ITV

Category: AD Agencies

  • Sandeep Goyal led Mogae Media to acquire Rediffusion

    Sandeep Goyal led Mogae Media to acquire Rediffusion

    New Delhi: Integrated marketing and communications agency Mogae Media is all set to acquire independent advertising agency Rediffusion.

    The deal also includes sibling agency Everest Brand Solutions.

    Rediffusion was launched by Diwan Arun Nanda, Ajit Balkrishnan, and Mohammed Khan in 1973. In 1994, agency holding network WPP had acquired Rediffusion and merged it with US agency Young & Rubicam (Y&R) to form Rediffusion Y&R. In 2018, Nanda and Balakrishnan gained 100 per cent control of the agency to become an independent entity once again.

    It is learnt that post the current acquisition, Mogae Media founder & chairman Sandeep Goyal will take over as the managing director of the agency. Goyal was president at Rediffusion (Rediffusion Y&R) between 1997 and 2001, after which he left the firm to become Zee Group’s chief executive officer. He had exited the Zee Group a year later and entered into a joint venture with dentsu to become its group chairman. In 2011, he sold his stake and launched Mogae Media.

  • Dentsu India rejigs leadership, elevates Divya Karani & Kartik Iyer

    Dentsu India rejigs leadership, elevates Divya Karani & Kartik Iyer

    MUMBAI: Dentsu International has made key leadership changes in India as part of its global organisational redesign. Media Brands and Amplifi erstwhile president Kartik Iyer will now join the network’s market leadership team as its chief operating officer. He will continue to report into Anand Bhadkamkar and will be instrumental in driving the implementation of dentsu’s new business model within the country.

    Iyer will help navigate Dentsu’s global transformation program with a focus on collaborating with leaders and client teams across businesses in the market to change how the network works and inculcate the culture of operational excellence. He will engage with regional teams, global teams, and all other network brands to ensure that the ongoing transformation program and the new business model is efficiently adopted and effectively addresses local business requirements.

    The network has also appointed Dentsu X India CEO Divya Karani as the chief executive officer for media, south Asia. Here, media includes the agencies dentsu X, Carat, iProspect and Posterscope. She will continue to report into Anand Bhadkamkar. In this additional role, Karani will be responsible for driving the global media strategy and delivery in south Asia, ensuring its alignment and relevance to the market..

    “Dentsu is committed to delivering the best to its clients and Kartik and Divya are veterans in what they do,” said Bhadkamkar. “Kartik is recognised industry-wide for his media expertise while Divya is one of our finest from the industry. Her strength lies in delivering first-class, client-centric results and I am confident that their expertise and experience will only help accelerate the effectiveness, purpose, and performance offered to our clients.”

    Haresh Nayak will continue to serve as COO for dentsu Media in India in addition to his other current roles as president, Posterscope Asia Pacific and MD, Posterscope India, while Rubeena Singh is now in-charge of the freshly rebranded iProspect. For the record, the agency recently witnessed the merger of Vizeum and iProspect into one to bring together the former’s media strategy and planning, storytelling, and brand-building capabilities with the latter’s digital expertise, audience knowledge, and performance mindset. Anita Kotwani will continue to lead the Carat brand for India.

  • Madison Media wins 23 new businesses in FY 2020-21

    Madison Media wins 23 new businesses in FY 2020-21

    Mumbai: Madison Media has created a record by winning 23 new accounts in a financial year, the agency said in a press statement. Amidst the nationwide lockdown and work-from-home, the new business wins amounted to a billing of $211 million as per Convergence New Business Report published in March 2021.

    The agency bagged the accounts of various firms, including Abbott Nutrition, RSPL Group, RSH Global – Joy Cosmetics, Welspun, Indira IVF, Licious, Weikfield, M3M India, Liebherr, Educational Testing Service (ETS), Aliens Group, Wonder Masala, Vijay Bhoomi, Practo, Gold Drop Oil, NextGen Software, McDonald’s integrated performance, Dhani Loans, Atomberg, Alchem Industries, Sunpure Oil, PAPA Brands, amongst others.

    Madison Media OOH partner & group CEO Vikram Sakhuja said, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going. As the pandemic impacted advertising spends profoundly we saw an opportunity to establish the link between media and marketing outcomes and doubled down on our pitch efforts. The result – 23 wins! I am overwhelmed by the teamwork, spirit, and smarts of our Madison family.”

    The home-grown agency also received a top score of A+ in the Comp Pitches Report for 2020 by Recma.

    Meanwhile, it also continues to handle media planning and buying for blue chip clients like Godrej, Marico, Asian Paints, Titan, Tata Consumer Products, Blue Star, TVS, Raymond, Viacom 18, Ceat, Pidilite, Bajaj Electricals, McDonald’s, Lodha, gaana.com, and many others.

    Madison Media is part of Madison World, India’s largest homegrown communication agency established in 1988. Madison World through its 11 units served last year, as many as 500 Advertisers.

  • Namit Prasad joins L&K Saatchi & Saatchi as SVP- planning

    Namit Prasad joins L&K Saatchi & Saatchi as SVP- planning

    NEW DELHI: L&K Saatchi & Saatchi has onboarded Namit Prasad as senior vice president, planning. He will be based out of Mumbai and will report to chief strategy officer Snehasis Bose.

    Prasad joins the agency post setting up a start-up involved in building an enterprise development platform based on an original creativity algorithm. Prior to that, his last agency stint was with Famous Innovations where he was strategy head.

    “Over time and managing various categories and roles, Namit possesses a rare combination of fluid and strategic acumen in seeking and owning solutions that impact business growth. He is a great fit in our team of explorer-strategists, missioned to find the sweet spot between consumer need gaps X technology X clients’ business growth. I am looking forward to working with him and adding fresh spark to the agency’s entrepreneurial DNA," Bose said.

    “As an enterprise builder myself, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi’s business focus – closely working with brands with an entrepreneurial mindset and contributing to growth beyond just communication – interested me hugely. With my kind of experience, I hope to bring in a bit of ‘Baniya Branding’ mentality, wherein all branding efforts are tightly aligned to business objectives. While of course ensuring creative flair and the inventive possibilities of integration," Prasad added.

  • Rajesh Mehta joins Medulla Communications as chief strategy officer

    Rajesh Mehta joins Medulla Communications as chief strategy officer

    NEW DELHI: Healthcare advertising agency Medulla Communications has brought on Rajesh Mehta as its chief strategy officer.

    Mehta makes the move from Triton Communications where he was head – strategic planning. He brings in over 25 years of diverse experience across India and southeast Asia.

    Medulla Communications founder & MD Praful Akali said, “I welcome Rajesh Mehta to Medulla Communications and am confident that his leadership experience along with his industry experience and approach will assist in solidifying Medulla’s core values, that is, to make healthcare communications more consumer-friendly.”

    “While I have worked on many consumer health brands, I believe that this is an area with a lot of potential and a huge impact on consumers’ lives. Being part of a specialist healthcare agency can help me meaningfully contribute, with better solutions," Mehta added.

  • Havas Health & You elevates leaders in India, Southeast Asia, and Middle East

    Havas Health & You elevates leaders in India, Southeast Asia, and Middle East

    Mumbai: Havas Health & You has elevated Susan Josi as managing director (MD) of the agency’s southeast Asia & Middle East division, and Sangeeta Barde as MD of Havas Life Sorento, with immediate effect.

    Both professionals have been at the helm of Havas Health & You’s APAC-based agency since the network’s acquisition of Sorento in 2017.

    “I am thrilled to witness as Sangeeta and Susan further showcase their immense talents and know-how, both regionally and globally. They have certainly made Havas Life Sorento a proof point for value addition in the area and will continue to lead with strategic vision," said Havas Health & You LATAM APAC partner & CEO Charles Houdoux.

    Southeast Asia (SEA) and the Middle East together make up 14.6 per cent of the world’s total population, and the 2021 projection of GDP growth in India alone is expected to rise from 2.59 trillion to 3.96 trillion by 2025. These growth trends coupled with a societal focus on health create an ideal environment for growth in SEA and Middle Eastern countries, and global health brands are prioritising accordingly, said the company in a statement.

    Josi is also known for driving the Havas Village model in India and for her development of the agency’s global client roster in the SEA and the Middle East regions. “The landscapes are changing dynamically and there is an intensified importance being placed on health and wellness. Our capabilities in these areas have grown to a point where it makes sense to have consistent regional leadership as health brands prioritise their presence in these markets,” she said.

    At Sorento, Barde will drive the success model for offshoring and achieving strategic and impactful globalisation initiatives. “I am looking forward to leaning into the vast digitisation opportunities in our data and media centres and working to perfect new and simplified content creation models,” said Barde.

  • FCB Ulka Group celebrates its 60th anniversary in India

    FCB Ulka Group celebrates its 60th anniversary in India

    MUMBAI: FCB Ulka Group, which started out as Ulka Advertising in 1961, is celebrating its 60th anniversary. The company was established by Bal Mundkur with just seven people with the clear vision of building an agency that put creativity at the centre of everything it did. The agency has now metamorphosed into the FCB Ulka Group, which ranks among the top 5 five in the country with over 750 employees, spread across six offices, partnering 120+ clients.

    The group marks the 60 years milestone with the launch of a special logo, which is a tribute to FCB’s ‘Never Finished’ philosophy. The marketing communications company believes that a brand’s story is Never Finished.  Always moving forward. Always learning. And always asking ‘what’s next?’ and that is what the symbol of infinity with 60 in the new logo signifies- Using innovative business/ market solutions for brands, with new ways to reach consumers – Never Finished Ideas- the company said.

    FCB India Group chairman & CEO Rohit Ohri said, “I would like to take this opportunity to salute the outstanding leadership of the FCB Ulka Group. The organisational culture that has been built over the years has stood the test of time and brought us to our 60th year anniversary. I’m truly proud of our journey and excited about the possibilities of the next 60 years.”

    He added, “While this is an important milestone, we look at it as a new beginning. A time to renew our commitment to creativity, and a reminder to ourselves to always be 'Never Finished'…”

    That the group has been named the number one creative agency in India by prestigious global institutions like Cannes, One Show and WARC, is a testament to keeping its creative legacy alive year on year.

  • After 12-year stint, Madison Media exits Sri Lanka

    After 12-year stint, Madison Media exits Sri Lanka

    MUMBAI: The directors of Media Factory have just announced that they have purchased the majority stake held by Sam and Lara  Balsara of Madison World in Madison Media SriLanka and the company will now become a fully owned subsidiary of Media Factory. With this, the Balsaras have exited the Sri Lanka business. Sam Balsara has also resigned as a director and the company’s name has been changed to Midas Media.

    Both parties have agreed that Midas Media and its affiliates, associates and owners, Media Factory will immediately stop using the Madison name in any manner whatsoever nor claim ownership to the name Madison. It was further announced that Sam and Lara Balsara and Madison in India or Sri Lanka will no longer be liable for any actions or financial liabilities or damages past, present or future of the company nor will they benefit from any financial assets or accruals to the company of the past, present or future for which they have not been compensated. The duo will also not claim any right or ownership to the name Midas Media.

    Madison World India chairman Sam Balsara said, “We entered the Sri Lanka market 12 years ago with the launch of Airtel in the country. Over the years we have built some great relationships both personally and professionally and I hope to continue those. I wish the current directors of Media Factory and Midas Media all the very best.”

    Media Factory director Kapila Vidanagamage said, “Our relationship was based on mutual trust and respect. We understood the expectations at a very early stage and were able to deliver to the complete satisfaction of our local clients, but more importantly our partners in India. I would like to thank Sam and Lara for their trust and eventual friendship and would like to wish them both the best in all their future endeavours.”

  • Reverse Thought creates a user-friendly website for Allcargo Logistics

    Reverse Thought creates a user-friendly website for Allcargo Logistics

    Mumbai: Reverse Thought Creative Studios takes web development a notch higher by developing a clean, precise and to-the-point website for Allcargo Logistics – India’s largest integrated logistics company. Envisioned to be a business-enabler, the new website displays their full suite of offerings and showcases capabilities to their vast customer base. Visitors now have quick and easy access to a one-stop-shop for their logistics needs. Reverse Thought is a complete digital creative agency specializing in digital marketing, content creation, still photography, web & app development, motion graphics, video creation.

    For Allcargo Logistics, the agency has designed a carefully planned, easy-to-use website which presents relevant information, allows users to access services and complete logistics-related transactions, and also helps them get quick responses to a range of queries. Reverse Thought has also integrated Allcargo’s proprietary digital platform ECU360 as well as other digital logistics tools with the website.

    “We are happy with our experience of working with the Reverse Thought team and appreciate their proficiency”, said Allcargo Logistics senior VP marketing and corporate communication Alok Roy.

    “The opportunity to work on this project for Allcargo Logistics has added a feather to our cap. Not only did we get to work with a major corporate and logistics brand name, but also had the opportunity to get an idea about the array of services the logistics sector provides”, says Reverse Thought Creative Studios creative director Tushar Garg.

    Reverse Thought caters to clients like Amalgamated Plantations Pvt Ltd, Goodricke Tea, ICICI Prudential Pension Funds Management Co. Ltd, Aditya Birla Group & Sun Pharma to name a few. They specialize in digital & social media marketing, content creation, still photography, web & app development, motion graphics, video creation and all it takes to build, promote and market a brand.

    With the vision to be seen amongst the top 10 boutique digital agencies in India, Reverse Thought is on a mission to keep delivering excellent results to businesses, with the help of existing and emerging digital opportunities.

  • Catalysts to bridge the gap between digital growth & traditional agencies: Syed Amjad Ali

    Catalysts to bridge the gap between digital growth & traditional agencies: Syed Amjad Ali

    NEW DELHI: The marketing world has been in a state of constant flux for the past few years. There are emerging trends and technologies popping up everywhere, every few days. Brands are looking forward to ever smarter ways to engage with consumers. And the consumers are moving on to newer platforms for content consumption. While everything is moving at light speed, the marketing world might not really be abreast with trends that are always transforming. This has left a huge void in the industry, which former president of Mullen Lintas  Syed Amjad Ali is trying to fill with his new venture, Catalysts. 

    The start-up aims to utilise the infinite content pool available for non-TV assets today to deliver smarter, sharper, and platform-focused marketing solutions to clients, Ali told Indiantelevision.com’s Mansi Sharma in a recent conversation. 

    “I have spent more than 25 years at the same organisation, working on some stellar and hugely successful brands and campaigns. And I was thinking about my next step for the past year and a half. That’s when I started planning Catalysts because I felt there is a huge gap in how the world of consumers is evolving and how most agencies are dealing with that. Catalysts will bridge this gap with unique platform-centric solutions to its clients,” he elaborated. 

    Ali started his marketing journey almost three decades ago and played a big role in the success of brands like LG, OLX, Havell’s, and Micromax in India. He was also one of the founding members of Mullen Lintas in 2015. 

    It was naturally not a very easy decision for him to move on from an agency that he had started seeing as home. “I owe a lot of what I know to Lintas. It was where I got many unique opportunities at every step of my career and worked personally with legends like Balki (R. Balakrishnan) who helped my professional growth immensely,” he shared. 

    However, his zest to bring in a substantial change in the course of the industry prompted him to make the jump this year. “A very close friend of mine, who is a big brand consultant, told me that it is the perfect opportunity and time to start something new,” Ali quipped. 

    He added, “I have very little to lose right now. The whole industry is dealing with a lot at this time and I truly sense a huge pool of opportunities lying out there. The pace at which digital is evolving, especially with Covid2019, and how traditional agencies are evolving are very different. I want to speed up that whole process with the Catalysts.” 

    Ali also showed immense gratitude towards the whole industry and the people he has previously worked with, who are now extending supporting hands to him. 

    “Now I realise what I have truly earned with my journey at Lintas. It is this great sense of belief that the industry has in me. It is overwhelming to see so many of my older colleagues and people that I have worked with asking me if I need any help. They all are so eager and willing to participate in the journey of Catalysts,” he noted, with some emotion.

    Currently, Ali is working hard to develop a strong open-source model for Catalysts and looking to bring in fresh talent in the small team he is curating for phase one. For the majority of its operations, Catalysts is going to be geo-agnostic and will rely on modern-day technologies to not only deliver solutions but also manage team operations. 

    He happily added that they are already working on a few client projects, each in very different verticals and stages, and said to expect some exciting news in the coming weeks.