MAM
Nikhil Rangnekar is Lodestar UM’s new media consultant
MUMBAI: IPG Mediabrands’s Lodestar UM has appointed Nikhil Rangnekar as its media consultant. Based out of Lodestar UM Mumbai, Rangnekar will be reporting to the CEO Nandini Dias.
Rangnekar has moved from Spatial Access where he was the CEO of the Media Audit and Advisory business.
“Nikhil is an industry veteran and we are delighted to have him on board. He has a varied background having worked in various capacities driving strategy, business and audits. He brings in a lot of experience and strategic thinking which we intend to leverage,” said Dias.
Armed with over 19 years of experience in the advertising and the media industry, Rangnekar started his career with Starcom in 1997 where in 14 years he climbed the ranks from a management trainee to executive director. In 2011, he quit Starcom to join Spatial Access. He is also the chairman of the marketing committee of IRS at MRUC.
Talking about his new role, Rangnekar said, “I am extremely happy to join Lodestar UM in the role of a strategy consultant. For me, it’s a prestigious assignment working with one of the largest groups in the world and in India.”
He further added, “I will be working with the individual brand teams in helping them take our strategy product to the next level. I will also be working closely with the Labcentre team on the various proprietary researches and tools that IPG Mediabrands has and aim to evolve them in line with the changes happening in the media environment in India. If my last role was more about driving efficiency, the new role is more about driving effectiveness. Lastly, I am proud to have got this opportunity to work with industry stalwarts like Shashi and Nandini.”
MAM
Valvoline launches FIFA World Cup 2026 global campaign
Campaign highlights fan journeys and mechanics powering travel worldwide
MUMBAI: From kick-off to kilometres, Valvoline is fuelling more than just engines this World Cup. Valvoline Global Operations has unveiled its global campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2026, spotlighting the journeys fans undertake to witness the game while quietly tipping the hat to the mechanics who keep those journeys on track. Titled “The Original Engine Oil. For the Driven.”, the campaign leans into the emotional and physical commitment of football fans travelling across cities and countries, reframing mobility as an integral part of the sporting experience.
At its core is Valvoline’s first FIFA World Cup-themed ad film, which parallels the evolution of the brand spanning over 160 years with the enduring passion of fans. Produced in Chile by We Are Laugh, the film stitches together moments of anticipation, preparation and connection that define matchday journeys, whether it’s a cross-country drive or a short ride with friends.
The narrative extends beyond fans to spotlight the often-overlooked ecosystem behind the scenes mechanics and service professionals who ensure every trip runs smoothly. The brand positions itself as a constant companion across these miles, reinforcing its legacy in powering mobility.
Valvoline Global chief brand officer Michael Kirtman said, the campaign celebrates both the fans who “go the distance” and the people who make those journeys possible.
The rollout has already begun in India and will expand globally in May, covering markets such as the United States, China, Australia, Canada, Thailand and Saudi Arabia. The campaign will be amplified through a multi-channel mix, including television, digital out-of-home, radio, social platforms and experiential activations.
In a World Cup defined by goals and glory, Valvoline is telling a quieter story, the one measured not in minutes, but in miles.
