Creatively Independent
Since 1986
We don't tell stories. We don't make multi-slided decks. We don't rake in followers. We don't scrounge for likes. We don't purport to save the world.
In all likelihood, we're probably not the right agency for you. In fact, we don't even think of ourselves as an agency. We think of ourselves as an independent creative lab.
We don't just create ad campaigns, instead we stir things up. We experiment with ideas to come up with the best solution to your business problem.
Our methods might be a bit unexpected, a bit scary, and might make you a bit uncomfortable, but you can be gosh-darned certain they will be effective.
Independent.
Integrated.
Indian.
There are integrated agencies, but they aren't independent. There are independent agencies, but they aren't integrated. And if they are both independent and integrated,they aren't Indian.
Established in 1986, Crayons is one of the few agencies that can truly claim to be a fully integrated, fully independent, and a through and through Indian agency.
Being independent means, the buck stops with us. So, there is no beating around corporate bushes, you deal directly with the people who work on your business.
Being integrated means, we offer world class creative solutions that solve our clients' business problems.
And being Indian means, we understand local trends far better than any agency headquartered in Madison Avenue.
What's more, the fact that we have 9 offices across various regions, means we are well-versed in regional nuances. And speak to people in the language that they think in.
01
Strategy
Strategy is the foundation of everything we do at Crayons. Our strategic thinking is human-centric and focuses on solutions that go beyond conventions, media, and formats.
02
Creative
Boring is the enemy of all advertising. And our creative department exists solely to ‘unbore’. We grab attention and deliver the most compelling communication in the most compelling of ways.
03
Digital
Everyone has digital technology. It's what you do with it that matters.
04
Media
It's not only what you put in your ad that matters, but where you put your ad.
05
Events
When events need to be truly eventful.
06
OOH
It's all about
location, location,
location.
Our Network
This is us
The 225 people who today form Team Crayons, are just the right mix of experience, madness, insights, disruption, skills, expertise, and passion. They're just the sort of people who you can depend on to turn your business problem on its head or just have a long knowledgeable chat. The team is led by equally interesting and competent people.
Our team
Kunal Lalani
Founder and Chairman
Kunal, single-handedly set up Crayons in 1986. Today, his in-depth understanding of the intricacies of Indian businesses provides strategic direction and business solutions to all verticals.
Ashraye Lalani
Director, Growth & Technology
Ashraye graduated with honours from City University of London with a Bachelor of Science in Economics with Accounting. After this, he also acquired a Bachelor of Science degree in strategic management from the London School of Economics. Ashraye brings a global perspective and an understanding of international standards of consumerism, which forges a key pillar in Crayons’ efforts to provide cutting-edge digital offerings and plays poetically into the agency’s ambition to pursue its global expansion. At Crayons, Ashraye has played a crucial role in driving major new business and has been a key part in securing the majority of vital clients heralded in Crayons’ portfolio today.
Samir Datar
Chief Strategy Officer
Samir has 30 years of experience, working across agencies like JWT, Cheil, Grey, and Hakuhodo. He was responsible for the resurgence of Maggi Noodles in 1999, led the team that launched Nature Fresh, and for the launch and success of Samsung Mobile Phones in India.
At Crayons, as CSO, Samir has won Air India and Croma in large multi-agency pitches. He has also been part of Swach Bharat initiatives with the government, and led the teams that created campaigns for Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and the Indian Navy.
Faisal Haq
Chief Operating Officer
Faisal Haq was declared COO of the Year '22-'23 by the Indian Achiever's Forum. He has over 25 years of experience working across agencies and brands. His last stint was with WATConsult-Dentsu Creative.
He has delivered award-winning work across social & digital media for brands. His forte lies in exploring potential business avenues and managing operations to achieve business targets focusing on top-line and bottom-line profitability.
Manoj Jacob
Executive Creative Director
Manoj has over 20 years of experience working across agencies like Ogilvy, DDB Mudra, Havas, BBDO, and Contract Advertising. He has helped build several brands such as Peter England, IBM, Lenovo, Himalaya Wellness, Louis Phillipe, Diageo, Exxon Mobil, GE, UNICEF, Fosters, Reckitt, etc. Manoj's work has won him two Cannes Lions. Other commendable accolades won by him include an Adfest Lotus, One Show Merit, Media Spikes, and a Clio for 'Best Writing in Print'. Manoj believes that you are only as good as your last idea.
Ajith Kumar
National Media Head
With 22 years of experience in media buying and planning, Ajith has contributed to the success of brand campaigns for leading clients like Reckitt Benckiser, Goodyear, Hyundai, Voltas, LG, MPTB, APL Apollo, and Kajaria. He has also been a part of the strategy teams for some remarkable campaigns for Govt. departments and political parties. While leading the Media team at Crayons, right from planning to launch, he has managed to deliver results beyond client expectations while using the right mix of traditional and new media technologies.
Rajat Singhal
Chief Financial Officer
Rajat Singhal is an ICAI and ICSI-certified chartered accountant and company secretary. He has illustrious experience managing and handling the financial portfolios of the biggest corporations in the country.
He has spent more than 15 years tracking, mapping, and implementing financial strategies in media, IT, financial houses, and the textile industry. Rajat has been with Crayons Network for over four years and has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of our company.
Ramesh Sharma
Branch Head, Lucknow
Ramesh has over 16 years of experience in leading advertising, PR, event management, and communication projects across sectors like tourism, hospitality, consumer durables, FMCG etc. Based out of Crayons, Lucknow, he is responsible for developing complete 360-degree campaigns for clients such as, DIPR Lucknow, Lucknow Development Authority, Udyog Bandhu, Kumbh Mela’ 2019 etc.
Ranjan Saxena
Vice President - Digital
Ranjan Saksena is a digital strategy professional with 14 years of varied experience in integrated marketing communications, spanning across digital marketing and planning. He has worked on brands like Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., which included Ms Corporate, Ms Arena, Ms CIAZ, Samsung CE, Jet Airways, Magic Moments, Manforce Condoms, JCB Polaris, and Indian motorcycles. He has also spearheaded the overall digital strategy and planning and product launches such as NEXA Music (2 nd season), NEXA Lounge, NEXA Travel (2 nd season), S-Cross, S-Presso, and IGNIS.
Sanjeev Bhirani
Branch Director, Mumbai
A postgraduate in Marketing Management with a Diploma in Public Relation and Journalism, eMBA from MET, MUMBAI, Sanjeev has been trained at the National Training Institute, Muscat. He has 24 years industry experience and has handled prestigious accounts like British Bank of the Middle East, Toyota Passenger Cars, Qantas Airways, SANYO, CANON, Oman Cement, ANZ Grindlays Bank and Pantaloon Fashions. He has worked with Percept, Speer – FCB, ADINC- PUBLI GRAPHICS, United Media- Leo Middle East and Pressman Advertising.
Anil Kapoor
Assistant Vice President
With more than 18 years of industry experience at a wide range of agencies like Publicis Groupe, Percept, DDB Mudra, and others, Anil has worked closely with many segment-leading brands like Maruti Suzuki, Voltas ACs, Dabur, PVR, and Kajaria tiles. Anil joined Crayons Delhi in 2014 and is responsible for overseeing business operations for a diverse client portfolio.
Vijay Anand
Branch Manager, Chennai
Vijay has worked across like MAA Bozell, Disha Communications and RK Swamy BBDO for more than 22 years. He has handled several brands like Hero Honda, Amrutanjan, COMFY Sanitary Napkins, etc. He was also instrumental in launching CBZ in Andhra Pradesh. Vijay is a staunch believer in the power of life, and values people and relationships.
Sunil Daftary
Branch Manager, Kolkata
Sunil has 18 years of experience in the industry. He started his career at Crayons as an intern at the age of 19. He has orchestrated several all India campaigns, and has been responsible for branding, strategy and media planning for several projects like HIDCO, Indian Oil, and National Jute Board.
Narendra Jha
Associate Vice President
Narendra has near two decades worth of experience in the advertising industry. He has worked with top notch agencies in the past and has diverse experience in handling brands from various categories. At Crayons, he has spearheaded some of the company's most visible and prestigious campaigns like Kumbh 2019 (Prayagraj), UP Investors Summit (2018), numerous election campaigns for different national political parties and several other illustrious projects.
