MxMIndia

Tag: Mindshare

  • The elevations are all of internal resources holding key buying functions

    GroupM restructures Central Trading Group leadership

    By Our Staff

     

    GroupM India has announced a restructure of its media buying function- Central Trading Group (CTG).

     

    Sidharth Parashar
    Sidharth Parashar

    Said Sidharth Parashar, President – Investments and Pricing, GroupM India: “This restructure is a part of evolving transformation for GroupM. We constantly recognise and invest in talent across functions for our team members who have helped evolve key areas like the media buying practice. The relentless commitment to delivering value to its client’s business is what truly defines team CTG, and I am privileged to lead a multi-dimensional team of leaders who are passionate about media and our client’s business. I am delighted to see these leaders grow and take on larger responsibilities in shaping the GroupM CTG transformational journey.”

     

    Rahul Satoskar
    K Srinivas Rao
    Muralidhar T
    Pratik Rathod

    Pratik Rathod who has been successfully leading buying for Wavemaker will be taking on an elevated group-level role of National Broadcast Head, GroupM India.

     

    Muralidhar T is taking on an elevated role of leading buying function for the whole of Mindshare.

     

    K Srinivas Rao takes over the Wavemaker buying mandate from Rathod. Rao has been leading the Mediacom buying function for the past few years.

     

    Rahul Satoskar, currently the region buying lead for Mindshare west, gets elevated to lead Mediacom buying nationally.

     

  • To drive business and brand transformation

    Mindshare partners with clients in the East

    By Our Staff

     

    Mindshare reports an acceleration in its business in the East market with many major brands exploring marketing strategies beyond traditional media.

     

    Said Ruchi Mathur, Senior Vice President – Client Leadership – Mindshare North & East India: “We aim to continue consolidating existing businesses and rapidly grow with new business wins in the east, particularly in the Kolkata market. We believe in the significant, but the hitherto untapped potential of this region. Digital and e-commerce are increasingly emerging as areas of prime interest hence they will be our priority. Our team in this market is what makes us so strong, and I am proud to see our talent partner with our valuable clients on this journey of transforming their marketing experiences and building trust within them. Mindshare is fully committed to developing and expanding its footprint in the East.”

     

    Added Parthasarathy Mandayam, CEO – Mindshare South Asia: “As part of our ‘good growth’ agenda, we are committed to building stronger brands in this market. Brands are keener than ever before to revamp their strategies basis the changing consumer preferences. The capability and potential of the East market is huge. It’s exciting to see the Mindshare Kolkata team partner with prestigious brands across categories on their transformation journey.”

     

  • Not too long ago, Vinod Thadani, Menon's predecessor, had moved to Dentsu

    Gopa Menon is Digital Head at Mindshare

    By Our Staff

     

    Mindshare India has today announced the appointment of Gopa Menon as the Digital Head, South Asia. In this role, Menon will be responsible for managing the agency’s full service digital offerings and help existing and new clients transform their digital processes, digital marketing strategies, brand building and ROI driven marketing outcomes.

    Menon comes with a rich and vast experience of close to 18 years in driving digital transformation for brands across the region. He was last with Isobar, the Dentsu agency as COO. Interestingly, Vinod Thadani, Menon’s predecessor has moved to Dentsu as Chief Digital Officer and MD of iProspect.

    Said Amin Lakhani, Chief Operating Officer, Mindshare South Asia: “Gopa brings with him in depth knowledge and diverse digital expertise. We are confident that Gopa will play a pivotal role as we accompany our clients in elevating business outcomes through our unique addressable media stack.”

    Added Menon: “With the digital growth and evolution today, there are a lot of opportunities in store for brands to explore and accordingly revamp their digital tactics. I am incredibly thrilled & happy to be part of the Mindshare & the purple family, its sort of home coming for me and as Mindshare now re-orients its business around the pillars of “Acceleration”, “Outcomes” & Good growth, I am really looking forward to working with the teams here at Mindshare to shape the continued phase of growth & transformation for its clients.”

    Menon will be based out of Gurugram and will report to Amin Lakhani, Chief Operating Officer, Mindshare South Asia.

     

     

  • An initiative to support Bengal's local handloom weavers

    Mindshare launches Pujo campaign for Sunlight detergent

    By Our Staff

     

    Sunlight, the detergent brand, has announced the launch of its new initiative ‘Sunlight Tantir Rong’ to support Bengal’s local handloom weavers.

     

    Commenting on the initiative, Prabha Narasimhan, Executive Director – Home Care, HUL, said: “Since time immemorial, handlooms have been a part of local culture in West Bengal and many of these weavers who have been adding colours in our lives since generations have been hit hard by the pandemic. We are delighted to launch ‘Sunlight Tantir Rong’, an initiative which will provide the community with a platform to showcase their magical art and talent and bring them at our fingertips. This initiative is a small step towards bringing back colours to the lives of these weavers and their families.”

     

    Added Ajay Mehta, Head Content Partnership and Experiential, Mindshare: “For an iconic brand like Sunlight being weaved into the local culture of its bastion market is a key unlock to build a strong connect with its target audience. The campaign ‘Sunlight Tantir Rong’ allows us to beautifully bring alive the brands values & purpose by standing for the betterment of the Weaver community in Bengal. A humble attempt to bring back colours into the lives of the local weavers of West Bengal.”

     

     

  • Joshi was until recently Business Head, Sun Marathi

    Aniket Joshi is as Business Head, Colors Marathi

    By Our Staff

     

    Aniket Joshi
    Aniket Joshi

    Viacom18 has announced the appointment of Aniket Joshi as Business Head for Colors Marathi. He will be responsible for managing the channel’s overall business strategy and operations, and will be reporting to Ravish Kumar, Head – Regional Entertainment (Kannada and Marathi Clusters), Viacom18. Joshi was until recently Business Head, Sun Marathi. He has also worked with Zee Marathi and Mindshare.

     

    Welcoming Joshi to Colors Marathi, Ravish Kumar said: “Marathi broadcast entertainment has been on an upward journey across the board – be it fiction, non-fiction and even films. We at Colors Marathi have been on an exhilarating journey so far, strengthening our position amongst audiences and advertisers. Aniket has a strong background in planning and strategy and we are glad to have him on board, as Colors Marathi moves on to the next phase of growth.”

     

    Added Joshi: “The Marathi television ecosystem is rapidly evolving to create a unique confluence of entertainment that caters to both urban and rural Maharashtra. Colors Marathi is one of the market leaders that has ably balanced the content expectations of its viewers with the outreach opportunities for advertisers. I look forward to dial up the footprint of the brand across both these target audiences.”

     

  • Will be setting up the communications planning vertical for the agency’s key businesses

    Mindshare names Vipasha Bhuptani as communications planning lead, Content+

    By Our Staff

     

    Vipasha Bhuptani
    Vipasha Bhuptani

    Mindshare India has announced the appointment of Vipasha Bhuptani as Communications Planning Lead for the Content+ team.

     

    In this role, Bhuptani will be responsible for setting up the communications planning vertical for the agency’s key businesses.

     

    Parthasarathy Mandayam
    Parthasarathy Mandayam

    Said Parthasarathy Mandayam (Maps), CEO – Mindshare South Asia: “Vipasha has a proven track record of implementing strategic communication initiatives across various brands and markets. We believe that Vipasha will play a pivotal role as we accompany our clients in revamping their content strategies.”

     

    Ajay Mehta
    Ajay Mehta

    Added Ajay Mehta, Senior VP – Mindshare Content+ & Partnerships: “Given the explosion in the content and communication landscape and with the emergence of new platforms, formats and frameworks, there is a need to address and build sharper & deeper, yet fully integrated content narrative for our set of clients. I look forward to working closely with Vipasha and I am confident that she will further strengthen our content offerings. Her expertise in strategic brand communications will further enhance our clients’ integrated content journey.”

     

  • Will be responsible for leading branded content and solutions

    Vivek Sharma to head branded content at Viacom18

    By Our Staff

     

    Vivek Mohan Sharma
    Vivek Mohan Sharma

    Viacom18 has announced the appointment of Vivek Mohan Sharma as Head of Branded Content, Viacom18. Sharma will be reporting to Mahesh Shetty, Head – Network Sales, Viacom18.

     

    He will be responsible for leading branded content and solutions at the network level. Individually, he will be responsible for driving branded solutions for Viacom18’s Hindi Mass Entertainment, Regional Entertainment and Kids TV clusters leveraging its broadcast and social reach. In addition to this, he will also work with existing teams at Youth, Music and English Entertainment as well as the network’s digital play Voot to bring in synergies and dial up advertiser funded content-driven growth.

     

    Mahesh Shetty
    Mahesh Shetty

    Welcoming Sharma to the team, Mahesh Shetty, Head- Network Sales, Viacom18, said, “We are living in a world full of too many choices which however have increasingly minimal differentiation amongst them. Branded content has the potential to bring forth this differentiation and connect with audiences in a more engaging and emotional capacity. With his versatile experience in leadership roles across industries, Vivek is best poised to bring collaborations across our brand offerings and create unique propositions for our clients that are relevant and result-oriented.”

     

    Added Sharma: “Brands today are looking at creating moments and mindshare that stays with the audience for long. Branded content acts as the bridge, bringing in solutions that truly connect the brand with its consumers in an engaging and effective manner. I look forward to drive value, innovation and overall growth in my new role at Viacom18.”

     

  • The Wavemaker CEO – South Asia speaks on the GroupM agency's three years in India, his journey at the helm, Gurugram v/s Mumbai, and the rivalry with sibling Mindshare

    MxM Live with Ajay Gupte

     

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    Wavemaker India celebrates its third anniversary on Monday, November 9, and we speak with Ajay Gupte, CEO – South Asia, Wavemaker, on the occasion.

     

    Gupte took charge in January 2020, and we know of the tumultuous times across the world after that. A coincidence of course. The marketing services business was badly hit given the events and advertising spends going south post that.

     

    But in this period, Wavemaker – part of WPP’s GroupM network – has managed to reinvent itself and forge ahead, says Gupte. There is a beefing up of the top deck. Some noteworthy work. And development of analytical tools that are now adopted within Wavemaker global framework.

     

    In a freewheeling interview with MxMIndia Founder and Editor-in-Chief Pradyuman Maheshwari, Ajay Gupte speaks on a cross-section of issues around the business, around Wavemaker, his settling back into the country, the job, Gurugram versus Mumbai, the rivalry with sibling Mindshare. And more.

     

    Watch. Enjoy. Like.

     

  • The TVCs feature Kurkure’s brand ambassador Akshay Kumar and Lay’s brand ambassador Ranbir Kapoor were launched promoting the initiative

    Kurkure & Lay’s kick off festive season campaign with AK & RK

    By A Correspondent

     

    Ahead of the upcoming festive season, Kurkure, has launched two campaigns. The campaigns promote an initiative with Airtel offering a special digital experience for all its prepaid customers. The TVCs feature Kurkure’s brand ambassador Akshay Kumar and Lay’s brand ambassador Ranbir Kapoor were launched promoting the initiative.

     

    Said Shashwat Sharma, Chief Marketing Officer, Bharti Airtel said: “At Airtel, we are obsessed about offering our customers the best network experience. We are thrilled to partner with PepsiCo India to help all their customers experience our award winning 4G data services. This also gives us the opportunity to reward our loyal customers with complimentary data and unlock a world of digital experiences on Airtel Thanks when they buy their favourite packet of snack.”

     

    Added Ritu Nakra, WPP Lead – PepsiCo Foods, India: “In the last few months we have truly understood the value of connecting with our friends and family. Keeping this in mind, the creative team at Wunderman Thompson developed the campaign idea for Lay’s which depicts that the answer to all your questions lies inside a Lay’s pack. Similarly, for Kurkure, the creative thought stemmed from the fact that everyone in the family is having chatpata fun in the kitchen with recipes. The integrated campaign developed by the WPP team at MS, VML and WT, brings this idea alive on this special initiative.”

     

    Said Dilen Gandhi, Senior Director and Category Head – Foods, PepsiCo India: “The ‘new normal’ has catapulted everyone into a more digital world than ever before. At PepsiCo India, as part of our digital first approach, we follow evolving digital trends and develop matching strategies. Our insights showed us that consumers are enjoying our products and seeking convenience while working and watching content at home. The special initiative with Airtel is therefore is perfect fit that will further compliment in-home experience of consumers. With festive season kicking in, the initiative, truly emphasize the importance of staying connected with friends and family.”

     

    The integrated campaign was developed by the WPP team at Mindshare, VML and Wunderman Thompson.

     

     

  • Set of inspirational real-life stories narrated by actor Amitabh Bachchan

    Muthoot Finance launches ‘Sunheri Soch’ radio campaign

    By A Corrrespondent

     

    Muthoot Finance has entered into a partnership with Red FM to launch a series of real-life inspirational stories that break stigmas around gold loans in India.  Muthoot Finance’s brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan narrates these stories in an all-new avatar.

     

    Commenting on the association, Alexander George Muthoot, Deputy Managing Director, The Muthoot Group said: “We have always launched path-breaking campaigns that have brought attitudinal transformation in the lives of people. Gold loans have huge potential as Indian households have 26000 tons of gold and just 2-3% of this is monetised by way of gold loans. We at Muthoot Finance are the guardians of trust who empower society to realise the power of their dreams by unlocking the true value of their emotional currency. Our Sunheri Soch campaign brings inspirational real-life stories to life to help common people realise their dreams”

     

    Added Abhinav Iyer, General Manager, Marketing & Strategy, Muthoot Finance: “Sunheri Soch is a series of life-transforming stories that can inspire a million others. As humans-beings, we feel inspired by great success stories. With a little help from Muthoot Finance, these are people who realised their dreams. With +2.5 Lac customers being served every day, it wasn’t easy to hand-pick a few success stories. Mr Bachchan’s incomparable voice and amazing delivery has just brought in the magical touch to this campaign”

     

    Said Nisha Narayanan, COO & Director, Red FM and Magic FM: “We are excited to announce our collaboration with Muthoot Finance, one of the most trusted financial services brand in India to feature inspirational success stories and break all the prevailing apprehensions associated with gold loans. With deeper engagement being the primary need of clients, we have taken a different approach in sharing some of the extraordinary real stories of Muthoot Finance Gold Loan customers”

     

    Added Ruchi Mathur, Senior VP, Mindshare: “Magic happens when real life and storytelling come together. Especially in times like these when consumers and listeners are looking for something positive to latch on to. With this idea, we are not selling a brand or a product, but we are bringing hope to the many who have a dream, but just need the inspiration and a little help. We at Mindshare Content+ are proud to partner Muthoot Finance Sunheri Soch and hope this platform will bring the change we feel it can.”

     

     

  • 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.”

  • This is being billed as one of the largest protagonist-led initiative to unite India in its fight against Covid-19

    Zee unveils new anthem in collaboration with SBI Life

    By A Correspondent

     

    Zee Entertainment has joined hands with SBI Life Insurance and Mindshare to produce the ‘We Can, We Will!’ anthem, which involves 27 TV artists singing the anthem in their local languages to invigorate the nation to fight against Covid-19.

     

    Expressing his views on the collaboration, Ashish Sehgal – Chief Growth Officer, Advertisement Revenue, Zee Entertainment Enterprises said: “As a network, Zee has always believed in ‘Customer First’ and this venture of creating an anthem of collective unity for SBI Life with Zee is truly one such classic example from our Content & Partnership team. Similarly, SBI Life with the thought of the anthem to inspire the collective willpower of the nation, hit a synergy with Zee when they during difficult times thought of creating this anthem to rally our nation’s battle against the corona outbreak. The anthem has been executed with 27 powerful influencers of Zee in nine languages from their homes and edited remotely to take it live across the network through a roadblock, truly exemplifying Zee’s philosophy of Extraordinary Together through an extraordinary feat.”

     

    Talking about this association, Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand & Corporate Communications, SBI Life Insurance, added: “The Coronavirus outbreak has thrown up multiple, unprecedented challenges for people from all walks of life, the entire nation is exploring solutions to tide through this crisis. In current times of self-isolation, the anthem is our humble effort to lift the spirits of every individual and remind them that as a nation we need to stay together, as with our collective will power we will overcome the biggest of challenges.”

     

    Said Amin Lakhani, Chief Operating Officer Mindshare South Asia: “These are indeed challenging times for mankind. People from all walks of life have been affected in some way or the other. There’s massive uncertainty, anxiety and boredom that is impacting our morale. This initiative is our humble effort to help uplift the spirit of our nation. We Can, We Will! is a unique anthem. For amplifying this message, Zee was the perfect partnership. It deployed its huge network presence throughout India and with the help of 27 celebrities in nine languages reinforced the belief that together India can, and India will win!”