By A Correspondent
Celebrating India’s greatest design thinkers, practitioners and educators from established businesses to emerging practices, the India Story Design Awards presented Elephant Design with an award in the Packaging Design category for its work on Paper Boat
Pune-based Elephant Design had helped shape the packaging design for the popular soft drinks brand – right from contributing to its name, story, packaging structure, brand and visual identity.
By A Correspondent
Vizeum, the full-service media agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, has launched a media consultancy service in India in an attempt to help mainstream media companies adapt and transform for the new-age digital ecosystem.
Named Binary, this latest service from the Vizeum stable, aims to bridge the gap and provide the right mix between the old world learnings and new-age solutions.
Binary will cover customizable and dynamic modules under two key areas – the Transition and the Transformation roadmap.
“In this age of media disruption, the mainstream media companies have no option but to transform. The new milieu is unlike what we have experienced in the past and needs a fresh perspective. The consumer-media interface is at a tipping point even as the youth of India continue to consume news and content through newer platforms. Clearly, the need to have and follow a transformation roadmap is but inevitable. And yet, few companies have one,†says Shripad Kulkarni, MD, Vizeum India.
“There is still time and opportunity for mainstream media to capitalize on their strengths. But it needs a ‘refresh’ strategy to be absolutely relevant to Young India and to the digital brands that target them. The transition must be consistent and lead them into a Transformation Vision Roadmap,†he added.
Binary Transition will cover the four modules – RevenueMax (New Age Pricing and Sales Strategies for revenue maximisation) True 3600 (Holistic, Marcom Strategy to be relevant in the new milieu), Trainware (Getting the team trained and ready for the New Age challenges) and Sales Assist (Technology based real time sales support).
Binary Transform covers the sequential modules – Digital Audit, Content Strategy, “The New Company†and Strategic Road Map for Digital Transformation.
By A Correspondent
Media services conglomerate GroupM has announced that it is consolidating its central resources and dividing them into two groups—investment and platform services.
The investment group, which includes the network-level ad-buying team that negotiates with ad sellers and houses buying resources like research, will be overseen by Lyle Schwartz (more on him later), while Phil Cowdell, CEO of Mediacom North America, will move into a new role overseeing platform services. The platform services group will incorporate most digital operations, including GroupM’s search and social group Catalyst, data and analytics resources, and the network’s programmatic buying group that offers disclosure on agency and media costs.
The new regime at WPP PLC’s GroupM is indeed making big changes to its central ad-buying group as it prepares for a future in which more media is consumed digitally and ad deals are more reliant on data and technology than handshakes. Rino Scanzoni, the GroupM ad-buying veteran, said to influence tens of billions in media spending each year, is moving out of his role as North America chief investment officer. He will become Executive Chairman and CEO of GroupM’s addressable TV group, Modi Media, as well as its barter group, Midas Exchange, which essentially helps companies trade distressed assets for media inventory.
Schwartz, GroupM’s managing partner for research and marketplace analysis, is becoming president of investment in North America, taking on media buying and negotiation responsibilities across TV, digital, radio, print and local media. Schwartz has worked closely with Scanzoni, but is known more for his experience in research and analytics than TV network negotiations, notes a communiqué.
By A Correspondent
The 2017 edition of Adfest, one of the first international advertising festivals, has unveiled its identity. The twentieth anniversary edition of Adfest will be held in Pattaya in Thailand from March 22 to 25, 2017.
The icon has been created by Dentsu, Tokyo. Inspired by the roots of a tree or plant, the identity tells the story of Adfest’s evolution over two decades and brings to life next year’s theme, ‘20 Years of Diversity’.
“In 1998, a seedling named Adfest was planted in one of the most diverse continents in the world. Its purpose was to nurture and celebrate creative talent across Asia,†explains Yoshihiro Yagi, Group Creative Director at Dentsu Inc. in Tokyo. According to Yagi, the idea of comparing Adfest’s origins to the roots of a tree came from interviewing farmers in Japan. “I spoke to some very interesting farmers who grow apples that do not seem to go rotten, even for as long as a year. It became apparent to me that to grow a good apple – while it is important for the leaves, branches, and trunk of the apple tree to be strong – the roots actually have an extremely important function. Similarly, when we talk about the growth of people and businesses, we tend to look at their appearance. But I learned how elements that can’t be seen from the outside are absolutely vital for growth. I thought about this in connection with ADFEST, and kept this idea in mind over the course of the project.â€
Adfest 2017 is scheduled to hold two separate programmes: Craft@Adfest, which runs on March 22 and 23 and Creative@Adfest will run on March 24 and 25.
– UK advertising is set to see the eighth successive year of growth, despite the short-term effect of the EU referendum (aka Brexit), with predicted growth up from 6.3% to 7.2% for 2016, and from 5.8% to 7.2% for 2017. This increase in spending takes the industry to an investment of £18.8 billion in 2017, according to the latest media and marketing forecast figures from leading media services conglomerate GroupM.
GroupM’s outlook for traditional media advertising has deteriorated slightly, from -1.1% to -2.6% for 2016 and from +0.5% to -1.4% in 2017. The predicted ad market share for pure-play digital has consequently risen by a point to 52% in 2016 and then up 3 more points 55% in 2017. The UK remains among the most digital-centric advertising markets in the world, notes a GroupM communiqué.
GroupM has found that digital display demand continues to rise strongly with a +15% rise predicted for 2017, particularly into social media, and, within digital, from static to video. The largest driver is paid search which is accelerating again. It benefits from rising automation, geo-targeting capabilities and the point of sale immediacy of mobile for performance-minded advertising. GroupM’s forecast for the year ahead is continued strong growth in search, which maximises automation and technology. ‘Search’ embraces YouTube’s substantial AdWords trade.
For the first time, GroupM offers an analysis of the aggregate digital advertising investment it manages for its UK clients. This includes paid search which differs to the IAB’s analysis which only includes details on display. GroupM now invests approximately the same amount in digital advertising as in TV (linear and VOD), and half of GroupM’s digital investment is automated, up from 40% in a year.
GroupM UK’s digital investment by venue in Q2 2016 vs Q2 2015:
Today, five advertising categories stand out as being important for TV but relatively light on digital. These are: Cosmetics & Personal Care; Food; Retail; Household Equipment & DIY; and Leisure Equipment. These five together comprise a third of UK TV ad investment, or £1.5 billion. Pure-play online advertising is by contrast approaching £10 billion. GroupM predicts that pure play digital vendors will target these categories more aggressively in future.
“The effect of the future EU exit on the UK economy is unknown, but the short-term impact was negligible. To our own surprise, we are revising UK advertising growth up from 6.3% to 7.2% for 2016, and from 5.8% to 7.2% for 2017,†said Adam Smith, Futures Director, GroupM.
“The main driver that we have seen is paid search accelerating again. It benefits from rising automation and the immediacy needed for mobile and performance-minded advertising. We expect digital display advertising to continue growing by 18% in 2016 and 15% in 2017. The ambition of pure play digital vendors to conquer TV territory and categories will be hard-won, but today’s undisputed winner is pure-play digital”
“We continue to support advertiser investments in digital campaigns by investing in the data and technology resources needed to inform and efficiently execute these campaigns. Of course, this is crucial as more media become digital, addressable and available in real time,†said Nick Theakstone, CEO, GroupM United Kingdom.  “However, it is also important that advertisers not abandon top of the marketing funnel activities for creating brand awareness, like TV, with over-investment in digital. We are advising careful consideration in balancing investments to ensure support of long-term brand growth.â€
By A Correspondent
IBD India, a Percept Company, has retained the integrated communications mandate of Grauer & Weil India Ltd.  Grauer & Weil India Ltd. has retained IBD as its communication agency for managing the integrated communications portfolio for Growel’s101.
IBD’s scope of work encompasses developing a holistic marcomm plan in tune with the vision and marketing objectives for Growels. This includes brand campaigns across ATL and BTL mediums, B2B campaigns targeting the ATL and associated media, tactical campaigns to increase footfalls and trading density, environmental graphics and designs within the mall, print campaigns, brand campaigns and trade centric (B2B) campaign redefining the imagery of the brand and event identity communication andcollaterals throughout the year.
Commenting on the account win, Rahul Gupta, Managing Director, IBD said, “Grauer & Weil India Ltd, is one of our most prestigious associations and we take great pride in being the agency of choice for the fourth consecutive year. This comes with a lot of responsibility and we are committed to do good work that creates more value for the brand.â€
By A Correspondent
As the big fat Indian wedding becomes an area of focus for luxury hotel chains, Marriott India takes a refreshing route on clichéd wedding promotions. OgilvyOne Worldwide Mumbai creates a film that highlights the beauty of its properties against a moving story that explores the emotional bond between a bride and her father.
With branded video content being churned out faster than one can blink, the film is a timely reminder that few things are as moving as raw human emotions.
Commenting on the campaign, Khushnooma Kapadia, Director – Marketing & Communications, Marriott International, said: “The Marriott brand has been built on a philosophy of utmost thought and care towards our customers. And nowhere is this attitude more evident than when we host weddings. This film isn’t merely about showcasing our properties and services. It is about helping customers realise the occasion means as much to us, as it does to them.â€
Burzin Mehta, Group Creative Director, OgilvyOne said: “Very few occasions in life are as emotionally charged as weddings. And that’s what drove the creative thinking behind this piece of work. The film uses the magnificence of the Marriott as a backdrop to capture the special relationship between a bride and her father. And in doing so, brings alive the values of the brand in a subtle but memorable way.â€
By A Correspondent
The indefatigable Arun Nanda is at it again. The Rediffusion Y&R Chairman and Managing Director has written an open letter to former Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry asking him not to misrepresent facts about his agency. “Please do not place selective facts about us to suit your narrative before the media and the public,†he writes, adding: “Our reputation has been built over 43 years and I will not allow it to be tarnished in any manner whatsoever.â€
So Arun Nanda ko gussa kyun aata hai? What irks the big boy of adland? Well, there have been a few reports that have appeared recently mentioning him. Like this one in The Economic Times: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/55435946.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
By A Correspondent
It’s been discussed for a while in A&M circles. There is said to have been a loose arrangement already in existence. And now it’s official.
Omnicom Media Group-owned agency OMD has entered into a partnership with Omnicom-owned DDB Mudra Group in India to consolidate its media services under the OMD brand. As per the agreement, the current media business of DDB (TV, Print, Radio, and Cinema and Digital) will get rebranded as OMD MudraMax. The consolidation will allow for operational synergy resulting in enhanced levels of client service excellence. The arrangement is effective immediately.
Commenting on the development, Jasmin Sohrabji, CEO India and SEA of Omnicom Media Group, said: “The combined power of the consolidation will add significant scale to our operations in India and help us to strengthen our offering for the benefit of our clients. DDB Mudra being a part of the Omnicom family is aligned to OMD’s culture which makes for a seamless transition. I am delighted to welcome OMD MudraMax into the OMD fold and confident that this partnership will help us navigate the complexity of the Indian market with ease, efficiency and solidify the presence of our network, here.â€
Under the consolidation, OMD MudraMax will be headed by Sathyamurthy N P, Executive Director, DDB Mudra Group and President and Head DDB MudraMax, Media and function as an additional local brand in the OMD network with access to the network efficiencies, learnings and tools such as Vision (live operating system designed to drive business growth not just media results) of the OMD global network.
“This is a great opportunity to create an integrated media brand to take on the expanding Indian market. The synergies of both the entities will allow room for further innovation in terms of ideas, insights and results leading to more meaningful brand and consumer connections. The OMD MudraMax team is looking forward to working with the OMD team to create a massive success story,†said Madhukar Kamath, Group CEO and Managing Director DDB Mudra Group.
“Both regionally and globally – India is an essential market, in every sense of that word, and one which is continuing to evolve and grow at pace. Our evolution and growth as OMD in India likewise continues to gather momentum. With that in mind this partnership with DDB MudraMax will both add to our scale and further strengthen our presence, and I’m delighted that we can make this announcement,†added Stephen Li, CEO, OMD APAC.
By A Correspondent
Anand Halve, co-founder, Chlorophyll, passed away earlier today. Said Kiran Khalap, MD and co-founder of Chlorophyll: “The Chlorophyll community grieves the untimely death of its cofounder, father of brand planning in India & friend to millions: Anand Halve.”
In the industry since 1977, Halve, as note on his website says had a left-brain that of a management professional, while his right-brain embraces shayari (Urdu poetry)
A student of Pune’s Bishop’s School and the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Halve worked with Lintas and later Enterprise Nexus before co-founding Chlorophyll.
This is what his profile on LinkedIn reads:
:: IIMA postgraduate by education; brand consultant by profession; teacher at heart; and Hindustani poet in spirit. His journey as co-founder of chlorophyll brand & communications consultancy, Mumbai has been featured in the book on IIMA alumni entrepreneurs, ‘Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish’
:: Continues to share his experiences and thinking on brands as visiting faculty at MICA (Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad), IIMA, and SP Jain Institute, Mumbai and through writings.
:: His book ‘Planning for Power Advertising’ (2005) is teaching material in several management schools, Ê»adkatha: The story of Indian advertisingʼ (co-authored), was released at the AdAsia conference in Delhi in November, 2011. His latest book, ‘Darwin’s Brands’ was released in early 2012.
MSLGroup India, the Publicis Group’ strategic communications and engagement firm, has announced the elevation of Amrit Ahuja & Viju George as Managing Directors of 20:20 MSL and Publicis Consultants Asia respectively. Meanwhile, Chetan Mahajan has left the group Amit Misra has also been elevated as CEO of MSLGroup’s India operations. It may be recalled that both Misra and Mahajan were appointed co-MDs in November 2014.
Ahuja who heads the Technology Practice for MSL in Asia, has been promoted to lead 20:20 MSL as Managing Director, effective December 1. Also, Publicis Consultants Asia will now operationally work as an individual brand. George has been elevated to head Publicis Consultants Asia as Managing Director, also effective December 1. Ahuja and Viju fill the roles vacated by Mahajan, who is leaving the firm after 18 years to pursue opportunities outside of Publicis Groupe.
Making the announcement, MSLGroup India CEO, Amit Misra said: “Amrit and Viju are fantastic colleagues with whom I have had the privilege of working over the past three-odd years. Their knowledge of the industry, market and understanding of our strategic regional and global vision are key assets that our clients value immensely. Under their leadership I see our brands growing from strength-to-strength,†adding: “Chetan has been a great partner and colleague. His hard work and passion to grow the firm’s business in India has been unfaltering. We thank him for his valuable contribution and wish him the very best for his future.â€
Added Glenn Osaki, MSLGroup Asia President, said, “2016 has been a banner year for MSLGroup in Asia, and India has led the way as one of our top performers globally. Amit Misra’srecent appointment as India CEO has galvanised the firm nationally and fulfilled the Publicis Groupe’s vision for the “Power of One.†Now the promotions of Amrit Ahuja and Viju George as MDs reporting directly to Amit are not only tributes to their immense talent, but also signify our commitment to a multi-brand strategy to serve the diverse needs of our clients and staff in the market.â€
It’s a list based only on income of public companies, so it may not necessarily be the last word, but the Business Insider’s list of top advertising agency executives, by way of compensation packages makes for interesting reading. The cut-off for the list is USD 2 million of annual compensation, so we would’ve seen more familiar names had we seen a list of the Top 50
This list, as per an introductory note on the BInsider website has “most of the same familiar faces from last yearâ€. And one more thing: the list only looks at ad agencies. Folks at some tech companies or even marketers who are integral part of the ecosystem don’t figure in this list.
Meanwhile, here’s the Business Insider link to the story: http://www.businessinsider.in/The-16-richest-people-in-advertising-ranked-by-income/articleshow/55601627.cms?format=slideshow
1. Sir Martin Sorrell, WPP CEO,  Compensation: $87.5 million (£70,416,000)
2. John Wren, Omnicom Group CEO, Compensation: $23,576,047
3. Michael Roth, CEO of IPG, Compensation: $14,458,102
4. Paul Richardson, WPP group finance director, Compensation: $14.3 million (£11,523,000)
5. Philip Angelastro, chief financial officer at Omnicom, Compensation: $6,255,150
6. Frank Mergenthaler, chief financial officer at IPG, Compensation: $5,603,572
7. Philippe Krakowsky, IPG chief strategy and talent officer, Compensation: $4,769,162
8. Timothy Andree, president and CEO of Dentsu Holdings USA and executive chairman of the Dentsu Aegis Network, Compensation: $4.4 million (Â¥497 million)
9. Kevin Roberts, former head coach at Publicis Groupe and executive chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi worldwide, Compensation: $4.4 million (€4,137,786)
10. Jonathan Nelson, chief executive officer of Omnicom Digital, Compensation: $3,937,950
11. Scott Kauffman, chief executive of MDC Partners, Compensation: $3,260,776
12. Michael O’Brien, general counsel and secretary at Omnicom Group, Compensation: $3,161,007
13. Maurice Lévy, Publicis Groupe CEO, Compensation: $2.99 million (€2,833,333)
14. Mark Read, global chief executive at Wunderman and CEO of WPP Digital, Compensation: $2.8 million (£2,219,000)
15. Andrew Bonzani, IPG general counsel and secretary, Compensation: $2,411,663
16. Alfonso Rodés Vilà , deputy CEO of Havas and CEO of Havas Media Group, Compensation: $2,277,474