MAM
BBH beefs up brainpower with new EVPs and creative leadership boosts
MUMBAI: BBH India is turning up the creative volume and the leadership dial. The Publicis Groupe agency has strengthened its senior bench with the appointment of Delon Mascarenhas and Mitushi Sharma as executive vice presidents, while also elevating Ashwin Palkar and Nisheeth Srivastava to senior executive creative directors.
The shake-up comes as BBH India enjoys a hot streak: fresh business wins, deeper partnerships, and international recognition, including a Bronze Lion at Cannes Lions 2025 for its cheeky “Bassi Vs Garnier Men’s Facewash” campaign. It also bagged the No. 3 spot in India on the MMA Smarties Business Impact Index 2024 underlining its momentum.
Mascarenhas, who re-joins BBH, brings more than 25 years of experience spanning brand strategy, content, and digital marketing. His career highlights include senior stints at DDB Mudra Group, Edelman India, Havas Life, and Tring, working with marquee brands like McDonald’s, HUL, Red Bull, Meesho, Dream11, and Abbott.
Sharma comes in with over 23 years of advertising chops, most recently at FCB Interface, and a portfolio covering categories from FMCG to pharma. She has shaped strategies for global and Indian heavyweights including Nivea, Whirlpool, Mahindra, Torrent Pharma, and has played a pivotal role in managing Unilever brands such as Lakme, Domex, and Ayush.
Ashwin Palkar and Nisheeth Srivastava’s elevation signals BBH’s push for creative firepower and talent development. Both will continue reporting to chief creative officer Parikshit Bhattacharya.
Commenting on the appointments BBH India MD and COO Himanshu Saxena said: “With Delon and Mitushi, we’re doubling down on our belief in creativity that delivers full-funnel marketing effectiveness. This leadership is built to take us into the next growth phase.”
For Mascarenhas, it’s a homecoming: “I’m excited to re-join BBH India at this pivotal moment. With a strong team and bold vision, the opportunity to shape brands in today’s evolving landscape is immense.”
Sharma echoed the sentiment: “BBH has always stood out for blending cultural insight, creativity, and strategy. With technology changing consumer mindsets, I look forward to pushing boundaries and fuelling exponential growth.”
With 2025 already stacked with wins, fresh leadership firepower could ensure BBH India continues to punch above its weight in the global creative ring.
MAM
McDonald’s India NE names Sara Arjun brand ambassador
Actor returns for nostalgic Buddy Meal campaign at Rs 119 for two.
MUMBAI: Sara Arjun just came home to McDonald’s because some love stories start with a childhood ad and end with sharing fries as grown-ups. McDonald’s India – North and East has appointed actor Sara Arjun as its brand ambassador, bringing her back to the brand that first captured her on screen as a child. The collaboration launches with a playful TVC introducing the Buddy Meal, a value offering priced at Rs 119 for two burgers (McAloo Tikki or Veg Surprise), two Cokes and one medium fries.
The film recreates the classic “girlfriend-boyfriend” banter from her original McDonald’s ad, with Sara joking about today’s “demanding” relationships before her buddy admits he just wants a simple McAloo Tikki. The voiceover lands the punch: “Shukar hai McDonald’s Buddy Meal for 2 hai… starts at just Rs 119,” closing on the tagline “Khao Meal, Baat Karo”, a celebration of uncomplicated joy and shared moments.
MMG Group and CPRL vice chairman Anant Agarwal said, “Sara’s return to McDonald’s is a wonderful reminder of the deep emotional connections many customers have grown up with. With the Buddy Meal, we are celebrating friendship, nostalgia and the simple joy of sharing a McDonald’s meal together at great value.”
Sara Arjun added, “McDonald’s has been a special part of my journey since childhood. Returning to the brand for this campaign feels incredibly nostalgic. The Buddy Meal captures the simple joy of sharing food and laughter with friends.”
Available for a limited period across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India via dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, the McDonald’s App and leading delivery platforms, the Buddy Meal taps into the brand’s legacy of creating relatable, feel-good moments.
In a fast-food world chasing trends, McDonald’s brings back a familiar face and a simple truth: sometimes the best dates don’t need grand gestures just good burgers, cold drinks and great company at a price that leaves everyone smiling.
