Ishan Wazalwar
Integrated Media Strategy & Investments
Summary
Bringing brand narratives to life through the seamless integration of traditional and digital media, I specialize in transforming strategic visions into impactful, results-driven campaigns. With a deep understanding of media dynamics and consumer behavior, I excel at driving innovation, optimizing investments, and delivering measurable value. Passionate about creating meaningful connections between brands and audiences, I thrive at the intersection of strategy, execution, and growth, focusing on being a part of consumer's journey.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Partner – Integrated Media Investments
EssenceMediacom
01.2023 - Current
- Spearheading media investment strategies for a diverse portfolio of brands, including the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), Parle Agro, Nothing Mobile, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, IIFL, and Playgames 24x7, delivering brand-centric solutions that resonate with customers and align with their life cycles.
- Providing brand-first insights to craft innovative campaign ideas, ensuring every activity or message meaningfully engages the target audience, and serves as a critical touch-point in their journey.
- Recognized by clients and media partners for maintaining intellectual honesty and transparency in campaign discussions, ensuring media strategies are executed with integrity and precision.
- Successfully managing high-pressure deadlines and complex projects, while delivering innovative solutions, quality outcomes, and significant value creation for clients.
Senior Director, Media Investments & Strategy
Mindshare
01.2019 - 01.2023
- UltraTech Cement
- Led the media efficiency transformation for UltraTech Cement, doubling Share of Voice in the building & construction category while improving the efficiency index by 70% over four years.
- Conceptualized and executed the Baat Ghar Ki platform, integrating traditional and digital media to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
- Developed award-winning content strategies in collaboration with Zee and Star, including campaigns on Kaun Banega Crorepati, creating cohesive synergies between TV and OTT platforms.
- Designed and executed Shreshtha Pradhan, an innovative rural outreach program for UltraTech Cement, in partnership with print and radio media.
- Leveraged data-driven insights to align media investments with evolving consumer behaviors and market trends.
Director, Media Investments
Mindshare
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Idea, ICICI Group, PharmEasy, Castrol, Disney Star.
- Managed TV, print, and radio planning, strategy, and buying for clients across diverse industries, ensuring strategic alignment, and measurable outcomes across advertisers spanning varied industries.
- Delivered integrated marketing solutions by combining traditional media to enhance brand positioning and customer engagement.
- Partnered with clients as a trusted advisor, driving successful campaigns, and fostering long-term partnerships.
Manager, Media Planning & Strategy
Mindshare
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Developed annual media strategies for ICICI Group, encompassing six companies, with a focus on TV, print, and digital media planning.
- Managed international campaigns across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Southeast Asia, ensuring seamless execution and measurable results.
- Enhanced client satisfaction ratings to the highest in five years through strategic collaboration and performance-driven campaigns.
Education
MBA -
Mumbai University
Mumbai, India 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Commerce -
University of Allahabad
Prayagraj, India 04.2001 -
Awards
EMVIES – Best Integrated Media Buying Team 2021 - recognized by the premier industry body for delivering innovative solutions and extraordinary value as part of a two-member team.
Accomplishments
Purple Force
2019 – 2021
- Selected as one of 100 leaders in Mindshare’s global leadership program.
- Presented market insights and strategic perspectives to global leadership teams, focusing on media trends and innovation.
2018
- Conceptualized and executed an automated deal evaluation mechanism to streamline media buying and optimize pricing strategies.
- Developed a central repository for data management, enabling real-time insights and decision-making.
- Successfully implemented as a company-wide module at WPP Media India.
Timeline
Partner – Integrated Media Investments
EssenceMediacom
01.2023 - Current
Senior Director, Media Investments & Strategy
Mindshare
01.2019 - 01.2023
Director, Media Investments
Mindshare
01.2017 - 01.2019
Manager, Media Planning & Strategy
Mindshare
01.2013 - 01.2017
MBA -
Mumbai University
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Commerce -
University of Allahabad
04.2001 -
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