MAM
Indo-Pak duel: ESS eyes Rs 1.7 mn a spot
MUMBAI: For telecasting the mother of all battles, ESPN Star Sports is looking at getting Rs 1.7 million per 10-second spot, substantially higher from the Rs 4-5 lakh it was charging in the early stages of the World Cup competition.
As India takes guard against Pakistan in the semifinal contest on Wednesday, sources say the broadcaster has a little less than five per cent of inventory to sell.
At Rs. 1.7 million, the spot would be around three times what ESS had earlier been selling for its India package.
While declining to comment on inventory or rates, an ESS spokesperson said: “The price will be substantially higher than what it has been for the other matches. There is traction in the media for this match.”
According to Dentsu CEO Sai Nagesh, the proposals have been put to clients and deals are likely to happen.
“It is not just about CPRPs anymore. For an India versus Pakistan match, the dynamics are different. For clients that couldn‘t afford packages earlier for the event, this match is a good shotgun approach to get reach, involvement and brand awareness,” he says.
Nagesh believes the World Cup has delivered beyond expectations. “It is not just about the India matches. Even teams like Ireland have surprised with their performances. This led to viewers wondering what would happen next and sustained their interests,” he avers.
Lodestsr UM COO Nandini Dias feels that at this rate, a client would have to shell out around Rs 30 million to get the desired visibility on a single day.
“It is a workable solution, though. It is an issue of outlay. A World Cup match at the final stages commands a premium. An India-Pakistan match would fetch an even higher premium,” she says.
Brands
Celsius100 Consulting names Rhys Rufus CEO
Long-time leader steps up as firm bets on continuity to drive next growth phase
BENGALURU: Celsius100 Consulting Private Limited has elevated long-serving leader Rhys Rufus to chief executive officer, marking a leadership shift as the firm prepares for its next phase of growth.
Rufus takes over from founder S Ghosh, who will continue as founder and managing director. In his new role, Ghosh will focus on strategic direction and new business opportunities, while Rufus assumes responsibility for daily operations and growth initiatives.
The appointment caps a 16-year journey for Rufus at the company. Having joined in its early years, he went on to build Celsius100’s digital services arm from scratch, turning it into one of the firm’s fastest-growing verticals. Under his leadership, the company strengthened its capabilities across digital marketing strategy, performance marketing, campaign execution and measurement.
Beyond digital, Rufus has played a key role in shaping the organisation’s talent pool and expanding its client base. He has led business development efforts across India and helped extend the firm’s footprint into the United Kingdom, reinforcing its position as a cross-market consulting partner.
“Rhys has been the backbone of our growth story for 16 years. He built our digital services practice from scratch, assembled a brilliant team, and won the trust of clients in India and the UK. His calm temperament, his deep commitment to quality, and his ability to forge lasting partnerships make him the ideal person to lead Celsius100 into its next chapter. I could not be more confident in this transition,” said Celsius100 Consulting Private Limited founder and managing director S Ghosh.
Rufus struck a reflective note on taking charge. “Celsius100 has been home for the better part of my professional life and I am deeply honoured to take on this responsibility. We have built something unique together over almost two decades, and I look forward to working with our talented team and valued clients to take the company to new heights. Our focus will remain on delivering work that truly transforms our partners’ businesses,” said Rufus.
Colleagues describe Rufus as a steady hand under pressure and a leader who prioritises long-term relationships. His elevation signals a clear bet on continuity, with the company choosing to promote from within rather than look outside for leadership.
As Celsius100 enters its next chapter, the transition reflects both stability and ambition, with a familiar face now steering the firm towards fresh opportunities.
