MAM
VML appoints Shikhar Khanna as chief strategy officer for India
WPP veteran returns for third stint to lead strategy from Mumbai
MUMBAI: VML has appointed Shikhar Khanna as chief strategy officer, marking his return to the WPP network for the third time, now based in Mumbai.
Khanna brings over two decades of experience across global markets, having worked in Malaysia, China and India. His career spans strategy leadership roles at agencies including Geometry Global, Mindshare and MediaCom, where he led communications planning and brand strategy for major global clients.
Most recently, he served as chief strategy officer at Dentsu India, where he focused on media strategy and digital transformation initiatives, including the growing role of generative AI in marketing.
Announcing his move, VML chief strategy officer Shikhar Khanna said, “Back at WPP. Third time. This time Mumbai. Grateful, charged and ready.”
At VML, Khanna will lead the agency’s strategic direction in India, working across its integrated offerings in brand, customer experience and digital transformation. His appointment comes at a time when agencies are sharpening their strategic capabilities to navigate an increasingly complex and data-driven marketing landscape.
Known for blending data, creativity and cultural insight, Khanna has worked across a diverse portfolio that includes FMCG, telecom, automotive and retail brands, helping shape campaigns that resonate across markets.
With his global experience and familiarity with the WPP ecosystem, VML is betting on Khanna to bring both continuity and fresh thinking as it strengthens its strategic muscle in India’s competitive agency landscape.
Brands
Tanishq enters natural gemstone segment with Triptii Dimri campaign
Hues collection debuts ahead of Akshaya Tritiya, spotlighting self-expression
MUMBAI: Tanishq is stepping into the natural gemstone jewellery space with a new campaign featuring actor Triptii Dimri, marking a strategic expansion ahead of Akshaya Tritiya.
The launch introduces the brand’s latest collection, ‘Hues’, a design-led range crafted in 18kt gold and built around 100 percent natural gemstones. The move signals Tanishq’s intent to tap into a fast-growing category driven by consumers seeking authenticity, individuality and expressive styling.
Conceptualised by Lowe Lintas, the campaign film leans into the idea of colour as a form of self-expression. Set in a muted, almost paused world, the narrative comes alive as Dimri selects her jewellery, triggering a burst of colour that transforms her surroundings. The visual metaphor captures how jewellery is evolving from occasion-led adornment to a more personal, mood-driven choice.
The ‘Hues’ collection draws inspiration from the vibrancy of an Indian summer, featuring gemstones such as emeralds, amethysts, citrines, tourmalines and tanzanites. With sculptural forms and techniques like cabochon cuts and layering, the designs aim to bring depth, movement and a contemporary aesthetic to fine jewellery.
Titan Company Limited chief marketing officer Pelki Tshering said, “‘Hues’ marks a bold new chapter as we introduce natural gemstone jewellery in India. The collection reflects the evolving Tanishq woman who is expressive and confident, and seeks jewellery that mirrors her individuality.”
Sharing her perspective, Triptii Dimri said, “What I love about this collection is how it celebrates self-expression through colour. It feels less about occasion and more about expressing who you are in the moment.”
Priced from Rs 30,000, the collection is positioned for both everyday wear and special occasions. To coincide with the festive season, the brand is also rolling out promotional offers, including discounts on making charges and gold rate protection schemes.
With Hues, Tanishq is not just adding a new category but also reshaping how jewellery is worn and perceived, placing personal expression and colour firmly at the centre of its design philosophy.
