MAM
Media Mantra launches Digital Innovation Hub
Mumbai: PR and communications firm Media Mantra has announced the launch of its Digital Innovation Hub. The firm’s latest offering will cater to its ever-growing portfolio of clients for their digital communication requirements. The Digital Innovation Hub will offer services under four core pillars-creative hub, social media and publishing strategy, digital expansion and studio – to support clients for their specific requirements.
The division will be headed by Hemant Varma, who has joined Media Mantra as the head of strategic campaigns, as the organisation takes yet another pivotal step in strengthening its presence as a complete integrated communications agency.
Media Mantra founding director Udit Pathak said, “We are currently undergoing a very exciting phase of growth. Our latest offering—Digital Innovation Hub—is a testimony to our persistent efforts to consistently expand our service offerings in our bid to become India’s leading integrated communications firm. The digital practise will leverage the expertise of our strong and hardworking team of digital marketing strategists, SEO specialists, social media experts, and creative designers to create amazing client experiences and transform the way C-suite decision-makers approach business in the ever-competitive digital era.”
While Creative Hub will ensure a strategic approach to connecting with targeted groups at multiple touchpoints, clients will be able to amplify their reach and initiate engaging conversations through social media and publishing strategies. With digital expansion, Media Mantra will now offer exclusive services including website development, SEO, app development, paid campaigns, PPC, and lead generation, among others. At the behest of its studio, the new digital practice will aid clients in innovative storytelling via engaging static and motion graphics.
Media Mantra CEO Rahul Mehta said, “In recent years, Media Mantra has laid a strong foundation to enter the next phase of its strong growth journey. We have a proven track record of executing award-winning campaigns for clients, and the launch of our digital practise will only help us serve our clients in a more robust and diversified manner. With Digital Innovation Hub at the forefront, Media Mantra will now offer a spectrum of highly customisable services including digital marketing strategy and consulting, social media marketing (SMM), search engine optimization (SEO), video and animations, user experience and interface design, branding and much more.”
Varma said, “Having worked on multiple award-winning campaigns throughout my career, I would like to use my expertise to create some data-driven, meaningful campaigns with purpose at the core of them. With the launch of the Digital Innovation Hub at Media Mantra, we intend to provide integrated communications strategies to our esteemed clients. From SEO to branding strategy, creating websites, apps, paid campaigns, influencer partnerships, publishing strategy, and digital campaigns, our team is well-equipped and super excited to start this new journey.”
MAM
Publicis Groupe acquires sports marketing agency 160over90
Deal strengthens Publicis Sports with global scale and talent partnerships.
MUMBAI: Publicis Groupe has just scored a major goal in the sports marketing arena and this time, it’s not just about fans in the stands, but brands looking to win big. The French advertising giant has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 160over90, a leading global sports and culture-first agency that is part of WME Group. The move builds on Publicis Sports’ recent expansions, including the acquisitions of Adopt and Bespoke in 2025, a partnership with Magic Johnson Enterprises, and the launch of Influential Sports.
The combined Publicis Sports group will be led by Suzy Deering, CEO of Publicis Sports. Robbie Henchman, most recently President of 160over90, will stay with WME Group as Senior Partner and President of its brand representation business while overseeing the strategic partnership between WME Group and Publicis Groupe.
160over90 employs over 670 people across the US, UK, EMEA and APAC. It specialises in creating meaningful connections between brands, sports events, properties and culture. The sports media market is valued at $150 billion globally, while sports sponsorships have crossed $90 billion, yet many marketers still struggle with fragmented and outdated approaches.
With this acquisition, Publicis aims to offer brands a more unified solution through greater scale and reach across key markets, data-first optimisation powered by the Publicis Sports Intelligence platform, activation of the creator economy via Influential, and a new strategic talent and entertainment partnership with WME Group.
Publicis Groupe CEO Arthur Sadoun described sport as one of the most high-value channels in the age of AI. “This acquisition is the latest demonstration of our ongoing commitment to investing in the channels and capabilities that deliver the highest value for our clients,” he said.
Publicis Connected Media CEO Dave Penski added that sport has become the most powerful intersection of culture, commerce and community.
WME Group president and managing partner Mark Shapiro noted that combining 160over90 with Publicis Sports will create an unmatched offering for brands seeking deeper connections with sports fans.
In a fragmented sports marketing landscape, Publicis has clearly decided that the best way to win is to bring the whole team together turning scattered plays into one powerful, end-to-end strategy that connects brands to fans in meaningful and measurable ways.
