ITV

Category: People

  • Virat Kohli becomes brand ambassador for Hero MotoCorp

    Virat Kohli becomes brand ambassador for Hero MotoCorp

    MUMBAI: Two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp has announced cricket icon and captain of the Indian national cricket team Virat Kohli as its brand ambassador.

    Kohli will start his innings with Hero MotoCorp, riding on the new Xtreme 200R premium motorcycle. The campaign featuring Virat on the Xtreme 200R went live on Wednesday across TV, print, outdoor and digital platforms, to coincide with the start of the nationwide retails sales of the Xtreme 200R.

    The new premium motorcycle has been priced at Rs 89,900 (ex-showroom Delhi).

    Hero MotoCorp chairman MD and CEO Pawan Munjal says, “Hero MotoCorp is all about new-age, technologically superior and aesthetically pleasing products which are also fun to ride. Brand Hero stands for trust, excellence and resilience – the qualities that truly personifies the charisma of Virat as a global icon. He represents the youth of today, which ‘Fears Nothing’ and aims for the pinnacle – characteristics that have always defined Brand Hero. It is indeed my pleasure to welcome Virat onboard the global family of Hero MotoCorp and wish him a lot of success and fun in this new innings.”

    Virat epitomises the way of life and attitude of the new generation of youth across India and the world. Displaying leadership qualities from a young age, when he led the Indian team to win the U-19 Cricket World Cup in 2008, Virat has evolved over the past decade to emerge as a global youth icon that ‘Fears Nothing’. Virat is today the world’s top test and one day international (ODI) batsman in the ICC rankings.

    Kohli adds, “Millions of young boys and girls of my generation have grown up riding Hero motorcycles and scooters and it is, therefore, a unique and special feeling to associate with this brand. I have known Pawan Ji for long, and I thank him for giving me this opportunity to represent Hero MotoCorp at the global arena. Hero MotoCorp has been one of the largest corporate promoters of sports and sportspersons across various disciplines over the past two decades, and I consider this a huge privilege to be a part of the Hero family. I am eagerly looking forward to an exciting ride ahead.”

    Hero MotoCorp has been one of the largest corporate promoters of multiple sporting disciplines, including cricket, golf, football, field hockey and motorsports in India and across the world. The company has also promoted sports persons from various disciplines of sports, including cricket, football and golf.

    Hero MotoCorp’s well-documented association with cricket spans over two decades, in various capacities. Over the course of this long association, it was one of the global partners of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

    Several top Indian cricketers have earlier been associated with the company as brand ambassadors for many years. Hero MotoCorp has also been a partner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) – both at the central level as well as the team sponsor of the Delhi Daredevils and Mumbai Indians. The company is currently the title sponsor of the Hero Caribbean Premier League, (Hero CPL) – the biggest T20 tournament in the Caribbean.

  • D. Shivakumar elected new chairman of ASCI

    D. Shivakumar elected new chairman of ASCI

    MUMBAI: The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has appointed D. Shivakumar as the new chairman of the board for ASCI. 

    Shivakumar is the group executive president of corporate strategy at Aditya Birla Group.

    As the member of the board of governors for three years, supporting self-regulation, Shivakumar is an accomplished business leader having spent over 19 years in sales, marketing and general management positions across consumer products and the luxury industry.

    Sony Pictures Networks India President of network sales and international business Rohit Gupta has been elected as the vice-chairman while Media Brands CEO Shashidhar Sinha has been re-appointed as the honorary treasurer.

    Members of the Board of Governors include Harish Bhat (director, Tata Global Beverages.), Subhash Kamath (Managing Partner, BBH Communications India), Sandeep Kohli (executive director and vice president for personal care Hindustan Unilever Ltd), Prof S.K. Palekar (adjunct professor and advisor – Executive Education Institute of Management Technology), .S.  Rajan (managing director, Ketchum Sampark), K.V. Sridhar (founder and chief creative officer Hyper Collective Creative Technologies), Abanti Sankaranarayanan (former vice chairperson, CIABC), Girish Agarwal (director, Dainik Bhaskar Group), Madhusudan Gopalan (CEO, Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Health Care), Prasun Basu (president – South Asia Nielsen India), Sivakumar Sundaram (president- revenue Bennett, Coleman & Co), Vikas Agnihotri (director sales, Google India) and Umesh Shrikhande (CEO, Taproot India).

    The outgoing chairman of ASCI Abanti Sankaranarayanan said, “2017-18 has been another strong year for ASCI as we have made significant advancements towards building our organizational muscle, external credibility and strong collaborations. Our stringent guidelines, seamless processes and the dedication and hardwork of our Consumer Complaints Council have contributed to restricting the use of misleading advertisements and enhance self regulation. ASCI’s momentous achievements for the year include successful completion of three year-long collaboration with Department of Consumer Affairs, renewal of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Food Safety Standards Authority of India, introduction of “Guidelines for Celebrities in Advertising” and inclusion in AYUSH’s Empowered Committee to control misleading ads of AYUSH drugs. As the Chairman for ASCI for the year 2017-18,I am extremely proud to be a part of this journey and I am confident that under Shivakumar’s Chairmanship ASCI will continue to grow swiftly and steadily.”

    The incoming chairman, D. Shivakumar said, “I want to thank Abanti for her stewardship. We live in changing times with respect to information, media and trust of society. ASCI has been built on the foundation of self-regulation and the wisdom of the previous chairmen and the board. It’s my privilege to do the role now”.

    The Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) established by ASCI is an independent body (majority of its members drawn from civil society members like consumer activists, lawyers, doctors, educationists), the CCC met 47 times during the year and deliberated on complaints against 2641 advertisements. Complaints against 1177 advertisements were upheld, while for 483 they were not upheld. The significant increase in the number of complaints as compared to 2016-17 numbers (2300) is largely due to ASCI’s Suo Moto Monitoring project viz. National Advertisement Monitoring Services (NAMS). The Independent Review Process (IRP) received a very favourable response and 30 IRPs were conducted during this year.

  • Vivek Bhargava is Grand Jury Chair for 2018 DMA ASIA ECHO

    Vivek Bhargava is Grand Jury Chair for 2018 DMA ASIA ECHO

    MUMBAI: Digital veteran and CEO of Denstu Aegis Network Performance Group, Vivek Bhargava has been appointed as Chair of the Grand Jury of the upcoming DMA International ECHO Awards’ Asia edition. For the record, the DAN Performance Group, which is part of Dentsu Aegis Network,comprises DAN Consult, iProspect India, SVG Columbus and Merkle Sokrati.

    Speaking on the occasion, Vivek Bhargava, CEO – DAN Performance Group said, “There are many awards out there. The ECHO since 1929 exceptionally stands out. Previously Indian entrants were devoid of showcasing great work at global arena due to prohibitive fees. The program will see the best of the best shine as we have stalwarts from the industrywho will preside the jury groups. I am looking forward to great work being showcased and the best rewarded for fame in India & globally.”

    From across India, nearly 150 brands have sent in the entries for 30+ categories. DMA Asia, the conducting body for the Asian edition of the ECHO awards, has announced the key appointments for the program.

    Speaking about the appointment of the Jury Chair, Vatsal Asher – Governor for the InternationalECHO & CEO, DMAi said, “It is indeed my privilege to be supported by an eminent & experienced Jury chairperson. The local ECHO with its benefits enable the great work done by brands and agencies compete with global campaigns. The ECHO represents the highest standard of marketing effectiveness and the ASIA ECHO is the stepping stone for global greatness.”

    Entrants of the 2018 DMA ASIA ECHO can participate via four entry groups namely Sectors, Channel, Craft & Special awards that allow entries to multiple categories. They will also receive deep subsidies, extended deadlines, winners fast track to the final round and a host of market suited specific bouquet of local benefits including round the year learning & networking events. 

    Winners of international shows as well as shows from India run by the Ad Club (Abby, EMVIE, EFFIE ), Kyoorius, Campaign India Digital Crest, e4M IDMA awards, Afaqs award were entitled to enter at early bird prices & also fast track to R2 at the ASIA ECHO edition improving their chances of winning significantly.  

    Over 140 senior marketing & advertising professionals have reviewed the campaigns in the screening, scoring & ranking rounds to arrive at the shortlists. The grand jury meets on 12 September at Equus Club, St Regis to review the finalists for the voting of the Grand Prix in each channel of entry and the coveted Diamond Award. These results paly a big role in determining the Client, Marketer & Agency of the year.   

  • Rishika Lulla Singh shines at Pride of India – Celebrating the 71st Year of India’s Independence, Awards & Summit by Asia One Magazine

    Rishika Lulla Singh shines at Pride of India – Celebrating the 71st Year of India’s Independence, Awards & Summit by Asia One Magazine

    MUMBAI: Rishika Lulla Singh, CEO of Eros Now, India’s premiere video OTT platform, was recognized and awarded for setting example with her commendable work under the categories ‘Most Influential Leaders 40 under 40’ and ‘The Women’s Empowerment Principles Leadership Award 2018’ at Pride of India – Celebrating the 71st Year of India’s Independence, Awards & Summit held last night. Presented by AsiaOne Magazine and URS Media, the awards recognize business leaders for their exceptional contribution towards gender equality. 

    Owing to her entrepreneurial and leadership qualities, Rishika was honored with the inclusion of her name in ‘Most Influential Leaders 40 under 40’ list. Her vision of revolutionizing the existing structure and uplifting the digital entertainment ecosystem which started in 2012 with the launch of Eros Now, has helped her create a league of her own. These awards celebrate and acknowledge her contribution towards enriching the entertainment experience of viewers across the globe. 

    On this occasion Rishika Lulla Singh, CEO, Eros Digital said, “I feel humbled to have received the 40 under 40 along with an honor that stands for and promotes gender equality. Recognitions like these are a testament of our dedication in building a strong content ecosystem. Women provide a key balance between logic and instinct, and in a dynamically changing world it is important to meet that balance as well as nurture female talent across the spectrum. I have been fortunate in leading a team of enthusiastic professionals who share a common goal of making Eros Now the ultimate digital entertainment destination.”

  • Grapes Digital strengthens its creative team

    Grapes Digital strengthens its creative team

    MUMBAI: Grapes Digital, the full-fledged digital and marketing agency, has made key appointments to strengthen its creative team in Delhi.

    The agency has roped in Mithun Mukherjee as associate creative director and Viraj Rohan Circar as executive creative director.

    The duo will be responsible to overlook the creative requirement of the current clients and pitches.

    Mithun brings in 12 years of experience and has joined from Scatter where he was Director – Content Strategy. Prior to scatter he was with Omnicom as Associate Media Director. He has worked on award winning campaigns for brands like Renault, Nissan, Monster.com, GSK, Perfetti and Cisco.

    Viraj holds a decade of experience in handling creative mandates for brands like Ford, Coke, Sprite, Thums Up, Airtel. He has earlier worked with GTB (WPP’s integrated global agency for Ford), where he was a Creative Director and has had couple of other creative stints too.

    Speaking on the new appointment Grapes Digital founder Himanshu Arya says, “We welcome Mithun and Viraj on board. They bring lot of new ideas and tons of enthusiasm and we look forward to build some exciting campaigns together.”

  • AAAI Subhas Ghosal Memorial Lecture 2018

    AAAI Subhas Ghosal Memorial Lecture 2018

    Mumbai: The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and Subhas Ghosal Foundation (SGF) is pleased to announce the Subhas Ghosal Memorial Lecture by Rajan Anandan, Vice President, Google India and South East Asia on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at Hotel St. Regis, Lower Parel, Mumbai.

    Mr. Rajan Anandan will enlighten the audience on what the new Internet User is like and what to expect in the Digital World we now live in, a few years from now. 

    Says Ashish Bhasin, President, AAAI says, “In a world that is rapidly being disrupted by digital, it will be extremely interesting to and important for everyone to prepare themselves. We at AAAI look forward to Rajan Anandan’s perspectives at the Subhas Ghosal Memorial Lecture.”

    Says Sam Balsara, on behalf of SGF, “Both Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants will find the lecture useful and enlightening.”

    All members of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Digital community are welcome. However, RSVP to Mr. Sudesh Kapoor at aaai@aaai.inis a must. If you need an invitation please send an email from your official email id to Mr. Sudesh Kapoor.

    This lecture is possible because of support from ABP LIVE, to whom the organisers are grateful.
     

  • Wavemaker’s Anil Kumar joins Spatial Access

    Wavemaker’s Anil Kumar joins Spatial Access

    MUMBAI: Anil Kumar from Wavemaker has joined Spatial Access, India’s first and largest media audit and advisory company, as its head of strategy. Kumar comes with over two decades of experience having worked in multiple markets and agencies, recently with Wavemaker, Mumbai.

    “Anil’s one point agenda will be to bring more transparency and better ROI for our client’s media spends,” said Spatial Access CEO Vineet Sodhani. “His deep and wide experience in media agencies and media houses will help us drive our transparency agenda. He will also enhance client deliveries by giving strategic inputs on their media spends with the objective of improving their ROI.”

    Prior to joining Spatial Access, Kumar was working with Wavemaker where he worked on multiple clients like Tata Sky, Kotak, Zydus and DPA among others. And earlier to that, he was with MediaCom, Starcom, Mudra Max, BCCL and Lodestar.

    On his appointment, he said, “I am excited to join Spatial Access to be able to offer more transparency and better value for our clients’ investments.”

    Spatial Access is India’s largest marketing and media audit and advisory company that helps advertisers increase their ROI on marcom expenditure. It uses proprietary tools and processes to analyse a marketer’s spends in traditional as well as digital media, print production, BTL, Ad Films, agency partnerships etc. and give them specific recommendations on how to improve both efficiency and impact. Spatial Access works with clients whose spends range from a few million to few billion – Indian start-ups and conglomerates as well as global MNCs.

  • Gaurang Menon appointed NCD for Madison Digital

    Gaurang Menon appointed NCD for Madison Digital

    MUMBAI: Madison Digital has appointed Gaurang Menon as its national creative director.
    Gaurang will report to Vishal Chinchankar, chief digital officer and will be based in Mumbai.
    Gaurang comes with a wealth of experience in digital communication across agencies such as iContract, Quasar (GroupM), Leo Burnett, BC Webwise and Mediaturf and has worked on a wide range of brands such as Kellogs, Sunsilk GangofGirls, Jet Airways, Cleartrip, Microsoft, Reliance Communications, Honda Motors, Nestle, Twinings, Dettol, Durex, UTI MF, HSBC, Garnier India, Kissan, Pureit and Vaseline.
    Madison Chief Digital Officer Vishal Chinchankar says, “We are very happy to have Gaurang on board. Our aim is to be a significant player in the creative tech and content ecosystem of India. His experience in the area of content and smart creative tech solutions will add to our existing proficiency in media performance and we will be able to offer holistic solutions to our clients. I am confident that Gaurang, with his experience and expertise, will help us take this ambition forward.”
    Says Gaurang Menon on his appointment, “It’s a pleasure and honour to be a part of Madison – a name most of us first heard of when we entered advertising. Madison’s collaborative work environment, exciting list of brands, and a digital creative first approach is very exciting to be in at the moment. I’ve known Vishal since my first job in digital advertising and am pleased to partner with him in his future growth plan for Madison Digital.”

  • MullenLowe Lintas Group promotes Amer Jaleel, Virat Tandon

    MullenLowe Lintas Group promotes Amer Jaleel, Virat Tandon

    MullenLowe Lintas Group is naming its group leadership team in India with two elevations from within. Amer Jaleel has been named Group Chairman and Chief Creative Officer. Partnering him, on business, will be Virat Tandon who’s being named Group CEO. In their new roles, the duo will lead the group mandate in India overseeing its three agencies; Lowe Lintas, Mullen Lintas and PointNine Lintas.

    Speaking of the new Group leadership, Alex Leikikh – global CEO MullenLowe Group said, “A few years ago, we had asked Amer and Virat to start our second agency in India, Mullen Lintas, and they have built it into a top 10 agency in the country in just two years. Amer has been a creative leader of our group in India for a very long time now, and Virat embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of the MullenLowe Group, and as such I am delighted to have them steer our overall business in India to even greater success.”

    Amer Jaleel joined Lowe Lintas in 2002 and has held multiple creative leadership positions including Chief Creative Officer. Virat Tandon joined the group in 2004 in the New Delhi offices of Lowe Lintas and has since played various senior roles in the network in India and Singapore. When the group started Mullen Lintas in 2015, it named Jaleel and Tandon Chairman and CCO, and CEO respectively. 

    Speaking of their new roles, Jaleel and Tandon said, “We have a lot of strong assets in the group. Two top ten agencies, Lowe Lintas and Mullen Lintas; a very promising incubation, the Omni-channel agency PointNine Lintas; some of the industry’s best and brightest creative, strategy and business leaders; and last but not the least a culture that makes us stick together and tick. The future is looking different and exciting. There could be no better time for the group to embark on this journey. To stay at the top of its game, MullenLowe Lintas Group realizes the importance of investing in building a strong talent pool with new skills that are relevant in the digital and hyper-connected world. It’s becoming more challenging for brands to win in the marketplace as the consumer is evolving and most categories are being disrupted and transformed due to technology. Clients are looking for all the help they can get from their agencies to win in this new reality. We want to continue to be our clients’ biggest strength.”

    In a separate development, Arun Iyer – Chairman and CCO of Lowe Lintas has decided to move within the agency to become a creative consultant. Arun plans to start a venture of his own and will transition out of the agency over the next year. The agency has planned a twelve-month transition period, during which he will continue to work for some key clients and help with succession planning.

    Iyer, spoke of his decision, “I have had the privilege of being part of an institution. I have spent a little over 15 years here. And it is home. Over the last few years, I have been passionate about start-ups and have played a role in developing some strong brands such as Byju’s, Freecharge and Grofers. Going forward, I am planning to work more closely within the start-up eco-system.”

    Adds Amer Jaleel, “Arun and I have been brothers-in-arms for over 8 years now. We’ve been shouldering the equity and reputation of Lintas together and that gives you a sort of a feeling of being in the same womb! Arun has, over the last 3 years, taken the spirit that Balki infused in Lowe Lintas to a different zone and moulded the agency in his own way. A large part of my job for MullenLowe Lintas Group will be to take that imprint forward.”

    Jaleel and Tandon’s appointments take place with immediate effect. They are working on plans to transform MullenLowe Lintas Group in a few critical areas to remain the key agency partner for clients. 
     

  • PHD makes two Delhi appointments

    PHD makes two Delhi appointments

    MUMBAI: PHD India has strengthened its leadership team in Delhi with the appointment of Dipika Bhasin as the new head of Delhi office while Anuj Madan has been elevated to Delhi digital lead.

    PHD India CEO Jyoti Kumar Bansal says, “The appointments reflect the growing demands of our clients based in North India and the volume of activity the Delhi office now manages, especially after the Vivo digital account win and the growth in mandates from HP, SC Johnson and other clients. With Dipika’s deep-rooted knowledge of the North India market and how to make brands thrive there, as well as Anuj’s digital prowess, I am confident that we will continue to see more impressive wins come out of our office in Delhi.”

    Bhasin brings over 17 years of experience, joining from sister-agency, OMD, where she spent six years and most recently served as vice president for the Delhi office. Prior to joining Omnicom Media Group in 2011, Bhasin developed extensive media experience through roles at Zee Telefilms, Carat and Aircel.

    Dipika Bhasin mentions, “PHD has demonstrated impressive growth, having been recognised as Campaign’s Agency of the Year last year and won prominent international and local business in recent years. I am excited to be joining the team and continuing the momentum in Delhi and North India.”

    Madan has an experience in transforming digital businesses for brands like Renault, HP India, Samsung, Amex, Lufthansa and Swatch, among others, over the last 12 years. Prior to joining Omnicom Media Group in 2015, Madan served as a business director at Cheil Worldwide and Mindshare, leading the digital business to build brands by driving high performance marketing.

    Anuj Madan adds, “It’s been great to have played a part in PHD’s growth journey in Delhi during my role at Omnicom Media Group, with the recent Vivo win a testament to the agency’s superior digital offering in the market. I look forward to working with Vivo and our other clients in North India on raising their digital credentials and driving real business performance for them as a result.”