MAM
Publicis Media unveils Spark Foundry India
MUMBAI: When Publicis Media struck the match, it lit more than a spark. The network has officially launched Spark Foundry India, a full-funnel media agency built on data, AI and a future-first mindset, marking another bold step in its rapid growth across the Indian media landscape.
Announced in Mumbai on 17 November 2025, the new agency strengthens Publicis Media India’s already diverse portfolio and reinforces its position among the top two media players in the country. Spark Foundry India enters the market with a modern, AI and data powered model that connects brand building, performance and commerce to deliver measurable growth from discovery to conversion and loyalty.
Niti Kumar, formerly chief growth officer at Publicis Media India, has been appointed chief executive officer of Spark Foundry India. Known for strategic clarity and strong client relationships, Niti now leads the mandate to shape the agency into a high performance, future looking media brand.
Meanwhile, Ravi Bhaya has stepped into the role of chief growth officer at Publicis Media India to build further momentum across the network.
Zenith and Starcom will continue to be led by Jai Lala and Rathi Gangappa, who take on expanded responsibilities under Publicis Connected Media. Jai will sponsor Connected CRM while Rathi will helm Connected Influence, bolstering the network’s integrated, data driven capabilities.
All four leaders will report to Lalatendu Das, chief executive officer, Publicis Media South Asia, who welcomed the moves and praised the strengthened leadership bench. He noted that the refreshed structure will deepen client partnerships and open new avenues for innovation in India’s fast evolving media ecosystem.
Publicis Groupe South Asia chief executive officer Anupriya Acharya, highlighted India’s decade of strong double digit growth and its emergence as a strategic centre for talent, innovation and transformative media solutions. She credited the leadership team for driving impact and reinforcing Publicis Media’s role as a growth engine for the Groupe.
With Spark Foundry India now officially in play, Publicis Media appears ready to turn this spark into a blazing streak of momentum.
Brands
Kotak Mahindra Bank appoints Ramesh Iyer to board
Veteran financier replaces Ashok Gulati, who retires in March
MUMBAI: Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced a change to its board of directors, with independent director Ashok Gulati set to retire at the end of his term on 5 March.
The company said it has appointed Ramesh Ganesh Iyer as an additional and independent director for a four-year term, effective 17 February, subject to shareholder approval.
Iyer brings more than four decades of experience in financial services. He spent much of his career at Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services, where he served as vice chairman and managing director before taking on the role of president for the financial services sector and member of the group executive board at Mahindra & Mahindra. He retired from the group in April 2024.
During his tenure, Iyer was instrumental in expanding rural and inclusive finance initiatives, scaling the company’s assets and customer base. He also led the creation of subsidiaries in rural housing finance, insurance broking and asset management, and oversaw international joint ventures.
Iyer holds a commerce degree and a doctorate of letters, and currently serves on the boards of several listed and unlisted companies.
The board meeting approving the changes was held in Mumbai on February 17 between 6.30 pm and 6.50 pm.
