MAM
Budget boost to ad industry: WRM’s Shrenik Gandhi foretells the future
MUMBAI: Like many others before him, Shrenik Gandhi, co-founder & CEO of White Rivers Media (WRM), has predicted a significant uptick in advertising expenditure across consumption-driven sectors following the latest Union Budget announcement. With the government providing income tax relief up to Rs 12 lakh, Gandhi anticipates a ripple effect benefiting both brands and advertisers.
He remarked, “With more disposable income in the hands of consumers, ad spends are expected to see a positive uptick, particularly in consumption-driven sectors from the salaried class.”
Sectoral Impact on Ad Spends
The overall advertising market is projected to witness a 10 per cent growth, driven by increased discretionary spending. Gandhi highlighted key sectors likely to ramp up marketing investments:
* Retail & E-commerce: Boosted by increased purchasing power, aggressive online and offline campaigns are anticipated.
* Automobiles: Higher disposable incomes often translate into greater car and two-wheeler sales, prompting auto brands to invest more in promotions.
* Real Estate: With improved affordability, developers are expected to push marketing efforts for mid-income housing projects.
* Consumer Electronics & Smartphones: This segment is poised for heightened promotional activity.
* Travel & Hospitality: Financial ease could drive a surge in both domestic and international travel advertisements.
* Fintech & BFSI: Additional savings may lead to increased interest in investments and insurance products, encouraging BFSI companies to up their advertising budgets.
Digital advertising, already experiencing robust growth, is expected to accelerate further as brands seek to capture positive consumer sentiment. Gandhi concluded that the budget’s impact on the advertising landscape signals a promising year ahead for the industry.
MAM
Infectious Advertising promotes Siddhartha Singh to CEO and managing partner
Leadership reshuffle sees Nisha Singhania shift focus to strategy and growth
MUMBAI: Infectious Advertising has elevated Siddhartha Singh to chief executive officer and managing partner, marking a key leadership transition at the independent agency.
Singh, who previously served as chief operating officer, has been credited with strengthening the agency’s operational framework and deepening client relationships during a phase of sustained growth. His elevation signals a continued push towards integrating strategy and creativity while scaling the business.
As part of the reshuffle, Nisha Singhania, co-founder and managing partner, will step away from day-to-day executive responsibilities to focus on strategic initiatives and the agency’s next growth phase.
Infectious Advertising co-founders and managing partners Nisha Singhania and Ramanuj Shastry said, “Siddhartha understands both the ambition and the soul of this agency. This elevation reflects the trust he has earned over the years.”
Infectious Advertising chief executive officer Siddhartha Singh said, “Infectious has always been about creating work that people care about. I’m humbled by the trust and excited to lead the agency at a time when there is a significant opportunity to create real impact.”
In his new role, Singh will work closely with the founders to steer the agency’s next phase, with a focus on deeper strategic integration, long-term client partnerships, and continued investment in talent and culture.
The transition underscores the agency’s emphasis on internal leadership development as it looks to build a future-ready organisation anchored in its core values.
