MAM
Dentsu elevates Kartik Iyer as president – Media Brands and Amplifi
MUMBAI: Dentsu Aegis Network has strengthened its media group across Carat and Vizeum to provide a future-proofed, digitally ahead, holistic solution to clients. Kartik Iyer has been elevated to president, Media Brands and Amplifi.
Dentsu Aegis Network chairman and CEO South Asia Ashish Bhasin said, “To enable a more future ready product for our clients, our media agencies have been reorganized for the rapidly changing market environment under the unified leadership of Kartik Iyer who has been leading our fastest growing media agency, Carat, for over eight years now. He will be responsible for enabling the continued fast track growth of the brands and will provide senior executive council level oversight to the media brands, in addition to his Amplifi responsibilities.”
Speaking on the next steps for Media Brands, Kartik Iyer, President -Media Brands and Amplifi said, “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity and look forward to working with the agencies in their growth path over the years. Carat is future proofing to take on the new opportunities that the market dynamics have provided in order to be able to provide world class service to our clients. Rajni Menon as CEO of Carat and Joydeep Raha as CEO of Carat Context will be leading their respective agencies.”
“Rajni is a true blue One DAN exponent. In the past 8 years that Rajni has been with Carat, she has led some of the agency’s most significant developments in capabilities, especially in the area of ICP, CCS, CCS Planner, Multiscreen planning (TV Stack) and Digitizing of Carat, which has enabled the entire group to deliver more consumer focused and business oriented solutions and is best placed to drive it to the next level. Joydeep has been a pillar in the growth path that Carat has seen over the years, particularly in the South markets. With his focus on business growth backed by delivering integrated solutions, he has constantly been adding business for the group. Further, Himanka Das will be taking over as CEO of Vizeum. Himanka has been a part of Dentsu Aegis Network Media leadership for the last 5 years and has a proven ability in managing and growing client relationships both Multinational and Indian,” Iyer added.
Shripad Kulkarni has decided to pursue interests outside of the company after the end of this year.
Speaking on Shripad, Bhasin said, “Shripad has contributed significantly to the growth of Vizeum in India. His focus on business and managing client relationships has enabled Vizeum to grow from strength to strength in the last 2 years. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”
Speaking on the future plans, Iyer said, “The Leadership of our Media group will continue to focus on delivering Business Outcomes and Digitally Ahead solutions. Over the next few weeks, each of the agencies will be setting up their plans for the coming years and you can expect some very significant initiatives in this area by each agency. Rajni, Joydeep and Himanka, as leaders of their respective media agencies, will continue to innovate the way brands are built.”
Brands
Hard Rock kitchen appliances to enter India through EBG Group
Coffee machines and gadgets set to tap Rs 29,000 crore market
MUMBAI: EBG Group has partnered with Hard Rock International to bring a new range of Hard Rock branded coffee machines and small kitchen appliances to Indian consumers, marking the global brand’s entry into the country’s premium home appliance segment.
The partnership will see EBG Group design, develop, manufacture and distribute the appliances under a licensing agreement. The collaboration is backed by a planned investment of Rs 100 crore and is targeting revenue of Rs 500 crore over the next five years.
The companies are looking to tap into India’s fast growing premium home appliance market, estimated at around Rs 29,000 crore and expanding at an annual growth rate of about nine per cent. Their aim is to capture roughly five per cent market share in the coming years.
Globally, Hard Rock has built a strong presence across hospitality, entertainment, retail and lifestyle merchandise. The new venture extends the brand’s music inspired identity into everyday household products, bringing its distinctive design language to modern kitchens.
EBG Group founder and chief executive officer Irfan Khan said the collaboration blends brand appeal with product performance. “Hard Rock represents energy, authenticity and a globally aspirational lifestyle. Through this partnership we aim to introduce a differentiated portfolio of premium coffee machines and kitchen appliances that combine design, reliability and strong brand experience,” he said.
The upcoming product range will pair Hard Rock’s bold aesthetics with high performance technology and premium materials. The first phase of the launch will focus on key metropolitan markets, followed by expansion into other major cities.
Products will be available through leading retail chains, major e commerce platforms and select premium distribution channels, targeting urban consumers looking for appliances that deliver both performance and lifestyle appeal.
