Havas Media has been appointed as the media agency of record for Spin Master, the global children’s entertainment powerhouse whose portfolio includes some of the world’s most beloved brands. The win follows a competitive pitch and marks a significant partnership that will see Havas Media take charge of all media strategy, planning and buying responsibilities across Spin Master’s diverse range of properties.  

Spin Master’s portfolio spans globally recognised names such as Bitzee, PAW Patrol, Hatchimals, Melissa & Doug, Rubik’s Cube, Cool Maker and Kinetic Sand, alongside licensed properties including Monster Jam and Gabby’s Dollhouse. The appointment underscores Spin Master’s ambition to deepen its engagement with families worldwide and reflects Havas Media’s growing reputation for delivering integrated, data-driven solutions in the entertainment and consumer sectors.  

Kate O’Ryan-Roeder, CEO of Havas Media ANZ, expressed pride in the new partnership, describing Spin Master as “a brand synonymous with creativity, innovation, and global growth.” She added that the appointment highlights Havas Media’s commitment to being “deliberately different,” pointing to the agency’s Converged.ai model which blends bold thinking, data-led insights and integrated media solutions to create meaningful connections and measurable impact.  

Spin Master’s ANZ General Manager Jacqui Webster reinforced the strategic importance of the collaboration, noting that Havas Media’s approach combines deep audience understanding with strong strategic insight. “As we continue to grow the Spin Master brands, Havas Media’s deliberately different approach gives us confidence in their ability to help us connect with families in more meaningful and engaging ways,” Webster said.  

The partnership is expected to accelerate Spin Master’s brand presence across key markets, leveraging Havas Media’s expertise in converged media and audience intelligence. For Havas, the win adds another high-profile global entertainment client to its roster, strengthening its credentials in delivering culture-first, family-focused campaigns. For Spin Master, it represents a step forward in its mission to inspire children through play, creativity and storytelling, supported by a media strategy designed to resonate with audiences across generations.  

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In a significant appointment for the streaming industry, Serena Menon has taken on the role of Head of Communications, Asia-Pacific, at Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. Based in the region, Menon will lead communications teams across India, Japan, and Southeast Asia, with a mandate to shape and amplify the brand’s narrative in one of the most dynamic entertainment markets globally.  

Her responsibilities will include steering strategic communications for Prime Video’s diverse content portfolio and the storytelling that underpins its productions. The role is expected to be pivotal in enhancing the platform’s visibility and resonance with audiences, creators, and partners across the APAC region.  

The appointment comes at a time when streaming platforms are intensifying their focus on regional markets, tailoring content strategies to local tastes while maintaining global appeal. With India, Japan, and Southeast Asia representing high-growth territories, Menon’s leadership will be central to building stronger engagement and reinforcing Prime Video’s positioning as a leading entertainment destination.  

Industry observers note that communications leadership in APAC requires a nuanced understanding of cultural diversity, consumer behaviour, and media ecosystems. Menon’s role will therefore be critical in aligning messaging across varied markets while supporting the creative ambitions of Amazon MGM Studios.  

Her appointment underscores Prime Video’s commitment to investing in strategic storytelling and brand communications as it continues to expand its footprint in Asia-Pacific. By driving integrated narratives that connect content, creators, and audiences, Menon is set to play a key role in shaping the next chapter of the platform’s regional journey.  

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Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) has announced the appointment of independent agency Orphan as its new creative partner, marking a significant step in the global launch of its evidence-based training platform. The partnership underscores CPA’s commitment to advancing research and education that transforms the lives of children and families affected by cerebral palsy worldwide.  

Michelle Tirtabudi, Managing Director at Orphan, expressed the agency’s enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting the profound impact of CPA’s mission. “CPA is an amazing organisation doing incredible, life-changing work. Being trusted to help tell that story is a privilege, and something we’ll pour everything into,” she said.  

Orphan’s Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Ant Hatton, highlighted the importance of innovation and strategic thinking in amplifying CPA’s work. “At Cerebral Palsy Alliance they are changing what’s possible for children and families through world-leading research and education. Often, the organisations making the biggest difference in the world don’t always have the biggest budgets. That’s why at Orphan, we help brands who can’t out-spend their competition, out-think them instead. CPA is leading the way through innovation. Our job is to make sure the world sees it,” Hatton explained.  

The creative output from Orphan will begin rolling out nationally across Australia and the UK from mid-July, before expanding to the United States in September. The campaign aims to elevate CPA’s pioneering work, ensuring its training platform reaches a global audience and reinforces the organisation’s reputation as a leader in evidence-based education and research.  

For CPA, the partnership represents more than a creative collaboration; it is an opportunity to amplify its mission of reshaping possibilities for those living with cerebral palsy. By leveraging Orphan’s expertise in storytelling and brand strategy, CPA seeks to ensure its innovative platform resonates with diverse audiences across continents.  

The appointment of Orphan reflects a growing trend of purpose-driven partnerships between non-profit organisations and independent creative agencies. Such collaborations demonstrate how creativity and strategic communication can play a pivotal role in advancing social impact initiatives, particularly when resources are limited but the mission is profound.  

As the rollout begins, the partnership between CPA and Orphan is expected to set a benchmark for how creative thinking can elevate evidence-based solutions to global visibility. With launches spanning Australia, the UK, and the US, the campaign will not only showcase CPA’s groundbreaking work but also highlight the power of creativity in driving awareness, engagement, and change.  

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Omnicom Media India has unveiled a new partnership with JioStar and Whisper World to introduce a unified in-content advertising (ICA) solution spanning linear television, OTT and connected TV. The initiative, which debuts with Beiersdorf’s NIVEA India as its first client, marks a significant step towards integrated, cross-screen brand storytelling in response to evolving audience behaviour.  

The ICA solution is designed to address the fragmentation of viewing habits, as consumers increasingly divide their time across multiple platforms and gravitate towards premium, often ad-light environments. Rather than relying solely on traditional ad breaks, the model embeds brand messaging directly within content, ensuring that advertising appears organically as part of the viewing experience.  

The approach is informed by Omnicom Media’s Connected Content study, which examined how audiences engage with advertising across formats and platforms. Findings from the study highlighted the importance of contextual integration, leading to the development of scene-matched storytelling techniques that allow brands to align their messaging with the narrative flow of programming. This strategy aims to reduce disruption while enhancing relevance, ultimately improving both viewer satisfaction and brand impact.  

Kartik Sharma, CEO of Omnicom Media India, emphasised that the collaboration reflects a fundamental shift in how brands must engage audiences who are increasingly intentional about their viewing choices. He noted that the partnership creates a unified framework that connects brands to viewers across linear TV, OTT and connected TV through content-led integrations. By embedding advertising within the storytelling fabric, Sharma argued, brands can achieve deeper resonance and avoid the pitfalls of repetitive or intrusive ad formats.  

For NIVEA India, the debut client, the solution offers an opportunity to connect with audiences in a more immersive and contextually relevant manner. Industry observers suggest that the move could set a precedent for how FMCG and consumer brands approach advertising in a fragmented media landscape, where traditional reach metrics are being challenged by shifting consumption patterns.  

The collaboration between Omnicom Media India, JioStar and Whisper World underscores the growing importance of cross-platform strategies in an era where content consumption is fluid and audiences demand seamless experiences. By blending insights, technology and creative integration, the ICA solution positions itself as a forward-looking model for advertisers seeking to balance impact with viewer experience.  

As the advertising ecosystem continues to evolve, the initiative signals a broader industry trend towards embedding brand narratives within entertainment itself, redefining the boundaries between content and commerce.  

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In an era dominated by streaming platforms and digital convenience, Wieden+Kennedy Tokyo is inviting audiences to step back into the tactile world of physical media with VHS CLUB, a two-day exhibition and sale that celebrates the enduring appeal of the VHS format. Featuring more than 300 tapes, the collection spans beloved classics such as Pulp Fiction, Trainspotting, Lost in Translation, AKIRA, and Back to the Future. Each title has been carefully curated to highlight the way VHS transcended generations and borders, becoming more than just a medium for film but a cultural artefact in its own right.  

The exhibition is designed to rekindle the rituals that once defined movie culture—browsing shelves, discovering cover art, renting tapes, and sharing recommendations among friends. Beyond nostalgia, VHS has recently been rediscovered as a collectible object and design icon. The event will showcase the graphic design, typography, and packaging that made VHS instantly recognisable, while vintage CRT televisions and VHS players installed throughout the venue will recreate the atmosphere of an era when moving images were woven into everyday life. All VHS-related items on display, excluding televisions and video decks, will be available for purchase, offering visitors the chance to take home a piece of cinematic history.  

VHS CLUB marks the fourth edition of The WEEKEND, Wieden+Kennedy Tokyo’s ongoing cultural platform that brings together fashion, music, art, and community. Previous editions have ranged from an exhibition of more than 100 Nike vintage watches to explorations of running culture with the Patta Running Team, and showcases dedicated to the local communities that shaped Japan’s music scene in the 1990s and 2000s. Each edition focuses on a different cultural theme, creating opportunities for audiences to discover new ideas, communities, and perspectives.  

Adding a contemporary artistic dimension, visitors to VHS CLUB will receive an exclusive newspaper featuring a special interview with Berlin-based artist Lugosis. Born in Italy, Lugosis has spent over two decades developing a distinctive visual world through tattooing, graffiti, illustration, and painting. Influenced by comics, animation, street culture, and personal experience, his work continues to evolve across multiple mediums while maintaining a unique voice. Under the theme “My Life Is A Weekend,” Lugosis reflects on creativity, travel, graffiti culture, personal identity, and the films and animations that shape his visual language. The interview also delves into his philosophy, daily practice, and experiences creating work in abandoned industrial spaces, offering insight into the ambitions that drive his artistic journey.  

Event details:  

The WEEKEND Vol.4 – VHS CLUB  

Venue: Wieden+Kennedy Tokyo  

Dates: Friday, 12 June 2026 (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM) and Saturday, 13 June 2026 (1:00 PM – 7:00 PM)  

Admission: Free Entry  

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In a significant organisational reshuffle aimed at preparing the business for the next phase of growth, Madison Media on Wednesday announced a slate of leadership appointments spanning client services, digital content, influencer marketing and sports marketing under its “Madison 3.0” strategy.

The changes reflect the agency’s effort to align itself with a rapidly evolving advertising and media landscape in which brands increasingly seek integrated campaigns that blend content, creators, commerce and consumer engagement across multiple platforms.

Among the key appointments is the return of Mayank Bhatnagar, who joins the company as Chief Client Officer. In his new role, Bhatnagar will oversee the agency’s south operations while steering growth initiatives for clients and the broader business in the region.

Bhatnagar brings more than 25 years of international experience spanning India, Malaysia and Singapore. Over the course of his career, he has held senior leadership positions at major global media networks including OMD, Carat and Mindshare.

His portfolio has covered sectors ranging from FMCG and telecom to automotive, banking, retail and education, with work spanning major international brands including Apple, McDonald’s, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Mondelez International and Standard Chartered.

Speaking about his return, Bhatnagar said the advertising industry was moving away from “capability-led growth” towards “outcome-led partnerships”, adding that his focus would be on deepening client relationships and delivering measurable impact.

The company has also appointed Karan Rao as Vice President, Content and Influencer Marketing. Based in Mumbai, Rao will lead Madison Loop, the agency’s content and influencer division, into what the company describes as “Loop 2.0” — a new phase powered by a blend of human creativity and AI-driven capabilities.

Rao joins from LeapX, where he served as co-founder. He previously led StudioX for The Coca-Cola Company across India and South-West Asia and has also worked within the WPP network.

Commenting on the shift in brand communication, Rao said the creator economy had fundamentally transformed how brands interacted with audiences, adding that the ambition behind Loop 2.0 was to build meaningful content that consumers genuinely connected with.

Another major change sees Dinesh Rathod transition from leading Madison Media’s south business — a role he held for more than a decade — to spearheading the company’s expanding sports vertical.

Under his new mandate, Rathod will focus on cricket, emerging sports, live events and strategic partnerships while developing sports-led solutions for the agency’s clients. His appointment comes at a time when sports marketing in India is witnessing rapid expansion beyond cricket into newer leagues, digital fan engagement and experiential branding opportunities.

Rathod said sport had become one of the most effective ways for brands to create “passion-led consumer engagement”, adding that he hoped to build innovative partnerships across both established and emerging sporting ecosystems.

According to Ajit Varghese, Partner and Group CEO at Madison Media, the appointments are part of a deliberate effort to future-proof the organisation as client expectations evolve.

“Clients today expect ideas that move seamlessly across content, platforms, creators and commerce,” Varghese said, describing the new leadership structure as a combination of seasoned expertise and “new-age thinking”.

The leadership changes come as Madison Media continues to manage media planning and buying duties for a broad roster of Indian brands, including Asian Paints, Titan Company, TVS Motor Company, Pidilite Industries, Ceat, Blue Star and Polycab India.

The appointments underline how major media agencies are increasingly reorganising themselves around integrated capabilities, data-driven storytelling and specialised verticals such as influencer ecosystems and sports marketing, as competition intensifies in India’s rapidly changing advertising industry.

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In a fiercely contested pet care market, Delectables has emerged as the world’s number one wet cat treat brand, signalling a shift in how feline-focused products are developed, marketed and consumed across global households.

The accolade, awarded by Euromonitor International, is based on retail value sales in 2025 and follows extensive custom research conducted between December 2025 and February 2026. The recognition places Delectables at the forefront of a rapidly expanding category that is reshaping the broader pet treats industry.

The rise comes amid a surge in cat ownership, particularly in the United States, where approximately 49 million households now own at least one cat. Multi-cat households are becoming increasingly common, especially those with three or more pets. Millennials currently represent the largest segment of cat owners, while Gen Z is emerging as the fastest-growing demographic, bringing with it new expectations around engagement, entertainment and product quality.

Delectables has capitalised on these shifts by leaning heavily into digital culture, building a strong social media presence that celebrates the quirks and rituals of cat ownership. Its playful and memorable branding, encapsulated in the phrase “Deliciously De-Lick-able Delectables”, has helped it stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

The brand’s product range has also played a central role in its ascent. Offerings such as Squeeze Up, Lickable Spoon and Lickable Treat cater to a variety of feeding styles, while six distinct textures and specialised formulations for kittens, adults and senior cats reflect a growing emphasis on tailored nutrition. Non-seafood options and catnip-infused variants further broaden its appeal.

Industry observers credit Delectables with helping to drive the growth of the wet cat treat segment in the United States, which now accounts for roughly 45 per cent of total cat treat sales. The broader U.S. market is projected to grow from approximately $1.1 billion to $1.6 billion by 2030, underlining the category’s strong commercial potential.

Recent international expansions into Mexico and Australia have strengthened Delectables’ global footprint, positioning the brand to tap into rising demand in diverse markets. At the same time, its marketing strategy continues to emphasise community participation. The “Always Up For a Delectables Squeeze Up” campaign invited cat owners to share videos of their pets, generating more than 200 pieces of user-generated content, over nine million organic influencer views and a potential reach exceeding eight million. The initiative was supported by advertising agency Cutwater and is expected to evolve further.

Jack Jensen, Director of Marketing at Delectables, described the recognition as a reflection of the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality, while signalling ambitions for continued growth. Meanwhile, Graham Gilbert, Vice President of Consulting at Euromonitor International, highlighted the brand’s strong track record in a fast-growing global category and its role in shaping consumer expectations.

As cat owners increasingly seek interactive and enriching ways to bond with their pets, Delectables’ blend of product innovation and cultural relevance suggests it is well placed to maintain its lead in a market where competition shows no sign of easing.

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In an industry often defined by fluctuating quality, shifting timelines and fragmented collaboration, Vikkra Media is positioning itself as a steady alternative. Comprised of a team of former agency, television and marketing professionals, the company seeks to address what it identifies as a longstanding gap in the creative sector: consistency.

Drawing from their collective experience navigating the pressures and
unpredictability of traditional creative workflows, the Vikkra Media team has
introduced a subscription-based model designed to offer clients greater control and reliability. The approach allows businesses and partners to tailor their engagement, effectively “choosing their own adventure” while benefiting from a stable and committed creative partner.

At the core of Vikkra Media’s offering is a comprehensive suite of services spanning the entire production lifecycle. From initial concept development and scriptwriting to storyboarding and visual strategy, the company emphasises a meticulous approach to pre-production. Location scouting, production planning and budgeting are integrated into this phase, ensuring that projects begin with clarity and direction.

Production itself is handled with equal attention to detail, encompassing cinematography, drone videography and lighting design. The team also takes on producing and directing responsibilities, maintaining creative coherence throughout the process. This hands-on involvement reflects the company’s broader philosophy of staying closely aligned with clients’ objectives rather than operating as a detached vendor.

Post-production completes the cycle, with services including video editing, colour grading, motion graphics, sound design, voice-over recording and subtitling. By consolidating these capabilities under one roof, Vikkra Media aims to eliminate the inefficiencies often associated with outsourcing different stages of a project to multiple providers. The company is led by founder and creative director Irangaa Wickramasinghe, who brings a blend of creative, technical and strategic expertise to the venture. The Vikkra Media team includes creative director Rajith Maligaspe and production assistant Nirmal Randima, while also working in partnership with The RADICAL
Agency on projects that call for strategic PR.

Vikkra Media’s subscription model represents a notable shift from the traditional project-based approach that dominates the industry. By prioritising continuity and long-term collaboration, the company is betting that clients will value a dependable, on – ground creative partner over one-off engagements. In doing so, it hopes to reshape expectations in a sector where consistency has often been elusive.

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Hayleys Fentons Limited has strengthened its standing as a leading engineering solutions provider in Sri Lanka, securing a place among the Top 40 Outstanding Companies at the Best Management Practices Company Awards 2026. Organised annually by the Institute of Chartered Professional Managers of Sri Lanka, the awards recognise organisations that exemplify excellence in management practices, innovation, and strategic leadership.

The company delivered a commanding performance across multiple sectors, underlining its diverse capabilities and integrated approach to engineering. It emerged as a winner in the Power & Energy – Renewable (Solar and Wind) category, reaffirming its leadership in sustainable energy solutions. Further accolades followed in Construction, Fabrication, Condominium & Real Estate, and Project Engineering, reflecting the company’s broad operational expertise and consistent delivery across industries.

Beyond sectoral success, Hayleys Fentons also earned recognition in critical future-facing areas. It was named 1st Runner-up in both the Digital Literacy cluster and the UN Sustainability Goals–Led Initiatives cluster, signalling its continued investment in digital transformation and its alignment with global sustainability priorities. These achievements highlight a strategic focus that extends beyond traditional engineering to encompass innovation, environmental responsibility, and technological advancement.

Commenting on the milestone, Managing Director Hasith Prematillake noted that the recognition across multiple categories represents a significant achievement for the organisation. He emphasised that the awards reflect the strength of the company’s multidisciplinary capabilities and its ongoing commitment to excellence in management, innovation, and sustainability.

Founded in 1919, Hayleys Fentons stands as one of Sri Lanka’s pioneering engineering companies, with more than a century of industry experience. Today, it holds a prominent position as the country’s leading Solar EPC and MEP contractor, offering a wide spectrum of services spanning renewable energy projects, mobility solutions, ICT systems, electrical and mechanical installations, fire safety, and facilities management.

The recognition at the 2026 awards reinforces the company’s reputation for operational excellence and forward-thinking strategies. By continuously aligning its practices with evolving industry demands and global benchmarks, Hayleys Fentons remains focused on delivering sustainable, future-ready engineering solutions that create enduring value for clients and stakeholders alike.

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Publicis Groupe India has introduced Influential, its global creator marketing platform, into the domestic market, marking a decisive push to bring structure, accountability and measurable outcomes to India’s rapidly expanding yet fragmented influencer ecosystem. The rollout is accompanied by the appointment of Diwaker Chandani as Managing Partner for Influential India, a role that places him at the centre of the company’s efforts to unify data, creators, media and commerce into a cohesive marketing framework.

The move reflects a broader recalibration within Publicis Groupe India as it seeks to reposition influencer marketing from a largely engagement-led tactic to a performance-oriented discipline embedded within full-funnel brand strategy. While the sector has witnessed exponential growth in India, it continues to grapple with inconsistencies in measurement, duplication of creators across campaigns and a heavy reliance on organic reach, often resulting in unpredictable returns for advertisers.

At the heart of Influential’s proposition is the integration of data intelligence with creator ecosystems. Built on Publicis Groupe’s Connected Identity system, the solution maps consumer profiles to deliver sharper audience targeting and more precise creator selection. This identity-led approach is designed to move beyond traditional metrics such as likes and shares, instead focusing on measurable business outcomes. By combining this with the capabilities of Captiv8 and Influential’s global creator network, the platform aims to offer end-to-end campaign planning, activation and measurement across the marketing funnel.

Chandani, who brings nearly two decades of experience across digital platforms and media networks, is expected to play a pivotal role in scaling the offering. His previous leadership positions at Meta, Zee Entertainment Enterprises and Network18 Group saw him work extensively on creator partnerships and content-driven media strategies, experience that aligns closely with the demands of an evolving creator economy.

Industry observers note that India’s influencer marketing landscape, while vibrant, remains operationally fragmented. Brands often engage multiple creators across platforms without unified measurement frameworks, leading to inefficiencies and overlapping audiences. In this context, Publicis Groupe India’s attempt to build a structured, data-led ecosystem could signal a shift towards greater standardisation and accountability.

Anupriya Acharya, Chief Executive Officer of Publicis Groupe South Asia, underscored this transition, noting that the channel has reached a point of scale but lacks a cohesive foundation. She emphasised that Influential represents a move from a creator-first approach to a cohort-first, identity-led model, powered by Connected Identity. According to Acharya, integrating creators, media and commerce will allow brands to achieve more precise targeting while scaling campaigns effectively.

For Chandani, the challenge lies not in convincing brands to invest in influencer marketing, but in ensuring those investments yield consistent returns. He observed that while the ecosystem has grown in size, it has yet to mature in terms of delivering predictable outcomes. By leveraging data-driven audience intelligence alongside creator partnerships and media amplification, he aims to establish a model that is both measurable and repeatable.

The timing of the launch is significant. As digital consumption deepens across India, creators have become central to shaping consumer behaviour, particularly among younger audiences. However, the lack of standardised metrics has often made it difficult for marketers to align influencer campaigns with broader business objectives. Publicis Groupe India’s approach suggests a shift towards integrating influencer marketing within a larger marketing ecosystem, rather than treating it as a standalone channel.

The introduction of Influential also highlights the growing convergence of media, commerce and content. By aligning creator strategies with commerce outcomes, brands can potentially bridge the gap between engagement and conversion, a longstanding challenge in the influencer space. This integration is expected to become increasingly important as brands seek to justify marketing spends in an environment that demands both efficiency and accountability.

As the Indian market continues to evolve, the success of such initiatives will likely depend on their ability to deliver tangible results at scale. For now, Publicis Groupe India’s launch of Influential represents a clear signal of intent: to transform influencer marketing into a disciplined, data-driven pillar of modern advertising, capable of driving measurable business impact in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

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