MxMIndia

Tag: Rahul Mathew

  • Appoints Shashank Lanjekar as National Strategy Head

    DDB Mudra Group boosts strategic leadership

    Shashank Lanjekar
    Shashank Lanjekar

    DDB Mudra Group has onboarded Shashank Lanjekar as its National Strategy Head. Lanjekar brings over 25 years of experience in advertising, brand management, and strategic planning to the role and will work out of the Group’s Mumbai office. He will closely work with Rahul Mathew, CCO of the Group, to focus on advancing the agency’s strategic offerings across disciplines to further solidify it with strong creative fundamentals.

    Rahul Mathew
    Rahul Mathew

    Said Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra Group: “We believe in strategy that has the power to move the work and the consumer. Not a strategy that merely sits pretty on PowerPoint slides. Shashank embodies the same belief. He will also help us strengthen many of the rigours needed to have a strong strategic backbone. Really excited to work with him again.”

  • Names: Rahul Mathew, Avinash Pandey, Malvika Mehra, Sudha Natarajan and Tista Sen

    More jury chairs announced for Abby 2024

    Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer of DDB Mudra Group, Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP Network, Malvika Mehra, Sudha Natarajan, Director Response in Times of India Group and Tista Sen join as jury chairs for Brand Activation and Promotion category, Broadcaster category, Young Maverick Abby category, Publisher category and Green Abby category respectively, at The Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show.

    The Abby Awards, part of the annual Goafest, are scheduled to be held in Mumbai on May 29 to 31, 2024.

  • Appoints new National Strategy Head and Creative Head – South

    DDB Mudra Group bolsters its India leadership

    By Our Staff

     

    Strengthening its senior leadership in creative and planning, DDB Mudra Group onboards Menaka Menon (National Strategy Head) and Nitin Pradhan (Creative Head – South). Cumulatively, they bring over 40 years of experience in creative thinking and strategic planning across brands and categories.

     

    Rahul Mathew
    Rahul Mathew

    Talking about the senior appointments Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra Group said: “Bernbach had said that creativity is the most powerful force in business. And those words form the core of what we’re trying to build at the DDB Mudra Group. But how strong the force of creativity is, depends on the talent that wields it and leads it. In Menaka and Nitin, we found strong leaders and wielders of this force. I look forward to working with them and creating some really exciting work on some of our biggest brands.”

     

    Menaka Menon
    Menaka Menon

    Commenting on her new role, Menon added: “DDB Mudra Group is at an exciting juncture, having created beautiful and impactful work, with a clear focus on building on the same. I look forward to being part of a stellar team working towards a shared mission and bringing in a fresh perspective to work.”

     

    Pradhan said: “The vision of making DDB Mudra, the integrated agency of choice in the industry is something that inspired me to take up the South creative mandate. The Bengaluru office has recently proven its intent to push creative boundaries with mainline campaigns on BGMI and Indeed. And given the vast portfolio of brands that it has across categories, I’m quite excited to partner the team in its new phase of growth, where creativity will have a more central role to play.”

     

  • For Season 2 of the rap/hip-hop reality show

    DDB Mudra joins MTV Hustle to launch first AI-powered rapper

    By Our Staff

     

    DDB Mudra Group has partnered with MTV Hustle 2.0, a rap/hip-hop reality show, to launch ‘BotHard’ – an AI-powered rapper. The campaign offers a unique tech innovation and consumer engagement experience. It is conceptualised by the DDB Mudra Group.

     

    Speaking on the initiative, Anshul Ailawadi, Head – Youth, Music and English Entertainment cluster, Viacom18, said: “MTV has always been about bold visions and big moves. ‘BotHard’ is an example of disruptive, transmedia storytelling that complements the raison d’être for Realme MTV Hustle 2.0. With this initiative, we hope to redefine the consumer experience for our Gen-Z and millennial fans.”

     

    Added Utsav Chaudhuri, Marketing Head – Youth, Music, and English Entertainment, Viacom18: “At MTV, we focus on strategic and innovative experiences across multiple youth touch-points. We are at the cusp of exciting possibilities with AI to drive narratives, recall value and immersive consumer engagement. With the confluence of avant-garde technology and a multi-platform approach we developed ‘BotHard’, a first-of-its-kind AI-powered rapper, to further put the spotlight on real, unmatched talent curated by Realme MTV Hustle 2.0.”

     

    Speaking on the campaign, Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra Group said: “While this idea is built on cutting-edge technology, the most exciting part for us was how true it had to stay to hip-hop culture for it to be accepted by the audience. It lives at the right intersection of culture, creativity, and technology.”

     

  • To lead creative at the agency

    22feet Tribal Worldwide appoints Vishnu Srivatsav as NCD

    By Our Staff

     

    22feet Tribal Worldwide has announced the appointment of Vishnu Srivatsav as National Creative Director. Prior to this, he was Creative Head of DDB Mudra’s South office. Srivatsav will take over from Debashish Ghosh, the former NCD at 22feet Tribal Worldwide, and will continue to report to Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra Group.

     

    Rahul Mathew
    Rahul Mathew

    Said Mathew: “Vishnu has been a great partner to the organisation in our pursuit of creative excellence. He recently led our South office to one of our best years creatively. I look forward to him taking this momentum and his infectious energy into the exciting opportunity at 22feet.”

     

    Preetham Venkky

    Added Preetham Venkky, President, 22feet Tribal Worldwide: “Vishnu has always been a huge source of inspiration for the creative team at 22feet. His grasp on culture, specifically internet culture, is arguably the best in the country, and established through his work over the years. We are super excited to have him come aboard, to inspire, shape and establish the culture of excellent creative work for our clients.”

     

  • Bags 2 Grand Prixs, 3 Golds, 5 Silvers and 5 Bronzes

    DDB Mudra wins ‘Asia Pacific Agency of the Year’ title at Spikes Asia 2022

    By Our Staff

     

    DDB Mudra Group announces its win as ‘Asia Pacific Agency of the Year’ title at Spikes Asia 2022. It is the first Indian agency to win this award. With its spectacular performance at Spikes Asia 2022, DDB Mudra Group has been named ‘Spikes Asia Agency of the Year’ along with ‘India’s Agency of the Year’.

     

    The recognition comes on the back of the Group’s ‘Unexpected Works’ positioning, which reflected in its work on McDonald’s ‘EatQual’ (1 Grand Prix, 1 Gold, 3 Silvers, 1 Bronze) Battlegrounds Mobile India’s ‘Machine Gun Mouth’ (1 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronzes), ‘Daughter’s Day’ for Stayfree (1 Silver) and ‘Red Notice Shop’ for Netflix (1 Bronze).

     

    The group shared a Grand Prix and a Gold with its production partner Early Man Film for BGMI’s ‘Machine Gun Mouth’ in the Film Craft category. With this, Early Man Film has also become the first Indian Production House to win the coveted Spikes Palm Award.

     

    Talking about the performance, Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra Group said: “When Aditya (CEO & MD) and I took on our roles, we had a very simple goal – to build a creative company that’s respected in every forum; be it clients, talent, platforms such as Spikes Asia and the industry at large. Over the last four years, we’ve worked towards it by building creativity into our core. To become the first agency from India to win Agency of the Year at Spikes showcases this belief.”

     

  • To drive the creative output from the North office

    DDB Mudra elevates Iraj Fraz Batla to Creative Head- North

    By Our Staff

     

    Iraj Fraz Batla
    Iraj Fraz Batla

    In order to strengthen its creative leadership structure, DDB Mudra has elevated Iraj Fraz Batla to the position of Creative Head – North. In his new role, Fraz will drive the creative output from the North office under the leadership of Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra Group.

     

    Rahul Mathew
    Rahul Mathew

    Speaking on Fraz’s new role, Rahul Mathew said, “As we grow our creative ambition and reputation, it’s critical for us to have leaders who possess the same vision and standards across the Group. Having worked with us at our hugely celebrated West office for 3 years, Fraz is just the person to carry forward our torch for creative excellence. His blend of creativity and resilience will surely help us reach our creative potential in North and touch even greater heights as a Group.”

     

    Talking about his new mandate, Fraz said, “DDB Mudra’s North office is producing strong advertising and is headed in the direction to be the agency of the future. And I’m lucky to be part of this exciting phase. From here on, may the best work win.”

     

     

  • To provide more women and non-binary creatives into advertising

    DDB Mudra Group and ICW collaborate to step up inclusivity

    By Our Staff

     

    In an effort to provide women and non-binary creatives a platform for visibility in the Indian advertising & design industry, DDB Mudra Group in partnership with Indian Creative Women (ICW) is hosting Portfolio Evening 2021 on Friday, July 23.

     

    According to a communique, DDB Mudra Group is committed to filling in five creative positions across its businesses from the initiative. This free, virtual event will provide an exclusive opportunity to meet some of the best names in the industry, and have their portfolios reviewed by a panel of senior creative talent from the industry.

     

    It will provide an exclusive opportunity for applicants to have their portfolios reviewed and be mentored by a panel of senior creative talent from the industry. Jurors include Kainaz Karmakar (CCO, Ogilvy India), Delna Sethna (CCO, WPP Redfuse India), P.G. Aditiya (NCD, Dentsu Webchutney) and Shikha Gupta (Creative Director, Swiggy), among others. The event is open to creatives at an ACD level and below; with an average experience of 0-6 years, including recently graduated students from advertising portfolio schools. Women who have taken a career break are also encouraged to apply.

     

    Said Sakshi Choudhary, Founder – Indian Creative Women said, “The Indian ad industry continues to lose most of its women at the mid-level. While the talk on diversity is slowly gaining momentum, there’s a need for more impactful initiatives at different levels. This portfolio evening will give the industry access to some of the best diverse talent available to hire. In addition, we hope to boost the confidence of women and non-binary creatives through constructive conversation and mentorship.”

     

    Rahul Mathew
    Rahul Mathew

    Added Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer – DDB Mudra Group added, “We’ve been working on many initiatives within the agency to identify and groom more diversity in our creative teams and in our creative leadership. So the Portfolio Evening actually fuels and adds more power to our initiatives.”

     

  • Targeting online consumers from smaller towns and cities.

    DDB Mudra films new TVC for Meesho

    By Our Staff

     

    Social commerce platform Meesho has launched new TVC targeting consumers from small towns and cities who are getting onboard with online shopping.

     

    Conceptualised by DDB Mudra Group, the campaign wants to bring joy of online shopping with varied choices available on the platform.

     

    Commenting on the launch of the new TVC, Vidit Aatrey, Founder & CEO, Meesho said: “As we enter a new phase in Meesho’s growth, one of our priorities has been to serve more people than we have ever before, especially those living in Tier-2, Tier-3 cities, who have the least spending power as compared to the rest of our customer base. Meesho is facilitating the entry of the next 500 million consumers into the ecommerce ecosystem by establishing ourselves as the lowest cost ecommerce destination.”

     

    Added Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra Group: “Meesho brings you fashion at such affordable prices that it fits effortlessly into those little savings in your life. It’s this simple thought that we’ve brought to life through an execution that’s just as simple yet delightful.”

     

  • Appoints Pallavi Chakravarti as Creative Head – West

    DDB Mudra bolsters creative leadership

    By Our Staff

     

    Pallavi Chakravarti
    Pallavi Chakravarti

    DDB Mudra has announced the appointment of Pallavi Chakravarti as Creative Head of the West office. Chakravarti will work closely with Rahul Mathew, CCO, DDB Mudra Group to take on the responsibility of driving the agency’s creative product. Her last stint was at Taproot Dentsu, where she led the creative function for the Mumbai office as Executive Creative Director.

     

    Rahul Mathew
    Rahul Mathew

    Speaking on the appointment, Mathew said: “Over the last couple of years, we’ve been slowly gathering momentum as an organisation – No.2 at Effies, topping the new biz league, back-to-back Grand Prixs at Spikes Asia and our more recent performance at Kyoorius. And Pallavi is just the person to help us keep this momentum going and add more kick to it. She strengthens our belief and our ambition to do unexpected work that gets disproportionate results for our clients.”

     

    Added Chakravarti: “I’m here to build, to enjoy the creative process, to love the business of advertising even more than I already do. I’m here because it felt like the right place to be. And I’m looking forward to the journey – there’s really nothing else to say, is there?”

     

  • Targets social commerce entrepreneurs

    Meesho unveils new TVC campaign

    By Our Staff

     

    Meesho jas launched a new TVC to create awareness among micro-entrepreneurs with a tagline  #MyStoreMyStory.  It has been conceptualised by  DDB Mudra Group.

    Said Vidit Aatrey, Founder & CEO, Meesho: “At Meesho we are aware about the pulse of our audience – women entrepreneurs and we accordingly provide solutions. Access to smartphones and penetration of internet have brought many women entrepreneurs to the digital fold who run their micro enterprises via social commerce. Through our TVC we want to convey to these entrepreneurs to look no further than Meesho as we understand their aspirations to meet their customer’s varied demands and preferences. One can always find something for everyone at Meesho.”

    Added Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra Group: “To take forward our journey of encouraging women entrepreneurs, we wanted to bring out how simple and powerful an ally Meesho is. The film effectively communicates that Meesho is as vast and resourceful as your contact list.”

     

     

  • Brings back popular ‘Boom Boom Boomer’ tune

    Mars Wrigley launches New Boomer campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Boomer, the bubblegum brand, is back with the unforgettable ‘Boom Boom Boomer’ tune in a series of new TVCs.

     

    Talking about the Boomer relaunch and the new campaign, Yogesh Tewari, Marketing Director, Mars Wrigley, said: “Boomer has, over the years, become a favourite for our consumers in India. With this relaunch, we aim to build the gum category relevance for in-home consumption through the day, which also reflects in the execution of our films – morning, afternoon and evenings. With the tag line of ‘Boom Macha De’ and the famous ‘Boom Boom Boomer’ tune being centered on the concept of nostalgia, we are confident that our consumers will enjoy the films as much as they love the product. Mars Wrigley enjoys a loyal fanbase and with these light-hearted films, we hope to celebrate the love and joy associated with the brand.”

     

    Talking about the films, Rahul Mathew, National Creative Director, DDB Mudra Group added: “It’s not always that you work on a brand that has such strong and memorable associations. We wanted to make sure that our work reinforces these associations in a way that it appeals to today’s youngsters. And, of course, do it in a way that brings alive the fun and quirky nature of the brand.”