MxMIndia

Tag: DDB Mudra

  • The ‘Blink to Speak’ campaign bagged a Grand Prix for Good along with a host of other awards at Cannes Lions 2018

    Grand Prix for TBWA heralds Good News on Day 2 @ Cannes

     

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    TBWA\India ‘Blink to Speak’ campaign bagged a Grand Prix for Good for the second consecutive year for India on Day 2 of the Cannes Lions festival for creativity.

     

    Blink to Speak has been created by TBWA\India for the Asha Ek Hope Foundation and the Neuro Gen Brain & Spine Institute. Said TBWA India CEO Govind Pandey to The Economic Times: “We believe in the power of disruptively simple ideas to make a difference to humanity. This was not done for awards. This was a heartfelt intervention from a team that genuinely wanted to help and make a difference.”  (Link: https://tbwacannes.com/blink-to-speak-asha-ek-hope-foundation-and-neurogen-brain-spine-institute-tbwaindia)

     

    Meanwhile, India had a fair day with awards. TBWA also bagged a Gold in Pharma. Meanwhile, DDB Mudra and Grey bagged Silvers fro Stayfree and Mahindra Rise and McCann Health bagged a Bronze for Kwality.

     

    Last year, McCann had bagged the Healthcare Grand Prix for Good for “Immunity Charm” for the Ministry of Public Health, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

     

    India has sent a total of 979 entries this year. Last year, the number of entries was 1227, which if one excludes entries from the Publicis Group and those categories that been deleted/ merged is 953.

     

     

  • This is in addition to actors Varun Dhawan and Katrina Kaif being on on its roster as brand ambassadors

    FBB gets Diljit Dosanjh for new collection

    By A Correspondent

     

    Clothing brand FBB appointed singing star Diljit Dosanj has its brand ambassador. This is in addition to actors Varun Dhawan and Katrina Kaif being on on its roster as brand ambassadors. FBB has created an interesting musical campaign called, ‘Style Se Dil Jeet’ to introduce Dosanjh.

     

    Executed by DDB Mudra, the campaign is a musical video which is a fusion of western rap with Punjabi lyrics. Speaking about the campaign, Prachi Mohapatra, CMO, FBB said: “We are extremely happy to have talented personalities like Varun Dhawan, Katrina Kaif and now even Diljit to endorse fbb. Diljit’s popularity will introduce the brand to his huge fan base, especially in North India. Style Se Dil Jeet is a very strong campaign thought. It not only represents Diljit but also gives out a style motto to all our consumers and his fans.”

     

    Commenting on the campaign Ashish Phatak, Executive Creative Director – DDB Mudra West added:‘’Having a brand ambassador like Diljit inspired us to think of this as content, more than a traditional product ad. And so we found a way to weave in our brand story with his musical content that fans really relate to.’’

     

     

  • Introduces four films on “Banking is now Simple and Better” as the core message

    Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launches its inaugural brand campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Ujjivan Small Finance Bank unveiled its debut brand campaign recently. The campaign, created by DDB Mudra, attempts to strategically position Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (SFB) as a bank of choice among the target consumer segments using its key service propositions of Doorstep Account Opening, Paperless Banking and Special Service Envelope for Senior Citizens, notes a communique.

     

    Commenting on the campaign, Vijay Balakrishnan, Chief Marketing Officer said, “We are pleased to unveil the thematic TVC today starting with two of our key markets: Karnataka and West Bengal. In the coming weeks, the television commercials’ outreach will be extended nationally thereby reaching our over 3.8 million customers across 24 States in India. Over the next few months, the campaign will leverage a multimedia approach with extensions in print, cinema, outdoor and digital.”

     

     

  • The NRI service by SBI include instant fund transfer, loan credit against fixed deposits, home and car loan application, among many others

    SBI exhibits benefits of its NRI banking services in latest campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Given the Indian diaspora being the largest in the world with over 15 million Indians living abroad, according to a United Nations survey in 2017, State Bank of India and its agency DDB Mudra have unveiled a new campaign.

     

    Said Dinesh Menon, CMO, SBI: “Communication of NRI services have mostly been centered around a bank’s international network / presence and the range of services a bank provides. So, it’s largely been at a very rational level.

     

    Added Shagun Seda, Group Creative Director, DDB Mudra West: “Everybody knows what SBI does, but what people don’t know is the subtle ways in which it touches our life and makes it easier. This becomes even more evident when you are working and living abroad. So instead of selling the NRI services to customers, we sold them a relatable family, a tricky situation and then everything else just fell into place.

     

     

  • The account will be led by DDB Mudra North

    Paras Dairy appoints DDB Mudra as creative partners

    By A Correspondent

     

    Dairy brand Paras Dairy has entrusted the DDB Mudra Group with its creative duties. As a part of the mandate, the agency will be responsible for the brand’s creative strategy and execution.

     

    At DDB Mudra, Paras will be managed by DDB Mudra North and will be led by its President & Managing Partner Vandana Das.

     

    Commenting on the partnership, Aldrin Joseph, General Manager, Marketing, Paras said:“We are delighted to have DDB Mudra as our new creative partners. They are rated amongst the best and we believe they can produce some outstanding work, while building our brand. At Paras, we are constantly working towards creating greater value for our consumers with our unique and meaningful product offerings and are looking towards an exponential growth of our business over the coming years. We are sure that we will be ably supported in this endeavor by DDB Mudra.”

     

    Added Vandana Das, President & Managing Partner, DDB Mudra North:“We are excited to add Paras Dairy to our growing brand roster. Paras is a legacy brand in its own right and we are confident that our partnership will lead to not just some great, defining work but will also contribute towards Paras’s growth in this highly challenging market.”

     

     

  • The campaign will soon be extended to Bangalore, Pune and Kolkata

    Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launches its inaugural radio campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Ujjivan Small Finance Bank has launched its maiden radio campaign across seven radio stations in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Kochi. The 30-seconder is extended over 5000 radio spots in these cities for mass impact. The campaign – create by DDB Mudra – will soon be extended to other cities, notes a communique.

     

    Speaking on the campaign and its creation, Vijay Balakrishnan, Chief Marketing Officer, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank said:“Ujjivan Small Finance Bank is a new class of financial institution targeting unserved and underserved bank customers who often struggle to understand bank products and services. We foresaw a marketing opportunity and need gap addressing amongst these segments on their expectations from a bank. Our research told us that Radio is a preferred, effective medium of mass communicating to them if the messaging is simple and entertaining. The radio advertisements executed in regional languages with a colloquial flavor attempt to create awareness and action impact by delivering core product messages in a simple and humorous manner.”

     

     

  • The channel adds impetus to its existing brand ethos 'Kuch filmo ka jadu kabhi kam nahi hota' by giving it an emotional touch

    Sony Max2 unveils latest campaign cherishing human relationships

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony MAX2, the second Hindi movie channel from Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), rolled out its new TV campaign highlighting its brand creddo, ‘Kuch filmon ka jadu kabhi kam nahi hota’. It is conceptualised by DDB Mudra.

     

    Said Vaishali Sharma, Senior VP Marketing and Communications, Sony Max and Max2:“Max2 as a brand has always celebrated human emotions and relationships. In the over- cluttered Hindi movie genre, we want to continue to differentiate our brand positioning – ‘Kuch filmo ka jadu kabhi kam nahi hota’- through our TVC.  A few films have had an impact on us and still continue to touch our lives in more ways than one Sony Max2’s rich heritage inspires the beautiful equation shared by the father and son in the TVC. Cherishing human relationships, the TVC conveys the message that the memories of some movies run parallel to human emotions.”

     

    Added Rahul Mathew, National Creative Director – DDB Mudra added: “There’s something about a good story. It stays with you and becomes a big part of your memory. Quite like the films of yesteryears. And with the ‘YaadRahega’ campaign weÂ’ve always tried to tell stories that stay with you.”

     

     

  • A multi-lingual street collaboration; a brand movement that integrates art, dance and music in a compelling music video

    Puma and DDB Mudra launch ‘Suede Gully’

    By A Correspondent

     

    Lending voice to a new generation of creators, global sportswear brand Puma has pioneered the largest movement in the country’s street culture with its latest collaboration campaign – Suede Gully. A brainchild of Puma and DDB Mudra, this collaboration portrays the street culture of India, giving a single, creative stage for self-expression to a talented breed of artists, musicians and dancers.

     

    Speaking on the campaign, Debosmita Majumder, Head of Marketing, Puma (India) said: “Today’s youth have taken to modern forms of self-expression, giving rise to a new generation of creators. They use the streets as a canvas to express themselves through various forms of art, music and dance.  For the first time in India, Puma is bringing these diverse art forms on a single platform – Suede Gully. Suede Gully is our attempt to bring to the forefront the true essence of Indian street culture.”

     

    Speaking on the work, Vishnu Srivatsav, Creative Head, DDB Mudra South said: “Puma’s Suede has always been a voice of street culture and Suede Gully looks to bring to life the incredibly unique and diverse culture and expression of our very own gullies. It’s art, its music, its culture and it’s fashion.  So many people, folks who live for their art, from different corners of the country, bringing their awesome talents to collaborate on this platform, that’s really special.”

     

     

  • The film took the first step towards solving the crisis by talking about it on social media

    Sintex partners DDB Mudra to launch #ReviveOurRivers

    By A Correspondent

     

    With World Rivers Day being observed across countries, Sintex Industries and DDB Mudra West has created the #ReviveOurRivers campaign to address and create awareness around this issue.

     

    Speaking on the campaign, Rajiv Sabnis, Executive Director, DDB Mudra Group & Managing Partner, DDB Mudra West, said: “There has been a clear need for a PPP (Public-Private Partnership) driven action plan for the cleaning of our Indian rivers for a long time. Sintex Industries wanted to contribute to this important movement, especially since they play an active role in waste management through their underground waste treatment solutions. The campaign was conceived as a pledge to keep our rivers clean through this active thinking. The campaign has awakened the conscience of Indian masses in a very short span of time with over 9.5 million views in two weeks. Launched on “World Rivers Day”, we hope that this campaign rallies India into action and garners support of others who can help in cleaning our rivers.”

  • 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.

     

  • The campaign theme #IndiavsTBsymbolises India's fight against TB and "TB Harega, DeshJeetega" is the tagline of the campaign

    Health Ministry seeks to eradicate TB through #IndiavsTB

    By A Correspondent

     

    JP Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare has launched #IndiavsTB, TB-free India campaign featuring Amitabh Bachchan, TB survivor and ambassador. The five-part campaign talks about early identification of symptoms, importance of treatment completion, MDR TB and social impact of TB on families and children. The campaign theme #IndiavsTBsymbolises India’s fight against TB and “TB Harega, DeshJeetega” is the tagline of the campaign.

     

    The campaign is developed by International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Challenge TB. The campaign films feature Amitabh Bachchan and are directed by director Shoojit Sircar. The print campaign has been shot by photographer Daboo Ratnani and  DDB Mudra has created the campaign.

     

    Earlier this year, Amitabh Bachchan also featured in a TV commercial and radio spot where he encouraged viewers and listeners to support the ministry’s grassroot, door-to-door initiative to actively find new TB cases.

     

    Speaking about the campaign, Kavita Ayyagari, Project Director, Challenge TB, The Union said, “The problems that the campaign address are that people take symptoms of TB lightly; people stop TB treatment mid-way once they feel better; are unaware that TB can recur and become drug-resistant; and that TB is not just an illness but also a social disease that impacts not only the patients but their children and families.”

     

  • 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.“