MAM
R K Swamy to handle entire media planning of Raymond
MUMBAI: Textile and apparel major, Raymond has consolidated its entire media planning and buying with R K Swamy Media Group, a part of the R K Swamy Hansa Group.
Earlier, Starcom and Dentsu Media were the other two agencies that were handling some of Raymond‘s businesses.
R K Swamy will now handle the brands and businesses of Raymond, Park Avenue, Parx, Colour Plus, J K Helene Curtis and J K Ansell.
Said Raymond Ltd., director media and corporate communications Sagar Joshi, “Having worked on the Raymond Textiles and Raymond Premium Apparel brands, the R K Swamy Media Group has a deep understanding of our business and brands. We are happy to expand our partnership with them and look forward to their increased involvement and contribution to all our businesses.”
Averred R K Swamy Media Group president Chintamani Rao, “We are deeply gratified that Raymond Ltd has chosen to place their faith in us. We have had a long and rewarding relationship with Raymond and are delighted to be working on all their brands now. We look forward to doing great work on them.”
R K Swamy BBDO has been the creative and media agency of brand Raymond for the past decade.
MAM
Sameer Nair steps down as CEO of Applause Entertainment
Veteran media executive exits after a decade at the Aditya Birla Group-backed studio.
MUMBAI: After a decade of calling the shots, Sameer Nair is taking a bow from Applause Entertainment. The veteran industry leader and CEO of the prominent content studio is stepping down from his role, according to sources familiar with the development. This marks a significant leadership transition at one of India’s key players in the television and digital content space.
Applause Entertainment, part of the Aditya Birla Group, has built a strong reputation under Nair’s leadership for its high-quality adaptations of international formats and a slate of original series across OTT platforms. Nair, who joined the company a decade ago, was instrumental in shaping its growth and positioning it as a notable force in India’s evolving streaming landscape.
Prior to Applause, he held senior roles at major media organisations, including Star India, where he played a pivotal part in the launch of the iconic show Kaun Banega Crorepati in 2000. He also worked with Balaji Telefilms and NDTV Imagine.
It remains unclear who will succeed Nair or what his next professional move will be. Queries sent to Nair did not receive a response, and Applause Entertainment declined to comment on the matter.
His exit comes at a time when the Indian content ecosystem is undergoing rapid changes, with streaming platforms recalibrating investments, focusing on profitability, and adjusting content strategies amid shifting viewer preferences and increasing competition.
Industry insiders suggest the transition could signal a strategic reset for Applause as it navigates the next phase of growth.
In the fast-paced world of Indian entertainment, where hits can fade as quickly as they rise, Sameer Nair has enjoyed a remarkably steady and influential run. As he steps off the stage at Applause, the spotlight now turns to what comes next for both the executive and the studio he helped build.
