MxMIndia

Category: NEWS

  • The Kochi branch of Dentsu Communications adds Jayalakshmi Silks to its kitty

    Dentsu wins creative duties of Jayalakshmi Silks

    By A Correspondent

     

    Dentsu Communications has won the creative mandate for leading Kochi-based textile retail brand.

     

    Arijit Ray

    On winning the account, Dentsu Communications CEO Arijit Ray said, “We are delighted to have Jayalakshmi Silks on board. It is a brand of great repute in Kerala. With Jos Alukkas and Jayalakshmi Silks in our kitty, Saji Jayakumar and team at Dentsu Communications Kochi have a great platform to build further.”

     

    On assigning the creative duties to Dentsu, Govind Kamath, Managing Partner, Jalayalaksmi Silks said, “We were looking at a total revamp of our brand communications and wanted a creative agency that could understand and cater to our exact needs. We have a distinct position in the category and to help maintain this leadership stance we have roped in Dentsu Communications.”

     

  • The social media agency has hired Valentina Sanna as Managing Director for Singapore operations

    Gozoop sets up SE Asia ops, hires MD for Singapore

    [updated]

    By A Correspondent

     

    Three-year-old cross-functional digital agency Gozoop has announced the geographical expansion of its business in Singapore. After successfully setting up in Dubai, the company has ventured into the lucrative South East Asian market will strengthen its position as a leading digital agency.

     

    The operations in Singapore were established with the objective of tapping the growing potential of the digital market as well as cater to the agency’s clients. Some of them are Pong’s Laksa, Novamobili, Streetdirectory and Food4Blood Group. To lead the operations of the Singapore branch, Gozoop has brought on-board Valentina Sanna, who comes with cross-geographical experience of working with start-ups and digital companies.

    Commenting about the development, Rohan Bhansali, CEO of the agency, said: “Gozoop’s endeavour is to build world class online presence for world-wide brands. International diversification is one of our long term strategies.” He further stated that working with different brands in different geographies has given them a rich cross cultural experience. This leap reinforces the fact that the agency does not rely on a singular market and is looking forward to build a universal footprint.

    Speaking on the expansion, Ahmed Naqvi, Managing Director (India) and Co-Founder, Gozoop said, ‘Expansion of operations in other geographies was a conscious decision as our operations in Dubai took off exceptionally well. The South East Asian market brings immense opportunities and productive scope for business, and hence, it is vital to our international expansion plans. To manage the workforce and clientele in Singapore, we have brought Valentina Sanna in her current role as Managing Director.’

    The digital media agency has rendered its services to brands like Mad Over Donuts, Rajdhani Thali, High Street Phoenix, Hakassan, Tim Hortons, Xpress Money, Cold Stone Creamery GCC, Kate Spade and Commercial Bank of Dubai to name a significant few.

     

  • Creativeland Asia continues its expansion in New Delhi with second brand-partnership win

    MTS connects entire brand mandate to Creativeland

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sistema Shyam TeleServices Limited (SSTL), that provides telecom services under the MTS brand, has announced the appointment of Creativeland Asia as its Agency on Retainer (AOR) for the entire business. The mandate covers mainline, BTL, circles and digital media for the India market.

     

    This win makes MTS the second brand-partner for Creativeland in the capital city within months of starting the process of setting up operations. The decision to partner together was taken after an intense multi-agency pitch process held earlier this year. Creativeland has been tasked with developing strategy and communications for brand MTS and all its offerings in every circle.

     

    Commenting on the partnership, Leonid Musatov, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer, MTS India, informed, “MTS is in the process of charting a fresh creative thought to complement the extensive growth plans underway. Our requirement included a characteristic perspective that will redefine the brand and amplify our future business growth. And, Creativeland Asia came in with a contemporary and creatively cultivated approach to youthful brands.”

     

    Added Amitesh Rao, MTS’s Director, Brand & Media, “I believe that both MTS and Creativeland are brands that are poised for exponential growth in the near future. This was reflected in the energy, enthusiasm and the Creativeland distinctiveness during the pitch process, which in turn, made them a unanimous choice internally.”

     

    On the partnership, Sajan Raj Kurup, Founder & Creative Chairman, Creativeland Asia, said, “I am delighted to have MTS on board. We have been waiting to reel the Creativeland touch in the telecom sector for some time now. In MTS, we discovered a like-minded brand that is hungry for Creativity and roaring to make a mark in one of the most dynamic categories in the country.”

     

  • Time Out India's annual tech cover story comes with a curated list of 100 apps that make one's life simpler

    Time Out’s Top 100 apps that makes life simpler

    By A Correspondent

     

    Time Out India’s upcoming issue for its three editions of Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru has its annual tech cover story that comes with a curated list of 100 apps that make one’s life simpler, and put the smart in the smartphone. “We were clear when we began to assemble this year’s tech cover story that the approach would steer clear of fanboy geekiness and instead would look at apps that truly make life simpler,” said Jaideep VG, Editor-in-Chief, Time Out India. “Just as the magazine is intended to serve as a guide that helps readers navigate the city, the tech cover story is an essential manual for people attempting to make sense of the dense jungle of apps available for Android, iOS, Blackberry and Windows Phone users out there.”

     

    “The Annual Tech issue is very important to us as this gives us a chance to delve into technology from user’s point of,” said Rajnish Rawat, chief operating officer and Publisher, Time Out India, while adding that the issue is due for release on Friday (July 5).

     

  • Recently launched Hindi and Bhojpuri regional channel Dangal TV assigns its advertising sales duties to Aidem Ventures

    Aidem to handle Dangal TV adsales

    By A Correspondent

     

    Media consulting, marketing and advertising sales company Aidem Ventures has been appointed as an advertising partner for Dangal TV, the regional channel reaching out to the core Hindi-speaking belt.

     

    Dangal TV is a 24-hour free-to-air entertainment channel offering a mix of movies and serials in Bhojpuri and Hindi. Dangal has established its availability across cable and leading DTH platforms including Dish TV, Videocon DTH, Airtel Digital TV and DD DTH.

     

    “Regional channels accounted for approximately 27 percent of total television viewership in 2012, which is proportionate to the advertising market share they commanded during the same period. Advertising interest in regional markets is strong and broadcasters see immense potential for revenues from local advertisers who are willing to pay a premium to reach their targeted audience. From our own experience with regional channels, we have come to realise that a staggering number of advertisers are seeing the benefits of developing localized communications strategies using sponsorships, promotions and integrated branded content around regional TV. It gives us immense pleasure to be associated with the market leader in the Bhojpuri genre and look forward to driving its vision.” said Vikas Khanchandani, Director, Aidem Ventures.

     

    “We at Dangal have a thorough understanding of the Hindi-speaking belt. That, along with ourhuge investment in acquiring Bhojpuri and Hindi content serves as a strong endorsement of our vision to create a new standard in the Bhojpuri entertainment space. We look forward to a continued association with Team Aidem to help us achieve better yield for the channel over the long term” said Manish Singhal, Chairman & Managing Director, Dangal TV.

     

    About Dangal TV

     

    Dangal TV is a 24-hours free-to-air entertainment channel that delivers content suited to the entertainment needs of the Hindi Speaking belt in India. Committed to offer a comprehensive viewing experience and cater to diverse demands of its viewers, Dangal TV offers a strong mix of movies & serials in Bhojpuri as well as in Hindi.

     

    About Aidem Ventures

     

    Aidem is India’s leading independent Advertising Sales Company and also offers consulting and marketing services. Aidem has a team of over 100+ trained professionals located across all major media markets in India. Aidem enjoys deep and valuable connections with over 3000 advertisers across India.

     

    Aidem is also the exclusive media representative for Mi Marathi, Live India, Sahara One, Sahara Filmy, Economist.com, GETIT, Eros Now, KBS World, Al Jazeera English (AJE) and other Al Jazeera channels, Clubbing TV, DanceTrippin, RCK TV, Jukebox, Lakshyya Entertainment, Get Punjabi, Jaya TV Network and Sri Lanka Premier League.

     

    Aidem, together with eBUS – a Group IMD Company, also offers a complete solution for digital distribution and management of Television Commercials (TVCs) to advertisers, agencies, media owners, content producers and broadcasters. This service is being used by almost all major broadcasting networks in India.

     

  • The committee will convey its findings to the Tata Steel Board within two months

    Tata group forms panel to ascertain facts behind sr journalist and PR pro Charudatta Deshpande’s suicide

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Tata Group has swung into action to investigate the mysterious circumstances and the allegations related to the sudden suicide of PR professional Charudatta Deshpande, last Friday.

     

    A day after the group’s Chief Ethics Officer, Mukund Rajan, had stated that the matter would be taken most seriously, a four-member panel has been constituted to look into the matter.

     

    Tata Sons, the group’s apex decision-making body and Tata Steel in a late evening joint statement stated that a committee chaired by Ishaat Hussain, Non-Executive Director of Tata Steel, and including NS Rajan, the group’s Chief Human Resources Officer, and Bharat Vasani, the Group General Counsel, has been constituted to ascertain the facts of the case. Mr Mukund Rajan will also be a part of the panel as Chief Ethics Officer.

     

    See also:

    Business Standard story: What triggered former Tata Steel official’s suicide: The ‘Mafia’ angle

     

    “The committee has been mandated to convey its findings direct to the Board of Tata Steel within the next two months,” the statement said.

     

    In a separate incident, Cyrus Mistry has also replied to a letter written last Sunday by a group of friends and former colleagues of Mr Deshpande which had also alleged that Mr Deshpande was harassed when he was working with Tata Steel as its head of corporate affairs and communication.

     

    “You have referred in your letter to allegations about how he was treated in the last few weeks before his end. We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness,” wrote Mr Mistry. “Let me assure you the Tata group does not and will not condone any action of the kind insinuated in your letter,” he added.

     

    It has been alleged that Mr Deshpande was under severe pressure in Jamshedpur, home to Tata Steel’s biggest steel mill in the country, where his cellphone was allegedly tapped and he was confined to his place of stay. Even after leaving the organisation, Deshpande is believed to have received several threats from what he called a ‘mafia’ — a term he had used repeatedly.

     

    Mr Deshpande’s former senior colleague K Ramkumar, an executive director of ICICI Bank, had also written to the Tata top brass on Sunday in his personal capacity.

     

    He too had sought for a probe. Separately he had also reached out to his peers across corporate India, seeking collective assistance to demand a thorough investigation.

     

    Mr Ramkumar refused to comment if the Tata leadership had responded to his mail. However Tata officials said they do plan to reply at the earliest.

     

    The Mumbai Press Club has organised a condolence meeting in memory of Deshpande on July 3.

     

     

     

    Source:The Economic Times

    Copyright © 2013, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved

    Licensed to republish

     

  • With three clients from Chennai, Aegis Media's full-service digital agency opens an office in the metrop

    Isobar launches Chennai operations

    By A Correspondent

     

    Shamsuddin Jasani

    Close on the heels of its Sterling holidays social media win, Isobar has launched its Chennai operations. Isobar India also has the AirAsia and Eva business in Chennai.

     

    Shamsuddin Jasani, Managing Director, Isobar India says, “Last year, we launched our Bengaluru operations and we are already one of the leading agencies there. Now we have launched our Chennai operations, which already have AirAsia, Eva and Sterling Holidays accounts. This takes our presence in India to four offices and it is very important to our clients that we are present in the same city as they are. Providing a world-class digital product in every market we are present in is our ambition.

     

    Isobar India, a full service digital agency with over 80 digital specialists spread across four cities is a part of Aegis Media India group.

     

  • The four Indian creative whizkids have been appointed to the London International Awards 2013 juries. Judging is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas in early October

    Prasoon Joshi, Sonal Dabral, Santosh Padhi & Roopak Saluja on LIA 2013 jury

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sonal Dabral

    Sonal Dabral, Prasoon Joshi, Santosh Padhi and Roopak Saluja have been appointed to join LIA’s 2013 prestigious juries. The judging is scheduled to take place at the Wynn/Encore Hotel, Las Vegas in early October.

     

    Sonal Dabral, Chairman/CCO of DDB Mudra, Mumbai returns to join the 2013 TV/Cinema/Online Film Jury which will be led this year by Ogilvy’s Worldwide Chief Creative Officer, Tham Khai Meng.

     

     

    Prasoon Joshi

    Prasoon Joshi, President South Asia of McCann Worldgroup, Mumbai will sit on the Non -Traditional Jury, led by Leo Burnett’s Global Chief Creative Officer, Mark Tutssel.

     

    Santosh Padhi, Chief Creative Officer/Co-Founder of Taproot India, Mumbai will join the Print-Poster-Billboard Jury, presided over by David Guerrero, Chairman & Chief Creative Officer, BBDO Guerrero/Proximity, Philippines.

     

     

    Roopak Saluja

    Roopak Saluja, Founder/CEO of The 120 Media Collective, Mumbai joins the 2013 TV/Cinema/Online Film – Production/Post-Production Jury, which is led by Jonathon Ker, Executive Producer at paydirt, Los Angeles.

     

    Says Barbara Levy, President of LIA of the appointments, “It is a reflection of the great creative work that consistently emerges from India that we have appointed Indian jury members across such a broad spectrum of media. To have the honour to have some of the most highly ranked Creative Officers of India’s most awarded creative businesses is something that we are extremely proud of, and is in keeping with our commitment to have the world’s most creative work judged by the world’s most creative people. We look forward to welcoming them and working with them in Las Vegas”.

     

    The complete LIA Jury can be viewed on the website: www.liaawards.com  The LIA Call for Entry Deadline is currently the July 15, 2013

     

  • SMG Convonix unveils online tool that has already logged over 1.5mn Wimbledon-related conversations

    Starcom’s SMG Convonix tracks Wimbledon online chatter

    By A Correspondent

     

    SMG Convonix, a division of Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG), has implemented a social dashboard to measure global online buzz and chatter around Wimbledon 2013, the annual tennis tournament currently on in England.

     

    The dashboard (http://www.convonix.com/wimbledon), powered by Iristrack, SMG Convonix’ proprietary social listening and online brand monitoring platform, measures buzz around matches, identifies trending players, monitors fan support and more.  Thus far, the dashboard has logged more than 1.5 million Wimbledon related online conversations from around the world.

     

    “Tennis is a truly global sport, and we at Convonix are watching the world watch Wimbledon,” said Vishal Sampat, CEO, SMG Convonix. “Our unique social dashboard gives us the ability to deliver real time insights on social chatter as it happens all around the world.”

     

    Wimbledon 2013 is scheduled to draw to a close on Sunday, July 7.

     

  • Ormax Media launches tool to track online buzz for Bollywood films

    Ormax to track online buzz for films

    By A Correspondent

     

    Media insights firm Ormax Media has further strengthened its position in the film insights space with the launch of Ormax Online Quotient (OOQ), a product that tracks the performance of the online campaign of a film in social media and public platforms.

     

    Film studios can use OOQ to track week-on-week performance of their films in the online space, and benchmark it against their online targets. The product reports various parameters, including Online Buzz (number of mentions) and Online Sentiment (positive or negative slant of the mentions). Data can be seen for the film, as well as its individual components, such as stars, director, songs, etc.

     

    Shailesh Kapoor

    Speaking about OOQ, Shailesh Kapoor, CEO – Ormax Media, said: “Internet and social media are becoming increasingly relevant for film marketing. We have conclusive data to prove that social media has more influence on a film’s opening than outdoor, for example. With OOQ, we hope to bring science and measurement to the otherwise qualitative concept of ‘online buzz’.”

     

    OOQ will arm film studios will weekly reports that they can use to take corrective action in their online campaigns, in turn improving their prospects of a higher opening weekend of the film at the box office, both domestic and internationally.

     

    OOQ has been created in collaboration with its technology partners Germin8, a company that specializes in online brand tracking and analytics. Speaking about the association, Ranjit Nair, CEO – Germin8, said: “OOQ is the marriage of Germin8’s technology prowess in the fields of Natural Language Processing and Big Data Analytics and Ormax Media’s vast domain expertise in media insights. The end result will allow film marketers make their campaigns more effective.”

     

  • Mr Garg will be MEC India's All India Head for new business development and General Manager – MEC North

    MEC appoints Roopam Garg to head biz dev and north

    By A Correspondent

     

    Leading media agency MEC India announced the appointment of Roopam Garg as All India Head-New Business Development and General Manager, MEC North. In this newly created management position, Mr Garg will report to T Gangadhar, Managing Director, MEC India. Prior to this, he was Chief Operating Officer, at Zenithoptimedia India and head of Performics (ZO’s digital arm).

     

    Speaking about the appointment, Mr Gangadhar said, “I am excited about working along side someone with the pedigree and gravitas of Roopam. His appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in MEC’s journey. Given his rich experience in strategic planning, digital communication and business development, I am confident that he will bring value to our clients. I wish Roopam the very best in his new role”.

     

    On his appointment, Mr Garg said, “I am very excited about this role and joining MEC. The agency has witnessed spectacular new business growth in the last 2-3 years and boasts of a formidable roster of clients. My mandate is to further drive this key agenda nationally and also to manage MEC North operations. I also like MEC’s integrated communication planning approach which is highly business-outcome oriented. I look forward to using my regional and global experience to drive even greater ROI for clients’ communication investments”.

     

  • This was announced at the global launch of the Economist Intelligence Unit report "Good to Grow: The Environment of Asia's Internet Business"

    Indian internet economy to touch US$ 100 bn by 2015

    By A Correspondent

     

    India’s Internet Economy that stands at 1.6% of GDP is slated to touch US$ 100 billion by 2015. This was announced at the global launch of a report “Good to Grow: The Environment of Asia’s Internet Business” by Economist Intelligence Unit in New Delhi. The report is sponsored by the Asian Internet Coalition.

     

    One of the key factor that will drive the internet economy in India is digital and mobile advertising. At present, advertising revenue in India is at 7%. But, of the US$ 410m being spent online, 60% goes to Google and Facebook, with only the remaining 40% going to other online players. While online advertising in Asia is forecast to grow at a modest pace (from 24% of worldwide online advertising in 2010 to 26% by 2015) the mobile advertising market is really taking off. By 2015 Asia is expected to account for one-third of the mobile advertising market globally.

     

    But the report also reveals the dark side of India’s online payment and credit card penetration. On both fronts, India stands at an abysmally low penetration of 2% compared to South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. The report also comes down heavily on internet censorship that is acting as an impediment to growth. The report states, “Asia is still finding its way with respect to governance and regulation of the Internet. In some markets such as Vietnam regulation is mostly undeveloped, which can be seen as a blessing since it allows companies to move quickly and freely. In others, such as South Korea, there are stricter regulations which operators say hamper their business. The one area where ample regulation is in place is around liability for carrying content that either contravenes laws or is otherwise frowned upon. These often poorly worded or confusingly interpreted pieces of legislation create uncertainty for business owners, as well as high administrative costs in order to put safeguards in place. India, Thailand and Malaysia stand out as places where censorship is on the rise.”

     

    Speaking at the launch of the report, Laurel West of Economist Intelligence Unit said, “India’s regulatory environment has considerable room for improvement. While the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is responsible for the frequent issue of laws relating to Internet governance, there is no specific regulatory body for content and platform creators. Some, particularly smaller operators, take this as a good thing, since it means fewer barriers to entry, particularly compared with manufacturing and other over-regulated industries. But the downside is that there is no central avenue for communication with businesses that will be affected by changes in the law”.