KANIKA SHARMA
Mumbai
Summary
- Award-winning strategic Advertising and Brand Marketing Leader with 14 years of experience in driving disruptive, omni-channel brand campaigns as well as building high-impact brand, content, and communication strategies across multinational CPG brands and fast-scaling D2C brands. Proven success in helming high-stakes 360-degree campaigns propelled by powerful consumer insights.
- Recognized by Economic Times as a cultural thought leader
- Cannes Silver Lion winner for 'Roads That Honk'
- Published author of 'A Scent Called Desire' (magic realism)
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Vice-President, Creative Marketing
CoinDCX
Mumbai City
11.2025 - Current
- Spearheaded comprehensive brand transformation and Go-To-Market strategic initiatives.
- Championed brand trust while enhancing high-engagement channel practices.
- Led collaboration between internal and external agencies to refine content marketing,
- Oversaw the optimisation of Brand and Creative marketing outcomes.
Founder & Brand Marketing Director (Independent)
Pistalatte
Mumbai
01.2022 - Current
- Launched a sustainable streetwear label integrating zero-waste practices, with a focus on global popular culture.
- Developed a comprehensive digital and below-the-line marketing strategy targeting Gen Z subcultures.
Utilized data-driven insights to refine marketing approaches for optimal impact.
Established brand presence across multiple platforms to reach target demographics. - Directed brand and content strategy for bespoke luxury brands.
Director – Brand Marketing & Creative
Hopscotch
Mumbai
10.2020 - 04.2022
- Transformed Hopscotch into India’s most trusted kids’ fashion brand via rebranding.
- Drove 300% YoY organic engagement growth via UGC-focused strategy.
- Increased direct traffic by 17% YoY through disruptive brand campaigns.
- Built cross-functional collaborations across product, CSR, and business teams.
AVP – Creative & Content
Nykaa Fashion
Mumbai
10.2019 - 03.2020
- Built Nykaa Fashion’s brand identity and positioning from launch stage.
- Achieved 400% increase in social engagement (IG + YT).
- Directed launch film 'Be The Sun' for brand positioning.
- Contributed to private label brand building and communication strategy.
Head of Content & Brand Alliances
Blush | Culture Machine
Mumbai
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Led India’s largest digital storytelling platform for women, amassing 4M+ views in a week.
- Partnered with Swarovski, Nykaa Beauty, and Kellogg’s for branded content campaigns.
Editorial & Creative Director
HauteStuff
Mumbai
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Launched India’s first celebrity-led shoppable luxury lifestyle app.
- Defined brand, content, and communication strategy for millennial luxury audience.
Associate Creative Director
Leo Burnett
Mumbai
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Led 360 campaigns for Procter & Gamble’s personal care portfolio in India & SEA.
- Directed integrated campaigns for Whisper India, Pillsbury, and Craftsvilla.
Creative Partner
BBH India
Mumbai
01.2014 - 12.2016
- Supervised 360 campaigns for Marico, CRY, Westside, and World Gold Council.
- Led pitches and guided creative teams for global brands.
Copy Supervisor
DDB Mudra
Mumbai
01.2013 - 12.2014
- Created campaigns for Marico, Kwality Walls, Huggies, Inorbit, and Hometown.
Senior Copywriter
Ogilvy & Mather
Mumbai
01.2010 - 12.2013
- Developed campaigns for Future Generali, Mattel, ICC World Cup, Westside, and IIFL.
Copywriter
Publicis India
Mumbai
01.2009 - 12.2010
- Designed campaigns for P&G India & Malaysia across TV, print, and radio.
- Won Cannes Silver Lion for 'Roads That Honk'.
Education
Post-Graduate Diploma - Advertising & Marketing
Xavier's Institute of Communication
Mumbai01.2009
B.A. - English Literature
Miranda House, University of Delhi
01.2008
Skills
- Brand strategy and positioning
- Digital marketing
- Content and communication strategy
- Creative direction and campaign execution
Awards
- Cannes Silver Lion, Creative Effectiveness, 'Roads That Honk'
- Recognized by Economic Times as a Cultural Thought Leader
- Published author of 'A Scent Called Desire'
Timeline
Assistant Vice-President, Creative Marketing
CoinDCX
11.2025 - Current
Founder & Brand Marketing Director (Independent)
Pistalatte
01.2022 - Current
Director – Brand Marketing & Creative
Hopscotch
10.2020 - 04.2022
AVP – Creative & Content
Nykaa Fashion
10.2019 - 03.2020
Head of Content & Brand Alliances
Blush | Culture Machine
01.2018 - 12.2018
Editorial & Creative Director
HauteStuff
01.2016 - 12.2018
Associate Creative Director
Leo Burnett
01.2016 - 12.2016
Creative Partner
BBH India
01.2014 - 12.2016
Copy Supervisor
DDB Mudra
01.2013 - 12.2014
Senior Copywriter
Ogilvy & Mather
01.2010 - 12.2013
Copywriter
Publicis India
01.2009 - 12.2010
Post-Graduate Diploma - Advertising & Marketing
Xavier's Institute of Communication
B.A. - English Literature
Miranda House, University of Delhi