Shagun Seda set to join Apple India as head of marketing communications

Shagun Seda, who most recently served as Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing Creative Strategy and Communications at JioStar, is set to join Apple India as Head of Marketing Communications, according to sources familiar with the development.

Her move comes shortly after her departure from JioStar, where she was part of the core leadership team shaping the brand and marketing narrative of one of India’s largest media and entertainment entities. The transition marks a significant shift—from leading communications in a broadcast and streaming powerhouse to taking on a key role at one of the world’s most influential technology companies.

At JioStar, Seda played a central role in building the foundational brand strategy for the merged entity of Viacom18 and Star India, a joint venture backed by Reliance and Disney. The platform today commands a vast footprint across television and digital, reaching over 450 million monthly active users.

She led marketing communications and creative strategy across marquee sports and entertainment properties, including the Indian Premier League, ICC tournaments, Pro Kabaddi League, Wimbledon, and the Olympics. Beyond sports, she drove high-impact cultural moments—most notably the digital livestream of Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour in India, which saw massive audience engagement.

Among her standout achievements was spearheading the marketing strategy for IPL 2025 across TV and digital, contributing to one of the most-watched seasons in the league’s history, with a combined reach of nearly one billion viewers. She also championed innovative digital-first initiatives, including livestreaming major Indian festivals like Mahashivratri and Ram Navami on JioHotstar—reimagining connected devices as “virtual temples” for millions.

Prior to JioStar, Seda was part of the leadership team at Netflix India, where she served as Head of Brand, Film and Series Marketing. She played a key role in repositioning the platform from a niche, premium service to a more culturally embedded and accessible brand in India, driving engagement through campaigns for global hits such as Money Heist and Stranger Things.

Her career also includes leadership stints at top creative agencies such as DDB Mudra Group, TBWA India, and MullenLowe Lintas Group, where she built a reputation for blending strong creative storytelling with measurable business impact.

Seda’s move comes at a time when Apple is sharpening its focus on India—not just as a manufacturing hub, but as a key growth market—making her appointment a strategic addition to its communications leadership.