Author: Kashmeera Sambamurthy

WPP partners with UMG to offer music and entertainment solutions to brands

The employees, who represent some of the 114,000 staff under the WPP umbrella, have launched a petition urging CEO Mark Read to revoke the policy—an initiative that has already garnered over 11,000 signatures in four days.

The new partnership brings together UMG’s family of artists and labels, and its global data and insights team, with WPP’s creative scale and extensive client network.

IPG-Omnicom merger has put the spotlight on us even more: CVL Srinivas, WPP

"For any business to stay relevant, it's important to be on your toes. If anything, this merger has probably put the spotlight on us even more, as a leader in this market. We've seen some of the commentary about the fact that we've been able to continue to grow our business and that despite running a really large group we work pretty seamlessly across our agencies," stated CVL Srinivas, WPP’s Country Manager for India. (Image Source: Pressreader)

CVL Srinivas doesn’t think the merger will affect WPP’s market share in India, where it reigns supreme.

Zomato’s Blinkit launches Bistro to compete with Zepto Cafe and Swiggy’s Bolt

With its entry into this segment, Bistro will face competition from Zepto Cafe and Swiggy's Cafe. Zepto Cafe was introduced in 2022 to deliver branded pre-made items with non-branded items, further added the report. In November, Zepto made an announcement to expand Zepto Cafe to 120 cities in the country, which included Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Chennai, Pune etc. (Image Source: Google Play)

Currently in the pilot phase, and operational in certain areas of Gurugram, Bistro delivers meals, snacks, beverages like tea and coffee in 15 minutes.

Yes Bank appoints Manish Jain as Executive Director

Manish Jain joined YES BANK in 2023 as the Country Head of the Wholesale Banking Group. During his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing the Wholesale Banking business, driving growth, and strengthening client relationships across key sectors, stated the company in a statement.

In his new role as Executive Director, Manish Jain will oversee key strategic initiatives and focus on expanding the Bank’s business horizons across verticals, driving innovation, and ensuring operational excellence.

Govt intensifies surveillance on Chinese companies | P&G India appoints Rohini Venkateswaran as Chief Sales Officer

These Chinese apps and websites have become hubs for money laundering in the country, posing a potential threat to national security and contributing to gambling addiction among citizens. In September 2024, an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) uncovered a ₹400-crore fraud involving Chinese nationals.

Storyboard18 brings you top five news updates from the world of advertising, marketing and business of brands.

Swiggy elevates Sidharth Bhakoo to Chief Business Officer – Food Marketplace

Sidharth Bhakoo began his career at GE Money as product manager - consumer durable and two wheeler, joined the Royal Bank of Scotland as program manager - business banking, India, and then he was elevated to senior relationship manager. Then, he joined Vodafone as senior manager - SME sales, Vodafone Business Services, and then was promoted to GM & sales head, Vodafone Business Services.

Previously, Sidharth Bhakoo led Swiggy as vice president – national business head.

Dentsu India names Abhirup Datta as CEO – Sokrati

Abhirup Datta’s focus will be on expanding Sokrati’s footprint and reinforcing its industry leadership.

Additionally, Prajaktta Gosavi, head – performance delivery practice, dentsu India, has been tasked with leading integrated solution delivery for the Performance Practice across Sokrati, iProspect, Carat, and dentsu X.

P&G India appoints Rohini Venkateswaran as Chief Sales Officer

An alumnus of SP Jain Institute of Management, Mumbai, Rohini Venkateswaran currently serves as the Vice President & Country manager Procter & Gamble Gulf - East Gulf & Sales Strategy Gulf. In her current role, Venkateswaran is responsible for 5 countries in Gulf- Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar as General manager and UAE as overall sales strategy leader.

Rohini Venkateswaran, whose role will be effective beginning January 1, will be taking over the role from Sairamana Ponugoti.