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Category: People

  • Manmohan’s ex-advisor, scribe Baru joins FICCI

    NEW DELHI: Sanjaya Baru, former official spokesman and media advisor to the former prime minister Manmohan Singh, will take over as the secretary-general of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) from 1 September 2017.

    This follows the completion of the five-year term of Dr A Didar Singh who had joined FICCI after his retirement as secretary in the government.

    A former journalist, Baru – who was attached to PMO from 2004 to 2008 – is a political commentator and policy analyst, currently serving as director for geo-economics and strategy at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in Singapore.

    FICCI president Pankaj Patel said: “Dr Singh, nearing completion of five years as the secretary-general of FICCI, has been for some time been looking for a relatively lighter role within the organisation and in view of this, the FICCI Committee has decided to appoint Baru.”

    FICCI has completed 90 years of its glorious existence growing from strength to strength. With Dr. Singh’s personal efforts, FICCI has shaped up extremely well during the last five years and has been extremely resilient in dealing with domestic and global challenges as well as supporting Indian industry in capitalizing on new emerging opportunities,” Patel added.

    Patel said Dr. Singh would now be holding the position of the principal advisor to FICCI president from 1 September.

    Earlier, he had served as associate editor at The Economic Times and The Times of India, and then as the chief editor of Business Standard. His father B P R Vithal served as the finance and planning secretary during Manmohan Singh’s stint as the secretary of finance in the early nineties.

    In April 2014, his memoir The Accidental Prime Minister, about his time at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) alleged that the prime minister was completely subservient to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who wielded significant influence in the running of the Singh administration, including the PMO itself. The book had sparked off a controversy, with the PMO officially denouncing it as “fiction”. Baru, however, has said he set out to show an empathetic portrait of the prime minister.

  • Gutenberg appoints Christina Daniels as director of content for India

    MUMBAI: Renowned content writer and author Christina Daniels has joined Gutenberg as director of content for India.

    Gutenberg founder and CEO Harjiv Singh said, “We have taken our time to find the right content leader, whose understanding of the communication business is phenomenal. Christina will be responsible for conceptualising and executing cutting-edge content that speaks to a global audience. The diversity of her experience and the depth of her talent will be key in driving the creative transformation at Gutenberg.”

    Daniels has experience of 15 years in the field of corporate story telling. In the past, she has been associated with several leading technology, retail and media brands – creating compelling sories that help them communicate powerfully.

    Christina is also the author of the bestseller “I’ll Do It My Way: The Incredible Journey of Aamir Khan”, a filmography that studies the work of the actor Aamir Khan, which was long listed for the Crossword Book Award, and now has a Turkish edition.

    Prior to joining Gutenberg, Daniels held the position of Marcom Manager at CGI. She led Marcom content development at the Global Communications Centre in India. Before this she was also associated with organizations such as Microsoft, Metro Cash & Carry, Dell Services, Wipro Technologies, IBM and STAR among others.

    “Story telling is at the core of Gutenberg’s approach. By working on content strategy and building out capabilities across the country, we will be able to provide brands with other engaging ways to connect with consumers. Working with the talent at Gutenberg, I believe sky is the limit”, said Daniels.

  • MullenLowe Lintas India CEO Joe to move on in Sept-end

    MUMBAI: MullenLowe Lintas Group India group chairman and CEO, and south & southeast Asia regional president Joseph George (Joe) has decided to move on from the agency network at the end of September 2017. After an uninterrupted stint of over 26 years with the company, where he played numerous Growth, Brand management, Client management and Leadership roles locally, regionally and globally, he now plans to pursue what he calls “his big dream”.

    Alex Leikikh, Global CEO, MullenLowe Group, said, “Joe has made such a huge contribution to the MullenLowe Group network during his 26 years within the organisation that it really is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to him. During his recent tenure, Joe has led MullenLowe Lintas Group to huge success within India, across the APAC region and on a global stage. The agency has been credited with many firsts for India including, the best new business performer for 4 years in a row, the number one Creative Agency in the World by WARC 100 (twice), consecutive double-wins at 4A’s Jay Chiat Awards and runner up for AdAge International Agency of the Year 2015. On behalf of the entire MullenLowe Group network I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Joe who has built and led our business in India and South and Southeast Asia so successfully. He leaves behind a great team, legacy and business poised for even greater future growth.”

    Joseph George joined Lintas India in 1991, and has been with the company throughout its journey of evolution; from Lintas India to MullenLowe Lintas Group today. Joe was appointed India CEO in 2011; and while continuing to be based in Mumbai, took on the additional responsibility of running the South Asia & Southeast Asia region for MullenLowe Group in 2016. He also serves on the Global Executive Committee of the MullenLowe Group network.

    During his 6-year leadership, MullenLowe Lintas Group grew into one of the most powerful agency groups in India. Outperforming the industry right through this period, on business growth, organizational reputation as well as on creative output. It was also during this period that MullenLowe Lintas Group emerged as the most consistently dominant performer in Market Effectiveness across the world. He was also the chief architect of the launch of the 2 new Indian agencies from the MullenLowe Lintas Group – Mullen Lintas in August 2015 and the recently launched PointNine Lintas.

    Joe said, “MullenLowe Lintas Group in India today is in the best shape it’s been in for a very long time. I couldn’t be moving on at a better time, and any happier or prouder with what the 1000 of us have managed to achieve these past years. Alex and I have worked closely over the past 8 months on the transition plan; and with the road map and the leadership in place for all three agencies of MullenLowe Lintas Group, I am confident that our agency network in India is ready to author its next chapter of success.”

    On the India transition planning, Alex added, “One of Joe’s greatest strengths has been his ability to develop world class business and creative leaders. Those people will now step up to continue our progress and evolution in one of the world’s most dynamic and important markets.”

    In his 18-month leadership of the South Asia & Southeast Asia markets, Joe focused on creating stronger and tighter management structures across the offices. He led IPG’s agency-acquisition in Sri Lanka and subsequently its overall transformation; the re-structuring of the MullenLowe Thailand and Vietnam operations, as well as putting in place the leadership and brand and business strategy for the MullenLowe Singapore office. Succession plans for Joe’s Southeast Asia responsibilities are in advanced stages of finalization, and will be announced by global CEO Alex Leikikh in the coming weeks.

  • Sumanto Chattopadhyay named chairman & CCO of Soho Square

    MUMBAI: Sumanto Chattopadhyay will take over as the chairman and CCO at Soho Square from 1 August 2017 with the goal of shaping its culture and reputation, and leading it through the next phase of growth in India.

    Part of Ogilvy since 1993, Chattopadhyay has helped build brands like Dove, Pond’s and Star Plus, successfully relaunched UTI Bank as Axis Bank and helped launch brands like Pro Kabaddi, Maharashtra Tourism and The Economist in India. He also contributed to the growth of the Mumbai, Kolkata and Colombo offices of Ogilvy.

    Chattopadhyay has won international and national advertising awards at Cannes, the Clios, the One Show, the London Festival, the Abbies and Kyoorius. Some of his awards include the 2017 campaign for Star Plus that swept the Kyoorius Awards, the 2016 AME award for Diu Tourism campaign and the 2015 Cannes Health Lion for the filaria eradication campaign he developed for the Government of India.

    Chattopadhyay has an MBA from McGill University, Canada, and an MS in Applied Mathematics from Clemson University, South Carolina, USA.

    Ogilvy South Asia executive chairman and creative director Piyush Pandey in a statement said, “Sumanto is one of our most talented, seasoned creative resources with rich experience across categories. More importantly, he is a fantastic creative leader and, over the years, I’ve seen some great talent emerge under his leadership. Soho Square has picked up tremendous momentum. Sumanto will help build on its success and propel it forward.”

    Over the last decade, Soho Square has grown in size and stature to be ranked among the best agencies in India. Part of WPP in India, the company has been consciously built as an independent agency that now has offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata, and its client list includes Tata Motors, Himalaya Herbals, Bisleri, Yes Bank, Cipla, Franklin Templeton, Piaggio, Lava and Voltas, amongst others.

  • Zoozoo man moves on from Ogilvy – a note from Piyush Pandey

    MUMBAI: Ogilvy South Asia executive chairman and creative director Piyush Pandey writes:

    It is not at all easy for me, as I inform you that Rajiv Rao moves on from Ogilvy India to become a film maker. It has been Rajiv’s dream to make films for the last four years. I have nothing but a deep sense of gratitude to Rajiv, that he respected my request to stay on to help make a better and stronger Ogilvy. There are not too many in this business who make a sacrifice of this magnitude.

    Rajiv joined Ogilvy in 1999 with his partner V. Mahesh. And shortly thereafter, they started blazing new trails.

    In 2002, I had the joy of partnering him as a copywriter to create the legendary ‘Second hand smoke kills’ campaign for Cancer Patients Aid Association. This campaign won India’s first double Gold at Cannes.

    Whenever the Orange/Hutch/Vodafone history is written, Rajiv Rao’s name will feature in golden letters. Every piece of work on these brands has Rajiv’s personal stamp on it.

    The ‘silent killer’, Rajiv has always displayed phenomenal leadership skills without saying very much. Along with Mahesh, he led Ogilvy Bangalore from 2003 to 2006 and gave the office a renewed energy. In 2009 Rajiv and Abhijit Avasthi took on the role of National Creative Directors and raised the bar up many notches of creativity at Ogilvy India. And since 2015, Rajiv has played the role alone and compensated for his partner.

    Loved and admired by one and all in the industry, nationally and internationally, Rajiv is one of the finest creative people and the gentlest giant I have met in my life.

    I am sure Rajiv will be no less a film maker than the creative leader he has been. We will stay connected in more ways than one.

    Meanwhile, Rajiv will continue as Ogilvy India’s National Creative Leader till Sonal takes over and a smooth transition is complete.

    I will refrain from being personal and just say, “Thank you Rajiv. You are a true son of Ogilvy India. Keep the flag flying.”

  • Sonal Dabral starts second innings at Ogilvy India

    MUMBAI: Ogilvy India has announced apointment of Sonal Dabral as the group chief creative officer and vice-chairman.

    Ogilvy south Asia executive chairman and creative director Piyush Pandey said, “This is a first-time designation at Ogilvy & Mather in keeping with Sonal’s stature. Sonal was my first partner in building the creative reputation of Ogilvy India as it stands today. I am sure we will have a great partnership again to take Ogilvy to even greater heights.”

    Dabral worked at Ogilvy India from 1991 to 1999. He then took over as the Creative Head of Ogilvy Malaysia and within three years made it the No. 1 Creative Agency in that country. Thereafter he took on the reins of creativity in Ogilvy Singapore as its leader and raised the flag even higher, after which Ogilvy India wooed him back to India as the chairman India and regional creative director for Bates Asia-Pacific. He then took on the responsibility at DDB Mudra as Chairman and Chief Creative Officer.

    Pandey added, “As my partner in the 90s, he hired more creative talent than I have done in my life. He not only hired them, but inspired them and gave them wings to fly on their own. Sonal is a popular speaker around the world and a favourite jury member on every international award show. There is so much to Sonal’s achievements, that if I write them all, his joining us will get delayed.”

    This appointment is welcomed and celebrated by John Seifert, Chairman & CEO of Ogilvy Worldwide, ThamKhai Meng, Worldwide Chief Creative Officer and Co-Chairman of Ogilvy Worldwide, Kent Wertime, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Ogilvy Asia-Pacific and Eugene Cheong, Chief Creative Officer of Ogilvy Asia-Pacific. The Ogilvy leadership looks forward to Sonal injecting additional energy to the creative powerhouse for which Ogilvy India is well known around the world.

  • Vikas Parihar joins FCB India as president – digital integration

    MUMBAI: In a significant development to up FCB India’s digital game, the group appointed Vikas Parihar as President – Digital Integration. In his role, Vikas will be driving digital transformation & business, partnering individual CEOs, implementing global digital practices and providing strategic leadership for digital integration, paving the digital roadway for FCB India.

    Vikas will be based out of the Mumbai office, reporting to Rohit Ohri, Group Chairman & CEO, FCB India.

    With a rich experience, spanning over a decade, Vikas has lead digital business and marketing for OgilvyOne Africa, Havas Worldwide India, MagnonTBWA, Internet Moguls, Sofitel Luxury Hotels and Resorts India, Hinduja Interactive and Hotel Leela Venture Limited.

    His experience ranges across numerous sectors including FMCG, Technology, Healthcare, Travel and Hospitality, Social Development, eCommerce, Consumer Durables and Electronics. He has lent his expertise to various brands, such as, Airtel Africa, Coca-Cola, Standard Chartered Bank, Care India, HCL Healthcare, Huawei, Microsoft Lumia, Jindal Steel and Power, Mercedes Benz India, UTV, Toshiba, Diakin, Turkey Tourism, TATA AIG and many more.

    Vikas comes with a unique combination of skills from a passion for business and numbers to strategy and creative to data and technology.

    Commenting on the appointment, Ohri said, “FCB India has embarked on a cultural transformation journey fifteen months ago. Digital transformation is the key part of this cultural transformation. I’m delighted to have Vikas on board to lead the digital transformation of FCB India. Our vision is to be a truly integrated ideas company. With his vast experience, Vikas will be a great partner to me and in making this happen for FCB India.”

    Speaking on his new role, Vikas said, “In today’s connected world, we need a creative agency which brings together big ideas, technology and data. These ingredients are key to create compelling and engaging personal experiences that help win more customers and make them more valuable; and this is what I look forward to at FCB India”.

  • Publicis strengthens content practice with key hire Urvashi Khanna

    MUMBAI: Publicis Media India has strengthened its Content Practice with a key hire in the form of Urvashi Khanna. She has joined as Associate Director, Content & Brand Solutions and will report in to the Content Practice Lead Gautham Pingali.

    The Content Practice provides across the board solutions on content in the area of strategy, insight, consulting, audit, production, tech, partnerships and publishing. It spans all forms of content, be it brand content, social content, influencer content or SEO content.

    What differentiates the Practice is its approach to Content. For Publicis Media, Content delivers against core marketing KPI’s and business challenges. The Practice uses a proprietary data-driven approach called Content Audit and then the output fuels the actual content and brand solutions. This is all tied back towards ROI, therefore offering clients a holistic and tangible approach towards content.

    Urvashi Khanna has been producing and writing for television for many years. She started her own production house and successfully promo launched many big shows on leading GEC channels. She also produced TVCs and digital ads for brands. She successfully collaborated with Spykar to produce ‘India’s first web series’. Apart from running her own company, she has creatively helmed many shows and has run film and television sets in different capacities. As a Creative Director, she has executed various shows, documentaries and web series and has explored branded content both as digital brand solutions and short form programming.

    Gautham Pingali, Content Practice Lead at Publicis Media India, says, “Urvashi is a fantastic addition to the team. With her strong background in storytelling and production, she is the apt fit for this role and we are delighted to welcome her on-board.”

    Urvashi Khanna says, “We live in very interesting times. Brands are beginning to feel the need to go beyond the clutter of everyday commercials. My role gives me the unique opportunity to create content that is both engaging and accountable. I am very excited to be a part of Publicis Media India.”

  • Marquees 2017: Ad club appoints HUL’s Sanjiv Mehta as jury chair

    MUMBAI: Hindustan Unilever Limited CEO and MD Sanjiv Mehta will be chairing the jury for the Marquees awards in its debut year. The Advertising Club had announced the differentiated ‘Marquees 2017’ at Goafest in April.

    The Awards intend to recognise brands across categories for their excellence in marketing, building sustainable and path breaking brands. Chairing the jury for the awards in its debut year will be industry thought leader Sanjiv Mehta, ‎CEO and managing director of Hindustan Unilever Limited.

    Speaking about the Marquees awards, The Advertising Club president Raj Nayak said “Brands have an inspiring role to play in society and ‘Marquees 2017’ is a great initiative constituted towards recognizing marketers and their groundbreaking campaigns that have been a catalyst of social change. Sanjiv Mehta with his experience of leading a brand at the forefront of innovation and inclusivity is sure to bring great perspective and insight into the jury deliberation process for the debut edition of this unique award.”

    Mehta said “This is a great initiative from Advertising Club which looks at awarding the excellence of marketers. With increasing competition, the holistic marketing of a brand is what plays a decisive role in making the brand a category game changer. Marquees is a step towards recognizing this excellence in marketing that requires a great blend of insight, instinct and resilience. I am glad to be chairing the Jury for the first ever Marquees and am looking forward to judging some cutting-edge initiatives.”

    Speaking about the awards and Sanjiv Mehta chairing the awards jury, Marquees’ chairman Partho Dasgupta said, “To cater to evolved consumers who seek effective communication, brands today are challenged to create clutter breaking campaigns that set new benchmarks in marketing. Recognizing and felicitating such marketers and their ingenuity is the Marquees. The awards is one of those rare platforms that will honor not only the brand but the brand custodians for their ideas and innovation.”

    Marquees is set to be a grand affair bringing together thought leaders and industry veterans from Advertising, Marketing and Media Fraternity. The awards endeavours to evaluate and recognize success of the brands by judging them basis not only just how they advertised across platforms, but also taking into account the important factors like the pricing, distribution and purpose the brand served for the consumers at the end of the day. The awards will adjudge brands and individuals across three classifications

    ‘Category Awards’ honouring inspiring work under the product categories of FMCG: Foods, FMCG: Beverages, FMCG: Personal Care, FMCG: Household Care, Auto: 2 wheelers, Auto: 4 wheelers, Household Durables, Mobile Devices, Mobile Services, Banking, Insurance, E-commerce

    “Special Awards”, recognizing brands which have been brought alive through great story telling and exceptional and differentiated initiatives that have redefined the category. Some of the awards in the category are “Revival of a stagnant category”, “Re-inventing for the better”, “Carving out a niche”, “Riding on an emerging wave”, “The Phoneix”, “Conquering an impregnable fortress” and “Traversing unchartered waters”.

    Marquees will also give away a coveted “Green Award” which aims to honour brands that have strived and conquered, by keeping a close focus on environment sustainability.

    The debut edition of The Marquees which is expected to be attended by the who’s who of advertising, marketing, creative & media is slated to premiere in August, 2017.

  • Ad platform POKKT appoints Wahab as VP

    MUMBAI: POKKT, India’s & SEA’s leading smartphone advertising platform for mobile games, has announced the appointment of Abdul Wahab as Vice President, Global Delivery Head. Abdul will be responsible for timely delivery of campaigns, optimizing cost, maintain KPIs towards the goals targeted, strengthening and exploring new partnerships with mobile game publishers. Abdul will report to POKKT’s COO & CO-founder, Vaibhav Odhekar.

    “Abdul has vast experience in digital advertising operations, delivery and optimization will help the company scale newer heights. He will surely help us reinforce our leadership team and will strengthen POKKT’s position in the mobile video advertising space,” said Vaibhav Odhekar, COO & CO-founder of POKKT.

    Abdul said, “My overall endeavour will be to establish POKKT as a global leader in mobile video ad space. Having worked in a start-up environment and with tech-based companies, I will also be looking at establishing strong relationships with our clients and partners, both existing and new.”

    Abdul brings 13+ years of relevant industry experience to his new role having previously served as Senior Director-Supply and Delivery at C1 Exchange. He was handling the entire business operations from onboarding supply and programmatic delivery, for the US and APMEA region. He has also worked in leadership roles with several top companies like Vizury, Vserv, Ibibo and Zenith Optimedia. He has a complete understanding of the online advertising marketplace and has been a significant contributor to both business and technical aspects of ad Serving. His key accomplishments include delivering scale and value to the stakeholders.