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Tag: Anita Kotwani

  • The annual report reveals emerging advertising behaviours and technologies

    Dentsu Media Trends 2024

     

     

    By Our Staff

     

    Dentsu released its annual media trends report, titled ‘The Pace of Progress: Dentsu 2024 Media Trends’. Created by gathering insights from its specialists within Carat, Dentsu X and iProspect globally, the new Dentsu report highlights ten key catalysts of change within the media industry which are most likely to set the pace of progress for brands around the world.

     

    With over 40 pages of in-depth commentary, Dentsu 2024 Media Trends extrapolates how Generative AI will be best used to spearhead growth, how monetization of the industry is gaining evermore traction and how genuine integrity in advertising will elevate brands. Not only does the report highlight the key trends within each of these three areas of interest, but it also provides suggestions on how brands can capitalize on them in the short and long term.

     

    • Trend 1 – The rise of generative search 
    Generative AI will transform how people access information, from search engines to commerce platforms.

    • Trend 2 – Creativity reimagined 
    The augmentation of human creativity through Generative AI in fields such as content and copywriting, as well as image development.

    • Trend 3 – Generative optimisations 
    Leveraging Generative AI for simplifying advertising production, targeting, and effectiveness at scale and pace.

     

    The race to monetisation:

    2024 will see the intensification of competition between tech platforms. As they strive to better monetise their services in their economic circumstances, platforms will double down on becoming more protective of their data, understanding their users, and stepping up their advertising offerings. This megatrend incorporates:

    • Trend 4 – A world of lookalike apps 
    As platforms become progressively similar, attracting audience attention has never been more important for brands.

    • Trend 5 – From walled gardens to walled pipes 
    Platforms have a more defensive stance on their data which opens the larger question of the delicate balance between protection and discoverability.

    • Trend 6 – The identity refocus 
    A doubling down on people intelligence by media platforms as third-party cookies approach the end of the line.

    • Trend 7 – More ads for more returns 
    Expansion of advertising into new areas for most platforms, with new formats, opportunities – and risks – emerging as a result.

     

    Integrity economics:

    Growth in the next year will not only be about hard economics; it will also be about brands’ sustainable contributions to society.  Amid rising societal and political polarisation and climate emergency, building more carbon efficient, diverse, and safe online spaces for people and brands will be central to success. Highlighted through:

    • Trend 8 – The new faces of growth 
    With media consumption becoming increasingly diverse and personal, brands must adapt to reflect the needs and identities of audiences and stay relevant.

    • Trend 9 – Safer, better, faster, stronger
    Amid a fast-moving digital landscape, new developments in brand assurance aim to create safer environments for both people and brands.

    • Trend 10 – More attention, fewer emissions 
    As brands implement carbon media efficiency strategies, optimizing for attention should lead to decarbonisation through optimised and improved impact.

     

    Peter Huijboom
    Peter Huijboom

    Says Peter Huijboom, Global CEO, Media international markets, Dentsu: “Our own client research has shown that more than 60% of marketers have said they’ve already started engaging with Generative AI in their company*. So, in our Dentsu 2024 Media Trends report it was important for us to identify and introduce the additive advantages, trends and technologies to help them progress in this space.”

     

    Anita Kotwani
    Anita Kotwani

    Adds Anita Kotwani, CEO Media, South Asia, Dentsu: “Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a buzzword, but a gamechanger for the media industry. It has the power to automate, optimise, and personalize various aspects of media planning, buying, and execution. It can also unleash the creative potential of media professionals, by enabling them to generate new and engaging content, formats, and experiences for their audiences. This is what we call Generative AI, and it is the focus of our 14th edition of the Media Trends Report. At Dentsu, we take pride in our insightful expertise that keeps us ahead of the competitive curve. We are always exploring new ways to leverage AI for our clients, partners, and employees. The Media Trends Report deep-dives into one of the most disruptive technologies – AI, taking us through the many trends that serve Generative AI on a platter. It aims to enable readers to reshape their work dynamics, tapping into the untapped potential through its many facets.”

     

  • A media insight tool

    Dentsu Intelligence Dashboard (DID) launched

    By Our Staff

     

    Dentsu India launches Dentsu Intelligence Dashboard (DID) – a media insight tool, to enable planners and clients to swiftly comprehend the latest competitor data and expedite the decision-making process. The tool provides integrated data analysis on Online and Offline media spends, Gross Rating Points (GRP), and Impressions in an auto mode.

     

    Commenting on the tool launch Anita Kotwani, CEO Media, South Asia, Denstu said: “At Dentsu, we are on a journey that requires us to compete with ourselves. Our determination to break our records ensures that we invest in building one-of-its-kind cutting-edge solutions for our clients. The tool is certainly a game changer & one-stop go-to for our clients. Media pulls a massive chunk of financial budgets for every brand and the slightest deviation in seeking the true picture could ruin all their efforts. Dentsu Intelligence Dashboard simplistically offers data insights that are accurately curated in an easy-to-understand format and save resources. The launch of this tool is just the beginning of the many firsts that we are working towards.”

     

    Bhasker Jaiswal, Chief Operating Officer, Media, Dentsu India added: “We believe in upgrading our practices to best serve our clients and people. Dentsu Intelligence Dashboard is also proof of our commitment to contributing to the industry at large.  The first-ever tool in the market that integrates data from multiple data sources, alleviates the workload and enables better focus on strategizing. It goes way beyond a simple dashboard and gives planners/clients a readymade competitive overview for Digital as well as TV GRPs which will certainly make it a must-have for all brands.”

     

    Pankaj Bhatlawande, Vice President – Media Analytics, Media, Dentsu India said: “Built on scalable architecture and powered by new-age technologies, the Dentsu Intelligence Dashboard will deliver unparalleled competitive intelligence to media planners. Using serverless technologies like BigQuery enabled data transformation of RLD data, and GRP calculations at scale and reliability. We are certain of this being a game-changer which will elevate marketing strategies to newer heights and redefine business approaches in this digital age.”

     

  • To concentrate on empowering clients through media campaigns

    Dentsu X appoints Jose Leon as CEO

    By Our Staff

     

    Dentsu X, the media agency from dentsu India, has announced the appointment of Jose Leon as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will report to Anita Kotwani, CEO Media, South Asia, Dentsu.

     

    Based out of Dentsu’s Gurugram office, Jose will concentrate on empowering clients through media campaigns that create excellent consumer experiences, bringing about a big transformation in society, and strengthening their businesses to increase their top-line numbers.

     

    Commenting on the appointment, Anita Kotwani said: “Dentsu, as a network, is driven by forward-thinking tech-enabled practices. Our belief in offering disruptive, cutting-edge solutions keeps us ahead in the ecosystem. We take immense pride in bringing extraordinary talents on board for this journey. Jose is one of the leaders with the right balance of technology and media acumen. His expertise is a great fit for dentsu X’s vision of building valuable experiences for consumers, beyond simple media exposure. I look forward to partnering with him in this marathon ahead. A warm welcome to our dentsu network, Jose, and best wishes for the journey ahead.”

     

  • With promotion of Anita Kotwani to CEO Media, South Asia

    Dentsu revitalises leadership bench in India

    By Our Staff

     

    Dentsu India today announces the promotion of Anita Kotwani to CEO Media, South Asia, Dentsu. In her expanded role Kotwani will lead all Dentsu’s Media businesses across South Asia including Carat, iProspect, dentsu X, Posterscope and media investment arm Amplifi.

     

    This announcement closely follows the appointment of Harsha Razdan, Dentsu South Asia’s new CEO, as the business continues to strengthen its leadership team in the region.

     

    Rob Gilby, CEO APAC, Dentsu, and Interim CEO, India until newly appointed CEO, Harsha Razdan, starts, said: “Anita is a well-loved leader who firmly looks to the future, bringing her people with her on the journey and is fearless in her approach to driving new solutions for clients. The Media opportunity in India is growing exponentially. Anita’s background, coupled with Harsha’s complimentary experience is building a powerful force in our business to drive growth for our clients in this exciting market.”

     

  • E-sports in India has evolved as a new form of entertainment, notes the Dentsu Gaming Report India 2022

    Game on!

     

     

    By Our Staff

     

    Gaming in India has since, come a long way. In India, the gaming boomed in the 1990s with the adoption of liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation policy and opened its doors the global economy, repots the Dentsu Gaming Report India 2022 released last week. A bigger fillip happened in the Covid pandemic-led lockdown where around 45% of India started playing games, the electronic variety essentially.

     

    Said Anita Kotwani, Chief Executive Officer, Carat India and Lead, Dentsu Gaming: “Gaming’s growing cultural impact, combined with the promise of the metaverse, has generated endless opportunities for advertisers. With the meteoric expansion of e-sports and streaming platforms, gaming has shifted from solitary play to spectator sport. Gaming platforms are now the main avenue for social connections and self-expression. One cannot follow the cookie-cutter approach anymore given the fluidity and dynamism of the industry. Dentsu Gaming offers the minds and tools necessary to create and develop strategies that are relevant to the culture, promote it and graduate the brand to be a cultural icon itself. Dentsu Gaming was created to deliver the tremendous expansion of gaming needs to our clients through creative partnerships, products, and solutions. We bring together enthusiastic, diversified expertise to help brands add incremental value through mutually beneficial relationships with game publishers and partners. Dentsu has access to in-depth gamer audience information via priority data and analytics. Our CCS (Consumer Connection Systems) data platform has been boosted by data fusions of unique bespoke gaming surveys as well as the GWI (Global Web Index) Gaming survey, providing us with advanced gaming audience data from across 24 markets.”

     

    Key highlights of the report:

     

    1. There is a game for everyone. In varying degrees, gaming is consumed across age groups as there is some or the other game available on some or the other device. People can choose their own devices, genre, and platform. The choices are virtually unlimited.

    2. The Covid-19 pandemic has acted as the biggest recruiter in the gaming pool. Around 45% of the Indian population started playing games during this period. Cheaper internet and one’s need to kill time and connect with people were the biggest drivers.

    3. Gaming-related content is on its way to be mainstream content. Gaming-related web series, merchandise, fashion, and music are all indicators of gaming culture making its way into the day-to-day lives of people.

    4. Gamers are not media-isolated. They watch and follow a lot of content on TV as well as Online TV. They spend around 28 hours a week on the medium.

    5. Casual gamers make up the largest cohort in the gaming audience pool. They mostly prefer smartphones as their gaming device. They choose to play puzzles, trivia, 3match, and especially board games like ludo, scrabble, UNO, etc. They are not into spending a lot of money on gaming but are prone to In-App micro transactions to progress their game.

    6. E-sports in India has evolved as a new form of entertainment. The scope for brands to associate with E-sports is massive and the receptivity from the gaming community is also high. Gamers understand that brands & sponsors are vital for the E-sport industry to go big.

    7. AR/VR (Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality) in India is still at a nascent stage. The challenge in the market is due to high cost and lack of exposure & experience. Contrary to smartphone apps made in India, the apps and technology that employ AR&VR are also underdeveloped.

    8. The rapid rise of gaming in India has also affected the Education and Learning industry. A lot of education and coaching centres have now incorporated animation, game development, coding, etc. in their curriculum and offerings. Even the apps and education formats are gamified to engage the students and assist them in learning.

    9. Gamers are passionate about gaming-related stuff but are also quite interested in fashion, fitness, and food.

    10. Gaming as a habit is an expensive hobby. On average, a hardcore gamer spends approximately Rs. 6500 on accessories and peripherals to enhance the gaming experience.

     

  • To spearhead and deliver integrated media strategy

    Carat appoints Vasim Rakhangi as AVP – Strategy

    By Our Staff

     

    Vasim Rakhangi
    Vasim Rakhangi

    To further strengthen its leadership team, Carat India has appointed Vasim Rakhangi as Associate Vice President – Strategy for North and East.

     

    In his new role, Rakhangi’s core focus will be to spearhead and deliver integrated media strategy to the agency’s existing clients across the regions. He will report into Anita Kotwani, CEO, Carat India.

     

    Commenting on the appointment, Kotwani said: “With his extensive experience and passion, Vasim will help our clients stay ahead of the curve, especially as he helps them demystify the complex digital media landscape. One of his focus areas will be, to translate the disruption of video and the future of measurement to the consumers’ dynamically changing needs and, how the role of data, privacy, and technology impact their business. Vasim’s remit in our North market will encompass Phillips Domestic Appliances, Microsoft, Mastercard, Havells, and the DS Group amongst others, as he also works with our local teams to drive growth for both North and East markets.”

     

  • To focus on new business development across the Southern market

    Carat India appoints Megha Jain as VP – Planning, South

    By Our Staff

     

    Megha Jain
    Megha Jain

    Carat India has appointed Megha Jain as Vice President – Planning, South. She will report into Anita Kotwani, CEO, Carat India.

     

    As per the mandate, Jain will focus on new business development and growth for Carat across the Southern market including Bengaluru and Kochi, while overseeing the agency’s existing clients.

     

    Anita Kotwani
    Anita Kotwani

    Commenting on the appointment, Kotwani said: “The game plan for Carat India is to bring in leaders with integrated skill set that can enhance client relationships. Megha’s focus will be to drive strategic stewardship with our key clients in Bengaluru and other Southern markets. She will also be instrumental in helping us drive growth for the Southern market. Enriched with experience to work with top brands, she will add huge value to our global and local clients. I am thrilled that Megha will be part of the talented team and I believe she will be an asset to the organisation.”

     

  • To spearhead strategic thinking for the agency

    Carat appoints Sayami Podder as AVP – Strategy

    By Our Staff

     

    Carat, the media agency from the house of Dentsu, has appointed Sayami Podder as Associate Vice President (AVP) – Strategy. In her new role, Podderwill be spearheading strategic thinking for the agency. She will also offer insights to the existing agency clients across the West and South regions. She will report to Anita Kotwani, CEO, Carat India.

     

    Commenting on the appointment, Kotwani said: “Talent today is the key differentiator that clients look for. Our core focus is to always ensure that we have the best talent that comes on board and joins the Carat family. Sayami’s diverse expertise across data & analytics, research, communication planning and media strategy, is certainly something that will drive growth for the clients. We see her as the ideal team player to lead Carat’s vision of ‘Designing for People’ in the West & South markets.”

     

    Added Podder: “The consumer journey is no more linear, and the media ecosystem is constantly evolving to accommodate our new age audience. Carat is already known for its strategic thinking and integrated approach. With my expertise in data science and creative thinking, I am looking forward to building an insight-led strategy that will generate incremental and sustainable growth for our clients. I am delighted to begin this new journey under Anita’s dynamic leadership and contribute to Carat’s growth story for India.”

     

  • Strikes a chord with Gen Z by leveraging Arre's innovative format offerings

    Carat joins Arre to campaign for Intel

    By Our Staff

     

    Media agency Carat has joined hands with Arré to launch a campaign for Intel. The campaign aims to position Intel’s 11th Gen Core processor as the key device for enabling ‘creation’ in today’s world. It also allows Personal Computer shoppers to imagine and unleash all the things that they can accomplish with the device.

     

    Said Anita Kotwani, Chief Executive Officer, Carat India: “We are proud to be at the forefront of thinking out of the box for our clients and leveraging audience insights in every aspect of our campaign. We understand that if we want to speak to Gen Z, we must speak their language and also appeal to the creator’s economy by becoming a part of it.”

     

    Added Niyati Merchant, Executive Vice President and Head of Operations, Arre: “Arré has always pushed the envelope when it comes to branded content across formats. Our partnership with Intel was yet another multi-format content initiative across Arré Reads, doodles and short format video that gave way to innovation in messaging and sharp writing. We are excited that this collaboration has won so much praise and deep engagement from our readers and viewers. We look forward to a long-term collaboration with Intel and Carat.”

     

  • The agency will oversee media strategy, planning and buying for the total portfolio

    Carat wins mandate for Sugar Cosmetics

    By Our Staff

     

    Media agency network Carat has won the media mandate for Sugar Cosmetics beauty brands. The account was won following a comprehensive competitive pitch process. As per the mandate, the agency will oversee media strategy, planning and buying for the total portfolio.

     

    Anita Kotwani
    Anita Kotwani

    Said Anita Kotwani, CEO, Carat India said: “We are pleased to win the media business for Sugar Cosmetics. Carat is committed to creating meaningful end-to-end media solutions through data-driven marketing, and to further accelerate the brand’s growth journey. As a team, we are excited to get this opportunity to work with a brand that is loved by the women of today!”

     

    Vineeta Singh

    Commenting on the win, Vineeta Singh, CEO and Co-Founder, Sugar Cosmetics added: “Carat came highly recommended to us. Their strategic thinking, experience, and efficiencies stood out. Partnering with them on our media strategy is reassuring, given their data-driven approach in meeting our brand goals. The beauty industry is ever-changing and we at SUGAR Cosmetics always like to stay ahead of the curve. As a brand leader, it is my topmost priority to ensure that we keep evolving our strategies to meet consumer requirements. I hope our new association with Carat will help us in this journey of keeping up with consumer trends and stay relevant in the industry.”

     

  • She will report into Anita Kotwani, CEO, Carat India

    Carat India appoints Dipika Bhasin as Exec VP

    By Our Staff

     

    Carat India has appointed Dipika Bhasin as Executive Vice President. In her new role, Bhasin will lead the agency’s North and East offices and focus on developing and managing Carat’s senior client relationship in addition to helping the agency drive the growth for its North and East markets. She will report into Anita Kotwani, CEO, Carat India.

     

    In her previous stint with PHD Worldwide, Bhasin held the position of Senior Vice President and was responsible for media management. She pivoted the digital media operations and their effectiveness for marketers in the media mix. She has worked on top brands like LG, Vivo, Royal Enfield, HP, SC Johnson, Perfetti, Maruti, Snapdeal, SAP, Adidas, Nissan and also various non-profit organisations. Additionally, she has also worked with Aircel and on brands that include consumer durables, FMCG, e-commerce and auto.

     

    Anita Kotwani
    Anita Kotwani

    Speaking on the appointment, Kotwani said” “As we strengthen and reshape the Carat offering for the Indian market, we needed a leader who is well networked, connected and understands the nuances of the Northern markets. Dipika, with her expansive & stellar work done across brands and categories, was our ideal choice as she brings in an integrated experience of the new-age eco-system. Her strong connections with the brands and marketers will ensure that the growth path crafted for Carat gets delivered in this market.”

     

    Dipika Bhasin
    Dipika Bhasin

    Added Bhasin: “I am excited to be part of Carat India and to be working with an inclusive and diverse team. I would want to focus on expanding our footprint by strengthening seamless planning, digital transformation and innovation in the media space to help our clients grow. The commitment of the Carat team to deliver value for clients and partners are reckoned by the industry. It is a homecoming for me and I really look forward to strengthening the portfolio of our team offerings in collaboration with dentsu international. Looking forward to partner at all levels and deliver growth and value consistently.”

  • Anita Kotwani joins Carat India as CEO

    By A Correspondent

     

    Carat India, the flagship media agency from the house of Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN), has roped in Anita Kotwani as its chief executive officer (CEO). 

     

    Kotwani was until recently at Mindshare India where she held the position of Senior Vice President, New Business and Client Lead, The Walt Disney Business. In a career spanning more than two decades, 16 of which have been with Mindshare, Kotwani has been instrumental in leading client relationships for brands such as the ABG, Kellogg, ICICI Group, Facebook, Byju and The Walt Disney Company amongst others, for the West zone. Additionally, she has also helped build diversified offerings across data, digital and content, driving exponential growth for Mindshare India over the last two years.

    Kartik Iyer
    Kartik Iyer

    She will report to Kartik Iyer, President Media Brands and Amplifi and will be responsible for the agency’s strategic progress and business growth, nationally. She will also focus on developing and leading significant tools and capabilities within Carat to help deliver enhanced integrated solutions to clients. Speaking on her appointment, Iyer said: “I am delighted to have Anita Kotwani join our team at Dentsu Aegis Network India. In her new role, Anita will help futureproof Carat India as the agency gets ready to take on the new opportunities that the changing market dynamics has to offer.” 

     

    Anand Bhadkamkar
    Anand Bhadkamkar

    Added Anand Bhadkamkar, CEO, DAN India: “Anita is an industry veteran. She is known for her dedication and diligence and has worked across multiple categories including consumer durables, financial services, FMCG and other MNC brands. I wish her all the luck as she charts fresh new path for Carat India, beginning now,” 

     

    Elaborating on her mandate, Kotwani said: “Carat was the world’s first media agency to form with the belief that media has the power to transform businesses and this holds true even in today’s times. It is indeed Redefining Media. With DAN’s unique operating model under its single P&L structure, one can draw on the capabilities of its sister companies – including that of its dedicated OOH, Digital, Performance, Marketing Effectiveness and Creative agencies, to access world class specialisms and create bespoke teams to meet client specific needs. There is scale, specialisation and integration at the core, and with my expertise in leading client relationships and growing diversified offerings, I am super excited to lead the Carat brand for India.”