Spark ignites: Publicis Media unveils Spark Foundry India, names Niti Kumar CEO

Updated: November 18, 2025 03:32

Image Source: MediaNews4u

Publicis Media India launched Spark Foundry India, a full-funnel media agency built on AI and data to connect brand building, performance, and commerce. Former Chief Growth Officer Niti Kumar becomes CEO. Leadership realignment across Zenith, Starcom, and growth roles strengthens Publicis’s “Connected Media” vision and its momentum among India’s top media networks.

Launch and leadership at a glance

Publicis Media India introduced Spark Foundry India to expand its diversified portfolio with a future-ready, AI- and data-powered model that integrates the full marketing funnel—from discovery to conversion and loyalty—underscoring the network’s rapid growth in the Indian media landscape. Niti Kumar, formerly Chief Growth Officer, has been appointed CEO of Spark Foundry India

Key highlights

New agency, full-funnel focus:

Spark Foundry India debuts as a full-funnel media agency engineered to deliver measurable growth via AI- and data-led brand, performance, and commerce solutions.

CEO appointment:

Niti Kumar steps in as CEO of Spark Foundry India, moving from her role as Chief Growth Officer at Publicis Media India, to lead market strategy and growth.

Connected Media model:

Zenith and Starcom continue under Publicis Connected Media with expanded mandates; Jai Lala sponsors Connected CRM, and Rathi Gangappa sponsors Connected Influence, strengthening integrated, data-driven capabilities.

Growth leadership:

Ravi Bhaya becomes Chief Growth Officer, Publicis Media India, further aligning commercial strategy and acceleration across the network.

South Asia reporting:

Kumar, Lala, Gangappa, and Bhaya will report to Lalatendu Das, CEO, Publicis Media South Asia, consolidating leadership for scale and execution.

Strategic intent:

The launch cements Publicis Media’s position among the top media players in India, leveraging differentiated data, technology, and AI-led solutions for sustained growth.

What this means for brands

Spark Foundry India’s build aims to close gaps between brand storytelling and performance outcomes, tying CRM, influence, and commerce into one orchestrated system. For marketers, it promises faster experimentation cycles, clearer attribution, and funnel-wide optimization—translating creativity into conversion at scale with AI-informed precision.

Sources: Exchange4media, Social Samosa, Medianews4u, MediaInfoline

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