MAM
Rediffusion Y&R ropes in Komal Bedi Sohal as NCD
MUMBAI: WPP‘s Rediffusion-Y&R has brought on globally awarded creative talent Komal Bedi Sohal as national creative director in India.
Prior to joining Rediffusion, Sohal spent the last 11 years abroad, with her last assignment being executive creative director for Lowe Middle East and North Africa, based in Dubai. She now moves to India to be based in Rediffusion’s head office in Mumbai.
Sohal’s advertising career spans 19 years, during which she produced award-winning work for global brands such as Harvey Nichols, Land Rover, LG, Citibank, Colgate, Virgin Atlantic, Axe deodorants, and Microsoft Xbox.She is ranked number 2 in ‘The Top Art Directors in the World’ by The Big Won Creative Ranking 2011 and has been in the top 10 for the past five years.
Her stash of international awards includes the Grand prix, gold, silver, bronze, and finalists at Cannes, One Show, The ANDYS, Art Director’s Club, Clio, Dubai Lynx, Mena Cristal Awards, London International Awards, New York Festivals, EPICA, and Loeries. Her work has been featured in the annual publications of D&AD, Communication Arts, and Luerzer’s Archive.
Rediffusion-Y&R chief creative officer and vice-chairman Sam Ahmed said, “Komal and I have worked together for several years. She is a fierce and compassionate leader. The craft and finesse she brings into her work is incomparable and world class. She is a school of art direction. It’s almost impossible to find such talent and I’m happy that she’s moving her life to India to join us. This will be good for our industry at large as we can all learn from her craft and execution skills.”
Sohal said about her new role, “It’s homecoming in more ways than one. Both the city and the agency have a special place in my heart, and I am eager to get started right away. We are going to create ideas that are impactful and iconic, executed beautifully.”
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
