MAM
Publicis India appoints Neeraj Bassi as managing partner & chief strategy officer
MUMBAI: Publicis India has appointed Neeraj Bassi as managing partner and chief strategy officer.
Neeraj will be based out of the agency’s New Delhi office. Along with Srija Chatterjee and Bobby Pawar, Neeraj will help in fostering collaboration and delivering on the Power of One synergies across the Groupe.
With over two decades of professional experience, Neeraj has worked with some of the world’s most renowned brands including Coca-Cola, Asian Paints, Cadbury, BMW, KFC, Adidas, Samsung, British Airways, WeChat, Voltas, Audi, HSBC, Max Life and Tata Singapore Airlines – Vistara among others.
He joins Publicis after a brief stint as an independent Consultant where he provided strategic guidance and brand solutions for multiple clients across various categories. Neeraj has worked with some of the top market research networks such as TNS, IMRB and NFO and led the Strategic Planning function in advertising agencies including Cheil, Ogilvy, JWT, McCann in India and abroad. Neeraj has also won multiple awards across reputed award festivals that recognise effectiveness such as Effies (India & APAC), AMES, WARC, etc.
Announcing the new appointment and welcoming Neeraj aboard, Publicis Communications South Asia CEO Saurabh Varma says, “In Neeraj, we found a partner with a shared vision of driving a deeper level of integration within the Groupe by leveraging the Power of One model. Neeraj’s vast experience and media neutral planning approach will help clients in building a holistic brand experience which will aim to create one-to-one consumer engagement, at scale. I look forward to working with Neeraj and wish him the best of luck.”
Publicis Worldwide India MD Srija Chatterjee adds, “Neeraj joins at a time when the Groupe is implementing a profound transformation which puts our clients front and centre of everything that we do. His wealth of experience of working across diverse sectors and with cross-functional teams, will help build a narrative around our clients’ business and marketing transformation that connects data, content and technology in an omni-channel world. I’m excited to welcome Neeraj to the Publicis Groupe family, and we look forward to him riding the next strategic wave at the agency.”
Commenting on his appointment, and his plans for the agency, Neeraj Bassi mentions, “I am really excited to be part of Publicis India and looking forward to partnering Bobby and Srija to create stellar work that stands out in the market. Working with clients as an independent consultant has given me an insight on the primary concerns of CXOs and how communication can help resolve them. Clients today need an omni channel approach to planning that focuses on identifying and solving their business problems holistically, rather than getting trapped in a discipline specific approach. I am fascinated by the way all Groupe companies have come together at Publicis to create Power of One, and I look forward to wielding this power to build successful campaigns for our clients.”
Brands
Tech2.com returns with AI-driven revamp to guide India’s tech consumers
News18 relaunches legacy tech platform with AI tools and expanded coverage
NEW DELHI: Tech2, one of India’s earliest and most recognisable technology news destinations, is staging a comeback with a fresh, AI-first approach aimed at modern digital consumers.
Originally launched in 2003, Tech2 built a strong following among India’s tech enthusiasts by simplifying complex innovations and guiding purchase decisions. Now, under the umbrella of Network18’s News18, the platform is being reimagined for an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping how users consume and interact with information.
The revamped Tech2 blends AI-powered tools with editorial expertise, aiming to deliver smarter, faster, and more personalised content. While the technology stack gets a significant upgrade, the platform is consciously holding on to its familiar brand identity, creating continuity for long-time users while attracting a new generation.
At its core, the new Tech2 is positioning itself as a decision-making companion for consumers navigating an increasingly complex tech landscape. From gadgets and apps to broader digital ecosystems, the platform plans to widen its editorial scope to reflect how deeply technology now influences everyday life.
A key part of its growth strategy includes expanding into multiple Indian languages, signalling an intent to reach audiences beyond metro cities and tap into the next wave of digital adoption.
The relaunch also strengthens News18’s portfolio of specialised digital properties, which already includes platforms such as CricketNext for cricket coverage, Showsha for entertainment, and Local18 for regional reporting.
With its return, Tech2 is not just revisiting its legacy but attempting to redefine it. In a market flooded with information, the platform’s success will hinge on whether it can turn AI into a genuine utility for users rather than just a buzzword.
