MxMIndia

Category: NEWS

  • With this merger, Origin Beanstalk becomes one of the key brands to join the rooster of Media Lounge

    Media Lounge acquires Origin Beanstalk

    By A Correspondent

     

    The newly set up full-service media company, Media Lounge has announced the acquisition of Mumbai based creative consultancy Origin Beanstalk Creative Consultants. With this new merger, Origin Beanstalk becomes one of the key brands to join the rooster of Media Lounge, which is in process to acquiring other specialist agencies across various verticals in a span of three months.

     

    Origin Beanstalk creative agency was set up 10 years ago by Shom Mazumdar and Upendra Singh Thakur. The agency currently has a 55 member team, which handles some high profile clients such as BASF, Edelweiss, RadioCity, Jupiter Hospital, Mid-day, Manchester United Café Bar and The United Sports Bar, China Gate Group of Restaurants, Rajesh Lifespaces, Sunteck Realty, VKL Seasoning, Ace Agro, Myitreturn.com, Princeware, Gulshan Polyols, Pepe India, Nannies Goat Milk, Welbound, Warmee, Four Points by Shereton, Swamp Soccer India, High Ground Entertainment, amongst others.

     

    Commenting on the merger, Shom Mazumdar, Co-founder, Origin Beanstalk, said that, “We have organically grown from strength to strength in the last 10 years by creating a very strong foundation and investing in our processes, people and product offerings. We have created a profitable and sustainable environment for growth and have been literally growing with our clients, most of who have been working with us for more than seven years now. These strong relationships and learnings with our nimble-footedness have helped us grow even during slowdown.”

     

    Commenting on the merger, Manajit Ghoshal, Co-founder at Media Lounge said, “I have closely interacted with Shom and Upendra in my former stint with a publication house and I quite liked their sound strategic approach, infectious energy and out-of-the-box thinking. While forming Media Lounge, I instantaneously thought about Origin Beanstalk and keenly approached them for the opportunity. With Media Lounge, the timing is right, the fit is right. And I see them play a key role in helping Media Lounge complete the full-services circle, thus making Media Lounge one of the most buzzing and sought after full service media group in this part of the world.”

     

  • SpiceJet aims to re-define and refresh the flying experience in India

    SpiceJet hands over creative reigns to Dentsu

    By A Correspondent

     

    Dentsu Marcom has bagged the creative duties of budget airline, SpiceJet. The agency won the business following a multi-agency pitch.

     

    SpiceJet aims to re-define and refresh the flying experience in India by infusing it with humanity, warmth, passion, commitment and on occasion a welcome touch of humour, with the goal of delighting customers and exceeding their expectations in every interaction. All of this is based on the foundation of its internal mantra of SOCCH: Safe, On-time, Clean, Courteous and Hassle-free. The brief it gave to advertising agencies was to capture this spirit in its new campaigns.

     

    Sanjiv Kapoor, Chief Operating Officer, SpiceJet said, “SpiceJet is delighted to have appointed Dentsu Marcom as our creative agency. We were impressed with their understanding of the brief and strategic approach at the pitch process… The agency will have a vital role to play in repositioning the brand thought further as we grow and enabling SpiceJet to achieve its aim of becoming a people’s airline and a carrier of choice.”

     

    Rohit Ohri

    Rohit Ohri, Executive Chairman, Dentsu India and CEO, Dentsu APAC (South) said, “We are happy to partner brand SpiceJet on this exciting new phase of their journey in India. The new leadership team at SpiceJet has a clear and compelling vision of what the airline will stand for. Our task will be to develop this vision into a unique thumbprint for the brand and bring that to life at every customer touch point.”

     

  • The mandate to the combine was a result of a multi-layered review conducted by AMFI to revamp and re-tool its website to state-of-the art communications and internet technologies

    Rage partners Metal to revamp AMFI’s web presence

    By A Correspondent

     

    Rage Communications in partnership with Metal Communications has recreated and enhanced the internet presence of Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI) – www.amfiindia.com. The mandate to the combine was a result of a multi-layered review conducted by AMFI to revamp and re-tool its website to state-of-the art communications and internet technologies. Rage Communications, in association with Metal Communications, was among the several contenders for this initiative.

     

    “This re-launch is will provide a single window experience for all stakeholders in the industry – investors – current and potential, distribution intermediaries, industry members and the lay public. The digital assets created, include features and functions that educate, provide data and enable decision making for all the stakeholders,” said Vikaas Sachdeva, CEO – Edelweiss Asset Management Ltd. and Chairperson, AMFI’s Committee on Customer Engagement.

     

    Rage & Metal have extensive expertise in the BFSI sector and their clients include household names from the banking, wealth management and insurance sectors.

     

    “Today’s Internet solutions are not restricted just to the world of personal computers. A range of new technologies, platforms and devices, requires delivering solutions across multiple options seamlessly. Our evolution has been congruent with the evolution of the Internet and gives us the unique skills and experience that is required in meeting the challenges involved in re-tooling AMFI’s web presence to a best-in-class consumer and business facing portal for mutual funds in India,” said Karthik Kumar, Director – Rage Communications.

     

  • The second annual Shriram Sanlam Awards for Excellence in Financial Journalism in association with The Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) – Chennai, were presented to the winners

    Winners of Second Annual Shriram Sanlam Awards announced

    By A Correspondent

     

    The second annual Shriram Sanlam Awards for Excellence in Financial Journalism were presented in four categories at a glittering function organised by the Shriram Group and South Africa’s Sanlam Group. Chief Guest Dr. Arvind Mayaram, Finance Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, graced the august occasion. Several prominent personalities from the world of banking and finance including regulators and corporate India also graced the occasion.

     

    The second annual Shriram Sanlam Awards for Excellence in Financial Journalism in association with The Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) – Chennai, were presented as follows: Aarati Krishnan for her story “A very strange bull market” published in Hindu Business Line in the category of Financial Markets; V Keshavdev for his story “India Inc’s MahaKumbh” published in Outlook Business in the Banking category; Bibek Debroy for his story “Control and food inflation” published in The Economic Times in the Economic Policy category; and M Rajshekhar for his story “Great rural land rush: 3 to 100- fold rise in farm land prices may not bode well” published in The Economic Times for Sectoral Issues.

     

    Each category winner received cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh along with a citation. Parameters for the awards included Insight, Analysis, Depth, Uniqueness, Originality, Comprehensive and Balanced Approach, Level of research, Follow up of story by others leading to wider discussion, Overall Impact of the story apart from the above.

     

    Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred to Eminent Editor T. N. Ninan who received a prize amount of Rs. 2.5 lacs.

     

    Commenting on the awards,  Arun Duggal, Chairman, Shriram Capital Ltd., said, “We are very happy to have received 228 nominations from business and financial journalists in the second edition of ‘Shriram Sanlam Awards for Excellence in Financial Journalism’. Shriram Capital and Sanlam Group recognize the multi-faceted role that financial journalists play in setting up the knowledge base in reporting key issues of the Indian economy, policy making, banking, financial markets and sectoral issues. One of the key attributes of the Shriram Sanlam Awards for Excellence in Financial Journalism is the integrity and independence of the judging panel. It consists of business leaders, corporate governance and sustainability practitioner, academia as well as editor. After all, such diversity is needed as a business journalist is an instrument of change and an influencer of influentials!”

     

    Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR), Chennai played an important and independent role in the selection process by scrutinizing the nominations and making them available for the Jury Members for their consideration.

     

     

  • Neil joins some of the world's top creatives at the awards show including past D&AD President and jury foreman – Rosie Arnold

    Neil Dawson joins the Kyoorius Advertising Awards jury

    By A Correspondent

     

    Kyoorius has announced the addition of Neil Dawson – Partner, Dawson Pickering to its illustrious list of jury members at the Kyoorius Advertising Awards. Neil joins some of the world’s top creatives at the Kyoorius Advertising Awards including Past D&AD President and jury foreman – Rosie Arnold – Deputy Executive Creative Director, BBH, Abhijit Avasthi – National Creative Director, Ogilvy & Mather, Agnello Dias – Chairman & Co-Founder, Taproot India, Graham Kelly – Regional Executive Creative Director, Isobar, Senthil Kumar – National Creative Director, JWT, and Sonal Dabral – Chairman & Chief Creative Officer, DBB Mudra Group and Woon Siew Hoh – Regional Executive Creative Director, Hakuhudo.

     

    Apart from three years of working in South Africa, Neil has spent the whole of his career in London. His ‘Wedding’ ad for Volkswagen Surprisingly Ordinary Prices has, for over a decade, been the most awarded print ad in history. His ‘Fish’ commercial re-launched the Keep Walking campaign for Johnnie Walker globally and as Chief Creative officer on the Philips account Neil won back- to-back Cannes Grand Prix in 2009 for Philips Carousel and 2010 for Philips Parallel Lines.

     

    With long time creative partner Clive Pickering, Neil has recently launched London’s newest ad agency – Dawson Pickering.
    With over 34 categories spanning Press Advertising, Outdoor Advertising, Film Advertising, Radio Advertising, Direct Marketing & Activation, Integrated and craft related categories including Art Direction, Craft for Advertising, Film Advertising Craft – the Kyoorius Advertising Awards will reward the in each category.

     

  • Sinha will be responsible for overseeing all key client relationships

    Surajendu Sinha joins SMG Convonix as VP & Biz Head

    By A Correspondent

     

    SMG Convonix has announced the appointment of Surajendu Sinha as Vice President & Business Head (West & South). Sinha will be responsible for overseeing all key client relationships and will lead the media team in these regions.

     

    Vishal Sampat, CEO, SMG Convonix while announcing this appointment said, “SMG Convonix has always focused on providing real-time and meaningful digital solutions. We have always believed in staying ahead of the curve and Surajendu’s addition to the media team will allow us to do that by embracing changes in media and mobile faster. We’re focused on attracting reputed and experienced hands to lead our media teams and further bolster our offering. Surajendu fits the bill perfectly, and we’re glad to have him on board.”

     

    Sinha has over a decade of experience in Digital Media Planning & Buying in companies like Neo@Ogilvy and Mindshare (Group M). In his last role at Mindshare, Sinha was Senior Director – Digital Media Buying for Mindshare (West). He was responsible for growing digital revenues, rate benchmarking and driving annual strategic partnerships. He has handled clients like Kellogg’s, ICICI Bank, Idea Cellular, Ultratech, Birla White, Videocon d2h, HDFC Bank, Diageo, Tata Motors among others.

     

  • Ms Sethna Patel will focus on the P&G business, specifically: Head & Shoulders, Ariel, Olay and Pampers

    Delna Sethna Patel joins L&K Saatchi & Saatchi as CCO

    By A Correspondent

     

    Delna Sethna Patel has joined L&K Saatchi & Saatchi as Chief Creative Officer. She was until recently working with Leo Burnett where was Regional Creative Director on Brand Whisper.

     

    Ms Sethna Patel will focus on the P&G business, specifically: Head & Shoulders, Ariel, Olay and Pampers, according to a communique.

     

    On joining the agency she said: “I am looking forward to working with Anil and Praveen to grow business and push the creative envelope.”

     

    Said Anil S Nair, CEO and Managing Partner: “Delna is a kind of creative leader who brings the best out of everyone who works with her, irrespective of the department they work in. We are excited to have such an inspirational leader in our team.”

     

  • There will hence be no update on MxMIndia.com and no newsletters too

    Happy Labour/Maharashtra/Gujarat Day. No edition tomorrow

    By A Correspondent

     

    The offices of MxMIndia are closed tomorrow, May 1, 2014, on account of Labour Day/ Maharashtra Day/ Gujarat Day.

     

    There will hence be no update on MxMIndia.com and no newsletters too. We will be back on Friday, May 2. Will all the news, views and more.

     

  • The idea of Simple Simon was born with one key intent – to hit the market with a 'Simple Stick'

    Simon says, play it Simple

    By A Correspondent

     

     

    Creative specialist Vinod Kunj and brand psychiatrist Gaurav Bahirvani have launched a branding practice firm named Simple Simon. The duo believes that too many people with too many theories have managed to create a complex aura around the concepts of brand and strategy. Hence, the idea of Simple Simon was born with one key intent – to hit the market with a ‘Simple Stick’.

     

    Commenting on the launch, Gaurav Bahirvani, CEO of Simple Simon said, “Every business, regardless of their size, reach or stature, deserves to benefit from a sound brand strategy. But the reality is that good branding strategists in their race for big-ticket assignments often leave out smaller businesses from their radar. In our experience, given the right guidance (minus branding’s oppressive jargons), these small businesses have showcased tremendous potential and accelerated their pace of growth. Simple Simon is not just another brand practice in the crowd. We are here to demystify the concept of brand building by simplifying its tone, texture and tenacity for every business that has an ambition.”

     

    It is well known that small and medium sized businesses in India contribute largely to the nation’s employment and its economic stature. While it forms the biggest layer of the enterprise pyramid, it receives the least attention from sound intelligence available in our country.

     

    Explaining the ideology further, Vinod Kunj, Executive Chairman, Simple Simon, mentioned, “Our aim is to democratize the art of brand building. We would like to approach enterprises that have the intent and spirit to grow, but do not have access to the right kind and quality of intelligence. It’s generally perceived that typical brand consulting outfits demand undying allegiance, bark suggestions and try to instill the fear of the devil among clients. While the larger players may still find a way to get their head around it; smaller businesses on the other hand get extremely intimidated. It’s this fear of missing out despite their dedication and ambition that we plan to help them overcome with Simple Simon.”

     

    The firm will be spread across offices in Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi, backed by a team of 20 people.

     

  • Oxolloxo offers a complete range of fashion for women, men and kids including choices for beach wear, maternity wear and plus size wear for women

    Oxolloxo ropes in Bang in the Middle on debut

    By A Correspondent

     

    Fashion brand Oxolloxo has appointed Bang in the Middle to handle its business. Oxolloxo is born in India, but has been exposed to major fashion trends across the globe. With its own set up for manufacturing and designing, Oxolloxo will offer a completely new and differentiated offering to the discerning fashion buyers in India initially and to the global buyers as the brand gains traction.

     

    As a brand, Oxolloxo offers a complete range of fashion for women, men and kids including choices for beach wear, maternity wear and plus size wear for women.

     

    Commenting on the win, Naresh Gupta, Managing partner and CSO, Bang in the Middle said, “We started on a dream, when the client first interacted with us, they did not have a name, but they had a well defined and crafted idea. We are proud to be a part of the evolution of the brand. Today when the brand has officially made it’s debut, we believe it will become the first choice for those who are looking at fashion that is latest globally. The site designed and developed by us offers a great selection of fashion in the most appealing way.”

     

    Prathap Suthan

    Prathap Suthan, Managing Partner and CCO, Bang in the Middle said, “It’s not very often that we get to create a brand right from the name upwards. From arriving at its name that works both alphabetically and numerically, to putting together an idea that works well both in the traditional world of fashion marketing and in the new digital age of fashion retailing. As a brand, Oxolloxo uses the world as its palette. Textures, designs, colours and fabrics sourced across the world, all put together to create a compelling range of clothes for the entire family at efficient prices. We are delighted to work together with the brand owners, and create a brand that will rightfully gain a share of light under the global sun.”

     

  • The new publication by Jabong is targeted at young Indian e-shoppers who are looking for a guide that fulfils their aspirations, making fashion accessible, affordable and attainable

    Jabong to target young e-shoppers with ‘The Juice’

    By A Correspondent

     

    Online fashion brand Jabong.com has announced the launch of its monthly magazine – The Juice. The new publication by Jabong is targeted at young Indian e-shoppers who are looking for a guide that fulfils their aspirations, making fashion accessible, affordable and attainable.

     

    The inaugural issue of the The Juice is a bi-monthly (April-May 2014), featuring Bollywood actress Kalki Koechlin on the cover. Pearl Shah, editor, commented: “Kalki represents the new-age Indian woman who is well spoken, thinks for herself and is not afraid to speak her mind. She has a distinct sense of style that is completely her own. She is everything the young Indian woman is.”

     

    With summer as its theme, this edition is the perfect breezy and vibrant accompaniment that shows one where one can learn surfing in India, what one needs to know to exercise their vote and how to bag a cool summer internship. The Juice also has access to 800 of Jabong.com’s brands, including Vero Moda, ONLY, Jack & Jones, Steve Madden, Dorothy Perkins, GAS, Rohit Bal, Wendell Rodricks, and more.

     

    The Juice is a part of Jabong.com’s expansion plans and foray into fashion content publishing. This fashion and lifestyle magazine is complimentary for Jabong’s customers, with a starting print-run of 1.45 lakh copies, and will be out in the first week of May. Its distinct circulation model will make it available pan India, at all Café Coffee Day outlets and across all airport lounges in the country. What’s more, the digital edition of the magazine will also be uploaded onto Jabong.com’s home page for ready access to its discerning customers.

     

    Commenting on the launch of the magazine, Arun Chandra Mohan, Founder & CEO, Jabong.com, said: “With the sole aim of establishing a brand that addresses all fashion needs, The Juice is an attempt at strengthening our fashion profile. At Jabong, we constantly push ourselves to deliver the best product in the best format. This magazine is born from these efforts aimed at celebrating fashion alongside style for an incredible audience. We can’t wait to see the response of our valued customers.”

     

     

  • The association re-elected Sharif D Rangnekar, CEO & Director, Integral PR, for the post of President

    PRCAI elects new committee; Sharif Rangnekar continues term as President

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) has elected a new management committee and regional chapter heads for 2014-2016.

     

    The association re-elected Sharif D Rangnekar, CEO & Director, Integral PR, for the post of President. Nitin Mantri, CEO, Avian Media, was elected as Vice-President and Jaideep Shergill, CEO, MSL India, as Secretary.

     

    As part of its national outreach, the regional chapter heads elected are Pulkit Srivastava, Director, Perfect Relations, as Chairperson, North; Julie Joseph, Vice-President, Technology Vertical, The Practice as Chairperson, South; Madhuri Sen, MD, Waggener Edstrom, as Chairperson, West; and Basav Bhattacharya, Strategic Consultant, Integral PR as Chairperson, East.

     

    Commenting on being re-elected President, Mr Rangnekar said: “The dynamics of communications are changing at a very fast pace. The PR industry continues to gain prominence as demand for credible branding, positioning and communications is growing rapidly. In a scenario such as this, the industry association intends to underline the importance of good work, our role and ethics. We, at PRCAI intend to take these factors seriously to our stakeholders, and address these on top priority.”