MAM
FNP appoints Nitish Saxena as head brand marketing
Mumbai: FNP (formerly Ferns N Petals) India’s leading gifting destination, has announced the appointment of Nitish Saxena as head brand marketing. In his capacity, Nitish will play a key role in driving the brand’s growth and market dominance, implementing a holistic brand strategy as FNP innovates and continues to build on its full range of gifting experiences for users. His appointment coincides with the rapid expansion of the brand, marked by continual evolution in terms of enhanced brand ethos.
Nitish brings rich expertise to the role, having most recently served as the head of brand at fintech startup CheQ. During his tenure, Nitish was responsible for end-to-end marketing & communications, leading CheQ’s GTM and subsequent growth. Prior to this, he led the social & creative mandate at Paytm, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the brand’s creative identity and social media presence. During his stint at Paytm, Nitish conceptualized and executed some popular campaigns including the viral fraud awareness video, ‘Phone par kaun tha’, the award-winning Women’s Day Film ‘The Divide’, and more recently Paytm’s much loved ‘Dil ke Account se #PaytmKaro’ to name a few. His creative work also saw him winning several industry recognitions.
Speaking on the appointment FNP Global CEO and director Pawan Gadia said, “We are thrilled to welcome Nitish to our FNP family. His extensive experience in crafting and executing successful marketing strategies, particularly in the digital realm aligns perfectly with our vision for the brand’s future growth. As we embark on the upcoming chapter of expansion- technology, innovation and a personalised retail experience will emerge as pivotal components of our strategic vision. We are confident that his skills and experience will contribute significantly to our continued accomplishment, propelling FNP to new heights in the gifting industry.”
“I am honored to join FNP, a brand that has demonstrated consistent and explosive growth, while maintaining an incredibly high level of customer satisfaction. I am excited about the opportunity to lead innovative marketing initiatives that will not only strengthen the brand’s presence but also create memorable journeys for our customers.” said Nitish.
MAM
Sameer Nair steps down as CEO of Applause Entertainment
Veteran media executive exits after a decade at the Aditya Birla Group-backed studio.
MUMBAI: After a decade of calling the shots, Sameer Nair is taking a bow from Applause Entertainment. The veteran industry leader and CEO of the prominent content studio is stepping down from his role, according to sources familiar with the development. This marks a significant leadership transition at one of India’s key players in the television and digital content space.
Applause Entertainment, part of the Aditya Birla Group, has built a strong reputation under Nair’s leadership for its high-quality adaptations of international formats and a slate of original series across OTT platforms. Nair, who joined the company a decade ago, was instrumental in shaping its growth and positioning it as a notable force in India’s evolving streaming landscape.
Prior to Applause, he held senior roles at major media organisations, including Star India, where he played a pivotal part in the launch of the iconic show Kaun Banega Crorepati in 2000. He also worked with Balaji Telefilms and NDTV Imagine.
It remains unclear who will succeed Nair or what his next professional move will be. Queries sent to Nair did not receive a response, and Applause Entertainment declined to comment on the matter.
His exit comes at a time when the Indian content ecosystem is undergoing rapid changes, with streaming platforms recalibrating investments, focusing on profitability, and adjusting content strategies amid shifting viewer preferences and increasing competition.
Industry insiders suggest the transition could signal a strategic reset for Applause as it navigates the next phase of growth.
In the fast-paced world of Indian entertainment, where hits can fade as quickly as they rise, Sameer Nair has enjoyed a remarkably steady and influential run. As he steps off the stage at Applause, the spotlight now turns to what comes next for both the executive and the studio he helped build.
