MAM
ASCI takes pro-active initiatives; hires COO
MUMBAI: With the government and consumer bodies making noises about titillating and misleading TV ads, the Indian advertising industry is working on getting its act together.
Take the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), a body which works as the industry watchdog. Today, it announced that it was taking a few measures to ensure that it becomes more effective.
One it said that, it has now started tracking – through National Advertising Monitoring Service (NAMS) – print and TV ads nationally against which complaints are upheld.
And it says it is ready to crack the whip on violators – it has highlighted that it will report them to the relevant statutory authorities, if they choose to ignore its directions and continuing airing ads without removing or changing objectionable portions.
The second initiative it has undertaken is to speed up the decision making process in the face of a spurt in complaints by introducing an additional consumer complaints council (CCC) which will allow weekly meetings instead of the fortnightly cycle as is the norm now. This will further reduce the average complaint adjudication time.
Thirdly, it has appointed Shweta Purandare as chief operations officer (COO) to drive complaint investigation, redressal and follow-up.
“ASCI has been continually innovating to protect the interests of the consumers and all these initiatives are steps towards that,” says ASCI chairman Arvind Sharma. “The proactive tracking by NAMS earlier, of all newly released ads in print and TV and now of all upheld complaint ads and reporting non-compliance to statutory bodies is likely to help substantially in moving towards the goal of eradicating misleading ads. Appointment of a COO and an additional CCC will go a long way in ensuring speedier and more effective complaint redressal process.”
MAM
PwC India announces leadership change in Deals practice
Shashank Jain steps down as co-leader after nearly three decades with the firm.
MUMBAI: When one dealmaker steps off the pitch, another is ready to take the baton because in the fast-moving world of transactions, the game never really stops. PwC India has announced a leadership transition in its Deals practice, with Shashank Jain stepping down from his role as co-leader to pursue an opportunity in the industry. The practice will continue to be led by Mohit Chopra, ensuring continuity and sustained growth momentum.
PwC India partner and leader for advisory dinesh Arora paid tribute to Jain’s contributions. “We deeply appreciate the significant contributions made by Shashank over close to three decades he has spent with PwC, particularly his defining role in shaping and strengthening our Transaction Services practice in India,” he said. Arora highlighted Jain’s support for clients through some of the most complex and significant transactions in the Indian market, noting his deep technical expertise, sound judgment and nuanced understanding of the evolving M&A landscape.
The Deals practice remains a key growth driver for PwC India, and the firm expects continued expansion under Mohit Chopra’s leadership. He will continue to guide clients through complex transactions and transformational business moments, building on the strong foundation established over the years.
Reflecting on his journey, Shashank Jain said, “I have had an exceptional journey at PwC. I owe my growth and learning to the nurturing environment and leadership development that PwC provided.” He added that he had been working closely with Mohit and the larger team to ensure a smooth transition and expressed confidence that Chopra would take the Deals practice to newer heights.
From intern to respected deals leader, Shashank Jain has clearly closed many successful transactions and now, it seems, he’s ready to strike a new deal of his own.
