MxMIndia

Category: PR

  • Skool Smart’s highly automated safety solutions ensure safety of school children

    Galvanise PR wins the communications mandate for Skool Smart

    By A Correspondent

     

    Galvanise PR has been awarded with the India PR mandate for SkoolSmart. Working with Kindergarten to K12 educational institutions, SkoolSmart is an end to end student tracking and safety solution servicing company.

     

    Commenting on the partnership, Srinivasa Rao Saripalli CEO and Founder of SkoolSmart, said: “We have proved ourselves in providing safety and assurance school solutions to over 2,00,000 students across 50 schools in India. We hope to double these numbers by end of 2018.” He further added, “On-boarding Galvanise PR is core to amplify our visibility as partners for child safety amongst educational institutes.”

     

    Added Shalini Singh, Founder & CEO, Galvanise PR: “Working with SkoolSmart will give us an opportunity to learn and to contribute towards creating awareness about the safety and monitoring needs of our school going children. At Galvanise we believe, good stories and the right presentation of the stories are the heart of a PR campaign. With SkoolSmart, we look forward to augment our story-telling capabilities by engaging with parents, industry influencers and educational institutes.”

     

     

  • He retired as Director, Public Affairs at Pfizer India, and was closely associated with the Public Relation Society of India

    Veteran PR legend KS Neelakandan passes away

    By A Correspondent

     

    KS Neelakandan

    Veteran public relations practitioner K S Neelakandan has passed away. He retired as Director, Public Affairs at Pfizer India, and was closely associated with the Public Relation Society of India.

     

    He was also the Chairman of Asian Institute of Public Relations and Director Healthcare and Industry Information Centre, where he played an active role in developing the PR industry. On the healthcare front he played a key role in representing the industry and having dialogues with the government and on various public affairs and policies.

     

     

  • There is no holistic understanding and therefore approach to the terms ‘Influencer’ & ‘Influencer Management’, writes Siddhartha Mukherjee in a new series of his fortnightly ‘PReamble’ column

    Siddhartha Mukherjee: IRM will govern Brand Communication Health

    By Siddhartha Mukherjee

     

    Ignorance or deliberate, irrespective, even today, we continue managing brand communication without the missing link. While the industry is flooded with acronyms like Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Vendor Relationship Management (VRM), Partner Relationship Management (PRM), etc. there is no holistic and centralised console of managing all stakeholders and brand custodians. In other words, there is no holistic understanding and therefore approach to the terms ‘Influencer’ and ‘Influencer Management’.

     

    The missing link is that of a thought process or approach. What the Industry needs today is a centralised Influencer Relationship Management (IRM) matrix. It will be the mainstay as far as Brand communication and its management is concerned. In fact, if I can take it one step forward, this very phenomena will speedily erase the already blurring borders between Paid and Earned Industries.

     

    For further clarity, below are some Q&As:

    :: What is the definition of Influencers and their Management?

    Influencers are not just the New Age personalities who we see nowadays on Social Media. Neither are they the Bollywood or Sports stars. They are not just the politicians or social workers. The definition is much larger but realistic. The study needs to be not just on the persons but also possible reasons or scenarios which can influence a Brand Health. So, the subject of Influence needs to be split into a) Reasons of Influence b) Influencers. The moment we look at this approach, we get a completely fresh perspective on how we should approach Brand Building and its Sustenance. With this, CXO configuration within an organization will automatically get fine-tuned.

     

    With this, under Influencer category, anyone starting from vendors (stationery guy), journalists, employees, investors, customers, distributors, retailers, anyone can be potential influencer. Under reasons of influence, experience at the office reception, showroom, online purchase portal, after sales, financial performance, employee conduct, spokesperson quote, any and every touchpoint can be potential reason for Brand Influence.

     

    How will they impact a Brand?

    It is simple. Brand is created to fulfill a promise. Business ROOs and ROIs are directly dependent on brand delivering that promise. Therefore, management of Influencers and Influences on Brand Health are clear KRAs and KPIs for Board Room occupiers.

     

    So far, this subject has received a complete step child treatment. Every organizational corridor has looked at this holistic and critical business subject with different levels of disinterest. Which is precisely why, crises have been plenty but successful management has been few.

     

    A centralized approach to manage the Influencers and Reasons of Influence will always keep the business ROO and ROI far from the red zone!

     

    :: What is needed to manage them?

    > Centralised Database, Archive & Insights Mechanism

    > Re-alignment of Client-Agency Relationship

     

    :: What do we need at an industry level?

    While there is plenty one can do at a ground level, but such realisations get impacted Top Down. Industry Bodies or Associations can mobilise thought leaders. I can only hope that someone in some industry forum will think fresh and invite similar fresh thinking for actual execution…not just lip service!

     

     

  • ActiMedia will explore various opportunities for Amagi in the OTT segment

    ActiMedia bags Amagi and Razia Kunj PR mandate

    By A Correspondent

     

    ActiMedia|PR has bagged two new accounts namely Amagi and Razia Kunj. Said, Amitabh Saksena, Director Actimedia PR: “Actimedia has always aimed to be the trusted advisor to its clients providing them the lifestyle edge, we are happy to onboard Amagi & Razia Kunj and devise an integrated strategy for them”,

     

    ActiMedia will explore various opportunities for Amagi that can benefit the brand in establishing its foothold in the highly competitive OTT segment. The scope of work for Amagi will entail corporate and brand PR and the extensive use of digital media and influencer marketing to create awareness about the brand in the minds of the consumer.

     

     

  • The five-year deal ties NDTV Convergence exclusively to Taboola and involves a minimum guarantee of more than Rs 300 crores for the NDTV digital arm

    On Purpose wins comms mandate of Baghirathi Group

    By A Correspondent

     

    On Purpose has won the communications account for Baghirathi Group, a mobility solutions provider, following a competitive pitch process. The mandate also includes company’s low carbon, zero emission electric vehicle brand rydS and encompasses handling the media relations and design brief for the mobility solutions provider, which is a first for a PR agency in India.

     

    Said Mahesh Hariharan, Co-Founder, Baghirathi Group: “On Purpose demonstrated a proven understanding of communications for social change, emotional storytelling and knowledge of how the media works in Bengaluru. We also felt that the diversity of talent and expertise at On Purpose aligned very closely with our needs. We are hopeful that the association will help us establish Baghirathi as the preferred mobility solutions partner for corporates and institutions.”

     

    On winning the communications and design mandate, Girish Balachandran, Managing Partner, On Purpose said: “Baghirathi has been quietly transforming the way institutions and corporates travel in Bengaluru by deploying innovative technology solutions. Safe and on-time travel, the very basic requirements of an urban commuter, forms the basis of Baghirathi’s core vision and mission. With the right mix of brand, media and design storytellers in our communications team, we are excited about being part of their journey, from here on.”

     

     

  • The account was won following a multi-agency pitch

    Tute Consult bags PR mandate of India Circus

    By  A Correspondent

     

    Tute Consult has bagged the public relations mandate for India Circus by Krsnaa Mehta. The account was won following a multi-agency pitch.

     

    As part of the mandate, the agency will manage the consumer and business led public relations as well as advocacy management for the brand. Speaking about the mandate, Komal Lath, Founder, Tute Consult, said: “Over the years, Tute Consult has serviced a wide assortment of lifestyle and retail brands. We are excited to be on board with India Circus and we look forward to creating the right amplifiers for them. It is an exciting opportunity to work with a designer like Krsnaa Mehta. At Tute, we are always perceptive to new and innovative brands and partner for strategic support to brands who believe in the heritage of India.”

     

    Added Krsnaa Mehta, Founder and Design Director, India Circus: “We are excited to bring passionate young energy into the fold. For me, my design philosophy translates in ‘taking Indian contemporary to the world’ and I believe that the Tute Consult team can align with our vision. We have worked with them earlier and are looking forward to strengthen the relationship. Tute, not only brings their expertise in media communication but also brings a deep understanding and acknowledgement of retail and mar-com thinking to the table.”

     

     

  • While Mukherjee has already transitioned the TAM communications role internally, it remains to be seen the path Eikona takes on henceforth

    Siddhartha Mukherjee calls it a day at TAM (& Eikona)

    By A Correspondent

    Senior communications professional Siddhartha Mukherjee has announced his decision to move on from TAM Media Research. At TAM, he led a dual role of Senior VP Communications and Business Head of Eikona PR Measurement. His last day at TAM is tomorrow (January 31).

    While Mukherjee has already transitioned the TAM communications role internally, Eikona, a division of TAM which is jointly owned by the WPP-owned Kantar and Nielsen, will continue to serve clients with its current team.

    Mukherjee refused to reveal his next port of call, but according to info received, he is likely to join a leading conglomerate in a role that will include communications research.

     

     

  • The appointment will see 80 dB Mavericks roll out integrated communications solutions for Fabindia

    Fabindia appoints 80 dB Mavericks as its PR Consultancy

    By A Correspondent

     

    Following a multi-agency pitch, 80 dB Mavericks has been awarded the public relations business for lifestyle major Fabindia. The appointment will see 80 dB Mavericks roll out integrated communications solutions for Fabindia, to drive greater engagement with consumers across India.

     

    Confirming the appointment, Karan Kumar, Chief Brand & Marketing Officer, Fabindia said: “Fabindia is delighted to bring on board 80 dB Mavericks as our strategic PR partner. Their strong team, creative ability and thorough understanding of the brand task gave us the confidence to award them this mandate. At Fabindia, we are very passionate about our unique story – one that is anchored on our strong association with artisans and craftspeople and underpins our diverse product range. We believe the team at 80 dB Mavericks shares our passion and will be able to help us communicate our story to a new generation of consumers, making Fabindia their preferred brand as well. We look forward to working with the team at 80dB Mavericks”.

     

    On winning the mandate, Kiran Ray Chaudhury, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director, 80 dB Mavericks, said: “Fabindia is an iconic Brand and a leader in the retail lifestyle space and we are honoured and delighted that they have chosen us as partners to further their business objectives. This partnership is testament to the strength of our diverse offerings and our senior counsel. Given the current communications landscape, we would be employing a multi-channel approach to drive opportunities for brand engagement to ensure that Fabindia remains highly relevant and personal”.

     

     

  • The agency will manage strategic communications for Sony across key markets in India

    The Practice bags Sony India’s PR mandate

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony India has announced the appointment of The Practice as its PR and communications partner. The mandate has been awarded after a competitive, multi-agency pitching process and covers multiple product categories.

     

    Confirming the association, Yoichiro Hotta, Brand Activation Head, Sony India said, “Sony is at an exciting juncture of its journey in India. As we get ready to set new benchmarks for ourselves, we are delighted to welcome on board The PRactice. During the evaluation process, we felt that The PRactice had designed the most robust strategy based on their in-depth understanding of the market. This combined with novel creative ideas, unique in-house proprietary tools and a strong servicing team that understood what we needed, made the decision easier for us.”

     

    Speaking on the win, Nandita Lakshmanan, Founder & Chairperson at The Practice said: “The consumer electronics market is at a tipping point and we are thrilled to have been chosen by Sony India as their PR and communications partner. We hope to be able to add fresh perspectives and new dimensions to Sony’s storytelling in the country. We look forward to a long-standing association to deliver tangible results that are tied into business objectives.”

     

     

  • The account will further strengthen the agency’s technology practice

    Golin Opinion wins PR mandate for Charmboard

    By A Correspondent

     

    GolinOpinion has been awarded the PR mandate for Charmboard, an in-video discovery platform. The agency was appointed after a multi-agency pitch for its distinctive PR and creative approach. The account will further strengthen the agency’s technology practice and will be handled by the agency’s Bengaluru office.

     

    Said GBS Bindra, Founder and CEO, Charmboard: “Charmboard is a young and passionate brand which is leveraging the power of video content in fashion and lifestyle segment. We could feel the energy that GolinOpinion team brings to the table with regard to ideas and experience they have. We hope to see some great work together.”

     

    Commenting on the win, Ameer Ismail, President, GolinOpinion added: “I am truly delighted that Charmboard, a young brand in the segment of AI visual discovery platform has trusted and placed their confidence in us to build and deliver successful PR campaigns. This win firms up the large strides we are taking in the technology space. Additionally, our expertise in lifestyle & start-up will add value to the brand and empower Charmboard to be visible among the top lifestyle brands as the non-intrusive digital platform to advertise with them.”

     

     

  • The service lines include Branding & Films, Content Marketing, Digital Marketing & Corporate Communication

    Now, One Source isn’t just a Whatsapp forum, also an integrated marketing consultancy

    By A Correspondent

    If you read this report a little while back – as the url indicates, we got it wrong. One Source has been known to be a popular WhatsApp-based forum for communication professionals in PR agencies as also amongst corporate communications professionals. We had written that the One Source founders have now turned the platform to launch what they claim as India’s first integrated marketing consultancies. As we now learn, while the name of both – the Whatsapp forum and the consultancy – is the same, the two are actually different. The forum is a not-for-profit and the firm is, we guess, all for profit.

    Also, only two of the consultancy firm founders – Sandeep Rao and Srishty Chawla – ran the Whatsapp group. For the firm, industry professionals across branding, films and animation, content marketing, digital marketing and public relations, Sandeep Rao, Srishty Chawla, Anup Kamath and Kunal Rao have joined hands to start the firm. The firm, notes a communique, will bring distinctly different tools and channels of storytelling under one roof, breaking the monopoly of PR firms providing digital services, advertising agencies providing PR services and the like.

    Here’s what the four co-founders have had to say:

    Sandeep Rao: “Clients’ objectives evolve, challenges change and new threats emerge at an exponential pace in today’s world. For us, it is the end objective that is focal, as we backward integrate a solution, becoming the One Source of marketing solutions for brands.”

    Srishty Chawla: “If a brand’s name can be effortlessly replaced in its message house with its competitors’, it runs the risk of coming third in a two-horse race. This is where personalised integrated brand strategy will help brands achieve their business goals.”

    Anup Kamath: “Only unique ideas which aren’t products of a cookie-cutter mindset deserve audience’ dwindling attention spans. It takes courage to place the core idea and flawless execution centrestage. That, and abstinence from vanity metrics.”

    Kunal Rao: “There are enough and more service line-specialised firms now looking to get into other channels of marketing as these channels grow. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make for expertise. Clients today need media-agnostic solutions by specialists.”

     

  • It currently serves industry majors like National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, National Capital Regional Transport Corporation and DLF

    PR Professionals bags PR mandate of GSTN

    By A Correspondent

     

    PR Professionals has bagged the national mandate of GSTN (Goods and Service Tax Network). On being awarded the PR mandate, Sarvesh Kumar Tiwari, Managing Director, PR Professionals said: “We intend to maintain the rapid pace of growth and increase our sphere of influence by adding PSU’s, PPP’s, corporate houses and other industry majors. To ensure the best services we are expanding both quality and quantity wise by hiring talented professionals and opening up new centers. The GSTN mandate further strengthens our resolve to redefine our growth trajectory.”