MxMIndia

Tag: Tarun Jha

  • To pursue other interests

    Tarun Jha moves on from Havas Worldwide

    Tarun Jha, who had joined as the Chief Executive Officer of Havas Worldwide not too long again, has decided to move on, to pursue other interests. Anupama Ramaswamy, Chief Creative Officer, Anirban Mozumdar, Chief Strategy Officer and Kundan Joshee, Managing Partner, will continue to lead Havas Worldwide India jointly and will report to Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, Southeast Asia, and North Asia (Japan & South Korea).

    Said Barua: “Tarun was an intrinsic part of the team, playing a key role in establishing a robust foundation for Havas Worldwide India. He actively contributed to important discussions and helped in putting together a strong and capable second line of leaders. I wish him all the best for the next chapter.”

  • Joshee will be based in Mumbai and will report to Tarun Jha, CEO, Havas Worldwide India

    Kundan Joshee joins Havas Mg Partner & Head – W&S

    By Our Staff

     

    Kundan Joshee
    Kundan Joshee

    Havas Worldwide India, the creative arm of Havas India, has appointed Kundan Joshee as Managing Partner and Head – West & South. He joins the agency from Wunderman Thompson. Joshee will be based in Mumbai and will report to Tarun Jha, CEO, Havas Worldwide India. He will work closely with Anupama Ramaswamy, Chief Creative Officer and Anirban Mozumdar, Chief Strategy Officer.

     

    Tarun Jha
    Tarun Jha

    Speaking about the appointment, Jha said: “Havas Worldwide India has been witnessing an impressive growth trajectory and the agency has entirely restructured its leadership team to support this rapid expansion. Kundan is a seasoned industry professional, with a great track record of building businesses and managing large outfits. He will be a natural fit in our ambitious senior leadership team of Anupama, Anirban and Jaibeer Ahmad, Managing Partner – North and East. With Jaibeer helming the North and East India markets, Kundan’s addition will help us drive value, optimise revenue, and expand the ever-growing client portfolio of Havas Worldwide India as he takes the reigns of our business in the West and South regions. We all welcome him aboard and look forward to him making a meaningful difference to the brands that we lovingly nurture.”

     

  • He will report to Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India

    Havas gets Tarun Jha as CEO, Havas Creative India

    By Our Staff

     

    Havas Group India has announced the appointment of Tarun Jha as Chief Executive Officer of Havas Creative India, which includes agencies Havas Worldwide India (Mumbai/Gurgaon/Bangalore), Havas CX (Customer Experience), Conran Design Group Mumbai (Branding & Design) and Havas QED (Kolkata). Jha, in his most recent position, was Head of Marketing at Škoda Auto India, where he spent 15 years. He was leading the Marketing and Product Planning function for the Indian market, setting marketing and communications strategy. He will report to Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India.

     

    Commenting on the appointment, Barua said: “Over the last four years, Havas Creative Group India has evolved from a one-client agency into an integrated network of 7 agencies, including Havas Worldwide India, Havas CX, Think Havas, Conran Design Group Mumbai, Shobiz Havas, Cake India and Havas QED. Today, these agencies handle an enviable roster of marquee clients including Reckitt, Dabur, Tata, Citroën, P&G, Nestle, IKEA and several others. Our momentum is unparalleled, as evidenced by the consistent #1 ranking on the creative agency list in R3 New Business League in 2022. As Havas Creative Group India gears up for a new phase of growth, it was imperative to have someone such as Tarun, with an insider’s perspective, helming the new direction the network takes, truly pushing the envelope of what Havas Creative India can achieve in terms of client-first approaches and meaningful, innovative business solutions.”

     

  • To showcase brand new SUV Kushaq

    PHD ties with Skoda for digital ad on FireTV

    By Our Staff

     

    Automobile giant Škoda Auto India, in collaboration with its agency partner PHD Media, has curated an ad with Amazon FireTV to showcase its brand new SUV Kushaq. The advertisement can be watched on FireTV’s Feature Rotator  – a billboard like placement on FireTV. The innovation was planned for Škoda Kushaq.

     

    Said Monaz Todywalla, CEO of PHD Media India: “PHD Media is stoked to have been part of this digital-first high-impact innovation with ŠKODA AUTO India. Innovation aligns closely with our mission statement, Make the Leap, and with this category we definitely did that. With a fleeting consumer attention span now more than ever, creative solutions that drive engagement are imperative to build meaningful relationships and propel growth. With increasing OTT consumption, we hope to hit the mark with this activity.”

     

    Added Tarun Jha, Head of Marketing, Škoda Auto India: “This activity aligns with the target audience of our new SUV – KUSHAQ, as it will be delivered directly to users of FireTV devices – a befitting engagement. It is the right time to be present in the line of sight of our audiences, since owing to the lockdowns the viewership and engagement have increased across digital mediums. Alongside PHD Media India, I’m certain that this category will be a differentiator for us as promises a true-to-life experience.”

     

  • The game is played via Twitter

    Skoda India & PHD launch virtual gamified challenge

    By A Correspondent

     

    PHD Media India, alongside automobile giant Skoda Audo India, in collaboration with Twitter, has launched a unique ‘speed challenge’ game exclusive for the people on Twitter. Interested participants just have to log on to tweet OCTAVIARSSpeedChallenge.com to play the game.

     

    Said Tarun Jha, Head of Marketing, Skoda Auto India: “Alongside PHD Media India, we at Skoda Auto are delighted to launch this truly innovative and distinctive gaming experience in collaboration with Twitter. Through this attractive, gamified approach, we want to highlight this revolutionary feature of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245, promising a virtual version of the thrill that comes with reaching from 0-100 KMPH in just 6.6 seconds. I’m certain that the fastest ŠKODA on offer in India is all set to gain the interest of auto enthusiasts across the country.”

     

    Added Monaz Todywalla, CEO, PHD Media India: “This has been a great opportunity for us to partner not just with the auto giant ŠKODA AUTO India but also to collaborate with the social media giant Twitter. We are launching this innovative new game with top influencers, and are confident that it’s going to make waves on social media, thereby garnering a lot of much-deserved attention for the fastest ŠKODA model in India.”

     

     

  • The ad film has been conceptualised and executed by Publicis India

    Škoda unveils phase 2 of ‘Peace of Mind’ ad campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Škoda Auto India has launched its latest campaign under the Peace of Mind series that focuses on enhancing ownership experience. The ad film highlights the ‘Shield Plus’ package, which is a first-in-segment initiative that offers six-year warranty, six-year roadside assistance and four-year maintenance in one go.

     

    Commenting on the campaign, Tarun Jha – Head of Marketing and Product, Skoda Auto India said: “Škoda India believes in pushing the boundaries and setting a benchmark for others. The Shield Plus is again one such industry first initiative with a unique offering, which will not only delight the customers but also make them experience complete peace of mind while owning a Skoda.”

     

    Added Paritosh Srivastava, COO, Publicis Ambience: “Shield Plus is an industry leading offering. Peace of Mind is a proposition that Skoda owns strongly and the past campaigns have worked very well for the brand. Challenge was to push the limits further and change the trajectory for the brand with this campaign. Kudos to the Skoda team led by Zach Hollis and Tarun Jha who showed immense faith in the idea and were brave enough to buy it. We are very excited and proud as a team and reasonably confident the campaign will do exceedingly well for Skoda. Needless to say, it’s been a long time that we’ve seen such an idea in the automotive category.”

     

    Adding his views on the ad film, Ramakrishnan Hariharan, Head of Creative, Publicis Ambience said: “This TVC ticks all the right boxes for me. Simple and clear messaging delivered in a manner that’s almost unescapable. Really fortunate to have bold clients like ŠKODA who don’t just demand cut-through work but also allow the creative team to wield the edge that makes cut-through possible.”

     

    The production house on the film is Prodigious while the ad has been directed by Lloyd Baptista.

     

     

  • The quirky campaign has been conceptualised and executed by incumbent agency, Publicis India

    SkodaAuto enhances launches ‘Peace of Mind’ campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Automobile brand Skoda Auto India has launched its latest campaign titled ‘Peace of Mind’ that focuses on enhancing ownership experience.

     

    The campaign comprises a TVC in which actor Boman Irani has played himself. Commenting on the films, Tarun Jha – Head of Marketing and Product, Skoda Auto said: “Skoda India has always believed in enhancing customer experience and offering delightful products every single time. The 4-year service care package is a unique proposition and has a singular focus of making the Škoda ownership hassle-free and pleasant. Apart from the service care package, a host of other initiatives have also been launched.”

     

    Adding his views, Paritosh Srivastava, COO, Publicis Ambience said: “We had a clear task at hand – to highlight peace of mind that comes with every Å koda car. One look at the campaign, and you’ll know it is trademark Å koda in every way. It’s testimonial in nature but is also a warm and charming human story. Å koda is the first brand to launch this package and we wanted to reinforce the hassle-free ownership experience. With this campaign, we are confident that fencesitters and others will understand that Å koda not only offers great cars but a great after-sales experience too.”

     

     

  • The agency was awarded the extension after a hotly contested multi-agency pitch

    Publicis India retains creative mandate of Skoda Auto

    By A Correspondent

     

    Automobile brand Skoda Auto India has extended its partnership with its creative Agency on Record (AoR) Publicis India by another three years. The agency was awarded the extension after a hotly contested multi-agency pitch and will continue to manage the business out of its Mumbai office.

     

    As part of its mandate, it will handle all the sub-brands from Skoda including Rapid, Octavia, Superb, Kodiaq and the soon-to-be-launched Karoq.

     

    Tarun Jha

    Commenting on the partnership, Tarun Jha– Head of Marketing and Product, Skoda India said: “Skoda India is currently in a positive growth phase, and will be launching products across segments in the next few years. We were looking for a partner to help us achieve our goals and further strengthen Skoda’s equity in the Indian market. Publicis India showcased a thorough strategic and strong creative framework which was in alignment with the brand’s vision for the future. We are happy to be renewing our creative partnership with them and look forward to a great body of work in the coming years.”

     

    Paritosh-Srivastava

    Added Paritosh Srivastava, COO, Publicis Ambience: “We expected nothing less given the body of work created by us in the last three years, which has also been recognised by the global Skoda team. It was a long and tough pitch and we are thankful that the team at Skoda has entrusted us for another three years.”

     

     

  • First DTH service provider to offer an interactive advertising solution

    Videocon d2h ties up with Skoda for a new microsite on DTH platform

    By A Correspondent

     

    Videocon d2h has announced its partnership with Skoda to offer its subscribers a chance to have a detailed view of the newly launched Skoda Monte Carlo and Kodiaq through its HD Set Top Box (STB).

     

    On this collaboration, Saurabh Dhoot, Executive Chairman, Videocon d2h said: “Our platform provides excellent advertising opportunities to marketers and advertisers. I am delighted that we have partnered with Skoda to provide an innovative and engaging advertising solution.”

     

    Added Anil Khera, CEO, Videocon d2h: “We at Videocon d2h constantly focus on providing unique and innovative solutions to our advertisers. This newly launched interactive advertising service shows our capability to innovate using technology and deliver returns. We look forward to provide more of such innovative advertising solutions on our platform to other advertisers.’’

     

    Said Tarun Jha, HOD Marketing Skoda: “Škoda tries to bring new technology experiences continuously. This is another attempt to bring the car to the customer at his own convenience and comfort.”

     

    Added Dipesh Dadhich, General Manager Planning, PHD: “This work is another example of PHD’s mission to find a better way for our clients, delivering outstanding results and industry-leading innovation in the process.”

  • The campaign will work towards building Skoda’s SUV credentials and leverage it to enhance the pride of ownership for the brand

    Publicis India unveils integrated campaign for Skoda Kodiaq

    By A Correspondent

     

    Skoda has unveiled an integrated campaign conceptualised and executed by Publicis India will work towards building Skoda’s SUV credentials and leverage it to enhance the pride of ownership for the Skoda Kodiaq.

     

    Commenting on the marketing objective behind the launch of Kodiaq in India, Tarun Jha, Head of Marketing and Product, Skoda Auto India Pvt. Ltd. said: “The Škoda Kodiaq is a beautiful car. The word ‘beauty’ is not usually associated with SUVs, which tends to be associated more with ‘power’. This conflict led us to the proposition that ‘Power should always be beautiful’ and culminated in a larger message that appeals to the goodness in all of us to use our powers beautifully.”

     

    Speaking on the creative idea behind the film, Bobby Pawar, Managing Director and CCO – South Asia, Publicis India said:  “Skoda Kodiaq as an offering clearly stands out with a host of features that are best-in-class and it was only befitting that we complement it with a creative idea that was also a level up. With the current trends and the way world is moving ahead, it’s important that we associate with good side of power. The film captures stunning visuals of situations which are prevalent in the society and beautifully asks viewers to take a stand. We’re excited with the final outcome and look forward to the campaign striking a strong chord with the viewers. We appreciate that our client took such a bold step and supported us at every stage.”

  • The quirky TVCs in the campaign take a subtle dig at SUVs and other car owners

    Publicis Communications goes quirky to promote Skoda Octavia

    By A Correspondent

     

    Skoda Auto India has released an integrated campaign for the launch of the new Skoda Octavia. The car is positioned as ‘Tough meets Smart’ which came from the insight that consumers choose SUVs for their macho imagery, even if they lack substance and features. The quirky TVCs in the campaign take a subtle dig at SUVs and other car owners.

     

    Commenting on the campaign, Bobby Pawar, MD & CCO, Publicis South Asia said:“We went for the tongue-in-cheek ‘Simply Clever’ way to not only talk about the first-in-segment features of new Octavia but also create its desirability amongst SUV and entry level luxury car intenders. In the clutter of product-led automobile advertising, we took slice-of-life situations and conveyed the brand message in a simple and humorous way.”

     

    Added Paritosh Srivastava, Chief Operating Officer, Publicis Communication: “The segment in which Octavia operates was shrinking due to the advent of compact SUVs and small cars from Luxury brands. Octavia has been the segment leader and with new features and design language that can any sedan or SUV head-on. We are confident that this campaign will grow the nos for Octavia disproportionately by acquiring the shares from large segment of compact SUV and entry level luxury offerings as well.”

     

    Said Tarun Jha, Head of Marketing and Product, Skoda Auto India: “Skokda Octavia’s popularity has grown with every new launch. The new Octavia, has undergone a complete revamp in terms of design and features. We wanted to challenge the status quo and set the new benchmarks for the segment.

     

  • Publicis Ambience, the incumbent agency on the brand has conceptualized and executed the campaign

    Skoda takes ‘Best-in-Next-Class’ positioning with Publicis

    By A Correspondent

     

    ŠKODA has launched the all new Superb with an aggressive positioning of ‘Best-in-Next-Class’. The ad shows a martial arts fighter standing under water, meditating and practicing his move as the voice-over takes the viewer through the campaign philosophy.

     

    Publicis Ambience, the incumbent agency on the brand has conceptualized and executed the campaign.

     

    Speaking about the campaign, Tarun Jha, Head of Marketing, Å KODA AUTO India, says – “The Å KODA Superb has always been our flagship product, and has a long heritage of delivering exceptional space, comfort and luxury. Our campaign highlights the new Superb’s ‘class beating’ attributes that makes it a real head-turner – more poised, expressive and emotionally-charged than ever before.

     

    Bobby Pawar, MD, Publicis Communications, says “The new Superb is a car that delivers above and beyond. It has class-beating performance machined into a sublime form. Our job, as we saw it, was to find a human metaphor that brought it alive.”