MAM
Digital L&K Saatchi & Saatchi beefs up creative team
MUMBAI: Digital Law & Kenneth (L&K) Saatchi & Saatchi has strengthened its creative structure with the appointment of Ashith Ballal and Divyesh Swamikutty as creative directors. The duo will be operating from the Mumbai office.
Ballal said, “The support I get at Digital L&K Saatchi & Saatchi to try new things and pursue ideas that excite me is amazing. It is a hugely nurturing and supportive environment, which really helps bring out the best in everyone involved.”
“New challenge and space is what I am looking for! When Anil Nair revealed L&K Saatchi & Saatchi plans and its journey in the digital space, I had no second thoughts. I am thrilled and excited to be part of an energetic and vibrant team, and I’m looking forward to create some great work in the digital space along with the team,” said Swamikutty.
Digital Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi CEO Anil K Nair added, “Ashith comes from a digital and film making background and he brings with him great storytelling skill sets. Divyesh is one of the early pioneers of digital in India with lots of experience working across difficult markets and in start-up environments. They bring a fresh perspective to our creative team and will help raise the standard of creativity at Digital Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi and play an invaluable role not just for our clients but also for the agency.”
Ballal previously worked at O4 digital, Channel V and Radio Mirchi along with taking up a lot of freelance assignments on brands such as Honda Mobilio, Ford, Reliance, and Volkswagen Polo.
On the other hand, Swamikutty has worked with Rage Communications and D’zine Garage on brands like Royal Enfield, Moods Condoms, Cavin Kare, Sterling Holidays, Colorplus, Airtel Money, Ashok Leyland, Club Mahindra, Murugappa Group, The Hindu and Sify amongst others.
Brands
Madhu Soman joins Crestoria Global advisory board role
Former WION, Zee Business executive pivots to mentorship platform
MUMBAI: Madhu Soman, former chief business officer at WION and Zee Business, has joined the board of advisors at Crestoria Global, marking a shift from newsroom leadership to mentorship and education.
Soman, who brings close to three decades of experience across journalism and media management, said the move reflects a growing focus on shaping the next generation through guidance and real-world insight. His career spans leadership roles at organisations including Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters and Reuters, covering markets from India to Asia-Pacific.
“Across 28 years in the news business, one idea kept resurfacing as a meaningful off-ramp, teaching, mentorship, and helping shape the next generation,” said Soman. “Crestoria sits right at that intersection.”
Crestoria Global, which positions itself as a long-term education and career advisory platform, focuses on helping students navigate global opportunities through structured guidance, research-led insights and personalised mentorship. The company said its approach goes beyond university admissions to focus on long-term career positioning.
Soman added that the platform’s philosophy of designing success with intent, rather than leaving it to chance, resonated with his own outlook on impact and influence.
The advisory board brings together professionals from diverse fields, including academia, media and corporate leadership, aimed at offering students a broader perspective on career pathways in an increasingly complex global landscape.
As he steps into this new role, Soman’s move signals a wider trend of seasoned industry leaders turning towards mentorship, where experience is not just shared, but scaled for the next generation.
