MAM
Bilal Khiyani joins Omnicom Media as senior business director
Marketing veteran brings data-driven expertise from Publicis and Starcom.
MUMBAI: Bilal Khiyani just switched agencies faster than a viral campaign because when your career trajectory is this sharp, even the job title needs an upgrade. Bilal Khiyani (BK) has been appointed senior business director at Omnicom Media, marking a significant leadership move in his journey through India’s marketing and media landscape.
Before joining Omnicom, Khiyani spent over four years at Publicis Groupe, where he rose through key roles including Groupe Solutions director, planning director and associate director. He led high-stakes initiatives such as the Unilever pitch and managed luxury beauty portfolios for brands including YSL, Kiehl’s, Lancôme and Armani Beauty, while also handling Mondelez categories across Malaysia and Singapore. His work focused on data-driven strategy, GenAI innovation and integrated marketing that consistently drove business growth.
Earlier, he advanced at Starcom from management trainee to senior manager planning, leading major accounts such as Procter & Gamble, Royal FrieslandCampina, Kia and Visa with strong emphasis on data-led media strategies and IMC planning. He has also contributed as Visiting Faculty at Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology and as Master Trainer with Beyond The Classroom Education, after starting his career at Skyrise Construction and Hive Social Media Marketing Agency.
The appointment strengthens Omnicom Media’s leadership bench with Khiyani’s proven track record in scaling brands, navigating complex markets and blending creativity with measurable results.
In an industry where momentum is everything, Khiyani isn’t just changing desks, he’s bringing the kind of velocity that turns good campaigns into great ones, one strategic move at a time.
Brands
HP launches Smart Champs learning game show with JioStar for students
Sanya Malhotra hosts quiz series blending fun, learning and prizes
NEW DELHI: HP India has teamed up with JioStar to launch HP Smart Champs, a new learning-based game show designed to make education engaging for school students across the country.
Hosted by Sanya Malhotra, the 10-episode series brings together students from Grades 5 to 9, who compete in teams through quiz and puzzle-based challenges that test knowledge, logic and teamwork. The show will begin streaming on JioHotstar from April 11 and will premiere on Nick on April 18, with weekend episodes airing at 7 PM.
Powered by HP Smart Tank printers, the format integrates print-based learning into the gameplay, using worksheets, clues and visual problem-solving tools to encourage hands-on participation. The idea is to move students beyond rote memorisation and towards more applied, curiosity-led learning.
The competition promises high stakes, with winners set to receive a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, while runners-up will take home Rs 5 lakh. Additional rewards include HP AI laptops, Smart Tank printers and accessories, while the winning school will be awarded an HP Smart Tech Lab.
Speaking about the initiative, HP India managing director Ipsita Dasgupta said, “At HP, we believe nurturing India’s youth is key to the country’s progress, and technology plays a foundational role in enabling this. With HP Smart Champs, we wanted to create something beyond traditional learning, a fun-filled platform where curiosity, creativity and critical thinking take centre stage.”
On the show’s reach, JioStar head entertainment sales Mahesh Shetty said, “HP Smart Champs reflects how children today learn through exploration and experience. With Nick and JioHotstar, we are creating a multi-screen approach that is both engaging and meaningful.”
Highlighting the role of print, HP India senior director print Satish Kumar said, “The show brings print-based learning to life in an engaging format, helping students develop deeper understanding through hands-on experiences.”
The journey to the finale began with participation from over 1,000 schools across 26 cities, narrowing down to 34 finalists who will compete in a studio showdown in Mumbai.
With its blend of entertainment, education and technology, HP Smart Champs is positioning itself as more than just a quiz show. It is a nationwide push to make learning interactive, accessible and, above all, a lot more fun.
