Category: NEWS

  • Leo Burnett appointed the lead AOR for Birla Opus

    The Aditya Birla Group has aligned its creative and strategic mandate with Leo Burnett India for the launch Birla Opus. Leo Burnett has been tasked with designing the brand architecture for the main brand – Birla Opus and drive the strategic, creative, and digital initiatives for their luxury and premium portfolio of brands. The account will be handled by the Leo Burnett Mumbai team.

    Inderpreet Singh
    Inderpreet Singh

    Speaking about the appointment Inderpreet Singh, Head, Marketing, Birla Opus, said: “Birla Opus is a brand that is designed for today’s dynamic and audacious new India. Keeping this in mind we were looking for a partner who would be able to support our vision and craft a narrative that appeals to today’s audiences. We look forward to working with team Leo Burnett.”

    Rajdeepak Das
    Rajdeepak Das

    Ådded Rajdeepak Das, CCO Publicis Groupe South Asia and Chairman Leo Burnett South Asia: “Birla Opus is undeniably one of the biggest brand launches that the country will witness this year. But what’s more exciting for us at Leo Burnett is the drive to bring in the next revolution in the paint category. We’ve found that the visionary, agile and nimble, Aditya Birla Group, is the perfect partner for creating such revolutions. At Burnett we believe in work that ‘Impacts a Billion’ and we know that Birla Opus with its brand vision will do just that.”

    Abhimanyu Khedkar

    Said further Abhimanyu Khedkar, Executive Director, Leo Burnett India: “An opportunity to work on a brand like Birla Opus comes once in a while. We are excited to help shape the brands roadmap and create groundbreaking work at the cusp of culture, creativity, data, and technology.”

  • MRSI honours Partha Rakshit & Pranesh Mishra with Lifetime Achievement

    In 2019, the Market Research Society of India (MRSI) instituted the Golden Key Awards in to recognise the contribution of insights for the growth of India’s market research and insights industry. Each year, MRSI also recognises the industry’s veterans for their significant contribution. MRSI’s recently held Golden Key Awards 2023  honoured Partha Rakshit and Pranesh Mishra, two senior professionals from across the research and insights industry for the Lifetime Achievement  Award.

    While Rakshit last served as the Managing Director South Asia at Nielsen, from where he retired in  2010, Mishra, is Chairman  and Managing Director at marketing analytics and insight consulting company Brandscapes Worldwide which he founded in 2008.

    Notes a communique: “The Market Research Society of India extend their gratitude to both Partha Rakshit and Pranesh Mishra for their valuable contribution to the Indian and global research and insights sector.”

  • ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0

    The ABP Network’s flagship event ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 was last weekend (Feb 23 and 24) in Mumbai with much fanfare with the theme: ‘The People’s Agenda’.

    As many as 35 sessions with 60 speakers were held on subjects traversing a wide range of ideas and perspectives, diversity, and vision.

    Said Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP Network: “It is a year of cataclysmic changes, yet a season of hope, resilience, and re-imagination. At Ideas of India Summit 3.0, we are focused on people of this great nation and beyond, their hopes, fears, and aspirations. Artists, authors, scientists, politicians, and musicians will debate and discuss the issues of our time, quickening our pulses and taking us into the sunlight of introspection and imagination.”

    Added Atideb Sarkar, Chief Editor, ABP Network, in his keynote address: “Another Idea of India could combine economic and social progress, care for the environment, pluralism, and national security. It could restore the constitutional balance between national unity and the dignity of the individual. It would have to show how more jobs could be created more humanely and it would need to be articulated by a leader who embodies these values and with whom young voters identify. India must answer two questions: If not Ram Rajya, then what? If not Modi, then who? Only then we will have a real contest!”

  • IAB Tech Lab announces Podcast Measurement Updates for public comment

    IAB Tech Lab, the global digital advertising technical standards-setting body, has announced the latest advancements in podcast measurement with the release of Podcast Technical Measurement Guidelines v2.2. The updates are now available for public comment, until March 23, and the Podcast Working Group has invited all podcast companies and industry stakeholders to provide feedback within the next 30 days.

    “With the release of Podcast Technical Measurement Guidelines v2.2, IAB Tech Lab reaffirms its commitment to adapting to the dynamic technology and practices in the podcasting industry,” said Anthony Katsur, CEO, IAB Tech Lab, adding: “We urge the entire podcast ecosystem to review the guidelines and actively participate in the feedback process. Your input is instrumental in shaping the future of podcast measurement and the growth of this valuable inventory for an audience that tends to be more deeply focused on the content.”

    The Podcast Measurement Technical Guidelines webpage has the guidelines and a page for submitting feedback. The feedback submission period will remain open until March 23.

  • Fortune celebrates ‘Ghar Ka Khana’

    Adani Wilmar has unveiled its latest brand campaign for Fortune, its flagship edible oil brand. Titled ‘Ghar Ka Khana Ghar ka khana hota hai’, it is crafted by Ogilvy India and directed by Piyush Pandey.

    Said Mukesh Mishra, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Adani Wilmar:  “We aim to inspire people to rediscover the pleasure of cooking and savouring homemade dishes, fostering stronger bonds with their loved ones. At Fortune, we believe that home cooking is more than just preparing a meal; it is an experience of the senses.”

    Added Piyush Pandey, Chief Advisor at Ogilvy India: “Fortune has consistently celebrated the joys of eating at home with its message – ‘Ghar ka khana, ghar ka khana hota hain’. We decided to take that thought to the next level by setting the narrative about home-cooked food in a restaurant… We anticipate that the phrase, ‘Ghar ka khana, ghar ka khana hota hain’ will catch on in a big way and stay in people’s minds for years to come.”

  • Twinkle Khanna urges women to check their iron levels

    Emcure Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of ‘Unmask Anemia’, an initiative to create awareness around iron deficiency anaemia in India. In a video message released by Emcure, actress turned author Twinkle Khanna, who is also an advocate for women’s rights, draws interesting inferences around women empowerment from various ad campaigns. She also urges brands to join Emcure in spreading awareness about anaemia calling upon women to visit Unmask Anemia website (https://unmaskanemia.com/taketest) and take the self-test.

    Said Namita Thapar, Whole-time Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals: “Despite advances in anemia interventions, its burden remains significant in India. Every second woman in the country suffers from iron deficiency anaemia, but the lack of awareness prevents timely diagnosis. Emcure has been trying to address this deficit of iron in women for many years and we are proud to have a strong woman like Twinkle Khanna supporting us in our endeavour. We hope that our initiative of ‘Unmask Anemia’ will help bring about awareness and an increase in anemia screening, diagnosis and treatment. We have been passionately doing a host of things around patient education and awareness, including a one-o-a-kind show on women’s health called ‘Uncondition Yourself’ on YouTube, and Unmask Anemia is an extension of such initiatives”

  • JSW Paints digital film titled ‘Sundar Soch Ke Dekh’

    JSW Paints, part of the US$ 23 billion JSW Group, has unveiled its new ‘Think Beautiful’ digital campaign. It champions that real beauty resides in our thoughts and actions, notes a communique.

    Said AS Sundaresan, Joint MD, and CEO of JSW Paints: “Our Think Beautiful series of films show how being thoughtful can make our world much more beautiful. In this new Think Beautiful film, we bring out how today’s younger generation’s thoughtful and meaningful actions can help spread happiness around us and build a very inclusive society.”

    Added Govind Pandey, CEO, TBWA\India: “An inclusive gesture holds profound beauty, transcending boundaries and nurturing connections.”

    Said Russell Barrett, CCExpO, TBWA\India: “Think Beautiful is more than a baseline, it’s a platform idea. In this film we’ve explored yet another dimension of this platform and the transformative power of inclusivity, illustrating how even the smallest acts of kindness can catalyze positive change in society.”

  • Goafest 2024 to sizzle from May 29 to 31, 2024

    By Our Staff

     

    The 17th edition of Goafest, the biggest advertising festival in South Asia, will be held from May 29 to 31, 20024 at the Grand Hyatt, Bambolim, Goa. Co-hosted by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club, Goafest 2024, the fest will showcase knowledge sessions, masterclasses, networking opportunities, partying, and of course the Abby Awards.

     

    The fest was held from May 24 to 26 last year, and while one thought it would be horribly hot, we thought it was pretty bearable.

     

    Prasanth Kumar
    Prasanth Kumar

    Said Prasanth Kumar, President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India and CEO of GroupM, South Asia: “Goafest has firmly established itself as the pinnacle of creative celebrations in South Asia, uniting the foremost talents in the creative and marketing realms. Our goal is to offer our industry peers an immersive experience over three days filled with learning, meaningful engagement, interactivity, and curiosity.”

     

    Rana Barua
    Rana Barua

    Added Rana Barua, President of The Advertising Club and Group CEO of Havas India, South East, and North Asia: “Every year, The Abby One Show Awards at Goafest stand as a testament to the biggest and most prestigious awards in the Indian advertising industry, celebrating innovative and groundbreaking ideas. Once again, I invite the brilliant minds of Indian advertising to join the celebrations and embark on an exciting journey at Goafest 2024, where creativity takes the spotlight.”

     

    Jaideep Gandhi
    Jaideep Gandhi

    Said Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson of Goafest 2024: “Persistently, Goafest has progressed and pioneered, solidifying its status as the foremost advertising festival in India. From insightful knowledge-sharing sessions to featuring distinguished speakers, we are confident in welcoming global guests who will significantly contribute to the industry, particularly benefitting younger professionals. I would also like to mention that Mr Mohit Joshi, CEO of Havas Media has very kindly agreed to join me as Co-Chair and contribute immensely to take this event to greater heights.”

     

  • Abby 2024: Jon Austin & Kate Stanners appointed as Jury Chairs

    Jon Austin
    Jon Austin
    Kate Stanners
    Kate Stanners

    From now to at least three to four weeks more, get set for announcements on jury chairs of the Abby One Show 2024. We would’ve loved to have all the announcements in one go, but remember this is the Ad Club. And no one knows better the art of sustained publicity and being top-of-mind. Right?

    Jon Austin, Co-founder of Supermassive, Sydney Australia, and Kate Stanners, Chairwoman and Global Chief Creative Officer, Saatchi & Saatchi have been appointed as Jury Chair of Branded Content & Entertainment category and Jury Chair of Film Cinema Digital OTT (above 1 min duration) category respectively, at The Abby One Show Awards 2024.

    While Austin will chair the Branded Content & Entertainment category, Stanners will be Chair of Film Cinema Digital OTT (above 1 min duration) category

  • Awards Governing Council announced for for Abby 2024

    The Advertising Club and Advertising Agencies Association of India have announced the Awards Governing Council (AGC) for the 2024 edition of the annual awards.

    Representing Advertising Club:

    1. Ajay Kakar, Chairperson, Awards Governing Council, Abby One Show Awards 2024 and Managing Committee Member, The Advertising Club
    2. Dheeraj Sinha, Group CEO – India and South Asia, FCB, and Co-chair Awards Governing Council, Abby One Show Awards 2024
    3. Ajay Chandwani, Managing Committee Member, The Advertising Club
    4. Alok Lall, Executive Director, McCann World Group India
    5. Sonia Huria, Head Communications – APAC, Prime Video
    6. Subramanyeswar S., Group CEO, MullenLowe Lintas Group & Chief Strategy Officer – APAC, MullenLowe Global

     

    Representing Advertising Agencies Association of India:

    1. Prasanth Kumar, President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India and CEO of GroupM, South Asia
    2. Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson, Goafest 2024
    3. Mohit Joshi, CEO, Havas Media
    4. Sam Balsara, Chairman, Madison World
    5. Rohit Ohri, FCB Global Partner
    6. Anupriya Acharya, CEO South Asia, Publicis Groupe

    Speaking on the AGC, Rana Barua, President of The Advertising Club, said: “Over the years the Abby One Show Awards has not only honoured creative excellence but has helped strengthen South Asia and especially India’s position in the global arena. It is imperative that we turn the spotlight on work that is deserving, innovative and socially and culturally relevant with creativity at its heart. The awards has encouraged talent and brought to light work that was impossible to even imagine. We are excited for this edition and are certain that the Awards Governing Council has a tough task at hand given the level and amount of work showcased over the last year.”

    Added Prasanth Kumar, President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India: “The Abby One Show Awards has evolved, becoming a level playing field not just for India but the entire South Asian region. We have witnessed agencies and brands of all sizes put their best foot forward, and have been humbly surprised with the kind of work that this region is home to.  We are confident that the awards will continue to empower the creative community and provide them with a global stage to showcase innovation and insight behind their creative communication.”

    Said Ajay Kakar, Chairperson, Awards Governing Council, Abby One Show Awards 2024: “The Abby One Show Awards continue to bring the spotlight on great ideas that manifest into great work. I am humbled by the opportunity to Chair the Awards Governing Council, that comprises stalwarts of our industry. An award, I believe, is as good as the Jury that judges it. So, the AGC is committed to have a stellar line-up of jury chairs and jury members, who have earned their spurs at a global and local level. They will help identify and recognise the best of best that the industry has created, this year. The Abby One Show Awards 2024 will continue to encourage, empower and accredit work to find its rightful place at a domestic level, and as a stepping stone to the global stage.”

    Added Kevin Swanepoel, CEO of The One Club for Creativity: “It is with great enthusiasm that we continue our association with The Advertising Club for the Abby Awards. What The One Show brings to the Abby ABBY Awards is a legacy of integrity, a reputation that resonates worldwide. Last year’s collaboration with the Abby Awards has pushed the creative envelope further, setting new benchmarks in recognising and celebrating creative excellence. We are delighted to be a part of this property that fosters a culture of excellence in the creative industry and are excited to witness deserving campaigns being honoured with an Abby.”

    Said Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson, Goafest 2024: “Goafest and the Abby One Show Awards have over the years crafted a premiere position bringing together the industry to learn, unlearn and celebrate. Like past editions, this year too we are confident of witnessing work that goes on to set new benchmarks of their own. While we are looking forward to a diverse creative showcase, we are confident that the task won’t be as easy for our jurors and AGC given the level of competitiveness.”

    Jointly organised by Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, Goafest 2024 will be held on May 29 to 31, 2024 at Grand Hyatt hotel, in Bambolim, Goa.

  • Kyoorius & Zee together again for KCA 2024

    Kyoorius has announced the twelfth edition of the Kyoorius Creative Awards and is going to be presented by Zee. Notes a communique: “The directive for 2024, is to galvanize the community to GiveBack to the industry that has given them so much. To kickstart the initiative, Kyoorius GivesBack, for every entry that does not make it into the first list (that is, beyond the first round of judging), Kyoorius will pay back 50% of the entry fee to the entrant.

    “A deep dive into the global awards ecosystem revealed that over 75% of all entries in any award show go unrewarded or are literally, rejected in the first round of judging itself.”

    Rajesh Kejriwal
    Rajesh Kejriwal

    Said Rajesh Kejriwal, Founder and CEO of Kyoorius: “Beyond recognising excellence, Kyoorius also stands to recognise obstacles,” adding: “Addressing the pain points of our entrants and the award ecosystem has always been our mission.”

    Punit Goenka

    Added Punit Goenka, MD and CEO, Zee: “We’re proud to continue our support for the Kyoorius Creative Awards and its newly launched ‘GiveBack’ initiative, building upon our longstanding commitment to fostering creativity and supporting the advertising fraternity.”

    The deadline for entries to the Kyoorius Creative Awards 2024 is April 19, 2024.

    Details at: kca.kyoorius.com.

  • Moloco announces partnership with Viacom18 for ad serving on JioCinema

    Moloco, a player in operational machine learning (ML) and advertising technology, has announced a strategic partnership with Viacom18 and JioCinema.

    Said Sunil Rayan, Moloco’s Chief Business Officer: “As the streaming media industry continues to focus on monetization, we’re excited to partner with leading players such as JioCinema to develop their performance advertising engine. We have leveraged Moloco’s deep experience in advertising technology over the last decade to build an ad serving solution for JioCinema that ensures stability at scale and improves user experience during peak times. Looking ahead to Tata IPL 2024, we anticipate an even bigger opportunity to engage millions of viewers while also creating measurable value for advertisers,” he added.

    Added Akash Saxena, CPTO, JioCinema: “By using Moloco’s advanced algorithms and highly optimized ad serving infrastructure, we were able to deliver ads to 32M viewers concurrently during Tata IPL 2023 and offer new monetization opportunities to our advertisers.”

    Speaking on the announcement, Siddharth Jhawar, Moloco’s General Manager for India, said, “India’s 700 million digital population has shown a growing preference for consuming video content online. As streaming platforms scale and look for more monetisation opportunities, Moloco Streaming Monetization can help them grow profitably.”