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Tag: Cheil Worldwide

  • Kia India promotes digital chief to top marketing role

    Kia India promotes digital chief to top marketing role

    Mumbai: Vijay Kumar has climbed to the top of Kia India’s marketing ladder, taking on the role of general manager and head of marketing and public relations in September after spending seven years transforming the Korean carmaker from an unknown entity into one of India’s most recognised automotive brands.

    When Kumar joined in June 2018, Kia was a blank slate in India. His mandate was straightforward: make the brand register. Mission accomplished. Through launches of the Seltos, Sonet, Carnival, Carens, Syros, and electric models EV6 and EV9, Kia has muscled its way into India’s cutthroat car market, earning consumer trust and—Kumar’s preferred metric—love.

    Kumar’s ascent from digital marketing responsibilities to the corner office puts him in charge of brand strategy, above-the-line and below-the-line campaigns, digital operations, public relations, media planning and buying, and consumer insights. His earlier digital work earned Kia global recognition, including best digital marketing campaign honours from headquarters in 2019 for the Seltos launch, beating out 70 subsidiaries worldwide. 

    Under his watch, Kia cracked India’s top three digital automotive brands by online engagement.

    Now overseeing media strategy across Kia’s internal combustion engine and electric vehicle portfolios, Kumar reports to Shakti Upadhyay, whom he credits as mentor and guide. His stated ambition: cement Kia as India’s most loved automotive brand and a thought leader, built on creativity and emotional connections with buyers.

    Before Kia, Kumar spent over two years at Cheil Worldwide handling Samsung’s flagship mobile and television products, and nearly three years at Interactive Avenues managing digital media for brands including Reckitt and ITC. At Kia, he’s overseen performance marketing across 450-plus dealer outlets and racked up 22 marketing awards between 2019 and 2025.

    Seven years in, Kumar reckons the hard part—building recognition—is done. What comes next is keeping India’s fickle car buyers smitten. In a market where loyalty is fleeting and competition ferocious, that might prove the tougher assignment.

  • Publicis Groupe India appoints Hari Krishnan as managing director & head of content

    Publicis Groupe India appoints Hari Krishnan as managing director & head of content

    Mumbai: Publicis Groupe India on Thursday announced that it has further strengthened its fast-growing content practice with the appointment of Hari Krishnan as managing director and head of Publicis Content.

    Publicis Content is a strategic ‘horizontal’ practice which can be tapped into by any Publicis Groupe agency brand to deliver custom-created, multi-channel content solutions for brands. Its solutions span across content insight & strategy, social & influencer marketing, media content partnerships, publishing, and innovation in the metaverse and web 3.0.

    Krishnan’s role involves bringing data-driven insight, platform content strategy, creative excellence, and seamless delivery to the rapidly expanding field of branded content. He will lead the Groupe’s expert teams of dedicated content specialists, as well as shape further the Groupe’s creative products, particularly around advice to brands about how to participate in culture.

    He is a seasoned leader with a breadth of experience across creative, media, and integrated agencies, as well as most recently at his own strategic innovation consultancy, CultureDrum, where he collaborated on content innovation territories such as AR and gaming with India’s leading media agencies; co-created ‘Virtual Bharat,’ a culture-content channel; and worked with several start-up businesses on brand strategy and storytelling.

    Prior to CultureDrum, Hari was managing director Zenith India; chief operating officer Cheil Worldwide; country head global team blue at WPP and executive director JWT. He has led large global brands such as PepsiCo, Samsung, Ford, and Nestlé.

    Speaking on the appointment of Hari Krishnan, Publicis Groupe South Asia CEO Anupriya Acharya said, “Given that more and more brands are looking for newer, continuous storytelling formats, Publicis Groupe’s Content Practice is witnessing exceptional demand from advertisers for unique solutions at the intersection of media, data, and creativity. Hari, with his proven track-record and passion for content, is a perfect fit for the role, and I am sure that he will advance our content offering still further, through platform-fit ideation, data-led intelligence, strong IP leverage and innovation partnerships.”

    Publicis Content Global chief content officer Mark Waugh said, “Hari’s a proven innovator with a unique blend of agency and independent start-up experience. As Publicis Groupe clients survey the new content battlefields of agile social content, immersive AR, gaming influencer marketing and the emerging metaverse, his leadership and technical expertise will show them where and how to win in their category.”

    Hari Krishnan said, “This is an incredible opportunity, and I am excited to be joining Publicis Groupe India at a time of such great momentum, expansion, and growth. I look forward to bringing in best-of-breed content solutions and platform-native creativity for the Groupe’s outstanding roster of clients. The power of one model, encompassing capabilities like data, media, tech, and production, offers so much more potential for innovative, agile, and scaled content that elevates brands and helps them lead in a challenging, dynamic environment.”

    Krishnan replaces Ravpreet Ganesh, who is now moving on from the Groupe. “Ravpreet’s contribution is invaluable. She’s played multiple roles within the Groupe over the years and has been integral to our growth and success. We thank her and wish her all the very best in future endeavours.” said Acharya.

  • Vishal Mehra elevated to SVP 22feet Tribal Worldwide

    Vishal Mehra elevated to SVP 22feet Tribal Worldwide

    NEW DELHI: Digital solutions agency 22feet Tribal Worldwide, from the DDB Mudra Group, recently elevated Vishal Mehra to the post of senior vice president. In his new role, he will be leading the Delhi branch for DDB Mudra Group and 22feet Tribal Worldwide, and will be responsible for digital businesses and agency growth in the region.

    Mehra had joined 22feet Tribal Worldwide in 2018, from Cheil Worldwide, as lead – digital strategy and was soon promoted to the position of branch head – north. During his two-year-long stint at Cheil, he handled brands like Jet Airways, Grant's Whisky, Bata and Monkey Shoulder, and led various projects involving digital brand strategy/planning for Samsung India, across categories like HHP (handheld products), wearables, digital services and e-commerce.

    Mehra has earlier worked with companies like SimpliFlying, Bite, and Spiider Digital. He is a Haas School of Business, University of California alumnus and holds degrees from IMI and  IIPM.

  • Isobar India ropes in Chandrashekhar Mhaskar as VP

    Isobar India ropes in Chandrashekhar Mhaskar as VP

    MUMBAI: Isobar India has appointed Chandrashekhar Mhaskar as Vice President to drive the digital creative and services division nationally. Additionally, he will also handle the responsibilities for the West India region.

    A computer engineer by qualification and having followed his heart, Mhaskar has been part of the digital advertising industry for more than two decades including international exposure in London and Singapore. He has had varied experience in heading Digital SBUs at renowned agencies such as Ogilvy One, Cheil Worldwide, and Maxus. He was also a successful entrepreneur before taking up the mandate at Isobar. His industry experience spans Television, Film, Internet, eCommerce, Mobile, Social, Online Media and New Technology; across industry verticals like FMCG, IT, Entertainment, BFSI, Education, and Telecommunications.

    Big clients under his belt included Nokia, Cisco, British Airways, Perfetti, American Express, and Samsun. He brings with him a rich experience of integrating agency and client teams to collaboratively conceptualize award-winning digital advertising solutions and execute them to successfully tackle business challenges and drive ROI.

    Mhaskar will also join Isobar India’s Leadership team, which includes Gopa Kumar, Vice-President; Anish Varghese, National Creative Director and Rahul Vengalil, Business Head (South), alongside Shamsuddin Jasani, Managing Director for Isobar India. Isobar India has emerged as a leader amongst the digital agencies in India, winning multiple awards including Campaign Asia’s Agency of the Year, and this appointment will further strengthen it.

    Shamsuddin Jasani, Isobar India Managing Director, says: “We are happy to welcome Chandrashekhar on board with our amazing team. Over the last two years, we have clearly emerged as one the leading full service digital agencies in India of media buying and over 100 creative and technology professionals. Chandrashekhar brings a vast experience across all aspects of digital, especially creative services, which he will be heading nationally. We already have a very strong Creative services and Technology business, and with Chandrashekhar leading the way, we are looking at reaching even greater heights.”

    Commenting on his appointment, Chandrashekhar Mhaskar, Vice-President, Isobar India, said: “I am immensely excited to join Isobar and be part of a team that is brimming with stupendous energy. Isobar is already in the fray of creating some cutting-edge creative and tech solutions which have garnered media attention. I am really looking forward to working with Shamsuddin and the senior management team to take Isobar to greater heights in India.”

  • Isobar India ropes in Chandrashekhar Mhaskar as VP

    Isobar India ropes in Chandrashekhar Mhaskar as VP

    MUMBAI: Isobar India has appointed Chandrashekhar Mhaskar as Vice President to drive the digital creative and services division nationally. Additionally, he will also handle the responsibilities for the West India region.

    A computer engineer by qualification and having followed his heart, Mhaskar has been part of the digital advertising industry for more than two decades including international exposure in London and Singapore. He has had varied experience in heading Digital SBUs at renowned agencies such as Ogilvy One, Cheil Worldwide, and Maxus. He was also a successful entrepreneur before taking up the mandate at Isobar. His industry experience spans Television, Film, Internet, eCommerce, Mobile, Social, Online Media and New Technology; across industry verticals like FMCG, IT, Entertainment, BFSI, Education, and Telecommunications.

    Big clients under his belt included Nokia, Cisco, British Airways, Perfetti, American Express, and Samsun. He brings with him a rich experience of integrating agency and client teams to collaboratively conceptualize award-winning digital advertising solutions and execute them to successfully tackle business challenges and drive ROI.

    Mhaskar will also join Isobar India’s Leadership team, which includes Gopa Kumar, Vice-President; Anish Varghese, National Creative Director and Rahul Vengalil, Business Head (South), alongside Shamsuddin Jasani, Managing Director for Isobar India. Isobar India has emerged as a leader amongst the digital agencies in India, winning multiple awards including Campaign Asia’s Agency of the Year, and this appointment will further strengthen it.

    Shamsuddin Jasani, Isobar India Managing Director, says: “We are happy to welcome Chandrashekhar on board with our amazing team. Over the last two years, we have clearly emerged as one the leading full service digital agencies in India of media buying and over 100 creative and technology professionals. Chandrashekhar brings a vast experience across all aspects of digital, especially creative services, which he will be heading nationally. We already have a very strong Creative services and Technology business, and with Chandrashekhar leading the way, we are looking at reaching even greater heights.”

    Commenting on his appointment, Chandrashekhar Mhaskar, Vice-President, Isobar India, said: “I am immensely excited to join Isobar and be part of a team that is brimming with stupendous energy. Isobar is already in the fray of creating some cutting-edge creative and tech solutions which have garnered media attention. I am really looking forward to working with Shamsuddin and the senior management team to take Isobar to greater heights in India.”

  • BC Web Wise appoints Alabhya Vaibhav as creative director

    BC Web Wise appoints Alabhya Vaibhav as creative director

    MUMBAI: Digital Agency BC Web Wise has appointed Alabhya Vaibhav as creative director for their Mumbai operations.

     

    He moves to BC Web Wise from Ogilvy & Mather where he was associate creative director.

     

    Vaibhav’s primary role will be to bring his traditional agency learnings on board and work together with the creative team at BC Web Wise to up the creative quotient. He will bringing in a fresh perspective for the agency in areas such as content, social, experiential, and overall creative output.

     

    Vaibhav said, “Digital has always inspired me. This is a great opportunity to bring my passion to a medium that thrives on innovation and interactivity. Digital is more important today than ever, and I hope I can use my experience to help the team meet the raging demand for creativity and content day in and day out.”

     

    BC Web Wise founder and MD Chaaya Baardhwaaj added, “Digital is not a niche medium anymore and there are clients who are doing exclusive digital advertising today. Adding to this is that we are delivering a lot of broadcast and video content for clients. Alabhya has the perfect mix of creativity and strategic outlook that aligns with our focus.”

     

    BC Web Wise creative director – art Mangesh Bhayde said, “Alabhya brings extensive mainstream experience to the table. He’ll have a huge impact on driving excellence and diversity of our output.”

     

    Vaibhav has 13 years of experience in companies such as Ushak Kaal Communications, R K Swamy BBDO, DDB Mudra, Dentsu Marcom, and Cheil Worldwide.

  • Cheil inks partnership with Sniper & Sooperfly for digital content

    Cheil inks partnership with Sniper & Sooperfly for digital content

    MUMBAI: The 120 Media Collective and Cheil Worldwide have entered into a strategic partnership for multi-platform video content starting July 2015. Its brands Sniper and Sooperfly will produce and distribute a wide range of digital content for Cheil’s clients.

     

    Speaking about the development, The 120 Media Collective founder & chief executive Roopak Saluja said, “Producing content in various formats over the past nine years has armed us with a deep understanding of the audience and what strikes a chord with them. Our brands, Sniper and Sooperfly come together to seamlessly provide what is needed to engage at scale with digital-first audiences in 2015. Cheil’s trust in us is testimony to our expertise.”

     

    Cheil Worldwide South West Asia group president Shiv Sethuraman added, “Video content is the fastest growing area within the digital play. Not just the creation but, equally importantly, the distribution of content. Clients are tired of agencies offering them TVCs disguised as video content and this is because many of them haven’t yet understood that the business model requires significantly different capabilities, resources and platforms. The partnership with The 120 Media Collective is designed to bring speed, economies of scale and quality – yes, all three – to video content. We believe they are the right partners and that the market is ripe for such an offering.”

  • Cheil Worldwide to invest in iris

    Cheil Worldwide to invest in iris

    MUMBAI: Cheil Worldwide, the marketing solutions company based in Seoul, announced that it has signed a deal to acquire a significant initial investment in iris, the global creative innovation network.
    The deal will potentially rise to 100 per cent of the business over the next five years.

    Cheil’s initial investment in iris will be the start of a new partnership that will enable the two companies to extend and deepen their global capabilities in creativity, strategy, retail, digital, data, analytics, B2B and CRM, while offering clients the most progressive work available in the world today.

    The partnership begins with a shared vision to create a genuine alternative to the traditional holding company model. This will replace the relationship iris had with Meredith, the US based publisher.
    Since its launch in 1999, iris has been an independently minded, entrepreneurial business; with a determination to do things differently. As part of Cheil’s family, iris will be able to continue on this journey, whilst accelerating growth through strategic backing from Cheil.

    Cheil Worldwide president and CEO Daiki Lim said, “Our goal was to find the right partner who could match our determination and drive. We’ve watched with awe how iris has built its global business and we are delighted to have this opportunity to work with their brand. Their membership in the Cheil Worldwide network will bring great value and agility to us and to our clients. Together with iris, we will provide a different level of service that is able to achieve amazing new creativity and offer best-in-class capabilities. This relationship is a key catalyst in our ambition to be the best possible partner to our clients to deliver ‘Ideas That Move’.”

    iris joint chief executive Ian Millner added, “We are about to enter the most exciting chapter for iris. This partnership won’t change who we are or what we do as a creative innovation network – but will extend our global reach and capabilities, and enable our clients and people to benefit from the huge opportunity presented by a true ‘East Meets West’ and ‘West Meets East’ network. Over the past 16 years we have retained an entrepreneurial spirit that is engrained in our DNA. In looking for the next step forwards we have found a partner that matches our ambition. Together we will become a real force to be reckoned with, the type of agency group that will define the future of the agency model.”

     

  • ZenithOptimedia hires Hari Krishnan as MD

    ZenithOptimedia hires Hari Krishnan as MD

    MUMBAI: ZenithOptimedia Group has roped in Hari Krishnan as ZenithOptimedia India managing director.

     

    Based out of Gurgaon, he will be taking charge of the agency’s pan-India operations.  ZenithOptimedia India Group CEO Anupriya Acharya said, “Hari’s appointment is in line with our strategy of seeking diverse talent in order to accelerate our transformation agenda. The market and marketers are fast evolving to keep up with the convergence in the marketplace and the changing, more complex, consumer journeys. We have excellent specialist capabilities across media, research, data and analytics, content, experiential, performance marketing and the like. Hari’s rich experience in brands and integrating different verticals will add immense value to our clients and the Group that comprises ZenithOptimedia, Performics, Resultrix, Newcast and Ninah.”

     

    Krishnan moves in from Cheil Worldwide SW Asia where he was chief operating officer. He has spent over 22 years in advertising agencies including Bates, Ogilvy, Grey and JWT and has worked across product categories on brands such as Samsung, PepsiCo, Vodafone and Nokia. He led WPP’s first co-located, integrated set-up for Ford in India, the Blue Hive by bringing together separate teams from JWT, Mindshare and Wunderman Digital. Subsequently he joined Cheil as COO where he was part of the massive growth and integration journey – from 135 people to 480 strong team; capability expansion from ATL to Digital, Activation, Visual Merchandising and Retail. He also worked closely with Lodestar UM to set up a joint Cheil- Lodestar operation.

     

    Krishnan said, “This is indeed an exciting opportunity. The consumer journey is ever-evolving and brands are being challenged on an hourly basis. ZenithOptimedia believes that these new trends and advances in technology will provide innovative communication opportunities for clients. Not many agencies take bold steps like this and I am glad to work among people who are embracing new thinking, new perspectives and new ideas.”

     

    ZenithOptimedia Group’s client list in India includes Nestle, OLX, Micromax, LVMH Group, Honda, Uninor, Jabong, Yatra, Toshiba, Viber and Fabfurnish. Performics and Resultrix also deliver digital strategies for MaxBupa, ICICI Bank, Airtel, Standard Chartered Bank, Star India, Birla Sun Life Insurance, Tata AIG Life Insurance, Musafir and Games 24X7.

  • Cheil Worldwide SW Asia reinforces digital offering

    Cheil Worldwide SW Asia reinforces digital offering

    MUMBAI: In a move to strengthen its digital presence, Cheil Worldwide SW Asia (Cheil India) has appointed digital domain specialist, Rahul Nanda as senior vice president new business digital.

     

    Nanda, moves from Web Chutney where he was partner & president, until it was acquired by Denstu India. He comes with more than 19 years of experience and expertise across various sectors including digital marketing, application development, mobile communications, DTH including an ISP.

     

    Reporting to Cheil Worldwide SW Asia SVP & head digital Rajesh Bhatia, Nanda will lead the growth and expansion of the agency’s integrated media offering as well as enhance its internal digital capabilities.

     

    Cheil Worldwide SW Asia COO Hari Krishnan said, “Cheil India is growing exponentially and with digital being a key quotient for new business acquisition, Rahul’s coming on board reflects this momentum. I am positive that his entrepreneurial genius will work in furthering our digitally-integrated vision.” 

     

     “With the scale and skill of our digital offering today, I believe, we are rightly positioned to aggressively take our proposition to a much wider audience base. And we needed someone of the stature and pedigree of Rahul to fulfill that agenda. I am delighted with his coming on board,” added Bhatia.

     

    Nanda who started his career with the National Informatics Centre as a management analyst said, “I find this new role to be about future-proofing the agency and creating a truly ‘digitally-integrated’ agency.”

     

    A techie at heart, Nanda is an Economics Graduate from Delhi University, and holds a Masters in Business Administration with a specialisation in IT from FORE School of Management.