Below The Line
Zomato hires live events pro Kunal Khambhati from Bookmyshow
MUMBAI: That the food delivery and tech megacorp Zomato has big ambitions in the live space became apparent when it acquired PayTM’s Insider ticketing business for Rs 20,480 million. It That move gave it instant access to a platform as well as data around a few million customers who were using it which would make it easier for it provide them further services, including live events and going out experiences.
Now the company has hired Kunal Khambhati, the former head of live events and intellectual property at BookMyShow. The recruitment has happened just as Zomato is gearing up to launch its long-talked-about going out app, District, that will serve users looking for restaurant bookings, payments, live performances, sports events, staycations and holiday rentals. Khambhati’s role will be to look after the live entertainment vertical of the app.
He has oodles of experience under his belt: he played a big hand in live events and IP for nearly eight years, across India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Before this, he had held the position of associate vice-president – marketing strategy & sales at Percept for nearly 10 years. He is a 2006 graduate of the Indian Institute of Planning and Management.
At Zomato, Khambhati is most likely expected to work alongside former Twitter exec Rahul Ganjoo and Pradyot Ghate (spent several years in Zomato across product, tech and growth) who will lead the District app.
Zomato had hired Zeenah Vilcassim as CEO of its live entertainment division last year from Bacardi where she was the marketing director of India.
When District launches, Zomato will have three apps – Zomato, (food delivery), Blinkit (grocery delivery ) and District (going out).
That’s not all: Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal wants to take Zomato live into the stadium space as well, partnering with those who are willing and upgrading the infrastructure.
The execs at Zomato live are sure going to have their hands full.
MUMBAI: Jayaram Nair, a seasoned brand activation guru, has launched Intensity, a joint venture with Tribes Communication, and is relocating to Bengaluru to spearhead the new venture. Nair, who boasts 26 years of experience in the cut-throat world of BTL media, is promising to deliver “high impact solutions” across India’s sprawling marketing landscape.
“I’m excited to announce my new gig,” Nair declared on LinkedIn, “Intensity is a fresh venture, a JV with the award-winning Tribes Communication. We’re talking integrated brand building, folks, and we’re ready to get going.
Nair’s resume reads like a who’s who of Indian advertising, with stints at Cheil India, Percept Ltd, and Publicis Groupe. He’s a self-proclaimed “growth specialist,” “motivator,” and “change leader,” with a knack for P&L management and a “practical approach” to problem-solving.
“I’ve been around the block,” Nair quipped, “From Mumbai to Gurgaon, I’ve seen it all. Now, I’m bringing that experience to Bangalore, but let’s be honest, the whole world’s my playground.”
Intensity, backed by Tribes’ extensive network across 14 cities, is set to offer a full suite of brand building services, from live events and retail branding to loyalty programs and gaming events. Nair’s experience in “dark marketing” (read: cigarette promotions) suggests he’s not afraid to tackle tricky briefs.
“With a handpicked team and a pool of top-notch partners, we’re ready to fuel growth,” Nair asserted. “We’re not just building brands; we’re building empires.”
He will be operating from Bengaluru, but it is clear his ambition is to take on the whole of the Indian market.
This move marks a bold step for both Nair and Tribes, as the duo aims to carve out a significant slice of India’s burgeoning marketing pie. With Nair’s experience and Tribes’ reach, they are setting their sights high.
