MxMIndia

Category: ADVERTISING

  • As reported earlier, V Sunil and Mohit Jayal have moved out of W+K to start an independent venture, Partirck Cahill will head India ops as MD

    V ‘Make in India’ Sunil exits Wieden+Kennedy, launches start-up outside advtg

    By Pritha Dasgupta

     

    V Sunil

    The creator of the Make in India and IndiGo airline ad campaigns, V Sunil, has quit Wieden+Kennedy Delhi, where he was executive creative director. He is launching his own venture outside advertising and marketing.

     

    Mohit Jayal, director at Wieden+Kennedy, Delhi, has also quit the agency to join Sunil as his partner in the new venture. Patrick Cahill has relocated from W+K New York as managing director of India operations.

     

    “My idea about advertising is not about the song and dance and I believe it is an industry for young people,” said Sunil, who has spent more than 25 years in the business. He launched his own agency A in 2004, after working with Ogilvy & Mather and McCann Erickson, and merged it with W+K in 2007 when he brought the international agency to India. “I think we have done what we could in advertising and now I have lost interest,” said Sunil, who had a profit-sharing arrangement with W+K. But he will continue to work with the government’s Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) as a consultant to handle the Make in India campaign. On the other hand, W+K has been struggling to find Sunil’s replacement and has now stationed Cahill in India. He has worked with international agencies like BMF, Arnold Worldwide and Holden Special Vehicles, and has nearly 15 years of experience in advertising and marketing.

     

    “We interviewed several people but none of them worked out as we needed certain kind of people with certain kind of sensibilities to work with W+K. And so finally we had to bring somebody from abroad as this recruitment and replacement process was stalling my future plans,” Sunil said.

     

    While Sunil is completely moving out of advertising and marketing, design work will remain a part of his new venture. “We are doing a project in Jodhpur on urban regeneration and we are rebuilding a 2-kilometre space,” he said without divulging details of his new company. For now, he is busy with the upcoming Make in India week in Mumbai in February.

     

     

     

    Source:The Economic Times

    Copyright © 2016, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved

    Licensed to republish

     

  • Harjot Narang, currently Branch Head of Dentsu Marcom, is promoted to President, Dentsu Marcom

    Dentsu elevates key resources across centres in India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Narayan Devanathan

    Dentsu India has announced a slew of senior elevations across its offices in India. Narayan Devanathan, currently CEO of Dentsu Creative Impact Group and National Planning Director (Dentsu India – North) is promoted with immediate effect to the newly created role of Group Executive & Strategy Officer, Dentsu India. In his group executive role, Narayan will be the chief steward of the Dentsu brand in India, ensuring consistency of vision and output, in line with Dentsu’s global philosophy of Good Innovation. He will also play the role of an integrator with the other members of the Dentsu Aegis Network, both within and outside India, helping leverage the power of the network. In his group strategy role, Narayan will drive a culture of effectiveness that delivers unmatched results for clients. In addition, Narayan will continue to helm the two specialist units of Dentsu Mama Lab (dedicated to connecting brands with mothers meaningfully) and Citizen Dentsu (dedicated to connecting brands with social purpose).

     

    Harjot Narang

    Harjot Narang, currently Branch Head of Dentsu Marcom, is promoted to President, Dentsu Marcom. In recognition of Harjot’s solid contribution to the agency’s turnaround over the last four years, and his continued drive to catapult the agency to be counted among the top three agencies in the Delhi / NCR market, Harjot will be charged with driving the pace of growth at Dentsu Marcom.

     

    Amit Wadhwa

    Amit Wadhwa, currently Branch Head of Dentsu Creative Impact, is promoted to President, Dentsu Creative Impact. Over the last four years, Amit has grown from heading the account management function to overseeing the branch’s operations, and has grown the agency from strength to strength. His charge, with more autonomy, will now be to transform the creative reputation of the agency while achieving never-before scale.

     

    C.P. Arora

    C.P. Arora, currently the Group CFO for Dentsu branded agencies in India will have an expanded role in the Dentsu Aegis Network in India as well. He will now, in addition to his existing responsibilities, take charge as CFO, Dentsu Aegis Network India (North).

     

     

    Ashish Bhasin

    Commenting on the developments, Ashish Bhasin, Chairman & CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network, South Asia, said, “We are now at the forefront of our next phase of growth in our creative agencies and it is important for us to recognize the excellent talent pool that we have within the network and give them more autonomy to better service our clients. Narayan, Harjot, Amit and C.P. are amongst the best that we have in the network and I am sure that, they will drive the Dentsu Creative Agencies to new heights and help Dentsu Aegis Network become the second largest agency group in India by end-2017, overturning for the first time the existing ranking which has historically been in place for over 80 years in India.”

     

     

  • A-listed stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, PC lend shine to smaller or regional brands

    Small Brands, Big Stars

     

    By Ratna Bhushan

     

    Kajol, the actor who once endorsed brands such as Whirlpool and Yakult, now backs a little-known detergent called Woosh. The star of the recently released movie Dilwale is seen in Woosh advertisements on the sides of buses and on non-prime-time television spots.

     

    Priyanka Chopra, who plays the lead role in US television series Quantico, is pushing Hisar-based Marvel tea and DS Group’s Rajnigandha cardamom seeds. Chopra used to be the face of Hindustan Unilever’s Bru coffee. Even Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood’s king of romance — said to be among the highest paid actors — is endorsing Aqualite footwear.

     

    With mainstream endorsements drying up or restricted to the flush-with-funds ecommerce space, A-listed celebrities are settling for regional or smaller brands, which are among the few options available for them. The trend has evoked mixed responses.

     

    “In many cases, the celebrities and their agents seem to be forgetting that quality matters over quantity,” said Shailendra Singh, joint managing director of entertainment marketing firm Percept. “While the older lot is reaching out to anything, it’s unfortunately setting the tone for the next generation. There’s a sense of what’s okay for Amitabh Bachchan should be okay for Varun Dhawan. But that’s not how popular faces should be building their brand values.”

     

    In many cases within the consumer goods space, endorsement fees, which used to run into crores, may have dried up because of diminishing marketing spends. In others, the stars are willing to compromise on their fee to stay in circulation. Cricketer Virat Kohli endorses both Red Chief footwear and luxury car Audi. Actors Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan are the faces of Dollar Bigboss and Amul Macho innerwear, respectively and Ajay Devgn is associated with Vimal pan masala.

     

    “If three-fourths of the endorsement market is being taken up by the smaller brands, then for celebrities it is an available option they are willing to dip into,” said Vinita Bangard, founder of celebrity management firm Krossover Entertainment. A top celebrity manager pointed out that Shah Rukh Khan, who has lent his face to luxury brands such as Tag Heuer watches, hiked his fee 150% for a small brand that approached him.

     

    “In cases like Tag, the celebrity wants the name association because the brand adds to his or her value. But if a small brand wants sudden fame, the celebs and their agents leverage the opportunity and charge in excess of market rates too,” the manager said, asking not to be identified.

     

    Varun Gupta, managing director of valuation and advisory services firm American Appraisal, said it’s a misperception that smaller brands pay less to celebrities.

     

    “For the lesser known brands, getting a well-known face to push themselves is near-instant status and mass appeal. They are willing to pay the market price, or at times, even higher, to get a popular face,” Gupta said.

     

    While traditional advertisers including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and telecom companies Airtel and Aircel are curtailing the use of celebrities, it’s mainly the ecommerce sites that are splurging. In August, online grocery store BigBasket.com named Shah Rukh Khan as its face.

     

    Source:The Economic Times

    Copyright © 2016, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved

    Licensed to republish

     

  • The former chief creative officer of FCB Ulka has launched an advertising agency with ideas for a digital world

    Satbir Singh launches Thinkstr

    By A Correspondent

     

    Satbir Singh, former chief creative officer of FCB Ulka, has launched an advertising agency Thinkstr, describing his solo venture as “ideas for a digital world”. The new agency has won a project from the government and is focusing on building its core team. Ravi Raghavendra, executive creative director of JWT, has joined Singh in the same capacity. “Thinkstr is not a digital agency, but it will be at the core of our work. While communication isn’t going digital, consumers are. So how do you talk to this audience?” said Singh.

     

    Source:The Economic Times

    Copyright © 2016, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved

    Licensed to republish

     

  • This six-member band will be called Brooke Bond Red Label 6-Pack band that will make six songs

    Mindshare Fulcrum gets HUL & YRF for India’s first transgender band

    By Pritha Dasgupta

     

    Hindustan Unilever’s tea brand Brooke Bond Red Label and Yash Raj Films (YRF) have come together to launch India’s first transgender music band as a part of cobranded association. Conceptualised by Mindshare Fulcrum, the idea was pitched to HUL by YRF on Content Day in June last year.

     

    This six-member band will be called Brooke Bond Red Label 6-Pack band that will make six songs. YRF will make six music videos featuring Sonu Nigam and the band. Brooke Bond Red Label spokesperson Shiva Krishnamurthy said, “Brooke Bond Red Label believes in making the world a more welcoming place and we encourage people to live those little moments that bring us all closer by breaking barriers over a cup of tea. This time we chose the medium of music to spread this message.”

     

    Ashish Patil, business & creative head, VP: Youth Films, Brand Partnerships, Talent Management at Yash Raj Films India, said, “It takes huge conviction and belief for a brand to do something so risky. We pitched the idea to HUL on Content Day and now after all these months it is materialising.”

     

     

     

    Source:The Economic Times

    Copyright © 2016, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved

    Licensed to republish

     

  • Deepak brings a wealth of experience, spanning 15 years, having worked with advertising firms like Leo Burnett, Grey Worldwide, McCann Erickson, DDB Mudra and Dentsu

    Deepak Singh appointed Chief Creative Officer at The Social Street

    By A Correspondent

     

    Deepak Singh

    The Social Street has appointed Deepak Singh as its Chief Creative Officer. He will be based out of Mumbai and will report to Pratap Bose- Founding Partner & Chairman, the Social Street.

     

    Commenting on the appointment of Deepak Singh, Pratap Bose- Founding Partner & Chairman, The Social Street said, “I am thrilled that Deepak is joining us! Deepak is one of the most decorated Art Directors and one of the finest Art talents we have in our country. Easy-going, light-hearted and humble to the core, he’s proof that looks can be deceiving. Because deep beneath that unassuming persona lies a hunger to keep raising the bar, only to topple it over. I wish him the very best and look forward to seeing some path breaking creativity from him!”

     

    On his appointment as the Chief Creative Officer, The Social Street. Deepak Singh had this to say, “I feel advertising now is much more than just TVCs, Print and Radio. That’s why with time we should change and try to explore bigger things. Pratap has a clear vision about his plans for The Social Street and knows why he was hiring me, which gives me more confidence. I think the next generation of advertising is much more than mainline advertising and that is what attracts me to shift, and I feel I can do more challenging things now. Digital / Outdoor / Interactive / Activation makes advertising much bigger and more interesting. I am really looking forward to do some great work for The Social Street. My mainline experience will bring new solutions to clients’ problems.”

     

    Deepak brings a wealth of experience, spanning 15 years, having worked with advertising firms like Leo Burnett, Grey Worldwide, McCann Erickson, DDB Mudra and Dentsu.

     

  • Rooney's new role will have him overseeing all aspects of growth across the agency, and he will work closely with Mindshare’s leadership team to optimize their product development, business plans, and create new revenue streams

    Mindshare appoints Kevin Rooney as Chief Growth Officer

    By A Correspondent

     

    Kevin Rooney

    Mindshare APAC has appointed Kevin Rooney to the role of Chief Growth Officer, Mindshare Asia Pacific.

     

    He takes on this new role in addition to his current position as Managing Director, m/six Asia Pacific, the group’s boutique agency, which has seen rapid growth since opening their doors in 2013.  With over 50 clients, across their four markets (Malaysia, Indonesia, India & Singapore), m/six has been pound for pound the most successful agency in GroupM, and this move will bring the highly successful growth model that m/six cultivated to Mindshare.

     

    Rooney’s new role will have him overseeing all aspects of growth across the agency, and he will work closely with Mindshare’s leadership team to optimize their product development, business plans, and create new revenue streams.

     

    With nearly 12 years’ experience within WPP roles across North America, Global and APAC, in both management and business development positions, Rooney is well placed to drive Mindshare’s growth in the region.

     

    Ashutosh Srivastava, CEO, AMEA & Russia/CIS, commented on the appointment: “Running a start-up agency is a difficult venture, and Kevin has proven with m/six that passion and agility can lead to an excellent track record for both an agency and their clients.  I am delighted to have him working with us again and look forward to having him bring this same spirit and mindset to Mindshare.”

     

    Rooney takes over from Wendy Walker, who left the agency to become CMO of Manulife in July of 2015.

     

  • The leading on-demand video service now in India with a month's free trial + Interview with Netflix spokesperson

    It’s here! Netflix arrives, will storm screens!

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    In the glam town of Las Vegas, at the consumer electronics show CES 2016, Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings announced its famed service to more than 130 new countries around the world. Including India.

     

    “Today you are witnessing the birth of a new global Internet TV network,” said Hastings. “With this launch, consumers around the world — from Singapore to St. Petersburg, from San Francisco to Sao Paulo — will be able to enjoy TV shows and movies simultaneously — no more waiting. With the help of the Internet, we are putting power in consumers’ hands to watch whenever, wherever and on whatever device.”

     

     

    No comments on Indian partners: Netflix

    For one of the world’s most iconic media and entertainment companies, Netflix is curiously shy of the media. So when we asked the major’s media partners for an interview, we did receive near-instant responses except for to a question on marketing plan and possible premieres for India, but the attribution was to Netflix, no person. We’re publishing the responses as is, and as you’ll figure, there’s hardly any information given out. Guess for Netflix it’s the content that’ll do the talking. Read on….

     

    Is there an Indian partner?

     

    We would be unable to comment on private discussions with local partners. Any announcements will be shared with you and available at media.netflix.com.

     

    Can you name people in the senior leadership team in India?

     

    Netflix is based in Silicon Valley (Los Gatos, Calif.) where product development and engineering is the focus. The company’s second largest office is in Hollywood (Beverly Hills, Calif.) where the content development teams are located. In Europe, Netflix is headquartered in Amsterdam and in Asia, Netflix has an office in Japan and is planning its regional headquarters in Singapore.

     

    How many Indian movies? Right now one finds only Hindi movies? I couldn’t find any Tamil movies. What languages do we have?

     

    There is a limited amount of local content available at launch in some countries. We will add more as the service grows in popularity and we better understand what our members want to watch in each region.

     

    What’s the library for all movies and TV shows? Number of hours is given, but can you give numbers of movies and TV shows, stand-up acts etc?

     

    We don’t publish a number of titles because our offering is always expanding and changing. In 2016 we plan to spend about US$5B on programming rights, including many titles that will be exclusive to Netflix around the world. That includes more than 30 new Netflix original series (or seasons of existing series.) Most of these will be available to our members everywhere, exclusively on Netflix. That’s more than one full new season of a series every other week. In addition, we’re expanding our original film initiative, launching more than 10 films exclusively on Netflix in 2016. We also are adding more kids programming and documentaries.

     

    Any tie-ups with Indian film studios/companies?

     

    We would be unable to comment on private discussions with local partners. Any announcements will be shared with you and available at media.netflix.com.

     

    Are these films for India distribution or global?

     

    We’re working toward being able to offer a fully global service with a global catalog. Examples of titles Netflix has licensed, largely on a global basis include How To Get Away With Murder, Gotham, Jane the Virgin, Zoo and Breaking Bad. We still have territorial licensing, that’s a legacy from the last 7 or 8 years. We’re moving as quickly as we can to have global availability of all the content on Netflix so that there are not regional distinctions. We’re still somewhat a prisoner of the current distribution architecture, we’re trying really hard to get there.

     

    What’s the target for number of subscribers by end of 2016?

    We provide international member guidance and segment reporting on a quarterly basis with earnings announcements. Netflix ended Q315 with nearly 26M international members.

     

    Do we see any Indian language interface? Because that’s where the real growth will happen in India?

     

    Only English will be available in India for now. We haven’t made any decisions about what India-based languages will be added in the future. As we gather member feedback and better understand usage patterns, we will make decisions about what languages to add.

     

    Broadband speeds are still slow, even though the promise of 4G exists? Are you looking at any tie-ups with ISPs for cheaper bandwidth?

    Netflix automatically adapts the data rate of the video stream to meet the bandwidth available to the member at any point in time. The minimum required broadband connection speed for standard definition is 0.5 Megabits per second.

     

    For one monthly price, members around the world will be able to enjoy Netflix original series including Marvel’s Daredevil and Marvel’s Jessica Jones, Narcos, Sense8, Grace and Frankie, and Marco Polo, as well as a catalogue of licensed TV shows and movies. And some interesting Bollywood films too!

     

    In 2016, the company plans to release 31 new and returning original series, two dozen original feature films and documentaries, a wide range of stand-up comedy specials and 30 original kids series — available at the same time to members everywhere.

     

    “From today onwards, we will listen and we will learn, gradually adding more languages, more content and more ways for people to engage with Netflix,” said Hastings. “We’re looking  forward to bringing great stories from all over the world to people all over the world.”

     

    Netflix will not yet be available in China, though the company continues to explore options for providing the service. It also won’t be available in Crimea, North Korea and Syria due to U.S. government restrictions on American companies.

     

    Said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos who was also at CES 2016: With the Internet, global distribution no longer needs to be fragmented. It means that everyone pretty much everywhere should be able to see great films or TV shows at the exact same moment. The technology is there. It’s business models that now stand in the way. Great stories come from everywhere. We’re now working with local storytellers right now…

     

    Since Netflix launched its streaming service in 2007, the service has expanded globally, first to Canada, then to Latin America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan to include 60 countries.

     

    Netflix is available on virtually any device that has an Internet connection, including personal computers, tablets, smartphones, Smart TVs and game consoles, and automatically provides the best possible streaming quality based on available bandwidth. Many titles, including Netflix original series and films, are available in high-definition with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound and some in Ultra HD 4K. Advanced recommendation technologies with up to five user profiles help members discover entertainment they’ll love.

     

    The month’s free trial ends on February 7, 2016. There are three tiers – Basic at Rs 500, Standard at Rs 650 and Premium at Rs 800. The Premium offers Ultra HD, Standard only HD, and Basic doesn’t offer HD or Ultra HD, just the standard definition. One can watch unlimited movies on the regular TV set, laptops, tablets and phones. While Premium allows for viewing on four screens, Basic and Standard are for one and two screens respectively.

     

  • The high-intensity campaign is aimed at consolidating its brand image and position itself as a Contemporary New Age Housing Finance Company

    PNB Housing Finance unveils multimedia brand campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    PNB Housing Finance Limited has unveiled a multi-media, multi-city brand campaign. The campaign aspires to present the fresh face of brand to its customers after undergoing an extensive transformation journey since the last few years. Now that the transformation phase is over, the company is all set to delight customers with a much more efficient service delivery model and aims to reposition itself as a new age contemporary housing finance company.

     

    Speaking on the occasion Shaji Varghese, CMO, PNB Housing Finance Limited said, “In the socio-economic backdrop of the Indian society, the decision to purchase a house is a carefully constructed emotional decision. This makes it even more imperative for the home loan provider to make the right connect with the customer. Besides being trustworthy and transparent, it is important that the financial institution providing the home loan brings in ease and convenience to the customer throughout the loan journey. With this campaign, we want to drive a single point message: door to your own home opens easier with PNB Housing.”

     

    Speaking on the occasion Amitabha Lahiri, CEO, Mash said, “The driving force behind the campaign has been to create a platform to connect with the target audience which is not typecast yet emotional. Innovation and smart impact have been leveraged to create a different and niche brand imagery to communicate the ease with which one can get a home loan from PNB Housing.”

     

    The multimedia campaign includes an array of innovative creatives across all mediums of Radio, TV, Print, OOH and Digital. The campaign has been designed in a way that appeals to the mass audience and establishes PNB Housing as a new generation company. This is the first time the company has catered to a 360 degree campaign influenced by a concept based on out-of-the-box imagination with an emotional touch and a pertinent messaging.

     

    The multi-media campaign will focus on all major cities across the country along with region specific activities, installations, etc.

     

  • The campaign was created to set the standard in authenticity via genuine branded goods, a new narrative for a brand-conscious Indian audience

    No fakes, just the real deal – promises Askmebazaar.com in new campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    J. Walter Thompson has unveiled a proactive digital campaign for its client Askmebazaar.com. The campaign titled ‘Get Real’ assures clients of getting genuine products and encourages people to buy real brands.

     

    Released at a time when the entire country has been engaging in shopping online during the festive season, the 5 ad YouTube campaign that is addressed to both online buyers and sellers, aims to weed out fake products from the online e-commerce ecosystem in India.

     

    All five films have been directed by Sundeep Sehgal, Sr. Creative Director, J. Walter Thompson Delhi. Talking of this first of its kind anti-fake initiative, Sundeep says, “We wanted to tell people that buying fakes is the most ludicrous thing to do. Fakes are inferior in quality. They don’t come with guarantees.  And of course, there’s no return policy. In other words, fakes are like bad jokes.”

     

    “We juxtaposed the idea with the observation- fake products have a very slight spelling change from the originals and deliberately created those ‘bad jokes’. The response from the online community was very positive. In fact, people started sending us their bad jokes which we converted into social media posts and posters,” he added.

     

    Fakes have spawned some hilarious pop culture and memes on funny fakes – Dolce & Banana, Crocodile brand, etc. There are memes on how to pronounce foreign brand correctly, childhood jokes on alternative meanings and insinuations of brand names. All this created fodder for a creative campaign that uses the allegory of bad jokes to egg on a mass consumer rejection of fakes in the category, to set the standard in quality, with an engaging and dedicated digital campaign.

     

    Manav Sethi, group CMO & head, digital strategy, Askmebazaar, says, “The Indian luxury counterfeit market is approximately worth Rs. 2,500 crore, accounting to 5-6 per cent of the total luxury market of the country. With this campaign, we aim to send a robust message to our customers that Askmebazaar is committed to upholding the standards and reliability of products, and our high-quality, customer-focused reputation.”

     

    The campaign was created to set the standard in authenticity via genuine branded goods, a new narrative for a brand-conscious Indian audience, and a unique promise of no fake– a first for the giant e-com business in India.

     

  • What is apparent is that most of the 'innovations' are actually commodities, writes Sridharan Narayan

    CES Despatch by Sridharan Narayan: The men from Shenzhen (and their cool new toys)

    By Sridharan Narayan

     

    Everywhere one turns at the CES 2016 convention at Las Vegas, once sees a stall with GoPro action cameras. Or do we really? Closer examination of the packs on display, reveal a startling me-too scenario. They are all the same, with different logos pasted on. Prices range from $500 upwards to $2300 depending on the model and the cuteness of the logo design.

     

    What is apparent is that most of the ‘innovations’ are actually commodities. (With exceptions, of course.)

     

    The challenge in today’s consumer market is product design. Minimalist design, cool packaging, intuitive settings that do not require reference to the user’s manual are becoming de rigeur. The game (or maybe the battle) has moved from product engineering to the design studios and advertising agencies.

     

    It is not just action cameras. It is the same with the Bluetooth boom boxes, tablets and mobile phones, IP Security devices, portable projectors,et all. Do you wish to buy? Do you wish to brand? Any other wish? You are allowed three, if my recollection of the fable is right – or was that in a different context in a different world?

     

    There were exceptions – the cool innovation to help the retro generation play their vinyl LP records 33 1/3 RPM to connect direct to MP3 players, real cool ‘retro designed’ FM Radios and re-emergence of Valve Tube based pre-amps and amps for better quality sound. There is also a different warfare in the fitness apparel business, but that’s a different take altogether.

     

    Good to know that great designs from the rocking ‘60s are being re-discovered by the cool-new generation. And all thanks to the men from Shenzhen.

     

    Sridharan is Vice President Consumer Services with Regalix India and is on a journey of discovery to the CES 2016 in Las Vegas.

     

  • As Chairman and Chief Creative Officer at BBDO India, Paul is ranked among the 10 most influential people in Indian advertising, according to a nationwide survey conducted by The Economic Times

    Josy Paul to head Jury for Media Lotus and Branded Content & Entertainment Lotus at ADFEST

    By A Correspondent

     

    Josy Paul

    ADFEST has announced Josy Paul as Jury President, Media Lotus and Branded Content & Entertainment Lotus.

     

    As Chairman and Chief Creative Officer at BBDO India, Paul is ranked among the 10 most influential people in Indian advertising, according to a nationwide survey conducted by The Economic Times.

     

    He set up BBDO India from the backseat of his car in 2008, but since then has built the agency into one of the region’s most impactful creative businesses, pioneering the rise of brand movements in the belief that India needs more “acts, not ads”.

     

    “It is a huge privilege to be selected to lead this prestigious Jury, working alongside the industry’s most respected and awarded creatives. There are agencies in Asia and the Middle East that are leading the world when it comes to producing brave, impactful media concepts and branded content. I live by the mantra ‘Think like the navy, deliver like pirates’, which means I’ll be looking for work that is both strategic and powerfully executed. It’s going to be a lot of fun debating the industry’s best ideas,” says Paul.

     

    Paul’s commitment to working with brands to positively influence life for Indian audiences led him to being named Campaign’s ‘Creative Person of the Year’ for India and South Asia in 2012, and again in 2015. Last year, Paul and his team won the inaugural Glass Lion Grand Prix at Cannes, as well as a Gold Glass Lion for P&G’s Ariel. He also won the inaugural Black Lion at Cannes for Creative Effectiveness in 2011.

     

    “Josy has led the way in India as a creative professional who is determined to make the world a better place through impactful branded content and creativity. It will be an honor to welcome him to Thailand in March,” says Jimmy Lam, ADFEST President.

     

    Before founding BBDO India, Paul was the National Creative Director of JWT. In 2000, he also created and set up an agency called ‘David’ for Ogilvy.

     

    ADFEST 2016 runs from 16th – 19th March at the Royal Cliff Hotels Group in Pattaya, Thailand.