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Category: People

  • Dentsu Aegis Networks launch Data Sciences India; elevates Gautam Mehra

    Dentsu Aegis Networks launch Data Sciences India; elevates Gautam Mehra

    MUMBAI: Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN) has announced the launch of Data Sciences in India to help clients and marketers understand and predict the influences of human behaviour on media and advertising. This unit has been designed to effectively catalyse the decryption and interpretation of the overwhelming amount of data that agencies within the Dentsu Aegis Network explore and exploit every single day to drive efficiencies for its clients.

    Led by DAN chief data officer Gautam Mehra along with iProspect India CEO Vivek Bhargava, the division houses have a capable team of economists, statisticians and computer scientists. Prior to this, Mehra was iProspect vice president social media.

    The team will come up with data driven solutions to solve complex problem of clients, help effective data management within the group and that of the client and will work with all the network companies to bring data, analytics and technology together to provide business intelligence at the click of a button.

    DAN chairman and CEO South Asia, Posterscope chairman and MKTG Asia Pacific Ashish Bhasin said, “In order to take a leadership position in managing the ever-growing Data requirements for our clients, we have invested in a team of experts, led by Gautam, who will use technology to bring Data and Analytics together. We want to invest ahead of the curve as leaders in the Digital Marketing services to ensure that Dentsu Aegis Network clients in India get the best-in-class Data Management solutions, of a world standard. Vivek Bhargava will be the executive sponsor for the team and this will help us further strengthen our position in Digital Marketing services.”

    He added, “With Gautam and the team, we are welcoming the avenues of smarter marketing by not just providing our clients with data, but also giving them tools that can help them make better business decisions.”

    Bhargava added, “Data rests at the centre of all brand marketing in modern times. The new-age marketer keenly studies customer action and envisions disruptive products and campaign communication in accordance. It was a no-brainer therefore that as a network that leads in digital capabilities, we had to own a data division that adds immense value to our client campaigns across categories, in-turn boosting business achievements. This is definitely a sign of exciting times ahead.”

    Mehra said, “Digital plays a critical role in the evolution of marketing. Data is being generated everywhere, that too volumes and volumes of it. The first challenge was to measure and collect it. The second obstacle to store data, which resulted in concepts like the cloud. And the third hurdle was to analyse and fructify it. And that’s where the need for a data team came into place. At Dentsu Aegis Network, we believe that data is a multiplier, not just a layer and needs to be analysed in milliseconds. Our Data labs consist of contemporary propriety tools that will positively provide effective and practical solutions to clients. I’m thrilled to be given this unique opportunity and certain that the data division will see great success.”

  • Jen Smith is Maxus’ first global creative head

    Jen Smith is Maxus’ first global creative head

    MUMBAI: Maxus Global has today announced the appointment of Jen Smith, currently head of strategy and planning for Maxus UK, as its first ever global Creative Director. Smith will be responsible for overseeing all of Maxus Global’s creative output.

    Smith joined Maxus UK in 2013 as head of planning, before expanding her role to include strategy where she restructured the team to enable Maxus UK to better provide insight-led, ideas-focussed and technology-rich solutions across the agency. Smith was also instrumental in creating Change Planning, Maxus’ bespoke planning process.

    In 2016 Smith developed a bespoke creativity training scheme, taking ten percent of the agency on a journey of facilitation techniques and creative problem solving. Each of these creative champions are driving learnings out across the entire agency.

    In her new role, Smith will focus on the delivery of outstanding creative work for clients both on a UK and global level, and she will also expand the UK creativity leadership programme for all Maxus employees worldwide.

    Announcing the promotion, Lindsay Pattison, Maxus worldwide CEO, said: “Jen has been an absolutely integral part of Maxus UK; she’s a brilliant communicator and left field thinker, and has consistently come up with ideas that move the needle for our clients and make us a more efficient, creative business.

    “Jen was a very key participant in Walk The Talk, the Maxus gender equality initiative that helps women identify what their goals are and find the confidence to step up and make bold moves. Jen took these learnings on board and came to me with a proposal for this new role that both benefits Maxus and offers her the ideal step up; she is truly walking the talk.”

    Nick Vale, Worldwide Head of Planning, Maxus says; “Without any shadow of a doubt we are in the midst of a revolution in media; there’s a tremendous opportunity to create new types of work that sizzle with excitement. But to properly deliver it takes more than lip-service or hybrid strategy/ideas roles – it requires dedicated talent with the space to focus, explore and create. As one of the most intuitively creative media thinkers in the business today I can think of no-one better that Jen to push us to new and exciting places.”

    Jen Smith, global creative director at Maxus, said: “Maxus is a super -fast and agile global agency and there’s a fantastic opportunity to drive creativity across our network. Clients are calling out for work that is brave, problem-solving and with one foot firmly planted in the future. I’m looking forward to taking the initiatives that have delivered in the UK out across the world, creating creativity leadership programmes, along with developing stronger and senior creative opportunities for key clients across the globe.

    “I could not be more excited to take up the opportunity to drive creativity across Maxus and to help the entire organisation lead change in a whole new way.”

    Smith will continue to be based in London and will report into Nick Vale Worldwide Head of Planning and Nick Baughan, CEO Maxus UK. She will split her time 50/50 between Maxus UK and Maxus Global.

  • Jen Smith is Maxus’ first global creative head

    Jen Smith is Maxus’ first global creative head

    MUMBAI: Maxus Global has today announced the appointment of Jen Smith, currently head of strategy and planning for Maxus UK, as its first ever global Creative Director. Smith will be responsible for overseeing all of Maxus Global’s creative output.

    Smith joined Maxus UK in 2013 as head of planning, before expanding her role to include strategy where she restructured the team to enable Maxus UK to better provide insight-led, ideas-focussed and technology-rich solutions across the agency. Smith was also instrumental in creating Change Planning, Maxus’ bespoke planning process.

    In 2016 Smith developed a bespoke creativity training scheme, taking ten percent of the agency on a journey of facilitation techniques and creative problem solving. Each of these creative champions are driving learnings out across the entire agency.

    In her new role, Smith will focus on the delivery of outstanding creative work for clients both on a UK and global level, and she will also expand the UK creativity leadership programme for all Maxus employees worldwide.

    Announcing the promotion, Lindsay Pattison, Maxus worldwide CEO, said: “Jen has been an absolutely integral part of Maxus UK; she’s a brilliant communicator and left field thinker, and has consistently come up with ideas that move the needle for our clients and make us a more efficient, creative business.

    “Jen was a very key participant in Walk The Talk, the Maxus gender equality initiative that helps women identify what their goals are and find the confidence to step up and make bold moves. Jen took these learnings on board and came to me with a proposal for this new role that both benefits Maxus and offers her the ideal step up; she is truly walking the talk.”

    Nick Vale, Worldwide Head of Planning, Maxus says; “Without any shadow of a doubt we are in the midst of a revolution in media; there’s a tremendous opportunity to create new types of work that sizzle with excitement. But to properly deliver it takes more than lip-service or hybrid strategy/ideas roles – it requires dedicated talent with the space to focus, explore and create. As one of the most intuitively creative media thinkers in the business today I can think of no-one better that Jen to push us to new and exciting places.”

    Jen Smith, global creative director at Maxus, said: “Maxus is a super -fast and agile global agency and there’s a fantastic opportunity to drive creativity across our network. Clients are calling out for work that is brave, problem-solving and with one foot firmly planted in the future. I’m looking forward to taking the initiatives that have delivered in the UK out across the world, creating creativity leadership programmes, along with developing stronger and senior creative opportunities for key clients across the globe.

    “I could not be more excited to take up the opportunity to drive creativity across Maxus and to help the entire organisation lead change in a whole new way.”

    Smith will continue to be based in London and will report into Nick Vale Worldwide Head of Planning and Nick Baughan, CEO Maxus UK. She will split her time 50/50 between Maxus UK and Maxus Global.

  • DDB Mudra Group makes senior appointments

    DDB Mudra Group makes senior appointments

    MUMBAI: The DDB Mudra Group has appointed 22feet Tribal Worldwide MD Vineet Gupta as its chief digital officer and, its planning head Aditya Kanthy as chief strategy officer. Gupta and Kanthy will be reporting directly to Group CEO & MD Madhukar Kamath.

    Also joining DDB Mudra Group is an industry veteran and OOH specialist, Gour Gupta. He takes over DDB MudraMax’s portfolio of OOH, Events and Experiential as its CEO. Gupta will also be an Executive Director of the DDB Mudra Group.

    “In our endeavour to partner our clients towards profitable growth, we have observed that every aspect of the DDB Mudra Group’s work from brand building to promotions design, from developing media strategies to event management is being transformed. These appointments recognize the strategic importance of data and digital technologies to our business. Vineet and Aditya will now work with me alongside Sathyamurthy Namakkal, President, DDB MudraMax Media and my other senior colleagues to build the organization for a future where business results, data and digital are at the heart of creativity, strategy and execution.” said Kamath.

    Quoting on his new role, Aditya Kanthy said, “Digital technologies are transforming every aspect of our client’s business from brand building to buying. I’m looking forward to help build the DDB Mudra Group for the future, where Data and Digital are at the heart of creativity and strategy. We’re already seeing glimpses of this in the composition, structure and work of our teams that are partnering J&J, Royal Enfield, VW, Future group, SAP and USL among others. As a Group, we are constantly exploring new ways of working together and learning new skills. It’s a massive opportunity and we’re ready to take it.”

    Gupta, who will be taking up his new role as CDO, in addition to his existing position as 22feet Tribal Worldwide MD said, “Data & Digital offer tremendous growth opportunities for our own business and for our clients. I look forward to collaborating with teams across the DDB Mudra Group to help identify and strategically scale these opportunities. The DDB Mudra Group is well poised to offer a strong and differentiated point of view and I am excited.”

    Gour Gupta said, “DDB Mudra Group is truly a well-diversified Marketing Services Group. The growth plans for the OOH, Events & Experiential businesses are both interesting and challenging. In Sanjay Shukla, the President in DDB MudraMax, I have a very able ally. I look forward to leading a very strong and committed team that is already in place. This is one journey that I will cherish.”

    Madhukar Kamath added “Gour Gupta started his agency career with Mudra. I am thrilled to welcome him as the ED of the DDB Mudra Group and the CEO of our OOH, Events & Experiential businesses. He has been a wonderful partner in our Joint Venture. With the entrepreneurial zeal and experience of Gour in the OOH business and with the proven expertise of Sanjay Shukla in the Events and Experiential space, DDB MudraMax will be a formidable agency to reckon with. Welcome Gour.”

  • DDB Mudra Group makes senior appointments

    DDB Mudra Group makes senior appointments

    MUMBAI: The DDB Mudra Group has appointed 22feet Tribal Worldwide MD Vineet Gupta as its chief digital officer and, its planning head Aditya Kanthy as chief strategy officer. Gupta and Kanthy will be reporting directly to Group CEO & MD Madhukar Kamath.

    Also joining DDB Mudra Group is an industry veteran and OOH specialist, Gour Gupta. He takes over DDB MudraMax’s portfolio of OOH, Events and Experiential as its CEO. Gupta will also be an Executive Director of the DDB Mudra Group.

    “In our endeavour to partner our clients towards profitable growth, we have observed that every aspect of the DDB Mudra Group’s work from brand building to promotions design, from developing media strategies to event management is being transformed. These appointments recognize the strategic importance of data and digital technologies to our business. Vineet and Aditya will now work with me alongside Sathyamurthy Namakkal, President, DDB MudraMax Media and my other senior colleagues to build the organization for a future where business results, data and digital are at the heart of creativity, strategy and execution.” said Kamath.

    Quoting on his new role, Aditya Kanthy said, “Digital technologies are transforming every aspect of our client’s business from brand building to buying. I’m looking forward to help build the DDB Mudra Group for the future, where Data and Digital are at the heart of creativity and strategy. We’re already seeing glimpses of this in the composition, structure and work of our teams that are partnering J&J, Royal Enfield, VW, Future group, SAP and USL among others. As a Group, we are constantly exploring new ways of working together and learning new skills. It’s a massive opportunity and we’re ready to take it.”

    Gupta, who will be taking up his new role as CDO, in addition to his existing position as 22feet Tribal Worldwide MD said, “Data & Digital offer tremendous growth opportunities for our own business and for our clients. I look forward to collaborating with teams across the DDB Mudra Group to help identify and strategically scale these opportunities. The DDB Mudra Group is well poised to offer a strong and differentiated point of view and I am excited.”

    Gour Gupta said, “DDB Mudra Group is truly a well-diversified Marketing Services Group. The growth plans for the OOH, Events & Experiential businesses are both interesting and challenging. In Sanjay Shukla, the President in DDB MudraMax, I have a very able ally. I look forward to leading a very strong and committed team that is already in place. This is one journey that I will cherish.”

    Madhukar Kamath added “Gour Gupta started his agency career with Mudra. I am thrilled to welcome him as the ED of the DDB Mudra Group and the CEO of our OOH, Events & Experiential businesses. He has been a wonderful partner in our Joint Venture. With the entrepreneurial zeal and experience of Gour in the OOH business and with the proven expertise of Sanjay Shukla in the Events and Experiential space, DDB MudraMax will be a formidable agency to reckon with. Welcome Gour.”

  • iProspect India gets Divya Ajitkumar as AVP Client Servicing

    iProspect India gets Divya Ajitkumar as AVP Client Servicing

    MUMBAI:iProspect India, the digital performance agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, today announced the appointment of Divya Ajitkumar as Associate Vice President – Client Services. Divya, a digital marketing veteran, comes with a decade-long work experience. She will strategically complement iProspect’s aggressive growth plans as she takes on the lead responsibility of servicing the company’s clients in the Indian market.

    iProspect India CEO Vivek Bhargava said, “We gladly welcome Divya to the iProspect team, especially at a crucial juncture wherein we look at accelerating the company’s growth. We are positive that Divya’s unique experience and global exposure will help us explore new digital marketing avenues in an efficient manner, such that it benefits the brand and the company alike. We look forward to expanding our business revenues and bagging more awards in the coming year.”

    Commenting on her appointment, Divya Ajitkumar, Associate Vice President – Client Services said, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the energetic iProspect team and one of the leading digital performance agencies in the country today. Client servicing as a profile is extremely close to my heart and I believe my experience will help contribute to the company’s efforts. I’m positive there’s a lot of great work coming up. The Indian market is not an easy one, but I’m up for the challenge and keen to embrace everything it has to offer!”

    Divya started her career in digital media in New York and further utilized her curiosity and zeal to succeed in exploring the vast world of digital media. Working across different geographies and verticals throughout her career, her fortes include campaign management, activation, consulting and strategy. Having experienced different work cultures and ethics across the USA and Europe, Divya understands different market segments and has in-depth knowledge in strategizing and pitching. She has shouldered several roles at the Starcom Mediavest Group and worked closely with several top brands including Samsung, Coca-Cola, Walmart, Europcar, Flybe, Aer Lingus, Avon, Honda, CineWorld and RIM.

  • iProspect India gets Divya Ajitkumar as AVP Client Servicing

    iProspect India gets Divya Ajitkumar as AVP Client Servicing

    MUMBAI:iProspect India, the digital performance agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, today announced the appointment of Divya Ajitkumar as Associate Vice President – Client Services. Divya, a digital marketing veteran, comes with a decade-long work experience. She will strategically complement iProspect’s aggressive growth plans as she takes on the lead responsibility of servicing the company’s clients in the Indian market.

    iProspect India CEO Vivek Bhargava said, “We gladly welcome Divya to the iProspect team, especially at a crucial juncture wherein we look at accelerating the company’s growth. We are positive that Divya’s unique experience and global exposure will help us explore new digital marketing avenues in an efficient manner, such that it benefits the brand and the company alike. We look forward to expanding our business revenues and bagging more awards in the coming year.”

    Commenting on her appointment, Divya Ajitkumar, Associate Vice President – Client Services said, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the energetic iProspect team and one of the leading digital performance agencies in the country today. Client servicing as a profile is extremely close to my heart and I believe my experience will help contribute to the company’s efforts. I’m positive there’s a lot of great work coming up. The Indian market is not an easy one, but I’m up for the challenge and keen to embrace everything it has to offer!”

    Divya started her career in digital media in New York and further utilized her curiosity and zeal to succeed in exploring the vast world of digital media. Working across different geographies and verticals throughout her career, her fortes include campaign management, activation, consulting and strategy. Having experienced different work cultures and ethics across the USA and Europe, Divya understands different market segments and has in-depth knowledge in strategizing and pitching. She has shouldered several roles at the Starcom Mediavest Group and worked closely with several top brands including Samsung, Coca-Cola, Walmart, Europcar, Flybe, Aer Lingus, Avon, Honda, CineWorld and RIM.

  • Mahendra Upadhyay is Mindshare’s Data & Technology head

    Mahendra Upadhyay is Mindshare’s Data & Technology head

    MUMBAI: Mindshare has announced the appointment of Mahendra Upadhyay as Head of Data and Technology. His role has been effective from July 1, 2016.

    In his new role, Mahendra will be responsible for data and technology duties within the Product team at Mindshare. While he will operate out of the Mumbai office, Mahendra will also regularly be involved with the Bangalore and Gurgaon office and will be reporting in to M A Parthasarathy (MAPS), Chief Product Officer, South Asia, Mindshare.

    Mindshare South Asia chief product officer M A Parthasarathy commented on the appointment, “We are very pleased to have Mahendra on board. We have a clear agenda to create category and client solutions powered by data & technology. We recognize the need for very different skill sets to drive this. Mahendra has a proven aptitude to create clarity & drive innovation through data. He has delivered growth & business results across categories. We have full faith that his passion for data and technology will ensure that Mindshare continues to deliver revolutionary solutions that significantly impact business results.”

    Commenting on his new role, Mahendra Upadhyay said, “I am both honored and excited to be a part of the Mindshare family. I strongly resonate with Mindshare’s values of speed, team work and provocation and am eagerly looking forward to work alongside a fabulous team and help redefine standards.”

  • Mahendra Upadhyay is Mindshare’s Data & Technology head

    Mahendra Upadhyay is Mindshare’s Data & Technology head

    MUMBAI: Mindshare has announced the appointment of Mahendra Upadhyay as Head of Data and Technology. His role has been effective from July 1, 2016.

    In his new role, Mahendra will be responsible for data and technology duties within the Product team at Mindshare. While he will operate out of the Mumbai office, Mahendra will also regularly be involved with the Bangalore and Gurgaon office and will be reporting in to M A Parthasarathy (MAPS), Chief Product Officer, South Asia, Mindshare.

    Mindshare South Asia chief product officer M A Parthasarathy commented on the appointment, “We are very pleased to have Mahendra on board. We have a clear agenda to create category and client solutions powered by data & technology. We recognize the need for very different skill sets to drive this. Mahendra has a proven aptitude to create clarity & drive innovation through data. He has delivered growth & business results across categories. We have full faith that his passion for data and technology will ensure that Mindshare continues to deliver revolutionary solutions that significantly impact business results.”

    Commenting on his new role, Mahendra Upadhyay said, “I am both honored and excited to be a part of the Mindshare family. I strongly resonate with Mindshare’s values of speed, team work and provocation and am eagerly looking forward to work alongside a fabulous team and help redefine standards.”

  • Havas Media Singapore’s Melvin Lim is new APAC CCO; Jacqui Lim to replace him

    Havas Media Singapore’s Melvin Lim is new APAC CCO; Jacqui Lim to replace him

    MUMBAI: Havas Media has elevated its current CEO of Singapore Melvin Lim to the newly created role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) for Havas Media Group, Asia Pacific.

    Jacqui Lim, the current MD of Singapore operations, will take over as the CEO of Havas
    Media Group, Singapore.

    In the new role, Melvin will be responsible for regional business development across all brands of Havas Media Group, including Havas Media, Arena Media and the specialist brands: Socialyse, Ecselis, Mobext and Affiperf.

    In addition to the CCO role, he will continue to be the regional lead for Havas Sports & Entertainment, a concurrent role he took over in 2014.

    Melvin joined Havas Media in 2011 and is credited with not only exponentially growing the Singapore operations but also transforming the agency into one of the most respected and competitive agencies in the country.

    Commenting on the promotions, Havas Media Group, Asia Pacific, CEO Vishnu Mohan said, “Our Singapore operations has grown from strength to strength under Melvin’s leadership and we were keen to utilise his strong business acumen at a regional level. The role of Chief Commercial Officer is a natural fit for him given his background as a marketer, his experience with the network and his relationship with the wider global and local teams. I am confident that Melvin will be big asset to the regional team.”

    “Jacqui is a natural leader and has more than proven her credentials for taking on a bigger role. She is a new business star, a talent magnet and a strategic thinker. I have no doubt that she will lead our Singapore operations to new heights of success,” added Vishnu.

    Prior to joining Havas Media, Melvin was Head of Marketing for DBS Consumer Bank in Singapore where he led and managed all of DBS’ and POSB’s marketing programmes. Before this, Melvin spent four years as Deputy Director, Consumer Marketing at Singtel and
    10 years with Asia Pacific Breweries, where he developed his foundation in Marketing and
    Brand Management.

    Jacqui joined Havas Media as Managing Director in October 2014 after having spent six years in ZenithOptimedia. In her previous role, she was Executive Director, General Manager, followed by Managing Director of the Singapore office. She was pivotal in leading and winning the Changi Airport Group pitch in 2013 as well as the Asia Pacific Breweries pitch in 2010.