MAM
Famous Innovations appoints Ferzad Variyava as group creative director
Mumbai: Famous Innovations has appointed two of senior level talents, Manish Ajgaonkar as senior creative director and Ferzad Variyava as group creative director, to head its creative team.
With close to 18 years of experience in his kitty, Manish Ajgaonkar brings onboard his finely honed creative acumen after working with India’s top creative agencies like HTA, Publicis Ambience, Saatchi and Saatchi, Contract and Interface FCB to name a few. His work has been recognized in local and international award festivals and he has also been on the jury of Goafest for Design and Out-of-home categories.
On his appointment Manish says, “With the changing needs of advertisers nowadays, I feel there are very few agencies that are actually changing their creative product and thinking to match. Famous has been one such agency that has rapidly grown over the years and has developed a strong creative culture.”
Ferzad Variyava brings his 15 years of experience with prestigious agencies like the DDB Mudra Group, Publicis Ambience, Alok Nanda & Company and JWT. He has had the good fortune of helming teams on marquee brands like Volkswagen, Renault, Twitter, Thomas Cook, Tata Housing and Lodha Builders to name a few. His list of accolades spans both local and international award festivals over the years.
Variyava candidly shares, “I have had the privilege of working with some of the most talented minds in my past agencies and I am now looking forward to working with Raj who I have always considered one of the most progressive people in the industry. I equally look forward to partnering Manish whose craft I have always admired. To me, an electric place like Famous is fertile ground to develop more inventive solutions for a newer, bolder breed of clients.”
MAM
PwC India announces leadership change in Deals practice
Shashank Jain steps down as co-leader after nearly three decades with the firm.
MUMBAI: When one dealmaker steps off the pitch, another is ready to take the baton because in the fast-moving world of transactions, the game never really stops. PwC India has announced a leadership transition in its Deals practice, with Shashank Jain stepping down from his role as co-leader to pursue an opportunity in the industry. The practice will continue to be led by Mohit Chopra, ensuring continuity and sustained growth momentum.
PwC India partner and leader for advisory dinesh Arora paid tribute to Jain’s contributions. “We deeply appreciate the significant contributions made by Shashank over close to three decades he has spent with PwC, particularly his defining role in shaping and strengthening our Transaction Services practice in India,” he said. Arora highlighted Jain’s support for clients through some of the most complex and significant transactions in the Indian market, noting his deep technical expertise, sound judgment and nuanced understanding of the evolving M&A landscape.
The Deals practice remains a key growth driver for PwC India, and the firm expects continued expansion under Mohit Chopra’s leadership. He will continue to guide clients through complex transactions and transformational business moments, building on the strong foundation established over the years.
Reflecting on his journey, Shashank Jain said, “I have had an exceptional journey at PwC. I owe my growth and learning to the nurturing environment and leadership development that PwC provided.” He added that he had been working closely with Mohit and the larger team to ensure a smooth transition and expressed confidence that Chopra would take the Deals practice to newer heights.
From intern to respected deals leader, Shashank Jain has clearly closed many successful transactions and now, it seems, he’s ready to strike a new deal of his own.
