MxMIndia

Tag: Rathi Gangappa

  • Has won across Consumer Products,  New-Age and App Economy

    Starcom India tops in RECMA New Business Balance Report 2021

    By Our Staff

     

    Starcom India has ranked #1 in new business in RECMA’s New Business Balance Report for 2021. Starcom, as per a communique from the agency, has gained the top position in competitive pitch wins across Consumer Products (CPG),  New-Age and App Economy which includes clients in Auto,  D2C, FinTech, Ecommerce, Gaming etc.

     

    Said Rathi Gangappa, Chief Executive Officer, Starcom India, said, “It is an honour to be recognised as the number 1 media agency in new business wins, in the prestigious RECMA Report 2021. Starcom’s strong consumer understanding, data-led insights, integrated talent, focus on efficiency using competitive pricing and flawless activation has led to us emerging in the top position. We will continue our strong growth trajectory, through very human , personalised brand experiences at scale and market-leading work.”

     

     

  • She will report to Rathi Gangappa, CEO of Starcom Indi

    Niti Kumar is Starcom COO

    By Our Staff

     

    Niti Kumar
    Niti Kumar

    Publicis Group’s Starcom has strengthened its leadership team by appointing Niti Kumar as Chief Operating Officer. In this role, she will be responsible for client deliverables, revenue growth and new business development across the agency’s offices. Kumar will report to Rathi Gangappa, CEO of Starcom India and will work closely with the senior leadership at Publicis Media to consolidate businesses and drive integrated solutions.

     

    On the appointment, Gangappa said: “I believe that there is immense growth potential in the market today, especially considering the shifts we are likely to see in consumer and work place habits in a post- pandemic era. This is the right time for Starcom to recruit the right talent, drive future-focused capabilities and to grow the agency’s business through innovative and organic streams. Niti has a successful track record of driving new business growth and fits right into this vision. I am confident that her rich experience in marketing communications will be an asset that will add immense value to our clients and people alike. ”

     

    Before joining Starcom, Kumar was Senior Vice President at Penguin Random House India. She has also worked in leadership roles at GroupM (Managing Partner North & East at Mediacom) and Mudra Communications (Office Head, Media, Delhi & Kolkata).

     

    Embarking on her new role as COO, Kumar added: “I’ve always believed in the power of communications to influence a brand’s business impact and their relationship with consumers. Starcom has a diverse and interesting portfolio of clients, and I’m looking forward to working with them to drive more value, innovation and effectiveness for their media investments while also using the agency’s unique offerings to grow and strengthen the teams and the business”

     

  • After a successful creative partnership with Leo Burnett India, Cholayil now ropes in Starcom and Digitas as its media & digital partners

    Cholayil gets Starcom and Digitas to manage entire communications mandate

    By A Correspondent

     

    Building on the success of its creative partnership with Leo Burnett India, Cholayil has now extended its entire integrated communications mandate to more Publicis Groupe agencies. It has now brought on-board Starcom India as its media agency while Digitas India has been appointed to manage the digital communications mandate for the entire product portfolio under Cholayil.

     

    As part of the mandate, Starcom will manage strategy and media planning and buying across media platforms while Digitas will be providing a robust suite of digital marketing services for popular Cholayil brands such as Medimix, Cuticura, and Krishna Thulasi.

     

    Said Pradeep Cholayil, Chairman and Managing Director, Cholayil: “Cholayil has strong equity and base in Ayurvedic and natural products and as we contemporise our offering further and reach out to newer segments, we needed a partner that leads in integrated communications play and leverages the power of data for engaging, personalised consumer experiences. Publicis Groupe with its ‘Power of One’ model and offering brings in new perspectives and future-facing capabilities. As we embark on our expansion plans, we look forward to benefiting from their experience and expertise.”

     

    Commenting on the new partnership and the Power of One offering on behalf of the Groupe, Dheeraj Sinha, MD India & CSO, Leo Burnett, South Asia said: “We have had a great relationship with Cholayil over the last year. I am hugely excited that this relationship is now turning into a full Power of One collaboration model with Digitas and Starcom coming on board along with Leo Burnett. We are confident that this will enable us to weave a seamless narrative for the brand across platforms to deliver on the business through a cross functional team. We are looking forward to creating some outstanding work for each of the Cholayil brands.”

     

    On winning the media business, Rathi Gangappa, CEO, Starcom India added: “This is a prestigious win for us. We were able to demonstrate strong media value for Cholayil and with our Human Experience proposition, we look forward to helping them unlock newer, more contemporary consumer connections. Starcom will help them exceed their marketing objectives and remains committed to their growth and success.”

     

    Said Sonia Khurana, COO – Digitas India: “The entire team at Digitas India is thrilled to partner with Cholayil. It’s not everyday that one gets a chance to work with brands that have such a rich heritage. We are looking forward to providing digital solutions that will help Medimix, Cuticura and Krishna Thulasi connect with new age consumers to drive business growth.”

  • Jeep Bollywood Trails is a travelogue, redefining India through Bollywood lens covering popular locations and landscapes

    Jeep & Publicis Media partner for show on AXN, Max…

    By A Correspondent

     

    Jeep India and Publicis Media have announced the launch of a television show Jeep Bollywood Trails, which will be aired on AXN, Max HD and will stream on Sony Liv starting January 25.

    Jeep Bollywood Trails is a travelogue, redefining India through Bollywood lens covering popular locations and landscapes. The show features prominent Bollywood directors who narrate their stories through these locations & elaborate on what makes these spots iconic. The show is powered up by Publicis Media’s Content Practice which executed the project end-to-end.

    Said Rahul Pansare, Head of Marketing and PR, Jeep India: “Brand Jeep believes in taking the road less traveled and has explored innovative ideas to create enriching & evocative brand experiences. Jeep Bollywood Trails is a breakthrough, an incredibly exciting concept that channelizes the sheer firepower, passion & energy of the brand Jeep. It is the ultimate Bollywood journey with Jeep, which allows every viewer to relive the passion and adventure that stars experience across the myriad rich and vibrant filming locales. We thank Publicis Media and AXN for their efforts and contribution on this first-of-its-kind television property.”

    Added Rathi Gangappa, CEO, Starcom India: “We are delighted to be at the forefront of this innovative & exciting property for Jeep. The Starcom HX approach is about human connections—experiences that people love and actions that brands need. Jeep Bollywood Trails is a big step in the same direction. The show is sure to be a resounding success among viewers, amplifying viral conversations & brand messaging and increasing the overall followership and popularity of the Jeep.”

    Said Urvashi Khanna, Content Lead at Publicis Media India: “Jeep Bollywood Trails, in terms of creative execution & production quality surpasses the best travel & exploration shows. The show goes beyond brand integration, it’s a creative rendition of the brand pillars – adventure, freedom, passion and authenticity. AXN was an obvious choice as the show fits the channel’s philosophy really well. We are looking at 360- degree brand promotion; the ideas are really innovative and first of its kind, to maximize the buzz around the show.”

  • The Ronnie Screwvala-co-promoted edtech venture has a Rs 100 crore marketing campaign and this appointment is part of the first phase of the same

    Starcom bags Rs 100 cr Upgrad account

    By A Correspondent

     

    Starcom India has bagged the media strategy and buying of Upgrad, one of the country’s largest online higher education companies. The mandate, which had been bagged by GroupM’s Essence last year, that has now been awarded to Starcom does not include digital.

     

    The Ronnie Screwvala-co-promoted edtech venture has a Rs 100 crore marketing campaign and this appointment is part of the first phase of the same. With an ambitious branding and communication roadmap,  the first phase in this roadmap targets Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities pan-India, across online and offline media. The media efforts would be directed to drive awareness and preference for Upgrad.

     

    Said Rathi Gangappa, CEO of Starcom India: “We are elated at winning the media mandate of the leader in the online education space. Upgrad was impressed with our strong, differentiated approach to planning, especially in the area of television, where we will look to drive significant and measurable ROI. The Starcom Human Experience (HX) premise and messaging, as well as our rich analytics and tech capabilities will bring in a huge impact for Upgrad on their media investments.”

     

    Added Upgrad Co-founder and MD, Mayank Kumar: “Online as a category is growing at a fast pace. Our campaign round the year in 2020 is to create larger awareness in the working professionals’ group on the urgency of constant learning, what we at Upgrad call LifeLong Learning.  We decided to partner with Starcom since their team stood out with their data-centric approach and ability to deliver on core business KPIs. They were able to demonstrate an effective, integrated approach to planning where all media is used to grow both short-term and long-term prospects.”

     

     

  • He most recently served as lead of Programmatic Sales at Times Internet

    Starcom appoints Anil Shankar as VP, Digital Media Solutions

    By A Correspondent

     

    Anil Shankar

    Starcom India has announced the appointment of digital leader Anil Shankar as its Vice President, Digital Media Solutions.

     

    Shankar has more than 16 years of experience in digital marketing and technology working across digital media platforms. He most recently served as lead of Programmatic Sales at Times Internet and has also worked with leading media companies such as WPP, GroupM and Affle.

     

    Rathi Gangappa

    Said Rathi Gangappa, CEO, Starcom India: “We are delighted to have Anil join us. He brings a wealth of digital expertise, strong leadership and new perspectives to Starcom and will lead our overall digital agenda, vision and offering. His extensive experience across agency, client and publisher ecosystems makes him an invaluable asset. Anil is passionate about Starcom’s Human Experience approach,  future-facing work streams and culture of collaboration. He will add tremendous value to our clients.”

     

    Added Shankar: “These are thrilling times. We have merely scratched the surface of digital possibilities. From banners to big data, big screens to mobile screens, even our smallest of towns are getting digitally equipped. This makes India the most exciting digital market in the world. I am confident that Starcom’s robust client portfolio, talent, infrastructure with strong technology and programmatic solutions will surely help in further deepening the client’s confidence.”

     

     

  • The cosmetics and wellness products e-tailer has attained much equity in just three-odd years of existence

    Starcom wins Nykaa’s media mandate

    By A Correspondent

     

    Starcom has won the media duties of Nykaa, the cosmetics and wellness products e-tailer, that has attained much equity in just three-odd years of existence. Said Rathi Gangappa, CEO, Starcom India: “This is a prestigious win for us. Through innovative ideas and fresh thinking and insights on the brand, we demonstrated strong media value and will help Nykaa exceed its core marketing KPIs. We look forward to partnering with Nykaa on their expansion plans and are committed to their growth and success.”

     

    Added Hitesh Malhotra, Chief Marketing Officer, Nykaa.com: “Starcom brings in a mature team that understands the periphery of beauty and the dynamicity of eCommerce – both of which are sacrosanct to Nykaa. In a fragmented landscape where the consumer’s attention is split across multiple devices, it is imperative that knowledge of omnichannel messaging is delivered through the sheer power of media, partnerships and innovation. Starcom’s valuable media inputs, experience and expertise will enhance our brand further; their hunger and startup culture of collaboration truly mirrors our own. We are confident that Starcom will help us unlock new consumer connections and will maximise returns on our media investments.”

     

     

  • Gangappa’s last role was as COO at MediaCom, where she was in charge of day to day operations

    Rathi Gangappa named CEO, Starcom India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Rathi Gangappa

    Starcom has appointed Rathi Gangappa as Chief Executive Officer in India. Gangappa comes with over 20 years experience in media and brand communications. She was until recently COO at MediaCom, where she was in charge of day-to-day operations and managing key client relationships across Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. Her past stints also include Vodafone, Onmobile Global Ltd, Maxus and Lowe Lintas.

     

    Anupriya Acharya

    Said Anupriya Acharya, CEO, Publicis Media India on the appointment:  “We’re delighted to have Rathi join us. Her immense experience across agency, client and publisher eco-systems and demonstrated capabilities across the entire gamut of marketing and crand communications is exemplary. She shares our view on the consumer journey being ever-evolving and the challenges it poses to brands and is passionate about Starcom’s Human Experience approach. She will no doubt be an asset and will add value to our clients and people alike.”

     

    Added Gangappa: “I am very excited to join Starcom, especially at a time when the agency has gained so much momentum. Starcom’s Human Experience focus connects human values with brand objectives, delivering seamless integrated communications. I look forward to driving business results for clients and adding to the Starcom culture of innovation and collaboration. It has a wonderful set of clients both locally and globally and a really strong backing of Publicis Media.”

     

     

  • Priya Choudhury to be lead on the P&G business, K Srinivas Rao to take charge of national buying role from Choudhury

    MediaCom beefs up top deck

    By A Correspondent

     

    Media agency MediaCom has announced changes and additions to its leadership team in India. Priya Choudhury who used to lead buying nationally moves as the lead on the P&G business. K Srinivas Rao (Srini as he is known) joins MediaCom to take over the national buying role from Choudhury. Both will report to Rathi Gangappa, COO, MediaCom India

     

    Rao moves to MediaCom from Maxus, where he used to lead trading for the north. He has over 18 years of experience across agencies and media owners. He will be based in Delhi. Said Debraj Tripathy, Managing Director, MediaCom on the moves “I am delighted to see Priya grow from her current role and have Srini on board. I am confident both of them will shine in their new roles”

     

    Commenting on her new role, Choudhury added “it’s a pleasure and privilege to be working with a prestigious portfolio such as P&G’s. My three-year stint as the buying lead at MediaCom has been very rewarding and I hope to continue the excitement as the P&G AOR lead”

     

    Said Rao: “MediaCom is known for its people centric culture. I’m looking forward to being part of this wonderful team of people and clients and taking the buying products to the next level.”

     

  • Rathi will report into Debraj Tripathy, MD, MediaCom India and will oversee P&G and rest of the West businesses

    Rathi Gangappa joins MediaCom as Head West

    By a correspondent

     

    MediaCom has appointed Rathi Gangappa as Head West. She will report into Debraj Tripathy, MD, MediaCom India and will oversee P&G and rest of the West businesses that include the VW group, HRI, Vespa and others.

     

    Prior to joining Mediacom Rathi was at Vodafone as the Head of Media and was subsequently in charge of developing Vodafone’s Mobile Marketing product. She has been instrumental in building Vodafone’s leading media identity and driving their strategic media solutions. Rathi started her career in Lintas Media after which she moved to Maximize (now Maxus) when GroupM India was formed. In a career spanning over 18 years Rathi has worked with clients like Unilever, Hutch/ Vodafone, Tata Motors, Britannia and Walt Disney.

     

    Speaking on Rathi’s appointment, Debraj Tripathy, MD, MediaCom India said, “I am delighted to welcome Rathi to the MediaCom family. I am confident her varied experience across organisations, both agencies and advertisers, and across categories will help us deliver greater value to our clients.”