Author: Our Staff

  • Ceat unveils new Strategic Timeout board in IPL

    As part of the newly launched campaign, Cat, the tyres company, has leveraged its decade-long association with Tata IPL Strategic Timeout to deliver its brand message. It has been transformed in line with the new positioning, notes a communique.

    Said Arnab Banerjee, MD & CEO of Ceat Limited: “Ceat’s transformation underscores our dedication to staying in tune with the aspirations of our consumers. Our new brand communication emphasizes our support for the explorer mindset of discovering hidden gems which are accessible during their travels. This move represents our ongoing commitment to exceeding consumer expectations and delivering high-quality products that inspire confidence in every journey, whether on road or off road.”

    Added Lakshmi Narayanan B, CMO of Ceat Limited: “Our new approach incorporates partnerships with prominent travel influencers to showcase the versatility and durability of our tyres in various unexplored yet accessible locales. This series of two-part campaigns is not just a visual treat, but also ignites intrigue and curiosity among our consumers through the novel interactive QR element embedded in the ads. Our high-performance products have been crafted for the curious enabling their passion for adventure and discovery.”

  • Cheil India unveils campaign

    Cheil India has launched a campaign showcasing features of Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G. The campaign films featuring the duo of Shanaya Kapoor and Rohan Gurbaxani encapsulate the spirit of Generation Z .

    Commenting on the campaign, Aditya Babbar, Vice President, MX Business, Samsung India, said: “Galaxy A series democratizes innovations by making them accessible to all. With the introduction of Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G, we are democratizing flagship-level features, experiences and affordability. In our new campaign, we are proud to showcase how Galaxy A55 and A35 5G continue to push boundaries, delivering cutting edge technology that empowers creativity and elevates user experience.”

    Talking about the campaign, Vikash Chemjong, CCO, Cheil India, added: “We believe that everyone deserves awesome—whether it’s awesome meetings, awesome memories, awesome ambitions, or simply an awesome life. And, when you finally get an awesome phone, you get one step closer to achieving the rest.”

  • Mankind Pharma launches campaign

    Mankind Pharma has launched a nationwide campaign on the occasion of World Hypertension Day called ‘Limit White India’. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive salt and sugar consumption which with other factors like sedentary lifestyle and obesity can be a major risk factor for hypertension.

    Said Dr Sanjay Koul, Chief Marketing Officer, Mankind Pharma Ltd: “Hypertension is a silent killer, and Mankind Pharma is committed to tackling it head-on through the ‘Limit White India’ campaign. Excessive salt and sugar are significant contributors to uncontrolled blood pressure levels and blood sugar levels. Studies have shown Indians on average consume five times the WHO recommended quantity of sugar annually. By raising awareness and promoting lifestyle modifications, we aim to empower people to make informed choices for their well-being.”

  • Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri joins BARC

    Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri
    Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri

    Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has announced the appointment of Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri as Chief of Measurement Science & Analytics. He will succeed Dr Derrick Gray, who has been a member of the BARC India family for six years. He has been heading measurement science at BARC since mid-2018.

    Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri is a PhD. from IIT Bombay and holds a Master of Statistics degree from the Indian Statistical Institute. He joins BARC from the Datamatics Group of Companies where he has been Global Head of Data Science and Advanced Analytics, since 2016. Prior to Datamatics, he has held multiple leadership roles, and has led large teams of senior talent across levels at KPMG, Nielsen and ZS Associates in India and elsewhere in the world.

    Said Nakul Chopra, Chief Executive Officer, BARC India: “Derrick has been a wonderful partner, a mentor and a friend to numerous individuals and industry peers. We congratulate him as he embraces his next adventure and wish him nothing but the absolute best. In his stead, I’m happy to welcome Bikram to the BARC India family. He brings deep knowledge and rich expertise in Big Data, Research and Business Intelligence. I’m confident that with his strategic vision and passion for excellence, he will not only uphold the legacy Derrick leaves us with, but also help navigate our future in this fast-evolving environment.”

  • Menaka Menon to take charge of DDB Mudra South

    Menaka Menon
    Menaka Menon

    DDB Mudra Group has elevated Menaka Menon, current National Strategy Head, to take on the role of leading the south office. She will lead operations and strategic thinking for clients based out of the Bengaluru office. Ranji Cherian, who ran the south office for over 16 years, will now lead Client Excellence at the group.

    Said Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra Group: “We believe that everything we do is built on strong strategic pillars; be it our work or how we do our work. In her new role, Menaka will use her strategic background to add more value to our client’s business, while building a strong culture of creativity in the office. Over the last few years, some of our best work has come from our South office and I’m really excited to work with Menaka to push us to newer heights.”

  • ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ Season 2 premieres

    The second season of ‘Duologue with Barun Das’, premiers on CTV channel, News9 Live featuring an impressive line-up of  guests.

    Commenting on the second season, Barun Das said: “Duologue Season 2 is a testament to the power of conversations that may change lives. Where Season 1 was more about the people, Season 2 is more about ideas – an exchange of philosophies and worldviews. I am thrilled to continue this journey of enlightenment and inspiration, inviting viewers to join us on News9 Live for an unforgettable experience.”

    According to a communique, some of the guests invited on Season 2 include actor Allu Arjun (airing scheduled on May 18),  goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, spiritual guru Deepak Chopra, golfer Jeev Milkha Singh and film-maker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

    Added Amar Sinha, the Chief Operating Officer of the presenting sponsor Radico Khaitan.”The thought-provoking conversations on Duologue with Barun Das offer Radico Khaitan a valuable opportunity to connect with a diverse audience. Engaging in meaningful discussions enhances our brand visibility and exemplifies our values, creating a positive brand association. This exposure contributes to increased brand recognition, loyalty, and consumer trust, fortifying Radico Khaitan’s reputation and market presence. We are honoured to collaborate with the insightful Barun Das, whose dynamic style adds an extra layer of charm to this meaningful partnership.”

  • Mahindra collaborates with Santanu Hazarika and Nought One

    Mahindra & Mahindra has  teamed up with artists Santanu Hazarika and Abhishek Paatni of Nought One to showcase a  streetwear collection that draws inspiration from the design and colours of the Mahindra XUV 3XO.

    Said Pratap Bose, Chief Design and Creative Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd: “Today, we are  excited to showcase a collection that brings together our passion for innovation across our authentic  SUV range with the dynamic world of fashion. The new XUV 3XO is the latest expression of Mahindra’s  HEARTCORE Design philosophy. Designed to stand out from the crowd, the XUV 3XO takes the  premium compact SUV to new heights of Design, Technology, and Innovation. This collection not only  reflects the bold and distinctive features of the XUV 3XO but also complementsthe lifestyle and values  of our younger consumers. Through this collaboration with Santanu and Nought One, whose work is  always at the cutting edge of design and fashion, we are reaching out to new audiences and exploring  new forms of expression.”

    Added Santanu Hazarika and Abhishek Paatni: “We are thrilled to partner with Mahindra on this  unique project. This collaboration with the XUV 3XO is a perfect blend of our streetwear aesthetic with  the standout design of this modern SUV. It’s an exciting challenge to translate automotive innovation  into fashion, and we believe our customers will appreciate the creativity and authenticity behind each  piece. This partnership reflects futuristic, functional clothing which blends with the aesthetics of the  new age and a progressive future.”

  • IOAA statement on Ghatkopar hoarding tragedy

    At long last an industry association representing the marketing services sector has spoken up, even if it’s after a week. It may be noted that when the agency involved with the Ghaktopar hoarding crash was referred to in reports, it was called an ad agency, thereby tainting the entire sector. We were hoping someone will speak up, and even as many in the trade expressed shock, we were hoping that the

    Here’s the statement from The India Outdoor Advertising Association (IOAA), signed by its President, Pawan Bansal:

    On behalf of the India Outdoor Advertising Association (IOAA) and its members, we wish to express our deep sorrow over the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of life following the collapse of a billboard at a petrol station in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. This event has deeply affected us, and our thoughts are with the families enduring this painful time.

    The IOAA has consistently advocated for strict adherence to local regulations and safety standards concerning the installation of hoardings. We prioritize safety and diligently promote compliance among our members.

    In response to this incident, the IOAA fully supports the initiatives undertaken by the Maharashtra Government and the BMC to audit and regulate hoarding structures throughout the city. We are committed to assisting in these efforts to ensure such a tragedy does not occur again.

    We are determined to work closely with all relevant authorities to enhance safety measures and regulatory compliance. We appreciate the ongoing support and understanding of the community as we strive to make necessary improvements.

  • Samsung launches ‘Back to Campus’ campaign

    Samsung, consumer electronics brand, announced offers on select Galaxy Book, Galaxy Tab and Galaxy smartphone devices as part of its ‘Back to Campus’ campaign.

    Said Aditya Babbar, Vice President, MX Business, Samsung India: “Today’s youngsters are confident go-getters who need technology that enables them not just to learn more but to do more and be more. With our new ‘Back to Campus’ campaign, we are committed to democratising the connected power of Samsung Galaxy ecosystem for students across India.  It’s time for the new generation of Galaxy users to make their dreams come true and show the world how it’s done.”

  • Bata collaborates with EaseMyTrip.com

    As part of the summer holiday season, fuelled by a surge in demand for travel, Bata India has unveiled its latest 9 to 9 collection And  a ‘Try and Fly’ offer in association with Ease My Trip.com.

    The ‘9 to 9’ collection features a range of fashionable, all-occasion footwear to keep you in style from 9 AM to 9 PM as you travel this holiday season. Inspired by global trends, the range features semi-casual shoes for a smooth transition from laid-back explorations to fancy dinners, picture-perfect heels, casual sandals for a beach vacation and latest style sneakers to complement the excitement of your adventures. Featuring Europe-inspired styles, the collection seamlessly blends fashion and comfort for an effortless and stylish travel experience.

    Speaking on the campaign, Badri Beriwal, Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer, Bata India, said: “At Bata India, we believe in bringing the best of styles to our consumers, this holiday season, we have packed our latest collection with a unique offering of ‘Try and Fly.’ We are confident that our customers are going to be delighted by the launch of the latest Europe inspired styles at our stores and on Bata.com. With this proposition, we want to give everyone a chance to fly to their dream destination.”

    Speaking on the collaboration, EaseMyTrip Spokesperson, Nishant Pitti, CEO and Co-founder EaseMyTrip added: “We are excited to partner with Bata India for the ‘Try and Fly’ campaign. This partnership brings together the joy of trying on stylish footwear and the thrill of winning international trips. Travel is about experiences, and this campaign brings the joy of exploration right to the store.  We are thrilled to be a part of this remarkable initiative and look forward to seeing the excitement it brings to travellers nationwide.”

  • Leo Burnett Mumbai figures in One Show APAC Top 10

    Based on point totals for wins in The One Show 2024 announced last week during Creative Week in New York, Dentsu Inc. Tokyo is APAC Agency of the Year and #9 globally in The One Show 2024 Global Creative Rankings.

    The Top 10 agencies in APAC are as follows:

    The One Show 2024 Asia Pacific Agency Rankings

    Dentsu Inc. Tokyo

    The Monkeys Sydney

    VML Australia Melbourne

    M&C Saatchi Sydney

    TBWA\Hakuhodo Inc. Tokyo

    KMCgroup Tokyo

    Leo Burnett India Mumbai

    SIX Inc. Tokyo

    Leo Burnett Taiwan Taipei

    10.VML Singapore

    Other One Show 2024 APAC rankings leaders include:

    APAC Independent Agency: Howatson+Company Sydney

    APAC Production Company: Airbag Sydney/Melbourne

    APAC Design Firm: T-Change Design Studio Nanjing

    Globally, FCB New York is the world’s top-ranked agency this year, with Rethink Toronto coming in as the leading independent agency.

    Highlights of The One Show 2024 Global Creative Rankings are as follows (click the category links to view the full list for each):

    Agency Rankings

      1. FCB New York
      2. Rethink Toronto
      3. McCann New York
      4. Marcel Paris
      5. TBWA\Media Arts Lab Los Angeles
      6. FCB Chicago
      7. Ogilvy PR New York, Publicis Conseil Paris (tie)
      8. Dentsu Inc. Tokyo
      9. FCB Canada Toronto

    Agency Network Rankings

    1. FCB Global
    2. Ogilvy Group
    3. McCann Worldgroup

    Agency Holding Company Rankings

    1. Interpublic Group
    2. WPP
    3. Publicis Groupe

    Highest Ranked Work

    1. “Dreamcaster” by FCB New York with 456 Studios New York for AB InBev, Michelob ULTRA
    2. “WoMen’s Football” by Marcel Paris with Les Artisans du Film Paris and Prodigious Paris for Orange
    3. “ADLaM” by McCann New York for Microsoft
  • Mindshare appoints Kalyan Undinty to head ecommerce

    Mindshare has announced the appointment of Kalyan Undinty as Head of Ecommerce. He was until recently Global Ecommerce Director at Reckitt.

    Said Amin Lakhani, CEO, Mindshare – South Asia: ” His extensive experience in building and scaling ecommerce businesses will help us innovate and deliver exceptional results for our clients. As brands embark on a journey of growth and transformation, we want to help them leverage the power of e-commerce to redefine strategies and drive tangible value for them. Together, we will chart new territories, elevate customer experiences in the ever-evolving realm of digital commerce.”

    Added Undinty: “It’s an exciting opportunity to explore new avenues and create transformative experiences, driving sustainable growth in the e-commerce ecosystem. Together, we’ll utilize data-driven insights, consumer-centric strategies, and cutting-edge technology to surpass our clients’ and consumers’ expectations. I’m excited to join the team and help shape Mindshare’s ecommerce agenda.”