QAD, a leading provider of cloud-based manufacturing and supply chain solutions, has appointed Sanjay Brahmawar as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 17. Sanjay, formerly CEO of Software AG, succeeds Anton Chilton, who is stepping back after over 20 years of service.

Sanjay’s appointment signals QAD’s commitment to innovation, customer success, and global growth, building on its strong foundation in smart manufacturing and supply chain optimization.

Sanjay Brahmawar’s Leadership & Vision

1. Proven Track Record in Digital Transformation

• As CEO of Software AG, Sanjay led a strategic transformation that modernized the company into a high-growth, customer-focused enterprise.
• He enhanced product leadership, built a strong go-to-market strategy, and expanded offerings through mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

2. Extensive Industry Expertise

• Before Software AG, Sanjay held key leadership positions at IBM, where he managed global revenue for Watson IoT.
• His background includes leadership roles at PwC, FedEx, DSM, and Honda, providing him with deep insights into technology, business operations, and customer engagement.

3. Commitment to QAD’s Growth and Innovation

• Sanjay’s mission at QAD focuses on:
  • Accelerating growth through product innovation.
  • Strengthening customer-centric solutions.
  • Expanding QAD’s global footprint.
• His leadership will help QAD enhance digital transformation capabilities and deliver greater value to manufacturers and supply chain leaders worldwide.

Leadership Support & Transition Plan

• Charles Goodman, Chairman of QAD’s Board of Directors and Thoma Bravo Operating Partner, emphasized the strategic importance of Sanjay’s appointment:
  “Sanjay joins QAD at a pivotal time. His expertise in innovation and strong sense of customer needs make him the perfect choice to lead us forward.”
• Anton Chilton, outgoing CEO, will support the transition through May 2025, ensuring continuity and seamless execution of strategic initiatives.

QAD’s Recent Innovations & Strategic Acquisitions

Under Anton Chilton’s leadership, QAD strengthened its core solutions through key acquisitions, including:

• Redzone Connected Workforce – Empowering frontline workers with real-time collaboration tools to boost efficiency.
• LiveJourney Process Intelligence – Enhancing process mining and data-driven decision-making for optimized operations.

These additions reinforce QAD’s mission to integrate People, Process, and Systems for seamless manufacturing and supply chain operations.

With Sanjay Brahmawar at the helm, QAD is positioned for accelerated innovation and global expansion. His deep expertise in digital transformation, AI-driven solutions, and enterprise technology will drive QAD’s next phase of growth, ensuring customers benefit from advanced, future-ready solutions.

Indian influencer Tariq Mushtaq Khatri has made history by setting a world record in digital marketing, achieving unprecedented engagement rates and cost efficiency. His 90-day Meta ad campaign generated record-breaking numbers, solidifying India’s role as a powerhouse in global digital advertising.

The milestone was unveiled on February 28, 2025, at a press conference at the Bombay Press Club, where industry experts and media professionals witnessed Khatri’s groundbreaking achievement in real-time.

Breaking the Digital Marketing Barrier

Khatri’s strategically executed 183 Meta ad campaign delivered:

• Total Views: 56.6 million
• Total Engagements: 25.7 million
• Total Reach: 26 million people
• Reach Growth: 245.3% increase
• Engagement Rate: 99% (industry-defying benchmark)

Beyond engagement, the campaign shattered records in cost efficiency:

• Cost per engagement: INR 16.24 (~$0.19 USD)
• Cost per million views: INR 7,370 (~$88 USD)
• Total Ad Spend: INR 417,420 (~$5,000 USD)

Live Demonstration Stuns Industry Experts

During the press conference, Khatri demonstrated his real-time campaign results using ChatGPT and Grok, leaving industry leaders astonished. His engagement rate was 90 times higher than global superstars, and the cost per view was so low that AI systems initially deemed the figures unrealistic.

Recognition and Industry Impact

1. Historic Milestone for Indian Digital Marketing

• Major Indian news outlets have recognized Khatri’s achievement as a game-changer for India's digital marketing sector.
• India’s government is expected to officially acknowledge his contribution as part of its digital economy strategy.

2. Setting a New Global Advertising Benchmark

• The achievement has been submitted to Guinness World Records for verification.
• If approved, it will be the first-ever world record in cost-efficient influencer marketing, creating a new standard in digital advertising.

3. India’s Rising Influence in Global Digital Advertising

Khatri’s campaign proves that high-ROI digital marketing is not about big budgets but strategic execution. His success is expected to:

• Attract global brands to India for cost-effective influencer marketing.
• Empower Indian digital marketers with new opportunities.
• Redefine global advertising strategies by prioritizing engagement-driven efficiency.

“Tariq Khatri’s campaign is a wake-up call for global brands. It proves that smart digital marketing is not about big budgets—it’s about strategic execution and audience understanding.”
– Ravi Malhotra, Chief Digital Strategist, Global AdTech Solutions

What’s Next? Expanding the Impact

Khatri is now focused on:

1. Partnering with Global Brands to provide cost-effective advertising solutions.
2. Mentoring Indian Influencers to dominate the digital space.
3. Strengthening India’s Role in international digital marketing.

A Call to Global Brands: The Future of Digital Marketing is in India

With higher engagement rates and lower advertising costs than Western markets, India is now a prime destination for global digital marketing investments.

“Tariq Khatri’s world record proves that data-driven marketing can rewrite the rules of digital engagement. The future of advertising belongs to those who innovate—and India is leading the charge!”
– Mayur M. Gunjal, Head of Communication

Tariq Khatri’s record-breaking achievement marks a turning point in digital marketing, proving that Indian influencers can deliver massive engagement at minimal cost. As brands seek more efficient digital advertising strategies, Khatri’s success sets the stage for India’s global leadership in high-ROI marketing.

Search Marketing Group, a leading Australian digital marketing firm, has been awarded a 2024 Global Recognition Award for its outstanding contributions to digital marketing. The award highlights the company's effective strategies, measurable results, and industry influence, particularly in SEO and Google Ads campaign optimization.

Founder Deepak Verma credits the firm’s success to its data-driven methodologies, which have consistently delivered above-industry-average results across key market sectors, including retail, professional services, and technology.

Growth and Performance Metrics

1. Strong Year-Over-Year Growth

• 40% annual growth compared to previous fiscal periods.
• Expansion into new industry sectors driven by increased client demand.

2. The ‘Velocity Growth Formula’ – A Data-Driven Approach

• Combines SEO with Google Ads landing page development.
• Integrates advanced analytics, conversion tracking, and performance monitoring.
• Delivers a 35% average increase in ROI within six months.

3. High Client Retention & Success Rates

• 90% client retention rate, reflecting consistent results.
• Average search visibility improvement of 45%.
• 60% increase in qualified lead generation within the first three months.

“Our methodology creates predictable outcomes for businesses investing in digital marketing,” explains Deepak Verma, emphasizing systematic campaign optimization as a core strength.

Client Portfolio and Market Position

1. Over 500 Clients Served

• Diverse client base in healthcare, education, trades, and professional services.
• Recognized by the City of Melbourne Awards and the APAC Search Award 2024 for digital marketing innovation.

2. High-Quality Service Delivery

• Five-star client ratings for customer support and transparent reporting.
• Competitive pricing with consistent delivery of results within 90 days.
• 40% increase in new client acquisitions year-over-year through referrals.

Industry Impact

1. Pioneering Digital Marketing Best Practices

For over 13 years, Search Marketing Group has developed efficient, measurable digital marketing processes, focusing on:

• Advanced analytics integrated with real-world implementation strategies.
• Clear reporting structures ensuring clients understand performance metrics.
• Adoption of emerging technologies to stay ahead of digital trends.

“Search Marketing Group demonstrates consistent performance and reliable results for their clients,” notes Alex Sterling from Global Recognition Awards.

2. Setting New Industry Standards

• Proven repeatable success across multiple industries.
• Establishing benchmarks for digital marketing performance measurement.
• Continued innovation through strategic refinements and technology adoption.

Winning the 2024 Global Recognition Award underscores Search Marketing Group’s commitment to measurable success, innovation, and client-focused digital marketing strategies. With strong growth, high retention rates, and industry-leading results, the firm is poised to expand its influence and redefine best practices in digital marketing.

Code and Theory, a leading technology and creative network under Stagwell, has been recognized as Ad Age's inaugural Business-to-Business (B2B) Agency of the Year. Known for its 50% creative and 50% engineering balance, the agency is redefining B2B customer experiences, demystifying martech stacks, and pioneering AI applications that drive business growth and long-term value.

This recognition comes amid a year of high-impact projects that have transformed major global brands, redefining their digital strategies, customer engagement, and industry positioning.

Transformative B2B Impact

1. Revolutionizing Amazon Ads

• Transformed Amazon Ads into an SMB-friendly advertising powerhouse.
• Achieved +66% unaided awareness among small-business advertisers.

2. Qualcomm’s Industry Shift to Developers (B2D)

• Led Qualcomm’s transition from B2B to B2D (Business to Developer).
• Built the largest developer ecosystem in the world, increasing developer website visits by 540%.

3. Thomson Reuters’ First Rebrand in 16 Years

• Shifted perception from a legacy content provider to an AI-driven technology company.
• Awareness campaign led to +40% increase in unaided awareness.

4. Volvo Trucks’ Fleet-First Digital Transformation

• Launched an innovative fleet-first digital experience, surpassing competitors.
• Achieved a 350% increase in visitors at launch.

5. ETS’s Global Expansion into Workforce Solutions

• Transformed ETS from an education company into a workforce solutions leader.
• Increased B2B leads by 78% through ETS Solutions.

Expanding Capabilities: Media and Leadership Growth

1. New Media Experience Practice

• Led by Jessica Giles, former Cosmopolitan Editor-in-Chief.
• Focused on helping publishers adapt and grow in the digital age.

2. First Global CMO Appointment

• James O'Brien named as Global Chief Marketing Officer.
• Tasked with strengthening Code and Theory’s global client service offerings.

Industry Recognition & Awards

In addition to Ad Age's B2B Agency of the Year, Code and Theory has received multiple high-profile industry honors in 2024, including:

• Ad Age's Business Transformation Agency of the Year
• ANA’s B2B Agency of the Year
• Digiday’s Most Innovative Agency

Driving the Future of AI and Digital Transformation

1. AI as a Driver of Customer Engagement

• AI is more than a tool—it enables real personalization, efficient communication, and data-driven insights.
• Code and Theory’s approach anticipates user needs, deepens customer relationships, and drives engagement, conversion, and loyalty.

2. Commitment to Innovation and Digital Evolution

Michael Treff, CEO of Code and Theory, emphasizes the agency’s passion for solving complex digital problems:
"Nothing is more rewarding than creating solutions that deliver real results. This recognition from Ad Age reinforces our dedication to helping clients transform their businesses in an AI-first landscape."

Code and Theory’s AI-driven, tech-enabled, and creative-first approach has made it a pioneer in B2B digital transformation. As the first-ever Ad Age B2B Agency of the Year, the agency continues to set new benchmarks in martech, AI integration, and customer experience innovation, proving that the future of B2B marketing lies in the balance of creativity and technology.

Creatopy, the AI-powered digital ad platform, has named Tammy H. Nam as its new CEO and Board Member. Nam, a seasoned leader with nearly 30 years of experience scaling global tech startups, joins Creatopy at a time of exponential growth and AI-driven transformation in digital marketing.

Already trusted by brands like AstraZeneca, NASCAR, and The Economist, Creatopy simplifies digital ad production and delivery, enabling marketers to achieve faster results and improved ROI. With Nam at the helm, the company is poised to scale its business globally and disrupt traditional digital advertising models with AI.

Rapid Growth and Market Momentum

• 400% revenue growth in midmarket and enterprise segments in just one year.
• Series A $10 million funding in 2023, led by 3VC and Point Nine.
• Expansion from SMBs to enterprise clients, increasing market share among larger brands.

"Tammy is one of the best operators I know; I have every confidence that she will lead Creatopy through this tremendous time of AI innovation and disruption in the marketing space." – Eva Arh, Board Member, 3VC

Tammy H. Nam’s Track Record of Success

1. Leading Picsart to Unicorn Status

• Scaled Picsart to over 100 million users.
• Led the company to profitability, a unicorn valuation, and expansion into 10+ countries.

2. Transforming Viki into a Global Streaming Powerhouse

• Served as CEO and CMO of Viki, later acquired by Rakuten.
• Spearheaded global expansion and market dominance in streaming.

3. Expertise in High-Growth Tech Startups

• Held executive leadership roles at Scribd and Slide (acquired by Google).
• Deep expertise in scaling marketing, AI-powered platforms, and consumer engagement.

The Future of AI-Powered Digital Advertising

1. Disrupting Traditional Digital Ad Creation

• AI is revolutionizing ad design, deployment, and optimization.
• Creatopy provides a seamless alternative to fragmented AI tools and bloated enterprise software.

"Marketers today face a choice between costly, complex software or disconnected AI tools. Creatopy bridges that gap by leveraging AI to transform how digital ads are created, published, and measured." – Tammy H. Nam, CEO, Creatopy

2. Strengthening Creatopy’s Global Presence

• Expanding operations across the U.S., Romania, and Western Europe.
• Aggressive push into enterprise markets, strengthening Creatopy’s competitive position.

With Tammy H. Nam’s leadership and expertise, Creatopy is set to redefine digital advertising through AI-driven efficiency, scale, and innovation. As brands increasingly seek cost-effective, AI-powered solutions, Creatopy is well-positioned to lead the next wave of digital marketing transformation.

Marketer.co, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in SEO and link building, is expanding its offerings with Link Gap Analysis and Backlink Audits. These new services will help businesses:

• Identify missed link opportunities by analyzing competitor backlinks.
• Improve backlink health by detecting and removing toxic links.
• Strengthen domain authority through strategic link-building efforts.

"As search engines continue to evolve, a strong, high-quality backlink profile remains one of the most critical factors for ranking success." – Nate Nead, CEO, Marketer.co

Enhancing SEO Strategies with Data-Driven Link Building

1. Link Gap Analysis: Uncovering Competitive Opportunities

• Identifies authoritative websites linking to competitors but not to the client’s site.
• Helps businesses bridge the link gap and gain high-quality backlinks.
• Enhances organic search visibility and ranking potential.

2. Backlink Audits: Strengthening Backlink Profiles

• Evaluates existing backlinks to detect toxic or low-quality links.
• Ensures only valuable, high-authority links contribute to SEO rankings.
• Reduces risk of Google penalties and algorithmic downgrades.

"Backlinks are the backbone of SEO, but not all links are beneficial. A well-executed backlink audit ensures that our clients’ websites gain strong links while eliminating harmful ones." – Timothy Carter, CRO, Marketer.co

Delivering Competitive SEO Advantages

• Increases organic traffic by securing high-value backlinks.
• Improves search rankings with a cleaner, more authoritative link profile.
• Provides actionable insights to enhance SEO performance and resilience.

"In today’s competitive digital landscape, success requires a strategic, analytical approach. Our new offerings give clients an edge by capitalizing on the best link-building opportunities while mitigating risks from poor-quality backlinks." – Samuel Edwards, CMO, Marketer.co

With Link Gap Analysis and Backlink Audits, Marketer.co empowers businesses to refine their SEO strategies, close link gaps, and maintain a high-quality backlink profile. These services ensure that companies stay ahead of competitors and achieve sustainable search visibility.

OPIC Technologies, Inc., a leader in Spatial Live Technology, is redefining how fans experience live sports. By combining real-time 3D streaming with immersive engagement, OPIC’s cutting-edge technology allows viewers to feel like they’re inside the stadium, delivering a dynamic and interactive perspective on live events.

A New Dimension in Sports Viewing

Limitations of Traditional Sports Broadcasts

• Fixed camera angles restrict the viewer’s experience.
• Limited interaction reduces fan engagement.
• The stadium atmosphere is lost through passive viewing.

How OPIC’s Spatial Live Technology Enhances the Experience

• 360° Game Viewing – Fans can shift perspectives, watching from the sidelines, behind the net, or even from a player’s point of view.
• Stadium Atmosphere Simulation – Viewers feel the crowd’s energy, enhancing emotional connection to the game.
• Real-Time Engagement – Interactive features let fans connect, access exclusive content, and engage with live events.

"Sports have always been about more than just the game—they’re about the atmosphere, the emotions, and the shared experience. With Spatial Live Technology, we’re bringing fans closer to the action, no matter where they are." – Bob Douglas, CEO, OPIC Technologies

Enhancing the Fan Experience with 3D Livestreaming

• Customizable Viewing – Choose from multiple angles and perspectives.
• Immersive Presence – Watch a race from the driver’s seat or a championship game from courtside.
• Seamless Digital Interaction – Engage with other fans and enhance the social aspect of live sports.

The Future of Live Sports

As technology transforms entertainment, OPIC Technologies leads the way in bridging the gap between digital access and real-world presence. By making live sports more immersive, engaging, and interactive, Spatial Live Technology is revolutionizing how fans experience their favorite teams and athletes.

OPIC Technologies is not just changing how fans watch sports—it’s elevating how they experience them. As immersive streaming evolves, Spatial Live Technology ensures that fans remain closer to the game than ever before.

IZEA Worldwide, Inc., a leading influencer marketing solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Frank Carvalho as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. With over three decades of experience in marketing, sales, and digital transformation, Carvalho brings a wealth of expertise to further IZEA’s mission of driving innovation in the Creator Economy.

Frank Carvalho’s Background and Expertise

• Over 30 years of experience in marketing, sales, and digital transformation.
• Previously served as Chief Marketing Officer at Foap, where he played a crucial role in global expansion and strategic partnerships.
• Held leadership roles at renowned agencies like Leo Burnett and Publicis Groupe.
• Worked with major brands such as Coca-Cola, Merck, and Vodafone, leading impactful marketing strategies.
• Recognized for driving brand innovation, consumer engagement, and large-scale digital transformation.

Carvalho’s Role at IZEA

• Will oversee sales and marketing efforts to accelerate business growth.
• Aims to strengthen IZEA’s client partnerships and expand its industry influence.
• Leverages deep expertise in social platforms and the Creator Economy to enhance engagement.
• Committed to fostering collaboration between brands, creators, and platforms.

Leadership Perspectives on Carvalho’s Appointment

• Patrick Venetucci, CEO of IZEA: Emphasizes Carvalho’s expertise in marketing, sales, and agency leadership as key to IZEA’s continued growth and success.
• Frank Carvalho: Expresses excitement about joining IZEA and driving innovation to strengthen brand engagement within the Creator Economy.

Frank Carvalho’s appointment as EVP of Sales and Marketing marks a strategic move for IZEA. His experience in marketing, sales, and digital strategy positions him as a pivotal leader in IZEA’s efforts to expand its influence and empower brands, creators, and platforms worldwide.