MxMIndia

Tag: DDB Mudra Group

  • Positions their debutant ‘Diabetes care' variant as the 'Australian that helps control blood sugar'

    Wagga Wagga unveils inaugural brand campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Following a multi- agency pitch, DDB Mudra West has bagged the branding and communications services for Wagga Wagga cooking oil. The account is being led by the agency’s Mumbai office and is spearheaded by Shally Mukherjee, Senior Vice President & Business Partner, DDB Mudra West.

     

    Speaking on the account win, Rajiv Sabnis, Executive Director, DDB Mudra Group & Managing Partner, DDB Mudra West said:“This is an interesting edible oil range being launched in the health space. Health & Wellness is becoming an increasingly relevant and future-focused space in India. With the specialized diabetes care oil being launched to begin with. Wagga Wagga promises to create a differentiated, quality offering to Indian consumers. It will be an exciting challenge to establish Wagga Wagga in a highly competitive and price-sensitive market. We look forward to the opportunity to partner this brand.”

     

    Added Sujay Naik, Project Director, Agro Global Resources Pvt. Ltd: “With a brand name like Wagga Wagga Diabetes Care Oil, you pretty much get the idea what the product is all about. This makes life simple for the consumer – but for the marketer is also a challenge. We didn’t want the brand to come across as medicinal or being exclusively for the diabetic patients. We didn’t want it to be preachy or prescriptive. Plus the brand and product have multiple differentiators, we wanted to do justice to all of them without diluting the core proposition. The biggest challenge is creating communication which consumers will actually register, rather than the paint-by-the-numbers approach which is so prevalent, and so happily ignored by consumers.The DDB team worked hard in understanding the consumer and crafting an insight, to building an endearing story around it. The resulting communication strategy is distinct, with an engaging story which consumers enjoy watching.  It has been an absolutely fruitful association with the team, and we look forward to seeing what Lucy does from here.”

     

    Said Rahul Mathew, National Creative Director, DDB Mudra Group on the campaign: “There is an incredible source story that Wagga Wagga can boast of. Along with the health benefits of it being a diabetes management oil. We wanted to make sure we communicate all of that in an interesting manner. And Lucy was the marriage of all our intents.”

     

  • Yes, it will be one soon with Sonal Dabral announcing his departure, and Rahul Mathew and Brijesh Jacob taking on the creative mantle + quick chat with Sonal Dabral

    An all-new top deck at DDB Mudra…

     

    By A Correspondent

    Starting tomorrow, July 1, the offices of the DDB Mudra Group will have an all-new top deck. The process began on April 1, when Vineet Gupta, earlier the Chief Digital Officer was appointed as Group CEO (Designate) and Aditya Kanthy, earlier Chief Strategy Officer was appointed Group Managing Director (Designate). Effective tomorrow,  Gupta and Kanthy will formally take over as Group CEO and Group Managing Director respectively. Giving them company will be a new National Creative Director in Rahul Mathew and Brijesh Jacob as Chief Creative Technologist. Jacob will continue to be Joint Managing Director at 22feet Tribal Worldwide. Meanwhile, Madhukar Kamath will stay on as Executive Chairman till December 31 and Sonal Dabral will continue to be Chairman and Chief Content Officer till September 30.

     

    I still think I am 28: Sonal DabralSonal Dabral

    So what precipitated Sonal Dabral’s decision to move on from the DDB Mudra group? After all, he has been – other than Madhukar Kamath – the face of the agency, and a very celebrated creative person in the Indian advertising industry.

    Just recently present in at least two international award events, Dabral is one of the few Indian creative honchos who has had a long leadership experience at an international level. His past has seen him hosting television shows, and his interests include film direction and the finer things in advertising, honed as they have been at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.

    Late on Thursday, Dabral had tweeted to a contact: “Bravo! Live your dream…” So when MxMIndia spoke with Dabral hours after the story was officially out, we asked whether we could say the same to him now. He said it’s been in the offing for a while has been “thinking about it for some time”.

    Dabral is tightlipped about his plans post September and will announce them in a fortnight to a month – perhaps sooner. We then asked him the sensitive question: did the entry of the new regime at DDB Mudra lead him to quitting the group. The fact that they are much younger than him, with lesser experience and of course there’s a change of guard in the agency with Madhukar Kamath also moving on? “The new team is excellent and I have worked very closely with them – both Adithya and Vineet.” It’s got nothing to do with their taking on larger roles, he said. And when we asked the same question in a different way, he pointed to being not being fazed by these things. “I still think I am 28!”

    A mail sent to all DDB Mudra employees on Friday (today) records Dabral’s contribution to shaping the group and “bringing it to where it currently stands”, adding: “His humility and passion reflects in the work we do…. I don’t think we can thank him enough.” The next line in the mail refers to the transition: “He has been fully invested in this decision and I have no doubt that he will provide all the guidance and support…”

    Whatever be the reasons for the parting of ways, both Dabral and the rest of the DDB Mudra dispensation have ensured it’ll be smooth and happy.

    Meanwhile, what will Agra boy Sonal Dabral do next? There are some who do know what it’s gonna be. We don’t. Now will be do an ‘agracadabra’, as is Twitter handle? Watch this space.

     

     

    The fresh change  has happened with Sonal Dabral, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra Group, announcing a transition in the group’s creative leadership.  To facilitate a seamless transition, both Jacob and Mathew will be working closely with Dabral until end September 2017, after which he will pass the baton. It may be recalled as per the earlier announcement, Kamath will continue to work closely with Gupta and Kanthy as Executive Chairman of the DDB Mudra Group till end December, 2017.

    Both Mathew and Jacob will jointly lead the overall creative product of the Group and will report to Gupta.

    In his new role, Mathew will be responsible for the creative product of the DDB Mudra West while Jacob will be responsible for the creative mandate of the DDB Mudra North, DDB Mudra South, DDB MudraMax (Media, OOH and Experiential) and 22feet Tribal Worldwide. As mentioned earlier, this will be in addition to Jacob’s existing role as the Joint Managing Director, 22feet Tribal Worldwide.

    Speaking on the transition, Sonal Dabral said in a statement: “I have enjoyed my five years in the DDB Mudra Group, working with a great young team here. I’m happy that in the past few years, we were able to put together a strong creative team with able leaders in all the different entities and offices of the Group. As I move on from the DDB Mudra Group to different creative challenges, I’m excited to announce that Rahul Mathew and Brijesh Jacob will now take on the mantle of leading the creative at the Group. Both Rahul and Brij are very experienced creative leaders and will make a strong combination to lead the Group. Where Rahul brings his storytelling and advertising experience to the table, Brij’s experience with technology and new media, which comes from him leading 22feet Tribal Worldwide for over a decade; makes them a strong combination for any client’s business. I will work closely with both of them over the next few months, to ensure a smooth transition. I wish Rahul, Brij and DDB Mudra Group all the very best.”

    Dabral had joined DDB Mudra with much fanfare in March 2012.

    A little about Mathew: He joined DDB Mudra West in 2014 as the Creative Head. Since then, he has worked closely with Dabral and Rajiv Sabnis, Managing Partner, DDB Mudra West to innovate the agency’s product and to create work for the agency’s diverse client roster including brands like Big Bazaar, Century Ply, Godrej, Lipton, Johnson and Johnson, Volkswagen and Symphony to name a few

    And about Jacob: He started with Rediffusion Y&R and after being ECD at Grey, in 2009 he co-founded 22feet, which was later acquired by DDB Mudra.

     

  • As a part of this engagement, DDB Mudra West will be responsible for the development and management of the team’s brand identity, brand strategy and marketing solutions

    DDB Mudra Group wins franchise management for Gujarat Fortune Giants

    By A Correspondent

     

    The DDB Mudra Group has been awarded the mandate for franchise management of Adani Wilmar’s newly created Gujarat Fortune Giants for Season 5 of the Vivo Pro Kabaddi league.

     

    As a part of this engagement, DDB Mudra West will be responsible for the development and management of the team’s brand identity, brand strategy and marketing solutions; 22feet Tribal Worldwide will be managing the digital marketing mandate for the franchise and DDB MudraMax will be responsible for the on-ground promotions, venue management and logistics management of the team.

     

    Angshu Mallick

    Said Angshu Mallick, COO, Chief Operating Officer, Adani Wilma:. “Our corporate office works with the Ahmedabad office of DDB Mudra Group for all marketing communication requirements. For something that we are foraying into for the first time, the group’s single window integrated service offering made our decision to partner with them an easy one. It is going to be an interesting journey ahead and while we look to have a winning team on the field of play, we aim to build one with the DDB Mudra Group off the field of play as well.”

     

    Added Rajiv Sabnis, Executive Director- DDB Mudra Group & Managing Partner- DDB Mudra West: “We have a long-standing partnership with the Adani Group. It is now a matter of great pride for us to be associated with the Adani Group’s foray into the Pro-Kabaddi League. We have built a bespoke team that will be operating from a ‘War Room’ in our Ahmedabad office that has been created for the Gujarat FortuneGiants. We are also looking at marketing the Kabaddi team to potential sponsors and helping create a brand to reckon with for the future. We look forward to the exciting times ahead.”

     

  • Conceptualised and executed by Karma (Division of DDB Mudra Group) the campaign is created in two parts 'Beta BOLT' and 'Beti GAGA'

    Girls for Gaga & guys for Bolt in this Brand Factory campaign… but why?

     

     

    We don’t quite agree with this campaign, but here’s the info based on a release we received. Brand Factory has launched its latest campaign called ‘Beta Bolt’ and ‘Beti Gaga’ to announce the ‘Sports Super Sale’ at flat 60 per cent off on all footwear and apparel.

     

    Conceptualized and executed by DDB Mudra group’s Karma, the campaign is created in two parts ‘Beta Bolt’ and ‘BetiGaga’. While Beta Bolt spoofs fitness reasons created by a young boy, punned by naming him ‘Bolt’, the fastest man in the world, Beti Gaga satires the excuses that girls make to avoid going to the gym naming the female protagonist Gaga to resemble the party lifestyle of the popular singer Lady Gaga.

     

    So why don’t we agree with the ad? Well, why get the woman character after Lady Gaga, and not after, say, Serena Williams? Or do Brand Factory and DDB Mudra believe that women are only nuts about looking good and copying celebs like Lady Gaga?Alternatively, they should’ve got a Lady Gaga equivalent for the guys… Justin Bieber perhaps?

     

    Speaking about the campaign, RochD’souza, CMO, Brand Factory said: “The campaign differentiates itself from all other sports related campaigns, as it doesn’t compel the viewer to get sporty or active, instead it plays with their weaker resolutions and spurs them to at least go to the sale, whether they decide to get fit or not. Targeting all age groups the campaign talks of a customer behaviour where out of all those who resolve, few fulfil it. Brand Factory communication operates in the unconventional, youthful genre and we have tried to keep that spirit in the current campaign too”.

     

    Commenting on the creatives of the campaign, Sanjay Panday, Business Partner Karma, added: “The idea was to be different from the regular sportswear ads, since the objective was to position the sportswear category in the lifestyle space. Through the campaign we have tried to convince the consumers that even if they keep on postponing their fitness resolutions, they should still not miss the Sports Super Sale.”

    Sports Super Sale is on from May 25 to 28.

     

  • Sengupta will be playing a pivotal role at DDB MudraMax by putting digital and tech at the heart of each campaign

    DDB MudraMax appoints Sommnath Sengupta to drive tech innovations

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sommnath Sengupta

    To strengthen the multi-specialty expertise of the agency and help build brands in this age of data-digital, driven convergence and complex consumer dynamics, DDB MudraMax has roped in SommnathSengupta as Head-Tech Innovations, OOH & Experiential.

     

    With the DDB Mudra Group moving towards digital driven transformation, Sengupta would be playing a pivotal role at DDB MudraMax by putting digital and tech at the heart of each campaign.

     

    At DDB MudraMax, he will be based out of Mumbai and will be working closely with Sanjay Shukla, President, DDB MudraMax (OOH, Events & Experiential).

     

    Speaking on his association with DDB MudraMax, Sengupta said: “I am looking forward for an innovative association with DDB MudraMax. When we integrate technology with storytelling experience, we will be able to gather ‘data’ which is an integral part of any campaign.  We will be providing in-house, end to end technology solution from Concept – Design – Execution for our clients.”

     

    Gour Gupta

    Speaking on the  appointment, Gour Gupta, Executive Director, DDB Mudra Group and CEO, DDB MudraMax (OOH, Events & Experiential) said: “Somm’s restless passion for technology’s integration in storytelling and interaction delighted me. He is the right fit to drive our tech integration and content. Since technology is our ally in storytelling experience, we will be offering our clients a bouquet of tech innovations and content creations with the integration of Social media and Data.”

     

  • The aim of the Warc Innovation Awards, now in their fifth year, is to recognise innovative thinking that delivers tangible results

    DDB Mudra & PHD work for Inorbit Mall & HUL’s Lifebuoy shortlisted for Warc Innovation Awards

    By A Correspondent

     

    Twenty brands from around the world have been shortlisted for the Warc Innovation Awards. And among these are two that are from India. Home-run to home-bound for Inorbit, created by the DDB Mudra Group for Inorbit Malls and Chamki – story of an unborn child for Hindustan Lever’s Lifebuoy with PHD India being the agency.

     

    The 25-member judging panel, chaired by Dana Anderson, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer of global snacks company Mondelēz International, have shortlisted a diverse selection of campaigns from a wide range of territories including Australia, Egypt, India, Lebanon, Slovenia, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and USA.

     

    The brands and organisations shortlisted this year are AbsorbPlate, Axe, Baheya Cancer Hospital, Bodyform, Bou Khalil Supermarch̩, BT Sport, CNCO, Currys PC World, Dyson, Emirates NBD, HELPMET, Inorbit Malls, Lifebuoy, MasterCard, NHI РDaman, Penguin Random House, Vision Australia, Spar Interspar, Toyota and Whirlpool.

     

    The aim of the Warc Innovation Awards, now in their fifth year, is to recognise innovative thinking that delivers tangible results. The top entries will be awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. The Grand Prix for the best overall paper will receive $5,000 and five $1,000 Special Awards recognising specific areas of excellence will be awarded at the judges’ discretion for: innovation in a product or service, channel innovation, category innovation, co-created innovation and innovation in a not-profit-campaign.

     

  • Gupta and Kanthy will take in phases. In full control wef July 1. Kamath will continue till end-December

    It’s official. Vineet Gupta & Aditya Kanthy to take over from Madhukar Kamath at DDB Mudra

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    When we first got wind of this a few month back, we were surprised ourselves. Well, almost. So we asked our contactpoint at the Omnicom-owned agency, and she feigned ignorance and asked how could it be…

     

    But it was clear that the transition was happening. Madhukar Kamath, longstanding Group CEO and Managing Director of the DDB Mudra Group, was moving on. He had taken additional charge as head of MICA in Ahmedabad. That was to be his future, along with some allied ventures.

     

    So one thought the baton would be passed on to SonalDabral who is officially the second-in-command. Creative guru, well-respected in the industry and he was designated: Chairman and Chief Creative Officer.

     

    Or would it be someone imported from the DDB fold from elsewhere in the world.

     

    But first read the news, and then let’s try and interpret it for you: “Madhukar Kamath, Group CEO and MD, DDB Mudra Group, has announced a phased leadership transition for the group. Effective April 1, 2017, Vineet Gupta, currently Chief Digital Officer, DDB Mudra Group will be appointed as Group CEO (Designate) and Aditya Kanthy, currently Chief Strategy Officer, DDB Mudra Group will be appointed as Group Managing Director (Designate). Effective July 1, 2017, Gupta and Kanthy will formally take over as Group CEO and Group Managing Director respectively. To facilitate a seamless transition, Kamath will continue to work closely with Gupta and Kanthy as Executive Chairman of the DDB Mudra Group, till end-December, 2017.”

     

    Rather than appoint an oldie into the system, DDB Mudra has chosen those who have age to their advantage. Both Gupta and Kanthy are under 40.

     

    But it also clearly sends a message on the shape of things to come. By appointing Vineet Gupta as Group CEO, DDB Mudra has clearly underscored its thrust on digital. Gupta, it may be recalled, entered the system only when he 22feet, his digital marketing agency, was acquired by DDB Mudra in February 2014 (the report). Last year, in end-August to be precise, along with Kanthy, Gupta was elevated as Chief Digital Officer. Kanthy, who has been part of the system for 14 years was appointed as Chief Strategy Officer (the report).

     

    It also sends a clear message to SonalDabral and other seniors in the system. That DDB Mudra may be a creative-led agency, but it’s digital and data and P/L management that are the future.

     

    Here’s what Chuck Brymer, CEO, DDB Worldwide said in a statement: “Madhukar and I have been working on the transition process for over the past year. We have undertaken a fairly comprehensive evaluation of talent, both externally and internally, and I am glad that we’ve identified the new leadership team from within the Organisation. The transition process couldn’t begin at a better time, with 2016 being one of the best years for the DDB Mudra Group in terms of both revenue and margin growth. Both are immensely talented, business oriented and client focused. They bring together diverse skillsets of growing businesses by building and leading excellent teams.”

     

    Commenting on this, Kamath said: “At the beginning of 2016, I had announced my intention to retire from the Group by end of 2017. I have always been a firm believer in empowering young talent and seeing them deliver beyond expectations. Vineet and Aditya have exemplified this in their respective careers so far. As a team, they bring together the best of business, technology, strategy and an appreciation of creativity. I am excited about the next three quarters where I will work closely with Vineet and Aditya in ensuring a smooth transition. I congratulate them and wish them all the best.”

     

    As the news is trickling in, not everyone is really surprised. Bringing youth to the leadership has worked elsewhere. Like at Leo Burnett. Saurabh Varma, now CEO of Publicis Communications, was not part of the adland single malt club. But he has managed to turn around the agency, and rise within the group.

     

    The challenges for Gupta and Kanthy are greater. First, will the twin leadership work. There ought to be one clear boss and joint leadership structures are a little tricky. But even if that gets licked, DDB Mudra needs a Leo Burnett-like reinvention. It’s still got some good clients, but competition is forging ahead. On the awards circuit, the agency is a laggard and it’s not exactly known as a creative powerhouse. The Pan Bahar Pierce Brosnan campaign was its buzziest last year.

     

    DDB Mudramax is now aligned with OMD and the activation-outdoor-BTL business lost bigtime when Pratap Bose and Mandeep Malhotra quit to start Social Street.

     

    Kanthy summed up our sentiment while speaking to The Economic Times: “We are good but I don’t think we are great yet. Our competition doesn’t shake in its boots when they think of us. That’s our task.“

     

  • The name 'Karma' has been inspired by the legacy of Mudra which, born in Ahmedabad made the city its 'Karmabhoomi'

    DDB Mudra goes on startup mode, launches ‘Karma’

    By A Correspondent

     

    DDB Mudra has launched ‘Karma’, an agency headquartered in Mumbai, which is established as a “creative business catalyst with an agenda to partner those clients who are making small beginnings but are nurturing larger ambitions”.

     

    Karma will provide clients with an expertise of a full-service large agency, notes a communique, adding: “As Karma follows a zero hierarchy structure and has a young, empowered and talented team who is entrepreneurial by mindset, the turn-around time for solutions is faster and smoother”.

     

    Sanjay Panday

    The agency’s team comprises Sanjay Panday on the business front and his creative partner Vinayak Nayak. Panday has Ronak Shah as his Business Partner in Ahmedabad and Makarand Gholba, his Business Partner in Mumbai. In the first few months of its inception, Karma has acquired clients such as Brand Factory, SOTC and Shree Plan Your Journey in Mumbai and Arvind Infrastructure, Chartered Speed and Electrotherm in Ahmedabad. The Karma team’s latest campaigns includes SOTC’s ‘Summer 2017’, Brand Factory’s Free Shopping Weekend & Denim Fest.

     

     

     

    Rajiv Sabnis

    Speaking on the launch, Rajiv Sabnis, Executive Director, DDB Mudra Group said, “Karma has been conceived to tap into the start-up story of India. Many young entrepreneurs, who have big ambitions but are making small beginnings, need a creative partner who can be a catalyst in their business success. Since Karma itself is a start-up, it understands the challenges and opportunities that businesses starting up need to overcome, to succeed and grow.”

     

    Added Sanjay Panday, Business Partner, Karma, “Karma is a tribute to our roots. It aims at creating a disruption in the market place with its new model and is bound to kill silos with its fresh ideas.”

     

  • The intent of the campaign is to promote the ease of cashless transactions via various facilities of SBI

    SBI propagates benefits of going cashless with DDB Mudra

     

     

    State Bank o India SBI has been offering different modes of digital payments even before demonetisation. It introduced ‘State Bank Buddy’, a digital wallet in August 2016.Given its ambition of a cashless society across the nation, the concept of #CashKiAadatBadlo was conceived by DDB Mudra West. The intent of the campaign is to promote the ease of cashless transactions via various facilities of SBI and thus to make cashless transactions a habit for every SBI account holder.

     

    The campaign #CashKiAadatBadlo is being led by three TVCs which have also transpired on the digital medium. The campaign also consists print activation over the coming months. The three 20-seconder films showcase SBI’s various digital/ cashless products namely State Bank Buddy- a mobile wallet, State Bank Debit Card, and SBI Pay. The films pull a slice of life and take the viewers through various real life situations where people can adopt to cashless mode of payments, which are simple and safe, for all their daily needs and change their habit.

     

    Speaking about the campaign, Dinesh Menon, Chief Marketing Officer, SBI said, “Given its stature and responsibility the SBI brand carries with it, it was only natural that the brand took the initiative of being the harbinger of change in the backdrop of demonetisation. The #CashKiAadatBadlo campaign is an effort to encourage people to adopt SBI’s digital payment solutions such (SBI Buddy and SBI Pay and Debit Cards) by communicating its simplicity and safety of use. Through this campaign we intend to bring about a pre-disposition to adoption of digital currency among those consumer segments that are habituated to using cash. Early feedback has been encouraging, both from an awareness and response perspective. This campaign has also generated most engagement with Twitter users as rated by the Brand Equity ‘Twitter index’.”

     

    Talking about the campaign, Sonal Dabral, Chairman and CCO, DDB Mudra Group added: “Post demonetisation, cashless economy is becoming the order of the day and is impacting everyone in a variety of ways.  SBI’s various offerings are a great aid to the consumers across the country for carrying out the day to day transactions. With this campaign, we intended to drive home the ease and comfort of doing cashless transactions with SBI’s various digital products through simple, to the point communication that is informative and engaging at the same time.”

     

  • The ad is built on the insight that millennials today are becoming increasingly individualistic and on this bold journey, if they manage to overcome the fear of social stigma, failure etc then nothing can hold them back

    Virat Kohli in new campaign for Royal Challenge Sports Drink

    By A Correspondent

     

    Royal Challenge Sports Drink has unveiled its new campaign starring Virat Kohli that encourages the youth to make bold moves by giving out the message ‘Agar Bold NahiKhelenge, TohKabhi Na JaanPaayenge’’.

     

    Developed by DDB Mudra Group, the new Royal Challenge Sports Drink campaign is built on the insight that millennials today are becoming increasingly individualistic and on this bold journey if they manage to overcome the fear of social stigma, failure etc then nothing can hold them back.

     

    Said Subroto Geed, Senior Vice President – Marketing, at United Spirits Limited: “The purpose of Royal Challenge Sports Drink is to inspire the spirit of taking on life – which is about being bold, stepping out of your comfort zone and making choices that are not defined by boundaries which others create for you. Virat Kohli is one of India’s biggest icons and he truly embodies this bold spirit – both on and off the field. Through Virat we hope to build a strong resonance for the campaign message and build the desire to live bold in the DNA of country’s youth”.

     

    Commenting on the campaign, Sonal Dabral, Chief Creative Officer of DDB Mudra Group added: “These times are full of opportunities for everyone but opportunities also bring insecurities and a paralyzing fear of failure. This is where Royal Challenge Sports Drink comes in. It inspires us to take risks, it inspires us to be unafraid to walk alone. In this TVC, Virat the champion risk taker, questions a world that would havethemrather stay safe than venture into the unknown. The film, inspired by real challenges and Virat’s own exploits as a cricketer, throws the proverbial spanner in the works, questioning the predestined journey we’re on, and signs off by gently suggesting that the path less taken is the only path worth taking. Asking us to play bold. It’s been not only exciting but truly inspiring working on this film”.

     

  • The GOB will advise and assist the Group CEO and MD, Chairman and CCO and CFO on various aspects related to leading and growing the organisation

    DDB Mudra announces formation of Group Operating Board

    By A Correspondent

     

    As a part of its endeavour to build a best in class and future-ready marketing services organisation, the DDB Mudra Group has reconstituted the Executive Board and has announced the formation of The Group Operating Board (GOB). Consisting of leaders with a proven track record within the group and the industry, GOB members bring together diverse skillsets in marketing services and technology from across geographies.

     

    The GOB will advise and assist the Group CEO and MD, Chairman and CCO and CFO on various aspects related to leading and growing the organisation. The GOB will focus on achieving the group’s People and Product goals to deliver client excellence.

     

    The Group Operating Board will include

    • Aditya Kanthy, Chief Strategy Officer, DDB Mudra Group
    • Anurag Bansal, Chief Financial Officer, DDB Mudra Group
    • Gour Gupta, Executive Director, DDB Mudra Group & CEO, DDB Mudramax (OOH, Events & Experiential)
    • Madhukar Kamath, Group CEO & MD, DDB Mudra Group
    • Ranji Cherian, President, DDB Mudra South & East
    • Rajiv Sabnis, Executive Director, DDB Mudra Group & President, DDB Mudra West
    • Rita Verma, Executive Vice President- Organization Development, DDB Mudra Group
    • Sathyamurthy Namakkal, Executive Director, DDB Mudra Group & President, DDB Mudramax- Media
    • Sonal Dabral, Chairman & CCO, DDB Mudra Group
    • Vandana Das, President, DDB Mudra North
    • Vineet Gupta, Chief Digital Officer, DDB Mudra Group and MD, 22feet Tribal Worldwide

     

    Quoting on the development, Madhukar Kamath said, “I am extremely proud of the leadership team we have built across all disciplines at the DDB Mudra Group.I value their leadership and business building skills. I am thrilled that each one of them is also a specialist in his / her field. The GOB will enable the DDB Mudra Group, in becoming the partner of choice for our people and clients as we look to build brands and businesses in a data-rich and digitally-enabled world. As we grow, the Group Operating Board will help lead collaborations with external partners in technology, data analytics and content. I look forward to the exciting times ahead.”

     

     

     

  • All will report to Group CEO and MD Madhukar Kamath

    DDB Mudra beefs up top deck: Vineet Gupta is CDO, Aditya Kanthy is COO. Gour Gupta is ED & CEO, MudraMax

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    The DDB Mudra Group has announced the appointment of Vineet Gupta, Managing Director, 22feet Tribal Worldwide as Chief Digital Officer and National Planning Head Aditya Kanthy as Chief Strategy Officer. Both will report directly to Madhukar Kamath, Group CEO & MD.

     

    “In our endeavour to partner our clients towards profitable growth, we have observed that every aspect of the DDB Mudra Group’s work from brand building to promotions design, from developing media strategies to event management is being transformed. These appointments recognise the strategic importance of data and digital technologies to our business. Vineet and Aditya will now work with me alongside Sathyamurthy Namakkal, President, DDB MudraMax Media and my other senior colleagues to build the organisation for a future where business results, data and digital are at the heart of creativity, strategy and execution,” said Kamath.

     

    A St Stephen’s and MICA alumnus, Aditya Kanthy, has spent 15 years with the DDB Mudra Group. During his journey from  an Account Executive to the National Planning Head, Kanthy has worked closely with Madhukar Kamath in transforming Mudra from a mere Advertising Agency to one of India’s largest Marketing Services Group. He has been featured in the BusinessWorld cover story on the ‘Best and Brightest in Indian Advertising’. He has contributed to building the agency’s reputation for creativity and effectiveness with over a dozen wins across categories at various awards and industry forums.

     

    Quoting on his new role, Kanthy said, “Digital technologies are transforming every aspect of our client’s business from brand building to buying. I’m looking forward to help build the DDB Mudra Group for the future, where Data and Digital are at the heart of creativity and strategy. We’re already seeing glimpses of this in the composition, structure and work of our teams that are partnering J&J, Royal Enfield, VW, Future group, SAP and USL among others. As a group, we are constantly exploring new ways of working together and learning new skills. It’s a massive opportunity and we’re ready to take it.”

     

    A passionate digital marketer, Vineet Gupta, has close to a decade of experience in the Marketing & Media space.  As Managing Director at 22feet Tribal Worldwide, he has been responsible for spearheading the aggressive growth plans and in consolidating 22feet Tribal Worldwide’s position as the leading Digital Marketing solutions company in India.

     

    Before establishing 22feet Tribal Worldwide, Gupta was the India Marketing Lead for Microsoft Advertising wherein he led the initiative of driving and maintaining market and brand leadership for Microsoft’s B2B brand – Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions, as well as B2C brands such as MSN & Windows Live (Hotmail, Messenger, Spaces). He has also been associated with Star TV and Café Coffee Day in his earlier stints.

     

    Said Gupta who will be taking up his new role as CDO in addition to his existing position as Managing Director, 22feet Tribal Worldwide said, “Data and Digital offer tremendous growth opportunities for our own business and for our clients. I look forward to collaborating with teams across the DDB Mudra Group to help identify and strategically scale these opportunities. The DDB Mudra Group is well poised to offer a strong and differentiated point of view and I am excited.”

     

    Also joining DDB Mudra Group is an industry veteran and OOH specialist, Gour Gupta. He takes over DDB MudraMax’s portfolio of OOH, Events & Experiential as its CEO.  Gour Gupta will also be an Executive Director of the DDB Mudra Group.

     

    A Jadavpur University graduate, Gupta has over two decades of experience in the industry. In the past, he has been the founder of two very successful OOH Agencies. He helped set up Kinetic (erstwhile Portland, a WPP OOH Agency) and went on to become its Country Head. He then co-founded Platinum OOH with Sam Balsara. Under Gour’s leadership, Platinum became one of the most profitable and fastest growing company in Madison World.

     

    Gour Gupta, who as the Head of Ignite Mudra, one of India’s fastest growing OOH Agencies, has already built a very successful JV for the DDB Mudra Group said, “DDB Mudra Group is truly a well-diversified Marketing Services Group. The growth plans for the OOH, Events & Experiential businesses are both interesting and challenging. In Sanjay Shukla, the President in DDB MudraMax, I have a very able ally. I look forward to leading a very strong and committed team that is already in place. This is one journey that I will cherish.”

     

    Added Kamath on Gupta’s appointment: “Gour Gupta started his agency career with Mudra. I am thrilled to welcome him as the ED of the DDB Mudra Group and the CEO of our OOH, Events & Experiential businesses. He has been a wonderful partner in our Joint Venture. With the entrepreneurial zeal and experience of Gour in the OOH business and with the proven expertise of Sanjay Shukla in the Events and Experiential space, DDB MudraMax will be a formidable agency to reckon with.”