MAM
GroupM India appoints Karthik Shankar as head of digital trading
Mumbai: GroupM India, WPP’s media investment group, has announced the appointment of Karthik Shankar as head of digital trading. He will be responsible for digital trading and partnerships for the company and will report to GroupM India’s investments & pricing president Sidharth Parashar, the company said.
Karthik comes with vast experience in building businesses using digital advertising technologies. He has worked with video technology start-ups and set up business units for programmatic & connected TV platforms.
Sidharth Parashar said, “Karthik has a proven track record of managing tech & media partnerships, digital trading, e-commerce, and leading brand safety initiatives. We believe that Karthik would play a pivotal role, as we partner with our esteemed clients in their digital transformation journey,”
On his new role, Karthik Shankar said, “These are exciting times for digital advertising which is witnessing hyper-growth in all spectrums including video, commerce, and data. Clients and partners seek guidance and support in navigating this complex ecosystem. This role has the right mix of understanding, access, and ability to collaborate with the ecosystem to streamline media investments. I am excited to join and be part of the GroupM family.”
Brands
Kia India partners HYBE India for 15-city global girl group auditions
Automaker backs nationwide talent hunt with immersive Syros-led youth engagement
NEW DELHI: Kia India has partnered with HYBE India as the exclusive automotive partner for its first large-scale global auditions aimed at discovering India’s next international girl group.
The initiative will span 15 cities, combining on-ground and digital auditions to create a global pathway for young Indian talent. The collaboration blends entertainment with brand engagement, positioning the automaker at the centre of a youth-driven cultural platform.
As part of the rollout, HYBE India will bring its globally recognised artist development model to India, building on the legacy of HYBE, known for creating acts like BTS and KATSEYE.
The partnership will come to life through HYBE India Pop-Up Parks across cities, featuring the 2026 Kia Syros as a central attraction. A key highlight is the ‘Kia Engagement Zone’, an in-car content creation setup that allows participants to record and share performance videos, turning the vehicle into a creative studio on wheels.
Kia India senior vice president marketing and sales Atul Sood said, “Kia India’s collaboration with HYBE India reflects a shared understanding of how culture, creativity and youth aspirations are evolving today.”
HYBE India head of business development Sarthak Arora said, “This collaboration enables us to build a meaningful platform that helps unlock India’s potential on a global stage.”
The on-ground activations will begin in Guwahati on 2 May, followed by Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and New Delhi, before expanding to other cities including Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chandigarh. Online auditions will run from 31 March to 31 July, extending participation to Indian talent worldwide.
With this move, Kia India is stepping beyond mobility to engage with youth culture and creative ambition, aligning its brand with a generation that values global exposure, identity and self-expression.
