MAM
Infectious Advertising hires Divesh Mehta and Kiran Salkar for key roles
MUMBAI: Infectious Advertising has just doubled its dose of creative and strategic medicine and the side effect could be potent campaigns. The independent agency has onboarded two industry veterans: Divesh Mehta as associate vice president planning and Kiran Salkar as creative director for art, bolstering both its brand strategy muscle and design flair.
Mehta, who clocks in nearly 15 years in marketing communications, was a founding member of an omni-channel apparel brand that shook up casual wear retail. His advertising innings have spanned BFSI, finance, hospitality, pharma and heavy industry, all with the belief that “the right strategic intervention can transform client business.” On his move, Mehta said Infectious’ work is “both rooted and refreshing the kind of energy I want to be part of.”
Salkar also brings over 15 years of adland experience, leading campaigns for marquee brands like Lux, Sunsilk, BMW, Tata Motors, Parle, Taj, SBI and Orra. An illustrator at heart with a photographer’s sensibility, he’s known for marrying bold aesthetics with brand storytelling. “I’m excited to join Infectious and look forward to doing some kickass work,” he said, adding that he’s been following the agency’s work “for a while” and likes what he’s seen.
Co-founders Nisha Singhania and Ramanuj Shastry called the duo’s arrival a shot in the arm: “Both bring the attitude and skill sets needed to take Infectious to the next level.” With Mehta’s strategic scalpel and Salkar’s visual sizzle, the agency looks set to turn more heads and maybe win a few more awards in the months ahead.
MAM
Republic Media Network appoints Mohit Dhamne as group CEO
Founding member elevated as network reports 149 million monthly digital users
NEW DELHI: Republic Media Network has appointed Mohit Dhamne as its group chief executive officer, elevating a founding member who has been part of the organisation since its inception in 2016.
Dhamne’s rise within the network has been steady and multi-layered. He began as head of finance, later taking on responsibilities as company secretary and EVP (Finance), before being elevated to chief financial officer in December 2023. In his new role, he will now oversee the group’s overall strategic and operational direction.
The network described him as a key architect of its evolution into one of India’s leading broadcast and digital news platforms. He brings cross-functional expertise spanning finance, law and management, backed by qualifications as a chartered accountant, company secretary, and a postgraduate management degree from the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.
Congratulating him, Arnab Goswami said Dhamne has been instrumental in shaping the organisation’s growth journey since inception. He added that the founding team’s shared experience and leadership framework will help the network pursue new opportunities and scale further.
The appointment comes at a time of strong momentum for the network. Over recent months, Republic has expanded its core business team by 30 per cent and strengthened its leadership structure with senior executives managing defined revenue portfolios across platforms.
On the digital front, Republic Digital has reported 149 million monthly users, according to Comscore data, reinforcing its position as one of India’s most widely consumed digital news offerings.
The growth has also been supported by expansion in its integrated brand solutions division, Republic Brand Studio, as the network continues to build a more diversified revenue ecosystem.
With this leadership transition, Republic Media Network is positioning itself for its next phase of expansion, combining broadcast strength with accelerating digital scale.
