From iconic events to iconic brands: Celebrating Aakash Mishra’s marketing journey

In the ever-evolving world of marketing, where consumer expectations, technology and cultural trends constantly reshape the rules of engagement, Aakash Mishra has built a career around the power of experiences, storytelling and brand innovation.

As he recently celebrated his birthday, it is an opportunity to revisit a professional journey spanning more than two decades, marked by diverse assignments, creative campaigns and leadership responsibilities across media, entertainment and the textile industry.

Currently serving as AVP – Group Brand Marketing at Donear Group, Mishra oversees marketing strategy for an extensive portfolio of textile, apparel and luxury brands. His responsibilities cover Donear Suitings, Grado, OCM, NeoStretch, Moda Biella Italy, Ferrara Italian Luxury, Lanificio Corleone, Ferrino Mizzoni, Mayur, Graviera and DCot Retail.

Managing a portfolio that stretches from established textile brands to premium and luxury offerings requires an understanding of different consumer segments, distinct brand identities and evolving fashion preferences. Mishra's mandate brings together these diverse businesses under a broader marketing vision while maintaining their individual positioning.

His professional journey began in consumer goods, where he worked as Brand Manager at Euro Tiles. The assignment provided him with early exposure to brand development, consumer communication and the fundamentals of building market presence.

However, a significant chapter of his career unfolded at The Times of India Group and Worldwide Media, where he spent more than 16 years leading experiential marketing initiatives.

During this period, Mishra worked on some of India's most recognisable media and entertainment properties, including the Filmfare Awards, Femina, HELLO!, TopGear, Grazia and Lonely Planet India.

These assignments placed him at the intersection of entertainment, celebrity culture, consumer engagement and brand partnerships. From executing large-scale events to developing experiential properties, his work involved creating platforms that connected brands with audiences beyond conventional advertising.

The experience helped shape his understanding of how cultural relevance and memorable experiences can strengthen brand relationships.

In March 2024, Mishra took on a new challenge when he joined Donear Group as AVP – Group Brand Marketing, assuming responsibility for marketing across the group's businesses, including Donear, Grasim Bhiwani Textiles and OCM.

The transition from media and entertainment to textiles and apparel offered an opportunity to apply his expertise in experiential marketing and cultural storytelling to a category with established consumer loyalties and long-standing brand legacies.

One of the notable initiatives associated with his tenure has been the launch of NeoStretch's 'Freedom to Move' campaign, which brought together fashion, music and contemporary storytelling.

The campaign included a brand-led music single under the Donear Studios banner, reflecting an approach that moves beyond traditional product advertising to build engagement through entertainment and culture.

The initiative demonstrated how a textile brand could explore new creative formats to connect with consumers, particularly younger audiences.

His work has also received recognition from the marketing and experiential industry. Mishra was honoured with the Emerging CMO of the Year recognition at WOW Awards Asia 2024, along with Brand Builder of the Year and Marketing Professional of the Year at the Global Marketing Excellence Awards 2024.

He has also received the Marketing Meister Asia recognition in 2024 and 2025, reflecting his contributions to marketing and brand development.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Mishra has remained actively involved in industry conversations and talent recognition.

He has served on the jury for exchange4media's Indian Marketing Awards South and Pitch Marketing 30Under30 Awards, contributing his experience to platforms recognising marketing excellence and emerging professionals.

His association with industry forums, including India Web Fest and experiential marketing conferences, has also provided opportunities to share perspectives on storytelling, consumer engagement and the evolving relationship between content and commerce.

From building experiential properties for some of India's prominent media brands to leading marketing for a diversified textile and apparel group, Mishra's professional journey reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of modern marketing.

His career illustrates how the principles of consumer understanding, creativity and engagement can travel across industries, even as the platforms and products change.

As he celebrates another birthday, Mishra continues to explore opportunities at the intersection of fashion, entertainment, culture and commerce, contributing to the changing language of brand communication.