AD Agencies
Motivator to tap Rs 100 crore business through Chennai operations
MUMBAI: GroupM agency Motivator has extended its services in the Southern market by launching its operations in Chennai. The expansion into the Chennai market is expected to add business of over Rs 100 crores for Motivator and is an integral part of the growth plans for the agency. Christopher Paul will lead the new Chennai team and will report to Zahid Shaikh, who was recently appointed as the Head of Operations – Motivator South.
Chennai is the fifth city in Motivator’s network in India in addition to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Thrissur. With the aim of solving business and marketing challenges, the agency further plans to set up a Data, Science and Tech lab in the city that will focus on building frameworks for data applications.
Speaking on the announcement, Motivator MD Rabe Iyer said, “As part of our expansion plans, we are looking at diversifying our client portfolio in the Southern market. The launch of our Chennai operations is a significant step in that regard. Besides, we look at Chennai as our Data & Tech lab destination given our existing partnerships and engagement with highly evolved start ups there. While Bangalore will be the central hub for Insights and Product development, Chennai will host the labs for Data Science and emerging technology.”
The Chennai operations will service Motivator’s existing client base in the city, including brands like Yamaha and FundsIndia. In addition to these, the agency will look at bringing on board other local accounts and potential businesses with the objective of strengthening the client base in the new market.
AD Agencies
Advertising Rocks Season 4 returns to Goafest 2026 with musical flair
Industry talent takes centre stage as music meets creativity at Goafest
MUMBAI: The spotlight is back on music and marketing as Advertising Rocks Season 4 gears up for a high-energy return at Goafest 2026, promising a louder and more vibrant celebration of creative talent within the industry.
Now in its fourth edition, the platform continues to carve a niche as a space where professionals from advertising, media and marketing step beyond boardrooms to showcase their musical side. Open to solo and duet performers, the competition will unfold across multiple rounds before culminating in a live finale at the festival. Shortlisted participants will also receive complimentary access to Goafest, adding to the appeal.
Each category will feature four finalists, with winners decided through a mix of jury evaluation and audience votes, making the experience interactive as well as competitive. The stakes are equally compelling, with cash prizes ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1,00,000 across categories.
Reflecting on the journey so far, BBH former CEO Subhash Kamath said, “This will be the 4th edition of Advertising Rocks and every year, it’s become better and better. We have some amazing musical talent in our industry and what better stage to perform than at Goafest. I hope we get more entries this time and I’m really looking forward to hearing some fabulous talent.”
Echoing the sentiment, Havas Media Network India chief executive officer Mohit Joshi said, “Season 4 of Advertising Rocks perfectly captures the spirit of our industry, where creativity doesn’t end at the workplace, it finds expression in many forms. At Goafest 2026, we are excited to bring back Season 4, bigger and more vibrant, giving professionals a platform to showcase their musical talent.”
Registrations for the competition are currently open, with entries accepted until April 30. Participants are invited to submit their performances and take a shot at the stage.
Co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, Goafest 2026 will be held from May 20 to 22 in Goa. With Advertising Rocks returning to the lineup, the festival is set to strike a chord that goes well beyond advertising, blending ideas with rhythm and a touch of showmanship.
