MAM
Deepraj Hegde joins Publicis Groupe as SVP, strategic solutions
Data-led marketer takes on growth mandate, blending analytics and creativity
MUMBAI: Deepraj Hegde has joined Publicis Groupe as senior vice president, strategic solutions, marking a return to the fast lane after a brief career break.
In his new role, Hegde will be tasked with driving strategic growth, sharpening data-driven marketing capabilities, and deepening client partnerships across the organisation. His mandate centres on blending analytics, consumer insight and digital innovation to deliver measurable business outcomes in an increasingly competitive landscape.
“Thrilled to join Publicis Groupe as senior vice president, strategic solutions. Looking forward to working with brilliant people as we turn data, creativity, and strategy into measurable outcomes. Let’s make great work together,” Hegde said in a statement.
Hegde brings over a decade of experience across data, analytics and digital strategy. Most recently, he served as chief strategy officer at Ethinos, where he led strategic frameworks to drive client acquisition and revenue growth, while also building proprietary tools such as a brand positioning study and a digital asset valuator. He also represented the company at industry forums hosted by Google and Meta.
Prior to that, he was head of customer success and consumer insights at Ethinos, and earlier spent over six years at MediaCom, where he worked across roles including senior business director and business director, insights and analytics. There, he focused on social intelligence, business intelligence solutions and data-led campaign optimisation.
His career also includes stints at Everymedia Technologies as VP strategy and analytics, and at Hansa Cequity, where he handled analytics, campaign strategy and client delivery for major accounts. He began his journey in business intelligence roles at Hungama and Robust Designs.
With a career rooted in data but shaped by creativity, Hegde’s move signals Publicis Groupe’s continued push to fuse insight with impact as brands chase sharper, faster and more accountable marketing outcomes.
Brands
Funskool India crosses US$40 million turnover in FY 2025-26
Toy manufacturer posts steady growth despite global headwinds.
MUMBAI: Funskool India has played its cards well turning challenges into steady growth while keeping the fun alive in the toy business. The country’s leading toy manufacturer has reported a turnover of $40 million in FY 2025-26, demonstrating resilience in a difficult global environment. The company recorded an average growth of 14 per cent over the past two years, with exports growing at a healthy 19% year-on-year.
While domestic business grew at a modest single-digit pace, Funskool saw encouraging traction in key categories such as Fundough (dough) and Handycrafts (arts & crafts).
Funskool India Ltd. CEO K.A. Shabir said, “We successfully navigated the challenges posed by US tariffs last year and continued to grow both our export and domestic businesses. Given the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia, we are currently working with a moderate growth outlook of 12–15 per cent, with plans to revisit our targets after Q1 once the situation stabilises.”
He highlighted strengthened partnerships with global companies including Spin Master (Canada), Moose Toys (Australia), Melissa & Doug (USA), Asmodee (France), Learning Resources (USA), and Buffalo Games (USA). The expansion of the company’s Goa plant is progressing and is expected to be completed by the end of the current financial year.
Looking ahead, Funskool expects a significant shift in domestic growth momentum for FY 2026-27, driven by new categories such as friction vehicles under the brand “BlazeTrix”, remote-control cars under “VoltRush”, and the addition of popular licences like Paw Patrol.
In an industry where playtime never stops, Funskool has shown that even in turbulent times, a smart strategy and strong partnerships can keep the business ticking along nicely. As it gears up for the next financial year, the company appears well-positioned to build on its solid foundation and bring even more joy to children worldwide.
