ITV

Category: People

  • Sony DADC elevates Rajat Kakar as managing director – India ops

    Sony DADC elevates Rajat Kakar as managing director – India ops

    MUMBAI: After successfully launching Home Entertainment Services by Sony DADC in India, Rajat Kakar has been elevated as the managing director of Sony DADC India, reporting in to Sony DADC International president Dietmar Tanzer.

     

    Kakar replaces CK Sunny, who joined the company in 1997 at a time when the audio cassette business was the prevailing format and had steered the manufacturing unit through the advent of compact discs and eventually into Blu-ray disc.

     

    In his new role, Kakar will oversee the Sony DADC manufacturing and distribution unit operations in addition to the licensee business. Core to his new responsibilities, Kakar will provide strategic guidance to the company’s existing portfolio and expand the current verticals while exploring growth opportunities for the company in India.

     

    Kakar joined the company in 2012 as the business head for its licensee business. Under his leadership, the home entertainment business portfolio expanded in a very short span of time, making it the biggest entertainment licensing and distribution entity in India. Under his guidance Home Entertainment Services by Sony DADC entered into exclusive home video marketing and distribution for major Hollywood studios like Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Warner Home Video, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and National Geographic in India.

     

    He also expanded the music portfolio encompassing Sony Music, Warner Music, Zee Music, Times Music and Saregama content in the music vertical for exploitation across all physical formats.

     

    “I look forward to this new opportunity. We are a company that provides end-to-end solution for any entertainment media company and we hope to consolidate this further with the hallmark Sony service and geographical footprint that we offer – both to our current and potential partners,” he said.

     

  • Varun Channa appointed as Mindshare Malaysia MD

    Varun Channa appointed as Mindshare Malaysia MD

    MUMBAI: Mindshare APAC, the global media agency network part of WPP, has appointed Varun Channa as managing director of Mindshare Malaysia.

     

    Channa takes over the role from Mindshare managing director Gerald Wittenberger, who returned to Europe at the end of 2014. 

     

    Mindshare Asia Pacific COO Gowthaman Ragothaman said, “We are totally delighted to welcome Varun on board, who brings a wealth of experience across industries and markets. This is the beginning of a new chapter in the whole new world of connected media, where content, creativity and consumer data in the Malaysian market is at the centre of all activities and importance.”

     

    GroupM Malaysia CEO Girish Menon added, “With Varun, we have hit upon a fantastic combination – with JWT, he honed his skills in developing communications solutions for some iconic global brands and then as a tech-savvy marketer with Danone in three different fast-growing, competitive markets, he got his hands dirty developing marketing solutions to deliver strong business results. I believe these are the combination of skills and experiences that our clients increasingly expect from the head of their agency, so I am confident that Varun will lead Mindshare to even greater success.”

     

    Channa said, “It’s a pleasure to be part of Mindshare Malaysia in these exciting times when media is playing an even greater role in growing our clients’ business. Seeing the pipeline of innovative digital solutions we have, I look forward to us adding greater value to our clients’ business.”

     

    He joins Mindshare after six years with Danone Indonesia, where he helped turn around their fresh dairy business and developed the roadmap for their Isotonics. Prior to that, he was marketing head and part of the start-up team for Danone India and also spent nearly 15 years with JWT India at their Mumbai office working with Unilever and other key clients.

  • Kotak Mahindra Bank gets new head of corporate and investments

    Kotak Mahindra Bank gets new head of corporate and investments

    MUMBAI: TV Raghunath has been appointed as the new head of corporate and investment banking at Kotak Mahindra Bank. His new position will see him focussing on covering the larger corporates in India in an integrated manner, with the help of the current Kotak Investment Banking senior executive director, Chetan Savla, as well as continuing to oversee Kotak Mahindra Capital Company (Kotak Investment Banking).

     

    Raghunath’s former post as managing director and CEO of Kotak Investment Banking is now taken up by S Ramesh — a veteran in the capital markets with extensive experience in handling marquee transactions, who can be credited with introducing many landmark initiatives in the Indian capital markets.

     

    In addition, Sourav Mallik has moved up to become the joint managing director of Kotak Investment Banking, while the Equities business will be headed by V. Jayasankar. Pankaj Kalra is expected to play a significant leadership role in coverage and ideation for corporates in the Corporate Advisory Group of the investment bank.

     

    Investment Banking corporate president KVS Manian said, “As I contemplate the future, I am excited about the significant opportunities that exist for us as a group to build a high-quality corporate franchise. With these organizational changes, I am confident that we are well structured to achieve the next level of growth.”

     

  • Razorfish India appoints Divya Uttam as director – strategy

    Razorfish India appoints Divya Uttam as director – strategy

    MUMBAI: Razorfish, known for helping global brands drive business transformation, has appointed Divya Uttam as director – strategy.

     

    Uttam joins from Cheil Worldwide after driving digital transformation journeys for Samsung, Dettol, Jaquar, Aviva, Nicorette, 7UP, DHL, Johnson’s Baby, Wrigley, Dell, Nissan, Volkswagen, Delhi Dare Devils and RCB amongst others.

     

    “Nothing excites me more than decoding the complex digital world for clients, helping the brands to acquire new fans, engaging the existing users innovatively and enabling advocates to spread word of mouth. The opportunity to be part of Razorfish India’s thought leadership team is very exciting. And to be part of one of the most prestigious and innovative global networks a privilege,” Uttam said. 

     

    Razorfish India COO Gaurav Pathak added, “Divya’s incredible blend of a probing and intuitive approach is what we want to bring as an important dimension to our digital solutions. We are building a strong senior team that can guide clients in their business transformation journey beyond vanilla digital offerings.”

     

    Razorfish India CEO Charulata Ravi Kumar said, “In today’s digital world, increasing discovery, generating conversations and driving advocacy is all clichéd and given. What we look for in addition is a curious mind and fire in the belly. And of course clients who have the appetite for it to take their brands to the next level of this matrix.”

  • SureWaves appoints Swapnil Limje as VP – biz planning and strategy

    SureWaves appoints Swapnil Limje as VP – biz planning and strategy

    MUMBAI: Media convergence venture SureWaves has appointed Swapnil Limje as vice president – business planning and strategy.

     

    In his new role, he will drive identification and evaluation of new business opportunities for the company as well as devise sales strategy to tap the full revenue potential of the SureWaves Spot TV Network commensurate with its viewership performance.

     

    SureWaves chief operating officer Mandar Patwardhan said, “We are extremely delighted to have Swapnil on board. He has a proven ability to create strategic clarity, drive innovation and growth, ensure disciplined execution, and deliver results. We strongly believe that his expertise will strengthen our strategy and will ensure that SureWaves continues to deliver innovations that have a positive impact on the industry.”

     

    Limje added, “I am excited to be a part of SureWaves, which believes in innovation and technology to facilitate advertising solutions to clients across India. SureWaves Spot TV Network has the immense potential for the marketer to squeeze out additional efficiencies as well as address new markets in reaching out to their target audiences. I believe, with my varied experience, I can contribute strongly to the organisation’s business capabilities.”

     

    Limje has over 14 years of experience and capabilities in the areas of strategy, business development, sales and processes. During the course of his career, Limje has been associated with the Radio industry since the inception of private FM radio. He was associated with companies like Radio Mirchi and Zee Media Corporation Ltd.

  • Saina Nehwal’s brand value set to soar with World No. 1 title

    Saina Nehwal’s brand value set to soar with World No. 1 title

    Soon after being crowned with the international title of World No. 1 badminton player, Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal went on to bag her maiden India Open Super Series title by defeating former world champion Ratchanok Intaton from Thailand.

     

    The two titles have indeed placed the Hisar born player on the global map as the game receives its due in the country. A swell up of her performances is also likely to contribute to her existing brand value, say sports marketers and celebrity marketers. However, not without adding a word of caution. Nehwal will have to continue with her existing pace to command a fat paycheck in the endorsement world.

     

    While prior to her consecutive wins, Nehwal commanded a price of Rs 70 lakh- 80 lakh for a one period deal according to industry experts, it could now easily touch up to Rs 1 crore–Rs 1.5 crore depending on how deep the brand’s pockets are.

     

    Celebrity and sports management firm, CAA KWAN COO Indranil Das Blah says that it is not just becoming the World Number one but also winning the Indian Open, which is a pinnacle no Indian born woman has achieved. “If you look at the current crop of female sports persons, there is no one remotely close to her in terms of achievement. So it will have a significant impact on her brand value, pricing and overall brand image,” he says.

     

    According to Blah, Nehwal has a strong story to tell because of her middle class back ground and therefore brands with a pan India appeal would latch on to her. “I don’t see her endorsing glamorous and niche brands but it could be brands that have a national interest and look at achieving women’s empowerment or women’s issues in the country,” he opines.

     

    Nehwal currently endorses and has been a part of brands across segments like Yonex, Fortune Cooking Oil, Indian Overseas Bank, Whisper sanitary napkins, Emami Fast Relief ointment, Herbalife health products, Top Ramen Noodles and Airtel 3G.

     

    According to media reports, Nehwal was signed by the telecom Airtel when she was world number three for less than Rs 1 crore. She had then won the Gold medal in the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

     

    Asset managing director at assetfzc.com Sanjay M Lal, a veteran with over 20 years of expertise in the field of brand building and sports management, says that in order to have a reasonably impactful brand value, Nehwal will have to maintain her present status for the next nine to 12 months. “While she has been consistently performing and is a star in Indian badminton, but to be world number one is a different ball game altogether,” informs Lal.

     

    For brands that are fence sitters and were wondering to choose between female sports persons like Sania Mirza or Saina Nehwal, the wins will make it easier to settle and close the deal for Nehwal. However, some feel that the cash jump will not be very significant unless a large brand that has not matured comes into play. This will be the first step for Nehwal on the brand value chain.

     

    Impact of her win on the game? Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) CEO and former captain of Indian Hockey team Viren Rasquinha states that OGQ has been supporting the champion since 2009 and looked after the training aspect of Saina Nehwal. “Obviously its important to have  a role model and a great figure like Saina in every field. Because of her acheivement we hope that thousands of parents across the country will encourage  their kids, especilally their daughters to take to badminton.”

     

    Eureka Mobile Advertising senior vice president Viswanathan Ganapathy says, “There will definitely be a jump in the brand value. In the last few years, she has given global recognition to the game, which has happened after Prakash Padukone in 1980. Saina is a very good mix for an international and local brands as well and would be an ideal fit for a fitness product.”

     

    Ganapathy is of the opinion that Nehwal could ideally endorse brands like Complan and Horlicks, where the brand fit is perfect. Her consistent winning performances including the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics could make her as a relevant face for insurance brands too.

     

    It is important to note that when sports athletes and players sign an endorsement deal, they also ask the brand the kind of visibility they would gain. While Nehwal has placed Indian badminton on the global map, the domination of cricket continues as former cricket players like Kapil Dev still bag endorsement deals. It’s akin to how an industry expert, having worked with the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan and was associated with Percept India, puts it, “Anything other than cricket is like a great Bollywood movie breaking even. But it will not belong to the Rs 100 crore club that the Khans belong to. She was signed with Herbal Life, which is American brand but what have they advertised? For a player other than in the field of cricket, you need an advertiser who gives you Rs 5 lakhs but does promotions worth of Rs 50 lakhs.”

     

    When the visibility falls flat, it goes against the marketing grain of celebrities. However, on an optimistic note, Lal adds that her winning titles consistently have proved that brand ‘Saina Nehwal’ holds great promise. Only time will tell the brands that will sign Nehwal for her promise in the future. For now, take a breather girl. You deserve it and thank you for giving India its due recognition.

     

  • Havas Media Group appoints Damien Marchi as global head of content

    Havas Media Group appoints Damien Marchi as global head of content

    MUMBAI: Havas Media Group has appointed Damien Marchi as global head of content. This news follows the Group’s recent launch of the Global Music Data Alliance with Universal Music Group and its partnership with content marketing platform NewsCred.

     

    Havas Media Group global managing director Dominique Delport said, “2015 will be the year of content for Havas. We are going to innovate at scale and it’s already started thanks to our friends at Universal and NewsCred. Multi device content marketing runs through Damien’s veins. He has always been at the forefront of global developments in content, working on some of the world’s most talked about shows. Data and content is at the core of what we do and Damien is a true all-rounded digital innovator. There is no doubt that he will help lead our teams through what will be an incredibly fast and interesting time for Havas and its clients in this space.”

    Marchi added, “I began my career at a start up and to some extent feel like I have come home. The size and scale of Havas has not stopped it being an energetic and exciting to place to work. These two qualities will come handy as the global content market is at a turning point. On the one hand, business models in the industry are being seriously challenged and on the other hand, people have never had such as thirst for content. It’s an exciting time to be on the agency side – the historic meeting-place of stories, brands, platforms and producers. And with content at its core since its creation in 1835, Havas has all it takes to become the best of the industry.”

    In line with the Group’s “Havas’ Village” approach to promote integration between its divisions, he will work closely with Havas Sports & Entertainment global CEO Lucien Boyer and Havas Worldwide global chief content officer Vin Farrell. Based in the Havas Paris HQ, he will report directly to Delport. 

     

    Marchi has over 15 years experience specialising in cross platform content production, commercialisation and marketing in TV and digital, across entertainment, drama and news. He has lived and worked in France UK and Sweden working at local, EMEA and global levels and led digital adaptations for shows such as The X Factor, Got Talent, Idols(FremantleMedia), Big Brother and Star Academy (Endemol). He has worked with brands such as RedBull, Air France, P&G and L’Oréal. 

    Marchi is an Emmy Award winner (2006), which he gained whilst working for the production company Streampower in Paris on its interactive TV programme Cult. He also holds two Banff Awards (2010, 2011) for his time with FremantleMedia in London for producing online originals Freak and SortedFood, which became the UKs largest cooking community on YouTube. He also works as an advisor to the United Nations advising UNRIC, its Western European information bureau on digital communications. 

    Prior to joining Havas, Marchi was member of the executive committee of Euronews in charge of Innovation and Products and championing the digital transformation of the newsroom.

  • ADIL gets Milind Sarwate on-board as independent director

    ADIL gets Milind Sarwate on-board as independent director

    MUMBAI: Indian fashion house And Designs India Limited (ADIL) has appointed Milind Sarwate as an independent director.

     

    Sarwate, a 55-year old corporate professional, brings over 31 years of experience in finance, HR, strategic planning and business development. His background in consumer products and services with companies like Marico, Kaya and Godrej will be of value to ADIL, in its quest to grow and create value.

     

    ADIL co-founder and managing director Mukesh Sawlani said, “We are very excited to have Milind on board. He brings nearly three decades of experience in finance, HR, strategy, risk management and corporate governance, which will be invaluable to us in building and scaling our business in India and globally. He will be working closely with the board and our senior management.”

     

    Sarwate added, “I am delighted to be on the And Designs’ Board. I have been an admirer of their entrepreneurial passion. It will be a pleasure to work with the ADIL team and facilitate growth and value creation for all stakeholders.”

     

    His long stint at Marico included various roles and membership of its group executive committee. He also played an institutional role in shaping the Marico story, through shareholder value creation, inorganic growth, corporate structuring, information technology, GRC, talent management, corporate branding and social responsibility.

  • TBWA restructures; makes key executive appointments

    TBWA restructures; makes key executive appointments

    MUMBAI: In a major re-structuring exercise, TBWAWorldwide is now planning to move towards a Global Client Market structure, reflecting the change in multi-national client structures and the nature of their businesses, away from a traditional, rigid regional structure.

     

    As a part of this, TBWAWorldwide has also made several key executive appointments among the global leadership team, restructuring around the strengths of the existing group.

     

    The agency’s move to a more focused versus generalist model among global executives is reflective of a further change to the regional operating structure of the company away from a traditional regional setup.

     

    TBWA’s Los Angeles office chief strategy officer Nick Barham adds responsibilities as global chief strategy officer to his existing role. He will continue to lead the LA office’s strategy department as part of its executive team, in addition to being charged with leading the TBWA network’s Disruption practice and planning function.

     

    Perry Valkenburg has been named president, international – global operations. Valkenburg will have oversight of TBWADigital Arts Network, TBWAWorldhealth, Content & Production, Design and TBWA’s Merger and Acquisition strategy.

     

    James Vincent and Emmanuel Andre will also assume the title of president, international. Vincent, who was a founding member and CEO of TBWAMedia Arts Lab, will lead the charge in developing new and innovative client models for global client business and building out new partnership models within the network. On the other hand, Andre will be in charge of TBWA’s network culture, training and development programs, with the goal of creating one of the most enviable talent development programs in the industry.   

     

    TBWA’s Digital Arts Network gets new leadership, with Luke Eid, global innovation director for TBWAWorldwide, becoming president, TBWADigital Arts Network. Juuso Myllyrinne becomes VP and head of strategy for TBWADigital Arts Network.

     

    TBWAWorldwide president and CEO Troy Ruhanen said, “These appointments are a conscious move from a generalist model of operating to a more focused, less traditional model. We have a strong bench of talent to work with at TBWA and these moves are intended to build on the individual strengths of these people, allowing them to be more entrepreneurial and take ownership of the future of our company. These individuals are agents for change and will lead our agency to success in these areas.”

     

    Fifteen core global markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Canada, U.K., France, Germany, the Netherlands, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, Greater China, Singapore, Japan and global client business unit TBWAMedia Arts Lab (Apple), will all report directly to Ruhanen, with Keith Smith supporting Ruhanen with these markets and key global clients, in the role of president, international – global markets.

     

    Toronto-based Omnicom agency Juniper Park becomes part of the TBWA network with immediate effect. Led by Jill Nykoliation as president, Juniper Park will strengthen TBWA’s footprint in the North American market as well as broadening their design capabilities.

     

    The traditional regions will be reorganized outside of the global client markets. Europe, Middle East and Africa will be consolidated into two groups headed by TBWA Belgium CEO Kris Govaerts and TBWA Istanbul CEO Cem Topcuoglu. Govaerts, will in addition oversee operations in Western Europe excluding the Global Client Markets. Topcuoglu, will also oversee Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

     

    Asia Pacific will be divided into three focused regions including Asia, Oceania and Greater China. Philip Brett will assume the role of president, Asia, with oversight of all three. TBWA’s regional operations will relocate from Hong Kong to Singapore, in alignment with many of the region’s key clients. Paul Bradbury continues to lead Oceania as CEO of WhybinTBWA in Australia and New Zealand.

     

    Two key appointments have been made in Greater China to strengthen the network’s operations in that region. Nils Andersson joins TBWA from Y&R as president and chief creative officer for TBWAGreater China, making China the fifth office in the network to appoint a creative to the most senior leadership role. TBWAHong Kong managing director Joanne Lao moves to the role of CEO for TBWAGreater China to partner with Nils.

     

    Ruhanen added, “We’re adding some great talent to the network with the addition of Juniper Park in Canada and the appointment of Nils and Joanne in Greater China, strengthening our bench in two core markets. We are making a pledge to increase female leadership in our company with Project 2020, and having Jill and Joanne leading two of our key offices is testament to our belief in that initiative. Aligning our business with those of our global clients and moving away from a traditional regional structure will allow our leadership and markets to be more entrepreneurial because they are not operating in a traditional structure. Instead of being generalists, we’ll be specialists with a critical area of focus.”

  • Digital L&K Saatchi & Saatchi ropes in Vinay Venkatesh as chief creative officer

    Digital L&K Saatchi & Saatchi ropes in Vinay Venkatesh as chief creative officer

    MUMBAI: Digital L&K Saatchi & Saatchi has got on-board Vinay Venkatesh as chief creative officer. He comes with 14 years of experience in creating and building brands.

     

    Digital L&K Saatchi & Saatchi CEO and managing partner Anil Nair said, “VinayVenkatesh understands the digital engagement idiom, having worked on large engagement centric brands like Vodafone and Diageo. He is an extremely motivating leader and I can see him bringing out that spurt of genius in any and everybody he works with. His passion to bring ideas to life and his exhilarating vision towards different situations will help not just our agency in scaling new heights but will also benefit our clients a great deal. I am extremely pleased to have him on board and hope for an extremely rewarding journey with him.”

     

    Venkatesh opined, “In order to create something, you must first destroy something else. At Digital L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, the mandate is to destroy mediocrity and create greatness. I’m very excited to be leading a fantastic team that truly believes in this mandate. They’re young, driven and extremely passionate. Great work is driven by great people and I look forward to being an integral part of that journey at the agency.”

     

    Over the years Venkatesh has worked with agency networks like Alok Nanda & Company, zeroninefivefour, OgilvyOne Worldwide and Indigo Consulting.