MxMIndia

Category: ADVERTISING

  • Dheeraj Sinha will take charge as Group CEO India and South Asia in November

    Change of Guard @ FCB: Enter Dheeraj Sinha. Exit Rohit Ohri

     

     

    By Our Staff

     

    Over the last few days, there have been murmurs that Leo Burnett big boss Dheeraj Sinha is likely to join FCB. There have been rumours in the past as well. For instance, in December 2019, soon after Saurabh Verma’s controversial exit from the Publicis group, we had asked Sinha. He said it wasn’t untrue.

     

    So this time around, we held back. There has also been some talk about FCB’s current Group Chairman and CEO Rohit Ohri looking at a successor. It’s now been announced that he will take up a new global role as FCB Global Partner.

     

    Sinha meanwhile will join as Group CEO India & South Asia, reporting directly to FCB Global CEO Tyler Turnbull. Sinha joins the agency from Publicis Groupe, where he currently serves as CEO of Leo Burnett South Asia and Chairman of BBH India.

     

    Ohri should be exiting on a happy note. After being teased by us as being a ‘fuddy duddy’ agency, the agency has been in the news for all the right reasons. Last week, FCB Group India was Adweek magazine’s International Agency of the Year. Over the last six-odd years, the agency has won 32 Cannes Lions and over 100 creative awards globally, launched several high-profile campaigns that have transformed its creative reputation in India and beyond, won many large Indian and global multinational clients, and grown revenue by high double digits year over year. FCB Group India also acquired a majority stake in FCB Kinnect, the region’s leading digital-first creative agency, and recently launched FCB/SIX, its digital media, CX and performance offering, in the market. The last few words from the Cannes wins onwards are from an FCB communique.

     

    Turnbull has great stuff to talk about Ohri. “Since Rohit joined FCB eight years ago, FCB India has seen tremendous success under his leadership. It was time for his next challenge, and while we can’t thank him enough for all that he has done for the agency, I’m excited to have him join our global team to put his valuable experience to work for some important upcoming projects.” On Sinha: “Together, we have found his successor in Dheeraj – an amazingly talented, creatively focused and driven leader who understands the economic power of creativity.”

     

    Added Ohri: “The last eight years at FCB Group India have been truly amazing. My mandate was to transform the creative reputation of FCB in India. By nurturing culture and cultivating talent, we’ve been able to deliver creative excellence consistently since 2018. I’m enormously grateful to my fabulous India team for the creative and business success we have seen. Our partnership with our clients has been our true strength in this creative transformation journey. Further, with the acquisition of Kinnect and the launch of FCB/SIX in India, I believe we are now uniquely poised to power our creative work with data and technology. I’m delighted to now work on the strategic priorities of our global network with Susan and Tyler as FCB Global Partner.”

     

    While at Publicis, he led the business transformation across Leo Burnett, Leo Burnett Orchard, BBH, Publicis Business and Publicis Health. Leo Burnett was India’s #1 and Asia’s #2 agency at Cannes Lions 2023. He has also held several other leadership roles throughout his career, including Chief Strategy Officer of South & Southeast Asia at Grey Group, where he fostered a culture of strategy at Grey APAC.

     

    “Dheeraj is a strong advocate for the power of creativity, with a proven track record of transforming businesses. His experience driving revenue for iconic creative brands and agencies is exactly what we needed to help fuel our next chapter of success in India,” adds Turnbull.

     

    “I’m delighted to welcome Dheeraj into the FCB family. He is a dynamic leader brimming with new ideas. I believe he has the right capabilities and mindset to take FCB Group India to newer heights,” said Ohri.

     

    And this is what Sinha has to say: “I am so excited to be leading the next phase of narrative for FCB in India and the region. I believe that with data and technology at its service, creativity is the greatest force of our times. The true power of our industry is in maximizing business opportunities and solving for human problems using creativity. I love the perspective at FCB about creativity as an economic multiplier. The agency has had a great run in the country, with very strong partnerships with the best clients, and has been one of the most respected agency brands. I look forward to working with the global leadership at FCB under Susan and Tyler, to continue to build FCB in India and the region as the most creative company, helping our clients maximize the opportunities and leaving the world a better place at the same time!”

     

    And what happens at Publicis group? The vagaries of the business notwithstanding, there’s never a dull day. When the announcement happens, we’ll have another ‘big story’. Perhaps.

     

  • To deliver business outcomes

    Welspun appoints Dentsu X as its partner for Integrated Media Solutions

    By Our Staff

     

    Welspun home textiles, has awarded its media duties to Dentsu X – the data & tech-driven agency from Dentsu India.

     

    As per the mandate, Dentsu X’s will intrinsically focus on offering pioneering solutions to enhance the brand’s business outcomes. It will cater to the entire gamut of integrated media services in the Bed & Bath and flooring categories, overseeing media strategy, planning, and buying for Digital and traditional media.

     

    Manjari Upadhye
    Manjari Upadhye

    Manjari Upadhye, CEO, Welspun Global Brands, Domestic Business said: “The competition among the agencies was fierce, and each one presented fantastic ideas, strategies, and data, which made our decision quite challenging. However, dentsu X stood out with its innovative approach, comprehensive understanding of our brand, and compelling vision for our consumer-centric marketing strategy. Bed and bath categories are traditionally considered commodity-driven. Our challenge lies in differentiating ourselves and elevating the brand value within this segment. As the largest spender in the Bed & Bath category over the past 2-3 years, we understand the importance of a robust media strategy to drive our growth. We have chosen to partner with dentsu X due to their exceptional track record in handling similar categories, which will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping our strategies moving forward.”

     

    Anita Kotwani
    Anita Kotwani

    Speaking on the win, Anita Kotwani, CEO Media, South Asia, Dentsu added:  “Adding Welspun India to our clientele is a remarkable win. The network believes in going from pillar to post, fostering our strengths, and redefining practices for brands to supersede their targeted outcomes in the India market. I am proud of the team that has relentlessly worked on the pitch. Their innovative approach to catering to Welspun’s business objectives has led to this victory.  This is much in line with dentsu X’s proposition of ‘experience beyond exposure’ and I am certain of them achieving many new milestones with this partnership.”

     

  • A media insight tool

    Dentsu Intelligence Dashboard (DID) launched

    By Our Staff

     

    Dentsu India launches Dentsu Intelligence Dashboard (DID) – a media insight tool, to enable planners and clients to swiftly comprehend the latest competitor data and expedite the decision-making process. The tool provides integrated data analysis on Online and Offline media spends, Gross Rating Points (GRP), and Impressions in an auto mode.

     

    Commenting on the tool launch Anita Kotwani, CEO Media, South Asia, Denstu said: “At Dentsu, we are on a journey that requires us to compete with ourselves. Our determination to break our records ensures that we invest in building one-of-its-kind cutting-edge solutions for our clients. The tool is certainly a game changer & one-stop go-to for our clients. Media pulls a massive chunk of financial budgets for every brand and the slightest deviation in seeking the true picture could ruin all their efforts. Dentsu Intelligence Dashboard simplistically offers data insights that are accurately curated in an easy-to-understand format and save resources. The launch of this tool is just the beginning of the many firsts that we are working towards.”

     

    Bhasker Jaiswal, Chief Operating Officer, Media, Dentsu India added: “We believe in upgrading our practices to best serve our clients and people. Dentsu Intelligence Dashboard is also proof of our commitment to contributing to the industry at large.  The first-ever tool in the market that integrates data from multiple data sources, alleviates the workload and enables better focus on strategizing. It goes way beyond a simple dashboard and gives planners/clients a readymade competitive overview for Digital as well as TV GRPs which will certainly make it a must-have for all brands.”

     

    Pankaj Bhatlawande, Vice President – Media Analytics, Media, Dentsu India said: “Built on scalable architecture and powered by new-age technologies, the Dentsu Intelligence Dashboard will deliver unparalleled competitive intelligence to media planners. Using serverless technologies like BigQuery enabled data transformation of RLD data, and GRP calculations at scale and reliability. We are certain of this being a game-changer which will elevate marketing strategies to newer heights and redefine business approaches in this digital age.”

     

  • To offer a range of creative communication services

    The Minimalist bags the creative mandate for Movin Express

    By Our Staff

     

    The Minimalist, creative & digital solutions agency, bags creative mandate for Movin, a logistics brand launched as a joint venture between UPS and InterGlobe Enterprises.

     

    As part of the mandate, The Minimalist is dedicated to offering Movin a range of creative communication services, including managing social media channels, brand campaigns, ORM and internal communications.

     

    The Co-founder of The Minimalist, Sahil Vaidya, said: “Our team is thrilled to work with a brand that has the potential to steer a revolution in the logistics segment. We are excited about doing some inventive work in the coming years in order to build a new-age logistics brand in the country.”

     

    Added Sudipto Roy VP, Commercial at, Movin: “Creating corridors of opportunity, innovation, and excellence has always been at the heart of our brand’s mission, and we are thrilled to partner with The Minimalist as they share similar values. Their team’s creative-tech experts promise to ignite thought-provoking brand communication and campaigns that will surely leave a lasting impact. We are particularly excited about their unique AI-driven strategies. Together, we look forward to expanding MOVIN to Indian audiences in an innovative way.”

     

  • To enhance and expand their digital presence

    Dentsu bags mandate for Shelcal & Unienzyme

    By Our Staff

     

    Dentsu Creative India has won the digital creative mandate for two prominent healthcare brands – Shelcal and Unienzyme, which fall under the umbrella of Torrent Pharmaceuticals. The account was won following a multi-agency pitch and will be serviced from the agency’s Mumbai office.

     

    As per the mandate, Dentsu Creative India will play a pivotal role in enhancing and expanding the digital presence of these brands.

     

    Sahil Shah, President – Digital Experience, Dentsu Creative India said: “With Torrent Pharmaceuticals venturing into the OTC segment with significant plans, we felt it was the right time to partner up and address their digital creative activations. Together, we have embarked on a journey to revolutionize their digital marketing in this ‘waiting to innovate’ OTC healthcare domain. I am grateful for their trust in Dentsu Creative and confident that we will blend innovation and creativity to craft messages that truly resonate, fostering meaningful connections with audiences.”

     

    Manika Juneja, Managing Partner, Dentsu Creative India added: “Torrent Pharma’s digital creative mandate is a step forward in strengthening Dentsu Creative’s portfolio within the pharmaceutical category of brands. We are thrilled about this new victory and look forward to a stronger and fruitful partnership with lots of exciting work inspired by Modern Creativity in the near future.”

     

  • Launches new office in Amsterdam

    DangleAds Technologies expands globally in Europe

    By Our Staff

     

    DangleAds Technologies has announceed the opening of its newest office in Amsterdam, Netherlands, as part of its strategic global expansion plan.

     

    Said Pulkit Narayan, Founder and CEO, DangleAds Technologies:  “We are thrilled to step into the vibrant city of Amsterdam, a place celebrated for its entrepreneurial spirit. This move aligns with our mission to comprehend diverse markets, bridge cultures, and craft a worldwide presence as we actively begin to contribute to the city’s digital ecosystem while taking our clients’ businesses to new heights. As a part of our global mission, we plan to collaborate with industry leaders, local tech platforms, and marketing experts in Amsterdam and across Europe to create an extensive ecosystem for performance marketing innovation.”

     

    Added Harsh Manocha, who has recently been appointed as Regional Head-Europe in DangleAds Technologies: “I’m excited about our new Amsterdam office. This strategic move brings us closer to our European partners, allowing us to tailor our client-centric approach to local needs. We aim to foster cultural inclusivity, build collaborations, and help our clients reach new heights in the dynamic European market.”

     

  • To accelerate decarbonisation of the advertising industry

    InMobi partners with Ad Net Zero

    By Our Staff

     

    InMobi, provider of content, monetisation and marketing technologies, has partnered with Ad Net Zero, the climate action programme with the mission to accelerate the decarbonisation of the advertising industry.

     

    Said Kunal Nagpal, Chief Business Officer at InMobi: “InMobi’s partnership with Ad Net Zero symbolizes our dedication to ushering in a more sustainable era for the advertising industry.  We are proud to stand alongside fellow tech companies and agencies, united in the pursuit of a greener, more responsible future. By fully embracing Ad Net Zero’s comprehensive plan, we are steadfast in our commitment to minimizing our environmental impact while advancing the power of advertising.”

     

    Added John Osborn, Director of Ad Net Zero in the U.S.: “Ad Net Zero is thrilled to work with InMobi as they support more sustainable advertising solutions, contributing to our collective global impact. InMobi’s commitment is another significant step toward an eco-friendly future for the industry.”

     

  • Srinivasan K Swamy, Executive Chairman of R K Swamy Hansa Group

    Srinivasan K Swamy elected Chairman of Audit Bureau of Circulations

    By Our Staff

     

    Srinivasan Swamy
    Srinivasan K Swamy

    Srinivasan K Swamy, Executive Chairman of R K Swamy Hansa Group, has been unanimously elected as Chairman of Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) for the year 2023-2024.

     

    Swamy currently serves as Chairman of Asian Federation of Advertising Associations, he was earlier President / Chairman of International Advertising Association (IAA), IAA India Chapter, Confederation of Asian Advertising Agency Associations, Advertising Agencies Association of India, Advertising Standards Council of India, All India Management Association, Madras Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Madras Management Association.

     

    Meanwhile, Riyad Mathew, Chief Associate Editor & Director of Malayala Manorama representing publisher members on the Council was unanimously elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Bureau for the year 2023-2024.  Mohit Jain, Executive Director of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd, also representing publisher members on the Council was unanimously elected as Hon. Secretary of the Bureau for the year 2023-2024.

     

    Vikram Sakhuja, Partner & Group CEO Media & OOH of Madison Communications representing Advertising Agencies Members on the Council was unanimously re-elected as the Hon. Treasurer of the Bureau for the year 2023-2024.

     

    Other members on the Bureau’s Council of Management for the year 2023-2024 are as follows:

    Advertising Agencies Representatives: 1. Srinivasan K Swamy, R K Swamy Ltd. – Chairman 2. Vikram Sakhuja, Madison Communications Pvt. Ltd. – Hon. Treasurer 3. Prasanth Kumar, Group M Media India Private Limited 4. Vaishali Verma, Initiative Media (India) Pvt. Ltd

     

    Publishers Representatives: 1. Riyad Mathew – Malayala Manorama Co. Ltd.. – Dy. Chairman 2. Mr. Pratap G. Pawar – Sakal Papers Pvt. Ltd. 3. Mr. Shailesh Gupta – Jagran Prakashan Ltd 4. Mr. Praveen Someshwar – HT Media Ltd. 5. Mr. Mohit Jain – Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. – Hon. Secretary 6. Mr. Dhruba Mukherjee – ABP Pvt. Ltd. 7. Mr. Karan. Darda – Lokmat Media Pvt. Ltd 8. Mr. Girish Agarwal – DB Corp Limited

     

    Advertiser Representatives: 1. Karunesh Bajaj, ITC Ltd. 2. Mr. Aniruddha Haldar, TVS Motor Company Ltd. 3. Mr. Shashank Srivastava, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.

     

    Secretariat: Hormuzd Masani – Secretary General

     

  • Its 69th Annual General Meeting held last Friday

    The Advertising Club elects Rana Barua as President

    By Our Staff

     

    Rana Barua
    Rana Barua

    The Advertising Club has announced the Managing Committee for 2023-2024, at its 69th Annual General Meeting held last Friday. Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India has been elected to lead the body. Partha Sinha will continue as a member of the Managing Committee as the Immediate Past President for the ensuing year.

     

    Speaking about the appointment, Barua said: “It’s an honour to serve as the President at The Ad Club, a nearly 70-year-old venerable institution, whose legacy is deeply rooted in its unwavering commitment to excellence and is a beacon of inspiration for our industry. Our mission extends beyond accolades; it’s about actively shaping belonging and how we engage and influence the larger fraternity and the newer generation. Our new management team, a mosaic of diverse leaders across sectors, embark on a journey of limitless possibilities and opportunities. Together, we commit meaningful initiatives that will enable us to attract fresh talent into the industry, championing women empowerment, nurturing future leaders, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and fostering progressive alliances and conversations.”

     

    The officebearers are:

    Rana Barua – President

    Dheeraj Sinha – Vice President

    Dr Bhaskar Das – Secretary

    Shashi Sinha – Joint Secretary

    Mitrajit Bhattacharya – Treasurer

     

    Other Managing Committee members:

    Avinash Kaul, Malcolm Raphael, Prasanth Kumar, Punitha Arumugam, Shubhranshu Singh, Sonia Huria, Subramanyeswar Samayam.

     

    In addition, given below is the list of co-opted industry professionals:

    Ajay Kakar, Pradeep Dwivedi, Vikram Sakhuja

     

    The following are special invitees and bring immense value to The Advertising Club through their expertise and deep understanding of the respective industry segments:

    Ajay Chandwani, Alok Lall, Anusha Shetty, Lulu Raghavan, Mansha Tandon, Nisha Narayanan, Raj Nayak,  Satyanarayan Raghavan and  Vikas Khanchandani

     

  • 'To help clients improve ROI'

    Manish Menon to head HR @ Madison World

    By Our Staff

     

    Manish Menon
    Manish Menon

    Madison World has appointed Manish Menon as Vice President of Human Resources. He will be based in the agency’s Mumbai office.

     

    Announcing the appointment, Sam Balsara, Chairman, Madison World, said: “We have a number of new initiatives planned for Madison to face the ever-changing environment we live in. Manish joins us at the right time and his agency experience will help him head the function effectively to even further help our clients improve ROI on their Brand investments.”

     

  • To focus on delivering fresh perspective to the company

    Posterscope appoints Pallavi Patil as VP – Strategy

    By Our Staff

     

    Posterscope, the OOH specialist agency from Dentsu India, has appointed Pallavi Patil as Vice President – Strategy. She will report to Imtiyaz Vilatra, Managing Director, Posterscope India.

     

    Commenting on the appointment, Imtiyaz Vilatra said: “We are thrilled to have Pallavi as part of the Posterscope family. With her wealth of experience and knowledge, I am confident she will bring a lot of value with fresh insights and ideas. I would like to welcome her onboard and am certain she will be instrumental to further scale our growth momentum.”

     

  • As VP, Growth Initiatives

    Wavemaker’s Anil Sathiraju to bolster Ants Digital

    By Our Staff

     

    Ants Digital, hte integrated communications and digital marketing firm, has appointed Anil Sathiraju (formerly with Wavemaker) as Vice President-Growth Initiatives. Sathiraju spent some nine years at the GroupM agency, last as General Manager-South and Head of South Entertainment.

     

    Speaking on the appointment, Sanjay Arora, CEO, Ants Digital said: “At Ants, we are constantly looking to scale our service offerings for clients. With Anil joining the team, we will surely open a lot of doors to growth. Ants is a fully integrated digital and marketing consulting firm with offices across, Gurugram, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. We are delighted to welcome Anil on board to Head the Growth Initiatives. Anil comes to Ants with a rich background in the media and entertainment sector, which has been growing at a rapid rate. We are sure to make an impact on our clients and I am excited to welcome him aboard.”