Joemon Thaliath has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, FCB Interface. Prior to this he was Chief Operating Officer. Thaliath is a veteran with the group and has built his career with Interface. A press release says that under Thaliath’s stewardship, Interface has partnered with Indian and multinational clients to create work that is recognised globally for its creative and strategic excellence. The work for Mahindra, Oreo, Quikr, Nivea, and Blue Star among others is considered a benchmark in the industry.

Rohit Ohri, Chairman and CEO, FCB Ulka Group, said, “Joe believes in putting people first and given the nature of our business I do believe that is the only way to grow a company. The fact that Interface is today recognised as a top twenty agency is ample testimony to the strong partnerships and teams that Joe has built. I know that he will be a great partner to me in realising the Group’s vision.”

On his new role, Thaliath said, “FCB Interface is an agency that has always let its work speak for it. Today we are within striking distance of being in the top 10. It shall be our aim this year to inch closer to that goal.”

Arun Raman to head planning, GREY group

GREY group India has appointed Arun Raman as the National Planning Head. Raman will lead the agency’s strategy offering across its offices in India. He will be based in Mumbai, reporting to Sunil Lulla, Chairman and Managing Director, GREY group India. On the appointment, Sunil Lulla, said, “Arun’s stellar experience and understanding of brands across numerous branding disciplines is truly remarkable. With the right attitude, mindset and unique working style, he is undoubtedly one of the best planners we have hired to give demonstrable impact on our existing and new brands, creativity, businesses and people.” Raman returns to the group from Lowe Lintas, where, as the Executive Director, he worked across India and Sri Lanka on an array of clients such as Tata Beverages, Unilever, Axis Bank, Britannia and Indian Rayon.

In an extensive career spanning over 23 years, Raman has worked with other well-known brand communication companies in India such as StrawberryFrog/Famous, Publicis, GREY, DDB Mudra and FCB Ulka, and has extensive consumer management experience internationally. Financial, FMCG, textiles, automobiles, beverages, real estate, telecom and corporate are a few sectors he has worked on.

Raman holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (Marketing), Pune University.

Kedar Apte to head marketing at Castrol

Castrol India has announced the appointment of Kedar Apte as its new Vice-President Marketing, effective September 1, 2016. Apte joined the company in September 2011 as general manager for the motorcycle engine oils category. During the last five years, he has managed multiple product categories and his last position prior to his new role, was Head – Brand and Communications.

Shyam Balasubramanian, Regional Marketing Director, Asia & Pacific Region, said, “Kedar has been responsible for successfully leading the launches of several pioneering brands like Castrol VECTON, Castrol CRB Mini-Truck and Castrol GTX ECO. His other significant contribution includes building a strong presence for the brand in the digital space through innovative online campaigns.”

In his new role as Vice-President Marketing, Apte will lead the marketing function which includes brand communication and content, sponsorships, digital marketing and consumer and customer engagement programmes.

Prior to joining Castrol, Apte spent almost a decade with Hindustan Unilever in sales and marketing roles. He is a mechanical engineer with a management degree in marketing from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai.

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