Week at a glance: When rains failed to dampen the spirit of humanity...

With the onset of Ganesha Mahotsav and Onam, the extended festive season in the country has commenced, and along with it has intensified brand activities and campaigns. The week (August 28 – September 2, 2017) was dominated by news regarding the very heavy downpour in Mumbai on Tuesday, August 29. Once again the Maximum City was flooded, and once again Mumbaikars rose to the occasion, going out of their way to help out those in need. Social media was extensively used to give out information, updates, offer of food, water & shelter, and more. FM Radio stations also played the role of a companion and information centre to those stranded on the streets or frantically trying to reach their loved ones. 

FM Radio players offer yeoman service during #MumbaiRains

#MumbaiRains: Social media plays formidable role in lending a helping hand

The week was also witness to a slew of new appointments as well as promotions. Kartik Sharma has been named as Managing Director of GroupM’s new media, content and technology agency (called ‘NewCo’ for the time being) in India and South Asia when it launches in January 2018. Sharma has been Managing Director of Maxus South Asia since 2014. 

Red FM has brought on board Ranjit Phatak as National Programming Head. Phatak , who was leading the creative and strategic vision of MTV programming at Viacom18, will now lead the programming for the Red FM network. 

In a strategic move to reinforce the existing senior leadership team of the agency’s outdoor unit, Yusuf Merchant has been appointed as Vice President, DDB MudraMax-OOH, while Adil Khan has been appointed as Associate Vice President, DDB MudraMax-OOH. Meanwhile, Abhinav Tripathi has rejoined McCann Mumbai as Executive Creative Director from TBWA. Tripathi has worked in agencies like FCB Ulka, Ogilvy & Mather, Leo Burnett, McCann & TBWA. The DDB Mudra Group has announced the appointment of Deepak Nair as the Group’s first Chief Growth Officer. Along with this position, Nair will also manage the responsibilities of 22feet Tribal Worldwide as its Chief Executive Officer. 

Peter MacKenzie has been named Managing Director of Harley-Davidson India with immediate effect. MacKenzie assumes the role in addition to his current role as managing director for Greater China. 

iProspect continues to bolster its global executive team with the appointment of Rohan Philips as Global Chief Product Officer. In his new role, Philips will direct and oversee iProspect’s roadmap for central product development, adoption and commercialisation across its 52 markets. 

As part of a rejig at Sony Pictures Networks, Saurabh Yagnik will move into a newly created role of EVP – Monetization Strategy & Consumer Insights. Meanwhile, Tushar Shah will take on the role of EVP – AXN, Sony PIX, Sony Le Plex HD, Sony BBC Earth and Sony AATH. 

Zee TV has promoted Azmat Jagmag as its Marketing Head. Prior to this, Jagmag, who has been with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) for around 12 years, was VP – Marketing with Zee TV.