MAM
Starcom wins Nykaa’s media mandate
MUMBAI: Starcom has won the media duties of Nykaa, the Indian multi-brand beauty retailer selling cosmetics and wellness products.
The business was won as part of a hotly contested pitch, in which leading agency groups had participated.
Commenting on the win, Starcom India CEO Rathi Gangappa says, “Starcom, through its human experience approach and focus, will drive powerful, data-driven communications for Nykaa, a brand that revolutionises the beauty and wellness products business. Through innovative ideas and fresh thinking and insights on the brand, we demonstrated strong media value and will help Nykaa exceed its core marketing KPIs. We look forward to partnering with Nykaa on their expansion plans and are committed to their growth and success.”
On assigning the media duties to Starcom,nykaa.com chief marketing officer Hitesh Malhotra adds, “Starcom brings in a mature team that understands the periphery of beauty and the dynamicity of eCommerce – both of which are sacrosanct to Nykaa. In a fragmented landscape, where the consumer’s attention is split across multiple devices, it is imperative that knowledge of omni-channel messaging is delivered through the sheer power of media, partnerships and innovation. Starcom's valuable media inputs, experience and expertise will enhance our brand further; their hunger and start-up culture of collaboration truly mirrors our own. We are confident that Starcom will help us unlock new consumer connections and will maximise returns on our media investments.”
Nykaa is one of India’s leading e-commerce companies, offering beauty and wellness products. It also has offline presence. Today, Nykaa sells over 850 curated brands and 35,000 products.
Brands
Pocket FM elevates Lalit Gangwar to COO to drive global growth
Founding member to lead operations, monetisation and expansion across markets
MUMBAI: Pocket FM has elevated Lalit Gangwar to chief operating officer, tasking the founding team member with leading global business operations as the company sharpens its international growth strategy.
In his new role, Gangwar will oversee end-to-end operations across markets, including growth, monetisation and execution for the company’s audio business. The appointment comes as Pocket FM looks to strengthen its operating foundation and build a more predictable, scalable global business.
Gangwar has been closely involved in shaping the company’s trajectory from its early days. He played a key role in building the growth and marketing playbook in India, helping the platform scale to over 150 million users within its first year and establish a strong foothold in the audio storytelling category.
He later led Pocket FM’s expansion into the United States, where he set up teams, defined market strategy and drove scale, contributing significantly to the company’s international ambitions.
Pocket FM co-founder and CEO Rohan Nayak said, “Lalit has been central to Pocket FM’s journey from the very beginning. He has built our growth engine and scaled our business across markets.” He added that the company’s focus on nurturing internal talent makes Gangwar a natural choice to lead the next phase.
Gangwar said, “Pocket FM has always been driven by a simple belief that powerful stories can travel across borders and create meaningful impact.” He noted that the company will continue to focus on scaling markets, investing in AI-led storytelling and strengthening monetisation.
As COO, Gangwar is expected to bring greater operating discipline while building systems, talent and processes to support long-term growth.
With leadership continuity and a clear global focus, Pocket FM appears to be turning the page to its next chapter, one that aims to take its storytelling playbook well beyond home turf.
