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Tag: DDB Mudra Group

  • ACKO goes hyperlocal in Chennai with their ‘ACKO Pola Varuma’ campaign

    ACKO goes hyperlocal in Chennai with their ‘ACKO Pola Varuma’ campaign

    Mumbai: After the massive success of its previous three hyperlocal auto insurance campaigns, ACKO, the tech-first insurer, launches its latest campaign in Chennai  ‘ACKO Pola Varuma’ to bring in a local flavor to the audience.

    Conceptualised by DDB Mudra South, the films are directed by the renowned Tamil director Gautham Vasudev Menon, and feature popular Tamil actors Yogi Babu and Paal Dabba as a father-son duo, who are well known names amongst the masses not only in Chennai but the whole of southern region.

    With over 500,000 customers across Chennai, ACKO enjoys a commendable position in the market and the campaign further strengthens its positioning as a new age insurance solutions provider. The idea of the campaign is to highlight the benefits of buying a motor insurance policy directly from the insurer. With its humorous take and colloquial tone, the films directly address the classic Chennai skepticism of relying heavily on trusted family and friends before making crucial decisions. Cleverly using the Tamil phrase “Naal aalu kitte ketu pannanum” (meaning “need to consult four others”), ACKO’s films are a quirky hint to the audience to choose their insurance policy wisely and enjoy a hassle-free insurance journey.

    Each of the three films discusses the benefits ACKO offers to the customers – affordability, hassle-free claim process, roadside assistance, and easy renewal – all within the context of the son’s ‘unconventional’ choice and the father’s initial skepticism.

    Commenting on the campaign launch, ACKO CMO Ashish Mishra stated, “Chennai is an important, and one of the fastest growing markets for ACKO. We have received a lot of love and positive feedback from the people of Chennai for our insurance product and easy claim process. Customers were especially appreciative of our quick response and turnaround time during last year’s cyclone Michaung, and this was a true testament of our commitment to the people of Chennai. With this new campaign that’s as hilarious as it is informative, I’m sure that our message will resonate with the larger audience, and I am looking forward to news spreading about ACKO and its services far and wide in Chennai.”

    DDB Mudra Group creative director Sooraj Pillai remarked, “ACKO, as a disruptive force in the motor insurance segment, required a campaign that is equally innovative and engaging. Yogi Babu and Pal dabba resonate with the audience through their relatable ‘neighbour next door’ persona and exceptional comedic timing. Collaborating with a director of Gautham Menon’s caliber was a true privilege, bringing a touch of magic behind the camera. I am confident the audience will enjoy the campaign as much as I did.”

    Over the years, ACKO has disrupted the motor insurance segment, through delivering superior customer experience and offering best prices. In a market that has long been dominated by middlemen, ACKO has managed to bring the power of choice back to customers by simplifying the act of purchase through an app-driven interface, and best prices. Through eliminating the role of middlemen in motor insurance, ACKO has been successful in transferring the cost benefits to the end consumer.

    In addition to the films, the campaign is being deployed across Chennai via multiple channels, including out-of-home renditions in high-traffic areas of the city and radio activations to reach consumers.

  • Menaka Menon named president & managing partner, growth & strategy at DDB Mudra South

    Menaka Menon named president & managing partner, growth & strategy at DDB Mudra South

    Mumbai: DDB Mudra Group elevates Menaka Menon, current national strategy head, to take on the role of leading the south office. She will lead operations and strategic thinking for clients based out of the Bengaluru office. Ranji Cherian who successfully ran and scaled the south office for over 16 years will now lead client excellence at the group.

    DDB Mudra Group chief creative officer Rahul Mathew said, “We believe that everything we do is built on strong strategic pillars; be it our work or how we do our work. In her new role, Menaka will use her strategic background to add more value to our client’s business, while building a strong culture of creativity in the office. Over the last few years, some of our best work has come from our South office and I’m really excited to work with Menaka to push us to newer heights.”

    Commenting on her new role, Menaka Menon said, “I am super excited about this new role and look forward to further strengthening the South operation and building a strong, closely knit team, geared towards creating great work that has the power to move people.”

    With over 23 years of experience in business and strategy, she has experience across advertising, broadcast media and strategic consulting. Menaka has spent over 15 years in advertising with stints at agencies such as FCB, VML, and Leo Burnett.

  • McDonald’s India embraces Anime fandom with WcDonald’s launch

    McDonald’s India embraces Anime fandom with WcDonald’s launch

    Mumbai: Embracing the anime-fandom among the Gen Z, McDonald’s India (West & South), owned and operated by Westlife Foodworld Ltd, steps into the anime world with the exciting launch of ‘WcDonald’s’ in the country. In anime culture, McDonald’s has been referenced as WcDonald’s by anime fans and creators alike. The WcDonald’s identity is a hat tip to the love for this culture and fandom. From the launch of a limited time savoury sauce, exciting new collectible manga-themed packaging and an anime themed restaurant to the release of four anime films, each of these elements is an ode to anime fandom to create unforgettable dining moments.

    One of the star attractions at WcDonald’s is the limited time Savory Chili WcDonald’s Sauce meticulously crafted to enliven taste buds with a symphony of flavors. Infused with an enticing blend of ginger, garlic, soy, and a hint of chili flakes, this sauce guarantees an explosion of energy with each delectable bite. This menu innovation echoes the fearless and dynamic personas of beloved anime heroes, offering an enticing experience for Anime fans. It perfectly pairs with an order of 10-piece WcNuggets (the fan-favorite Chicken McNuggets) or any of your go-to menu items. For a limited time, fans will also receive manga-inspired packaging featuring WcDonald’s crew characters, sketched by iconic Japanese manga artist/illustrator Acky Bright.

    McDonald’s India has also unveiled a ground-breaking transformation of its iconic restaurant at Linking Road in Bandra, Mumbai. Inspired by the vibrant world of Anime, this WcDonald’s restaurant aims to transport diners into a realm where fantasy meets fandom. Conceptualised and brought to life by DDB Mudra Group, the restaurant’s décor and ambiance has undergone a complete makeover, capturing the essence of the much loved Anime aesthetics.

    McDonald’s India (W&S) chief marketing officer Arvind R. P. said, “Anime culture is booming in India, particularly among the Gen Z. For years, anime fans have been bringing their favourite brand to life in many ways within the Anime universe.  The McDonald’s-inspired ‘WcDonald’s’ is a case in point. Now, WcDonald’s transcends fantasy, becoming a reality. We honour our fans’ imagination by authentically manifesting the WcDonald’s universe in our restaurants, while inviting them to be part of our story like never before. WcDonald’s embodies our dedication to integrating our brand with popular culture, offering unique experiences that wow customers. We invite everyone, particularly manga enthusiasts, to step into this immersive anime world.”

    DDB Mudra Group chief creative officer Rahul Mathew said, “You’ll be surprised how big the anime community is in India. And we realised that the anime universe has been tipping its hat to McDonald’s through its many avatars. We felt the best way to acknowledge and celebrate this community was to bring one of the avatars from the anime world to the real world.”

    McDonald’s India complements its unique initiative with four captivating anime themed brand films, enriching the fans’ immersion in the enchanting world of WcDonald’s. Produced by renowned animation house Studio Pierrot, the first official WcDonald’s anime will unveil episodic shorts exploring the flavorful WcDonald’s Sauce and Chicken WcNuggets. These films will be available on McDonald’s India’s owned social channels.

    Experience the Savory Chili WcDonald’s Sauce at your nearest McDonald’s store in West & South India. It is also available for delivery via the McDelivery platform.

  • 22feet Tribal makes two senior hires

    22feet Tribal makes two senior hires

    MUMBAI:  22feet Tribal Worldwide has roped in two senior professionals to strengthen its leadership. While Axon Alex has been hired as  strategic planning  lead, Shikha Davessar, has been promoted to EVP & head – client business. Both will report to 22feet Tribal president Vanaja Pillai.

    Axon who has 16 years work experience is a MICA alumnus who began his advertising journey with DDB Tribal. Some of the key roles in his professional journey include strategy director at BBH India and managing partner at Jack in the Box Worldwide where he played a significant role in contributing to the agency’s growth. Axon boasts a strong portfolio with marquee brands such as McDonald’s, Vi (Vodafone Idea), Mars Petcare, ITC Hotels. 

    Shikha has been with the DDB Mudra Group for close to 10 years, and has worked with several prestigious Fortune 500 global brands including Britannia, Battlegrounds Mobile India, Diageo, Flipkart, LG, and Mars Petcare. Shikha strongly believes in data-driven decision making but she emphasises the importance of fresh creativity to fuel it all.

    “I am delighted with these developments at 22feetTribal Worldwide, building off the success we experienced over the last year,” says Pillai.  “Axon joins us at a perfect time, with an enviable roster of clients and exciting business challenges ahead. He brings a wealth of experience from his 16 years in the industry, including key roles at esteemed agencies and a strong portfolio with marquee brands. His expertise will undoubtedly enrich our strategic capabilities and propel our agency’s further growth.

    We’ve made great strides in new business and creative wins, and Shikha’s contributions have been significant in making this happen. Her journey within our agency exemplifies our commitment to nurturing and recognizing internal talent, and her elevation is a well-deserved recognition. We can’t wait for the amazing journey we have ahead at 22feetTribal WW!”

    Adds Alex:  “This agency in its previous avatar was where it all started for me, and I made the promise to come back someday. I’ve come back not on the back of the promise I made but the promise 22Feet holds.  The teams have built a reputation in being in the consideration set when you think about the top agencies in the country. Strategy is simply the process of charting the way forward and I hope I’ll play a part in our growth story through the work for our clients and the thinking behind it.”

  • Omnicom and Women in Tech India join forces to advance DEI in STEAM

    Omnicom and Women in Tech India join forces to advance DEI in STEAM

    Mumbai: Omnicom India supported the launch of the India chapter of Women in Tech Global. Women In Tech Global is an NGO headquartered in Paris and committed to actively promoting women’s & girl’s empowerment in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). The India Chapter spearheaded by Radhika Iyengar of Credera, a global, boutique technology & consulting firm, aims to empower women & girls through impactful programs, opportunities, and business-building resources in new and emerging technologies as well as in leadership building. WIT Global is designed to connect and empower women talent through a global network spanning six continents, 50 chapters and 9,000 plus members.

    The India chapter was officially launched on 8 March 2024, International Women’s Day, at the French Embassy in New Delhi, under the patronage of Thierry Mathou, French Ambassador to India. The event also welcomed policymakers from the Government of India, DEI leaders from prominent corporations, NGOs and The Omnicom Group of agencies in India, including DDB Mudra Group, Annalect India, Credera have extended support to the initiative.

    WIT Global country director – India Radhika Iyengar shared her thoughts, “The Women In Tech India team is simply overwhelmed by the traction the chapter has gained in a short span. Having soft launched just a few months back, we have grown from three to 500 plus since November 2023. The launch of the India Chapter marks a pivotal moment in the collective effort of Women in Tech Global, towards empowering 5 million women and girls in STEAM by 2030, while also tailoring our local activation outreach and programs to address India pertinent issues. The high dropout rate of girls in STEAM careers, the Gender paradox in India – are all alarming. We know the problem but also see that Global partnerships have helped evolve mediums that can foster women in STEM careers. Pursuing this path, we would want girls and women to traverse the path in Tech, be it in academia, in careers and to decision-making roles, in more empowering yet simpler ways and make their journeys more enriching & enjoyable.”

    DDB Mudra Group head – DEI Vanaja Pillai said, “The Women in Tech India chapter can be a pivotal initiative towards a more inclusive and innovative tech ecosystem. By championing diversity, we not only empower women but also enrich the industry with varied perspectives. The future of technology depends on our collective commitment to breaking barriers and fostering an environment where talent knows no gender. Together, let’s inspire and shape the future of tech in India.”

    French ambassador to India Thierry Mathou also added, “France is strongly committed to promoting women in science. In our international relations, we advance gender equality through our feminist foreign policy, which is translated into action in our bilateral cooperation with India. I would like to cite two instances:  the “Women in Science” programme led by our Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR/CEFIPRA), and the targeted network initiative of the French Development Agency (AFD), GroW – Greening of Finance by Women, which aims to empower women in India by facilitating their access to the Indian financial system. I am therefore delighted that the Paris-based association, Women in Tech, is launching its actions in India. They can count on our full support.”

  • MudraMax elevates Deleise Ross to senior VP & business head

    MudraMax elevates Deleise Ross to senior VP & business head

    Mumbai: Leading integrated marketing media agency – MudraMax – has announced the promotion of Deleise Ross as the senior vice president and head of business. In her new role, she will be reporting to DDB Mudra Group president – integrated media Rammohan Sundaram and lead business operations for West as well as the South division.

    Her extensive experience and calm demeanour have led MudraMax through unprecedented growth. Deleise has been associated with MudraMax for over five years now and has played a significant role in the agency’s overall success. She has worked on a varied portfolio across categories including brands such as Adani Wilmar, Jazeera Airlines, PNB Housing Finance, Nuvama and Relaxo – Sparx.

    DDB Mudra Group president – integrated media Rammohan Sundaram said, “We are seeing tremendous growth in our media business and so structures become important which only helps teams to focus better and deliver better. It is also about leadership attention that teams require when in hockey stick growth phase. My belief has always been to groom available talent from within and we are excited to have Deleise take on larger responsibility.”

    Speaking on her elevation, Ross said, “I’m excited to start this new chapter, as it will help me broaden my understanding of newer markets and businesses. With the cross-category experience that I bring to the table, I look forward to making clearer and more strategic recommendations for the new set of businesses with the expanded team.”

  • ICW wraps Portfolio Evening 2023 with 96 participants over two days

    ICW wraps Portfolio Evening 2023 with 96 participants over two days

    Mumbai: To provide women and non-binary creatives a platform for visibility in the Indian advertising and design industry, Indian Creative Women (ICW) partnered with DDB Mudra Group and D&AD for the fourth edition of Portfolio Evening, sponsored by McDonald’s. Held on 7 December (virtual) and 8 December (Mumbai) the event saw participation from 96 women and non-binary creatives from design, UI/UX, writing, animation and other diverse backgrounds. The panel comprised of 39 jurors from creative, media and digital agencies along with marketing leaders from the industry.  

    The in-person event kickstarted with an inspiring opening address from D&AD CEO Jo Jackson and Rahul Mathew, DDB Mudra Group CCO Rahul Mathew. Following this, participants started engaging in brief one-on-one sessions with multiple jurors over the course of two rounds showcasing the best of their work, receiving feedback and insights from the brilliant creative minds. Pallavi emerged as the winner at Portfolio Evening, Mumbai while Nidhi Shah won the virtual Portfolio Evening. They’ve both earned themselves a chance to an all-expense paid trip to the D&AD Festival in London in March 2024.

    Student art director and winner of Portfolio Evening – Mumbai, Pallavi commented, “I heard about Indian Creative Women for the first time in the first month of ad school. And just the thought of a female and non-binary centric initiative was so exciting to me that I was ready to participate when the time was right. Fast forward to a year and here we are, and it feels absolutely surreal!

    Just the fact that I got to share the space with so many fellow female and non-binary creatives for the evening was a huge privilege, to see them shine and share their work. The energy was contagious!

    Many of the faces of Indian Creative Women are women that I admire and look up to, so just to have the opportunity to interact with them and share our stories was definitely an experience I’ll cherish forever. Hopefully, this push by Indian Creative Women will enable me as a female creative to help give a platform to other female and non-binary creatives in the future.”

    Advertising student and winner of the virtual Portfolio Evening Nidhi Shah said, “As someone who has never been in front of industry leaders, this was already a surreal chance to present my work to them! But winning it as well? I’m still pinching myself if this is real! Thank you, Indian Creative Women, for organising this and for helping foster the creative women’s community!”

  • Sonata Watches launches Poze: The new statement in trendy timekeeping

    Sonata Watches launches Poze: The new statement in trendy timekeeping

    Mumbai: Sonata, a renowned name in the watchmaking, is excited to announce the debut of its newest sub-brand, Poze. Aiming to capture the essence of contemporary fashion, Poze is designed with the modern youth in mind, offering a range of watches that complement their online persona and everyday style.

    Poze’s first line is a celebration of style and variety, crafted to suit both men and women who are actively seeking to elevate their fashion quotient. The collection is a reflection of today’s contemporary fashion, offering timepieces that add a touch of sophistication and trendy appeal to any outfit. 
    To kick off the sub brand launch, Sonata collaborated with the creative minds at DDB Mudra Group, a marketing and branding agency, to produce a captivating campaign film titled “What’s Your Poze?” The film not only showcases the unique charm of Poze watches but also invites individuals to explore their personal style and express themselves through the brand’s distinctive timepieces.

    “At Sonata, we are dedicated to bringing the latest in fashionable timekeeping to our discerning customers. With Poze, we continue this tradition by offering a range of watches that are as much about making a personal style statement as they are about timekeeping. We invite the youth to define their style statements with Poze’s stunning selection, available at price points that make fashion-forward timekeeping accessible to everyone,” said Sonata marketing & product head Prateek Gupta.

  • 4th Indian Creative Women Portfolio Evening 2023 is back!

    4th Indian Creative Women Portfolio Evening 2023 is back!

    Mumbai: To provide women and non-binary creatives a platform for visibility in the Indian advertising and design industry, Indian Creative Women (ICW) has partnered with DDB Mudra Group and D&AD for the fourth edition of Portfolio Evening, sponsored by McDonald’s.

    The event aims to create a diverse creative leadership pipeline in the country and will provide an exclusive opportunity for applicants to have their portfolios reviewed by a panel of senior creative talent from the industry. Two winners will earn an all-expense paid trip to the D&AD Festival in London.

    Call for portfolios is now open with the virtual event scheduled for Thursday, 7 December 2023 and the in-person event is slotted for Friday, 8 December 2023 at the Omnicom House, Mumbai. Application deadline is Monday, 4 December 2023.

    Some of the eminent jurors for this year include FCB India CCO Swati Bhattacharya, Ogilvy India CCO Harshad Rajadhyaksha, Ladyfinger CCO & CEO Tista Sen, PG Aditya, CCO Talented, Clemenger BBDO senior art director Huei Yin Wong,  Amazon sr creative Melbourne & New York Palak Kapadia.

    With limited seats on a first-come-first-serve basis, the event is open to all creatives with an average experience of 0-6 years, including students and freelancers. Applicants who have taken a career break are also encouraged to apply.

    Indian Creative Women founder Sakshi Choudhary shared her thoughts, “Despite the growing focus on DEI in the industry, there’s still not much action on ground. Indian Creative Women is committed to making the Indian ad & design industry more diverse through actionable solutions. Portfolio Evening, supported by D&AD, our local long- standing partner DDB Mudra Group, and sponsored by McDonald’s, serves as a key initiative to nurture a pipeline of strong female talent. It’s time our industry accepted the influence women bring to consumers, brands and the business of creativity.”

    Speaking on the sponsorship, McDonald’s India managing director Rajeev Ranjan said, “As a proud advocate of creativity and diversity at workplace, I am immensely thrilled to witness the transformative journey that Indian Creative Women (ICW) is forging in the advertising and design landscape. At McDonald’s India, we value the pivotal role women play in improving the quality of business outcomes not only by bringing in diverse perspectives and brilliantly executing unconventional breakthrough ideas but also by leveraging and shaping consumer trends and narratives.  Women today represent a significant economic force. The success of our communities in many ways depend on the success of our women associates. The ICW Portfolio Evening is a testament to the brilliance and untapped potential of female creatives across India. We are honored to support ICW in celebrating and elevating the voices of women who are the architects of tomorrow’s most compelling stories and campaigns.”

    McDonald’s India CMO Arvind R.P. said, “At McDonald’s India, we actively foster an inclusive environment, where diversity is embraced as an advantage. The power of diversity and inclusion is especially vital when it comes to fuelling creativity and innovation. In light of this, we are committed to supporting initiatives like ICW that are working to create a more inclusive and equitable advertising industry. This is a unique opportunity for talented women to learn from and make a difference in the creative industry, and we are happy to be a part of this initiative.”

    DDB Mudra Group CCO Rahul Mathew shared his thoughts “We’re excited to partner ICW for yet another edition of Portfolio Evening. This is an important initiative to help the industry move forward. And to have D&AD and McDonald’s join us in this journey makes this edition of the Portfolio Evening, bigger than ever.”

  • 22feet Tribal Worldwide inspires gamers with ‘Wear Your Cred’ BGMI campaign

    22feet Tribal Worldwide inspires gamers with ‘Wear Your Cred’ BGMI campaign

    Mumbai: 22feet Tribal Worldwide has unveiled their new campaign for Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), KRAFTON India’s popular battle royal game, titled ‘Wear Your Cred’. The innovative campaign film is the first time Krafton India dives into the iconic novelty that comes with BGMI’s Royale Pass, inviting players to break away from the default gaming experience and embrace a world where unique in-game elements like emotes, parachutes and outfits clearly separates them from everyone else.

    In the gaming world, being ‘default’ means settling for the basics, and blending in with the crowd. Wear Your Cred aims to make the Royale Pass mainstream in the gaming culture and highlight its benefits for existing BGMI players in building an elevated identity and casual gamers looking for incentives and exclusive content to dress up for the occasion as they hunt down their chicken dinners.

    The film conveys how the Royale Pass lets players gain recognition and respect for their unique achievements by donning the various skins.  Each player’s presence alone will command respect, perhaps even instilling a sense of awe, when they wear their cred.

    KRAFTON India associate director of marketing Srinjoy Das said “At this point, the Royale Pass in BGMI has become a massive sub-brand if you look at the sheer volume of YouTube and Instagram content around it. So with the third iteration, the RPA3, we felt it was imperative to showcase the class and awe it generates when you don a RPA final out-fit in game. You see someone in the lobby wearing the final RPA3 outfit and you can instantly recognize that they have crossed all 100 levels. It’s a mark of respect, of awe, and above all, a recognition that it’s no longer cool to be default. We hope our fans love this amazing film as much as we loved making it”

    DDB Mudra Group chief creative officer Rahul Mathew said “BGMI isn’t just a game, it’s a community.  And to announce this edition of the Royale Pass, we wanted to add some serious flex to it. In machine-gun mouth, we played with an audio disruption, this time we have a visual disruption.”

    ‘Wear Your Cred’ will be amplified across the gaming community through social channels, videos that showcased RPA3 assets using CGI, trending reels content, gamified contest, and in-game promotions. BGMI has also collaborated with the KOLs to create conversation within the gaming community.