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 -
Similar Profiles
Lois ShorttLois Shortt
Global Project Manager at EssenceMediacomGlobal Project Manager at EssenceMediacom
Rana HimanshuRana Himanshu
General Manager at EssenceMediacomGeneral Manager at EssenceMediacom
Rebecca HutchinsonRebecca Hutchinson
Strategy and Planning Director at EssencemediacomStrategy and Planning Director at Essencemediacom
Ryan ThompsonRyan Thompson
Partner & VP, Investments at Lex Capital Management Inc.Partner & VP, Investments at Lex Capital Management Inc.
Heather HolmanHeather Holman
Director, Partner Investments and Incentives at VMwareDirector, Partner Investments and Incentives at VMware