MxMIndia

Category: ADVERTISING

  • Gupta and Kanthy will take in phases. In full control wef July 1. Kamath will continue till end-December

    It’s official. Vineet Gupta & Aditya Kanthy to take over from Madhukar Kamath at DDB Mudra

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    When we first got wind of this a few month back, we were surprised ourselves. Well, almost. So we asked our contactpoint at the Omnicom-owned agency, and she feigned ignorance and asked how could it be…

     

    But it was clear that the transition was happening. Madhukar Kamath, longstanding Group CEO and Managing Director of the DDB Mudra Group, was moving on. He had taken additional charge as head of MICA in Ahmedabad. That was to be his future, along with some allied ventures.

     

    So one thought the baton would be passed on to SonalDabral who is officially the second-in-command. Creative guru, well-respected in the industry and he was designated: Chairman and Chief Creative Officer.

     

    Or would it be someone imported from the DDB fold from elsewhere in the world.

     

    But first read the news, and then let’s try and interpret it for you: “Madhukar Kamath, Group CEO and MD, DDB Mudra Group, has announced a phased leadership transition for the group. Effective April 1, 2017, Vineet Gupta, currently Chief Digital Officer, DDB Mudra Group will be appointed as Group CEO (Designate) and Aditya Kanthy, currently Chief Strategy Officer, DDB Mudra Group will be appointed as Group Managing Director (Designate). Effective July 1, 2017, Gupta and Kanthy will formally take over as Group CEO and Group Managing Director respectively. To facilitate a seamless transition, Kamath will continue to work closely with Gupta and Kanthy as Executive Chairman of the DDB Mudra Group, till end-December, 2017.”

     

    Rather than appoint an oldie into the system, DDB Mudra has chosen those who have age to their advantage. Both Gupta and Kanthy are under 40.

     

    But it also clearly sends a message on the shape of things to come. By appointing Vineet Gupta as Group CEO, DDB Mudra has clearly underscored its thrust on digital. Gupta, it may be recalled, entered the system only when he 22feet, his digital marketing agency, was acquired by DDB Mudra in February 2014 (the report). Last year, in end-August to be precise, along with Kanthy, Gupta was elevated as Chief Digital Officer. Kanthy, who has been part of the system for 14 years was appointed as Chief Strategy Officer (the report).

     

    It also sends a clear message to SonalDabral and other seniors in the system. That DDB Mudra may be a creative-led agency, but it’s digital and data and P/L management that are the future.

     

    Here’s what Chuck Brymer, CEO, DDB Worldwide said in a statement: “Madhukar and I have been working on the transition process for over the past year. We have undertaken a fairly comprehensive evaluation of talent, both externally and internally, and I am glad that we’ve identified the new leadership team from within the Organisation. The transition process couldn’t begin at a better time, with 2016 being one of the best years for the DDB Mudra Group in terms of both revenue and margin growth. Both are immensely talented, business oriented and client focused. They bring together diverse skillsets of growing businesses by building and leading excellent teams.”

     

    Commenting on this, Kamath said: “At the beginning of 2016, I had announced my intention to retire from the Group by end of 2017. I have always been a firm believer in empowering young talent and seeing them deliver beyond expectations. Vineet and Aditya have exemplified this in their respective careers so far. As a team, they bring together the best of business, technology, strategy and an appreciation of creativity. I am excited about the next three quarters where I will work closely with Vineet and Aditya in ensuring a smooth transition. I congratulate them and wish them all the best.”

     

    As the news is trickling in, not everyone is really surprised. Bringing youth to the leadership has worked elsewhere. Like at Leo Burnett. Saurabh Varma, now CEO of Publicis Communications, was not part of the adland single malt club. But he has managed to turn around the agency, and rise within the group.

     

    The challenges for Gupta and Kanthy are greater. First, will the twin leadership work. There ought to be one clear boss and joint leadership structures are a little tricky. But even if that gets licked, DDB Mudra needs a Leo Burnett-like reinvention. It’s still got some good clients, but competition is forging ahead. On the awards circuit, the agency is a laggard and it’s not exactly known as a creative powerhouse. The Pan Bahar Pierce Brosnan campaign was its buzziest last year.

     

    DDB Mudramax is now aligned with OMD and the activation-outdoor-BTL business lost bigtime when Pratap Bose and Mandeep Malhotra quit to start Social Street.

     

    Kanthy summed up our sentiment while speaking to The Economic Times: “We are good but I don’t think we are great yet. Our competition doesn’t shake in its boots when they think of us. That’s our task.“

     

  • The account will continue to be handled from the Gurgaon office of the agency

    Havas Media retains integrated media mandate for Kohler

    By A Correspondent

     

    Havas Media India has successfully retained Kohler’s integrated media business following a multi-agency pitch. The agency has also been entrusted with some of its PR duties. The account will continue to be handled out of Gurgaon office.

     

    Anita Nayyar

    Speaking on retaining the business, Anita Nayyar, CEO, Havas Media Group, India and South Asia said: “It is a matter of pride that Kohler has once again chosen Havas Media. The pitch has further entrenched our relationship with Kohler. It has been a great association so far and we will ensure we provide more integrated and meaningful solutions for the brand in the coming year.”

     

    Sandeep Singh, Director Marketing, Kohler India commented, “We are happy to partner with Havas Media yet again. We have been working with them over the last few years. We feel that they understand the market and will continue to be an effective partner in the years to come.”

     

    Mohit Joshi

    “Kohler is a dynamic brand which thrives on style and innovation. We are confident that we will keep up the great work that we have been doing over the years for the brand. We eagerly look forward to innovate together and drive the brand forward,” added Mohit Joshi, Managing Director, Havas Media Group, India.

     

  • Anil Kumar is a seasoned marketing professional with over 18 years of work experience with India’s leading advertising agencies – FCB, Grey, TBWA, Contract and Lintas

    Dentsu Webchutney appoints Anil Kumar as EVP and Branch Head – Delhi

    By A Correspondent

     

    Anil Kumar

    Dentsu Webchutney has roped in Anil Kumar as EVP and Brach Head. He will be based out of Delhi and will report to Sidharth Rao, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, Dentsu Webchutney. Anil will lead key accounts like Airtel, IndusInd Bank, Canon, Tetra Pack, Hike, Payback, DS Group and ITC amongst others.

     

    Speaking on joining Dentsu Webchutney, Kumar said, “For a marketing professional, Digital is the ultimate delight because of its tremendous ability to sharply identify and establish the shortest route possible to the target audience; and what better place than Dentsu Webchutney, the pioneers in digital, to immerse oneself into this arena and explore.”

     

    Commenting on the appointment, Rao said::With years of mainline advertising experience coupled with extensive hands-on marketing experience, Anil presents a combination that can help our teams appreciate the real-business issues more holistically and recommend solutions that can positively impact our client’s bottom lines. ”

     

  • The aim of the Warc Innovation Awards, now in their fifth year, is to recognise innovative thinking that delivers tangible results

    DDB Mudra & PHD work for Inorbit Mall & HUL’s Lifebuoy shortlisted for Warc Innovation Awards

    By A Correspondent

     

    Twenty brands from around the world have been shortlisted for the Warc Innovation Awards. And among these are two that are from India. Home-run to home-bound for Inorbit, created by the DDB Mudra Group for Inorbit Malls and Chamki – story of an unborn child for Hindustan Lever’s Lifebuoy with PHD India being the agency.

     

    The 25-member judging panel, chaired by Dana Anderson, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer of global snacks company Mondelēz International, have shortlisted a diverse selection of campaigns from a wide range of territories including Australia, Egypt, India, Lebanon, Slovenia, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and USA.

     

    The brands and organisations shortlisted this year are AbsorbPlate, Axe, Baheya Cancer Hospital, Bodyform, Bou Khalil Supermarch̩, BT Sport, CNCO, Currys PC World, Dyson, Emirates NBD, HELPMET, Inorbit Malls, Lifebuoy, MasterCard, NHI РDaman, Penguin Random House, Vision Australia, Spar Interspar, Toyota and Whirlpool.

     

    The aim of the Warc Innovation Awards, now in their fifth year, is to recognise innovative thinking that delivers tangible results. The top entries will be awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. The Grand Prix for the best overall paper will receive $5,000 and five $1,000 Special Awards recognising specific areas of excellence will be awarded at the judges’ discretion for: innovation in a product or service, channel innovation, category innovation, co-created innovation and innovation in a not-profit-campaign.

     

  • The new appointments are in-line with H+K's commitment to invest in a strong talent pool across all levels, notes a communique

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies India strengthens client servicing teams with key hires

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K) has announced the appointment of four senior personnel to the client servicing teams. RohitVarier, Senior Account Director – Mumbai, Gina Ghosh, Senior Account Director – Mumbai, Nidhi Mehra, Account Director – New Delhi and Sriganesh Raman, Account Director – Chennai have joined the firm to enhance the client engagement and strategic advisory quotient for clients.

     

    Commenting on the appointments, India President and CEO Chetan Mahajan said: “I am delighted to welcome Rohit, Gina, Nidhi, and Sriganesh in to the H+K family. There’s a greater need to provide advice and senior counsel to clients in the challenging corporate environment and current digital milieu. With a wealth of rich and varied integrated communications experience, I am confident that these new hires will strengthen H+K’s position and further expand our growing client portfolio.”

     

  • The campaign highlights the unique bond that audiences share with music; which is almost like a marriage between two soul mates

    Mullen Lintas creates campaign for MTV Beats

    By A Correspondent

     

    The recently launched Hindi music channel, MTV Beats from the Viacom18 stable, has announced the launch of its inaugural brand campaign. Conceptualised and executed by Mullen Lintas Mumbai, the campaign highlights the unique bond that audiences share with music which is almost like a marriage between two soul mates.

     

    Talking about the marketing campaign, Ferzad Palia, Head, Youth and English Entertainment, Viacom18 said: “Music is an important medium to reach out to young people today, and nobody does music better than MTV. So now that MTV Beats is here, we are heralding it as the birth of the ‘Baap’ of music because after all, MTV is the big daddy of music. In true MTV style, the marketing campaign is quirky, unabashed and irreverent yet it clearly communicates the brand’s positioning of being the ultimate destination for Hindi music any time of the day or week. I’d like to thank Mullen Lintas for the creative thought they’ve put into this. The tagline – ‘Blood meinhai beat’ draws heavily from India’s obsession with Bollywood music and reinforces the belief that music is a part of every Indian’s very DNA.”

     

    Commenting on the campaign strategy, Ayyappan Raj, EVP-Mullen Lintas said: “It’s one of the most fun campaigns that Mullen Lintas Mumbai has worked on in the recent past. When an iconic brand like MTV is launching a Bollywood music channel there is a strong desire to create something big and different. With that in mind, we wanted to make a statement about the launch of BEATS and in the quintessential brand tonality. We are very happy with the way the campaign has come together. Also we are quite happy about the fact that we have ‘delivered’ another successful brand launch for the Viacom18 group.”

     

  • The campaign has gone live on popular television channels across the country and is being complemented by communication across online and Outdoor mediums as well

    Reliance Trends and Lowe Lintas Bangalore create campaign for youth

    By A Correspondent

     

    Leading apparel retail chain Reliance Trends has launched a nationwide brand campaign to announce its new brand positioning along with the new visual identity. The brand has taken on a youthful, contemporary and a more fashionable imagery. The campaign by Lowe Lintas Bangalore captures the creativity and spontaneity of today’s youngsters.

     

    Commenting on the new campaign, Akhilesh Prasad – CEO Reliance Trends said: “We live in interesting times.Fashion as we know it, has evolved tremendously over the last decade. Reliance Trends has redefined the value fashion segment in the country. Staying in sync with the times, we have unveiled our new brand identity and positioning, making the brand more fashionable and youthful. The launch film will showcase Reliance Trends in a new avatar and firmly establish it as ‘the largest destination for the widest range in value fashion’.  This changeover marks a new phase of growth for us as we consolidate our position as the biggest fashion retailer in the country.”

     

    Highlighting the thought process behind the campaign, Hari Krishnan – President, Lowe Lintas said: “The launch of the new identity for Reliance Trends, was an opportunity to establish that Fashion & Trends go hand in hand. Our creative team along with Zoya Akhtar have created the right balance of high fashion and everyday relevance”

     

  • Digital agency decides to #PauseTheResume

    Dentsu Webchutney discovers novel way to discover resumes

    By A Correspondent

     

    DentsuWebchutney has launched an innovative hiring programme that selects candidates based on their browser history. The agency has launched #PauseTheResume, a website page that lets you upload voluntarily selected links of your browser historyas an official way to kickstart your career with DentsuWebchutney.

     

    “For me, soft skills and overall personality matters more than a formal skillset in a workplace environment- especially for creative-led workplaces such as ours,” said PG Aditiya, Creative Director – Copy, DentsuWebchutney. “More often than not, a resume is a web of glorified statements and words meant to sound right when strung together and that makes for the most boring first impression ever. Even though companies have evolved digitally, this technique has remained the same. Being a digital agency, we wanted to give our applicants a more interesting, internet-friendly way to kick-start the conversation,” he added.

     

    An interested applicant has to log on to the agency’s website and upload up to one month of their browser history which contain the links to the websites visited by the applicants and other basic details. Applicants are free to edit their browser history and remove links that they do not want to upload. Basis their submissions, they may be called in for a formal interview.

     

    “It is a little cheeky, we get that. But the truth is, we are what we internet. We’ve got over 300 entries already and there are candidates who have found fun ways to game the system. Those are exactly the kind of responses we were hoping for. Interview calls are going out as we speak. Pause the resume is just the start of how we’re hoping to disrupt the entire process of finding the right creative talent,” said Gautam Reghunath, Senior Vice President, DentsuWebchutney.

  • The award will recognise talent across 14 categories with 72 nominations

    UPL announces Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year awards

    By A Correspondent

     

    Lokmat, the leading newspaper from Maharashtra and Goa, has announced the Maharashtrian of the Year Awards to be held on April 5 in Mumbai. The awards cover 14 categories as social service, politics, sports, arts, entertainment, medical, business, administration, infrastructure etc. There are 72 nominations from people across the state. The online voting is open on lmoty.lokmat.com. Voting is open till tomorrow, March 28, 2017.

     

    The jury panel this year comprises: Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways& Shipping, Dr Prakash Baba Amte – eminent social worker, ArnabGoswami – senior journalist, MilindDeora – former  minister, Mahesh Bhatt- film director, VikramLimaye – MD & CEO, IDFC, Sunil Sood- MD & CEO, Vodafone India, Vikram Shroff – Executive Director, UPL, DrRamakanta Panda – well-known Cardiologist, Vijay Darda- Chairman, Lokmat Media and Mrinal Kulkarni – popular actress.

  • BrandttitudeTM enables clients to carry out exploratory data analysis, perform predictive modeling and generate self-service analytics

    WNS launches business intelligence analytics platform Brandttitude

    By A Correspondent

     

    WNS (Holdings) Limited, a leading provider of global Business Process Management (BPM) services, announced the launch of WNS Brandttitude, a cloud-based business intelligence analytics platform designed to track brand performance, understand customer behavior and perceptions, and identify buying patterns. This state-of-the art platform provides multi-dimensional insights across complex and disparate data sources.  Brandttitude enables clients to carry out exploratory data analysis, perform predictive modeling and generate self-service analytics, notes a communique.

     

    “For clients to propel their businesses forward, they must be able to translate massive amounts of data into meaningful and useful business intelligence. Consolidating, managing and analyzing available information is an increasingly complex process,” said Keshav Murugesh, WNS’ CEO. “Organisations today need a real-time solution that leverages technology, analytics and deep domain expertise to generate actionable and reliable business insights.

     

  • The film has been directed by famous Bollywood director, Tigmanshu Dhulia

    Infectious executes for Tasty Treat with Tigmanshu Dhulia

    By A Correspondent

     

    Tasty Treat has launched desibhujia in four international flavours – Wasabi, PeriPeri, Barbeque and Schezwan with a campaign titled “BhujiaGhoomAayiDuniya” created by Infectious. Inspired by classic Bollywood plot twists, the ad features the four sons of the bhujia family who get separated at a fair and literally travel the world only to reunite with their family again, transformed by their travel. Just like the new flavours, the campaign too has its share of spice and twist. The film has been directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia.

     

    Speaking on the launch of this campaign, Shantanu Prakash, Vice President, Brands – Future Brands said: “Tasty Treat is redefining the idea of traditional Indian snacks for the new India. Our international range of bhuji as is a step in that direction. When Infectious suggested Mr. Tigmanshu Dhulia as the director, it just fell in place. It needed someone like him. This campaign with its ‘twisted’ take on the 1970s lost&found masala Hindi films, helps take the whole effort forward.”.

     

    Leading the team behind this campaign, Ramanuj Shastry, Co-founder of Infectious, said: “Humour is Tasty Treat’s personality. Their first campaign, ‘YehPhisleeNeeyat’ too was built around a quirky idea. But ‘BhujiaGhoomAayiDuniya’ takes the fun quotient up by a few notches. The personification of the new flavours makes for an engaging and memorable story that would stand out in today’s clutter.”

     

    Added Nisha Singhania, Co-founder of Infectious, “In the F&B category where all brands are trying to be about health and taste, Tasty Treat is refreshing as it is focused only on taste. Credit to the brave brand team for agreeing to such an unconventional idea.”

  • Vodafone's latest campaign brings alive benefits of this data strong network through everyday life moments

    Vodafone elaborates on benefits of SuperNet 4G in latest campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Vodafone’s newest campaign has unveiled a new campaign to create awareness about Vodafone SuperNet 4G through OOH, digital, and on-ground activations.

     

    Said Siddharth Banerjee, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Vodafone India:“Our research and consumer insights indicate that customers are using mobile internet for multiple applications like live streaming, movie download, video calls, etc. Vodafone has invested in building Vodafone SuperNet™ 4G – The Data Strong Network™ to provide a fast and consistent mobile internet experience for our customers. Our latest campaign captures moments from everyday life built on popular use cases to dramatise the benefits of Vodafone SuperNet- the Data Strong Network.”