MAM
Draftfcb Ulka appoints Menaka Menon as head strategic planning
MUMBAI: Menaka Menon joins Draftfcb Ulka as head strategic planning at its Bengaluru office. She has over 13 years experience in advertising and media. Her professional interests include new media, understanding youth consumer and their buying behaviour.
Speaking on her appointment, vice president Dennis Koshy said, “Menaka brings valuable experience across categories to Draftfcb Ulka. Having started her career with us, she is familiar with the organisation and I am sure she will add significant value to our clients here.”
An alumnus of MICA, Menaka started her career at the then FCB Ulka, as part of its Star One programme. She then moved to JWT where she spent over seven years, before moving on to assignments with Big 92.7 FM, UTV New Media and MTV.
uring the course of her career, Menaka has worked on several big brands such as Amul, Knorr, Levi‘s, Kotak, Diageo and Star across Mumbai and Bangalore.
On her second stint at Draftfcb Ulka, Menaka observed, “Draftfcb Ulka is known for the strategic contribution it provides to client businesses. I started my career here and I am really excited about the opportunity to come back. Bangalore office has a very good portfolio of clients and brands, and I look forward to partnering them.”
Draftfcb Ulka COO Nitin Karkare felt that, “Bangalore is a critical operation for us with prestigious brands like Sunfeast, Minto, Candyman, Santoor, Chandrika in our portfolio. Menaka is part of our Star One program and we are delighted to have her back on board. I am sure she will add a lot of value to the business with her rich experience across categories”
Brands
Mana Projects names Ranbir Kapoor brand ambassador amid rebranding
Bengaluru developer unveils new identity focused on design and nature.
MUMBAI: When real estate meets reel star power, the foundation for a new brand story is often laid brick by brick. Mana Projects, the Bengaluru based real estate developer, has appointed actor Ranbir Kapoor as its brand ambassador while unveiling a refreshed brand identity aimed at aligning the company with the evolving expectations of modern urban homebuyers.
The announcement marks a new phase for the developer, which has spent over two decades building residential communities in Bengaluru, particularly along emerging growth corridors such as Sarjapur Road.
The updated brand identity reflects the company’s emphasis on design led living and environmentally conscious development. According to the developer, the new positioning focuses on creating residential spaces where architecture, nature, engineering and lifestyle planning work together to shape meaningful living experiences.
Mana Projects chairman and managing director D. Kishore Reddy said the rebranding represents a natural progression as the company adapts to the expectations of a new generation of homeowners.
“This rebranding represents the natural evolution of Mana Projects as we align ourselves with the aspirations of a new generation of homeowners, particularly millennials who form the backbone of Bengaluru’s dynamic homebuyer community,” Reddy said.
He added that today’s buyers increasingly look beyond basic housing to spaces that combine design, sustainability and a strong sense of community.
“At Mana, our philosophy centres on creating homes where space is purposeful, design is intelligent, nature is respected and engineering ensures long term sustainability. Our association with Ranbir Kapoor reflects this new chapter as we continue to build communities that enable people to truly live brilliantly,” he said.
Kapoor, who has been associated with several lifestyle and consumer brands, said the partnership resonated with his own understanding of what makes a home meaningful.
“A home is one of the most meaningful investments people make in their lives, and it should reflect comfort, warmth and a sense of belonging,” Kapoor said.
“What impressed me about Mana Projects is the brilliance of their thought, the way design, nature and functionality come together to enhance everyday living. I’m delighted to be associated with Mana Projects as they continue to create homes that inspire modern urban families to truly live brilliantly.”
The collaboration will be introduced through a large scale integrated campaign spanning digital platforms, outdoor media and experiential activations, making it one of the developer’s most prominent branding initiatives in recent years.
Founded in Bengaluru, Mana Projects has built a portfolio of residential developments that emphasise thoughtful architecture, amenity rich neighbourhoods and environmentally sensitive planning. The company’s projects often integrate open spaces, green landscapes and energy efficient engineering to support sustainable urban living.
With Bengaluru continuing to attract young professionals and technology workers, the developer believes the city’s housing market is increasingly being shaped by buyers seeking well planned communities that balance functionality with quality of life.
Looking ahead, Mana Projects plans to expand its presence across the city by developing future ready residential projects designed to accommodate emerging lifestyle trends such as hybrid work culture, community driven living and multigenerational households.
By combining a refreshed brand identity with a high profile ambassador, the company hopes to strengthen its position in Bengaluru’s competitive real estate market while appealing to a new generation of homeowners seeking homes that blend design, nature and modern living.
