MAM
Mahesh Narayanan joins Tonic Media’s advisory board
Mumbai: Digital agency Tonic Media has appointed of Mahesh Narayanan to its advisory board. Formerly with Google India as Mobile country head, Narayanan is credited with taking mobile advertising in India to the next level and also seen as one of the pioneers in the digital media space.
Commenting on the new appointment, Tonic Media CEO Chetan Asher said, “Tonic has been growing at an incredible momentum and it is time we took it to the next level with a vision of dominating the digital space. We are honored to have someone of Mahesh’s stature bringing his invaluable experience. Together, we can add value to our clients’ businesses with new brand-building strategies.”
Narayanan comes with over 15 years of experience across businesses in the mobile, adtech and consumer internet spaces. Speaking on this development, he stated, “Tonic Media has been successful in establishing themselves as a digital powerhouse with a great roster of clients across various industries. I look forward to sharing my technology and digital advertising experience with the Tonic team to help them become market-leaders.”
Narayanan has held various senior leadership positions across global technology media companies such as Google, AdMob and Sociomantic. He spent seven years at Google India as the founding member of Google India’s direct sales operations in 2005 and helped lay the architecture for the growth of Google in India. He joined AdMob as the Country Manager for India in 2009 and moved back to Google after the acquisition of AdMob.
He was named the Mobile Marketing Person of the Year at the Indira Marketing Excellence awards in 2011 and has also been featured in the Digital Power 100 list as one of the icons of India’s Digital ecosystem in 2012 by Impact – a leading advertising, media and marketing publication.
Brands
Disney Cruise Line launches Disney Adventure as Robert Downey Jr. christens ship in Singapore
Star studded ceremony marks line’s first Southeast Asia ship
SINGAPORE: Disney Cruise Line has officially welcomed its newest and largest ship, the Disney Adventure, with a glittering, music filled christening ceremony in Singapore, marking the brand’s first ever vessel to homeport in Southeast Asia.
Held inside the ship’s grand Walt Disney Theatre, the celebration unfolded as a theatrical spectacle worthy of Broadway. Regional vocalists and musicians were joined by a 23 piece orchestra, while sweeping video projections wrapped the stage in classic Disney, Pixar and Marvel moments. Special appearances from captain Mickey Mouse and captain Minnie Mouse added a touch of nautical charm.
Among the headline performers were Jed Madela, hollywood performing arts hall of fame inductee, and Dami Im, international recording artist known for Eurovision. Together, they led a soaring tribute to Disney’s musical legacy.
On stage to mark the milestone were Josh D’Amaro, chairman of disney experiences and incoming chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, and Joe Schott, president of disney signature experiences.
D’Amaro described the ship as a new chapter for the company in Asia, saying it would bring Disney storytelling to audiences who may be experiencing the brand’s magic for the first time.
The ceremonial highlight came from Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr., who serves as the ship’s godparent. With characteristic flair, he declared, “You bring the theme and I’ll bring the thunder,” before delivering the traditional blessing: “I christen thee, Disney Adventure, may God bless this ship and all who sail upon her.”
The ceremony closed with a jubilant rendition of “Let’s Set Sail”, a long standing Disney Cruise Line tradition designed to stir excitement for the voyages ahead.
Drawing on more than a century of storytelling from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, the Disney Adventure promises a floating world of fantasy. Guests can wander through seven immersive themed areas, including San Fransokyo Street inspired by Big Hero 6.
On board highlights include a brand new Broadway style musical titled Remember, immersive dining, signature fireworks at sea, imaginative children’s clubs and a vibrant collection of bars and lounges for adults. Thrill seekers can also take on Ironcycle Test Run, the cruise line’s first roller coaster at sea.
The Disney Adventure is the eighth ship in the fleet and sets sail on its maiden voyage on 10 March, launching an inaugural season of three and four night itineraries. It forms part of an ambitious expansion plan that will see five more ships join the fleet by 2031.
For Disney, the magic is no longer just on stage or screen. In Singapore, it now sails.
