead Meta's strategy, operations, and partnerships in one of its top priority markets. India represents not only Meta's largest user base across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, but also a critical testbed for product innovations and business solutions.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/we-are-in-the-era-of-ai-led-innovation-metas-arun-srinivas-58080.htm">'We are in the era of AI-led innovation': Meta's Arun Srinivas</a>

Who is Arun Srinivas - Meta's new India head and MD?

Media mogul Byron Allen has settled his $10 billion racial discrimination lawsuit against McDonald’s, just weeks before the case was scheduled to go to trial in a federal court in Los Angeles.

The lawsuit, filed in 2021 by Allen’s Entertainment Studios and Weather Group, accused the fast food giant of discriminatory advertising practices. Allen claimed McDonald’s relegated Black-owned media outlets to a smaller, less lucrative “African American tier” advertising budget rather than allocating general market ad spend, thereby limiting access and equity in commercial partnerships.

The terms of the settlement remain confidential, but both parties issued statements confirming they have resolved their differences and plan to continue a business relationship.

“We are pleased that Mr. Allen has come to appreciate McDonald’s unwavering commitment to inclusion,” said McDonald’s USA in a joint statement, adding that the company looks forward to working with Allen under a “mutually beneficial commercial arrangement.”

Allen, in turn, acknowledged McDonald’s ongoing efforts. “During the course of this litigation, many of our preconceptions have been clarified, and we acknowledge McDonald’s commitment to investing in Black-owned media properties and increasing access to opportunity,” he said.

While it is not clear whether the resolution includes changes to McDonald’s broader advertising practices, the agreement ends what had become a closely watched legal battle in media and corporate diversity circles.

Allen, who built his company from a single talk show into a sprawling media empire—including the Weather Channel, The Grio, HBCU Go, and a portfolio of TV stations—has been at the forefront of holding major corporations accountable for equitable media spend. He previously reached settlements with Comcast, Charter Communications, and DirecTV following similar lawsuits over racial discrimination and distribution access.

Earlier this month, Allen retained investment bank Moelis & Co. to explore a potential sale of his 28 local TV stations across the U.S., signaling a strategic shift in his media holdings.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/google-to-sever-ties-with-scale-ai-following-metas-significant-stake-70359.htm">Read More: Google to sever ties with Scale AI following Meta's significant stake</a>

Byron Allen & McDonald’s reach settlement in $10 billion racial discrimination lawsuit

As India reeled from one of its worth aviation tragedies in recent memory, tech entrepreneur and Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia found him at the centre of a social media firestorm. The backlash stemmed over a post that many users condemned as "insensitive" and "ill-timed."

On Thursday, Air India Dreamliner Flight AI-171 en route to London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, slamming into a medical college hostel and triggering a massive fire. The catastrophe claimed 241 lives out of 242 passengers and crew members on board. 

Among the victim was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, confirmed a BJP leader. The sole survivor, a British national named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, was found near the wreckage and was rescued by locals. 

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, Bhatia took to X and posted, "Do you really think the 4th largest economy in the world should still be having plane crashes due to systemic failures? Time to question what truly makes a nation great."

The post went viral, racking up over two million views - and an avalanche of criticism. Social media users from India and abroad slammed the timing and tone of Bhatia's comment, calling it an opportunistic attempt to politicise a national tragedy.

“Such an insensitive comment. Recently the US had a plane crash. Were you also this callous then?” asked one user. Another wrote, “You’re mocking your own country while families haven’t even identified the bodies yet. What grudge do you hold against India?”

Many pointed out that aviation accidents are a global issue, and framed Bhatia’s comments as unfairly targeting India. “Plane crashes happen in every country. Air travel is still statistically the safest mode of transport. Your comment was unnecessary and disgraceful,” said one post.

Referencing a recent mid-air collision over the Potomac River in the U.S., another user questioned, “Was that a systemic failure too? Or is this scrutiny reserved only for India?”

As criticism mounted, Bhatia issued a clarification in a follow-up post, defending his original remarks while claiming his intentions were misunderstood.

"Of course I’m deeply saddened and devastated by the loss of life. But that distracts from the real question: Why did it happen and what can we do as a society to prevent it from ever happening again?” he wrote.

Responding to the intensity of reactions, Bhatia added, "In all the angry replies I'm getting, people are responding as if their own families were on the plane. Telling me to put my phone down. So much hate, so much emotion. Where's the logic? Do you really go through life like it's a Bollywood movie?"

He further dismissed accusations of harbouring a colonial mindset: “In the past few days of vitriolic backlash, I keep hearing the term ‘colonial mindset’ - as if the West looks down on India. That’s simply untrue. What shocks people in the West isn’t India - it’s the poor decisions of its leaders.”

Bhatia concluded by clarifying that his anger was directed at institutional failures, not the victims.

Despite the social media storm and calls for apology, Bhatia has not taken down the original post.

Sabeer Bhatia faces backlash for 'insensitive' post after Air India crash. Here's how he responded

"Mad Men built the brands. Ad Men chased trends. Will Sad Men scroll through the ruins?” 

In 2001:

- Mark Zuckerberg was in high school

- Google was a startup

- Smartphones didn’t exist 

- BlackBerry was emerging

- The iPhone was 6 years away

- Computers were mostly desktops

- No Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Instagram.

At that time, digital advertising made up less than five percent of global ad mix.

Back in 2001, digital felt like a dial-up modem — noisy, slow, and clunky. It held promise, but lacked the speed, fluidity, and mobile-first intelligence of today’s always-on, data-driven world.

Cut to the present day - Global Ad Spending in 2023, hit US $ 1 trillion (excluding China). Of this, digital advertising accounted for ~ 75 percent of all global ad spending in 2023.

More noteworthy is the fact that digital’s share grew from about 55 percent in 2019 to 73.3 percent in 2022 and to 75+ percent in 2023, indicating a steady rise.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/simply-speaking-shorts-7-process-over-imagination-68691.htm">Simply Speaking Shorts #7: Process over imagination?</a> 

The United States with approximately $265 billion is the top digital ad revenue market. Alphabet & Meta together are at nearly 50 percent of global digital spends highlighting both their massive reach and clout. 

As more advertising money shifts online, an even larger portion is being captured by Google and Facebook, which last year absorbed 90 percent of all new digital ad spending. 

Their share of the global digital advertising market is expected to reach around 70 percent in the coming years.

Video-streaming, is primed up for an advertising revenue bonanza. As the streaming wars heat up, subscription-based services will also sell commercials to fund their investment in new content.

Amazon is still a distant challenger in digital ads but growing fast, feeding off Google's search business as online product searches now happen on Amazon. Effectiveness is its differentiation. Shoppers come to the site ready to buy and data allows it to target consumers well. Advertising dollars will eventually pour in via Amazon Prime video as well. 

Advertisements serve a clear economic purpose. Companies offering goods and services must inform potential customers about what they provide and why it’s appealing. Advertising helps consumers make more informed choices benefiting both businesses and buyers more than if no advertising existed at all.

This theory held for almost a century. 

Then, the digital sunrise happened. Legacy media talks TO audiences; digital media talks WITH them, then follows them, tracks them, and sells to them. 

In the old days, marketers decided WHAT to show consumers, WHEN to show it, WHERE to show it and HOW to show it. Today, consumers decide what they want to see, when they want to see it where they want to see it and how they want it to be shown to them.

Everything changed beyond a recognisable mutation. 

In every other era, the change was in one area or the other. E.g - content (Print to Radio to TV), modalities (D2C, B2B) or consumer habits. 

With digital, everything was changing simultaneously at warp speed. The result is the ongoing reshaping of Madison Avenue. 

The biggest evidence is the Omnicom’s takeover of Interpublic, the coming together of the world's third and fourth-largest ad-agency holding companies by revenue. But will it shift advertising's centre of gravity closer to New York?

The global “ad-agency industry” has grown by barely three percent a year since 2018, according to best estimates. This is simply not sustainable.

There is a structural issue. Generally speaking, large advertisers and corporations want to shift their creative and media duties to better, but cheaper, providers. 

On the other hand, cost of doing business, injestion of technology and the provision of better services means ‘talent, tech & table stakes’ are becoming more expensive for these agencies.

Artificial intelligence (AI) threatens to erode their role further. AI tools are making it easier for clients to take advertising in-house, or give the work to smaller agencies.

Holding company bosses need savings by merging shared functions, and provide cash to invest more in AI technology.

Perhaps more likely is that agencies push further into new kinds of work. The "holy grail" in the industry is combining ad-buying with data analysis. Now agencies are competing more closely with consulting firms, which in turn are venturing into the ad-content business, with offshoots such as Accenture Song.

The part of the advertising industry that seems most vulnerable is the erstwhile ‘creative core’.


Shubhranshu Singh is CMO, Tata Motors CVBU. He writes Simply Speaking, an exclusive column on Storyboard18. Views expressed are personal.

<a href="http://Cannes Lions sees global surge in creativity - but no mention of India in growth narrative">Read more: Cannes Lions sees global surge in creativity - but no mention of India in growth narrative</a>

Ad agency subtract agency: Shubhranshu Singh writes from Cannes Lions 2025

“Burnout often comes when we forget to set boundaries between work and personal life,” stated Shakti Upadhyay, Head - marketing and public relations, Kia India, in a conversation with Storyboard18. 

Upadhyay advises that one should build a routine which helps one reset as marketing is a very vibrant and fast-paced job.

 
“It’s important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. As leaders, we must be role-models of balance — taking breaks, recharging creatively, and making the space to think — because in marketing, fresh ideas don’t come from a tired mind,” he added.


Can you list five of your favourite quotes on marketing and leadership?


It’s not about the product you sell, but the story you tell — Seth Godin, American author and marketing expert.


The best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing — Tom Fishburne, cartoonist.


The only way to win at marketing is to outsmart, not outspend — Doug Hal Curtis, former Creative Director, Wieden + Kennedy, an ad agency.


A brand is no longer what we tell the consumer it is — it is what consumers tell each other it is — Scott Cook, American businessman.


Make it simple. Make it memorable. Make it inviting to look at — Leo Burnett, late American advertising executive.


What kind of marketing-related content do you look at?


I like to explore great brand campaigns, not just in automotive, but across categories. I also follow marketing experts like Seth Godin and Scott Galloway to stay sharp on branding and consumer trends.


I often find inspiration in unexpected places, from viral content to how new digital experiences engage users. Good marketing is everywhere, if one pays attention.


Who are your favourite creators and what draws them to you?


I’m drawn to creators and thinkers who inspire bold brand building and deep consumer connection. I follow David Aaker, an American consultant, for timeless insights on building strong, differentiated brands; Galloway, American orator and academic, for sharp takes on brand relevance in today’s digital economy; and Rory Sutherland for his perspective on creativity and behavioural science in marketing. 


I also admire creators like Casey Neistat, American YouTuber who shows the power of authentic storytelling. What draws me to them is their ability to stay human, creative, and culturally connected.


What were the last few videos you viewed on any platform?


Recently, I watched a few global EV brand films. It’s always interesting to see how different markets are shaping the narrative around electric mobility, which is very relevant for us at Kia India today. I also viewed some great product storytelling from fashion and tech brands — there’s a lot to learn from how they create aspiration and cultural relevance.


I also stay curious about what’s trending in short-form content — reels, YouTube Shorts, influencer-driven storytelling — because that’s where today’s consumer attention is shifting. 


What is your fitness / wellness routine?


With our Kia India workday starting early, I like to keep my fitness routine simple and consistent. I stick to my regular morning walks. It gives me time to clear my head and think creatively before the day begins. 


I find that some of my best ideas come during those walks. Beyond that, I try to stay mindful about my wellbeing, making sure I get enough rest, eat balanced meals, and stay disconnected from screens whenever I can. In a fast-paced role like ours, managing energy is just as important as managing time.

 
What’s your routine weekend like? 


My weekends are about balancing recharge and inspiration. I start the morning with a long walk — it’s a routine that helps me reflect and reset. I also like to catch up on reading, whether it’s on marketing trends, design thinking, or brand stories from across industries. A good part of my weekend is spent with family and friends.

 
My favourite weekend is one where I can get outdoors, explore new spaces or experiences, and soak in some creative inspiration — whether through films, art, or simply observing how brands connect with people in the real world. It’s about staying curious, even when off the clock.


What have you been watching on weekends?


I like to keep my weekend viewing a mix of inspiration and relaxation. I’ve been watching some well-crafted global brand films and documentaries. They always offer new ways of thinking about storytelling and design. I also enjoy watching travel and culture-based content, which often sparks ideas on how brands can connect emotionally. And I unwind with a good series or movie in order to refresh my mind for the week ahead.


Any work or life hack you swear by?


One simple hack I swear by is making space for thinking — not just doing. In a fast-paced role, it’s easy to get caught in the day-to-day routine, but some of the best ideas come when you step back. For me, that’s during my morning walks or when I block quiet time in the week. Another is writing things down — whether it’s a thought, a campaign idea, or a quick note. It helps me think clearer and stay focussed on what matters.

 
What are you reading? Any recommendations?


I try to read across genres to keep my thinking fresh. Recently, I’ve been reading ‘Building Strong Brands’ by David Aaker — it’s a classic, and very relevant as we evolve the Kia brand in India.

I’m also enjoying ‘Alchemy’ by Rory Sutherland. It offers great insights into creativity and consumer behaviour, which are critical for modern marketing. Beyond that, I dip into biographies or books on culture and design. They help spark ideas beyond the usual marketing playbook.


What is your advice to avoid personal and professional burnout?


Burnout often comes when we forget to create boundaries between our work and personal lives. My advice is to consciously build a routine that helps you reset. For me, it’s my morning walk, reading, and making time for family and friends.

 
It’s also important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. As leaders, we must be role-models of balance — taking breaks, recharging creatively, and making the space to think — because in marketing, fresh ideas don’t come from a tired mind.


A piece of advice you would like to share with GenZ?


Stay curious and stay authentic. Gen Z has incredible access to information and platforms. Use that to learn constantly, but don’t lose your unique voice in the process. In marketing and in life, authenticity and creativity matter more than ever. The world doesn’t need another copy — it needs what only you can bring.


What's the best advice you got or heard in life?


One of the best pieces of advice I received from my boss in my last company was simple but powerful: 'Don’t try to do everything yourself. Build a strong team, trust them, and give them the space to shine.' 


It has stayed with me. In leadership, especially in a fast-moving brand like Kia India, you can’t succeed without empowering others. Delegation isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about helping your team grow, building collective ownership, and creating an environment where ideas can flourish. The more you trust and enable your people, the more they surprise you, and that’s when real brand magic happens.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/enjoy-what-you-do-and-who-you-work-with-lance-bennett-mercedes-benz-india-40463.htm">You will never win by focusing on the rearview mirror: Lance Bennett, Mercedes-Benz India</a>

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