AD Agencies
Vanaja Pillai to head of diversity, inclusion and impact at DDB Mudra
Mumbai: DDB Mudra Group has announced the elevation of Vanaja Pillai as head of diversity, inclusion and impact, underscoring the company’s commitment to embedding diversity, equity and inclusion in its people and business strategy.
Pillai was the driving force behind the Phyllis India Project, a comprehensive and intense leadership development program to help prepare DDB’s women talent for leadership.
“Vanaja’s work on the Phyllis India program has been applauded across DDB’s borders and is a brilliant example of senior leadership driving actionable change in advancing DEI within the DDB family,” stated DDB Worldwide chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer Nikki Lamba. “We are excited about her taking on this larger mandate and bringing DEI to the heart of our business, people and product strategies in India.”
In her expanded role, she will work closely with CEO and MD Aditya Kanthy and HR head Rita Verma on initiatives to grow a diverse and inclusive workplace, including talent acquisition, retention, training and outreach to talent in underrepresented communities. Pillai will also lead the creation and delivery of effective growth and development opportunities rooted in the company’s purpose and growth strategy, said the statement.
“To compete in our times, we need to take a critical view of every aspect of our business. Our approach to talent and culture included,” commented Aditya Kanthy. “There is much to do in this area, and Vanaja is just the right person to lead us to success. This work, with the Group’s effort as a global network, will bring in diverse voices to help shape workplace culture and brand communication of the future.”
“It has been an exhilarating journey, from the intent of creating an India chapter for the Phyllis Project, to having the first batch graduate last week,” Vanaja Pillai said, speaking on her extended role. “The bar has been set high for every challenge we pick up from hereon. Over the next year we will focus on a select set of DEI goals and approach them with the same rigour and passion that made the Phyllis India Project what it is today. From an overall talent perspective, the pandemic made us even more aware of the need for constantly focusing on people and their growth.”
AD Agencies
Advertising Rocks Season 4 returns to Goafest 2026 with musical flair
Industry talent takes centre stage as music meets creativity at Goafest
MUMBAI: The spotlight is back on music and marketing as Advertising Rocks Season 4 gears up for a high-energy return at Goafest 2026, promising a louder and more vibrant celebration of creative talent within the industry.
Now in its fourth edition, the platform continues to carve a niche as a space where professionals from advertising, media and marketing step beyond boardrooms to showcase their musical side. Open to solo and duet performers, the competition will unfold across multiple rounds before culminating in a live finale at the festival. Shortlisted participants will also receive complimentary access to Goafest, adding to the appeal.
Each category will feature four finalists, with winners decided through a mix of jury evaluation and audience votes, making the experience interactive as well as competitive. The stakes are equally compelling, with cash prizes ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1,00,000 across categories.
Reflecting on the journey so far, BBH former CEO Subhash Kamath said, “This will be the 4th edition of Advertising Rocks and every year, it’s become better and better. We have some amazing musical talent in our industry and what better stage to perform than at Goafest. I hope we get more entries this time and I’m really looking forward to hearing some fabulous talent.”
Echoing the sentiment, Havas Media Network India chief executive officer Mohit Joshi said, “Season 4 of Advertising Rocks perfectly captures the spirit of our industry, where creativity doesn’t end at the workplace, it finds expression in many forms. At Goafest 2026, we are excited to bring back Season 4, bigger and more vibrant, giving professionals a platform to showcase their musical talent.”
Registrations for the competition are currently open, with entries accepted until April 30. Participants are invited to submit their performances and take a shot at the stage.
Co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, Goafest 2026 will be held from May 20 to 22 in Goa. With Advertising Rocks returning to the lineup, the festival is set to strike a chord that goes well beyond advertising, blending ideas with rhythm and a touch of showmanship.
