MUMBAI, India--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#advertising--26FIVE Global Lab [�26FIVE�], the US-based brand growth management consulting firm and its global creative and technology labs, announces the appointment of Ritesh Rao as CEO of 26FIVE India Lab.

Ritesh brings 18+ years of agency experience with leadership roles at Creativeland Asia, Isobar/Dentsu Group, and Lowe Lintas. He has been at the forefront of digital engagement for global MNCs spanning Unilever, Woodland, Nabard, and J&J Kellogs, most recently driving market growth for brands including Pizza Hut, Netflix, Jio Saavn, AMNS, Capital Foods, India Today Group, Mercedes-Benz India, United Colors of Benetton, MTS India, and JetPrivilege.

�Ritesh brings deep expertise across media, a powerful ethos, and an impeccable track record in managing integrated strategies, award-winning creatives, and complex client structures for brands seeking to achieve exceptional growth,� says Sophie Ann Terrisse, Executive Chairman, 26FIVE Global Lab.

�26FIVE is behind the transformation of some of the largest brands in India,� said Ritesh Rao, CEO, 26FIVE India Lab. �I have admired 26FIVE�s philosophy and methodology for building brands for faster-paced growth to achieve the highest returns for clients globally. I am excited to work with this energetic, insightful, and experienced team, and look forward to further amplifying its impact in this region.�

Established in Mumbai in 2009, 26FIVE India Lab, formerly STC Associates, is the India-based creative and technology lab, part of the 26FIVE Global Lab network. Recent work includes the branding of Akasa Air, India�s newest airline, crafting its identity, livery, and tagline �It's Your Sky.�

Over the past 14 years, 26FIVE has built extensive experience working with Indian companies to enhance their global reach and visibility, including a 20-year relationship with Tata Group companies, spanning Tata Communications, Titan, Zoya, and Tata Steel for Jamshedpur FC. The firm also worked with Airtel, HBO, Sony, and a base of BFSI clients such ICICI, UTI, Bajaj Finance, ITI, and Edelweiss Mutual Funds.

About 26FIVE Global Lab�

Headquartered in New York City, 26FIVE Global Lab is a growth consulting firm powered by its network of creative and tech labs in India, Europe, and Asia. Independent and global, 26FIVE partners with VCs, start-ups, and F100s seeking reinvention, business acceleration, and transformation. Visit 26FIVE.com for more information.

Contacts

26FIVE India Lab

Lovely Joe Manukat

Lovely@26FIVE.com

26FIVE Global Lab

Kevin H. Flagg

KF@26FIVE.com