MxMIndia

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  • The heavy vehicles business, said to be in the range of Rs25 crores, will be handled out of DDB MudraMax's Chennai office

    DDB MudraMax bags duties for Ashok Leyland

    By A Correspondent

     

    DDB MudraMax has bagged the media duties of Ashok Leyland – Heavy Vehicles. The incumbent agency was Mindshare. The size of the business is said to be in the range of Rs25 crores. This will be handled out of DDB MudraMax’s Chennai office.

     

    On choosing DDB MudraMax, Alok Saraogi, Head, Brand &Marketing Communications said: “DDB Mudra Group did a great job of viewing our business imperatives from a category, business and brand perspective and brought a refreshing view to our challenges. Their strategy is insightful and impactful and we are pleased to assign our media business to DDB MudraMax. It also helps that we consolidate all media business for the overall benefit of the group.”

     

    Sathyamurthy Namakkal
    Pratap Bose

    On the new win, Sathyamurthy Namakkal, President & Head – DDB MudraMax, Media, said: “This is a prestigious win for us.  With this alignment, DDB Mudra Max consolidates as the sole Media AOR for Ashok Leyland and we are very glad”.

     

    Pratap Bose, COO, DDB Mudra Group, added: “This win comes on the back of Ashok Leyland awarding us their LCV business last year and it is indeed gratifying that our client has reposed their faith in us again. For me, that is what I am most happy about.”

     

    Ashok Leyland is the flagship of the Hinduja Group and a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles inIndiawith a turnover of US $ 2.5 billion. Ashok Leyland has associate companies in the Czech Republic and the UAE and a joint venture in Sri Lanka, besides exports to over 30 countries worldwide.

     

    DDB MudraMax (Engagement & Experience), provides multi-specialty expertise to help build brands in the age of convergence. DDB MudraMax comprises fourteen strategic business units under four disciplines – Media, OOH, Retail and Experiential. These SBUs provide clients seamless solutions across a wide array of media touch points.

     

  • This biggest, and most credible, award function felicitates eminent personalities who have not only achieved excellence in their respective fields but have also helped to bring Bengal in the national as well as international limelight

    Sera Bangali honours 13 progressive Bengalis who said no to negativity

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    West Bengal has been a playing field for visionaries who emerged as thought leaders and have shown the way to rest of the countrymen, by just saying no to the negativity. STAR Ananda, Bengal’s leading news channel is celebrating this excellence through Sera Bangali.

     

    Sera Bangali is a pioneering effort by STAR Ananda since 2006 for Bengal is and people from West Bengal who have made their state proud through their achievement. This biggest, and most credible, award function felicitates eminent personalities who have not only achieved excellence in their respective fields but have also helped to bring Bengal in the national as well as international limelight.

     

    The awards are presented in a plethora of categories like art, film, music, education, business, science, sports and lifetime achievement. After runaway success of past 6 years, Bengal has now welcomed 2012 Sera Bangalis. The celebration was held on May 11 at Kolkata. It was a star studded event which started with a grand felicitation ceremony followed by a scintillating entertainment show.

     

    The winners of Sera Bangali 2012 in various categories:

     

    Category Awardee
    Film (Actor) Saswata Chatterjee
    Film (Direction) Srijit Mukherji
    Music Anupam Roy
    Sports Manoj Tiwari
    Sports Shakib Al Hasan
    Public Life Ruchira Gupta
    Education Sushanta Dattagupta
    Science Sumantra Chatterji
    Business Vinayak Chatterjee
    Art Lalu Prosad Shaw
    Sera Abishkar Aneek Dutta
    Lifetime Achievement Sunil Gangopadhyay
    Serar Sera Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee

     

     

    The nominees were selected following an in-depth research made by the MCCS Editorial team.

     

    Past Sera Bangal is have included luminaries like Pranab Mukherjee- Minister of Finance, Dr Muhammad Yunus- Economist and winner of Nobel Peace Prize, Sourav Ganguly, Mithun Chakraborty, Rahul Bose and Anurag Basu.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Venkatramani, CEO, MCCS said: “We have dedicated ourselves to the recognition and felicitation of those personalities who have made Bengal proud and continue to do so. Sera Bangali is the truest effort in this direction to recognize those successful Bengal is, who not only have excelled in their respective fields, but have also helped in putting Bengal is in the global arena.”

     

    The entertainment that follows the award function saw performances by distinguished artists like Kunal Ganjawala and Debojyoti Mishra.

     

    STAR Ananda plays the role of the true leader by connecting these luminaries with the people. This is in accordance with the channel’s aim of reflecting and catalyzing the growth and resurgence of Bengal and also celebrating excellence.

     

     

  • Tata Nano will leverage the online medium to treat travel enthusiasts to a 20-day, over 2000 km drive

    Tata Nano partners with MTV India for India’s first Social Road Trip

    By A Correspondent

     

    To celebrate its over 1 million fan base on Facebook, Tata Nano announced the launch ofIndia’s first Social Road Trip called, Nano Drivewith MTV, where the digital world will meet the real world. Tata Nano has partnered with MTV India to create a unique driving experience and will leverage the online medium to treat travel enthusiasts to a 20-day, over 2000 km drive.

     

    Commenting on this unique property, Delna Avari, Head – Nano Product Group, Tata Motors said: “Tata Nano is a personal mobility option for everyone. We are increasingly becoming the popular choice of mobility amongst youth – about 42 per cent of Nano owners are in the 18 to 34 age group. TheNano Drivewith MTV will enable our customers to further understand and experience the brand.”

     

    Tata Motors, MTV and Nano fans will select 4 teams for this drive. Each team will comprise 4 members and these teams will be allocated 4 different routes to be covered in 20 days. The teams will need to overcome obstacles, tasks and move up the ladder. Social media will play a vital role in this unique road trip as viewers will get a chance to vote for their favourite teams online. While the winning team will be awarded with 4 Tata Nanos, the most ardent fan also gets a chance to win a Tata Nano.

     

    In November 2011, Tata Motors introduced the Nano 2012, with a bouquet of features, further improving on its record asIndia’s most fuel efficient petrol car.

     

    With the launch of this drive, over 1 million Facebook Nano fans can look forward to a thrilling social road trip.

     

     

  • Breakthrough bottle innovation with the introduction of an all new packaging and visual identity

    Tuborg now in an exciting new avatar

    By A Correspondent

     

    As part of a global enhancement program, Tuborg has announced the launch of a new packaging and visual identity, showcasing an entirely new look, tying into Tuborg’s overall ambition of pioneering innovation in the Indian beer market. This innovation is inspired by the needs of Indian consumers and aims at giving them a global experience.

     

    Tuborg’s new visual identity showcases a refreshing look to entice consumers in a never-before-seen packaging – a bottle that adds a cool new look to its edgy appearance with an easy to hold grip. Tuborg’s tagline: “Open for fun” represents what Tuborg aspires to do – inspire its audience to being open for more and to make most of their lives and have fun.

     

    Building on the existing equities of the Tuborg name and label shape, new ideas have been added such as Tuborg’s new tilted logo. Tuborg has become the number 4 brand within 3 years of its launch. The power of its innovation, quality refreshing taste and youthful imagery has created this incredible growth story, which is unheard of in the beer industry. It was the first inIndiato introduce innovative packaging in the form of a unique pull-off cap, which lends the consumers the freedom to enjoy their drink without having to look for a bottle opener.

     

    Currently, Tuborg is the fastest growing brand in the Indian beer market and has witnessed a significant volume growth of 60 per cent (YTD April 2012 vs. YTD April 2011) and with the new visual identity, the expectations are higher.

     

    “Indiais an increasingly important market in Carlsberg’s global portfolio and we aim to give our consumers a superior quality experience. Tuborg’s new offerings not only reinforce the brand image but also emphasize our commitment to innovate. The new design will be launched acrossIndiaand we are positive that it will be an exciting new experience to our consumers,” said Soren Lauridsen, Managing Director, CarlsbergIndia.

     

    The new Tuborg packaging will be available in 330 ml and 650 ml acrossIndiaby end of May.

     

    In 1880, Tuborg Breweries was established as an export brewery in connection with a private port in a small town north of the Danish capital,Copenhagen. From the outset, its green characteristic look has been very popular with the Danes, and is the leading beer brand amongst them.

     

    Carlsberg India Pvt Ltd (CIPL) commenced operations in 2007, beginning production in Himachal Pradesh. The product portfolio of the company includes its flagship brand Carlsberg and Carlsberg Elephant, Tuborg, Tuborg Strong and Palone 8. Carlsberg India Pvt Ltd (CIPL) focuses on developing and strengthening its brand portfolio through innovation and commitment to superior quality.

     

  • Taking the leading insurance provider’s recently launched TV campaign forward into the urban outdoor space, A Comms has created yet another installation that hits the sweet spot

    A Comms creates a new ‘reality’ for Max New York Life insurance

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    The retail media network, Aurora Comms, has pushed its innovation bar even higher with its latest campaign for Max New York Life. Taking the leading insurance provider’s recently launched TV campaign forward into the urban outdoor space, A Comms has created yet another installation that hits the sweet spot.

     

    Taking over the prime ground floor area of InOrbit Mall, one of Mumbai’s most popular shopping destinations, A Comms brought to the fore some ‘augmented reality’ to create a buzz. The same was also executed at DLF Promenade in Delhi – Bringing to life the ‘devil and the insurance agent’, virtual characters from MNYL’s TV commercial, it created a square, inviting the mall’s many visitors to step into a new experience.

     

    Once someone is in the square, the devil and the agent would appear in front, thanks to cutting-edge technology. There on, the person would be prompted to punch and destroy the devil in many ways, with the agent interacting and advising too. Coupled with an exciting background score and a reality that dissolves into a virtual world, this became an engaging experience for the participant and the hundreds of onlookers.

     

    The fact that the ‘insurance company’s advisors are known for giving the right advice’ was to be communicated to the right audiences and A Comms chose a never-tried-before approach that created a dynamic, sharp and credible image of the client. Also, the activity being scheduled at major Indian metros and B towns in-sync with the TV commercial being on air means that this campaign is helping to reach out to thousands of targeted customers.

     

    On using this medium to communicate, Anisha Motwani, Director and Chief Marketing Officer said: “Max New York Life has always thought of communicating to its audience in an effective and innovative medium. The AR initiative is an extension of our new brand campaign ‘Aapke Sachche Advisor’.”

     

    Vishakha Singh, Executive Director from A Comms added: “Augmented reality has the capability to engage audience in real size yet virtual world and this is what we designed for Max New York Life consumers. We’re glad this campaign is delivering the communication to the consumers.”

     

    A Comms and MNYL have planned this activity across metros.

     

    Aurora Comms, or popularly, ‘A Comms’, isIndia’s largest retail-media network that offers shopper marketing and branding solutions at consumer touchpoints. It works closely with retail stores of all format- lifestyle, food & provisions, electronics, books, entertainment, health & fitness, eateries, multiplexes, spread over more than 300 towns. A Comms pioneered the use of LCD branding at electronic stores in metros and non metros, thereby adding a new dimension to the country’s OOH media spectrum.

  • She unveiled the brand’s new logo and its latest brand campaign – Glow Divine, in a glittering ceremony

    Katrina Kaif unveils new Nakshatra logo and new brand campaign

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    Katrina Kaif, brand ambassador of Nakshatra, the diamond jewellery brand, on Tuesday, unveiled the brand’s new logo and its latest brand campaign – Glow Divine, in a glittering ceremony at the Grand Hyatt. Also present on this occasion were Mehul Choski, CMD, Gitanjali Group, Shardah Uniyal, VP – Marketing, and Sushil Sharma, VP, International Brands, Gitanjali Group.

     

    The unveiling was a spectacular ceremony, accompanied by a soul stirring performance by singer Kavita Seth, followed by unveiling of the latest Nakshatra jewellery collection by Katrina Kaif and Mehul Choksi.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Katrina Kaif said: “As the brand ambassador for Nakshatra, it gives me immense pleasure to be a part of this momentous occasion. The introduction of a new brand identity and logo simply enhances the divinity and immortality that Nakshatra represents; making each woman feel special and divine – almost like a Goddess. I look forward to a continued great association with Nakshatra and continue to wish the brand all the very best”

     

    Enhancing the existing and emerging personality of the brand, the new campaign and identity aims to recreate the heavenly hues and the divine glow connecting the brand with the inner beauty that every woman radiates. ‘Divine Force’ is one of the key attributes of the new campaign – a fresh rendition of the “Divine Luck” philosophy associated with the brand, whereby every piece of Nakshatra jewellery carries with it an exquisite beauty that can only be described as preciously divine.

     

    The new look, feel and thought of the campaign is inspired by the perfection and inner fire that each precious piece of Nakshatra jewellery exudes. The campaign is an expression of this ethereal, goddess like divinity – a divine energy that is sparkling, precious, mesmerizing.

     

    Commenting on this rebranding initiative, Shardah Uniyal said, “It is a very proud moment for us at Gitanjali, and especially for Nakshatra. The new ethereal identity and logo lends a new dynamic and divine personality to the brand. It not only reflects but profoundly enhances the brands core values and the new avenues that we intend to venture into.”

     

    The new brand tagline, ‘Glow Divine’, is in keeping with the inner radiance that a diamond emits whilst complimenting the inner beauty that every woman radiates. Keeping in with the philosophy of “Glow Divine” the new brand logo is inspired by the popular floral Indian motif and exhibits eternal beauty and brilliance of constellation in a graphically depicted diamond cluster. The look and feel of the brand logo represents the ethereal beauty of Goddess of divine energy.

     

    Mehul Choksi, CMD, Gitanjali Group said: “The new logo and identity is yet another remarkable milestone on Nakshatra’s journey in symbolizing jewellery that is beautiful, divine and ethereal, exuding divine energy of perfect creations. It reflects all the values that have been at the core of our brand philosophy as well the vision and direction in which we aim to grow.”

     

    Nakshatra, one of the most respected jewellery brands inIndia, epitomizes jewellery that is ethereal, infinite, immortal, beautiful and radiant. The pieces are crafted around a unique set of floral designs, using the traditional seven stone cluster. First launched in 2000, as a flagship of the Diamond Trading Corporation (DTC), it was subsequently taken over by the Gitanjali Group, and has been awarded Superbrand status since 2008.

  • iPad users can now download the OLX App in the Apple Store for free and enjoy premium browsing experience and all features of OLX on their iPads

    OLX India releases its universal iOS Application for iPad and iPhone

    By A Correspondent

     

    OLX.in, the online free local classified site, has launched iPad and iPhone application (http://bit.ly/olxiosapp) to cater to the rapidly emerging internet population in India, a large portion of which are going to be mobile internet users who will access Internet on their GPRS-enabled phones and Tablets.

     

    OLX has been the pioneer in mobile classifieds space and has focused on mobile very early with the mobile OLX site available as early as 2008 and OLX mobile apps since 2009. With a growing market of over 55 million iPads globally, 60 per cent market share in Tablets and growth rates of over 150 per cent over last year, it becomes absolutely essential to provide the OLX users an app optimized for their iPads.

     

    Tapping this expanding segment of Tablets, OLX has innovated further and strengthened its online presence further with the launch of its new app in the Apple Store now optimized for the iPad, the first for any online classifieds site in India.

     

    iPad users can now download the OLX App in the Apple Store for free and enjoy premium browsing experience and all features of OLX on their iPads.

     

    “We are excited to release this new universal app to address the booming iPad market. iPad owners have now a great free app to buy and sell everything with OLX,” said Simon Berger-Perrin, VP Mobile at OLX. The new app for iPad is even compliant with the iPad with retina display which makes viewing images of products posted on OLX absolutely clear and with no blurs or distortions.

     

    Amarjit Batra, Country Manager, OLX India, elated with the launch of this app, said: “Indiais poised to become a large mobile internet market with smartphones and tablets driving the next wave of growth in Internet consumption. OLX.in is already having apps on all smart phone Operating Systems and the launch of the iPad app is a demonstration of our focus on providing Indian internet users the best classifieds experience anytime and anywhere.”

     

    With increasingMobiletransactions, it becomes important that the buyers have the option of meeting the sellers via a mobile device and vice versa. Being a Universal app, users only need to download one app and it works on both devices; iPhone or iPad. The advantage for the users who own an iPhone and an iPad is that they do not need to download 2 different apps. Even the updates for both iPhone and iPad apps happen at the same time which makes it a very convenient option for mobile users.

     

    For users wanting to experience OLX on other phones, there are also options to download the OLX Mobile app on Android, Windows, Blackberry and Nokia mobile operating systems.

     

    OLX.in, the Indian arm of OLX Inc, is the next generation of Online Free Classifieds which serves as a platform to connect buyers and sellers who wish to buy, sell, exchange or trade used goods and services, by simply posting a Free Ad on the website. OLX is present in more than 96 countries and 40 languages across the world and is available in500 cities acrossIndiawith five different languages English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Marathi.

  • Marketers choose regions as per business focus across Punjabi,Hindustan, Bangla and Telugu awards

    Marketers ride high on BIG regional music awards

    By A Correspondent

     

    The BIG Regional Music Awards, when announced recently, saw the industry and marketers alike sit up and notice. An offering from Reliance Broadcast Network’s radio division 92.7 BIG FM and intellectual property division BIG Live, the awards are tailored for the markets of Punjab, Central India, Bengal, Hyderabad, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. With the endeavour to recognize the excellence in regional music which will appeal to regional and local tastes, the company has seen some of the biggest brands from across the country associate with it.

     

    The BIG Regional Music Awards, now in its 2nd year, has the following brands come on board already and are further attracting marketers who see value in the offering:

     

    Award Sponsor
    BIG Punjabi Music Awards UKStudios: Title Sponsor
    Aircel: Powered by sponsor
    Tata Nano and Nirvana Greens: Associate sponsors
    BIGHindustanMusic Awards Tata Sumo Gold: Powered by sponsor
    Samsung Mobiles: Associate Sponsor
    BIG Bangla Music Awards Exide Batteries and Mashal Oil: Associate sponsor & vertical partner
    BIG Telugu Music Awards Bharathi Cements: Title sponsor
    Narayana: Powered by
    Nuzen: Associate sponsor

     

    With localization and regional markets being a growing focus for marketers today and with ROI being evaluated for the last buck spent, media platforms have to offer them what best meets their requirements with minimal spill-overs.

     

    92.7 BIG FM already boasts of a 45 city network, each with a distinct programming in the local language of the region – given that radio is a local medium and the ‘one shoe fits all’ formula doesn’t work. It is with this background that Reliance Broadcast went ahead and launched its regional awards, tailored for respective regions to meet focused and regional approaches of marketers.

     

    The BIG Regional Music Awards is the only regional awards platform which not only has a wide national reach but also empowers people to recognize regional musical excellence and is a true ‘people’s choice award. The awards will bring a wider reach and visibility to the brands associated thereby accelerating consumer approach.

     

    Commenting on this occasion, company spokesperson said: “We are happy to have partnered with each of these brands, each with a deep understanding of their target audiences and markets of focus. They have selected the awards basis their focus territories ensuring minimal spill-overs and local audience reach. Our multi-media approach only strengthens our offering and commitment to offer our partners optimal return on investment. We are confident to see more partners coming on board these uniquely designed awards.”

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited is a multi-media entertainment conglomerate with play across radio, television, intellectual properties and out of home. It is part of the Reliance Group and specializes in creating and executing integrated media solutions for brands.

     

  • Isobar India, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Taiwan have all been recognised for their ongoing creation of innovative solutions and apps for brands across the Facebook platform

    Isobar named Facebook’s preferred marketing developer in India

    By A Correspondent

     

    IsobarIndiahas been accepted into Facebook’s new global Preferred Marketing Developer (PMD) Programme, along with three other markets in Asia Pacific. Isobar India, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Taiwan have all been recognised for their ongoing creation of innovative solutions and apps for brands across the Facebook platform.

     

    Facebook has separated developer service providers into four possible badge qualifications; Pages, Ads, Apps, and Insights. The programme recognises companies who have built on the Facebook Platform since its launch, and those who are adept at understanding platform policy and development tools, and who have a long track record of providing Facebook-centric services to brands.

     

    Following a highly-selective application process, Isobar India has been certified in the Apps category of the PMD programme, in recognition of the agency’s innovative work for Reebok, Expedia and Philips to name a few.

     

    “We’re proud to have been accepted as a Facebook Preferred Developer and see it as recognition of the great work we’ve produced for our clients. Social media is central to our full-service offering, so we look forward to working more closely with Facebook to deliver even better solutions for our clients,” said Shamsuddin Jasani, Managing Director, Isobar India.

     

    Isobar has also been recognised as a Facebook Preferred Marketing Developer in six other markets worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Finland, Hungary, Poland, Norway and the United States.

     

    The Aegis Media India group comprises Isobar, the global communications agency with digital at its heart, Carat, the world’s largest independent media communications specialist, Vizeum, Posterscopethe global OOH sector leader, Brandscope,  Hyperspace (Retail), Carat Fresh Integrated (Activation), PSI (Airports), Doosra(Creative),and iProspect, the global leader in search and performance marketing.

     

  • What's-On-India's Social EPGs will help viewers discover shows, films, matches and documentaries that their social networks and peers are talking about as well as share common interest programs to converse about those shows

    What’s-On-India Launches Social EPG

    By A Correspondent

     

    What’s-On-India, the TV Search & EPG (Electronic Program Guide) company has announced the launch of a revolutionary new product called Social EPG. What’s-OnIndiahas integrated Facebook login on its website and is in the process of extending Facebook logins to all its mobile and tablet apps as well. The central idea is that TV viewers could use Facebook to share each other’s viewing preferences to discover TV shows as well as converse about them.

     

    What’s-On-India’s Social EPGs will help viewers discover shows, films, matches and documentaries that their social networks and peers are talking about as well as share common interest programs to converse about those shows. “Social TV recommendations are considered powerful due to their viral nature and their ability to create tremendous positive or negative word-of-mouth especially for new shows and program launches”, said Atul Phadnis, CEO, What’s-On-India. “Our social network has different clusters of friends representing different interest groups – tennis buddies, college friends, school friends, work contacts and so on. Each of these interest groups could collectively or individually spark off discovery of common interest TV shows relevant to those specific friend clusters,” he added.

     

    This power of social TV recommendations is due to the fact that they originate from a ‘trusted’ source based on their relationship to the person who made the recommendation. This integration between What’s-On-India’s TV search platforms and Facebook will now help the viewers find, share, and engage around TV content.

     

    The next move from the company is to provide these features on the What’s-On-India applications (iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, Symbian & Blackberry) and also integrate the same with other social networking platforms such as Twitter and Google+. All of these features will be powered using What’s-On-India’s proprietary EPG-On-Cloud platform and can be embedded inside third party apps as well.

     

  • The New York Festival platform is not new to Mr Sharma as last year Fever 104 FM was recognized and facilitated with 2 Gold grand trophies

    Fever’s Gaurav Sharma on New York Fest jury

    By A Correspondent

     

    New York festival, world’s best radio programming and promotions award, scheduled to be held in June will have Gaurav Sharma as one of the jurors this year, along with other Industry veterans from across the globe.

     

    Popularly known as ‘G’, Mr Sharma is the group programming head at Fever 104 FM and is the mastermind behind various breakthrough innovations at Fever 104 FM. The New York Festival platform is not new to Mr Sharma as he was here last year when Fever 104 FM was recognized and facilitated with 2 Gold grand trophies for  ‘Best sound’ & ‘Best Editing’ for its unique radio epic – Radio Ramayana.

     

    A penchant for music and a voice to croon makes Mr Sharma a true blue creative programming guy. He is an MBA and has extensive experience in leading creative & radio teams. Mr Sharma is always full of ideas and innovations and spontaneity is nature’s gift to him.

     

    Fever 104 FM, operated by HT Media Ltd, is available in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata with a vibrant, youthful, creative and interactive programming. HT Media Ltd’s association with Virgin brings global strengths and expertise in radio markets across the world including Bangkok, South Africa, Paris and Malaysia. With the best quality and most quantity of music on-air, constantly playing only the top contemporary hits Fever 104 FM is synonymous with less talk,  more music.

     

  • Has appointed Anuraag Khandelwal and Satish deSa as Executive Creative Directors with effect from June 1

    Meridian’s creative leadership changes

    By A Correspondent

     

    Meridian Communication, a group company of WPP, the world’s largest conglomerate of marketing communications services, has entrusted the creative mantle of its Mumbai office to Ogilvy’s Anuraag Khandelwal and Satish deSa. Both have been promoted to the rank of Executive Creative Directors and will assume this new responsibility with effect from June 1. Mr Khandelwal and Mr deSa boast a collective wealth of 26 years industry experience that will reinforce Meridian’s creative output. A major part of their career has been spent forging a fantastic partnership at Ogilvy, Mumbai. During their association here, they have created stellar campaigns for big brands like TATA Motors, IPL, Cadbury, Tata Sky, Aegon Religare Life Insurance, Unilever’s Beverages, Oberoi Realty and Hutch, to name just a few.

     

    Announcing the appointment, Piyush Pandey, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy Group, South Asia, said: “Meridian has found itself two young men who are very ambitious and full of exciting ideas. I have asked them to make Meridian a place that gives their friends at Ogilvy sleepless nights. I’m sure it will be healthy competition and result in some great advertising on both sides of the family.”

     

    “When we were asked to head Meridian, Mumbai, I thought – here is another opportunity to challenge ourselves. Because each time we’ve done that, we’ve been encouraged by the outcome. We’re sure this time won’t be any different. Can’t wait to get started,” said Mr Khandelwal

     

    “We believe that our appetite for constantly reinventing ourselves, for setting new standards is what will differentiate Meridian in the near future,” Mr deSa added.

     

    On this infusion of young blood, Samrat Bedi, Head of Office, Meridian, Mumbai said: “The passion Anuraag and Satish have for new-age work is remarkable. Their recent IPL ‘Carnival’ campaign attests to that. And that’s exactly the kind of fresh creative energy that Meridian needs today.”