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Vaynermedia Australia hires Denny Handlin to lead creative evolution
MUMBAI: If there’s one thing Vaynermedia Australia knows how to do, it’s making waves. Now, the agency is set to make an even bigger splash with the appointment of Denny Handlin as its new executive creative director. With Handlin at the helm, the agency is doubling down on its mission to redefine integrated, social-first marketing across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
Handlin brings an enviable track record, having held leadership roles at Clemenger Group, Meta, and most recently, Tiktok ANZ, where he was head of global business marketing. From steering high-impact campaigns to leading powerhouse creative teams, he has built a reputation for crafting consumer-first strategies that deliver real business impact.
Speaking about his new role, Handlin said, “I couldn’t be more excited for this new chapter at Vaynermedia, partnering with world-class clients to put social at the centre of everything we do. The team here is already known for its innovative, creative thinking, and I can’t wait to get started and push the boundaries of what’s possible in this space.”
Reflecting on his time at Tiktok, he added, “I’ve called Tiktok my home for nearly five years, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had there. I’ve worked with an immensely talented team and am proud of what we’ve built together. I truly wish them all the best.”
In his new role, Handlin will report to Australia country manager Karen Coleman and Vaynermedia’s head of creative for the Asia Pacific region Woei Hern Chan.
“Denny brings the best of both worlds—a rare blend of big-agency creative expertise and deep platform experience. We’re in our next phase of growth, evolving beyond just great creative and media to a truly integrated, social-first approach that drives business results. Denny is not only an exceptional creative leader but also a builder of high-performance teams and culture—exactly what we need to shape what’s next,” said Coleman.
With Vaynermedia charging full speed ahead into its next growth phase, Handlin’s appointment signals a commitment to pushing creative limits and delivering marketing that doesn’t just exist in the social space but dominates it.
Brands
Radico Khaitan appoints Kunal Madan as chief marketing officer
Promotions signal focus on premium spirits, global expansion and homegrown leadership
UTTAR PRADESH: Radico Khaitan has elevated two long-serving insiders to its top leadership team, signalling a bold push into premium spirits and global markets. Kunal Madan steps in as chief marketing officer, while Sudhir Upadhyay takes charge as chief sales officer, both part of what managing director Abhishek Khaitan calls a consciously built next-generation leadership bench.
“At Radico Khaitan, our growth has always been powered by people,” Khaitan said. “True leadership is not imported, it is cultivated.” He added that empowering internal talent ensures continuity while keeping the company globally competitive and future-ready.
Madan, with over 20 years of experience across global sales and marketing, will drive brand architecture, marketing strategy, and the premiumisation agenda, including travel retail. Upadhyay, who has 25 years in the industry and was most recently national sales head, will oversee distribution expansion and execution across markets.
The leadership reshuffle comes amid Radico’s intensified focus on premium spirits, a segment driving higher margins and international growth. Last year, Ajay Kakkar was brought on to head the Premium On-Trade vertical, targeting modern and institutional channels to boost presence in high-growth segments.
Meanwhile, Amar Sinha stepped down as chief operating officer after contributing across multiple growth phases. Khaitan acknowledged Sinha’s role in supporting the company’s trajectory, while Sinha described his tenure as “an absolute privilege,” crediting Khaitan’s leadership for shaping the company’s strategic direction.
With a homegrown leadership bench and a clear premium agenda, Radico Khaitan is set to accelerate its global expansion while doubling down on brand elevation and market impact.
