MxMIndia

Category: ADVERTISING

  • The Singapore office will service the Asia-Pacific region and offer clientele a complete spectrum of brand activation and event management services

    Wizcraft begins ops in Singapore

    By A Correspondent

     

    Widely renowned for their brand activation and events, Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd has opened their international base in Singapore. The Singapore office will service the Asia-Pacific region and offer clientele a complete spectrum of brand activation and event management services covering ground, digital, display and brand property creation.

     

    Wizcraft has been in the forefront of some of the largest events and entertainment spectaculars, including the ICC World Cup’s Opening ceremony in Dhaka, Bangladesh, cricket-activation in Sri Lanka and the closing of the ICC World Cup in India; the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, 50 Years of Indian Independence, the 30 Years of Mauritian Independence, the 10 years of the South African Freedom Struggle, the National Games Opening and Closing ceremonies, the Oman Tattoo showcase of the armed services of the Sultanate of Oman, the Handover ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, and  The Unforgettable Tour (Indian Cinema’s biggest concert that travelled across Toronto, Trinidad, LA, San Francisco, Houston, Atlantic City, Chicago, New York and London bringing together the greatest icons of the Indian Film Industry). Over two decades, Wizcraft has etched its mark in history.

     

    Wizcraft has focused its brand management skills, creativity and marketing acumen to create market leader event brands such as the International Indian Film Academy Awards and Weekend (IIFA), the Global Indian Music Academy Awards (GiMA), the Green Globe Awards and the Kingdom of Dreams, a destination that offers a unique experience of theatre, cuisine, arts, crafts and folk performers.

     

    Sabbas Joseph, Director, Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd. said: “Wizcraft has always serviced global brands across the region. We are certain that our team being closer to the centre of decision-making for the APAC region will ensure that we can influence the market trends positively and create partnerships that will deliver brand messaging across the region.”

     

    Andre Timmins, Director, Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd. said: “Wizcraft has taken significant leaps in terms of growth in the last decade and this reflects in the scale and magnitude of the events that we have done. Asia represents significant growth opportunities for Wizcraft and a globally connected city like Singapore is the best step to further expand the Wizcraft empire. This establishment will be an important growth market for our unique offerings over the years.”

     

    Ajay Rao, Vice President, South East Asia & Pacific Region, Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd. said: “We look forward to leveraging our worldwide experience to deliver integrated services of International quality and range to consumers in Singapore. Being a cosmopolitan city-state Singapore has highly skilled resources and offers a conducive environment to creative and knowledge-driven industries. We look forward to our associations here and also plan to add to our service offerings as demand grows”

     

    Established in 1988, Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd is now India’s leading Communication and Entertainment Company, integrating strategy, creativity and technology to provide Interactive Entertainment & Event Solutions to a global audience. The pioneer of many extravagant and mesmerizing events, Wizcraft has been instrumental in shaping the event management industry in India.

     

  • The campaign was based on an insight from the consumer's life that 'Circumstances do not dictate my destiny, I do'

    DDB Mudra creates a new gold loan campaign for Federal Bank

    By A Correspondent

     

    Mother & Son
    Husband & Wife

    Gold loan is one of the fastest growing categories amongst retail loans inIndia. Research shows that a lot of customers who take gold loans are small businessmen, small storeowners, painters, mechanics, carpenters and others. It was found that the category is dominated by NBFCs and consumers do not consider going to banks for gold loans. Hence, the task was to get Federal Bank to break into the consideration of the customer.

     

    The new Gold Loan Campaign of Federal bank is based on the premise that there are two kinds of situations that call for a gold loan; an emergency loan (hospital bills) and a loan for progress (buying a house, expanding business). In times of emergencies, these consumers prefer an NBFC for speed of transaction but when it is a loan for progress, they prefer a bank as interest rates and terms of repayment matter.

     

    Ranji Cherian President and Head of DDB Mudra Group, South said: “This campaign magnifies the loans-for-progress in a very strong manner. What is interesting is that when it comes to Loans-for-progress, customers prefer a bank as interest rates and terms of repayment matter”.

     

    “In times of need due to undue financial pressure, a person usually gets confused and forgets where to go for help, be it for business, education, or a family wedding. This campaign is aimed at easing his tension and reminding him of the safest, most reliable and trusted partner – Federal Bank Gold Loan, giving instant loan on gold besides safeguarding the gold, and unlike many unscrupulous gold loan companies, not charging a hefty interest rate. The simplicity of this campaign drives home this point quite precisely, easing the tension of any one in need of financial help,” said Vipul Thakkar, Executive Creative Director, DDB Mudra South.

     

    A deep dive into the consumers’ lives revealed that people who are forced to support their families at a very early stage in their lives constantly fight against all the challenges life throws at them and yet try and progress one step at a time. The campaign was based on an insight from the consumer’s life that ‘Circumstances do not dictate my destiny, I do’.

     

    Mr. Anand Chugh, the Chief Manger Marketing at Federal Bank said: “This campaign was conceived well and the execution is also as intended. The faith in advertising has gone up post the campaign as tangible results in terms of portfolio growth are visible. The campaign has strengthened the position of Federal Bank in the retail gold loan market.”

     

    To break through the clutter in the market, the agency made the woman the hero of this campaign. The television commercials show the lady of the house coming forward to help her family out of a tough situation. Federal Bank is hence showcased as the consumer’s trustworthy partner in progress. “Bringing the woman to the centre of the decision adds meaning and strengthens the case for Federal Bank,” said Mr Ranji.

     

  • Campaign aims at empowering consumers in the regions, with information to optimize on impending digitization & enables operators to build their brand equity

    BIG Magic launches ‘100% UPwale / 100 % MPwale’ FOR UP & MP

    By A Correspondent

     

    After the success of the ‘Choose Your Set-Top-Box Wisely’ campaign, which aimed at increasing awareness and empowering consumers with adequate information to make the right choice while choosing their set top boxes and also enabling operators to build their brand equity in the metros, Reliance Broadcast Network is now taking the initiative into the Hindi Heartland of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Madhya Pradesh (MP) with the second leg of this campaign.

     

    Built on a creative idea of “100% UPwale / 100% MPwale”, this campaign will also serve the purpose of driving awareness of impending digitization and empower consumers to make the right choice when choosing a DTH/ Set Top box.

     

    Additionally the campaign also provides operators a chance to build preference and equity for their own offerings.

     

    The campaign creative idea reflects the uniqueness of this region ranging from the chikan kurtas ofLucknow to Banarasi paan to the pedas ofMathura to praying at the Bade Ganpati ka Mandir, and the channel of the region - BIG Magic.

     

    The campaign will be rolled out across BIG Magic and the 11 radio stations of 92.7 BIG FM.

     

    With digitization set to revolutionize the television viewing experience, and operators gearing to undertake activities to build their brand equity and ensuring that they gain from the eminent shake-out, consumers also need to understand that the power to enhance their television viewing experience will now lie with them and this campaign aims at helping both operators and consumers alike.

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network’s BIG Magic, which has only just completed a year of launch, has already become the leading channel of the region with its exciting content and programs.

     

    It will be a six week campaign spread across television, radio, OOH, print and digital, will be one of the largest initiatives in the regional space by any broadcaster.

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited is a multi-media entertainment conglomerate with play across radio, television, intellectual properties and out of home. It is part of the Reliance Group and specializes in creating and executing integrated media solutions for brands. It houses the following verticals: 92.7 BIG FM, BIG CBS- a joint venture with CBS Studios International which has launched four channels, BIG CBS Prime, BIG CBS Love, BIG CBS Spark and Spark Punjabi. Added to this
    robust bouquet, the Company also distributes Bloomberg UTV, India’s premier business news channel.

     

  • A travelogue format introduced first time ever in the history of radio

    92.7 BIG FM announces Big Chhutti this summer

    By A Correspondent

     

    92.7 BIG FM,India’s No.1 FM Network, has announced ‘BIG Chhutti’ on radio. BIG Chhutti is a travelogue which is conceptualized for creating exceptional experiences for those passionate about travel. It would enable listeners explore distant lands that sit on their wish-list through the theatre of mind

     

    BIG Chhutti is dedicated to entertain listeners, deprived of spending vacations in hill stations. BIG RJs will travel to incredible destinations like Nainital, Rudraprayag, Chopta, Mussoorie, Kasauni, Jimcorbett, Ranikhet, Dhanaulti, Almora, Binsar, Chamoli, Dehradun, Haridwar, Landsdown, Kotdwar and Pauri. The RJs will give a picturesque view of destination, teeming with exotic wildlife and natural beauty, as well as its cultural treasures. These areas have been selected as it serve as sought-after locales for couples, families and singles alike.

     

    Listeners will find value in the show as it promises to offer rare glimpses of the said locations. The RJs will also visit the major attractions of the place including theme parks, hotels, resorts and so on. Not only this, show also empowers would-be travellers with on-ground realities such as stay facilities, best food joints, mode of transportation, shopping options thereby enabling them to plan their vacations economically and in a better way.

     

    The show is designed especially keeping in mind the summers hence will continue throughout May. BIG Chhutti will be aired in the mid-morning band across 11 stations of UP, MP and Jharkhand.

     

    The show offers an excellent platform for marketers of travel & electronic brands to reach a very relevant and plum audience base. Lotus Electronics of MP has partnered this unique concept.

     

    Company’s spokesperson said in a statement: “It’s a pleasure to organize a travel show on radio which not only caters to those deprived of travelling during vacations but also enable would-be travellers to plan their holidays rationally. This offering is another first from our stable, connecting our listeners through travel. To ensure relevance and direct connect BIG RJs will travel to holiday destinations & will bring real experience to the listeners. Radio is a local medium and this is part of our endeavour to offer audiences an opportunity to enjoy a varied platter of content that makes for relevance to audiences of the region, while offering marketers an excellent opportunity to connect with audiences.”

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited is a multi-media entertainment conglomerate with play across radio, television, intellectual properties and out of home. It is part of the Reliance Group and specializes in creating and executing integrated media solutions for brands. It houses the following verticals: 92.7 BIG FM, BIG CBS- a joint venture with CBS Studios International which has launched four channels, BIG CBS Prime, BIG CBS Love, BIG CBS Spark and Spark Punjabi. Added to this
    robust bouquet, the Company also distributes Bloomberg UTV, India’s premier business news channel.

     

  • A Comms has brought to the platform Tata i-Shakti Unpolished and Little Millenium in a special brand-consumers' connect initiative with the 'Crossword Children's Fest'

    A Comms’ summer plans to catch young consumers

    By A Correspondent

     

    The annual Indian season of holidays has begun and brands across the country are actively trying to catch the attention of children and young adults. Aurora Comms, or A Comms, the country’s largest shopper marketing and retail media network, is in buzz mode as well and its latest shopper marketing campaign has connected two brands to the leading book store, Crossword.

    The ‘Crossword Children’s Fest’, a month-long event involving readings, author interactions and fun activities begins this week, and A Comms has brought to the platform Tata i-Shakti Unpolished pulses and Little Millenium in a special brand-consumers’ connect initiative.

     

    Through effective shopper marketing, A Comms has ensured the fest’s audiences are exposed to communications from the two brands.

     

    Tata i-Shakti, a range of sorted, graded and unpolished dals for a healthier you and Little Millenium, one ofIndia’s leading pre-school chains are the official sponsors for the activity.

     

    “Shopper marketing focuses on reaching out to consumers in a relevant manner. Tata i-Shakti’s communication has been planned out to reach out to healthy minds. Little Millennium’s association is to drive their messaging stronger in children-parents community,” said Samir Vithlani, Director – Key Acounts from A Comms.

     

    Mr Jagannath, National Head – Franchising operations, Educomp Schools is positive about this exposure. “At Little Millennium, our vision is to enable, energize and enhance childhood by igniting a passion to read among children from a tender age. This association with Crossword Children Festival shares our vision.”

     

    Crossword’s successful fest, which is currently active not only at metros such as Mumbai andDelhibut also tier-II cities such asBhopal,Indoreand Vijaywada, promises to take Tata  i-Shakti Pulses and Little Millenium to their target audiences over the coming month.

     

  • Cheil's challenge was to deliver a campaign that brought out the proposition that Samsung Star*3DUOS with Wi-Fi empowers you to do things faster

    Cheil’s new Samsung TVC gets youth high on WiFi

    By A Correspondent

     

    The new television commercial for the Samsung Star 3DUOS Touch Screen phone from Cheil puts life on fatafat mode.

     

    The Samsung Star*3DUOS Touch Screen phone is the latest offering from Samsung Mobile. In a bid to provide its consumers with the best technology, Samsung Mobile has been bringing in a number of aggressively priced models into the market. Samsung Mobile phones are armed with features that are superior to the competition and available at every price point.

     

    Cheil’s challenge was to deliver a campaign which not only captured the life of today’s Gen Y, but also brought out the proposition that Samsung Star*3DUOS with Wi-Fi empowers you to do things faster.

     

    This feature, coupled with the research insight that drew attention to what youth of today feel about waiting -“Patience is not for me” – tied in brilliantly with the concept Fatafat, an Indian term commonly used to describe speed. Hence, life fatafat.

     

    Commenting on the new TVC, Alok Agrawal, Chief Operating Officer, Cheil Worldwide SW Asia, said: “In the Star*3 commercial we have captured the pace and zing that characterizes the new India. The tearing hurry with which they lead their lives is brought alive in the story and execution. It was hard work and great fun putting this together – it is a breath of fresh air in this category long used to formula stories.”

     

    The new television commercial draw’s attention to the WiFi feature that sets apart the Samsung Star*3DUOS Touch Screen phone. The WiFi enabled, Samsung Star*3DUOS  Touch Screen phone is the perfect fit for Gen Y that is taking life head on and re-writing timelines to live life to its max – be it with regard to relationships, jobs, pursuing interests and hobbies or simply in the way they like to relax.

     

    This TVC is part of the line up of an exciting range of products where Cheil Worldwide is actively involved in building communication across 360-degree consumer touch points, that offer a high degree of excitement and creating buzz for the brand.

     

    Client: Samsung Electronics India Limited

    Agency: Cheil WorldwideSW Asia

    Creative Team: Varun Arora, Dinkar Porwal

    Client Servicing team: Ankur Bora, Chhavi Kalra, Resham Ahluwalia & Chandramouli Prasad

    Production House: Day Dreamers

    Directed by: Marlon Rodrigues

     

    Cheil Indiahas been on an aggressive growth plan over the last 2 years, almost doubling its size in its employee strength and billings. Significant expansion and growth has been seen particularly in BTL and Digital areas, making Cheil one of the largest fully integrated single agencies inIndia, executing some of the largest cross-functional integrated campaigns, providing 360°implementation across all facets of marketing services.

     

    Cheil Worldwide Inc isKorea’s largest and one of the world’s leading advertising groups. Cheil offers a full portfolio of marketing communications services including advertising, PR, sports marketing, exhibition and display production, and production of large-scale performance events. In 2011, Advertising Age ranked Cheil as the #11 largest creative agency in the world.

     

    Please use link this link to download the  TVC and stills

    :http://www.yousendit.com/download/M3BsZFhuQVN6RTlFQmNUQw (the link will expire on May 01, 2012)

     

  • The account was won following a multi-agency pitch. The size of the business is said to be in the range of Rs25-30 crore

    DDB MudraMax bags media for Nirmal Lifestyle

    By A Correspondent

     

    DDB MudraMax, the experience and engagement network of the DDB Mudra Group has bagged the media duties of Nirmal Lifestyle. The account was won following a multi-agency pitch. The size of the business is said to be in the range of Rs25-30 crore.

     

    On choosing DDB MudraMax, Rajeev Jain, Director, Nirmal Lifestyle, said: “We at Nirmal Lifestyle have a vision for the next 25 years for our growth and expansion through ‘innovating creating and transforming’ strategy. In the last ten years, Nirmal was successful in creating residential townships and shopping malls which transformed Mulund. We have a vision to take up fitness and sports as our company’s core DNA and to also make it a part of our townships and retail and commercial projects. As this is a big leap for our company in terms of the growth, we also require a media design and planning agency of equal caliber who can give our vision support. We are delighted to partner with DDB MudraMax and are confident that they will do a great job and take our brand to the next level.”

     

    Commenting on the new win, Samir Khanna, Head, DDB MudraMax, Media, Mumbai, said: “This is a prestigious win for us. The vibrant vision of Nirmal Lifestyle of ‘Innovating, Creating and Transforming’ and focus on sports and fitness as their core DNA has got us very excited.  We look forward to partnering with the team at Nirmal Lifestyle.”

     

    Nirmal Lifestyle, a leading property developer, is identified as the front ranking property development companies in Mumbai. While building and construction has been the core activity for the company, quality and innovation has by far been the soul for all its projects. The group has been instrumental in promoting Mulund as a preferred destination for both residential and commercial spaces

     

    DDB MudraMax is the Experience and Engagement network of the DDB Mudra Group. It enable clients to interact at a single point to reach consumers through a complete spectrum of specialist touch points such as TV, Print, Radio, Digital, Out-of-Home, Retail, Activation, Events, Bottom of the pyramid, Sports, Music, Youth, Entertainment. The agency has won more than 300 awards in the last two years. DDB MudraMax clients include Pepsi, Gillette, Volkswagen, Reebok, Aircel, ITC, Birla Sun Life, Titan, Castrol, Uninor, Star, Colgate, Standard Chartered Bank, Tata, Hindustan Times, Asian Paints, Yamaha, Kotak, Hewlett Packard, Fosters, L&T, Ashok Leyland,Western Union, Jyothy Laboratories – Henkel,  LIC, World Gold Council, BPCL, TTK Prestige, Wipro Consumer Care, Amway, ACC  and others.

  • A day after Publicis announced the acquisition of leading digital agency, Indigo Solutions, MxMIndiaspoke to Indigo’s Managing Director, Vikas Tandon on the reasons for the sell out

    Digital independents & traditional ad agencies need each other: Vikas Tandon

    By Shruti Pushkarna

     

    It appears to be business as usual for Vikas Tandon, founder and managing director of Mumbai-based digital marketing and web development agency Indigo Consulting. On Monday, its acquisition by the Publicis Groupe was formally announced. Indigo will retain its name and operate as a separate unit within the Leo Burnett Group in India. Mr  Tandon will continue as the unit’s Managing Director and report into Mr Arvind Sharma, Chairman of Indian Subcontinent for Leo Burnett. Mr  Tandon is a postgraduate in Business Management from IIM Ahmedabad and has over 18 years’ experience in interactive media, sales and marketing. Prior to starting Indigo Consulting, he had set up and led Mudra Interactive.

     

    At Mudra Interactive, he founded the agency’s digital marketing practice. Indigo Consulting employs a team of over 150 people and provides digital and mobile marketing services to clients like HUL, Asian Paints, HDFC Bank, Kolkata Knight Riders, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Thomas Cook, South Australia Tourism Commission and Cathay Pacific.

     

    A music buff, Mr Tandon counts playing guitar, distance running, travelling, and gadgets among his passions… he has even performed at industry gigs!

    Soon after the acquisition was announced, Vikas Tandon shared with MxMIndia his reasons for selling out to Publicis and his plans for the future… music included.

     

    Indigo was cruising… why then did you sell out?

    I prefer to think of it as shifting gears in our journey towards offering future-ready marketing communication services to our clients, and creating a larger platform for our team to operate on. If selling stake is what it took to ensure Indigo Consulting, which includes the team and myself, goes from strength to strength as an agency of the future, so be it.

     

    Will you still have a stake in the company?

    I’m afraid I am not at liberty to discuss details of the transaction, but suffice to say, I will continue to be the MD of Indigo Consulting and remain committed to the continued growth and prosperity of the company I have nurtured over the last 12 years.

     

    Is it impossible for independents like you to survive in a world of biggies?

    Actually it was not about survival at all. In fact, to my best knowledge we are among the best performing independent agencies in the country with a track record of year on year growth and profitability consistently over every one of the 12 years. And all our client relationships have been direct, without involvement of any agencies. I have every reason to believe that survival would not have been an issue even going forward. However, we also recognize that the consumer and the marketing industry is changing very rapidly. So when the opportunity came to put two complimentary powerhouses together which could potentially result in something neither of us could achieve on our own within a reasonably short span of time, we took it.

     

    At the Creative Abby recently, it was an Ogilvy that won a Grand Prix in digital… Smaller, specialised agencies didn’t fare as well. Right?

    Yes, and I would say it only strengthens my conviction that together with Leo Burnett we will be able to do much better than we have been doing on our own.

     

    Do you see others like you also getting gobbled up?

    I do believe that there is tremendous complementarity of skills in independent digital agencies and traditional advertising agencies, and in many ways they both need each other. However, transactions of this kind depend on a lot of other factors, not the least of which is the chemistry between the people, and the promoters’ own aspirations and appetite for such a transition.

     

    In future: tech driving creativity or the converse?

    Creativity is, without a second thought, the fountainhead of everything, right from existence itself. It just takes different forms and shapes. Tech is increasingly driving our lives, and creativity certainly draws inspiration from various facets of our lives, including tech, but if you ask me what is the force that pushes mankind forward, it has to be creativity.

     

    More time to music…since there’s lesser stress now?

    Given that we took this decision to become part of Leo Burnett to further our growth, work is only going to become exciting and perhaps harder. However, I always have and will continue to try and make more and more time for music.

     

  • If it gets established that the man compromised his powerful position, Singhvi ought to be sent to jail, no less. Only then must he become a topic of chat shows

    Anil Thakraney: Singhvi’s colourful CD

    By Anil Thakraney

     

    Ok, so the TV studios are yet again buzzing with excited chats on how to censor the social media. The same issues are being gassed upon. Law, freedom of expression, ethics, morality, blah blah. The trigger this time is that horny CD of Congressman Abhishek Manu Singhvi in action, which has gone viral on the net. Singhvi, of course, says the CD is fabricated, but then that’s what they all claim when naughty folks are caught with their pants down.

     

    I watched the video (carefully, hehe) and here are my observations on it, as well as on the television chats.

     

    The English television anchors appear very keen that Singhvi is quickly proved innocent and is re-instated as the Congress spokesman. They aren’t saying so directly, but their arguments and concern for the man is easy to see. This is what happens when you bond with the politicians… you get attached to them. And this sends objectivity for a toss. TV journos based inDelhisimply HAVE to find a way to remain detached and dispassionate.

     

    Yes, a ‘sting operation’ conducted by a disgruntled driver cannot be trusted. Therefore, all speculative discussions on the mass media must immediately end. And we must wait till the forensics guys give us their verdict. This is the fair thing to do.

     

    However, let’s get one thing clear: The chatter on the social media will go on for a bit, one cannot control it; there is no chance of the law finding a way to beat new technology. So instead of frothing over it, it’s best to let it be. Very soon the restless Twitterites will get bored of Singhvi, and will find a new bakra.

     

    Next, the CD itself. Because the audio isn’t clear, as a lay viewer, one cannot ascertain whether Singhvi compromised professionally with the lady lawyer. And if it’s later proved that he did not, and was simply having fun in his office, then the sex romp becomes his wife’s problem, not ours. In which case he should be left alone to sort out his domestic mess. And I say this despite the fact that the man works for a political party. Every individual has the right to his/her personal life. All the more reason the TV debates are being unwittingly unfair to him.

     

    On the other hand, if it gets established that the man compromised his powerful position, Singhvi ought to be sent to jail, no less. Only then must he become a topic of chat shows.

     

    On a lighter note, I have to say Singhvi finally found a way to entertain us. For years he’s been plugging his stained leaders on TV, and boring us to death with his desperately unconvincing arguments. So, a big thank you is in order.

     

    Lastly, wish the driver had done a stint with Tehelka before he decided to trap his boss. No, I have no issues with the poor quality of the video, that’s fine. But the camera angle is ridiculous, it conceals the significant parts. 🙂

     

    * * *

     

    PS: If you are an aspiring copywriter, here’s the link to a recruitment ad. I would vouch for The Creative MaterClass only because it’s run by an ex colleague, Ramesh Ramanathan. And I recall him to be quite a bright and sprightly chap. Though how one can teach creativity is beyond me. Guess I need some whiskeys (in small batches) to figure that.

     

    Link: http://www.creativemasterclass.com/?utm_source=bpb+subscribers+-+site&utm_ campaign=35e5ba6171-Test_Email_II9_10_2009&utm_medium=email

  • For Subhas Warrier, Lintas Initiative Media (LIM) opens a new chapter in his 2 decade odd career spanning multiple regions and multiple markets

    Subhas Warrier joins LIM as EVP-Head of South

    By A Correspondent

     

    For Subhas Warrier, Lintas Initiative Media (LIM) opens a new chapter in his 2 decade odd career spanning multiple regions and multiple markets. Starting off on an advertising career in Mumbai and then later in Bangalore and Chennai, with an in-between sojourn in SE Asia and Middle East, he joins LIM as an Executive Vice President.

     

    A creative person at heart Mr Warrier’s first love is copy-writing, which he dabbled in during his early days. Media was incidental but that is what made it for him so far.

     

    Prior to his most recent stint with Dentsu Media as their Mumbai Head, he has worked with JWT, Ogilvy, and MindShare followed by handling own business and a consultancy start up called Eye-2-Eye Media in Dubai

     

    A tough work out at the Tennis courts and, an occasional indulgence in Golf, keeps me agile, he says, besides being an off the beaten track traveler/trekker. “I am delighted to join Lintas Initiative Media. There is a great bunch of people here. Our clients here are very aggressive and are open to new ideas and are continuously looking to take more and more innovative initiatives in their marketing effort,” said Mr Warrier.

     

    Sudha Natrajan, CEO, welcomed Mr Warrier onboard, as part of grand plan to make LIM future proof: “A creative mind, bringing back magic to the media business, is what he will bring to the table. A senior council of experienced professionals with cutting edge expertise is what I have set out to build, and Raghav, who joined as the COO, 4 months back, was the first step in that direction. Subhas, who will report into him, will now strengthen the council.”

     

    Raghav Subramanian said: “The South has always been key for Lintas, and has contributed greatly to our overall growth and equity. We have a healthy roster of large clients with long relationships, and we needed someone with the maturity and depth of experience that Subhas brings to the table. We have very aggressive plans for the region for this year, and are already in the process of acquisition of some key new businesses.”

     

  • Delhi-based Chaze Mobiles seems to be banking on Leone's popularity to create a brand recall among consumers and create a toe-hold in the over-crowded Indian mobile handset market

    Sunny Leone bags her first endorsement deal!

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sunny Leone has bagged her first endorsement deal from an obscure handset maker Chaze Mobiles, for an undisclosed amount.

     

    The Canadian porn star who shot into limelight in reality television show Big Boss 5 signed the deal early this month, executives in the know told ET. Leone completed shooting for the upcoming television commercial in Bangkok last week.

     

    “This is my first TVC for any Indian brand and I am very charged up shooting for it. I am very excited to be associated with such a young and vibrant brand like Chaze. I chose to associate with the ‘Brand Chaze’ because I am really impressed by Chaze’s ideology of bringing out mobile technology for the masses and personally feel connected with their vision,” Leone said.

     

    Leone has also been signed for an upcoming Hindi film ‘Jism 2’ by film maker Mahesh Bhatt.

     

    Delhi-based Chaze Mobiles seems to be banking on Leone’s popularity to create a brand recall among consumers and create a toe-hold in the over-crowded Indian mobile handset market.

     

    Chaze will begin selling low-cost feature-rich phones in the Rs1,500 to Rs3,500 range through distribution network spread across Uttar Pradesh, J&K, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujrat, M.P, Maharashtra, Bihar, North East and Andhra Pradesh.

     

    Chaze’s mobile phones will sport features like dual-sim, touch and type, longer battery life, answering machine spy camera besides games and applications including the popular Angry Birds.

     

    The company’s chief executive officer Keshav Arora said that the company was planning to set up a mobile handset assembly unit in Himachal Pradesh with an investment of Rs 200 crore.

     

    Source: The Economic Times

    Copyright © 2012, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved

     

    Photograph: Fotocorp.com

  • Shopping experience at par with international standards in fashion advisory and service

    Park AvenueWoman innovates retail format, modernizes collection

    By A Correspondent

     

    Park Avenue, on Thursday, announced the launch of the flagship store of its women’s range, Park Avenue Woman. Situated at Grand Galleria, Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel, Mumbai, the store is an epitome of fashion advisory, service and novel retail architecture.

     

    Inaugurated by Nawaz Singhania, renowned artist and fitness expert, the store offers innovative and stylish wardrobe solutions for women, across day, corporate, weekend and evening wear. The new contemporary store format has been designed to exude warmth and facilitate a superior shopping experience at par with international standards, providing customers with ample space to browse through the display, and easier access to specific apparel categories.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Ms Nawaz Singhania said: “Park Avenue Woman has been especially close to my heart because I believe it epitomizes the perfect look for the discerning, upwardly mobile, working woman. It is a celebration of women who are confident, independent and know what they want from life. They look for clothes that reflect style blended with comfort to sail through the long hours and the multiple roles they play. Every PAW collection has been designed and crafted keeping the special and choicest needs and tastes of this working woman.”

     

    The store format has also been designed as an ode to this woman. It promises a signature shopping experience with novel architecture, trained personnel in fashion advisory, in-house finishing/alteration services and a wide range of fabrics, shades, tailoring, fitting, accessories and trial rooms.

     

    The store currently displays the Spring Summer 2012 collection form women, providing for relaxed comfort and yet appears chic and sensuous. There is a new collection available each month with alluring names such as Apollo, Jardiner, Tube and Edit.

     

    ThePark Avenuestore has been a very early entrant in organized retailing in the country. Its spread of offerings across the men and women’s categories make it a potential key category player in the years to come. Park Avenue’s reach across the length and breadth of India, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 locations has enabled it to tap a wide spectrum of consumers.Today, everyPark Avenueoutlet epitomizes the Raymond brand values of Trust, Excellence, Quality and Leadership.

     

    Launched in 1986, Park Avenue is India’s most admired formalwear brand. It offers stylish and innovative wardrobe solutions to gentlemen for all their dressing needs, be it Business, Evening, Leisure, Travel or Heritage Wear.