MAM
MindShare promotes Amin Lakhani to head Fulcrum
MUMBAI: Here is another media professional who is getting more regional responsibility. And that gent is Amin Lakhani whom Mindshare has elevated to Leader – Team Unilever south Asia.
In his new role Amin Lakhani will be heading Fulcrum, a unit of Mindshare that manages the media planning & buying for the Unilever business in South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He will be replacing Anupriya Acharya who is moving on from the organisation.
Amin has around 15 years experience which includes a stint as a product manager with an Indian pharmaceutical company and in media agencies. During his time with GroupM India, Amin has handled various roles starting with Maxus as the training head for west region, moving on to GroupM as west trading head and then on to Mindshare where he played the architect of The Exchange function in 2008, finally leading up and becoming the trading lead for Unilever business.
Announcing the appointment, Mindshare leader south Asia Ravi Rao said, “Amin was our unanimous choice and we know he will turn a new chapter in Mindshare Fulcrum by raising media excellence in strategic planning and world class execution backed up with award winning innovations for Unilever. We wish Anupriya all the best and thank her for a short but great stint at Mindshare Fulcrum.”
Commenting on his new role Lakhani said, “It is an exciting opportunity especially in challenging times. Mindshare Fulcrum has been a centre of excellence. I am looking forward to building on our strong base and continuing to provide delight to India‘s most esteemed client, Unilever.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com Anupriya Acharya said, “I leave as new challenges beckon me! But I have thoroughly enjoyed leading Team Unilever south Asia for Mindshare, especially through the challenging review year of 2012. The significant progress made in strategic initiatives, content, experiential, awards won and many other best practices has been truly rewarding for me both personally and professionally. Both the client and my larger organisation have been very supportive. I leave with rich experience and happy memories of steering this massive ship and will miss my rock-star team! I wish all of them all the very best.”
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.
