MAM
White Rivers Media appoints Darrell Fernandes & Shruti Deora to lead client partnerships
Mumbai: White Rivers Media (WRM), an independent integrated digital agency, on Wednesday announced the appointment of two industry leaders- Darrell Fernandes and Shruti Deora as head of client partnerships, along with elevating internal leadership roles to bolster the vision of its future growth.
Darrell Fernandes is an advertising & communications expert with over 16 years of work experience across leading agencies. His last stint was with Red Fuse Communications, where he led the account management team, driving integrated marketing efforts for various brands. In his extensive career, he has worked across various categories like BFSI, FMCG, automobile, realty, decor, among others.
In his new role as WRM, head of client partnerships, Fernandes said, “WRM is a thriving digital ecosystem with a young and energetic team of over 250, which lives & breathes data, creativity, and technology. I am excited to be a part of this passionate tribe of digital natives and steer the agency’s next chapter.”
Shruti Deora as head of client partnerships, WRM is moving forward from her last stint at the 59th Parallel, where she led the digital team for eminent global and national personalities from the entertainment industry. With over 13 years of experience across digital media and public relations, Shruti has worked with several noted marketing and communications agencies, managing brands across entertainment, luxury & lifestyle, retail, corporate, etc.
On joining WRM, Deora said, “Over the years, I have seen the agency grow into one of the largest independent agencies in the country. I am delighted to be part of the WRM family and champion work that is not only creatively led but also drives business goals for brands across sectors.”
The agency which celebrated its ninth anniversary this week, further acknowledged the various stakeholders – clients, partners, and team members – who have been the core pillars on its journey so far.
As the agency moves towards the next phase of its growth, the elevation of internal leadership comprising of Bhushan Kadam, Lizandra Pinto, Megha Marwah, Adarsh Loyal, Adrine D’mello, Tanish Shah, and Prakhar Srivastava will help augment the strategic and innovative solutions that the agency offers to its clientele.
Speaking about the new appointments, WRM co-founder and CEO, Shrenik Gandhi said, “Over the nine years, we at White Rivers Media, have always blended passion and innovation together. I am excited to have Darrell and Shruti on board as well as congratulate the elevated leadership team. Their extensive experiences and expertise will help in aligning our vision of being one of the most disruptive digital marketing agencies.”
WRM co-founder and CCO Mitesh Kothari added, “We have evolved from being a selective solutions partner, to being a truly integrated digital agency in the last nine years. At this landmark milestone, I am happy Darell and Shruti join our ranks alongside the elevated leadership team. I am certain that their new roles and responsibilities will strengthen our efforts in keeping our clients ahead of the game.”
MAM
Times of India launches SFI Expo for sports, fitness and infrastructure
New exhibition to bring together stakeholders across India’s growing sports ecosystem in July 2026.
MUMBAI: The Times of India is stepping onto the field with a brand-new playbook this time, not with ink and paper, but with a full-scale exhibition that promises to score big for India’s sports industry. The Times of India has announced its entry into the exhibitions business with the launch of The Times of India Sports, Fitness and Infrastructure (SFI) Expo. Set to be held in July 2026 in New Delhi, the expo aims to create an integrated platform that connects the entire value chain of sports, fitness, technology and infrastructure.
Powered by 187 years of credibility across print, digital and experiential media, TOI is positioning the SFI Expo as a major collaborative hub for sports enterprises, infrastructure companies, government bodies, fitness and wellness firms, athletes, innovators and communities.
The exhibition will cover everything from planning and building world-class sports facilities to enabling advanced training environments and performance solutions, with a strong focus on innovation in training, recovery and technology.
Speaking on the initiative, Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. (The Times of India) president for eesponse & brand capital Surinder Chawla said, “India is entering a dynamic new era. Both traditional and new sports are growing exponentially. Government initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India are nurturing young athletes and steadily strengthening India’s imprint on the world sporting arena. This exhibition aims to unite stakeholders across the sports value chain and help accelerate India’s journey towards a robust, world-class sporting ecosystem.”
Designed as an annual platform, the TOI SFI Expo will facilitate dialogue, partnerships, knowledge exchange and investment opportunities, supporting the development of a more inclusive and future-ready sporting landscape in India.
From match reports to match-making for the entire sports ecosystem, The Times of India is now extending its legacy of influence from the newsroom straight into the arena. With the SFI Expo, TOI isn’t just covering the game, it’s helping build the stadium, the training tech, and the future of Indian sports.
