The French lifestyle brand partners with Team Pumpkin for all digital marketing solutions – social media, website development & maintenance, performance marketing to begin with. 

National, 13th June, 2025: Kickers, the iconic French lifestyle brand known for its bold style and cultural relevance since the 1970s, has officially entered the Indian market. To lead its digital presence, Kickers has appointed Team Pumpkin as its integrated digital media agency. The mandate will be led by Team Pumpkin’s Kolkata team.

Team Pumpkin has already laid the foundation for Kickers’ India presence with the successful development and launch of the brand’s India website. The next phase will focus on building a strong brand awareness among India’s Gen Z and millennial audiences, the digital strategy will combine heritage-led storytelling with localised, culture-driven content and sharp performance campaigns.

Mr. Jinnah Rafiq, Chairman – Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd, shared his thoughts:

“Our commitment has always been to bring iconic, meaningful brands to the Indian market. Kickers is not just a footwear label—it’s a symbol of attitude, identity, and originality. With the right digital force behind it, we’re confident it will strike a powerful chord with India’s young consumers.”

Dr. N Mohan, Director (Chief Executive, Footwear Business), commented on the collaboration:

“At Kothari Footwears, we see the entry of Kickers as more than a market expansion, it’s a cultural moment. With Team Pumpkin’s creative prowess and our shared vision for the brand, we aim to build a digital footprint that’s as bold as the Kickers legacy itself.”

Manish Ahlawat, Vice President – Kickers South Asia & Middle East, said:

“Kickers have always represented individuality and creative expression. As we enter a dynamic and diverse market like India, our approach is rooted in connecting with young audiences through digital-first narratives. We found a strong partner in Team Pumpkin—their strategic clarity and cultural insight stood out.”

Rashi Garodia, Business Head – Team Pumpkin, Kolkata, added:

“This is an exciting opportunity to shape how an iconic global brand takes root in India. Our team is focused on building a narrative that’s authentic to Kickers’ legacy while staying relevant to the  Indian consumers. We’re looking forward to crafting content and campaigns that make a lasting impact.”

With this partnership, Kickers aims to establish a meaningful digital presence in India, blending its global appeal with locally resonant storytelling.

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ETML, a leading digital marketing agency has announced its recent partnership with Lenskart, the well-known eyewear brand. ETML has been awarded the prestigious digital mandate to support Lenskart’s expansion into the Middle East market.

As part of this collaboration, ETML will leverage its extensive expertise in digital marketing to enhance Lenskart’s online presence and engagement in the Middle East. This strategic move aligns with Lenskart’s commitment to providing high-quality eyewear products and exceptional customer experiences to a wider global audience.

Lenskart, an omnichannel eyewear retailer, is India’s largest optical brand that uses technology and supply chain automation to directly sell glasses and contact lenses to consumers. With 2000+ physical, out of which 500+ are in the international markets, the brand is all set to deepen its penetration in India and scale its presence in the international markets.

Commenting on the partnership, Raghav Kansal, Founder & CEO of ETML, said, “We are proud to announce our partnership with Lenskart in the Middle East. With our strong expertise in delivering business growth in the international markets, I am confident that we would be able to deliver immense value to the brand by keeping a strong focus on data & analytics.”

Adding on to this, Aina Garg, Managing Director-Middle East, Lenskart, said, “We are excited for our partnership with ETML which will help us achieve our marketing objectives, and truly accelerate our business growth in the Middle East. Having an experienced partner like ETML would help us in leveraging the potential of performance marketing in order to meet the desired business outcome.”

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Verve Media, a leading digital marketing agency, has been selected as the official digital mandate holder for Tirex Chargers, a pioneering name in the electric vehicle charging industry.

Tirex Chargers, renowned for its cutting-edge electric vehicle charging solutions, has entrusted Verve Media with the responsibility of enhancing its digital presence, brand visibility, and engagement across various online platforms. This collaboration comes as a strategic move to harness the power of digital media in propelling Tirex Chargers to new heights of recognition and market leadership.

Verve Media’s impressive track record in devising innovative and results-driven digital strategies stood out during the selection process. With an in-depth understanding of the digital landscape and a creative approach to online campaigns, Verve Media is poised to leverage its expertise to amplify Tirex Chargers’ brand identity and reach a wider audience.

Vinay Singh Sangwan, Co-Founder at Verve Media, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with a visionary brand like Tirex Chargers and look forward to making significant contributions to their growth journey. Having expertise in Social Media Marketing (SMM) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO), our aim is to implement strategies that will strengthen the brand positioning and deliver significant results. We look forward to generating organic traffic that will help in the long-term success of Tirex in the EV charging space.”

Talking about the collaboration Arth Patel, Co-Founder of Tirex Chargers, said, “Being one of India’s leading EV charger OEM solutions providers, we envision a future where EV charging is seamless and accessible to everyone. We are thrilled to partner with Verve Media to enhance our social media presence and develop result-driven SEO strategies that align with our brand’s vision.”

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Havas Strengthens its Digital Capabilities with the Acquisition of PivotRoots, a Mumbai-based Digital Marketing Agency.

Havas has announced the acquisition of PivotRoots, a digital marketing and communications agency. The network’s latest acquisition comes at a time when Havas Media India is experiencing a period of impressive growth and represents Havas’ commitment to positioning the network for expansion in this key market.

PivotRoots has established itself as a key player in the digital marketing landscape, offering a wide range of services including performance marketing, data analytics, e-commerce consulting, and creative solutions. With a strong focus on delivering measurable results and driving business growth, PivotRoots has built a solid reputation for its data-driven approach and innovative strategies.

The acquisition will allow Havas Media India to tap into PivotRoots’ deep understanding of the Indian market and enhance its capabilities in the rapidly growing digital advertising space. By combining PivotRoots’ local expertise with the group’s global resources, PivotRoots will be able to deliver best-in-class digital marketing solutions at scale, the company stated in the press release.

The addition of PivotRoots strengthens HMGI’s powerful roster of agencies and specialized divisions which includes media networks Havas Media and Arena Media; specialist brands Havas Market, Havas Programmatic Hub, Havas Analytics, Socialyse, and Havas Media Tribes; and the recently launched global offering, Havas Play. PivotRoots’ state-of-art digital capabilities, supplemented with Havas Media’s meaningful media experiences (Mx) approach will allow HMGI to offer a unique audience-first data-driven solution to the clients. This acquisition not only bolsters Havas’ position in the industry but also demonstrates the company’s commitment to staying ahead of the competition by investing in cutting-edge technologies and innovative strategies.

“We are thrilled to welcome PivotRoots to the Havas family,” said Yannick Bolloré, Chairman of Vivendi, and Chairman & CEO of Havas. “The acquisition is part of our broader strategy to expand our presence in lighthouse markets around the world. With a global network that spans over 100 countries, Havas is well-positioned to help clients reach audiences wherever they are.”

Bolloré elaborated, “We see tremendous potential in India, and we are committed to investing in actions and efforts that help us actualize and leverage this potential meaningfully. This acquisition will further strengthen not only Havas Media India’s and Havas India’s position in the country where PivotRoots primarily operates, which is one of the fastest-growing digital advertising markets in the world, but also add a specialized edge to Havas Media Network, and to Havas as a whole.”

Shibu Shivanandan, Founder and Managing Director, PivotRoots, said, “We are excited to be part of Havas Media India. We share a common vision for the future of advertising, and by combining our expertise and talent we can deliver better solutions, services and results to our clients. We are proud of what we have achieved at PivotRoots so far, and we look forward to the next chapter in our journey.”

“I’m delighted to welcome Shibu and the PivotRoots team to the Havas Family”, said, Rana Barua, CEO, Havas India. He further added, “This acquisition comes at an extremely interesting time for Havas India, which has undergone a complete transformation in recent years and has seen unprecedented growth and success. The addition of PivotRoots and their capabilities, advanced analytics and technology, and a new perspective on creativity and innovation distinguishes Havas Media India in the industry in meeting the evolving needs of its clients and succeeding in an increasingly competitive and extremely dynamic market.”

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ODN, a leading digital marketing agency has announced its partnership with Hindware, one of India’s most renowned and trusted brands in the sanitaryware and bathroom fittings industry. ODN has been appointed as the exclusive Creative Partner for Hindware’s eCommerce creatives, further strengthening Hindware’s digital presence and driving its online growth strategy.

Hindware limited is a part of Somany Impressa Group. Under the categories, ODN will also work on product ranges with separate audience segments – Premium: Italian Collection; Mid-Range: Hindware; Base Range: Benelave by Hindware.

As part of the mandate, ODN will build e-commerce creatives and content including brand collaterals, A+ content, infographics, catalog shoots, product listings, product title descriptions and more. ODN’s Shop-Now™ content strategy for Hindware will be aimed at driving sales in various product categories on key online marketplaces including Amazon and Flipkart. ODN’s expertise lies in Shop-Now™ content for eCommerce marketplaces that convert brand and product searches into eCommerce sales.

Narinder Mahajan, CEO and Co-founder of ODN, said, “It is a privilege for us at ODN to be trusted by a pioneering brand like Hindware for building and growing their online presence. Further, home as a category is a big focus area for ODN this fiscal.”

Sudhanshu Pokhriyal, CEO Bath & Tiles Business, Hindware Limited, added, “We are committed to providing exceptional online experiences that truly connect with our customers. By partnering with ODN, an expert in strategic eCommerce content strategies and solutions, we are aiming to effectively showcase our product range and engage with our customers in an impactful way.”

In addition to the deep understanding of the eCommerce industry, ODN is known for their ability to convert digital creatives into tangible sales. Leveraging data analytics, digital creativity, and consumer insights, ODN will use their expertise to craft engaging and persuasive Shop-Now™ Content for Hindware. By implementing effective eCommerce content strategies, ODN aims to enhance Hindware’s customer engagement, attract new buyers, and drive revenue growth.

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Digitas India wins the digital communications mandate of Duolingo English Test

Digitas India, a renowned digital marketing agency, has secured the prestigious digital communications mandate for Duolingo English Test. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Digitas India’s journey, further establishing its expertise in the digital communication space.

Commenting on the partnership, Tara Kapur, Marketing Head India, Duolingo English Test said, “Digitas has already been doing exciting work for our language learning app Duolingo in the market, and their understanding of our business really reflected in the way they presented their approach for the Duolingo English Test. The team has already hit the ground running, and I am looking forward to this being an impactful partnership for us in India. The decision-making period for students looking to study abroad is a critical one, and we believe that Digitas is the best partner to help us create meaningful work for our consumers.”

Sonia Khurana, Chief Operating Officer, of Digitas India added, “This was a very exciting pitch for our team. We are thrilled to land the account! Duolingo English Test is a game-changer in the education sector and has really improved accessibility to high-stakes testing for students. We look forward to creating compelling work that builds both the brand and business in India.”

DET is a part of Duolingo Inc., an American technology company with expertise in the educational field with a mission to make language knowledge accessible to all. It has various apps/products like Duolingo – the language learning app and provides language certifications through the Duolingo English Test for proficiency in English for academic purposes abroad.

This win marks another important victory for Digitas India that is known to combine the disciplines of Data, Strategy, Creative, Technology & Media to deliver great customer experience. It also engages with brands in the areas of Brand Strategy, Customer Experience, Creative & Content, Martech, CRM and Media.

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Cheil India appoints Amit Nandwani as national creative director

Cheil India has announced the appointment of Amit Nandwani as National Creative Director. In his current role, Amit will lead the creative output on the new businesses of the agency. He will report to Vikash Chemjong, CCO, Cheil India and will closely work with Neeraj Bassi, Chief Growth officer, Cheil India.

With a career spanning over two decades in advertising, Amit has worked with leading agencies like Leo Burnett, Ogilvy, McCann Worldgroup, DDB Mudra and Brand David. His last stint was at Leo Burnett Delhi where he spent over nine years. Amit’s portfolio of work includes popular campaigns on iconic brands like Limca, Maaza, RimZim, Iodex, Amazon, Ola, Star Sports, Videocon, Fortis, SBI Card, and Car Dekho, to name a few.

Amit has had a perennial presence on the awards circuit, with over 40 metals and 60 nominations at prestigious award shows like Cannes, One Show, Clio, LIA, Adfest, Spikes Asia, Goafest and Fast Company World-Changing Ideas Awards to his name. He also wears the hat of a director, having directed over 20 TV commercials for popular brands like Amazon, Ola, Car Dekho, and ACKO Insurance.

“Amit is a creative powerhouse – a strategic thinker, an ideas guy, a great writer (of course) and also a very good film director! We’re really, really glad to have him here at Cheil and am sure that very soon, our clients will feel the same way we do,” said Vikash Chemjong, CCO, Cheil India.

Amit Nandwani is equally excited about his new role, saying, “I am thrilled to join Cheil as the agency is on an exciting transformation path. Having already acquired a repertoire of marquee clients such as MG Motors, JK Tyres, Asics and UNICEF, Cheil has big plans to further grow its business. And it’s an honour to lead the creative charge on this incredible journey. With Neeraj, Vikash and Sanjeev, I look forward to shaping the creative culture of the agency and take it to greater heights on the back of some ground-breaking work.”

Speaking on the appointment, Sanjeev Jasani, COO, Cheil India, said, “At Cheil, our ambition seeks to create the perfect blend of technology and creativity. Amit’s appointment marks a momentous juncture where Cheil stands today. With Amit’s help, we will focus on and drive creativity in all our work.”

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Ashish Bhasin launches The Bhasin Consulting Group

Ashish Bhasin has announced the launch of The Bhasin Consulting Group. The Bhasin Consulting Group will provide top-level business and leadership mentoring for founders, chief executive officers, and company boards to help turbo charge their business growth, both organically and through mergers and acquisitions.

 It will endeavor to create Advertising and Media entrepreneurs and businessmen and businesswomen of global standards, a much-needed skill in these times of rapid transformation.  

The Bhasin Consulting Group will only work with the senior-most leaders in select businesses with long-term growth potential. They will provide mentorship through a long-term relationship, which could include taking a significant minority stake in mentored businesses, in keeping with the ‘skin-in-the-game philosophy’ of Ashish Bhasin, Founder, The Bhasin Consulting Group.In the initial phase, the consulting and mentorship will be targeted towards select growth-oriented young companies operating in the advertising, marketing services, digital and media space, across geographies.

Bhasin said, “There is a huge need for business and leadership mentoring for CEOs, CXOs and founders in young and growing companies with ambition. Often while these leaders have good domain expertise, many in the advertising, marketing services, digital and media industry lack top-class business, entrepreneurship and leadership experience which is essential to navigate, transform and grow in today’s fast-changing, complex business environment and for maximizing shareholder value. Building and integrating top-performing teams and getting them to work with a common goal and vision, to deliver profitability and business success in complex situations is what I have accomplished over the past 35 years. I have had the opportunity to successfully lead a team of 14,000 people across 18 countries, in diverse businesses and to drive organic growth as well as successfully complete 24 acquisitions across India and APAC. Many of my mentees today have founded or lead large organisations. The Bhasin Consulting Group will provide the benefit of that experience and introduce world-class best practices in this area, for the first time in India.”Bhasin will continue his role as Co-Founder and Advisor RD&X Network.

The Bhasin Consulting Group will be announcing another mentee company shortly.

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Social Panga bags digital marketing mandate for Carl Zeiss Vision Care India

Social Panga, has bagged the digital marketing mandate for Carl Zeiss Vision Care India, the German manufacturer of optical systems and optoelectronics. The account was won post a multi-agency pitch.

Social Panga is now responsible for scaling the brands digital presence and come up with innovative strategies and narrative. This will include crafting brand communication, response, and reputation management. Further, the agency will strive towards building the brand as the go-to eyecare segment in India, truly helping people ‘See beyond.’

Speaking about the new partnership, Ritesh Dwivedi – head of marketing (Carl Zeiss Vision Care India), said, “ZEISS Vision Care India has a clear vision: To be the country’s leading eyecare solutions provider, with its cutting-edge innovation and world-class technology. In this scenario, by partnering with a dynamic agency like Social Panga, we will be able to bring a fresh perspective to our digital world and enable our ever-evolving audience to see beyond and better, in newer ways. We intend to have a deeper consumer connection and leverage social media as well as other digital channels to strengthen our customer relationships.”

On bagging the mandate, co-founder of Social Panga, Himanshu Arora, said, “ZEISS is a stimulating addition to our portfolio, and we see eye-to-eye on creating a strong digital presence across social media platforms and other channels. Our vision for the brand is to provide a strategic and creative positioning that narrates the brand story in an intriguing and engaging manner. We are working towards building strong connections and lasting brand loyalty with their wider target audience. Here’s to ‘Seeing beyond’ the ordinary with focus and clarity!”

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