MxMIndia

Category: ADVERTISING

  • With several key appointments and elevations

    Mullen Lintas strengthens North ops

    By Our Staff

     

    Mullen Lintas has announced a new leadership at its Delhi office. The business function for the North region will be led by Sunil Singh Manhas who has been appointed as Senior VP and Business Head. Nisheeth Srivastava, elevated to Group Creative Director, will oversee the creative product and will be partnered by Sarabjit Singh, who has also been elevated to Group Creative Director (Art). Saumya Baijal, appointed as VP and Head of Planning – North, will lead the planning function for the region.

     

    Hari Krishnan
    Hari Krishnan

    Commenting on strengthening the business function, Hari Krishnan, CEO, Mullen Lintas said: “Mullen Lintas Delhi is poised for growth having already added a diverse mix of brands into the portfolio this year. We felt that this is the right time to bring in a new leadership team that is young, talented and driven. Sunil Singh Manhas comes on board as Sr VP & Business Head for Delhi. Sunil is a seasoned campaigner and knows the Delhi market inside out. He brings with him a wealth of cross-category experience and knowledge. His drive for new business and his passion for ideas will augur well for us.”

     

  • Gautam Reghunath & PG Aditiya to launch their own venture next year

    Sidharth Rao takes direct charge of Dentsu Webchutney

    By Our Staff

     

    Dentsu Webchutney has announced that Gautam Reghunath, CEO and PG Aditiya, CCO will be leaving their positions early next year to set up their own venture.

     

    With this change, the agency will now be back under the direct charge of Sidharth Rao, CEO, DentsuMB Group. Rao, founder of Dentsu Webchutney, will front the agency’s leadership team. Reghunath and Aditya will continue to work with Rao through this period to ensure a smooth transition for a team that has broken all records nationally and internationally as India’s most successful creative agency over the last few years.

     

    Commenting on the news, Rao said: “Gautam and PG have been the two most defining hires in our history. As a founder, you want your people to find their calling at the company you build, and the legacy the two of them leave behind is the best possible example of this. From joining at entry-level positions in 2010 and 2012 respectively, and rising to the very top through hard work, passion and just simply being the best in the business at their jobs. It’s a story that makes me believe that we’ve created an organisation where anyone can shine. And now, they have a chance to do it for themselves as creative entrepreneurs.”

     

    Said Reghunath and Aditya: “There is no other agency or network in the country where we would have had the chance to build our careers like we have at dentsu and at Webchutney. We’ve spent nearly 90% of our careers here, so moving on is not a decision we’re taking lightly. Our personal views of what success, failure, and everything else in between looks like have been shaped at Webchutney and the people that we’ve had the privilege of working with & leading here. We’re so proud and thankful for how it’s all panned out.”

     

     

  • Tarun Rai to be Executive Director – Strategic Initiatives, APAC

    Wunderman Thompson shifts gears with Shamsuddin Jasani as CEO

     

    By Our Staff

     

    It’s been in the works for a bit, but it’s now official. Marketing services conglomerate WPP’s crown jewel Wunderman Thompson has appointed Shamsuddin Jasani as its Chief Executive Officer, South Asia effective November 1.

     

    Jasani, or Shams as he is called, set up Isobar in India in 2008, growing it from a two-person team to over 300-strong across South Asia and part of the Dentsu network. He will report directly to Ewen Sturgeon, CEO, International of Wunderman Thompson. Meanwhile, Tarun Rai, Chairman and Group CEO South Asia will become Executive Director Strategic Initiatives, APAC, effective January 1, 2022. He too will report to Sturgeon.

     

    The change of guard is significant as Wunderman Thompson was formed merging iconic advertising firm J Walter Thompson and Wunderman. If advertising industry veterans were shocked that Wunderman preceded Thompson in the name, Jasani taking charge of the agency is an indicator of the course the bosses want the agency to take. And appointing someone from outside the system is possibly another noteworthy act. Although Rai wasn’t exactly an insider (he worked with The Times of India group as head of World Wide Media publishers of Femina, Filmfare amongst others), he was part of what was JWT not too long ago. Jasani was of course a key member of Dentsu’s leadership team in India and is no stranger to advertising nitty gritty, helming an organisation with an agency of a legacy like JWT is going to be an ask. But those who know Jasani, say he will be able to essay that role with alacrity and take along the gods of the trade within the traditional advertising part of the business. Clearly, WPP wishes to make WT digitally first, and Jasani’s appointment will – if nothing else – help change the perception of the agency.

     

    Said Ewen Sturgeon, CEO, International, Wunderman Thompson on the changes: “We are pleased to have Shams join our Wunderman Thompson leadership, and believe he is the natural successor to continue propelling our South Asia business forward. We would like to thank Tarun for his leadership and efforts as Group CEO of South Asia, and are pleased that Tarun will continue his strategic guidance and support for the agency as he moves on to serve as our APAC Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives.”

     

    Added Shams: “It’s a great honour, but an even greater responsibility, to join such an iconic brand as Wunderman Thompson, with an amazing legacy. I am really excited to not only continue this legacy but to take it to greater heights with the combination of creative, Data, Commerce and Technology. I believe at Wunderman Thompson we have all the ingredients to be the partner of choice for the growth and transformation of brands and business in India.”

     

    And this is what Rai has said in a statement: “The last seven years have been very exciting and rewarding. The unprecedented changes in these years required nimble leadership. I also had the opportunity to lead the transition to our new company, Wunderman Thompson, which has a powerful mix of creativity and technology. I am extremely proud of our people and of our leadership team for their fantastic work through these years. We partner with some of the best clients in the industry and I value their friendship and support. I now look forward to stepping into my new role in an expanded geography.”

     

     

  • To launch new range of denims for women

    Ogilvy films for Allen Solly

    By Our Staff

     

    Allen Solly has unveils a new range of denims for women in diverse sizes with a brand new campaign ‘Own Your Shape’. The campaign addresses the growing concerns- “one-size-fits-all”, as women struggle to find the perfect fit denim. With the launch of new campaign ‘Own your Shape’, the brand aims to provide stylish denims for every body type. As part of the campaign, Ogilvy has conceptualised a new film that features three girls of different body types, trying different styles, switching.

     

    Said Anil S. Kumar, COO, Allen Solly: “At Allen Solly, we care about the right fit for all body types. The need to move beyond ‘One Size Fit for all’ was common during our customer outreach. Fashion is not only about developing the perfect product but also the right fit for each body type and through this ‘Own Your Shape’ campaign, Allen Solly aims to accentuate that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. He further added, “The brand strongly believe that this campaign will bring positivity among women and encourage the brand to make more such products.”

     

    Added Mahesh Gharat, CCO, Ogilvy South: “When women compliment other women on their sartorial choices, it conveys a subtle but beautiful appreciation of each other. This is exactly what the film captures between these three wonderful girls. The film captures their unique style and how they have found the right fit in the denim they wear. Through this film, we have depicted the essence of being comfortable in one’s skin and celebrating our body shape no matter what styles we opt for. After all, it’s only when you truly adore your body that the world looks brighter.”

     

  • Will handle entire media gambit for the carpet store including TV, Print, Radio, OOH

    Madison Media wins Obeetee mandate

    By Our Srtaff

     

    Madison Media has been appointed as the Media AOR for online carpet store, Obeetee. The agency will handle the entire media gambit for the client including TV, Print, Radio, OOH, Digital and Cinema. The account will be handled by Madison Media Alpha based out of Mumbai.

     

    Said Angelique Dhama, Chief Executive Officer, Obeetee: “I feel carpets as a category is not so well established in India. At Obeetee, our aim is to become synonymous with the category itself. With our 100 year old legacy and top notch products, we are confident of being an integral part of Indian homes in the days to come. I am very pleased to have Madison Media, backing our aspirations and walking the path to success with us.”

     

    Added Vishal Chinchankar, CEO, Madison Digital & Madison Media Alpha: “Carpet/Rugs category intent has gone up 120% due to the pandemic as people are spending more time at home. This is the right time for Obeetee to make a consumer buying journey seamless across online/offline touchpoints. We are confident that out digital first & outcome driven omni-channel approach will help Obeetee surpass industry growth.”

     

  • It has received 950 entries, the highest ever, with as many as 51 agencies participating

    AdClub to hold Effies on Oct 29, online

    By Our Staff

     

    The Advertising Club will host the Effie India Awards 2021 on Friday, October 29 at 7 pm. A club communique reports that 950 entries were received from as many as 51 Agencies participating.  As many as 317 marketing professionals, 132 planners, 19 media professionals and 52 specialists were part of the jury.

     

    Talking about this year’s Effie, Mitrajit Bhattacharya, Chairperson, Effie India Awards, The Advertising Club said: “We are delighted to host the Effie Awards again. We are overwhelmed how the industry has rallied together to enter 950 cases of work in a year that was severely impacted due to sustained lockdown and work from home. The quality of work this year has been exemplary and we are excited to present the best to you on October 29. Watch the show online from the comfort of your home or office”

     

    Added Pradeep Dwivedi, Co-Chairperson, Effie India Awards, The Advertising Club: “A hallmark of Effie Awards India, in its yet another glorious year, is the investment of quality efforts by marketing thought-leaders in ideation, execution and brand-building while driving engagement in tandem with  delivering tangible business results. More power to them”

     

  • To drive business and brand transformation

    Mindshare partners with clients in the East

    By Our Staff

     

    Mindshare reports an acceleration in its business in the East market with many major brands exploring marketing strategies beyond traditional media.

     

    Said Ruchi Mathur, Senior Vice President – Client Leadership – Mindshare North & East India: “We aim to continue consolidating existing businesses and rapidly grow with new business wins in the east, particularly in the Kolkata market. We believe in the significant, but the hitherto untapped potential of this region. Digital and e-commerce are increasingly emerging as areas of prime interest hence they will be our priority. Our team in this market is what makes us so strong, and I am proud to see our talent partner with our valuable clients on this journey of transforming their marketing experiences and building trust within them. Mindshare is fully committed to developing and expanding its footprint in the East.”

     

    Added Parthasarathy Mandayam, CEO – Mindshare South Asia: “As part of our ‘good growth’ agenda, we are committed to building stronger brands in this market. Brands are keener than ever before to revamp their strategies basis the changing consumer preferences. The capability and potential of the East market is huge. It’s exciting to see the Mindshare Kolkata team partner with prestigious brands across categories on their transformation journey.”

     

  • To undertake 360-degree brand building and promotion activities

    SpiceTree bags mandate for Adjavis

    By Our Staff

     

    SpiceTree Design Agency (SDA), a digital marketing agency, has acquired the mandate for Adjavis brands of personal care and styling products.

     

    Shiraz Khan
    Shiraz Khan

    Speaking about this, Shiraz Khan, Founder/Director, SDA, said, “SDA’s holistic digital solutions are a perfect blend of creativity and cutting-edge solutions. We aim to leverage these USPs for expanding the reach for Adjavis, a brand that has been revolutionising the domain of fragrance. Our experience of working with numerous brands has enabled us to constantly support our clients and expand the gamut of our services. We are happy to have won the mandate for Adjavis and begin a fruitful and long-lasting association with them.”

     

    Shail Patel
    Shail Patel

    Added Shail Patel, Director – Marketing, Adjavis: “We are happy to have SDA on board for our promotions and other aspects. A brand’s success does not stop with its products and services. It is also dependent on how efficiently and effectively the brand can reach out to its audience and connect with them. This is what we aim to achieve with SDA on our side in a win-win collaboration.”

     

  • As Head of Strategy for Dentsu Impact

    Vishal Nicholas takes up additional role at Dentsu

    By Our Staff

     

    Vishal Nicholas
    Vishal Nicholas

    Vishal Nicholas, Planning and Strategy Head at DentsuMB (earlier Dentsu India) will now also lead strategy for Dentsu Impact. Under this expanded mandate, Nicholas will manage planning and strategy for South, Mumbai and Delhi for both agencies. He will continue to report into Sidharth Rao, CEO, DentsuMB Group.

     

    Sidharth Rao
    Sidharth Rao

    Speaking on the elevation, Rao said: “As we continue to strengthen and reshape our creative offering in the Indian market, we needed a planning leader who has experience with both traditional and new-age businesses; and Vishal was the obvious choice to steer the strategy product for both DentsuMB and Dentsu Impact.”

     

    Added Nicholas: “Ever since I joined Dentsu, I’ve always been excited about the Eastern approach to building brands with simplicity and second-order thinking at its core. With DentsuMB, the combination of the East and West make it even more compelling. And with Dentsu Impact’s fantastic roster of clients, I look forward to achieving greater business outcomes for them.”

     

  • To focus on new business development and client nurturing

    Efficacy Worldwide appoints Ravindra Singh as GM, North

    By Our Staff

     

    Ravindra Singh
    Ravindra Singh

    Efficacy Worldwide, the integrated marketing communication agency, has announced the appointment of Ravindra Singh as General Manager, North.

     

    Commenting on the appointment, Vishnu Sharma, CEO, Efficacy Worldwide said: “I’m extremely excited to have Ravindra on board. He brings with him expertise of managing 360 degree media and his ability to drive innovations in new media.  With him on board, we are looking forward to stupendous growth in our business. I am confident that Ravindra will add tremendous value to our overall business.”

     

  • To nurture and empower a community of women leaders in the company

    DDB Mudra launches gender equity in leadership project

    By Our Staff

     

    In a bid to create a more gender-balanced company, the DDB Mudra Group has launched ‘The Phyllis India Project’, a year-long mentorship programmed to enable and encourage women to thrive in leadership roles and drive professional growth.

     

    Said Aditya Kanthy, CEO & MD, DDB Mudra Group: “Gender gaps influence the society, culture, economy and the way in which we shape our world for the next generation. Supporting the advancement of women and non-binary individuals by addressing the challenges they face is a global priority for the Group, and we in India have taken it very seriously. It’s inspiring to watch the participants of the Phyllis program grow personally and professionally, take on new roles, and steer the company towards a future with unbound potential. Leaders like Mehak Jaini who now heads Strategy at 22feet Tribal WW, and Sharon Misra who is now leading Exxon Mobil’s business, are great examples of how the program enables and empowers women to lead the biggest businesses in the market. Our notable alumni from this global programme include Shagun Seda, Marketing Director at Netflix, and Sonal Jhuj who leads Global Brand Strategy at Lego Global.”

     

    Added Rita Verma, Executive Vice President and Head-HR, DDB Mudra Group. “At DDB, we know that better product and cultures emerge from diverse and inclusive teams. That’s why initiatives like The Phyllis Project are at the heart of our people strategy. We hope to learn and strengthen our current efforts from the UNWEP network, which is yet another step in making a deeper, meaningful impact. This impact drives culture, company policies, business, and gender parity at work and at home.”

     

  • The awards were instituted in 1995 after the passing of veteran journalist Prem Bhatia (1911-95)

    Dainik Bhaskar, Vaishnavi Rathore get Prem Bhatia Awards

    By Our Staff

     

    The prestigious Prem Bhatia Awards were presented for 2021 to the Dainik Bhaskar team of reporters for “their coverage of the underreporting of Covid deaths in UP, MP, Rajasthan and Gujarat” and Vaisnavi Rathore of digital publication Bastian for her “wide-ranging coverage of environnmental degradation issues and displacement of Adivasis”.

     

    The awards were instituted in 1995 after the passing of veteran journalist Prem Bhatia (1911-95). The Prem Bhatia Memorial Trust seeks to promote excellence in journalism in India by raising public conciousness and giving annual awards for achievement in the field. There are two awards, one for political issues and the other for reporting on environmental and developmental issues.

     

    Previous awardees include Raj Chengappa (1999), Kingshuk Nag and Bharat Desai (2002), Praveen Swamy (2003), Palagummi Sainath (2004), Varghese K. George (2005), Navika Kumar (2006), Pallavi Aiyar (2007), Nirupama Subramanian (2008), Neerja Chowdhury (2009), Ritu Sareen (2010), Josy Joseph and Jyotirmoy Dey (2011), P R Ramesh and Shalini Singh (2012), Jaideep Hardikar and Shalini Singh (2013), Nitin Sethi, Smita Gupta (2014), Suhasini Haider and Priyanka Kakodkar (2015). Last year, Indian Express journalist Dipankar Ghose received the Outstanding Political Reporting 2020 award. In 2019, Rajdeep Sardesai was among the receipients.