MAM
Burning bright: Neha Kapoor rises to executive vice president at Leo Burnett
GURGAON: Some careers simmer. Neha Kapoor’s has been on full boil. The 17-year experienced advertising veteran has just been promoted to executive vice president at Leo Burnett India, capping a near-decade climb through the ranks that’s seen her torch every target in sight.
Kapoor joined Leo in June 2018 as associate vice president. What followed reads like a masterclass in upward mobility: vice president by May 2021, senior vice president by October 2023, and now the executive suite. Seven years and seven months. Four promotions. No smoke without fire.
Her CV suggests a woman who doesn’t believe in burning out. Before Leo, she spent nearly two years as director of brand engagements at DDB Mudra Group, where she presumably set a few brands ablaze. Prior to that, a four-year stint at OgilvyOne Worldwide saw her rise from account director to management supervisor, handling everyone from American Express to Vodafone.
The early days were equally scorching. At McCann Erickson, she helped launch Republic of Chicken and Dabur Junior whilst somehow finding time to wrangle celebrities on television shoots. At ENZ Communication, she cut her teeth on food and beverage brands, proving that even junior account executives can cook up creative solutions.
Kapoor describes herself as “a stickler for timelines and deliveries” who produces “meaningful results” under pressure. One suspects her clients would agree—you don’t rack up 17 years managing India’s leading brands by missing deadlines or melting under stress.
Now ensconced in the executive vice president’s chair, she’s promised to take on “challenging assignments” that add to her professional growth. Given her track record, one rather suspects it’s the assignments that ought to be worried. At Leo Burnett, it seems, Kapoor has found her perfect match.
Brands
Kia India partners HYBE India for 15-city global girl group auditions
Automaker backs nationwide talent hunt with immersive Syros-led youth engagement
NEW DELHI: Kia India has partnered with HYBE India as the exclusive automotive partner for its first large-scale global auditions aimed at discovering India’s next international girl group.
The initiative will span 15 cities, combining on-ground and digital auditions to create a global pathway for young Indian talent. The collaboration blends entertainment with brand engagement, positioning the automaker at the centre of a youth-driven cultural platform.
As part of the rollout, HYBE India will bring its globally recognised artist development model to India, building on the legacy of HYBE, known for creating acts like BTS and KATSEYE.
The partnership will come to life through HYBE India Pop-Up Parks across cities, featuring the 2026 Kia Syros as a central attraction. A key highlight is the ‘Kia Engagement Zone’, an in-car content creation setup that allows participants to record and share performance videos, turning the vehicle into a creative studio on wheels.
Kia India senior vice president marketing and sales Atul Sood said, “Kia India’s collaboration with HYBE India reflects a shared understanding of how culture, creativity and youth aspirations are evolving today.”
HYBE India head of business development Sarthak Arora said, “This collaboration enables us to build a meaningful platform that helps unlock India’s potential on a global stage.”
The on-ground activations will begin in Guwahati on 2 May, followed by Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and New Delhi, before expanding to other cities including Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chandigarh. Online auditions will run from 31 March to 31 July, extending participation to Indian talent worldwide.
With this move, Kia India is stepping beyond mobility to engage with youth culture and creative ambition, aligning its brand with a generation that values global exposure, identity and self-expression.
