MAM
DDB Mudra elevates Iraj Fraz Batla to creative head-North
Mumbai: DDB Mudra has elevated Iraj Fraz Batla to the position of creative head – North, in order to strengthen its creative leadership structure. Prior to this, he served as executive creative director (ECD) – West for over three years in the company.
As ECD, Fraz successfully led the creative mandate for brands like Kwality Walls Kids, Meesho, Cars24, and Protinex. In his new role, he will drive the creative output from the North office under the leadership of DDB Mudra Group chief creative officer Rahul Mathew, said the statement.
In a career spanning over 18 years, Fraz has worked with some of the biggest creative agencies in the world including Scarecrow M&C Saatchi, Y&R Dubai, JWT, Lowe Lintas, among others. He brings in a wealth of knowledge from his experience of working with 35+ Indian and international brands. His work has won several accolades at Spikes Asia, Adfest, Kyoorius, Effies and Goafest.
“As we grow our creative ambition and reputation, it’s critical for us to have leaders who possess the same vision and standards across the group,” stated Rahul Mathew. “Having worked with us at our hugely celebrated West office for 3 years, Fraz is just the person to carry forward our torch for creative excellence. His blend of creativity and resilience will surely help us reach our creative potential in North and touch even greater heights as a Group.”
Talking about his new mandate, Fraz said, “DDB Mudra’s North office is producing strong advertising and is headed in the direction to be the agency of the future. And I am lucky to be part of this exciting phase. From here on, may the best work win.”
Brands
Devyani International names Sandeep Anand, Robinder Singh in key roles
Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee businesses see leadership refresh from April
MUMBAI: Devyani International has strengthened its senior leadership bench with a fresh set of appointments across its key brands, Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee, signalling a sharper focus on growth and brand momentum.
The company has appointed Sandeep Anand as chief marketing officer and business head for Pizza Hut. His appointment, approved by the board via a circular resolution on April 3, follows a recommendation by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, as reported by CNBC-TV18. Anand will officially step into the role on April 6, 2026.
He takes over from Vijay Gogate, who currently serves as chief executive officer for Pizza Hut within the company’s operations. The move marks a strategic transition as the brand looks to sharpen its marketing and business playbook in a competitive quick service restaurant market.
Anand brings over two decades of experience across the food and FMCG sectors, with a strong track record in brand building and innovation. His career spans roles at major consumer-facing companies including Domino’s, Zydus Wellness, Zomato, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Reckitt and Ranbaxy, giving him a well-rounded perspective on both scale and agility.
Alongside this, Robinder Singh has been appointed business head for Costa Coffee and the company’s airport operations. He too will assume his new role on April 6, bringing more than 18 years of experience in operations, business expansion and customer experience transformation.
The twin appointments come at a time when Devyani International is doubling down on leadership depth to steer its portfolio through evolving consumer preferences and heightened competition. With fresh faces at the helm of two key verticals, the company appears set to brew up its next phase of growth with renewed energy.
