MxMIndia

Author: Our Staff

  • For the young and dynamic customers

    Yamaha launches Version 4.0 brand campaign

    India Yamaha Motor (IYM) launched the version 4 of its flagship brand campaign, reinforcing its premium positioning in the Indian two-wheeler market. The campaign slogan – ‘Hear the Call Now’ is a progression of the previous one – ‘Have You Heard the Call?’ and targeted towards reaching out to new motorcycle riders who are coming of age, adding to their aspirations for Yamaha products.

    Said Eishin Chihana, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies: “At Yamaha, we are extremely proud of extending the joy of motorcycling to Indian consumers through our impeccable product portfolio and immersive ownership experience over the years. We are streamlining our strategies to the unique needs of the youth of today. By introducing the 4th edition of ‘The Call of The Blue’ brand campaign, we are reinforcing our brand values by inspiring young afficionados to awaken the rider within them. We are confident that this new version will be a success and will help in strengthening our position in this dynamic market, while also differentiating us from others.”

  • Partnership to amplify brand

    Illustrake gets digital mandate for Overlays

    Illustrake, a full-stack D2C enabler, has been awarded the digital mandate for Overlays Clothing, the fashion brand founded by Shlok Srivastava.

    Said Mihir Gadhvi, Founder and CEO of Illustrake: “We are thrilled to partner with Overlays Clothing. Having previously worked in this category, we have gained insights into the market dynamics, and we are ready to position the brand for its target audience in a way that resonates with their preferences.”

    Added Muskan Singhaniya, Brand Manager at Overlays Clothing: “In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is crucial for any brand. We are confident that Illustrake’s expertise will help us reach new heights by connecting with our audience in innovative ways. This partnership is a significant step forward for Overlays Clothing as we look to strengthen our brand’s digital footprint and engage with customers on a more personal level.”

  • Featuring brand ambassador MS Dhoni

    Single.Id unveils its latest campaign

    Single.id, a cross-reward-programme-identifier for every payment card, operated by Enigmatic Smile, has rolled out its latest campaign featuring its brand ambassador Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

    Said Bish Smeir, CEO of Enigmatic Smile: “We’ve upped the ante this year and  doubled down on our partnership with MS Dhoni in this campaign. Everyone had so much fun making it. We hope we’ll have you all singing along to the catchy jingle. Through this campaign,  we wish to spread the message across India that whatever you want, you can “Get it free with Single.id.”

  • Marking its second acquisition in the Influencer Marketing Space

    Wondrlab acquires OPA

    Wondrlab, the creative agency-led martech network, has acquired OPA, an influencer marketing platform. This marks Wondrlab’s second strategic acquisition in the influencer marketing space and its sixth overall.  OPA, collaborates with over 300,000 influencers and 500+ brands including Nykaa, Vero Moda, Purplle, Sugar, Plum, etc

    Said Saurabh Varma, Founder & CEO of Wondrlab Network: “We are super excited to welcome OPA to the Wondrlab family. We remain extremely bullish about the creator economy and believe that mid-funnel and driving engagement will be critical for every brand.”

    Added Rupansh Goyal, Co-Founder of OPA: “Wondrlab is a team of heavy hitters in the marketing landscape. We are incredibly excited to join forces with them. Their unparalleled expertise in scaling businesses and our technology create an ideal partnership. We’re confident that we’ll unlock new opportunities for brands and influencers, driving even more impactful collaborations. This collaboration truly feels like a perfect match, and we’re eager to see where it will take us.”

  • To advance responsible advertising

    ASCI joins the ICAS Global thinktank

    The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) is the founding member of the recently launched thinktank of The International Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (ICAS). This initiative is dedicated to fostering self-regulatory engagement, critical thinking, and research to advance responsible advertising worldwide.

    The launch event, held in New York yesterday, marked the beginning of a new platform whose goal is to ensure that a wide range of stakeholders – advertising standards bodies (self-regulatory organisations), industry leaders, academic institutions, and other key players – can have a voice and participate in a collective effort to improve advertising practices. Initially, ICAS will focus on pressing issues like sustainability and the responsible use of AI, with plans to address additional topics as the Think Tank grows in capacity and becomes fully operational.

    Said ICAS President Guy Parker: “We’re truly excited to launch the ICAS Global Think Tank. We’re confident it will provide the platform we need to address some of the most pressing issues facing the advertising sector today, generating insights that will help inform evidence-based policymaking, elevate ad standards and ultimately benefit people and communities worldwide. We are delighted that many associations and companies have already committed to supporting this initiative, and we look forward to welcoming even more members and stakeholders to the Think Tank in the months and years ahead.”

    Added Manisha Kapoor, CEO & Seceretary General, ASCI and ICAS Vice President: “ASCI via its ASCI Academy is very honored to be a founding member of the ICAS Global Think Tank. As issues around advertising regulation get more complex, it is important that we all put together our minds and resources to support this initiative. We look forward to meaningful discussions and outcomes that will help build consumer trust and confidence in brands and advertising.”

    This initiative is aligned with ASCI Academy’s work on thought leadership. The other founding members and supporters of the Global Think Tank, include self-regulatory organisations, industry associations and industry members such as:

    ASCI will work with other partners to discuss and debate new ideas and best practices that will prove beneficial to the industry and strengthen consumer protection.

  • Revamps brand image

    BL Agro launches Nourish Pulses TVC

    BL Agro, the FMCG brand, launched a new television commercial (TVC) for Nourish Pulses. The TVC was premiered on the opening day of World Food India 2024. The TVC is conceptualised and produced by Leads Brand Connect, a creative agency headquartered in Noida.

    Said Ashish Khandelwal, Managing Director of BL Agro: “We wanted to bring a shift in the brand image of Nourish and make it stand out – for the superior quality and the practical convenience. Our special zipper-lock packaging ensures that pulses stay fresh without the need for additional storage. It’s a smart and practical solution for today’s busy households.”

    Added Richa Khandelwal, Managing Director of Leads Brand Connect, and the creative force behind the TVC: “Consumers are becoming more conscious about what they eat, and Nourish Pulses fit perfectly into that mindset. Our goal was to create an ad that presented the same. We wanted it to connect with the audience on a personal level. So, we conceptualised a relatable story that highlighted how Nourish Pulses deliver convenience, quality, and nutrition—all at an affordable price. The packaging innovation is at the heart of this message, and we’re proud to have brought that vision to life for BL Agro.”

  • To boost its trajectory

    Nazara Technologies raises funds

    Nazara Technologies Limited, the diversified gaming and sports media company, announced its largest fund raise to boost its growth trajectory. The company’s board has approved a preferential equity issue to raise INR 900 crores, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. This capital infusion will, as per a communique, fuel strategic acquisitions, fund business expansion, and enhance the company’s ability to seize new growth opportunities.

    Said Nitish Mittersain, CEO & Jt MD of Nazara Technologies Limited: “Nazara has demonstrated its ability to attract top-tier investors who believe in our long-term vision of establishing India’s first globally respected gaming powerhouse. This INR 900 crores fundraise will be instrumental in accelerating our growth across key segments. Additionally, increasing our stake to 91% in Absolute Sports (Sportskeeda) reinforces our leadership in the sports media landscape. The growth of Absolute Sports, from its early days as a startup to becoming a global media player, underscores our commitment to supporting innovative teams that consistently deliver transformational growth.”

  • Started by Rafi Q Khan and Rohan Srinivasan

    PR captains launch Compass Communications

    Public relations industry seniors Rafi Q Khan and Rohan Srinivasan have joined hands to launch an independent communications consulting firm, Compass Communications.

    Headquartered in Delhi NCR, Compass Communications is a full-service agency and will provide end-to-end services and training to clients seeking senior counsel. Currently, the Compass team has under a dozen consultants and the agency works with affiliates across the country.

    Said Khan announcing the launch: “Our team’s diverse backgrounds and experience of working across leading global MNCs, listed companies and start-ups, means we’re flexible and agile to ensure our operations and team are aligned with our client’s needs from the start. We simply aim to be the ‘Compass’ that guides and delivers on our clients’ communication objectives for optimal business impact.”

    Added Srinivasan: “We’ve already managed to sign up brands across diverse sectors such as Auto, Consumer, HR, Education, Real Estate and Technology. At our core, we will be true to ensuring our clients get the best of both worlds—an agency that implements and understands global best practices and yet appreciates what it takes to deliver results locally.”

  • For its quick commerce revolution

    Criteo powers Swiggy’s offsite retail media

    Criteo, the commerce media company, has partnered with Swiggy to power its offsite retail media campaigns. The collaboration will bring Criteo’s advanced technology to help Swiggy and brands drive full-funnel marketing outcomes outside of the Swiggy website.

    Commenting on the partnership, Amitkumar Banka, Head of Growth Marketing, Swiggy, said: “Quick commerce is growing rapidly in India, with a 77% YoY growth, and is expected to continue growing at a rate of 40-45%[1]. Our partnership with Criteo will allow our partner brands and non-endemic brands to reach and engage with quick commerce shoppers across the open internet.” Kashish Vasandani, Director Growth, Swiggy, adds, “The success stories with Kellogg’s and other CPG brands showcase the effectiveness of Criteo’s retail media capabilities that can unlock value for all players in the advertising ecosystem.”

    Added Medhavi Singh, Country Head, India at Criteo: “Criteo has a leading market footprint in retail media, including 65% of the top 30 retailers in the Americas and 50% of the top 30 in EMEA, and we are broadening our retail media presence in India and APAC. We are proud to partner with Swiggy, one of the leaders in the quick commerce space, to power their offsite retail media campaigns to further scale in the industry. As the needs for retail media in India grow rapidly, Criteo’s retail media solutions powered by its advanced AI and commerce data enable businesses to make informed decisions and optimise media planning for better results in one unified platform.”

  • Into Dharana, a luxury retreat

    Landor creates new identity for Hilton Shillim resort

    Landor, the brand specialist, has re-imagined a new brand identity for Dharana, a luxury retreat nestled in the serene surroundings of Shillim. Formerly known as Hilton Shillim Resort & Spa, Dharana is a premium resort not very far from Pune.

    Commending Landor for crafting the new brand identity for Dharana, Gavin de Souza, Managing Director, Writer Realty said: “We are incredibly proud of the exceptional work done by the team at Landor in shaping the new brand identity for Dharana. The design perfectly encapsulates our vision for Dharana as facilitating holistic well-being, where guests can immerse themselves in nature and experience personal growth and rejuvenation. The intricate details in the design reflect our commitment to providing a tailored wellness experience for each guest, nurturing a deep connection with the ecosystem and the true essence of nature. We believe this new brand identity truly reflects Dharana’s prestige as a luxury wellness brand, offering our guests a perfect blend of peace, tranquillity, and interconnectedness.”

    Speaking further on Dharana’s new brand identity, Ronita Mukerjee, Executive Director – Client Services, Landor India said: “Our objective with the new brand identity for Dharana was to explore the concept of well-being through a vibrant, engaging, and unique visual representation that embodies a transformative journey, harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit. The narrative of the brand centres on the theme of ‘The Journey to Conscious Being,’ which highlights wellness as a continuous evolution, offering various pathways at Dharana.”

  • To amplify its digital footprint and enhance its e-commerce initiatives

    Spicetree Design Agency wins mandate for Jass Perfumes

    Spicetree Design Agency (SDA) has been appointed as the digital and e-commerce partner for Jass Perfumes. In this alliance, SDA will amplify Jass Perfumes’ digital footprint and enhance its e-commerce initiatives through a comprehensive suite of services.

    Said Shiraz Khan, Founder of Spicetree Design Agency, on the partnership: “Jass Perfumes resonates with a contemporary audience that values social connections and believes in positively impacting the world. We are excited to collaborate with Jass Perfumes to create a digital experience that captures the essence of their brand and connects with their target audience.”

  • This is in honour of the late Anant Rangaswami, the advertising/media professional and journalist who passed away in May 2022

    Miami Ad School announces The Anant Rangaswami Scholarship

    The Miami Ad School has announces the Anant Rangaswami Scholarship, a two-year programme worth Rs 50 lakh. This is in honour of the late Anant Rangaswami, the advertising/media professional and journalist who passed away in May 2022.

    This prestigious scholarship offers an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring creative talents to join Miami Ad School’s portfolio course in copywriting and art direction, starting 15 October 2024.

    The programme includes a one-year international internship with over 100 global companies and agencies, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with organiations such as Google, Meta, Apple, Coca-Cola, Spotify, Disney, and Netflix. Additionally, agencies like Leo Burnett, Ogilvy, Saatchi & Saatchi, Gut, Wieden+Kennedy, McCann, and BBDO, will also be participating in this initiative.

    Miami Ad School, known for being the world’s most awarded school according to the Gunn Report, is celebrated for excellence in advertising across disciplines such as design, writing, brand strategy, and digital innovation. In 2022, the school also claimed the Future Lions School of the Year title at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

    Speaking about the scholarship, Prabhakar Mundkur, Advisory Director, Miami Ad School, said: “Anant Rangaswami, veteran journalist and darling of the advertising industry has left an indelible mark on all of us.  His career was a blazing trail of meeting all the advertising giants. He could place a call as easily to Sir Martin Sorrell as he could to Piyush Pandey and he was equally comfortable with both of them. In his memory, The Miami Ad School is offering a INR 50 lakh scholarship for their next portfolio course in copywriting and art direction starting October 15, 2024. Only incidentally Anant was also on the Advisory Board of Miami Ad School and therefore it is appropriate that the school acknowledges his contribution. The Miami Ad School is at the heart of advertising and marketing in 15 countries around the world.”

    Applications for the scholarship will close on September 30, 2024.