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Dentsu India has announced the return of Vishal Nicholas as EVP & Head of Strategy & Solutions for Dentsu BX, after a stint at fintech start-up Jupiter.


Reporting to Narayan Devanathan, President & Chief Strategy Officer, South Asia, Nicholas will further add impetus to the network’s industry-first business transformation practice. He will collaborate closely with the dentsu leadership team to accelerate Dentsu BX's transformative solutions across India.
 

In his previous tenure at dentsu, Nicholas served as EVP & Head of Strategy (South & West), Dentsu Creative, where he spent more than seven years. Prior to that, he worked with agencies such as Lowe Lintas and McCann, steering major brands like Ikea, Myntra, TVS Motors, Toyota, Tata Tea, ITC Aashirvaad, and Britannia. Throughout his career, Nicholas has garnered multiple EFFIE awards across India and the APAC region, solidifying his reputation as an industry leader and a champion of effective, results-driven marketing strategies.

 

Commenting on Vishal’s appointment, Devanathan said, “Vishal is one of those rare combinations of brilliantly nice guy, reckless optimist and positive skeptic. He starts by presuming that a new way is possible and then goes about creating it by asking why and why not about the old ways. In short, he’s a wonderful partner to have by your side to create the Next Practices that will define and win the future for clients – exactly our stated agenda at Dentsu BX. We are naturally thrilled to welcome Vishal back to the dentsu family.” 

 

Nicholas added, “Homecomings are always special. The familiarity of dentsu and the uncharted territory of Dentsu BX – one couldn’t ask for a better combination. It is easy to replicate Best Practices but at Dentsu BX we’re all about creating Next Practices which call for rigour, clarity, and most importantly, imagination. We’re already in the midst of creating Next Practices for some of our clients and can’t wait to see them come to fruition soon.” 


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Dentsu BX appoints Vishal Nicholas as EVP and Head of Strategy & Solutions

Gopa Menon, who led Mindshare as digital head, South Asia, has joined Successive Technologies, US based technology consulting and services firm, as chief growth officer, APAC. Menon's responsibilities will include accelerating the company's growth strategy and business growth. 


At Mindshare, Menon was responsible for driving digital transformation for the network, strategizing and implementing business strategies, digital strategies and roadmaps for Mindshare South Asia and its clients.


Additionally, Menon also worked towards growing Mindshare’s performance, e-commerce and Martech capabilities. He was also responsible for formulating and implementing organization-wide policies, facilitating collaboration between Mindshare and GroupM agencies to drive business and leverage opportunities.


Menon also helped in developing and establishing comprehensive goals to drive MindShare’s growth across the market. Spearheading the digital transformation process for clients and helping clients bridge any gaps.


Headhunting, hiring, and mentoring a team of digital marketing experts across the company, was also a part of Menon’s job profile.


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Mindshare's Gopa Menon joins Successive Technologies as chief growth officer, APAC

Shantanu Gangane, a seasoned marketing professional with a rich background across media, entertainment, and OTT platforms, has recently announced his new role with The Coca-Cola company as IMX (Integrated Marketing Experience) Lead. 

In a recent <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shantanugangane_newbeginnings-careergrowth-gratitude-activity-7247822759307710464-GgiM?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop">LinkedIn</a> update, Gangane expressed his excitement, saying, "Super stoked to share with you a new chapter that has started in my life with The Coca-Cola Company as IMX (Integrated Marketing Experience) Lead. Grateful for the amazing mentors who have supported me. It's been a month and I couldn't be more excited about the challenges and growth that lies ahead along with an incredible set of leaders and teams who power this iconic organisation."

Gangane brings over two decades of marketing expertise to the global beverage giant, having worked with some of the most prestigious companies in the industry.

Prior to this role, Gangane served as Head of North Labels & Vice President of Marketing at Universal Music Group. His previous roles also include Chief Marketing Officer at Viu, India-OTT for PCCW Media, and various leadership roles at Times Network, managing brands like TIMES NOW, ET NOW, Magicbricks NOW, MOVIES NOW, and ZOOM.

With a career that spans iconic brands like Viacom18 and Radio City, Shantanu Gangane is no stranger to navigating the complexities of marketing in the media and entertainment space. His robust experience includes senior marketing roles for Nickelodeon and other high-profile platforms.

Gangane is an alumnus of the Welingkar Institute of Management, with an MBA in Marketing Management.

Shantanu Gangane joins The Coca-Cola Company as IMX Lead

In a significant leadership transition, Bhuwan Lodha has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the AI Division at Mahindra Group. This role marks a pivotal milestone in Lodha's distinguished career, which jhas been characterized by a focus on digital and technological transformation.

Before assuming this new leadership position, Bhuwan Lodha served as Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer for Mahindra's automotive sector. In this capacity, he was instrumental in driving digital transformation initiatives across the business, enhancing front-end channels, optimizing supply chain systems, and integrating emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). 

With over two decades of experience in the industry, Lodha's career trajectory includes key roles at prestigious firms. 

Prior to joining Mahindra, he held senior positions at McKinsey & Company as an Associate Partner in Digital, where he played a crucial role in launching large B2C products throughout Southeast Asia. His strategic insight in data architecture and digital transformation solidified his reputation as a key player in the technology sector. 

Additionally, Lodha contributed to product management and development at Nokia, enhancing its global market presence. 

As the new CEO of the AI Division, Bhuwan is set to spearhead the integration of AI technologies across Mahindra's diverse business verticals, which include automotive, real estate, and hospitality.

Bhuwan Lodha takes the helm as CEO of AI Division at Mahindra Group

Dentsu announces the appointment of Dan Pantumsinchai as the Managing Director of Gaming for the Asia Pacific region. Reporting to Yusuke Kasahara, dentsu’s APAC Chief Business Officer, Pantumsinchai will be responsible for spearheading dentsu’s gaming strategy, further enhancing the company's commitment to immersive digital experiences and innovating brand engagement and impact in the gaming industry.


Pantumsinchai joins from Google, where he played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth for top mobile gaming partners collectively accounting for over USD500 million in yearly revenue, including hit games Garena Free Fire and Bloons TD 6, stated the company. 


His prior leadership roles at Riot Games and Twitch were equally impactful, where he drove the successful establishment of major titles like League of Legends and Valorant in Southeast Asia, and significantly expanded global engagement with Twitch Rivals.


Earlier in his career, Pantumsinchai played key roles in marketing and product development at Capcom and Bandai, working on Japanese heritage brands such as Street Fighter, Dragon Ball, Power Rangers and Kamen Rider.


“We are thrilled to welcome Dan, whose deep expertise in the gaming landscape make him an invaluable asset to our growing Gaming unit. Under his leadership, dentsu is set to elevate its regional strategy, drive unparalleled growth for brands, and solidify our status as a powerhouse in the gaming industry. We’re poised for an exciting transformation, and Dan’s vision will be key to offering best-in-class gaming services across the region,” said Yusuke Kasahara, Chief Business Officer, dentsu APAC.


Pantumsinchai added: “As a key player in shaping the future of gaming, dentsu has built a reputation as a thought leader and innovator in this field. I look forward to working closely with the team in leveraging our expertise in the gaming industry to help brands connect with digital-native audiences in engaging and impactful ways.”


Brent Koning, Executive Vice President, Global Gaming Lead at dentsu, highlighted the significance of APAC in the global gaming strategy: “As we continue to expand dentsu’s gaming capabilities worldwide, close collaboration between our global and regional teams is essential. APAC represents one of the fastest-growing – and largest – gaming markets, and Dan’s appointment is a key step in harnessing these unique opportunities across APAC. His leadership and deep expertise in the gaming landscape will be instrumental in driving innovation and delivering growth that resonate across both APAC and the global gaming ecosystem.”


The appointment comes on the back of dentsu’s latest House of Creators initiative – a four-part programme to support next generation creators who make and share content on leading immersive platform Roblox, which was announced last month.


He will be based in Singapore and his appointment is effective immediately.


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Dentsu appoints Dan Pantumsinchai as Managing Director - Gaming, APAC

JioCinema, India's leading digital entertainment platform, has appointed Ishan Chatterjee as its new Chief Business Officer, as per reports. 

Chatterjee's appointment highlights JioCinema's focus on evolving into a tech-driven company, offering innovative and seamless digital experiences for its expanding user base. 

In his new role, Chatterjee will lead JioCinema's monetisation strategies, including revenue generation from its sports offerings and growth opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.

With over two decades of industry experience, Chatterjee joins JioCinema after serving as the Managing Director at YouTube India, where he played a pivotal role in the platform's strategic growth. His career also boasts stints at global giants like Google, McKinsey, and Hindustan Unilever. Chatterjee is an alumnus of The Wharton School and St. Stephen's College, Delhi.

At JioCinema, Chatterjee will collaborate closely with Kiran Mani and other key leadership figures.

JioCinema appoints YouTube India's Head Ishan Chatterjee as Chief Business Officer

Gaurav Seth, who is the head of PivotConsult, the strategic consulting arm of PivotRoots which merged into CSA India, has been appointed as managing partner to lead CSA India’s operations. CSA India is the Indian arm of global technology, data, and analytics division of Havas,


Seth, who will be based out of Mumbai, will report to Shibu Shivanandan, CEO and founder of PivotRoots. 


Seth, who began his career CHIP Infomedia went on to work across CNBC-TV18, Komli Media, Lotame and LS Digital Group.


At LS Digital, as the vice president - data solutions, Seth looked into owing and driving the program for data driven marketing solutions, and helping customers build marketing use cases to grow their business. 



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Santosh Padhi joined W+K as CCO in early 2022, and was joined by Ayesha Ghosh shortly after, have quit the ad agency. Together they opened W+K in Mumbai, and oversaw creative and business operations across Mumbai and Delhi. Combined, both offices created campaigns for these giant brands Jio 5G, Jio Fibre, Hero Vida, Jockey, Jindal Steel, Casio G-Shock, Hero Cycles, Firefox, Zoya Solitaires, Brownkind Skin care, Whistle dental care, among others. 

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Padhi said, “I came into the W+K family with lots of excitement as I always followed their amazing work during my taproot days. I’m super proud that along with Ayesha and the solid team we managed to get some of the biggest brands in the nation, and had success on every front, be it people, reputation or clientele. We won over a dozen businesses and have managed to produce some beautiful work on the brands mentioned above. Not only me but we all really enjoyed the freedom the global team gave us on every front with total autonomy and many other wonderful things which I will always remember."


He addedd, “Unfortunately like most senior creative individuals even my heart is calling for something beyond this, something new, something that will give me a newer high, I have to depart in search of a new love.”

 
Ghosh mentioned, “The last 2.5 years have been quite exhilarating, right from stepping into this legendary agency, to setting up the Mumbai office, stabilizing and growing the Delhi office, delivering good results and adapting the unique W+K culture to India. Within a little over half a year of joining, it was satisfying to see the impact of our leadership. This wouldn't have been possible without the passion and hard work of our employees. Every interaction with the W+K crew around the globe has opened my mind to new ways of thinking and new ways of measuring the worth of the work that we do. I hope I get to work with such a smart set of people again."


She added, "I've been meaning to pause for a while, dedicate more time to yoga and spend time with family. As for what comes next, I’ll see what the universe throws my way."


W+K India stated, “We are grateful to Paddy and Ayesha for their efforts during these past two and a half years as they set up an office in Mumbai and brought in new energy and clients. We wish them all the best as they move on from the agency and take their talents into the world.”


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Abhimanyu Mathur, who led Mahindra Group as vice president - brand, has been appointed by Mahindra Lifespace Developers as chief marketing officer. 

Mathur began his career in advertising at Leo Burnett as an accounts supervisor, and went on to work across Rediffusion Y&R, MullenLowe Lintas and RP-SG FMCG.


As the executive vice president at MullenLowe Lintas, he headed a business development cell focusing on Commodities to Brands, targeting SMEs. He headed a business unit for the last five years. 


He managed many Hindustan Unilever Brands like Pepsodent, Pureit, Wheel, Fair & Lovely, Clinic Plus, Clear, Vim, Domex, Hamam and many more. He also worked on Swachh Bharat by World Bank, Aditya Birla Group (Corporate), Gyproc, ABP News and others.


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Mahindra Lifespace Developers appoints Abhimanyu Mathur as CMO

Rediff.com, a pioneering entity in India's digital landscape, has appointed Vishal Mehta as its new Chairman and Managing Director, signalling a new era of growth and innovation. This leadership change follows Infibeam Avenues Ltd's acquisition of a 54.01% majority stake in Rediff.com, marking a pivotal moment for both companies.

The announcement, made by the board of directors on Tuesday, sees Mr. Mehta succeed Ajit Balakrishnan, the founder and long-time leader of Rediff.com, who had been instrumental in shaping the company since its inception in 1996.

Balakrishnan expressed confidence in the appointment, stating, "Under Vishal's leadership, Rediff.com will undoubtedly drive into new realms of growth and innovation."

Vishal Mehta, an alumnus of MIT and Cornell University, is a seasoned leader in digital innovation. He is an ex-Amazon executive, who had worked at Amazon's corporate headquarter, playing an instrumental role in advancing the company's technology, and corporate development function. His leadership at Infibeam Avenues Ltd,. a prominent fintech and payment infrastructure company, has cemented his reputation as a forward-thinking executive.

Mehta's vision for Rediff.com involved leveraging its expansive user base of 70 million registered users to introduce AI-powered financial products, such as loans, insurance, and investment services. These offerings will be integrated into Rediff's existing digital ecosystem, which attracts over 55 million monthly visitors, placing it among the top 1,000 websites globally.

In a statement, Mehta shared his excitement, saying, "Integrating Rediff into the Infibeam ecosystem marks an important milestone in our growth strategy. Together, we will harness our synergies to deliver innovative solutions and gather value to our customers."

The transition comes at a time when Rediff.com, with FY 2023-24 revenues of Rs 360 million, stands on the brink of substantial growth in consumer-facing digital payments and financial services.

Infibeam Avenues Ltd, which reported consolidated gross revenue of Rs 31,711 million for FY23-24, views the acquisition as a major step toward expanding its footprint in digital payments through the Rediff platform.

With Infibeam's regulatory expertise and its flagship payment gateway CCAvenue, authorized by the Reserve Bank of India and the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, Rediff.com is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

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