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Category: People

  • ICLP announces Mark Spicer as new General Manager, India

    ICLP announces Mark Spicer as new General Manager, India

    MUMBAI: Global loyalty marketing and CRM specialist, ICLP is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Spicer as General Manager for its India operation.
     

    Based in Mumbai he will report to Dion Maritz, ICLP’s Regional Director for Middle East, Africa and India.
     

    Mark joins ICLP from Aimia in the Middle East where he managed the leading telecom loyalty programme for Mobily in Saudi Arabia. He has in excess of 20 years’ experience in the loyalty and incentives industry across all sectors with previous roles at Maritz, Grass Roots and Skybridge Group. With particular experience in the telecoms and financial services sectors he has managed and delivered programmes for clients including T-Mobile (USA), O2 (UK) and Vodafone (UK) in addition to Nectar and other pre-plastic card products.

     
    Mark will be responsible for managing existing client relationships and driving continued commercial growth in the country. The last few years has seen ICLP continue to invest in India and its comprehensive range of loyalty solutions and services will help develop the local loyalty market. ICLP provide loyalty solutions across varied sectors including Travel & Hospitality, Retail and Technology, Its client base has steadily increased to include both local and international brands such as Air India, Ethiopian Airlines and Café Coffee Day to name a few.  ICLP in India is also a regional centre of excellence across the Middle East, Europe and Africa for data analytics, insight and operational services, supporting international clients such as Hilton and Avios.

    Commenting on his appointment Mark Spicer, General Manager India, ICLP, said: “India’s vibrant market is going through considerable change and with consumers being even more aware and informed, competition between brands to acquire and drive customer loyalty is stronger than ever. ICLP research has shown that consumers are demanding greater value, instant gratification and choice, but also want communication that is more personalised. Brands have to adapt to the speed of the market to drive customer engagement on a more emotional level, but also to ensure the customer returns for that vital next purchase. Driving insight through data analytics is of vital importance in enabling engagement success and ICLP has a proven track record in analysing and understanding customer behaviour to increase loyalty and profitability for its clients.

    Dion Maritz, ICLP’s Regional Director for Middle East, Africa and India said: “Mark’s background and depth of international experience will be a real asset to ICLP in India as we invest more in the region. We recognise the value our product and service offering has for the region and we plan to leverage our group skills and assets to capitalise on the increasing demand of companies and brands for best practice loyalty initiatives in local markets.”

     

    Mark will be delivering a keynote presentation and is also a member of the judging panel at the forthcoming Loyalty Summit Awards on January 29-30th in Mumbai.

  • Simi Sabhaney joins Dentsu Communications as Chief Executive Officer

    Simi Sabhaney joins Dentsu Communications as Chief Executive Officer

    MUMBAI: Dentsu India Group today announced the appointment of Simi Sabhaney as the new Chief Executive Officer of Dentsu Communications. Arijit Ray to lead New Business Development at Dentsu India Group.

    Simi, former President (Bangalore and Chennai) at Ogilvy India, is an advertising veteran with more than 24 years of rich experience.

    Before joining Dentsu India Group, Simi was with Ogilvy, where she was President – Bangalore and Chennai. Simi has spent over 23 years at Ogilvy and has worked on diverse categories like lifestyle, FMCG, services, social sector as well as realty and on several accounts including Unilever’s F&B brands, Cadbury, Titan, Madura Garments, ITC Foods, SABMiller, The Hindu and many more. Her journey in O&M has taken her from Account Executive to President. While she was primarily based out of Ogilvy’s Bengaluru office, Simi also spent around four years in Ogilvy’s Mumbai office, where she worked on Unilever and Cadbury.

    A psychology graduate from Punjab University, Simi completed her post graduation in Mass Communication from Centre for Mass Media, Delhi. She will be based out of Dentsu Communications, Bangalore office and her mandate is to spearhead and strengthen the team and take DCPL to new heights of success.
    Welcoming Simi into the Dentsu India Group, Rohit Ohri, Executive Chairman of the Dentsu India Group, said, “It’s been great going for us at Dentsu Communications. I’m looking to Simi to now lead the agency into it’s next phase of growth. Simi’s vast experience on diverse categories will truly add value to our client’s brands and businesses. I love her passion for the business. This passion, I believe, is what will take Dentsu Communications to newer heights.”

     

    Speaking on her appointment as the new CEO of Dentsu Communications, Simi said, “Half an hour into my meeting with Rohit and I had made up my mind. I am ready to take the plunge and experience the unknown. I am ready for the adrenalin rush. I look forward to nurturing, consolidating and growing both internal and external relationships.”

     

    Arijit Ray, Chief Executive Officer of Dentsu Communications will move to the Dentsu India Group to lead the group’s new business initiatives. He will be working closely with Rohit Ohri, Executive Chairman, Dentsu India Group to plan and implement new business development strategies for the group.
    Dentsu Communications under Arijit’s leadership saw impressive growth. The agency won multiple businesses, expanded into new geographies and infused top notch talent across various locations.

     

    Commenting on Arijit’s move to the Dentsu India Group, Rohit Ohri said, “Arijit has been a great partner to me in Dentsu’s new exciting journey in India. I now wish to leverage his strengths in new business development for the entire group. I wish him all the luck in his new role. ”

    On successfully leading Dentsu Communications and on becoming a part of the Dentsu India Group, Arijit Ray said, “It was a pleasure working with Rohit and the journey across the last 20 months to grow Dentsu Communications across offices, into the largest agency of the Dentsu India Group, has been incredible. I now look forward to working closely with him to spearhead the New Business Acquisition strategy and efforts of Dentsu India Group. I wish Simi a great innings with Dentsu. With her vast experience on brands, I am sure she will leverage the momentum to chart out the next phase of growth for Dentsu Communications.”

     

  • AAP a big draw for media professionals

    AAP a big draw for media professionals

    MUMBAI: As a fledgling party which emerged from the larger ‘India against Corruption’ movement, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had already captured a nation’s imagination.

     

    But when it made a splash at the Delhi Assembly Elections, going on to form the government in the national capital, it made seasoned politicians sit up and take notice as well.

     

    And just in case you thought there was no public relations mechanism behind the phenomenal success of AAP, you couldn’t be more wrong. The party has been a magnet for media professionals ever since its inception with many known names coming forward to support it and in some cases, even going on to join politics.

     

    For instance, the media campaign for the Jan Lokpal Bill was the brain child of former media professional Shaizia Ilmi. Manish Sisodia, who played a key role in the foundation of the anti corruption bill and went to jail with activist Anna Hazare is a former journalist who worked with Zee News and All India Radio. Ditto for Rajan Prakash, who worked as a journalist in TV, print and radio for more than a decade apart from helping write the scripts of over 12 documentaries as well as radio programmes before finding his political calling. At 26, former journalist Rakhi Birla, who won Delhi’s Mangol Puri constituency, is the only woman in Arvind Kejriwal’s cabinet and the youngest one at that. The much talked about addition to AAP has been that of Ashutosh, former IBN7 managing editor who left a high-profile job to join the party.

     

    So what is it about AAP that is encouraging the media fraternity to enter the political circus?

     

    “It’s their honesty which I support,” says Leo Burnett NCD K V Sridhar (Pops) who tweeted and facebooked his support to AAP and joined it through its massive ‘Mai bhi Aam Admi’ campaign that lets anyone be a part of the ‘change’. “Until and unless they make mistakes or become like the others, they have my support,” he adds.

     

    Former COO of Star Network now turned media entrepreneur Sameer Nair, who joined AAP last year, believes any professional with the right principles would support the party. “We all want corporate governance, financial stability, anti corruption amongst all the correct ingredients to run the country in a better way,” he says, pointing out that the Right to Recall is a basic right as one shouldn’t take his/her seat lightly once elected for five years by the junta. “Every day, media professionals walk into the AAP office to support it or help in whatever way they can. We need such enthusiasm from people,” Nair says, stressing that the party needs the expertise of professionals from all walks of life to work together and create a better nation.

     

    Political analyst Dr Suhas Palshikar feels AAP is a refreshing change from the rest. “There are many who want to see a change in the country and the new party brings with it new ideas. It has provided people, especially the middle class, a platform to be part of a change and voice their opinion,” he says.    

     

    Writer-entrepreneur-youth expert Rashmi Bansal, who met Kejriwal in 2009 and featured him in her 2011 book ‘I have a Dream’ feels that media professionals have a close-up view of such issues which is why they get more drawn to it. “Media professionals know what goes on behind the scenes and they see AAP as a different entity which will not only hear them but also give them a voice and a platform to make the change they want to see,” she says.

     

    And the list of supporters keeps growing… Late Jaspal Bhatti’s wife Savita Bhatti, Mallika Sarabhai, Tejaswini Kolhapure, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan all believe the party can bring about a change…

  • DDB MudraMax elevates Rohit Samarth as head, experiential

    DDB MudraMax elevates Rohit Samarth as head, experiential

    MUMBAI: There’s some movement in the DDB MudraMax office. Rohit Samarth has now been elevated to head DDB MudraMax, Experiential. Samarth will report to DDB MudraMax president Mandeep Malhotra and will be the incharge of the agency’s experiential campaigns, nationally.

     

    Samarth joined the agency’s rural marketing branch, Terra, as senior vice president in April 2012.

     

    Alvin D’souza, Subhashish Sarkar and Amit Singh, who have been elevated to Head, Experiential, West, North and East, respectively, will be working under the guidance of Rohit.

     

    About his new role, Rohit said, “I have a vision and some strategic thoughts for my new role. Development of strong teams and setting new standards in the experiential business are high on the agenda. It is my sincere belief that DDB Mudra Max’s experiential division, which is already a great force to reckon with in the experiential business, will grow to be one of the most competent and respected experiential communication solutions agencies over the next two years.”

     

    Samarth joined DDB MudraMax from Percept Out of Home, where he was the business head of its rural vertical responsible for all its communication and marketing strategies. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Samarth started his career with Nestle India, and later worked with various other companies like Media Workshop India, Amar Ujala Prakashan, India Infrastructure Publishing, UCP Integrated Marketing Solutions, and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Linterland.

     

    Commenting on the new appointment, Malhotra said, “Rohit has shown passion, hunger and discipline in his current role. Will be looking forward for him making all three infectious in his extended team.”

  • McCann Erikson appoints Suraja Kishore as head planning

    McCann Erikson appoints Suraja Kishore as head planning

    MUMBAI: There’s some change at top at the McCann Erikson office. The agency has roped in Suraja Kishore from Publicis Ambience for its Mumbai office as the head planning.

     

    Suraja comes with over 17 year of experience and has worked on Idea Cellular – What an Idea, and the iconic Tata Tea – Jaago Re campaigns. On his new role, he said, “McCann Erickson is known for its creative force and it has brands that enjoy scale and size. I think it is the right place for strategic planning to make a real difference. I look forward to creating transformational brand stories that are based on powerful human truths.”

     

    He is a postgraduate from Tata Institue of Social Science and began his career as a copywriter at the then Chaitra Leo Burnett. He began is planning stint in Mudra Delhi. He has worked on diverse categories and brands such as Croma, Ginger Hotels, Lakme, Axa Insurance, Citibank, Park Avenue Men grooming products, World Gold Council, Renault Duster, Henko Detergent, Tata Automotive, Hershey’s Milk Mix, Electrolux, Yamaha Motorcycles, Ariel Detergent and Suzlon, among others.

     

    McCann Erikson president Govind Pandey said, “Suraja will gainfully enhance ME’s strategic planning prowess. He is a seasoned professional and has an interesting and rich way of seeing life and people. His contribution will enhance relevance for our brands by adding depth and nuance to our solutions.”

     

    McCann Erickson Mumbai senior VP and GM Namrata Nandan added, “McCann Mumbai’s team is strengthened with Suraja’s addition, and we look forward to working together and creating great work for our brands.”

  • ZIRCA Digital Solutions gets a new national sales head in Anand Thakur

    ZIRCA Digital Solutions gets a new national sales head in Anand Thakur

    MUMBAI: Anand Thakur, a senior industry professional, has been roped in for Aidem’s recently launched Digital Brand Solutions arm, ZIRCA Digital Solutions. Unlike most networks in the industry, ZIRCA aims at leveraging on video, mobile and web to grab the audience’s attention with endless engagement capabilities using the platform of content. ZIRCA has built its business around the philosophy, “Its all about Content!”

     

    The company is working on bringing the desired content to the relevant user using the various platforms available today.

     

    Thakur, who comes with more than eight years’ experience in the Digital Media space, will be heading the sales function for ZIRCA Digital Solutions and will look into data and technology partnerships and sales strategy as well.

     

    Before joining ZIRCA, Anand was account manager for BBC Worldwide. At BBC, he was involved in analysing data trends and client performance, developing strong strategic sales plans and conducting strategic pitches. Prior to BBC Worldwide, Anand was a part of pilot team of Star Interactive to strengthen the digital presence of Star India, developing best practices and benchmarking initiatives for video ads.

     

    Anand said, “On the back of rising internet penetration and content consumption, the online advertising market has emerged as one of the fastest growing segments in the Indian Media. More and more brands are migrating from traditional media to online and mobile platforms while those who are already present on digital are seeking ways to exploit to medium to the utmost. I am very happy to join ZIRCA Digital Solutions at its launch stage and will aim at creating powerful cross-platform solutions around content & research. With its distinct product differentiation, ZIRCA will add value to brands through engagement. Besides, Aidem, with its extensive experience and track record with digital brands like Microsoft Advertising, The Economist Online, GETIT & Eros Now makes for an incredible platform for ZIRCA. Hopefully, it will throw up a new set of challenges for me. I am eagerly looking forward to this new role.”

     

    ZIRCA Digital Solutions senior vice president Neena Dasgupta said, “We are extremely excited to have Anand on board, as a part of our leadership team to spearhead the sales function. He comes with a rich experience in the digital medium and we are confident that his addition will strengthen our leadership team.”

  • Conrad Clifford to lead IATA in Asia-Pacific

    Conrad Clifford to lead IATA in Asia-Pacific

    NEW DELHI: The International Air Transport Association has appointed Conrad Clifford as Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific.  Clifford joins IATA on 1 February 2014 and will be based in its Asia Pacific Regional Office in Singapore.  He succeeds Maunu von Lueders, who is retiring from IATA.

     

    Clifford’s career in aviation spans over 30 years. Most recently he served as Acting Managing Director of Antrak Air Ghana (2012 to 2013), and was formerly CEO of Monarch Travel Group (2010 to 2012) and of Virgin Nigeria (2005 to 2009).  His career has also included work for Cathay Pacific Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Menzies Aviation Group and Emirates.

     

    “Conradbrings to IATA a unique perspective. He has broad and deep experience in both airlines and suppliers; and has lived and worked in many countries in Asia and around the world. I am confident that he will provide strong leadership to IATA’s activities as we serve our airline members and industry stakeholders in the dynamic and exciting Asia-Pacific region,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

     

    “I look forward to leading IATAin Asia Pacific as we embark on the 2nd century of commercial aviation. The region offers tremendous opportunities. Many of the region’s governments are using aviation as a critical element of their economic strategies. Some, however, are struggling to provide the foundation for the industry’s success. In both cases IATA has an important role to play. I, personally, will place a key priority on further developing IATA’s partnerships across the region. These will enable IATA’s global standards and global perspective to deliver maximum value to the safe, sustainable and profitable development of aviation,” said Clifford.

     

    “I want to thank Maunu for his service and contributions to IATA and to our members in Asia-Pacific over the last three years. I wish him a long and happy retirement,” said Tyler.  Von Lueders will retire from IATA on 14 March 2014.

  • Razorfish Germany bolsters creative muscle with ECD from TBWA

    Razorfish Germany bolsters creative muscle with ECD from TBWA

    MUMBAI: Razorfish Germany has appointed Preethi Mariappan as executive creative director. Her appointment further strengthens the creative department of 50 people across two offices located in Frankfurt and Berlin. One of Preethi’s most notable pieces of work is the Red Tomato Pizza Fridge Magnet, which picked up four Cannes Lions in 2012. Additionally she has received global recognition at One Show, Sabre, Dubai Lynx and Effies.

     

    Preethi’s appointment is effective immediately. She brings to the role an industry wide reputation and award-winning expertise across multiple sectors. Preethi will partner with all Razorfish clients helping navigate the unknown, drive change and enabling business transformation.

     

    Sascha Martini, CEO Razorfish Germany commented: “To be able to attract such amazing talent demonstrates the stellar industry reputation held by Razorfish. We are thrilled to have Preethi onboard, confident that she brings a complimentary set of skills and experience to the team.”

     

    Preethi Mariappan said: “With a focus on driving creative solutions that go beyond campaigns and deliver real business value, Razorfish has created one of the most exciting spaces to work in digital today. I look forward to joining the team and taking this vision further.”

     

    Daniel Bonner, Global Chief Creative Officer, added: “Our company is in the talent business as much as we are in the advertising and marketing business and Preethi’s appointment in Germany is one more significant step forward towards our goal – a world class talent pool across the entire Razorfish network. This announcement follows a number of key hires we made of award winning Executive Creative Directors in the US, UK and Asia/Pac in the last 12 months.”

     

    Preethi’s last role was with Digital ECD TBWA, heading up the Digital Arts Network by bringing together storytelling, people and products. Her tenure at TBWA commenced in 2010 when she joined as Head of Digital, working on clients including GE, Nissan, Standard Chartered Bank and GSK.

     

    She is founder of Adwomen Middle East, an advertising community for women.

  • Y&R’s chairman & CEO Edward Ney is no more

    Y&R’s chairman & CEO Edward Ney is no more

    MUMBAI: Young & Rubicam former chairman and CEO, Edward N Ney, breathed his last on 8 January at 88 years old.

     

    He had joined the company as a young account manager in 1951 and worked his way up to preside over the company as CEO from 1970 till 1986.

     

    The industry attributes him for creating the agency’s integrated “whole egg” strategy which was later followed by others. In a press statement, WPP Group’s global CEO Martin Sorrell said that Ney “understood, probably more than anyone else, both the power of agency brands and, at the same time, the paradoxical need to bring them together… He understood it all and saw it sooner than most.”

     

    Besides his work at Y&R, Ney was politically active as well. He became a member of the Council on Foreign Relations in 1974. In 1989, President George HW Bush nominated him as the United States Ambassador to Canada. He served in Ottawa until June 1992.

     

    After his time as the ambassador, Ney returned to the agency as chairman.

     

    Ney is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.