MxMIndia

Category: MARKETING

  • Overseeing the day-to-day management of the channels, Mr Punjabi will develop business opportunities and channel equity

    Sunil Punjabi is India Business Head for SPT Networks

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia has appointed Sunil Punjabi to lead its Indian operations in the newly created role of Business Head, India. Mr Punjabi is based in the company’s Mumbai office to lead its local team in all business functions, with the responsibility for the profitability for SPT’s networks in India, said a release from the company.

     

    Overseeing the day-to-day management of the channels, Mr Punjabi will develop business opportunities and channel equity. He will lead the team in developing the go-to market strategy for new channels as well as oversee the development, acquisition and production of a content mix for SPT’s networks in India. Mr Punjabi is also charged with driving marketing strategies to grow the channel brands and to pursue further distribution opportunities. He reports to Ricky Ow, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Networks, Asia, Sony Pictures Television, who is based in the company’s regional head office in Singapore.

     

    Mr Punjabi brings 12 years of well-rounded experience in the Indian media and entertainment industry across key business functions including advertising sales, marketing, theatrical exhibition, business development, production, distribution, and operations.

     

    “We are pleased to welcome Sunil to drive our business in India. His acumen and experience across all functions will be key assets to lead our channels to greater heights in one of Asia’s largest and most competitive TV markets,” said Mr Ow.

     

    Mr Punjabi joins the company from one of India’s top three film exhibition chains, Cinemax India Ltd., where he served as Chief Executive Officer from 2010. Prior to that, he worked at Multi Screen Media Pvt. Ltd. where he was Senior Vice President for Business Development, leading the new media, mobile telephony and syndication divisions’ integration with the company’s sports and music TV channels.

     

    Mr Punjabi was instrumental in the formation in Fox Star Studios, the joint venture between Twentieth Century Fox and Star TV, and was also involved in major films including Slumdog Millionaire and My Name is Khan.

     

    Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, based in Singapore, was established in 1997 as the Asia headquarters for Sony Pictures Television Networks. It operates five ad-supported 24/7 channel brands in the region which are wholly owned by Sony Pictures.

     

     

  • UTV Stars' emphasizes on original content to resonate with the audience, says the channel's business head Nikhil Gandhi

    A year of glittery success for UTV Stars

    From Left to Right – MK Anand (MD, Media Networks), Ashutosh Gowariker, Karan Johar, Yash Chopra, Farah Khan, Ronnie Screwvala (MD, The Walt Disney Company India), Zarina Mehta at the launch of UTV Stars, last year

     

    By Meghna Sharma

     

    On August 19, the world of glamour and glitz had one more reason to celebrate – UTV Stars turned one. The Bollywood and lifestyle channel launched last year by the network promised to give the audience more than what the current lot of channels were offering.

     

    Nikhil Gandhi

    “UTV is synonymous with Bollywood. Having revolutionized the movie production space over the past few years, it seemed logical for us to launch a Bollywood channel. We believe that we have an edge over the channels because of the backing and our enviable access to the Industry. We provide the viewer with innovative content and showcase the land of Bollywood from the inside as opposed to an outsider’s perspective. We are the insiders and very much part of the industry that we’re showcasing,” said Nikhil Gandhi, the business head of the channel, describing what differentiates it from the rest in the genre.

     

    The channel takes immense pride in offering the audience outstanding and unique content. “Right from its inception, UTV Stars has been offering the average viewer path breaking and innovative Bollywood content, thereby bringing Bollywood closer to the audiences. Before launch, Bollywood channels were mostly all about music and news formats. But ever since we’ve launched, we’ve emphasized a lot on original content that has resonated very well with the audiences,” explained Mr Gandhi.

     

    But that’s not enough; it strives towards moving beyond TV too. In less than two months of launch, the channel took the brand on ground via prestigious associations with ‘The People Best Dressed Show’, Lap Buddh Circuit After Parties, ‘Cosmopolitian Fun Fearless Awards’ and FICCI FRAMES Excellence Awards as official broadcast partners. And in March this year, the channel went on to launch country’s iconic landmark – Walk of Stars. “The response to the initiative has been overwhelming, from both, the film fraternity and the audiences. And yes, we do plan to launch in other cities. We’re planning to launch in Gurgaon at the Kingdom of Dreams in association with Wizcraft, following which we also plan to take the property international”, said Mr Gandhi.

     

    Speaking on the marketing spend by the channel, Mr Gandhi said, “Marketing Activities are of utmost importance and we have indulged in several marketing activities right since launch. During launch, the channel was backed by an extensive outdoor brand campaign with the messaging ‘Touch,Feel, Believe’ endorsed by all the A-listers of Bollywood. Our shows Live My Life and Up, Close and Personal with PZ, were also backed by extensive outdoor campaigns. Also, with a view to strengthen the brand presence beyond television, we indulged in several prestigious on ground associations as the exclusive broadcast partner. In fact, our most recent marketing activity was an on-ground association with IIFA 2012 wherein we took ‘Walk of the Stars’ global.”

     

    The channel was launched simultaneously in India and Middle East. And, in less than a year, the channel was launched in UK as well. It plans to continue to grow from strength to strength in future by broadening our horizons and making inroads into other markets.

     

    “The channel will continue to create outstanding content and strive towards continue to build itself as a 360-degree brand. Ie, a brand beyond TV,” concluded Mr Gandhi on an optimistic note.

     

  • Dippak Khurana, Co-founder and CEO, Vserv.mobi says its ad network is creating a compelling choice for brands to commence their mobile advertising journey

    Vserv.mobi client portfolio grows 3X

    By A Correspondent

     

    Vserv.mobi, a leading mobile advertising network for app developers, publishers and advertisers announced that their client portfolio of advertisers and brands has grown three times over the last quarter. Some of the marquee names amongst the company’s clients are top brands such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Microsoft, Google, ICICI Bank, Airtel, Nokia, Titan, Toyota, General Motors, Mid-Day, Dulux, Maruti and Aircel.

     

    Commenting on the company’s growth and strategy for advertisers, Dippak Khurana, Co-founder and CEO, Vserv.mobi said, “Being among the frontrunners of the mobile advertising wave in India, we have always strived to push the mobile ecosystem forward. Through constant innovation on our ad formats such as premium full screen ads and a clutter free viewing experience, we believe that our ad network is creating a compelling choice for brands to commence their mobile advertising journey.”

     

    Berg Insight, an independent wireless analyst firm states that the total value of the global mobile marketing and advertising market will see 37 percent growth by 2016, bringing the industry’s total value to USD 22.6 billion. Riding this wave, Vserv.mobi saw an 18X increase in premium inventory clicks on its network in the last one year, which contributed to 41% of the total click mix. This growth was driven by demand for powerful monetization by the company’s flagship technology, AppWrapper. With its simple one-click and zero-coding monetisation process, the unique AppWrapper has contributed to building Vserv.mobi’s repository of 10,000+ exclusive apps from developers across the globe. These apps along with mobile internet sites serve as powerful ad inventory for advertisers on impactful formats such as Full Screen Ads, Video, HTML5 interactive ads on both feature phone and smart phone apps.

     

    Commenting on the prospects of the rising mobile internet usage in India, Kshitiz Randhir Shori, Head of Sales – India, Vserv.mobi said, “We have seen tremendous traction with new brands that are starting to work with us, as well as RO value increasing significantly across our portfolio. As the mobile medium grows, brands are increasingly showing interest in our differentiated mobile media offerings that offers massive reach, unique ad placement, impactful ad formats and thus offering the best bang for the buck. With the festival season coming up, our ability to carry out circle/state targeting on the mobile will play a key role for brands looking at reaching the right audience with the right regional festive message.”

     

    Since Vserv’s inception in January 2010, the company has been delivering App and mobile web advertising for leading Fortune 500 brands & digital media companies, in over 200 countries. KFC is one of the many companies that initiated its mobile advertising journey using the company’s ‘AppWrapper’ technology. “Companies such as KFC have been instrumental in transforming the mobile advertising paradigm and we are proud to have partnered with them for this journey. The rising demand from marketers has augured well for us and we are strengthening our team, to continue growing the market.” added Mr Shori.

     

  • NBA India's Akash Jain says this is the largest fan programme they have hosted in India and the wide range of basketball and lifestyle elements will provide memorable experiences

    NBA 3X bounces ahead in September

    By A Correspondent

     

    The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced that it will launch the first-ever NBA 3X presented by Sprite in India, in September.  The free interactive event will combine basketball and entertainment to bring an unprecedented NBA experience to fans in four cities from September 15 to October 21.  The event will visit Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai and this will mark the NBA’s first event in Hyderabad.

     

    NBA 3X presented by Sprite will feature the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament ever staged in India with 400 teams expected to participate; performances from top musical artists or well-known DJ each day; and a variety of on and off the court activities for fans.

     

    The 3-on-3 tournament will have two age divisions: 16-18 and 18-23.  The winners in each city will be flown to Mumbai to compete in a National Championship on Oct. 21. The National Champions in each division will qualify to participate in a 2013 FIBA/NBA Asia 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

     

    Seven-time NBA Champion Robert Horry and the Golden State Warriors dance team, the Warrior Girls, will be in Delhi to tip off the event on Sept. 15-16.  Horry played 16 seasons in the NBA for four teams.  His seven championships are the most of any player not to have played on the 1960’s Boston Celtics.  Horry will also attend the Mahindra NBA Challenge Finals in Bangalore and conduct an NBA Cares event in Delhi with Love in Action — a Delhi-based NGO which uses the sport of basketball to provide life-skills education to children from slums.

     

    The musical artists and DJ’s performing include hip hop and Bollywood artist Hard Kaur; leading electronic and dance music duo VJ Nikhil Chinapa and DJ Pearl; award-winning singer Anushka Manchanda, past winner of Channel V’s music talent hunt search Pop Stars; along with two of India’s top DJs – Clement and Ajit (Goa).

     

    NBA 3X presented by Sprite will bring authentic NBA-style entertainment to fans in India.  Fans will participate in a variety of free contests and activities with the chance to win NBA merchandise.  They can participate in basketball clinics, play NBA video games, measure themselves against cut-outs of NBA players, and interact with Horry and the Warrior Girls.  For a full event schedule or to register for the 3on3 tournament, fans can visit NBA.com.

     

    NBA 3X presented by Sprite is being supported by adidas, HP, Spalding and the Basketball Federation of India (BFI).  Sprite will send two participants from the national champion team in the 18-23 division to NBA All-Star 2013.  These two participants may get a chance to be part of the global pool of players from which NBA All-Stars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James will select to be part of the Sprite Team Sudden and Team Intense competition during NBA-All Star 2013. In addition, the first Sprite Basket Blast 2012 will take place in select cinemas across select cities in India from September through October.

     

    HP will create an interactive technology experience for fans visiting NBA 3X presented by Sprite.  Fans can utilize HP products to access NBA.com, NBA social media, basketball training videos and create their very own NBA Avatar.  Spalding will provide all basketball equipment.

     

    “We are extremely pleased to announce brand Sprite’s association with the NBA 3X initiative. Sprite is an exciting and vibrant brand that has always maintained a meaningful connection with its consumers through engaging initiatives,” said Wasim Basir, Director, Integrated Marketing Communications, Coca-Cola India. “We look forward to working together with the NBA to develop more innovative basketball experiences that will resonate well with our consumers in India and give them the opportunity to be closely involved with the sport. We hope that NBA 3X presented by Sprite becomes a great success and is well appreciated by our consumers.”

     

    “NBA 3X presented by Sprite will combine NBA-style entertainment, 3-on-3 basketball, and music to engage youth and build our fan base in India,” said NBA India Senior Director of Development Akash Jain.  “This is the largest fan programme we have ever hosted in India and the wide range of basketball and lifestyle elements will provide memorable experiences for our fans.”

     

    Here is the schedule for NBA 3X presented by Sprite:

    CITY DATE LOCATION MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
    Delhi Sept.15-16 Great India Place Mall Sept. 15: Hard KaurSept. 16: Nikhil Chinapa and DJ Pearl
    Hyderabad Sept. 22-23 MJ College Sept. 22: Anushka ManchandaSept. 23:  Nikhil Chinapa and DJ Pearl
    Chennai Oct. 13-14 Besant Nagar Beach Oct. 13: Anushka ManchandaOct. 14: Nikhil Chinapa and DJ Pearl
    Mumbai Oct. 20-21 Inorbit Mall Oct. 20: DJ Clement and DJ AjitOct. 21: Anushka Manchanda

     

    About the NBA

    The NBA is a global sports and media business that features three professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, and the NBA Development League. The league has established a major international presence, with offices in 15 markets worldwide, games and programming in 215 countries and territories in 47 languages, and NBA merchandise for sale in more than 125,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents. Current NBA rosters feature 78 international players from 39 countries and territories. The NBA’s digital assets include NBA TV, which is available in nearly 60 million U.S. homes, and NBA.com, which averages more than 42 million page views per day, more than half of which originate from outside of North America. The NBA is the No. 1 professional sports league on social media, with more than 300 million fans and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league and its teams and players have donated more than $200 million to charity, completed more than 1.9 million hours of hands-on community service, and created more than 720 places where kids and families can live, learn, or play.

     

    # # #

     

    For further information, please contact:

    Aaron Gomes – aaron.gomes@adfactorspr.com

    9819496494

     

    Rohan Alvares – rohan.alvares@adfactorspr.com

    9820564549

  • The music channel's business head Aditya Swamy says evolving to keep pace with the changing demands of its TA – the youth market – is the secret to staying ahead

    MTV goes multi-dimensional, wearing multiple hats

    By Meghna Sharma

     

    To survive, adapting to changing times is an absolute must. MTV, which started the music revolution in the country decades ago, has not just managed to survive but also remain a hit with its audience, when grabbing attention is an increasingly tough job.

     

    How did MTV do it? Evolution is the answer, according to Aditya Swamy, MTV EVP and Business Head. “Our brand talks to youngsters, who are constantly evolving, so to connect with them we have to re-invent ourselves time and again too.”

     

    The channel now is working towards being multi-dimensional and multi-platform. Ask about the rationale behind the new strategy and the response is that while music is at the heart of MTV, the brand is not limited to it. Therefore, the channel isn’t stopping itself from wearing multiple hats – from music both filmi and independent and reality shows, it also has a slew of new properties since March, starting with MTV Sound Trippin, followed by India’s first social road trip titled Drive with MTV , a 13-part film named MTV Rush, and MTV Coke Studio.

     

    Aditya Swamy

    “Today a channel has to be multi-dimensional especially if it caters to youngsters. Youth wants options – music, reality shows, fiction etc. So, a brand needs to have a well-rounded offering for its TA. Audiences are wearing multiple hats, so why shouldn’t a channel?” asks Mr Swamy. “And as choices evolve, we’ll have change accordingly and maybe a new phenomenon will be created in the future.”

     

    However, the channel is very clear that it will never compromise on music. “Music is in MTV’s heart so we cannot let go of it. But we’ll continue to do different things with it and come up with original content. Our mantra is quality over quantity.”

     

    The brand can be consumed on various social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook apart from its website and, of course, television. “When so many options are available to ‘connect’ with the audience then why should a channel be only be limited to TV? All these platforms give us a total consumer platform, which makes it a two-way communication,” says Mr Swamy about the importance of being available on multiple platforms.

     

    He further explains it with an example of Roadies which won ‘The Most Social TV Show’ at Mashable Awards, last year. The show had gone all out by posting videos, images, updates and exclusive sneak peeks on social networks. The show was the only Indian entry to reach the top 10 slot too.

     

    “Not only does the engagement help a brand reach out to its audiences, advertisers prefer it too, as it also helps them to reach their TA through various platforms which a brand they can associate with is on,” Mr Swamy adds.

     

  • The show will be simulcast across BIG CBS's three channels – Prime, Love and Spark, beginning September 14 and then every Friday and Saturday at 9pm in India

    BIG CBS brings X Factor in concurrent telecast with US

    By Meghna Sharma

     

    On the back of the success that the simulcast of the reality show America’s Got Talent delivered to the BIG CBS Network, it is going all out to cash in on the trend. The network has acquired the latest season of The X Factor, which will air concurrent to the United States, from Fremantle. The show will be simulcast across BIG CBS’s three channels – Prime, Love and Spark, beginning September 14 and then every Friday and Saturday at 9pm in India.

     

    Created by Simon Cowell and produced by Fremantle Media – North America, The X Factor is back for its second season with a jury mix that consists of Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell and L.A Reid.

     

    Commenting on the show, Anand Chakravarthy, EVP marketing, RBNL said, “It has been our endeavour right from the start to offer India the latest-freshest-hottest of global entertainment, and with the acquisition of Fremantle’s hit show The X Factor, we once again live up to our promise. The X Factor’s concurrent telecast with the US and the simulcast across the Prime, Love and Spark channels will give us enormous mileage. Our strategy allows the show to reach a large relevant audience base across consumer segments, while simultaneously offering marketers an excellent platform to reach out to their audiences.”

     

    To ensure optimal reach, the BIG CBS Network has planned an extensive marketing plan for the show. The network will engage in a multimedia holistic marketing campaign across multiple touch points ranging over radio, television, out of home media and social media to promote the show.

     

  • Centuryply has entered the readymade furniture retail business by launching Nesta Furniture, a chain of complete home lifestyle solutions

    Centuryply expands its presence with Nesta

    By Tuhina Anand

     

    Centuryply, the brand of plywood and decorative veneers, has extended its footprint and has entered the readymade furniture retail business by launching Nesta Furniture, a chain of complete home lifestyle solutions.  It has opened its first store in Bengaluru and will follow it up with launches across the country.  It has ambitions to open 111 outlets in the next five years with a projected turnover of Rs 500 crore with an initial investment of Rs. 100 crore. The company plans to build Nesta as the foremost brand in the Indian readymade furniture industry through steady investments in the next 5 years.

     

    Sajjan Bhajanka , Chairman, Century Plyboards (I) Limited, said, “Retail business in India is at an interesting stage. Our latest venture in the readymade furniture retail business is a move up the value chain and a natural progression in the wood products category. We are keen to leverage the company’s experience and strengths in retailing the finished end product. Centuryply will have flagship stores in key markets and also adopt franchise model to tap other markets.”

     

    Talking about Nesta, Abhra Banerjee, Executive Business Head, said,” There has been a sharp increase in the popularity of genuine designer furniture over the last few years and Nesta will serve to be a retail hub for those interested in highest quality designer furniture and home accessories. We at Centuryply believe in providing utmost satisfaction to the consumer through best quality products and customer care. The designs are contemporary and they reflect the lifestyle needs of the India consumers. We will offer the latest designs and introduce a new collection every 3 months.”

     

    The store will provide the ability to visualize the furniture in a room. Customers can choose colours, different options for each room to get the perfect look, furnish the room dimensions and visualize how the furniture will look in your home on a giant LED wall in an exclusive zone ensconced to give them  privacy. The store will also have a mock-up of an apartment with approximately the same dimensions as a typical 1BHK flat, to help customers visualize how Nesta can transform their house into a dream home.

     

  • IndiaCast, TV18 and Viacom18's venture, announced the launch of the international version of MTV India in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region

    Viacom 18’s IndiaCast takes MTV India to Mid East, N Africa

    By A Correspondent

     

    IndiaCast, TV18 and Viacom18’s venture, announced the launch of the international version of MTV India in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. MTV India, featuring music & reality content from India in Hindi language, will complement Viacom International Media Networks’ (VIMN) existing MTV channel, which services the Middle East and North Africa region with Arabic and international music and entertainment content.

     

    MTV India is IndiaCast’s second channel in the region after its flagship channel Colors which launched in September 2010. The IndiaCast team in Dubai, which currently distributes and handles advertising sales for Colors, will be managing the distribution & sales for MTV India as well. This launch expands the offering for advertisers in the region, allowing them to reach both family and youth audiences. With this launch, MTV India’s international distribution footprint will now span 31 countries, while Colors is available in close to 50 countries.

     

    Speaking about the launch, Gaurav Gandhi, COO – IndiaCast, said, “Indians are passionate about their music, and Hindi music in particular has a huge following both in India and overseas. The launch of MTV India in the Middle East & North Africa region will give an opportunity for these audiences to connect with Indian music and reality programming that they love most. MTV India is our second brand in the region and we intend to grow our presence here with more offerings from our extensive news and regional channel portfolio in the near future.”

     

    Adding to this, Aditya Swamy, Business Head – MTV India, said, “MTV India has constantly engaged and entertained young India and now the opportunity to do so with young people in the other countries is very exciting. While we will leverage our cult franchises such as Roadies, Unplugged and Rush in these markets, we will also look at some region-specific initiatives which will resonate with the local audience.”

     

    MTV India will be available on Pehla branded packs across DTH, Cable, IPTV and SMATV across Bahrain, Cyprus, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Sudan and Mauritiana. MTV India will also be launching on other platforms shortly.

     

  • Resultrix – A Performics Company, India's leading performance marketing agency, announced the appointment of Tanmay Mohanty as its Chief Operating Officer for Indian operations.

    Resultrix appoints Tanmay Mohanty as COO – India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Resultrix – A Performics Company, India’s leading performance marketing agency, announced the appointment of Tanmay Mohanty as its Chief Operating Officer for Indian operations. Mr Mohanty will be directly reporting to Gulrez Alam, COO – Global, Resultrix.

     

    Mr Mohanty, with an extensive and diverse work experience of close to 14 years, has been a part of organisations of repute at the management level. As he joins Resultrix, he brings his vast experience in the field of Marketing, Advertising, Brand Management, Direct Sales, BTL, Strategic Account Management, Business Development, and Administration. Prior to joining Resultrix, he was the COO of Interactive Media And Communication Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (id8 Labs). He has earlier been associated with organizations like Jasubhai, Merchant Media, Dalal Street, and Urja Communications.

     

    Speaking on his appointment, Mr Mohanty said, “Resultrix has an excellent track record as a leading player in the search and interactive services industry. I look forward to working with the talented and dynamic team at Resultrix and being a part of the company’s future.”

     

    Mr Alam added, “It’s great to have Tanmay on board with Resultrix. We are looking at strengthening our leadership team at Resultrix as we continue with our focus on being at the forefront of the ever evolving digital and interactive services industry. Our clients will benefit from Tanmay’s vast professional expertise spanning across multiple industries. As Resultrix’s success story continues, Tanmay’s insights and leadership will give that extra fillip to take it to the next level.”

     

    Resultrix, founded in 2008, is a performance-based digital marketing agency, managing over 120 brands across multiple screens and mediums. Its bouquet of interactive services includes search engine marketing (SEM), search engine optimization (SEO), web design & development, web analytics, social media marketing & display advertising.

     

  • Digital solutions agency FoxyMoron has bagged the duties to handle the Digital portfolio of L'Oreal Paris in India, replacing Jack In The Box

    L’Oreal appoints FoxyMoron for Digital duties

    By a Correspondent

     

    Digital solutions agency FoxyMoron has bagged the duties to handle the Digital portfolio of L’Oreal Paris in India. According to an industry source, prior to FoxyMoron, Jack In The Box was the incumbent agency handling the digital duties for L’Oreal Paris – India.

     

    Harshil Karia, Online Strategist at FoxyMoron said “It’s a huge opportunity for us to do something innovative with a legendary brand. We’ve also got a great canvas to work with. A brand that works in hair care, hair color, skincare and makeup is almost a dream and we’re sure it will always have something meaningful to say online.”

     

    Manashi Guha, Marketing Manager, L’Oreal Paris said, “For a beauty brand like L’Oreal Paris, the digital medium is a great storytelling platform.  We are excited to be working with FoxyMoron to evolve and execute our digital strategies for 2012 and beyond.”

     

    With its key focus on the current campaign, a large number of unique activities are said to have been planned out, to optimize the digital presence of L’Oreal Paris’.

     

    L’Oreal Paris has businesses in hair, skincare and makeup. While makeup and skincare will be led digitally, the hair business is said to see a lot of integration as far as campaigns are concerned. L’Oreal Paris has products like Total Repair 5 and Fall Repair which are said to be mass market products and here digital is said to play a role where it engages and educates the younger audience.

     

    It is also learnt from sources that McCann erickson is handling the mainline creatives for L’Oreal while Maxus is said to be handling its media duties.

     

  • Footwear manufacturer Relaxo has signed Katrina Kaif as the brand ambassador for its casual fashion brand Flite

    Katrina is brand ambassador for Relaxo’s brand Flite

    By A Correspondent

     

    Footwear manufacturer Relaxo has signed Katrina Kaif as the brand ambassador for its casual fashion brand Flite. The name Flite coined from the words ‘fashionable’ and ‘light’ itself says a lot about the brand and its promise.

     

    Gaurav Dua, Executive Director, Relaxo Footwear Ltd said, “Flite has carved out a niche for itself by becoming a brand symbolic to youth, comfort and elegance. And to carry this brand persona a step ahead, we could think of no one better than Katrina Kaif. With a fan following that is hard to describe in mere words, Katrina is looked upon as a fashion diva and icon. Her vibrant and unconventional style is often imitated by girls across the country. Which is why Katrina Kaif was the perfect match for Relaxo Flite’s new campaign. We are extremely proud to associate with her and we are sure her charismatic appeal in the ad will win hearts!”

     

    Katrina Kaif said “It’s like an integral part of your life, an everyday staple that you need. It’s how you don a pair of Flite with what you wear every day, and you are ready to go.”

     

    Katrina Kaif will soon be seen in a 30-second TVC for Flite created by Arms Communications.

     

  • Travel website Goibibo.com tracked the trend of travellers on their frequency of change in their plans, based on insight from its buyers' data

    25% Indian travellers change plans post booking confirmation: Goibibo.com

    By A Correspondent

     

    Travel website Goibibo.com has found that 25 per cent of travellers change their travel plans after booking. The website tracked the trend of travellers on their frequency of change in their plans, based on insight from its buyers’ data. The report adds that 20 per cent more women change their travel plans compared to men.

     

    According to the research report, the top routes for travel plan changes have been found to be Bengaluru-Delhi and vice versa followed by Mumbai-Delhi. The top five reasons are said to be: ‘Change in business travel plans’, Extension of stay at destination’, ‘Travellers’ health issues’, ‘Personal or family emergency’ and ‘Change in flight timings’ by the airlines. Women have been found to change their travel plans more frequently than men. It has also been seen that Bengaluru has the highest number of women travellers followed by Mumbai, Hyderabad and Delhi.

     

    Ashish Kashyap, Group CEO, ibibo Web said, “At Goibibo.com we are obsessed with data and analytics and thereby leveraging the same to drive a superior user experience. We publish travel insights based on real data that we study every hour of the day.  With the insights of large volume of changes in a travelers plan, Goibibo has enabled the traveler to access the fastest re-scheduling, cancellation and refund processes.”

     

    Goibibo.com, which was launched in September 2009, is a part of the MIH India Group. It enables travellers to buy air, bus tickets, hotels and holidays.