MAM
Pinto new creative head – FCB Ulka (West), NCD – branded content
MUMBAI: In a significant development, FCB Ulka today announced the appointment of Keegan Pinto as Creative Head – FCB Ulka (West) and National Creative Director – Branded Content.
In this role, Keegan will be responsible for enhancing the creative quotient and strengthening the creative capabilities for the agency and will be based out of Mumbai.
With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Keegan is one of the most recognized and awarded names in the business. He has been a part of Colenso BBDO New Zealand, Publicis Ambience, Ogilvy & Mather India and Lowe Lintas. In his most recent outing, he was Creative Head of MTV India. His work has won him accolades at both national and international circuits such as D&AD, The One Show, Adfest, Cannes Lions, Abbys, Effies, DMA Asia Echo Awards, Promax India, Asia and World.
Keegan championed several memorable and impactful pieces of work for celebrated brands such as Lifebuoy, Tata Tea, Tetley, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, Calvin Klein, He Deodorants, Askme, Kamasutra, Sunsilk, Gulf Oil, Nescafe, Vdot, Big Bazaar, Economic Times, TVS, Zoom TV, DNA, Airtel, Ashok Leyland, Onida, Bajaj bikes, BBC World, Claris Pharmaceuticals, Croma, DB Realty, DNA newspaper, IICE Vodka, Himalayan Water, Dove, Ponds, Lakme, Hindustan Pencils, Kodak, Kingfisher Airlines and more.
FCB India group chairman and CEO Rohit Ohri said, “The diversity of his experience and the depth of his talent will be key in driving the creative transformation agenda at FCB Ulka. Further, his experience with branded content will help us quickly scale up our content division. I’m truly delighted to have Keegan as part of our leadership team at FCB Ulka.”
“Content creation today is an integral part of all brand communication. Keegan has a unique blend of advertising and channel experience which is extremely relevant in today’s world,” added FCB Ulka CEO Nitin Karkare.
FCB Ulka CCO Swati Bhattacharya said, “Keegan’s thorough understanding of the communication business is phenomenal.”
“The big change story that FCB wishes to write is the most enticing challenge that tipped things over for me and I look forward to that. I personally love a change story, be it a brand or an agency,” commented Pinto.
Pinto has led some popular award winning campaigns such as ‘Bande Achchhe Hain’ for ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, Stay Raw for MTV India, ‘Power of 49′ for Tata Tea, ‘Heat mein Dheet Hain’ for Onida ACs, ‘Inside waala Snaan’ for Tetley Green Tea, ’For Indian Values’ for Videocon d2h, the recent Beef Ban campaign for MTV and has been instrumental in the recently launched only-music channel from MTV, MTV Beats. On the side, Keegan is a music composer/lyricist and awaits a few movie releases in 2017.
Brands
Magnum Ice Cream Netherlands takes control of Kwality Wall’s India from Unilever
61.9 per cent stake transfer reshapes ownership as Unilever exits promoter role
MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited has entered a new chapter, with The Magnum Ice Cream Company HoldCo 1 Netherlands B.V. acquiring a controlling 61.9 per cent stake from a clutch of Unilever PLC-led entities, marking a significant shift in ownership.
The transaction, completed on March 30, 2026, follows a share purchase agreement signed in June 2025. The incoming promoter picked up over 145 crore equity shares, effectively taking control of the company and being formally classified as its new promoter under regulatory norms.
As part of the deal, the outgoing promoter group, including Unilever Group Limited and its affiliated entities, has fully exited its shareholding in the company. They have now been reclassified from promoter to public shareholders, closing a long-standing association with the ice cream business in India.
The board of Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited took note of the ownership change and approved a series of leadership updates alongside it. Ritesh Tiwari stepped down as director, while Abhijit Bhattacharya was appointed as chairperson and additional non-executive director. Tahir Toloy Tanridagli also joined the board as an additional non-executive director.
The reshuffle signals a broader strategic reset as the Magnum-led entity looks to steer the brand’s next phase of growth in India. The transition has been carried out in line with regulatory requirements, including disclosures tied to the open offer and reclassification norms under market regulations.
With Unilever stepping back and Magnum stepping in, Kwality Wall’s India is effectively getting a fresh scoop of leadership and direction. The coming months will reveal how the new promoter plans to scale the brand in one of the world’s most competitive ice cream markets.
