MxMIndia

Category: ADVERTISING

  • Price Band fixed at Rs 270 to 288 per equity share of face value of Rs 5

    R K Swamy IPO to open on March 4

    The much-awaited IPO R K Swamy Limited will open Monday, March 4, 2024. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) of up to equity shares of face value of Rs 5 each (Equity Shares) for cash at a price band from Rs 270 to Rs 288 per equity share. Bids can be made for a minimum of 50 equity shares and in multiples of 50 equity shares thereafter.

    The bid/offer will  close on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

    As per a communique, the net proceeds from the issue are proposed to be used as follows: Funding working capital requirements of the Company Rs 540 million; Funding capital expenditure to be incurred by the company for setting up a digital video content production studio: Rs 109.85 million; Funding investment in IT infrastructure development of the Company, and Material Subsidiaries, Hansa Research Group Private Limited and Hansa Customer Equity Private Limited: Rs 333.42 million, and funding setting up of new customer experience centres and computer aided telephonic interview centres of the company: Rs 217.36 million. And general corporate purposes.

  • As Hashtag Orange expands its footprint from Gurgaon to Mumbai, there is a heightened focus on the western region, notes a communique

    Gaurang Menon joins Hashtag Orange as Creative Head – West

    Gaurang Menon
    Gaurang Menon

    Hashtag Orange, a leading digital native advertising agency, has announced the appointment of Gaurang Menon as its Regional Creative Head for the West region.

    As Hashtag Orange expands its footprint from Gurgaon to Mumbai, there is a heightened focus on the western region, notes a communique.

    Said Mukesh Vij, Founder of Hashtag Orange: “I am glad to welcome Gaurang Menon back to the Hashtag Orange team. I am confident that Gaurang’s leadership will play a pivotal role in driving our growth objectives forward. His strategic vision, coupled with his creative prowess, will undoubtedly elevate our efforts as we continue to innovate and expand in the dynamic digital advertising landscape.”

    Amit Shankar, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Hashtag Orange, echoed the same sentiment, stating: “I am thrilled to have Gaurang back on board, with even greater expertise and a fresh perspective that is sure to invigorate our team. His wealth of experience and creative acumen will play an invaluable role in elevating our strategies to new heights. Together, we will work on pushing  boundaries, innovating, and delivering exceptional results for our clients.”

  • For Integrated Creative

    Dentsu Creative bags Popeyes mandate

    Dentsu Creative India has won the integrated creative mandate for the American fried chicken restaurant chain – Popeyes. The account was won following a multi-agency pitch and will be serviced from the agency’s Gurugram office. The restaurant chain has 33 stores in 11 Indian cities so far.

    Ujjwal Anand
    Ujjwal Anand

    Said Ujjwal Anand, Managing Partner – North, Dentsu Creative India: “Popeyes has a cult status in the world, and we’re excited to partner with them in their journey in India. We hope to build on the brand’s legacy and of course, the crazy love.”

    Gaurav Pande
    Gaurav Pande

    Added Gaurav Pande, Executive Vice President and Business Head, Popeyes India: “We were impressed by Dentsu Creative’s strategic vision and creative acumen during the pitch process. Their understanding of our brand ethos, the Indian culture and their ability to translate it into share-worthy campaigns stood out. We are confident this collaboration will bring a fresh perspective to our marketing efforts in India.”

    Joy Mohanty
    Joy Mohanty

    Said Joy Mohanty, Chief Creative Officer – North, Dentsu Creative India: “Winning the pitch is great, but winning the hearts and minds of Indian foodies is going to take some work. And we’re ready for it! The possibilities to embed Popeyes in desi pop culture already have us pumped. So, it’s only going to get more interesting from here.”

  • As President & Chief Strategy Officer, South Asia

    Narayan Devanathan back to helm Dentsu

    Dentsu has appointed Narayan Devanathan as President & Chief Strategy Officer, South Asia. He will report to Harsha Razdan, CEO, South Asia, Dentsu.

    In his new capacity, Devanathan is entrusted with the task of executing the network’s strategy to deliver industry-defining client solutions at the intersection of marketing, technology, and consulting.

    His mandate includes bringing together the strategy and planning teams across various critical practices including creative, media, and customer experience (CX). Further, Devanathan will also set up and run the business transformation, sustainability consulting, innovations, startup growth partnerships, expert alliances, and knowledge verticals across the group.

    Commenting on the appointment, Razdan said: “Dentsu stands as an unparalleled powerhouse of creativity, innovation, and exceptional talent. Our goal is to enhance our customer focus, adaptability, and inventiveness as we embark on the next phase of our growth journey. We aspire to be the primary choice for clients seeking progress for themselves and their customers in marketing, technology, and consulting. Narayan’s appointment seamlessly aligns with our global strategic vision. He has proven himself to be an invaluable asset at Dentsu – a remarkable individual, a distinguished leader, and an outstanding professional. I wholeheartedly welcome Narayan to his new role.”

  • This is IAA Global’s highest recognition

    Srinivasan Swamy presented with IAA Golden Compass Award

    Mr. Srinivasan Swamy receiving award from Governor of Penang, Malaysia
    Mr. Srinivasan Swamy receiving award from Governor of Penang, Malaysia

    At the 45th IAA World Congress held in Penang, Malaysia, Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak presented veteran industryperson Srinivasan Swamy with IAA’s most coveted IAA Golden Compass Award. The award honours legends who have significantly contributed to the world stage in the field of marketing, advertising and media industries. This is the first time that this award is being bestowed upon an Indian industry leader. Earlier recipients of this Award include Shelly Lazarus (Chairman Emeritus, Ogilvy and Mather), Paul Polman (CEO, Unilever), Paul Rossi (President, Economist Group), Marc Pritchard (Chief Brand Officer, Procter & Gamble), Andrew Robertson (President & CEO, BBDO Worldwide), etc.

    Srinivasan ‘Sundar’ Swamy, is Chairman & Managing Director of R K Swamy, the only recently listed integrated marketing services company. He currently holds the position of Chairman for The Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA) and The Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC).

    Acknowledging the award received, Swamy said: “I am happy to receive this most coveted award on behalf of all the professionals in my company as well as the industry who have supported me at work and in my various initiatives over the years. I want to dedicate this award to my father, the late Mr. R.K.Swamy, who once said to me that no amount of time given to the industry is wasted time, since that is the hand that feeds us!”

    Added advertising veteran Ramesh Narayan, who has worked with Swamy for several years on various industry projects: “Sundar is a leader on steroids. His ability to set tall targets and get things done when the odds are stacked against him is inspiring. His leadership style is inclusive, but he will not brook any slackness from his teammates. It amazes me that he finds quality time for everything despite running a large diverse business. I wish him continued good health and energy as his group embarks on a new journey as a publicly listed entity.”

  • Entries are open for the awards

    Ad Club campaign for Abby

    The Advertising Club has unveiled a campaign for the upcoming Abby Awards powered by One Show 2024.

    Speaking on the initiative, Ajay Kakar, Chairperson, Awards Governing Council, Abby Awards said: “At The Advertising Club, we are committed to bringing forward and honouring the masterpieces and the masterminds. The Abby Awards powered by One Show 2024 serve as a testament to the extraordinary work that our industry creates and its potential to shape the future. With this campaign, we invite the industry to come forward, submit their best work, and together elevate the collective creativity to unparalleled global heights.”

    Added Alok Lall, Executive Director, McCann Worldgroup India:  “We believe in celebrating not just the present achievements but also the future that we are collectively building for our industry. The Abby Awards powered by One Show 2024 serve as a beacon for the creativity that defines our industry’s trajectory.”

    Entries are now open for Abby Awards powered by One Show 2024.

  • MxMLive with Rana Barua

    MxMLive with Rana Barua

    In early January 2024, it was announced that Rana will extend his remit to include South East and North Asia. The expansion of Barua’s scope adds nine additional markets under his leadership in his new role as Group CEO India, South East and North Asia. His new titled reads: Group CEO, Havas India, South East Asia and North Asia

    Over the last few weeks, he has met with the media, talking about his new role and vision for his agency network.

    As part of a new season of MxMLive, Pradyuman Maheshwari, Editor-in-Chief spoke with Rana Barua over an interview via Zoom.

    Watch. Enjoy. Like.

  • To work across brands handled by both offices of the agency

    Nisheeth Srivastava is ECD at BBH

    BBH India, the creative agency within Publicis Groupe India, has appointed Nisheeth Srivastava as Executive Creative Director (ECD). Based out of New Delhi, Srivastava’s mandate involves working across brands handled by both offices of the agency and reporting directly to Parikshit Bhattaccharya, Chief Creative Officer of BBH India.

    Welcoming him to the BBH team, Bhattaccharya said: “Nisheeth’s appointment is in line with our objective of building a high talent density team. His vast body of work is a potent combination of culturally rooted insights and progressive ideas. His experience in handling big brand mandates will add another dimension to our game, specifically in Delhi. He joins a high energy, super collaborative creative leadership team comprising Ashwin Palkar, Swati Balani and Arvind Menon. I look forward to their combined magic as they curl a few into the top right corner for our clients.”

  • Seeks to champion indigenous art, craft, and design

    Indian design leaders launch Triad

    TRIAD, short for Trans Regional Indian Association of Design, was launched at Designing Tomorrow, a design event that took place on March 9, 2024, at the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM) Kancheepuram, Chennai, an institute fir design-centric education through the School of Interdisciplinary Design and Innovation.

    Said Sathiyaseelan G, Vice President, Styling at Ashok Leyland and Founding team member at Triad: “After conducting a pilot programme with over 10,000 students nationwide, we identified a crucial gap. There was a primary need to shift the mindset from mere technology adoption to creating unique solutions that fit exactly what is needed. Therefore, our initiative aims to engage students and equip the next generation with a ‘Design First’ mentality. India’s journey to becoming a design hub cannot be merely aspirational but a mandate for its progress and sustainability.”

  • To bolster brand recognition and market presence

    Pitchfork Partners engaged by Ram Madhvani Films

    Production house Ram Madhvani Films has appointed Pitchfork Partners Strategic Consulting as its communication partner. The mandate also includes Equinox Films, the award-winning ad-production house known for iconic ads such as Humara Bajaj anthem and Happydent White along with Equinox Virtual, the company’s gaming vertical.

    Expressing his optimism, Ram Madhvani said: “We are delighted to welcome Pitchfork Partners on board as our strategic communications partner. Their tactical insights and industry know-how will play a crucial role in amplifying our brand narrative and fostering greater engagement with our audiences. We look forward to collaborating with them to achieve our communication objectives.”

    Commenting on the partnership, Jaideep Shergill, Co-Founder, Pitchfork Partners, added: “Ram Madhvani Films and Equinox Films have carved a niche for themselves in the media and entertainment and advertising industry, and we are honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of enhancing their communication efforts. Through strategic messaging and targeted outreach, we aim to amplify their brand impact and reach new heights of success in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.”

  • In Advertising, Media, Digital, Film and Events

    Montreux Switzerland Festival 2024 opens entries

    The Golden Award of Montreux has welcomed submissions from agencies, advertisers, media, digital, production, design and event companies worldwide, offering a platform for both national and international campaigns. Ass Montreux Festival has been a precursor to Cannes for 30 years now and is one of Europe’s premier advertising, media, digital, film and design festivals.

    Last year India secured five Gold Medals, with BC Web Wise triumphing in the Digital category, Tree Design in Design, Viacom18 Media and Leo Burnett excelling in Use of Media, and Cog Culture clinching two Golds, one in Design and another in Events.

    Ajay Chandwani, senior advertising professional and active member of the Abby Awards Governing Council is part of Montreux Festival 2024’ international jury.

    Details of the entry categories and 2024 entry form are at www.goldenaward.com

  • The partnership aims to boost brand awareness

    Ideosphere to drive Magnite’s communication programme

    Ideosphere has announced that it has been selected to support Magnite, the independent omnichannel sell-side advertising company, with its public relations needs in India. Ideosphere will support Magnite’s India communication programme and elevate Magnite’s share of voice as the company’s presence in India expands, informs a communique.

    Speaking on their ambitions for India, Gavin Buxton, Managing Director of Asia at Magnite said, “With programmatic adoption in India forecasted to increase steadily over the next several years, our presence in India allows us to more easily help our clients navigate the quickly changing landscape. The competitive nature of the market requires consistent and impactful messaging, and we’re confident in Ideosphere’s ability to deliver this. Their understanding of our business and strong team will be of immense value in amplifying the exciting work we’re doing in market through impactful PR and communications.”

    Commenting on the partnership, Minal D’Rozario, Co-Founder Ideosphere, added: “Indian brands and agencies are experiencing a seismic shift due to large-scale digital technology advancement in the programmatic advertising and OTT space. Magnite brings yet another world-class technology offering to the Indian advertising market. We are leveraging our team’s insights and strategy capabilities to ensure Magnite is well-positioned in the Indian market. The mandate would require us to focus across multiple industry personas to drive custom narratives with an intention of education, behavioural change and brand advocacy.”