MxMIndia

Author: mxmadmin

  • Zakaria will pay for his cut-paste chori. But it's 'loose change' crime compared to all the malpractices that go on here. Must say journalists in India are truly free!

    Anil Thakraney: Fareed ‘Chindi-chor’ Zakaria

    By Anil Thakraney

     

    Fareed Zakaria isn’t the first journalist/columnist caught with his hand in the cookie jar. And he isn’t going to be the last one either. Across the world of journalism, at all levels, folks have been caught ‘cut-pasting’ stuff. It’s either because they believe no one will notice, or they are too lazy/busy to do their own research work. Some offenders lose their jobs, others get away with it. I suspect Zakaria’s career is finished, given his exalted status in international journalism. The mightier you are, the heavier the fall. The man should seriously consider joining Indian politics. Chaps like him are more than welcome.

     

    I actually have a poor opinion of Zakaria as a columnist. I read a few of his articles in Newsweek, in the aftermath of the ‘War on Terror’. And I felt he was regurgitating obvious truths and belting out trite arguments. While that’s not a crime, he did lose at least one reader. Zakaria’s act of stealing content (either himself or through his rookies) from another writer perhaps explains the regurgitation of thought.

     

    Anyway, Fareed Zakaria is history, and he totally deserves it. However, let me add here that slyly stealing text from a fellow journalist is much like picking a lower middle class pocket, or chindi chori, as it’s called in Mumbai. It’s petty theft when you compare it with the nefarious deeds of some of our much awarded and respected journos during Radiagate. That was no petty theft. That was about selling your soul, and being dishonest with your profession and your country. And yet, nothing happened, no one was punished. Most of these journos continue with their routine work, convinced they did no wrong. Even the smugness is intact!

     

    Zakaria will pay for his cut-paste chori. But it’s ‘loose change’ crime compared to all the malpractices that go on here. Must say journalists in India are truly free!

     

    Hope you had a peaceful Independence Day. Jai Hind!

     

    * * *

     

    [youtube width=”400″ height=”220″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK10B0Jgb8o[/youtube]

    PS: Kellogg’s isn’t really renowned for brilliant advertising. Much of their work is safe and formulaic. But this commercial created for Team USA, during the recently concluded Olympic Games, is powerful. It’s a super idea and Kellogg’s can make it their core strategy, for use across the world. Can work for any field of activity.

     

  • The social networking sites were requested to take appropriate steps in line with those outlined in the Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2000

    Government regulation for networking sites

    By A Correspondent

     

    The government has held many discussions with social networking sites and brought to their notice that objectionable content appearing on the sites may lead to law and order problems. The social networking sites were requested to take appropriate steps in line with those outlined in the Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2000.

     

    Adequate legal provisions are already in place in this regard. Government has notified Information Technology (Intermediaries guidelines) Rules, 2011 under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Further section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 empowers the government to issue directions for blocking for public access of any information through any computer resource in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence relating to these.

     

    This was stated by Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, Sachin Pilot in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on August 8, 2012.

     

     

  • Indians are seeking out solutions which can help them meet like-minded individuals, have fun experiences, and form real-life relationships, says Adam Sachs

    Anchor: 6 reasons why networking sites appeal to Indians

    By Adam Sachs

     

    1. India is a very young country. It has one of the youngest proportioned demographics in the world, even of the BRIC nations.

     

    2. There are over 500 million young people in India and all are looking at an opportunity to interact and know others.

     

    3. More Indian women are going to college and are more educated than ever before. The literacy rates have increased from less than 10 per cent to more than 50 per cent today. With education, comes freedom and the desire to make personal choices for themselves, one of these being who they are going to spend their time with.

     

    4. The Indian population is one of the fastest growing Internet populations in the world. According to Mckinsey, youngsters in aspiring countries drives the adoption of online services, and the level of their engagement with online activities such as social networking. In fact their online activities often exceed that of their developed country counterparts.

     

    5. The socio-cultural dynamics around relationships and marriage in India are changing very rapidly. This change is resulting in Indians seeking out solutions which can help them meet like-minded individuals, have fun experiences, and form real-life relationships. They are ready to experiment and meet prospective people outside their community and family circles

     

    6. Indians are getting married later. There are fewer arranged marriages and far more love marriages. Young adults in India are now interested in having relationships with multiple people before getting married. According to our survey, on average, Indian young adults have 5-6 relationships BEFORE getting married.

     

    Adam Sachs is CEO, Step Out

     

  • The agency is opening offices in Chicago and New York to start with and will expand to other cities at a later date

    Bang in the Middle launches in US

    By A Correspondent

     

    Reversing the trend of global agencies launching in India, the newly formed independent agency Bang in the Middle announced the launch of its operations in the US. The agency is opening offices in Chicago and New York to start with and will expand to other cities at a later date.

     

    “We have been clear from the start that we won’t be a single country operation. This is the next step in our evolution and we aren’t going to stop here. We are exploring some more opportunities in Asia and Europe, and we hope to expand into those markets. It’s time to demonstrate a brand new way of doing business, and what a better moment than India’s Independence Day to announce this,” said Prathap Suthan, Managing Partner, Bang in the Middle.

     

    To facilitate the US entry, Bang in the Middle has brought on board Ms Saira Mohan as the president, Bang in the Middle, US. Ms Mohan is a well-known international supermodel with extensive advertising and marketing experience, especially in the world of global fashion, luxury and design.

     

    “I am excited to partner this incredibly talented team in India and open up the opportunities in US for brands from India and open up Indian markets for brands in US,” said Ms Mohan. “I have been in the world of branding and design for over a decade and I intend to fully bring that experience on table for all our current and potential clients” she added.

     

    Bang in the Middle, US will help the growing ambitions of many mainstream brands who are not owned by MNCs, but want to expand their ambit and enter India. Bang in the Middle will also help its clients like iYogi and Veen Waters to establish their brand in US. It is currently in conversation with a few brands in US, and some leading communication and professionals to bring them on board. Through its unique suite of offering that span design, branding and digital marketing, this is Bang in the Middle’s first international foray into establishing itself as a mainstream global creative media company.

     

    “We currently have a very eclectic bunch of clients who require our services in more markets than just US. We have launched campaigns in US, Europe and Middle East already for our clients, and are about to launch some more for our brands. In today’s hyperconnected world, you need to be present in everywhere where opportunity is, and for us USA is a vast opportunity” said Naresh Gupta, Bang in the Middle.

     

    Bang in the Middle currently works with iYogi, Veen Waters, Hawktrack from Knoxx Global, Dulux Paints, Vimal, and BigFlix among others.

     

  • Aegis Group plc ("Aegis") announced that it has acquired Communicate 2, a performance marketing and search agency inIndia. MxM spoke to Ashish Bhasin, Chairman India & CEO South East Asia, Aegis Media on his views…

    ‘By 2015, we want to be the top 3 player in every single sphere we operate in’

    What led you to shortlist Communicate2 as the partner of choice?

    Communicate2 is one of the largest and oldest firms in the area of search & performance marketing in India. Vivek Bhargava, as you’d know, is considered to be the guru of search inIndia. He is also one of the guys to be Google-certified and has been in this business since 1997 – a time when the internet and search was in its absolute infancy. In our view, nobody else managed the quality and scale of the business that he has built up, and therefore he was a preferred partner of choice.

     

    The other important reason for choosing Communicate2 was chemistry – Aegis Media has a certain vision and value outlook which is very close to our heart and Communicate2 seemed to have gelled very well with those attributes. There was a lot of comfort on both sides. So these were some of the key reasons for us to choose Communicate2.

     

    Will you be laying enhanced emphasis on Search with the current acquisition…

    The focus is on search because it is one of the fastest growing parts of our business. Clearly, Communiacte2 is the biggest player in the space and now with iProspect and Communicate2 together, we are straight away the number one player of search in India. So that’s how it is placed as of now.

     

    How long has it been since you have been pursuing Communicate2? Did you scan the market for other potential candidates?

    We were working with them about 4-5 years ago, but nothing more came out of that deal. This recent move has been in the works for a few months. Also, we did scan the market as anybody else would and we did have a few names that we shortlisted and we narrowed down to Communicate2.

     

    The deal seems heavy on the investments front. Would you share with us the monetary plans you engaged in towards snapping the agency?

    An agency that is the oldest and has a workforce of more than 130 people is not going to sell out cheap. I cannot disclose the amounts behind the deal, but I can say that it has been fairly priced.

     

    The market has been abuzz with news of big communication houses buying out specialist digital agencies in the recent past. What would you infer of this trend that everybody is taking a liking to?

    I cannot comment about others, but there is a clear strategy that Aegis Media believes in and that is by 2015, we want to be the top three player in every single sphere that we operate in – be it out-of-home, search or digital. As part of our strategy to be in the top 3, the best way of getting there was by partnering with Communicate2 because their expertise, their client base and their search professionals coupled with the iProspect tools and knowledge would be an unbeatable combination.

     

    In an acquisition it is very important that you have to see how the acquisition fits with the plans of your company. So the task of integration becomes key, which is why the quality and type of people and the chemistry become important. So companies that are blindly going out and buying companies will fall flat on their face, but those who are able to acquire and integrate companies and have a great bond with the partners will be successful in the long run.

     

    Globally, digital contributes more than 35 per cent for Aegis Media. What is it that you anticipate from the Indian market post the acquisition of Communicate2?

    We are looking at being the clear No 1. Globally, iProspect is the world’s largest search network, and in India we now become No 1 with this venture. But we want to be No 1 by a long distance. We want to be double the size of the No 2 guy in a few years.

     

    What are the immediate changes that will be seen on ground?

    There is a new office that we are in the process of doing up in Mumbai; their staff will be moving into that new place soon. Likewise the Delhi team too would be amalgamated in our office. With this the entire Aegis Media clients will have benefits from Communicate2 and vice-versa.

     

    As for people, Vivek will be the MD of the new venture. He already has a management team. Of course, as growth happens we will keep recruiting more people. All other aspects remain the same.

     

    The announcement comes just weeks after Dentsu acquired a stake in Aegis Media. Has this deal been inspired from that takeover…

    These things do not happen overnight; it has been ongoing much before that. The two are not related.

     

    Future plans from Aegis Media…

    As I said, we will be the top 3 player in every space that we operate in. In some instances we will do that organically, in others we will do that inorganically – provided we get a good partner. We are not on the lookout as of now but if any new opportunity does come up we will not be turning a blind eye to that.

     

  • Communicate 2, a performance marketing and search agency inIndia, has been acquired by Aegis Group plc ("Aegis"). MxM spoke to Vivek Bhargava, Managing Director Communicate 2 about the acquistion…

    ‘It was a meeting of the best minds of the world’

    The buzz was that you were being hounded by most big communication players in the market for a takeover and now you’ve finally given in to Aegis Media. How would you describe the takeover journey?

    We had the opportunity to talk to every single large player and we found that the way the market is growing, there is going to be a lot of technology components required in it and iProspect globally has the best technology in the world. Also, we are a very dominant agency as far as search and performance marketing is concerned inIndiawhile iProspect was the world’s largest search company, so it was a meeting of the best minds of the world. The digital market inIndiahas matured to the level where clients are looking for the best in the world and we felt that with the expertise that iProspect had to offer, it was a perfect solution to offer to our partners. And we endeavour to take decisions for our partners as much as it helps us.

     

    What is your view on big communication players showing sudden interest in digital in India?

    Digital marketing inIndiahas now arrived. More promoters and senior management people now believe that digital is a very critical part of their marketing endeavour. So they are spending a lot of time around the medium. About 3-4 years ago we were talking about digital being the future and today digital is now considered as present. Earlier digital used to attract a small budget from marketers, but now they position it as their first priority and question whether they need conventional media or not.Mobilehas given digital three times the reach of television. So I believe digital is going to be the dominant medium in the future.

     

    What is the value that you’d be leveraging from this partnership?

    Globally if you see, there are clients like GM, Nokia, Philips and others who have operations in 60-70 countries and they are aligned with Aegis Media. I see tremendous opportunities there. As for us, we are a 140-people agency which makes us the largest digital agency in the country. So with the clients we have and with the kind of team we have in the enterprise sector, I see it as a perfect marriage of the two. I see tremendous value in the venture.

     

    How have clients responded to this move of yours?

    I had spoken to clients even before this venture and they seemed pretty positive about it. Also there is no change as such in the team and talent, so there was a comfort level there. Generally they are happy with the merger.

     

    Do you see the gap between digital and advertising being bridged?

    If you ask me the demarcation between digital and conventional media will probably go away. This is going to be an advertising agency and digital is going to be an integral part of the advertising medium, probably the largest. Demarcation is something that we have created for ourselves but it is about giving out advertising solutions.

     

  • The shortlists for Emvies 2012 to be held on September 3 have been announced. Mindshare leads with 27 of the shortlists, followed by Maxus (19), Pinnacle (15) and Lodestar UM (13).

    Mindshare leads in Emvies 2012 shortlist

    By A Correspondent

     

    The twelfth edition of the Emvies could well see media agency major Mindshare walk away with the numero uno slot. The agency has managed 27 from the 126 shortlists announced, followed by 19 from Maxus. Pinnacle has 15 entries and Lodestar UM has 13.

     

    This year, organiser Ad Club Bombay has introduced the following new categories/changes at the Emvies: Media Client of the Year, Best Ongoing Media Campaign & Young Emvie of the Year has been introduced as three new categories.  Display and Video has been added as additional sub-categories under Best Media Innovation – Digital.

     

    The Emvies were introduced by the Advertising Club Bombay to honour measurable and significant contributions in the field of media. This year, the event will be held in Mumbai on Monday, September 3, 2012 while the second round of judging will happen on August 23 to 25.

     

     

  • The e-auction for Phase III is expected to begin in January 2013 and may take another two or three years until the entire FM Phase III expansion is completed

    FM Phase III: Pre-qualification bid for e-auctions starts Sept

    By Robin Thomas

     

    The FM radio industry has moved one step closer to the Phase III expansion as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has called for tenders starting September 2012. The pre-qualification for the bidders is expected to be complete in another two months, following which the qualified companies will be allowed to participate in the e-auction for FM Phase III. The e-auction for Phase III is expected to begin in January 2013 and may take another two or three years until the entire FM Phase III expansion is completed.

     

    CS Kaushik, Deputy Secretary (FM), MIB (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) and Uday Chawla, Secretary General, Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI) have confirmed the development to MxMIndia.

     

    It may be recalled that the Union Cabinet had given its nod to the e-auction for FM Phase III. In November 2011, an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) was constituted in the MIB with an aim to guide and supervise the process of e-auction and to award the license of FM radio stations to private agencies under the FM radio Phase III expansions.

     

    FM Phase III policy seeks to extend FM radio services to about 227 new cities. Phase III will cover all cities with a population of one lakh and above, simultaneously, there will be a total of 839 new FM radio channels in 294 cities. In addition, FM radio stations will also be allowed to air news, but sourced from AIR (All India Radio) only.

     

     

  • The timing of his appointment to Global CEO of Maxus couldn't have been better as the agency's HQ will shift to India + Dominic Proctor on Sakhuja

    India Shining with Vikram Sakhuja

     

    By Johnson Napier

     

     

    Proctor on Sakhuja

     

    Exclusive to MxMIndia: Dominic Proctor, President of GroupM Global on Vikram Sakhuja’s appointment to the position of Global CEO of Maxus and the relocation of Maxus’ Global Heaquarters to India

     

    Vikram has been selected as he is the best candidate for the job, not because he lives in India. The fact that he does live in India is an additional bonus because it spreads the management of Maxus around the world, consistent with the new world order. It also reflects the fact that much of our global senior talent resides in Asia and I fully expect that more of that talent will move into global positions in the years to come. Not just in GroupM agencies but business in general.

     

    The world has become a smaller place and boundaries are no longer barriers. Maxus does not have a single HQ so there is no plan to move more people into the market. Indeed the agency will continue to grow and develop as a very global business.

     

    Vikram will join the global management team of GroupM and I am really excited by the opportunity to work with him more closely. He will bring a different and interesting perspective to our business as we continue to grow. The fact that he is coming from a fast growing market will also be a benefit as we plan to grow quickly everywhere!

     

    I can’t think of anybody as qualified as Vikram to build on the great work that Kelly Clark and his team have done in establishing Maxus as the world’s fastest growing agency.

    As India celebrated her 66th Independence Day, the headquarters of the world’s fastest growing media agency is to be shifted to the country. And Vikram Sakhuja, currently Group M’s CEO for South Asia, has been appointed Global CEO of the media advertising network’s Maxus agency.

     

    Proctor Dominic

    Mr Sakhuja’s appointment was part of a series of senior-level changes announced on Wednesday by Dominic Proctor, President of GroupM Global. “The world has become a smaller place and boundaries are no longer barriers,” Mr Proctor told MxMIndia. “Maxus does not have a single HQ so there is no plan to move more people into the market. Indeed the agency will continue to grow and develop as a very global business.” Said Mr Sakhuja, “It’s very exciting and humbling at the same time… It’s still sinking in.”

     

    In the first move, GroupM North American CEO Rob Norman becomes Chief Digital Officer for GroupM Global, a new position at the company.

     

    Rob Norman

    “Our activity in digital will define our future success and we are truly fortunate that Rob will step into this crucial role full time,” Mr Proctor said in a communiqué issued earlier, announcing the movements.  “There is nobody better suited or more experienced than Rob to lead our teams into the future.”

     

    Mr Norman has extensive experience in the digital arena having served as CEO of GroupM Interaction since 2006.  Mr Proctor said his responsibilities will be significantly expanded in his new role.

     

    Kelly Clark

    At the same time, Mr Proctor said Kelly Clark, currently Global CEO of the GroupM agency Maxus, will succeed Mr Norman as CEO of GroupM North America.

     

    “Kelly has had wonderful success with our companies in Asia, the UK, and Europe and most recently at Maxus globally,” Mr Proctor said.  “His broad experience and track record will bring a great boost to our business in North America.”  Prior to taking over Maxus in 2008, Mr Clark served as CEO of GroupM Europe, Middle East and Africa.

     

     

    Talent and leadership is sitting everywhere: Vikram Sakhuja

     

    The new Global CEO of Maxus spoke to MxMIndia hours after the news of his appointment was announced

     

    Congratulations… has the news sunk in yet?

    It’s very exciting and humbling at the same time. It’s a very vibrant and exciting agency to be with. All I can say right now is that I am thrilled with the news. It’s still sinking in.

     

    In a sense you’ve piped some favourites to the job…

    I really have no idea on how the contender things work. It obviously involves the system and you’ll have to ask that to the bosses at Group M.

     

    We’ve seen the stellar work that you have done for Group M but personally, what would you attribute your ascent to the top to?

    I can’t really say what is it that has worked in my favour. One needs to introspect such things, I guess. Something great has obviously worked for me. But one has to work things up and have a gameplan and get people together to move things in a particular direction. The ability to have a vision and the ability to drive it are the things that I have tried to do as the Group CEO for Group M South Asia. And if that has worked, then it’s great.

     

    How big a challenge is it to fit in the shoes of Kelly Clark, who’s been promoted to CEO of Group M North America?

    Kelly’s shoes will be very large to fill. I remember that I joined the system when he was the APAC head at Mindshare and was transitioning between UK and Europe handling several roles for the agency before he moved to Maxus. Hats off to Kelly for the sheer intrusiveness and energy with which he has driven the agency. I am a big fan of his.

     

    What are the immediate changes that will be seen on ground?

    Not sure on when the new change will come into effect and will be clear only when a successor has been decided. These things take time and it is still work in progress.

     

    In a sense you become the first global CEO of a media agency to be based out of India. And Dominic Proctor too has highlighted the emergence of an APAC market as being the driving engine for the future. What do you have to say about this?

    It so happens that you got talent and leadership sitting everywhere. I have been fortunate enough to be picked out of here but at the end of the day, we are living in a pretty global world and the new reality is that communication barriers are slowly fading away. In our earlier system, people used to be running the system out of Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong but suddenly where you sit is not central to what is called the ‘headquarter concept’. In my case too, it just so happens that I am going to be based in Mumbai. But I won’t read anything too much into saying that Asia Pacific has emerged as a hot favourite – it’s great to hear that but at the end of the day we have been part of the global network for years and it feels that way. I don’t see it as APAC being suddenly recognised. If you see Ashutosh Srivastava, the Mindshare APAC head also has taken up a global responsibility…so there are Indians all over the place. It just shows the ability of the system to look at APAC as the global hub rather than elsewhere.

     

    Will it be a challenging task to lead global operations out of India?

    It’s just that I am going to be based in Mumbai and I will be travelling as the other global CEOs do. A global CEO’s job doesn’t automatically mean that everything is decided by a bunch of team sitting at some headquarter and running the entire set-up, it doesn’t work like that. You’ve got to work through a network, you’ve got to create a team and drive a certain agenda. It doesn’t require physically handling a bunch of people in one place.

     

    One of the challenges will be to see that Maxus continues to achieve the 20 per cent growth trajectory in the coming future as well…

    I have no idea how I’ll continue to keep it at that. But it will be an interesting challenge. I look forward to my role at Maxus.
     

    Vikram Sakhuja interviews on mxmindia.com

     

    Interview with Anil Thakraney

    http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/06/ creative-agencies-have-allowed-themselves-to-be-dumbed-down-vikram-sakhuja/

     

    Text and MxMIndiaTV interview at FICCI-Frames 2012

    http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/03/ff12-integrated-media-is-the-best-way-forward- vikram-sakhuja/

     

    MxMIndiaTV interview at World Magazine Congress 2011

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSS2j9PQMkU& feature=player_embedded

    Maxus was named the 2011 “Media Agency of the Year” by Adweek and last month the agency was named the fastest-growing global media services agency in the world for the third consecutive year by RECMA, the independent organization that measures media agency sector operations.

     

    Taking Mr Clark’s role at Maxus will be Mr Vikram Sakhuja, currently CEO of GroupM India and South Asia. “Vikram is the perfect candidate to take on the Maxus role from Kelly,” Mr Proctor said.  “Maxus has a great management team and a lot of momentum.  I have no doubt that Vikram will continue to build a great agency.”  He added that Mr Sakhuja will remain in his current role until his successor is announced (See ‘Proctor on Sakhuja’ in box alongside).

     

    All three will report to Mr Proctor and the new roles begin later this year.

     

    Mr Sakhuja’s appointment is the second global level appointment made by Maxus in recent times. Earlier this year, Madhvi Pahwa moved from a Group M responsibility to that of Global Talent Director. Ms Pahwa was to be based in India.  But now, Maxus has become the first global media agency to have its headquarters in not just India, but also Asia. Said Mr Proctor on the relocation of the HQ: “It also reflects the fact that much of our global senior talent resides in Asia and I fully expect that more of that talent will move into global positions in the years to come. Not just in GroupM agencies but business in general.”

     

    Lynn de Souza, chairman and CEO of Lintas Media Group, believes that it’s a welcome recognition for Mr Sakhuja and India. “It shows that Indian talent is appreciated and not that it needs to be exported out of India to do good work. That is the essential story that comes out of this,” she said. Added Mona Jain, CEO, Vivaki Exchange: “India has been consistently delivering healthy growth numbers for several agencies and is also one of the fastest growing markets in the continent. So it is only fitting for them to consider India as the hub for managing global operations.”

     

    For Mr Sakhuja, it’s a significant move as he moves to Group M global management team directly and not via the Asia-Pacific route. However, he doesn’t think there’s an all-new focus on APAC. “It just so happens that I am going to be based in Mumbai. But I won’t read anything too much into saying that Asia Pacific has emerged as a hot favourite – it’s great to hear that but at the end of the day we have been part of the global network for years and it feels that way,” he said.

     

    The successor to his current position as CEO, Group M South Asia hasn’t been announced yet. Once that’s done and the transition happens, Mr Sakhuja will take on the global role at Maxus in right earnest.

     

     

    INDUSTRYSPEAK

     

    Lynn de Souza, Chairman & CEO, Lintas Media Group

    I think it is a fantastic development both for Vikram himself who has really done a very good job ever since I have known him and it’s an appreciation for all the good that he has done and the potential that he has. So I am very happy for him. Also, for the industry itself, it shows that Indian talent is appreciated and not that it needs to be exported out of India to do good work. That is the essential story that comes out of this.

     

    Certainly, Maxus is a great agency; I have always said that. It’s excellent news; the recognition for Vikram as well as for India is really very good.

     

    Divya Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Dentsu Media India

    This epitomizes India as a key, growth engine for most brands and marketers across the globe.
    It also augurs the emergence of India as a strategic global and regional hub for management and control of network businesses.
    I wish Vikram success.

     

    Mona Jain, CEO, Vivaki Exchange

    The agency has always been rated highly. It’s great news that the CEO should be from India which shows that the country is becoming very critical in the entire global scheme of things for agency networks. Also, India has been consistently delivering healthy growth numbers for several agencies and is also one of the fastest growing markets in the continent. So it is only fitting for them to consider India as the hub for managing global operations.

     
     

    Maxus Global Factsheet

    > Launched in late 2008, is part of GroupM, the world’s largest media investment management group that serves as the parent company for all of WPP’s media agencies, and which buys over one third of the world’s media every day.

    > Rated world’s fastest growing global media agency network

    > Talent base 1,400 people across 67 locations worldwide

    > Global clients include Barclays, SC Johnson, NBC Universal, Fiat Group, Nokia, Vodafone, Church & Dwight, Nestle and L’Oreal

    >Services include Communications strategy, Media planning and buying, Digital marketing, SEM and SEO, Direct response media, Data analytics and Marketing ROI evaluation

    (Information source: Factsheet, www.maxusglobal.com)

     
     

    Rise and Rise…

     

    Vikram Sakhuja

    Twitter @VikramSakhuja

     

    Education:

    IIM Calcutta (1988)

    IIT Delhi (1984)

    Modern School, Delhi (1979)

     

    Work:

    Group M

    CEO South Asia (earlier MD, Mindshare Fulcrum and later Mindshare South Asia) (2002-present)

    Star TV

    Exec VP Marketing (Jan-Dec 2001)

    Coca-Cola India

    Marketing Manager-Brands (1996-2000)

    P&G India

    Associate Manager-Media & MR (1988-96)

    DCM

    Management Trainee (1984-86)

     

     

  • Presenting the fifth edition of MxM Buzzer where the focus is on India, Indians and the Independence Movement!

    MxM Buzzer # 5 | Quiz on Patriotism

    Here’s the fifth edition of MxMIndia’s media quiz – MxM Buzzer, that happens every Friday. Our quizmaster is Sorbojeet Chatterjee, Vice President – Marketing at Neo Sports. To enter this quiz, simply email the answers with your personal details (Name, email id and telephone number) and a five-word descriptor for MxM Buzzer at editor@mxmindia.com with Buzzer#5 in the subject. Standard contest rules apply (see box below). Note: entries without the descriptor will not be considered for prizes.

    There will be two prizes for Buzzer #5. One First Prize of Rs 1001 and One Second Prize of Rs 101.

    If there’s a tie, the best descriptor for MxM Buzzer will get the prize (note: tie-breaker question will change every week).
    Last date for sending entries: Thursday, August 23. Entries must reach us by 6pm IST.

     Which country celebrates Independence Day on the same day as India?
     Which agency created the award-winning Silent National Anthem for Big Cinemas?
     This television programme derives its name from a famous slogan coined by former Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and features celebrities visiting army camps and interacting with them. Identify the TV show?
     The Greatest Indian is based on a format owned by BBC and was a joint initiative by 2 television channels in India. Identify both the channels?
     Dhyan Chand (1936), Pargat Singh (1996), Leander Paes (2000), Anju Bobby George (2004), X (2012). Identify X?

     Which Bollywood star is related to the freedom fighter (shown in the image) and has even named his son after the highly respected leader?
     The Indian National Anthem by Rabindranath Tagore was translated in English as the The Morning Song of India. Which celebrated poet penned the English version?
     Which news channel has launched an initiative called ‘Lets Fly The Flag’ leading up to Independence Day?
     Who has been the editor of the following publications – Indian Opinion, Young India, Harijan and Navjivan?
     ‘A Capella’ is a form of music with only words and no musical aid or accompaniments. Which Indian music channel has created special Independence Day programming with this form of music?

    Winner of Buzzer # 4 is Meghna Mehta (Tel No xxxxx 04×86). Ms Mehta (who works with Star India) wins a Prize of Rs 1001. There are 2 Second Prizes of Rs 250 each. Mr Himanshu Agarwal (xxxxx 94×24, from Infosys) and Ms Natasha Dhingra (xxxxx 96×29, from Aidem)are the second prize winners. Congratulations, Ms Mehta, Mr Agarwal and Ms Dhingra. Please await our mail, send us your coordinates and we will wire/ courier/ deposit you the prize… within a couple of weeks.

     

    Answers to Buzzer # 4

    1. Star News, 2. Times Now, 3. Prannoy Roy, 4. Sagarika Ghose (daughter of Bhaskar Ghose), 5. Bhagwan Allah God, 6. Headlines Today, 7. Sahara Samay, 8. Hindu, 9. NBC News, 10. Jayanthi Natarajan
    1. The families and employees of MxMIndia Private Limited and its associates are not eligible to win prizes.
    2. You can send as many entries as you would like. There is no entry fee.
    3. In case of more than one all-correct entry, the Tie-Breaker will be the decider. Entries without the Descriptor for the Tie-Breaker will not be considered complete.
    4. The decision of the Quizmaster and/or the MxMIndia editor will be final.
    5. If the winner is not reachable by phone/email, the next best entry will be awarded the prize.
    6. By sending your entry, it is assumed that you are in agreement with the rules.
    7.  Entries for Buzzer #5 must reach us latest by 6pm IST on Aug 23.
  • MxMIndia's next edition or major refresh of stories will be on Tuesday, August 21 since we are closed over the weekend and on Monday, August 20 on account of Eid

    Eid Mubarak. Next site refresh & newsletter on Tue, Aug 21

    MxMIndia wishes all our readers Eid Mubarak.

     

    Our next edition or major refresh of stories will be on Tuesday, August 21 since we are closed over the weekend and on Monday, August 20 on account of Eid.

     

    However, if there are any major updates, we’ll have it up on our site. For instance, we expect a joint press release to be issued after the IBF-ISA-AAAI-TAM meeting concludes later today… we will have an update based on it soonest. 🙂

     

  • What e-commerce needs is logistic efficiency at industry level, not at the player level, says Ankur Warikoo

    The Anchor: 5 musts in e-commerce to get to the next level

    By Ankur Warikoo

     

    Cross-sharing of a Logistic Network

    From a back end operations or a logistic perspective every e-commerce company is trying to build its own logistic setup which is their own last mile delivery network. While that is a very good initiative, it is not scalable because what you are ultimately doing is creating a large setup without the economies of scale.  So what e-commerce needs is logistic efficiency at industry level, not at the player level.

     

    Payment Gateway Efficiency

    Industry still suffers from miserable payment gateways options. The failure rates on credit cards, debit cards even net banking are fairly high, much higher than what the west experiences and for no logical reasons. So, we do need someone coming in with innovative payment gateway solution which makes sure that the customers entering legitimate data is never failed. The industry suffers from almost 25 per cent failure rate, which is extremely high. So a payment gateway innovation is required to make sure that the failure rates are lower.

     

    Cash on Delivery Innovations

    This was introduced to bring in people who do not have credit cards or debit cards and are more comfortable with cash transactions. However what has happened is that now cash on delivery is beginning to be misused as people are now using it as an excuse to test what kind of product is coming to their door step and if they don’t like it, they just reject it and that’s not a healthy practice. There needs to be an innovation around this, which means that Cash on Delivery should be restricted to only people who cannot transact through prepaid mechanisms like credit card, debit cards etc. and steps should be taken to not allow cash on delivery to be misused.

     

    Focus on Profitability and Sustainability

    All the companies now need to shift their focus towards profitability and sustainability. So far in the last 2.5 odd years the focus has been on top line growth, to get the customer in but, none of the players are closer to being profitable and definitely not sustainable. So, that needs to be a focus for e-commerce because if it is not profitable and sustainable then all customer pro initiatives could be taken away.

     

    Customer Relation Management

    CRM is missing from most e-commerce companies today. They are neither customer profiling to understand that there are different consumer behaviors and buying patterns. Understanding and treating your value propositions for each and every customer based on how they behave on your platform.

     

    Ankur Warikoo is the CEO of Crazeal