MxMIndia

Tag: Amit Misra

  • Will handle North and West of 20:20 MSL

    MSL appoints Shashanka Nanda as VP

    By Our Staff

     

    Shashanka Nanda
    Shashanka Nanda

    MSL, Publicis Groupe’s strategic communications and PR firm, has announced the appointment of Shashanka Nanda as Vice President, North and West. Nanda was until recently Vice President and Technology Lead at Edelman India.

     

    Commenting on the appointment, Amit Misra, CEO, MSL South Asia said: “Shashanka is an accomplished professional. His depth of experience will add strategic value across our diverse client portfolio. As a strategic thinker and team player, his knowledge of the communication environment will be complementary to our operations. I am confident that he will be a great asset to our teams and I look forward to working closely with him.”

     

    Added Viju George, Managing Director, 20:20 MSL: “We are delighted to have Shashanka join our team. With his deep expertise in the technology sector, he will be a terrific addition to our leadership team as we continue to focus on expanding our bouquet of services and upscaling our offerings.”

     

     

  • Based in Bengaluru, Ashwin Dravid to drive stronger digital growth in the region

    MSL appoints Ashwin Dravid as Digital Lead for South India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Ashwin Dravid

    MSL has announced the appointment of Ashwin Dravid as Digital Lead, South of MSL India. He will report to Tushar Bajaj, National Digital Lead of MSL India. Dravid will lead the operations and business development in the South region and will work closely with teams to drive greater integration across the firm, to transform relationships with existing clients and win new ones.

     

    Amit Misra

    Said Amit Misra, CEO, MSL India: “We continue to fuel our digital and integrated growth by bringing in the best specialists to understand and cater to our client requirements. With Ashwin’s experience, we are confident of further strengthening our digital offerings in the South market. I am delighted to welcome Ashwin to the MSL India team and look forward delivering impactful integrated campaigns for our clients in South India.”

     

     

  • Her appointment signifies the firm’s ambition to strengthen its Citizenship practice and its continued focus on developing talent to better serve clients

    MSL India appoints Rachna Sharma as Director Citizenship and Chief Mentoring Officer

    By A Correspondent

     

    Rachna Sharma

    MSL India has announced the appointment of Rachna Sharma to two newly created roles Director Citizenship and Chief Mentoring Officer. Reporting to Amit Misra, CEO of MSL India, Sharma will head the Citizenship practice in India, which includes leading and developing mandates in the sector of social purpose, sustainability and community development. In addition, as Chief Mentoring Officer, she is tasked with contributing to career planning and growth initiatives.

     

    Said Misra: “We are thrilled that Rachna chose team MSL to join. With her superb credentials, leadership skills and keen sense of culture and values, she will be a great addition to our executive leadership team. We understand our clients’ growing need for c-suite counsel on Citizenship and Sustainability, as well our internal need to consistently nurture the next line of leaders, this strategic appointment will bridge both needs.”

     

    Commenting on her appointment, Sharma said: “MSL has built a market leading reputation as a great place to work and create exceptional work and it will be my privilege to join the team as a catalyst of our collective growth to take the firm to newer heights. I am looking forward to collaborate with my colleagues to build the next level of social purpose expertise and bring strategic and impactful communications skills to organizations focused on meeting challenging development goals.”

     

     

  • MSL India comes on-board post a multi-consultancy pitch

    20:20 MSL wins communications mandate for Adobe India

     

     

    MSL has won the communications mandate for Adobe India. The mandate includes end-to-end communications including public relations, digital, social and analyst relations, starting the April 12018. MSL India comes on-board post a multi-consultancy pitch.

     

    Said Amit Misra, CEO, MSL India: “We take pride in being the communications partner for Adobe, a company known for its cutting-edge technology and work culture. With a clear understanding of Adobe’s ambitions and priorities, we are conscious of our role as strategic advisers, and look forward to supporting Adobe’s growth in India.”

     

    Added Viju George, Managing Director, 20:20 MSL: “We are very proud to be associated with Adobe. A company that has a legacy built on creativity of its people and we feel that is where MSL aligns with them. Together, we believe we will be able to create an important success story.”

     

     

  • MSL India, which has also held the mandate for Uber in the past, has taken charge of the Ola account from November 1

    MSL bags communications mandate for Ola

    By A Correspondent

     

    Communications firm MSL has bagged Ola’s communications mandate. Ola has engaged MSL for its end-to-end communications mandate starting November 1 2017. MSL India comes on-board post a multi-consultancy pitch that lasted over two months. Earlier, MSL has also held the communications mandate for Uber.

     

    Said Amit Misra, CEO, MSL India: “We take immense pride in being the communications partner for Ola, India’s very own technology company that’s transforming the concept of mobility with hyperlocal innovations. With a clear understanding of Ola’s narrative and priorities, we are conscious of our role as strategic advisers, and look forward to supporting Ola in its mission of building mobility for a billion Indians.”

     

    Added Anand Subramanian, Senior Director, Marketing Communications, Ola: “The Ola brand is naturally aligned to India’s development by deeply impacting lives of millions of customers across the length and breadth of the country as well as livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of driver partners. These are exciting times for Ola and we are confident that our new communication partners, MSL will help us get our mission of building mobility for a billion Indians to resonate with every stakeholder. We look forward to an exciting journey together.”

     

     

  • The new hires will enable MSL to provide its clients with platform as well as format-specific content expertise

    MSL India announces leadership team for video, social & content verticals

    By A Correspondent

     

    MSL India has further enhanced its integrated communications offering by hiring specialised talent to serve its dynamic content needs of clients. The new hires will enable MSL to provide its clients with platform as well as format-specific content expertise to tell their stories even more effectively and impactfully break through the ever-increasing content clutter.

     

    Said Amit Misra, CEO, MSL India: “We are very cognizant of the fact that our industry continues to evolve rapidly with new media formats and platforms which are leading to new engagement paradigms. Navigating through the audience-platform complexity with the right tools and talent is extremely critical to our promise to deliver integrated solutions.We are confident that their specialized skill-sets and experience, will enable us to raise the sophistication of our market leading services to the next-level,” added Amit Misra.

     

    The team includes Ashish Mehrotra who has joined as Chief Video Officer from Culture Machine. Also hired is Ankita Chawla who has been appointed Chief of Social Voice who has worked with NDTV, Webchutney and Wunderman International in the past. Meanwhile, Urvashi Pant has been appointed as Chief Content Officer whose last stint was as deputy editor of Femina.

     

  • Agency heads/clients acknowledge MSL role in winning Gold, Silver and two Bronze Lions at Cannes Lions 2017

    MSL demonstrates Publicis’ ‘Power of One’ with four Cannes Lions for group agencies

    By A Correspondent

     

    The honours may have been bagged by other Publicis Groupe agencies, but each of the four winning campaigns saw strategic inputs by MSL India, the group’s strategic communications and engagement firm.The winning campaigns of #GiveHer5-The Ammada Trust, HPCL Roads That Honk and Vicks #Touchofcare, involved crucial strategic communication approach to drive conversations and impact, notes a communique.

     

    Said Amit Misra, CEO, MSL India: “The wins are a true reflection of the power of strategic PR counsel in creating the right conversations that lead to measurable impact. As we continue to work with greater collaboration under PublicisGroupe’s ‘Power of One’, our mission is to consistently raise the quality of our work and partner our clients to deliver integrated solutions. All in line with our promise to be a communication partner that provides strategic counsel and creative thinking.”

     

    For instance, with the Gold Glass Lion for #GiveHer5, The Ammada Trust bagged by Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi, Praveen Kenneth, Chairman, Co-owner and MD at L&K Saatchi & Saatchi acknowledges the MSL role: “I am a firm believer that passion and hard work always deliver great results. Born from a self-interest to support betterment of girl child in India, the mission and goals of #GiveHer5 have surpassed all our expectations. In a campaign of such nature, while it was definitely imperative for us to drive mass reach to crowdsource support, the more important and tougher task was bringing to light the issue and creating awareness with action; a task more than well managed by MSL. Their strategic communication counsel and approach, makes them an equal partner in this win.”

     

    Said Saurabh Varma, CEO, Publicis Communications India and CEO, Leo Burnett South Asia The Roads that Honk work created for HPCL which bagged a Silver Innovation Lion and a Bronze in Design (Promotional Item Design) for Leo Burnett India: “A great example of how collaboration and the right strategic communication mix can create a big impact. MSL’s role was instrumental in the win, since it was imperative for the campaign to create the right conversations around the idea and its innovation and earn credibility. MSL delivered and deserves as much credit for the win as Leo Burnett.”

     

    The Vicks #TouchofCare which bagged a Bronze in Entertainment Lion was created by Publicis Singapore. Endorsing MSL’s contribution, Nitin Darbari, Chairman and CEO P&G Teva JV China, Marketing Director Asia, Middle East and Africa said, “Vicks #TouchofCare work by MSL is a great example of how power of an idea coupled with strong agency can delivery wonders even at low budgets. The MSL team tapped creatively into the full network of celebrities and influencers with virtually no budget and based on the strength of the idea delivered outstanding value in amplifying the story of Vicks Touchofcare. Added Ritu Mittal, Country Brand Marketing Manager, Procter & Gamble: “The MSL team was exemplary in working the end-to-end PR plan and execution on the #TouchOfCare campaign. The team managed everything within a very limited budget and demonstrated superb agility. The campaign received an overwhelming response across global and national publications as a result of the relentless efforts made by this team.”

     

  • The account was won following a multi-agency pitch

    Shop CJ appoints MSLGroup for PR

     

     

    Homes hopping major Shop CJ has on boarded PR agency MSLGroup for its public relations and media communications mandate activity. The account was won following a multi-agency pitch.

     

    Confirming the news, Dhruva Chandrie, COO, Shop CJ said “This marks an alliance between two companies that are extremely creative and have a passion for excellence. Essentially, we were looking for an agency well equipped to accentuate the brand voice and narrative. While MSLGroup understands the pulse of Indian consumers, the team’s focus on innovation, strong play in PR and media insights, makes it the right partner for us. Not to mention, the appointment of MSLGroup brings to us global best practices in engaging with various stakeholders across a host of platforms.”

     

    Commenting on the win, Amit Misra, MD, MSLGroup said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Shop CJ as their communications consultants. Shop CJ has managed to carve a niche for itself in the T-commerce space. Additionally, with our expertise in brand communication and use of other non-traditional tools of communication, I am confident that we would be able to enhance the brand imagery.”

     

  • While Ahuja will be MD, 20:20 MSL, George will be MD of Publicis Consultants Asia

    Amrit Ahuja & Viju George elevated as Chetan Mahajan quits MSL

     

     

    MSLGroup India, the Publicis Group’ strategic communications and engagement firm, has announced the elevation of Amrit Ahuja & Viju George as Managing Directors of 20:20 MSL and Publicis Consultants Asia respectively. Meanwhile, Chetan Mahajan has left the group Amit Misra has also been elevated as CEO of MSLGroup’s India operations. It may be recalled that both Misra and Mahajan were appointed co-MDs in November 2014.

     

    Ahuja who heads the Technology Practice for MSL in Asia, has been promoted to lead 20:20 MSL as Managing Director, effective December 1. Also, Publicis Consultants Asia will now operationally work as an individual brand. George has been elevated to head Publicis Consultants Asia as Managing Director, also effective December 1. Ahuja and Viju fill the roles vacated by Mahajan, who is leaving the firm after 18 years to pursue opportunities outside of Publicis Groupe.

     

    Making the announcement, MSLGroup India CEO, Amit Misra said: “Amrit and Viju are fantastic colleagues with whom I have had the privilege of working over the past three-odd years. Their knowledge of the industry, market and understanding of our strategic regional and global vision are key assets that our clients value immensely. Under their leadership I see our brands growing from strength-to-strength,” adding: “Chetan has been a great partner and colleague. His hard work and passion to grow the firm’s business in India has been unfaltering. We thank him for his valuable contribution and wish him the very best for his future.”

     

    Added Glenn Osaki, MSLGroup Asia President, said, “2016 has been a banner year for MSLGroup in Asia, and India has led the way as one of our top performers globally. Amit Misra’srecent appointment as India CEO has galvanised the firm nationally and fulfilled the Publicis Groupe’s vision for the “Power of One.” Now the promotions of Amrit Ahuja and Viju George as MDs reporting directly to Amit are not only tributes to their immense talent, but also signify our commitment to a multi-brand strategy to serve the diverse needs of our clients and staff in the market.”

     

  • Together, Chetan Mahajan and Amit Misra will jointly lead a united agency that comprises the key brands of MSLGROUP, 20:20 MSL, Publicis Consultants, Social Hive and Creative+

    Jaideep Shergill moves on as MSLGroup elevates Chetan Mahajan & Amit Misra to co-MDs

    By A Correspondent

     

    MSLGroup has introduced a new go-to-market strategy and has promoted Chetan Mahajan and Amit Misra to co-MDs of MSLGROUP in India. Together, Chetan Mahajan and Amit Misra will jointly lead a united agency that comprises the key brands of MSLGROUP, 20:20 MSL, Publicis Consultants, Social Hive and Creative+. They will report directly to Glenn Osaki, MSLGROUP Asia President. Meanwhile, Group CEO Jaideep Shergill will hand over his operational management responsibilities to Amit Misra and Chetan Mahajan effective Jan 1, 2015, and will move into a new consulting role working in partnership with MSLGroup India founder and Chairman Emeritus, Sunil Gautam. This new business venture will feature advisory for Indian start-ups, including M&A, investment strategies and mentoring young/smart entrepreneurs.

     

    “Chetan and Amit, together with the existing MSLGROUP in India leadership team, will take the agency to greater heights by implementing MSLGROUP’s new go-to-market strategy focusing on integrated and insight-based communications that is geared to impact our clients’ business goals,” said Glenn Osaki, Asia President, MSLGROUP.

     

    Together the co-MDs will lead the India rollout of MSLGROUP’s new go-to-market strategy and planning methodology based on insight, integration and impact. Chetan Mahajan and Amit Misra will also build synergies at the group level by breaking down silos, sharing resources, increasing talent development opportunities, driving thought leadership, and making strategic investment decisions that support key geographies, practices and innovation.

     

  • Of the eight new regional practice leaders in Asia, four are from the India office

    MSLGroup elevates 4 from India to Asia regional practice leadership

    By A Correspondent

     

    MSLGroup, the Publicis Groupe’s strategic communications and engagement consultancy, has announced the appointment of eight new regional practice group leaders and two regional deputy practice group leaders across Asia to further strengthen the firm’s expertise and leadership.

     

    Glenn Osaki
    Jaideep Shergill

    The practice leaders will have as their mandate to ensure MSL’s regional leadership position in their respective practice through best-in-class client service and strategic counsel amongst.

     

    Said Glenn Osaki, President Asia, MSLGroup, said: “Most of these top talents and leaders have been with us for many years, some have grown with us for over a decade. We are very happy to appoint these experts to take on international leadership roles and to contribute to developing the future of MSLGroup in Asia and globally.”

     

     

    Amrit Ahuja

    Amit Misra

    Parveez Modak

    Narendra Nag

     

    The four Indians elevated to the role are: Amrit Ahuja (Business to Business and Technology), Amit Misra (Public Affairs), Parveez Modak (Employee Communication and Engagement) and Narendra Nag (Social Media). Meanwhile, MSLGroup India CEO Jaideep Shergill will continue his leadership role of the regional financial communications practice.

     

  • Amit Misra joins as Executive Vice President & Director – Public Affairs of the firm in Delhi and Rekha Rao as General Manager of 2020MSL in Mumbai

    MSLGroup hires Amit Misra & Rekha Rao for key roles

    By A Correspondent

     

    Leading PR and communications firm MSLGROUP has announced the appointment of two senior professionals to its fold – Amit Misra joins as Executive Vice President and Director – Public Affairs, MSLGROUP in Delhi and Rekha Rao as General Manager in Mumbai of 20:20 MSL.

     

    Mr Misra will head the team in Delhi as well as be the Practice Leader for the Public Affairs practice across India for the MSLGROUP. In addition, he will also strategically collaborate with 20:20 MSL in Delhi for business development, PA, key client relationships and talent development.

     

    In her role, Rekha Rao will report to Ian Sequeira, Senior VP at 20:20 MSL and her key responsibilities include operational performance, growth, profitability, talent management and client engagement.

     

    Jaideep Shergill

    Jaideep Shergill, CEO India, MSLGROUP, says: “Each of them comes with capabilities necessary to provide the more value-adding, strategic and content centric offerings that our clients increasingly are looking for in India. By appointing Amit Misra and Rekha Rao in their new roles, we are strengthening our functions, which will further add impetus to our continuing growth story.”

     

    Before joining MSL, Mr Misra was Managing Director of Zeno Group, an Edelman Group Company and led the launch of its operations in India.  Ms Rao specializes in FMCG, consumer and lifestyle PR and was last with Weber Shandwick in Mumbai.