MAM
Ajay Mehta departs WPP Media, ending a decade-long stint
MUMBAI: Ajay Mehta has called time on his decade-long stint at WPP Media, marking the end of a defining run that saw him shape the network’s branded content and creative services landscape. Mehta, who most recently served as head of content and creative services at WPP Media and chief content officer at Mindshare India, exits as the group continues to refresh its creative muscles.
Mehta’s journey within the network spans nearly ten years at Mindshare, where he rose from vice president to senior vice president before taking on the top content role. During this period, he steered content strategy and brand partnerships for several marquee clients, including Hindustan Unilever.
Before his GroupM years, Mehta built a strong foundation at Ogilvy, spending more than a decade across client servicing and strategic roles. His career has been marked by long innings, steady climbs and a flair for crafting content-led brand storytelling.
His departure from WPP Media signals the end of a chapter, but for an industry hand with nearly two decades of creative and content experience, the next act is likely to be just as compelling.
Brands
Budweiser 0.0 partners five IPL franchises to boost fan engagement
Fan-first campaign brings city pride, merch and match-day culture into focus
NEW DELHI: Budweiser 0.0 has announced its debut partnership with five franchises in the Indian Premier League, marking a significant step in its growing play in India’s cricket ecosystem.
The brand has teamed up with Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals for the ongoing season, aiming to connect with fans across key cricketing cities.
The collaboration signals the brand’s shift from national-level associations to more localised, city-driven engagement. It builds on Budweiser 0.0’s “In the Hands of Fans” platform, which focuses on celebrating the passion, rituals and identity that supporters bring to the game.
As part of the partnership, the brand will roll out limited-edition merchandise inspired by each of the five teams, giving fans a tangible way to showcase their loyalties. The initiative is designed to tap into match-day culture and extend fan engagement beyond the stadium and screen.
Commenting on the move, AB InBev vice president marketing & trade marketing Vineet Sharma said, “Cricket is one of India’s most powerful cultural connectors, and our debut partnership with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reaffirmed the depth of fan passion behind it. At Budweiser 0.0, we see ourselves at the forefront of culture, acting as trendsetters for evolving fan expression, shaping how young India engages with sport, and setting the tone for how it shows up today. Entering the country’s biggest T20 cricket league, a platform widely loved by Indians, is a deliberate step in this journey, taking the brand from national fandom to the heart of city fandom. Through our partnerships with these five iconic teams, we will celebrate the pride, traditions and energy that define Indian cricket fandom, while creating experiences that keep fans at the heart of the game.”
The move also builds on the brand’s earlier association with global cricket events, as it looks to deepen its presence in India through culturally relevant storytelling and fan-led experiences.
As the IPL season unfolds, Budweiser 0.0 is betting on city pride and fan passion to drive its next innings, turning spectators into participants in the ever-evolving world of cricket fandom.
