MxMIndia

Category: ADVERTISING

  • To pursue other interests

    Tarun Jha moves on from Havas Worldwide

    Tarun Jha, who had joined as the Chief Executive Officer of Havas Worldwide not too long again, has decided to move on, to pursue other interests. Anupama Ramaswamy, Chief Creative Officer, Anirban Mozumdar, Chief Strategy Officer and Kundan Joshee, Managing Partner, will continue to lead Havas Worldwide India jointly and will report to Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, Southeast Asia, and North Asia (Japan & South Korea).

    Said Barua: “Tarun was an intrinsic part of the team, playing a key role in establishing a robust foundation for Havas Worldwide India. He actively contributed to important discussions and helped in putting together a strong and capable second line of leaders. I wish him all the best for the next chapter.”

  • To enhance its brand recognition and engagement

    Pitchfork Partners appointed by Civic Studios

    Civic Studios, a global media company, has appointed Pitchfork Partners Strategic Consulting – as its communications partner. With this appointment, Pitchfork Partners will spearhead corporate communications for Civic Studios to build and elevate awareness for the company.

    Expressing her enthusiasm for the association, Roohi Bhatia, Director of Strategy & Operations, at Civic Studios, said: “We are thrilled to have Pitchfork Partners on board as our communications partner. Their experience and capabilities will be instrumental in helping us achieve our communication goals. We look forward to working with them and crafting a compelling brand narrative in India.”

    Sharing his views on the appointment, Jaideep Shergill, Co-Founder of Pitchfork Partners, added: “Civic Studios is at the forefront of content production, and we are honoured to be their partner of choice for building the India narrative. We believe that our skills and domain expertise will significantly help in crafting strategic communications that will strengthen Civic Studios’ reputation and brand awareness.”

  • Digital, Technology Health & Sustainable Development

    Abby Awards adds new categories in 2024

    ABBY Awards powered by One Show in 2024 continues to stay connected with global festivals like The One Show, Cannes, and ADFEST by adding categories that are trending in the world.

    Introduction of Best Use of AI sub-category, keeping in mind the trending subject of the year, has been added in both Digital and Technology Verticals.

    Copywriting for web and digital craft has been added in Still Digital and Digital Verticals.

    With the growth in Health and Wellness communication, a new vertical called Health has been added this year with sub-categories like OTC Oral Medicines, OTC Products, Nutraceuticals among others. A new specialist agency award being introduced is Health Specialist of the Year for the best performance by a company in this vertical.

    Red Abby has introduced Sustainable Development and Meaningful Practices to cover Climate Action, and Responsible Consumption.

    Green Abby which covers planet conservation has added Life on Land to cover protection of forests and prevention of ecological destruction.

    Commenting on the new categories, Ajay Kakar, Chairman of the ABBY Awards powered by One Show 2024, said: “The world around us is changing by the day, and the Abby awards are at the forefront of reflecting these changes. And this year is no exception. Be it in or within categories like Digital, Mobile and Technology. Or the introduction of a Health category. Every year we start the Abby journey by first engaging with the industry stalwarts, informally, to listen to the changes, suggestions and asks. The changes in the categories that have been introduced this year are thanks to these rich engagements.”

    Dheeraj Sinha, Co-chair of ABBY Awards powered by One Show 2024, added: “Health is a growing business in communication and it is fitting to now have an entire vertical dedicated to it. Advertising with a purpose and a social message has now gathered steam and the Green Abby and Red Abby are adding sub-categories in Forest Conservation , Sustainable Development and Meaningful Practices.”

  • To deliver meaningful solutions to clients

    Havas Media inks partnership with KlugKlug

    Havas Media Network India, the media agency of Havas India, and KlugKlug, the Influencer Tech platorm, have entered a partnership. This collaboration is aimed at introducing solutions in the space of influencer marketing signaling a commitment to elevate the impact and effectiveness of influencer-driven campaigns.

    Said Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, SEA & North Asia (Japan & South Korea): “At Havas India, it has been our endeavour to introduce cutting-edge expertise that not only complements our current integrated Village ecosystem but also helps our client partners grow their business meaningfully. While we have already been leveraging influencer marketing as a substantial expertise, this strategic alliance with KlugKlug will enable us to further bolster our offering, making way for a more transparent, tech-driven, and organised ecosystem. I wish both the teams the very best and look forward to some impactful work together.”

    Commenting on the partnership, KlugKlug Co-Founder & CEO, Kalyan Kumar, added: “KlugKlug is absolutely delighted to embark on this journey with Havas Media Network India by adding a scientific layer to the world of influencer marketing for clients. This is a further validation of how closely KlugKlug brings forth ‘data that matters’ for greater business impact. Having successfully validated our technology across India and globally, this is a massive stepping-stone in our efforts to bring true value to the accelerating influencer marketing landscape. With Havas Media Network India’s guidance on continuous improvements, we should be unveiling some Made-In-Bharat global-first innovations in the very near future.”

  • For a tech-driven future envisioned using AI

    LS Digital joins Billabong High International School to launch campaign

    Billabong High International School Malad has collaborated with LS Digital, a digital marketing transformation (DMT) company, to spearhead a campaign titled ‘Future Re-imagined’, to foster creativity and innovation among its students. This initiative was led by Dr Radhika Srinivasan, Principal, Billabong High International School Malad, aimed at empowering students to envision a new world, driven by the transformative power of AI.

    Said Manesh Swamy, CCO and SVP, LS Digital: “Our interactions with students at Billabong High International School have always left us spellbound. Their thought process, the way they fearlessly think, communicate confidently, and have unique ideas, most of this is because of the differentiated approach to teaching and learning at the school. Students today are constantly exposed to and immersed in technology, with this initiative we thought of merging students thoughts with generative AI and bringing their ideas to life. We approached this more like a social experiment, while creating these images we wanted to stay true and close to the student’s imagination. The results are an incredible mix of generative AI and traditional graphic design coming together to breathe life into these students visions. The reaction of parents and students to the AI expo told us that we did a great job of bringing it alive. The best part of this ‘Future Reimagined’ campaign is that the students at Billabong High International School are even more keen to learn and experiment with Generative AI, and we will be felicitating a series of workshops for them in phase-2.”

  • To innovate digital advertising

    Concept Group partners with Numb3r

    Concept Group, independent agency network, has partnered with Numb3r Impact Agency, led by Rishi Kishnani and Tanmay Bahulekar, to “revolutionise traditional advertising paradigms and introduce a new era of creativity and innovation”.

    Said Vivek Suchanti, Chairman of Concept PR: “I’m thrilled to partner with Numb3r, an agency that resonates with my belief in adaptable creative video solutions. It’s refreshing to be part of a fluid, new-age agency where learning and the development of AI tools are at the core of our innovative approach.” Suchanti, as we know, has invested in many startup agencies in the past.

  • And what happens when Lucifer when beams down to the Auto Expo. Avik Chattopadhyay muses

    Avik Chattopadhyay: Lucifer at the Auto Expo!

    By Avik Chattopadhyay

     

    Lucifer was getting bored. Almost dozing off when God walked up to him and said: “Want to taste a new kind of hell?” “Sure, tell me more…” “Read on social media that the Indian automobile market is hellish.” “Hellish…or actual hell?” “Check it out for yourself. Lazing on that ottoman is making you fat.” “Okay, okay…don’t push it. Where exactly do I start? Heard that country is a huge maze.” “Seems there’s an auto show somewhere up in the north. Good place to start.” “Terrific! Never been to an auto show. Beam me down…now!”

     

    Oh man! Look at all those people streaming in! Seems the whole world is here. Imagine when they all come up…

     

    “Excuse me Sir, your pass please. Others are waiting behind you.”

     

    “Oh yes, here it is. Sorry.”

     

    So, what do we have here? They call this an SUV. Popular name here. That one there too is an SUV. Didn’t the guys in the previous hall also have a couple of SUVs?! “How is your SUV different from that in the previous hall?” “Oh, theirs is a traditional SUV…boxy. Ours is a coupe SUV. Sleek. We also have a mid-size SUV. There…” Next hall. Now, what do we have here…a tiny vehicle with bug eyes…wait, they are calling this an SUV too! “What SUV is this?” “This is a compact SUV.” As I stepped out I see a very interesting SUV parked outside. Two types of wheels. “Excuse me, what SUV is this?” “This is a tractor!” “Wow, a tractor-SUV!” “Where are you from, weirdo?” How offensive! One can get confused…this thing also has high seats and a high roof!

     

    Alright, so what do we have here? The description says “face-lift”. What could this be? “Excuse me, which part of the face did you lift?” “Ummmm…well the grille now has two chrome stripes on it…previously had one. Also, the DRL has been repositioned over the headlamp. And…” “Call this a face-lift?! More like a nip and tuck, is it not!” And there are lots of nips and tucks all around. The crowd must be liking all this stuff. A bumper here, a light there.

     

    And what’s with this “Electric” mania? It’s all over the place. This electricity is blue in colour! Fancy that!! That’s why the blue lightning streaks, outlines, highlights and letters all over. Wonder if red or green electricity works equally well. The red one would surely go with my eyes!

     

    But, where are those ‘half-vehicles’ …the ones with just two wheels? They were all over on the roads. “Excuse me, where are the ones with two wheels? Do not see them here.” “Oh, there are just a couple here. Most have stayed away. You will find them in Milan and Cologne.” “Close by?” “Where are you from, weirdo?” Now, that’s the second time in a day. Third time and I burn this place down.

     

    This green stuff on the floor is sure interesting. “That’s artificial grass!” “I see. Whatever for?” “Because we believe in green technology! Can’t you get it?” “Pardon me. You have blue electricity too. Is this the same stuff?” End of polite conversation.

     

    “You back already?”

     

    “Yup.”

     

    “Okay, am all ears…”

     

    “Do not bother.”

     

    “C’mon, humour me…”

     

    “Okay…sample this. They say it’s winter, but I found ladies standing next to vehicles shivering yet hardly wearing any clothes. They say India is a market of 1.3 billion people but when I was beaming down I saw innumerable people on feet asking for money from those in vehicles. Understand?”

     

    “Oh hell!”

     

     

  • In Mumbai

    Emvies to be held on March 22

    The Advertising Club is gearing up to host the latest edition of the Emvies. With a total of 1892 entries received, Emvies 2024 will take place on Friday, March 22, 2024, in Mumbai.

    Of 1892 entries received, 471 were shortlisted. The final round of judging was evaluated by seasoned marketing professionals and select creative directors. Emerging as a gold standard amongst media awards, the Emvies 2024 has over the years grown in scale and strength.

    Said Rana Barua, Group CEO of Havas India, South East, and North Asia, and President of The Advertising Club: “At The Advertising Club, we take immense pride in promoting excellence in the field of Advertising, Media, and Marketing and the Emvies is a testament to our continuous effort. I’d like to express my gratitude to the jury for giving their precious time, and to the media agencies and brands for demonstrating strong ideas to foster growth of the Advertising, Media, and Marketing industry.”

    Added Punitha Arumugam, Chairperson Emvies Committee: “The increase in the number of entries for Emvies 2024 underlines the industry’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries. We are delighted to recognize the dedication and strategic brilliance reflected in these entries. It has always been our endeavour to celebrate groundbreaking media campaigns that have significantly contributed towards building resonance for brands.”

  • Over the next two years, Shah Rukh Khan will feature in digital, print, and TV campaigns for bp and Castrol, showcasing their wide range of products

    SRK joins Castrol India as official brand ambassador

    Castrol, BP Group’s lubricant brand, has got Shah Rukh Khan, as its brand ambassador. Over the next two years, Shah Rukh Khan will feature in digital, print, and TV campaigns for bp and Castrol, showcasing their wide range of products.

    Said Sashi Mukundan, President of BP India and Senior Vice President of the BP group: “The association with Shah Rukh Khan reflects our dedication to innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. This move embodies our shared values of performance, reliability, and sustainability. We are proud to be a part of this endeavour, as we shape the future of mobility together.”

  • Featuring a series of videos and reels featuring WPL cricketers

    Santoor by Wipro & Interactive Avenues launch campaign

    Santoor, the flagship brand of Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting, has launched its campaign “Young Soch Diaries,” celebrating the limitless spirit of modern women in association with their digital agency, Interactive Avenues, and JioCinema.

    https://www.jiocinema.com/sports/cricket/young-soch-diaries-ft-harmanpreet/3928339

    Said S Prasanna Rai, Chief Marketing Officer & Head – Ecommerce Business, Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting: “The spirit of today’s women cricketers, their accomplishments, resilience, the way they challenge stereotypes and pursue their dreams without limitations is what resonates with Santoor’s philosophy of, ‘Skin ho ya soch, always stay young’. We hope that the campaign inspires women to embrace their unique identity and explore their limitless potential.”

    Added Aparna Tadikonda, EVP – South, Interactive Avenues: “By spotlighting our women cricketers’ journeys, we wanted to help Santoor position itself as a forward-thinking, inclusive brand that celebrates the fusion of strength and beauty. We’re thrilled with the positive response #YoungSoch is receiving across social media.”

  • For an initiative named ‘One Nation 100% Nutrition’

    Supradyn & NDTV initiate campaign against micronutrient deficiency

    Supradyn, from Bayer’s Consumer Health Division, has joined forces with NDTV, for an initiative named ‘One Nation 100% Nutrition’.

    Sandeep Verma
    Sandeep Verma

    Said Sandeep Verma, Country Head, India, Bayer Consumer Health Division: “We are thrilled to embark on this journey and bring attention to the critical issue of micronutrient deficiency. The #SupradynHealthPledge is not just a campaign; it’s a movement towards better health and vitality for everyone. We believe that by encouraging people to adopt a holistic approach to nutrition, we can contribute towards moving every single Indian towards the goal of 100% nutrition.”

    Added Dr Ishi Khosla, Founder and Clinical Nutritionist, Centre for Dietary Counselling: “In India, 50 to 60% of women and children suffer from anemia, often linked to micronutrient deficiencies and inflammation—a starting point for many diseases. A key solution lies in a good diet, essential for overall health. Mental well-being is also vital, as it contributes to a healthy gut. A straightforward strategy involves simple lifestyle changes and necessary supplements to address these health issues.”

    Said Gaurav Dewani, Head – Special Projects, NDTV: “We at NDTV are proud to partner with Supradyn, a pioneering force in addressing the critical issue of micronutrient deficiency. Together, we are committed to bridging the gap in nutrition accessibility, ensuring individuals receive up to 100% of their required micronutrients. Through this collaboration, we aim to empower our viewers with the knowledge and resources necessary to lead healthier, more vibrant lives. Our shared dedication to holistic well-being underscores our mission to make a meaningful impact on India’s health and nutrition landscape.”

  • A content & influencer marketing agency

    Ykone agency acquires Barcode

    Olivier Billon and Rahul Khanna

    Ykone, the influencer marketing agency, has announced the acquisition of 70% of the Indian agency Barcode, a content and influencer marketing agency.

    Said Olivier Billon, Founder and CEO of Ykone: “The acquisition of Barcode Agency is a significant step for Ykone and its international expansion. Ykone YKONE already had a presence in India with an office in Bangalore since 2017. With the addition of Barcode’s operations in India, Ykone ‘s reach in the country and the broader Asia-Pacific region expands even further.”

    Added Rahul Khanna, Barcode’s CEO, added: “We express our heartfelt appreciation to our customers and collaborators in India. This acquisition empowers us to provide worldwide services to our Indianclientele while simultaneously promoting India’s unique narrative globally. We are very proud to join forces Ykone ‘s talented teams. My ambition with Olivier is to achieve worldwide supremacy in the field of Influencer Marketing. We are happy to introduce CAMPAYGN to the Indian market. This innovative tool shall help fill the gap of Indian customers planning their content & social commerce strategy with Barcode and Ykone.”