ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Dentsu Aegis Network wins big at Asian Customer Engagement Forum Awards

    Dentsu Aegis Network wins big at Asian Customer Engagement Forum Awards

    MUMBAI: Dentsu Aegis Network exhibited enormous dominance at the Asia Customer Engagement Forum (ACEF) awards that were held on 25 April at Taj Lands End in Mumbai.

    While Dentsu Aegis Network’s iProspect Communicate 2 was named the Most Admired Agency in digital marketing, Carat Media Services India/psLive was named the Most Admired Agency in events and promotions.

    Posterscope India bagged the award for the Most Admired Agency in out-of-home media as well as the Most Admired customer-engaging agency in retail touch points & merchandising.

     

    Additionally, Posterscope APAC regional director Haresh Nayak was honored with the Outdoor advertising professional of the year award.

     

    Posterscope India bagged a total of 27 awards including eight golds, 12 silvers and five bronze metals along with the agency titles. It was their work for clients such as Mother Diary, Philips, Nissan, Disney, Mattel, beam Suntory, Datsun and Movies Now, which brought home the awards in the following categories – effectiveness, creativity and successful use technology in retail, outdoor and ambient spaces.

     

    Carat was awarded a total of seven wins- five Gold and two Bronze. The Philips Aquatouch ‘New way to shave is here’ campaign was awarded Gold for Promotion using Events.

     

    Philips LED lights ‘Change karo save karo’ campaign won Gold for successful use of technology. The overall activation was done in tandem with their sister concern PSLive, which is into all things activation.

     

    Philips Trimmers bagged Gold for Best use of Celebrity Endorsement. The Philips Airfryer campaign added yet another Gold to the tally under Creativity on Television category. The fifth Gold came in the form of The Most Admired Agency for Events and Promotions.

     

    Carat also won two Bronze metals for Philips Kerashine Range and Preethi Blue Flame Gas Stove launch campaigns.

     

    iProspect Communicate 2 picked up a total of four metals across various categories. The Big Bazaar ‘Everything for Nothing’ campaign was awarded a Gold metal for ‘Promotion using Digital Marketing’.

     

    The agency also picked up two awards in the Successful Use of Technology category, a silver and a bronze for their Cleartrip and Koovs campaigns, respectively. In the Online Media category, iProspect Communicate 2 picked up a bronze medal for its work for HDFC Bank.

     

    Amongst the other Dentsu Aegis Network agencies, Isobar India won the Silver in the promotions category for Digital Marketing for its work on Microsoft Lumia. Vizeum won a Gold for Viacom 18’s MTV Campus Diaries under the events category.

     

    Dentsu Aegis Network chairman and CEO, South Asia Ashish Bhasin said, “I am thrilled to know that the Dentsu Aegis Network has been able to achieve such recognition at a pan-Asia level. Sustaining customer engagement in this competitive market is a key task for our clients and I am happy that all our Dentsu Aegis Network companies have worked together to achieve this.”

     

    “It is a further testimony to our unique one P&L operating model, whereby we are able to provide our clients all the benefits of specializations without the hassles of dealing with silos. Heartiest congratulations to iProspectC2, Posterscope, Carat, psLive, Isobar, Vizeum and to Haresh Nayak for their respective wins. This further strengthens our position as the only network in India that can provide all marketing communications and media services, of world standards, under one umbrella,” added Bhasin.

  • DDB Mudra South & East appoints Tejali Shete, Ajay Menon as senior creative directors

    DDB Mudra South & East appoints Tejali Shete, Ajay Menon as senior creative directors

    MUMBAI: DDB Mudra South and East has appointed Tejali Shete and Ajay Menon as senior creative directors. The duo will be based out of the agency’s Bengaluru office. 

     

    With over a decade of experience in the creative communications industry, Shete joins DDB Mudra from Grey Worldwide and a short stint at Leo Burnett, Kuala Lumpur. Shete has worked with agencies including Contract, Lowe Lintas, Ogilvy & Mather, Creativeland Asia, and Percept/H.

     

    On the other hand, Menon joins DDB Mudra from JWT Chennai where he was senior creative director & AVP. With over 16 years of experience, Menon has worked at Orchard in Mumbai, JWT in Chennai and Saatchi in Bengaluru.

     

    Shete said, “Joining DDB Mudra South and East was an easy decision for me, considering their diverse brand portfolio that carries immense potential, the quality of talent and a young and energetic team. Besides, I am excited to work with Sonal Dabral, whose work I have been following since the days when I was cutting my teeth in advertising. He has fostered an excellent balance between creative excellence and focus on client success at DDB Mudra, which would help us as a team to achieve laurels on national as well as international platforms.”

     

    Menon added, “Back in Bengaluru after nine years, coming to DDB Mudra is in many ways, a homecoming. This agency offers some great things – strong leadership, an emphasis on creativity, an open culture, a terrific team and great brands. In other words, all the necessary elements to create great advertising. It’s an opportunity that no creative guy looking to making an impact will pass.”

     

    DDB Mudra South & East president Ranji Cherian said, “I am delighted to have Tejali Shete & Ajay Menon join our team at DDB Mudra South and East. They come in with solid experience and strong body of work to showcase. They are extremely talented and nice to work with and fit into our DDB culture that prioritizes creativity & humanity. I am confident that their contribution will take our agency to greater heights.”

  • Kalyan Jewellers to withdraw ‘racist’ ad featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

    Kalyan Jewellers to withdraw ‘racist’ ad featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

    MUMBAI: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is in the line of fire over a print advertisement for Kalyan Jewellers featuring her.

     

    Aishwarya faced the fury of activists for the “offensive” advertisement that shows a dark child carrying an umbrella over her head. However the actress has said that the actual image was changed by the brand.

     

    As a result of this, Kalyan Jewellers is in the process of withdrawing this creative from its campaign. In an official statement, the jewellery brand said, “This creative was intended to present royalty, timeless beauty and elegance. If we have, inadvertently, hurt the sentiments of any individual or organization, we deeply regret the same.”

     

    A group comprising a feminist activist, a former chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights among others wrote an open letter to slam the actress’ print ad, which they felt also promoted child labour.

     

    “We wish to convey our dismay at the concept of this advertisement, and that you have, perhaps unthinkingly, associated with such a regressive portrayal of a child to sell a product,” read the open letter.

     

    “As an influential member of the Indian film industry and a popular star with a large fan following, we trust that you wish to use your image in a manner that promotes progressive thought and action, and would not knowingly promote regressive images that are racist and go against child rights,” it further read.

     

    Replying to the open letter, Aishwarya issued a statement saying, “On the onset we would like to thank you on drawing our attention to the observation of the perception of the advertisement. Here is an attachment of the shot taken by somebody during the shoot. The final layout of the ad is entirely the prerogative of the creative team for a brand. However, shall forward your article as a viewpoint that can be taken into consideration by the creative team of professional working on the brand visual communication. Thank you once again.”

     

    It may be recalled that Aishwarya along with her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan endorses Kalyan Jewellers and the two were recently in Chennai to inaugurate the brand’s new store. 

  • eBay India inks ad sales deal with Zirca Digital Solution

    eBay India inks ad sales deal with Zirca Digital Solution

    MUMBAI: E-Commerce venture eBay India has partnered with Zirca Digital Solutions to connect Indian brands with its advertising platform. With a global consumer base of 155 million across 206 countries and 3.5 million active users, eBay India reaches over 5000 Indian cities.

     

    eBay India head of marketing Shivani Suri Dhanda said, “We are extremely confident that the collaboration with Zirca will support us in monetizing our advertising and brand solutions platform better. They are specialists in the digital advertising business and have sound understanding of the ever-changing digital media landscape of India. Through Zirca, we look forward to providing innovative brand solutions and building a stronger advertiser footprint nationally.”

     

    Zirca Digital Solutions director Neena Dasgupta added, “eBay India’s journey from being a dedicated client on our existing advertising platforms to being an associated partner reinforces our standing as a specialist in the Digital Media Sales business. We value this association with eBay India and look forward to contributing towards achieving better monetization goals.”

     

    “eBay India is a new addition to the digital media platforms that we represent. Advertisers have responded with enthusiasm and are already working with us on campaigns to include custom content and branded solutions that aim to harness the potential of ebay.in as an advertising platform to tap into their vast and fast growing shopper base . We look forward to delivering creative solutions for brands on ebay.in,” said  Zirca Digital Solutions director Vikas Khanchandani.

  • Askme bags advertising campaign of the year award at Indian eRetail Congress 2015

    Askme bags advertising campaign of the year award at Indian eRetail Congress 2015

    MUMBAI: Askme has won the marketing or advertising campaign of the year award at the Indian eRetail Congress 2015. The award recognises innovative marketing initiative by Askme, which has garnered positive results for the eRetailers.

     

    Askme Group CMO ManavSethi said, “Askme act as an enabler for SMEs across the nation and online retail provides variety and convenience to them. For every retailer or eRetailer, customer experience is the key and the differentiation is fading for the consumer because of their profile and demographics. At Askme, we strongly feel that online presence to small and medium business in India can benefit them greatly by opening up new market opportunities.”

     

    The Indian Retail Congress 2015 witnessed the participation from various industry stalwarts like Panasonic India president CEAMA & MD South Asia Manish Sharma; L’Oreal India director – Consumer Products Division SatyakiGhosh; Pepsi Co India senior director – Social Beverages RuchiraJaitly; Burger King India chief financial officer Tanmay Kumar; Future Group & Big Bazaar Direct director VivekBayani; Cardekho.com president and Gaadi.com CEO Umang Kumar.

     

    On receiving the award Sethi said, “We are honored to receive this esteemed recognition from Indian Retail Congress. This recognition sends a strong vote of confidence that at Askme, we are committed to providing the best services and create new benchmarks for the industry.”

  • Omnicom’s net income up 2% at $209 million in Q1 2015

    Omnicom’s net income up 2% at $209 million in Q1 2015

    MUMBAI: The world’s second largest advertising company Omnicom Group Inc reported a meagre two per cent rise in net income for the first quarter of 2015 despite seeing a decline in revenue. The company’s net income rose from $205.5 million (or 77 cents per share) to $209.1 million (or 82 cents per share).

     

    Omnicom’s worldwide revenue in the first quarter of 2015 decreased one per cent to $3,469.2 million from $3,502.2 million in the first quarter of 2014.

     

    Domestic revenue for the first quarter of 2015 increased 4.6 per cent to $1,958.2 million compared to $1,871.8 million in the first quarter of 2014. International revenue decreased 7.3 per cent to $1,511.0 million compared to $1,630.4 million in the first quarter of 2014.

     

    For the quarter ended 31 March, 2015, organic growth increased revenue 5.1 per cent, acquisitions, net of dispositions increased revenue 0.4 per cent, while the impact of foreign exchange rates decreased revenue 6.4 per cent when compared to the first quarter of 2014.  

     

    Across regional markets, organic revenue in the first quarter of 2015 increased 4.8 per cent in North America, 9.3 per cent in the United Kingdom, 2.7 per cent in the Euro Markets and Other Europe, 6.7 per cent in Asia Pacific, 3.4 per cent in Latin America and 10.6 per cent in Africa/Middle East, when compared to the same quarter of 2014. 

     

    The change in organic revenue in the first quarter of 2015 as compared to the first quarter of 2014 in our four fundamental disciplines was as follows: advertising increased 7.7 per cent, CRM increased 2.6 per cent, public relations increased 3.1 per cent and specialty communications increased 2.6 per cent.

     

    For the first quarter of 2015, Omnicom’s earnings before interest, taxes and amortization of intangibles (EBITA), a non-GAAP financial measure, decreased $2.1 million, or 0.5 per cent, to $405 million from $407.1 million in the first quarter of 2014. The company’s EBITA margin increased to 11.7 per cent for the first quarter of 2015 versus 11.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2014.

     

    Operating income in the first quarter of 2015 decreased $5 million, or 1.3 per cent, to $377.7 million from $382.7 million in the first quarter of 2014. Operating margin in the first quarter of 2015 of 10.9 per cent was unchanged when compared to the first quarter of 2014.

  • Publicis Groupe’s revenue up 32% at €2.1 million in Q1 2015

    Publicis Groupe’s revenue up 32% at €2.1 million in Q1 2015

    MUMBAI: Advertising major Publicis Groupe reported a 31.7 per cent jump in first-quarter sales as a result of the positive impact of exchange rates, and partly due to its latest digital acquisition of Sapient.

     

    The agency’s first-quarter sales rose to €2.1 billion from €1.6 billion in the same period last year as the group benefited from the strong dollar and pound sterling compared with the euro.

     

    Acquisitions contributed €274 million or 17.2 per cent of revenue.

     

    Growth Forecast

     

    The company’s organic growth stood at +0.9 per cent. Though global economic growth has seen contrasting trends since the start of the year, Publicis achieved growth notably as a result of its strong presence in digital, which has become its main activity. Digital activities progressed by +4.7 per cent and now account for 50.2 per cent of total revenue. Healthcare also performed well. 

     

    North America revenue grew by 45 per cent to €1.15 billion, followed by Europe with an increase of 21.3 per cent to €575 million. BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and MISSAT (Mexico, Indonesia, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey) markets rose by 13.2 per cent to €215 million euros. India, specifically, continued on the road to recovery with growth of +5.7 per cent.

     

    The agency said that in December, revenue will grow at two per cent above the industry average each year from 2016, with digital operations rising to 60 per cent of sales in 2018. Publicis predicted that the operating margin will rise to between 17.3 and 19.3 per cent of sales in 2018, compared with 15.3 per cent in 2012.

     

    Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO Maurice Levy said, “Our revenue is up to slightly over 30 per cent, partly due to the positive impact of exchange rates, and partly to the inclusion of Sapient since completing the acquisition. As we’ll continue to see, this is one of the important milestones of the Groupe’s transformation. We expected organic growth to be slightly down this quarter, but, on the contrary, it is up almost one per cent. This isn’t yet the growth rate we expect to see out of Publicis Groupe, but is nonetheless an encouraging return to growth.”

     

    “The main event of this early part of the year has been the completion of the Sapient acquisition, an event that gives Publicis Groupe a new strategic dimension while excelling the Groupe’s transformation. The integration process is already underway and the prevailing spirit is excellent,” Levy added.

     

    With the acquisition of Sapient, Publicis Groupe has become the only global group present all along the value chain – from consulting to marketing, from communications to commerce – brought to life through an outstanding expertise in the most high-performing technologies.

     

    Levy is hopeful that the second quarter will be better than the first, albeit with modest growth. Organic growth is expected to be higher in the second half-year. The Groupe expects that its high exposure to digital activities will ensure its future growth and the continued improvement of its margins between now and 2018. 

     

    Publicis Groupe is the third largest global advertising holding company in the world after WPP and Omnicom. 

  • Disney India joins hands with Liberty to launch ‘Avengers’ footwear

    Disney India joins hands with Liberty to launch ‘Avengers’ footwear

    MUMBAI: Disney India has joined hands with Liberty to launch a special range of footwear featuring Marvel’s Avengers.

     

    Liberty has introduced over 50 styles featuring the Marvel Avengers namely Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America and Thor. The range is launched to add to the on-going fervor around The Avengers: Age of Ultron scheduled to release on 24 April, 2015.

     

    The range includes flip-flops, casual shoes and sandals and is available for boys above four years. The design depicts each character’s most recognised icons through its varied prints and is available in multiple shades of blue, red, green, and white. The shoes are fully adjustable with velcro fasteners and laces to provide a perfect custom fit, and cushioned insole making them comfortable and play-worthy. 

     

    The range is priced between Rs 399 – 1499, and is available across all exclusive Liberty showrooms and select multi brand stores. The products are also available online on Amazon.in and Libertyshoesonline.com. 

  • Vikram Sakhuja joins Madison Media as group CEO & equity partner

    Vikram Sakhuja joins Madison Media as group CEO & equity partner

    MUMBAI: Sam Balsara’s Madison World has roped in Vikram Sakhuja as Madison Media and Madison OOH CEO and board member. Sakhuja will also have an equity stake in the company.

     

    An old hand at GroupM, Sakhuja was most recently global strategic development officer at the WPP agency. At Madison, he will be responsible for the media and OOH business of Madison World and will report to Balsara.

     

    The current Madison Media Group CEO Gautam Kiyawat has, for personal reasons, decided to relocate to Singapore.

     

    Balsara said, “I would like to place on record Gautam’s substantial contribution to Madison Media in the three years that he has been with us, especially in the area of growing our people and working as a team. I thank Gautam for his contribution and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

     

    On Sakhuja’s appointment, Balsara said, “I am delighted to have Vikram come on board and partner us in Madison. I know Vikram as a true blue professional, over the last 20 years, first as a client, then a media partner and finally as a formidable competitor.  I am confident that he will be able to contribute significantly to our clients’ business growth and success, by providing the right strategic direction, given his vast and rich experience.”

     

    Added Sakhuja, “I am truly excited at the prospect of returning home to India and in an entrepreneurial capacity. It is also a privilege to now partner a person who initiated me into media in my client days. Media has never been more exciting, and I look forward to further strengthening an already iconic agency brand.”

  • ShopClues’ TVC named best ad campaign at Indian e-retail Awards

    ShopClues’ TVC named best ad campaign at Indian e-retail Awards

    MUMBAI: At the recently held Indian e-retail Awards 2015, ShopClues’ TVC ‘From Ding to Dong’ released in September 2014 won the ‘Advertising Campaign of the Year.’

     

    Created by Enormous Brands, Mumbai, the TV ad campaign highlighted the online retailer’s value proposition of being the ultimate destination for a wide variety of products available at wholesale rates.

     

    ShopClues.com co-founder and CMO Radhika Aggarwal said, “We are thrilled at receiving an award for a TVC we worked really hard for. Congratulations are also in order for our creative agency and the marketing team which spearheaded the entire idea and its execution. The award validates our initial intention of creating an ad film that speaks directly to our target audience in a language that most appeals to them. It encapsulates why ShopClues is the ultimate online shopping destination in a very quirky, fun, simple yet articulate manner.”

     

    The ShopClues ad film shows a man carrying everything from utensils to ovens to geysers to kitchen ware as a stack on his head as he goes through the streets of a city. The unusual style and size of the stack attracts curious glances from onlookers. The soundtrack goes, ‘Wholesale ka rate….tu kya lega, seth‘ (At wholesale rates, what do you wish to buy, Sir?). A man from a balcony picks up a hat from the over-sized stack of goods and says, ‘Saara wholesale ka market… theek aapke ghar tak…har item wholesale rate par.’  The film ends with the tagline, ‘Sab kuch wholesale rate pe, Ding Se Lekar Dong‘ (everything at wholesale rates, from ding to dong).

     

    The Indian e-Retail Awards recognise excellence in e-retail and multi-channel initiatives by retailers.