MxMIndia

Tag: S Yesudas

  • Top media and marketing pros are set to run the Mumbai Marathon on Sunday. Some are stressing about it, some running to destress & many others just for fun

    Marathon time for Mumbai’s media mavens

     

    By Shobhana Nair

     

    “I ran just once in my college when I saw a wild elephant,” says Ravi Rao, Leader, South Asia -Mindshare, “After that it’s going to be the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon that I will be running for!”

     

    Members of the advertising, media and marketing community are regulars at marathons held in various cities across the country. Especially the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon which sees them enter in reasonably large numbers. Sunday, January 19 promises to see an encore. Mr Rao may be debuting this time, but there are several others who’ve been running for some years now. For Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO, Viacom 18, running has been a passion and he re-discovered it some 10 years back. Last year, Mr Vats did the full run in three hours, 59 minutes. Breaking his own record is not on the agenda but having a good run tops the list! “I think it is a great addiction and I am addicted to it. I would invite others to get addicted to it as well,” beams Mr Vats.

     

    It’s interesting to see many top captains for whom stress at work is never really a bother getting the heebie-jeebies. Well, almost. Says Times Television Network MD and CEO Sunil Lulla who is also a debutant: “I am completely stressed out right now and getting a lot of anxiety. I have no other expectations and want to have a good run, start well and finish well.”

     

    For many, running the Marathon is not just about fitness, but there’s a good cause as well.  S Yesudas, Managing Director, Indian Subcontinent, Vizeum has been offering support and commitment to two causes that are close to his heart. “An old age home and orphanage at Malad, Swagat Ashram Charitable Trust in Mumbai and the other is a tribal school, Vidya Vanam at Coimbatore. The person who manages Swagat Ashram, Brother Stanley stays in the same shelter with his family.  His children grew up with the orphans, eating the same food. These are men of God and they need support from other God-believers.”

     

    The training for the marathon begins way before the actual date and that really tests one’s power to achieve what is often the impossible. And there are some who believe it actually helps easing work stress. “The aim is to keep yourself fit, keep enjoying the run for a longer period of time. Once you do a long run during the weekend, it sets you right,” says Amin Lakhani, Leader – South Asia, Mindshare Fulcrum.

     

    “The marathon is a lot about challenging your mind over your body. The fact is that you will be running a long distance but how you keep yourself mentally focussed on the objective? You become more focussed in your personal and professional lives. It gives you an adrenaline rush when you reach that finish line,”reasons Simran Hoon, National Sales Head, Colors.

     

    There are many who participate not for the run, but the fun element. Paritosh Joshi, Principal, Provocateur Advisory admits that he is not a runner but loves to participate to soak in the atmosphere around him. “There are people who come on the streets to run and then there are those who are present just to encourage the runners. The spirit and the energy is what I like to soak in. In fact, I click pictures & tweet them. That’s how I enjoy it.” And not surprisingly, this is Paritosh Joshi’s ninthth consecutive “fun year” at the Marathon.

     

    Sanjay Tripathy, Senior Executive Vice President – Head Marketing, Products & Direct Channels at HDFC Life has another motivational reason to get up and run, “It is a competition with yourself rather than with anyone else. I think it is only the Mumbai Marathon that gives you a chance to run on the Sea Link and that should motivate you. Run just to feel how beautiful Mumbai looks in the morning!”

     

    If this hasn’t motivate you enough, then this should: veteran mediaperson Bharat Kapadia started running when he was 54 and still continues to do so in his 61st year. In fact, he accepts that if he can run, anybody can. So get hold of those sports shoes and run to experience the spirit of Mumbai this Sunday. Or simply do the run around your building, the road, the promenade or a jog track near you. And get set for 2015 edition of the Marathon.

     

  • Vizeum enters Kerala by announcing a strategic tie-up with Kerala Publicity Bureau

    Vizeum sets up in Kochi with Kerala Publicity Bureau

    By A Correspondent

     

    Vizeum India has announced the setting up of its fourth office in India at Kochi. The Aegis Media group firm already has offices in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. Launched four years in India with S Yesudas as Managing Director – Indian subcontinent the Kochi office happens post a strategic businesses tie-up with Kerala Publicity Bureau (KPB), the first accredited agency in Kerala.

     

    Announcing the Kochi launch and the  KPB association, Mr Yesudas said: “Kerala  is gaining popularity as an advertising market. The strategic tie up with KBP gives us ready access to their clients and a whole lot of others whose precious resources are “spent” today through some gut feel decisions or computer algorithms. The team announcement will happen soon”

     

    Talking about the tie-up, Jabyson Philip, Joint Managing Director, KPB and Jaison Philip, Executive Director, KPB said: “We felt the need to embark on this route sometime back, considering the changing dynamics and global needs.  This also coincides with our 50-year celebrations. We are excited about this partnership and welcome Vizeum into Kerala with warmth”

     

  • Has launched new units and moved into a new state-of-the-art-office.

    Vizeum propels Aegis Media’s expansion in Chennai

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Vizeum operation, which began in August 2009 in Chennai, has not only managed to create an interesting niche for itself, but has paved the way for Aegis Media India to make larger investments in the market. Consequently, Aegis Media India is moving to a  bigger, state-of-the-art-office, which will house Vizeum, Isobar (Digital), Iprospect (Search), Iprospect (OOH), Hyperspace (Retail), Carat  and Carat Fresh Integrated (Activation). The new office will function from the Raheja Towers, Chennai, from July 2.

     

    Commenting on the development Ashish Bhasin, Chairman India & CEO South East Asia, Aegis Media said: “We believe Chennai will be an extremely important market in the years to come and the spectacular success of Vizeum has proven that.  Vizeum has won several businesses and expanded rapidly in Chennai. As a part of the Aegis Media’s geographical expansion plan, we are very happy to launch Carat Media in Chennai and further strengthen the Posterscope Group and Carat Fresh in Chennai. We are investing in a world class, state-of-the- art office, with the latest systems, technologies and connectivity. Shortly our clients in Chennai will have available to them all specializations under one roof. We will soon announce the launch of a few more of our services later this year. Our One Aegis promise will, from July 2nd, be available to our clients in Chennai, too. ”

     

    S Yesudas, Managing Director, Indian sub continent, Vizeum added: “I have to place on record my appreciation for Team Vizeum Chennai who saw the merit in our story and chucked their other established jobs to put their hands on ours when we were just beginning.  We will stay focused on this market in terms of our investment in our product as well as talent. My gratitude also goes out to each of our clients who have stood by us, with a special thanks to Amrutanjan  and Sambhu for being the inspiration for our launch in Chennai.”

     

  • For records, Vizeum is already the media AoR for Dalmia Cement in Chennai

    Vizeum bags media duties for Dalmia Bharat

    By A Correspondent

     

    Dalmia Bharat Group have announced the empanelment of Aegis Media’s Vizeum India as its media AoR.

     

    Dalmia Bharat Group – a diversified business group – has further extended its current scope of partnership with Vizeum India. For records, Vizeum is already the media AoR for Dalmia Cement in Chennai. It is believed that the client satisfaction in the cement business led to Vizeum being enrolled for the Group assignment.

     

    Confirming the same, BK Singh, Executive Director, Group Marketing and Corporate Communications, Dalmia Bharat, said: “It was a natural choice given our satisfactory partnership in cement business that we didn’t need to look beyond Vizeum for the media duties of the group.  They have a proven track record with Dalmia Cement. The team is proactive, extremely passionate and provides a good balance of thinking and doing.  We look forward to working with them.”

     

    Commenting on the win, S Yesudas, Managing Director – Indian Subcontinent, Vizeum said: “We are truly humbled beyond words in expressing our delight for the faith our clients are placing on us. I take this opportunity to welcome Dalmia Bharat Group into the Vizeum family. We are thankful to BK and his team for considering us worthy. This assignment will be handled out of our Delhi and Chennai Offices.”

     

  • The company has plans to ramp up its retail presence in the country substantially and the appointment of Vizeum is in line with this strategy

    Vizeum bags media duties of Veev

    By A Correspondent

     

    Veev, the premium leather goods brand which is promoted by Chennai based Srivathsa Industries, announced the appointment of Aegis Media’s Vizeum India as its media AOR.

     

    The company has plans to ramp up its retail presence in the country substantially and the appointment of Vizeum is in line with this strategy.

     

    Confirming the same, Prakash Venkatesan, CEO, Veev said: “We are delighted to partner with Vizeum as we focus on building our retail presence. We had strong referrals of Vizeum. Once we met them, we realized why they enjoyed such equity. We look forward to working with them and wish them the very best.”

     

    Commenting on the win,S Yesudas, Managing Director – Indian Subcontinent, Vizeum said: “We are humbled at the faith bestowed upon us by our clients and other business partners. I take this opportunity to welcome Veev into the Vizeum family. We are thankful to Prakash and team for considering us worthy. This business will be handled out of our Chennai Office.”

     

    Vizeum successfully operates in 55 countries with a philosophy of in-depth understanding of the co existence of lives, brands and media in the actual world.

     

  • As Bloomberg UTV prepares itself for an aggressive growth strategy, Vizeum is roped in as the Media AoR and will play a vital role in the channel's future growth plans

    Vizeum bags media duties of Bloomberg UTV

    By A Correspondent

     

    Aegis Media’s Vizeum India announced their appointment as media AoR for Bloomberg UTV. As Bloomberg UTV prepares itself for an aggressive growth strategy, Vizeum is roped in as the Media AoR and will play a vital role in the channel’s future growth plans.

     

    Confirming the same, Sriram Kilambi, President, Bloomberg UTV said: “We were on the lookout for a passionate, result-oriented partner who would think like us and find value for us. Vizeum came to us with strong references and once we met, we knew they had what we were looking for. We are looking forward to working together.”

     

    Commenting on the win,S Yesudas, Managing Director – Indian Subcontinent, Vizeum said: “We had a dream of attracting clients and talent to Vizeum automatically in our 4th year of operation, rather than us having to go out, based on what we do. As we are embarking on the 4th year, I am delighted with the progress we are making. I take this opportunity to welcome Bloomberg UTV into the Vizeum family. We are thankful to Sriram and his team for considering us worthy. This business will be handled out of our Mumbai office.”

     

    Vizeum successfully operates in 55 countries with a philosophy of in-depth understanding of the co existence of lives, brands and media in the actual world.

     

  • Aegis Media's Vizeum celebrates its third anniversary as some of its clients applaud its efforts and contribution

    Clients applaud Vizeum as it celebrates third anniv

    From the MxM Infodesk

     

    Media agency Vizeum celebrates its third anniversary and the agency is celebrating the event along with parents Aegis Media India which acknowledges the agency’s positive contribution to the kitty.

     

    “Clients just seem to love them,” said Ashish Bhasin, Chairman India and CEO South East Asia, Aegis Media. “I congratulate Yesu (S Yesudas) on the extraordinary leadership provided by him.  I also congratulate each member of the Vizeum team on the wise career choice made by them.”

     

    Explaining further on the mandate for Vizeum India, said S Yesudas, Managing Director “We do not have any dreams to be the largest or among the largest media specialists in terms of financial size.  But we really want to be known as a credible consultant who builds bridges of relevance with its clients”

     

    But finally it’s the clients word that is the final call on how a service provider like a media agency is doing. Here are views from three of these:

    Shivnath Thukral, Group President – Corporate Branding and Strategic Initiatives, Essar Group:  “Vizeum rides the highs and lows of my organization, understanding the circumstances under which we operate.  It is achieved through a complete understanding externally and internally. They think the way we think.  They enmesh themselves in the work we do. They help meet our aspirations”

     

    Vivek Krishnani, Head of Marketing, Distribution and Syndication, Fox Star Studios India: “Vizeum came to us with an approach to help make a difference to our business and they did just that!! In an industry where logic of share of voice  can be to outshout by increasing media spend and thereby being susceptible to wastage – With Vizeum’s help we have been able to optimize our spends and get more for less !! I admire their persuasiveness and the desire to do more which reinforces their partnership spirit and drive to achieve excellence!!”

     

    Aditya Swamy, EVP & Business Head, MTV India:  “Vizeum is an agency that focuses on finding a non traditional approach to a brief. Eager to show maximum bang for the buck, their recommendations are truly customized to meet the challenge at hand. Strategic partnerships, clutter breaking innovations and leveraging relationships have been some of their key strengths. I congratulate Yesu and his team  for completing 3 action packed years in India and look forward to working together in the future too”

     

    Rajesh Mani, GM- Marketing & Retail TI Cycles and BSA Motors  (Murugappa Group): “The decision to move to Vizeum was much deliberated upon at our end after they made their pitch which impressed us.  It is a two year old relationship now and the comfort with them has only grown.  Their team as well as the top leadership stay involved in our business as our own team gives us great comfort. We wish them the very best ”

     

  • [Flashed y’day] Vizeum gets ready to talk “with” consumers; Anand Kumar on board

    By a correspondent

     

    Aegis Media’s Vizeum India has announced an added layer in its suit of services in the area of active consumer engagement and has roped in Anand Kumar as Associate General Manager – Engagement Planning.

     

    Affirmed S Yesudas, Managing Director, Indian sub-continent, Vizeum, “As the communication channel choices increase and the limited time at the consumers’ disposal further shrink,  we believe we need to focus on engaging with consumers at different occasions and different state of mind based on the same strategic thread of the overall communication. Anand’s appointment is in line with this thinking.” Adding further Yesudas said, “Passive advertising sells a particular product and makes the consumer walk to the point of sale. However, there is a good chance that the consumer might walk out with a totally different brand because of some dynamics at the point of sale. On the other hand, had there been reinforcement of the message once again in the consumers’ mind as actively as possible just before the decision to pull out the wallet, chances are that the same brand would have been benefited. Both these scenarios call for different consumer engagements -the former talking “AT” the consumer and the later, talking “WITH” the consumer. Talking “WITH” the consumer is all about actively engaging them at a different state of mind.”

     

    Commenting on the motivation to join Vizeum, Anand Kumar asserted, “Vizeum India today is a strong and credible agency in just less than two and-a-half years. Their well articulated understanding of talking “At” and “With” consumers can further enhance thought leadership status. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team in Vizeum as they move to next level of aggressive growth and consolidation story.”

     

    Anand has a Bachelors in Visual Communications, Masters in Journalism & Communications and MBA (Sales & Mkt.) and has close to 9 years experience in the relevant field of operation. His last assignment was at the Network 18 Group. Anand will be based in Mumbai and will report directly to Yesudas, while working closely with the Heads of the 3 Vizeum offices.

     

    Vizeum successfully operates in 55 countries with a philosophy of in-depth understanding of the co-existence of lives, brands and media in the actual world, through its process – motivation to media.

     

  • Ricoh has aggressive growth plans with clear focus in the areas of multi-functional products, laser printers and managed document services

    Vizeum wins media duties of Ricoh India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Ricoh India is a leading player in the area of imaging solutions. The company has aggressive growth plans with clear focus in the areas of multi-functional products, laser printers and managed document services.

     

    As part of its growth strategy, Ricoh India has brought on board Vizeum India, a world renowned media agency that operates in 55 countries, to handle its mandate for India. For Vizeum, this win comes on the heels of various other announcements in the last two weeks, including Topps, Sonic and Comedy Central (Viacom 18)

     

    Confirming the appointment of Vizeum India, V. Balakrishnan, Vice President – National Marketing, Ricoh India Limited said: “In the past, we have had very productive engagement with people currently associated with Vizeum. Vizeum’s philosophy of working with clients to address their business issues, rather than passive media spends is also very much what we were looking for. With this combination and a good team on ground to take this thinking forward, Vizeum was our obvious choice. We are quite excited about the future with the number of initiatives being planned. We look forward to working with Vizeum and wish them the very best.”

     

    Commenting on the win, S. Yesudas, Managing Director, India Sub-continent, Vizeum, said: “We are extremely delighted with this win. We thank the Ricoh management for their faith in us. This opens up a range of original communication possibilities as the category is largely focused on passive advertising. As with every win, we stay acutely aware of our responsibilities. This business will be handled out of ourDelhioffice under the leadership of Harit Pant.”

     

  • Real estate developer from Chennai, X S Real has appointed Aegis Media's Vizeum India as its media AOR.

    Vizeum bags media duties of X S Real

    By A Correspondent

     

    Real estate developer from Chennai, X S Real has appointed Aegis Media’s Vizeum India as its media AOR. Vizeum India will handle X S Real’s media mandate to help them talk to their consumers in as captive a manner as possible.

     

    Having carved a niche for themselves with refreshing home ideas, the three brands of X S Real – xqsit, Vibe and Fairsquare – aim to meet unique requirements of home seekers. The flagship brand xqsit offers luxury thematic bungalow apartments while Vibe focuses on designing mid sized dwellings that are elegant yet vibrant. Fairsquare delivers compact little dreams for the first time home buyers.

     

    S Suresh, Chief Marketing Officer, X S Real said, “This is not one of the best times for our industry and we needed a partner who will understand our business and think on our behalf. With Vizeum, we found their thinking contemporary and their team passionate.”

     

    Commenting on the win, S Yesudas, Managing Director – Indian Subcontinent, Vizeum said, “We are thankful to the X S Real management for considering us worthy to partner them in realising their ambition.” This business, according to Mr Yesudas, will be handled out of Vizeum’s Chennai office.