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Tag: FCB Group India

  • Rivals unite to shape Mumbai’s creative future

    Rivals unite to shape Mumbai’s creative future

    MUMBAI: In an industry known for cutthroat competition, Mumbai’s ad world hit pause on rivalry for one night of pure creative synergy. Portfolio Night 2025, hosted by BBDO, DDB Mudra Group and TBWA India, wasn’t just about portfolios; it was about passion, purpose, and a pinch of personality.

    Organised by The One Club for Creativity, the global event gathered students, recent grads and young professionals for a high-energy evening of one-on-one portfolio reviews. In fast-paced 15-minute sessions, hopefuls met top creative directors, got real feedback, and maybe even their big break.

    DDB Mudra CCO Rahul Mathew, called it a necessity, not just a vision. “Our only real asset is talent. Events like this help us find, mentor and protect it, and that benefits everyone.

    Each participant faced multiple rounds of reviews, rated on ideas, execution, originality, variety, consistency, presentation, and yes, attitude. But it wasn’t all critique and scorecards; it was also about connection.

    FCB Group India digital creative partner Kartikeya Tiwari, said he looks beyond the basics, “I look for courage and personality. Most portfolios are skilful, but what stands out is soul.”

    For FCB Group India CCO Neville Shah, the future needs boldness, “Some portfolios were too perfect. We need work that surprises us, that makes us say, ‘What is this?’”

    Meanwhile, Leo Burnett national creative director Vikram Pandey (Spiky), found hope in the next generation’s openness to technology. “The ones embracing AI are the ones shaping the future. AI won’t take jobs, people who use AI well will.”

    Among the buzzing crowd was Shivani Unnikrishnan, a student at École Intuit Lab, who left the night inspired, “It was our first time, and we learned so much. Meeting creative directors gave us new perspectives and confidence.”

    At the close of the evening, Kareena and Sumit were crowned Mumbai’s All-Stars. They will now represent the city in the global All-Star programme, competing with winners from around the world. A final win could take them to New York City for a week-long, in-person workshop.

    In the end, though, every participant walked away richer, with sharper insights, stronger networks and a renewed sense of creative confidence. Because at Portfolio Night, even rivals agree on one thing: when creativity wins, everyone does.

  • FCB Group India appoints Aarti Nagpal as chief talent officer

    FCB Group India appoints Aarti Nagpal as chief talent officer

    Mumbai: FCB Group India has announced the appointment of Aarti Nagpal as the new chief talent officer. She brings a wealth of experience in culture-building, business partnering, organizational transformation, compensation and benefits, and CSR. In her new role, she will be the driving force behind FCB Group India’s talent strategy, fostering a culture of continuous growth, collaboration, and innovation across the country.

    With experience managing diverse teams across advertising, retail, and entertainment, Aarti has successfully led global and regional initiatives, collaborating with cross-cultural teams to enhance organizational capabilities.

    Commenting on her appointment, FCB Group CEO, India and South Asia, Dheeraj Sinha said, “We are thrilled to welcome Aarti to FCB Group India. Her deep understanding of the HR landscape and her passion for culture building and creating high-performing teams make her an invaluable addition to our organization. Her commitment to fostering growth, learning, and development will further shape an inclusive and empowering culture at FCB, ensuring our people thrive and continue to grow in an evolving industry.”

    Nagpal said, “I’m thrilled to join FCB Group during this transformative period. My focus will be on cultivating a culture where our talent can thrive and grow continuously. Together, we will build a progressive, future-ready workforce, ensuring FCB remains at the forefront of creativity and innovation.”

  • FCB Ulka appoints Ajay Ravindran as national planning director

    FCB Ulka appoints Ajay Ravindran as national planning director

    Mumbai: – FCB Ulka, part of FCB Group India, has announced the appointment of Ajay Ravindran as national planning director.

    Ajay comes to FCB Ulka with remarkable breadth and depth of experience. He has a 360-degree view of brand strategy, having worked on the entire gamut from advertising to social media, content, media planning, and market research. He specializes in new-age planning, bringing together storytelling, social media culture, and technology.

    In his previous role as head of brand marketing for Razorpay, Ajay oversaw numerous campaigns that seamlessly integrated technology, creativity, and storytelling, demonstrating his ability to deliver successful and innovative strategies. Over his career, Ajay has worked on brands like Unilever, Britannia, Colgate, Vodafone-Idea, Dell, Titan, TVS, 3M and many others. He is a multi-time EFFIE award winner. He has led planning teams in agencies like Ogilvy, VML, MullenLowe Lintas Group & Grey with distinction.

    On the appointment, FCB Ulka CEO Kulvinder Ahluwalia said, “We are thrilled to have Ajay join us as our National Planning Director. His exceptional blend of creativity and strategic insight will play a pivotal role in enhancing our capabilities and driving impactful brand solutions for our clients. We believe his leadership will strengthen our strategic initiatives and inspire our teams to push the boundaries of creativity.”

    “I believe the true power of Brand Marketing lies not just in creating ‘buzz’ or some fuzzy ‘brand love’ but unlocking hidden growth opportunities for businesses. And the new-age we live in provides us with an array of avenues to do this – technology, digital, data, content, CX. FCB Ulka provides the finest playground to practice this craft. An enviable client roster, entrenched relationships, and a burning desire to do the very best for the businesses we work on. Just a few minutes into the conversation with Dheeraj, Nitin, Kulvinder and Hemant, I just had one question: “When can I start?” Ajay expressed on his appointment.

  • Leo Burnett dominates day two of ABBY Awards!

    Leo Burnett dominates day two of ABBY Awards!

    Mumbai: Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show, day 2 dazzled with an array of accolades. Leo Burnett India soared to prominence, clinching esteemed titles including Digital Specialist Agency of the Year, Technology Specialist Agency of the Year, Mobile Specialist Agency of the Year, and Direct Specialist Agency of the Year with a remarkable tally of 26 metals.

    Meanwhile, FCB Group India secured the titles of Public Relations Specialist Agency of the Year and Design Specialist Agency of the Year. along with two Grand Prix awards.

    In the broadcaster category, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd emerged as the Broadcaster of the Year. With a splendid haul of 18 metals, including 2 Golds, their triumph was resounding. Notably, ZEE Kannada’s stellar performance further enhanced the network’s glory with 13 well-deserved metals.

    Amidst this radiant celebration of creativity and innovation, TV18 Broadcast Ltd shone brightly, securing a Gold and affirming their place among the industry’s finest.

  • India’s original superhero returns on a technological odyssey with Google Pixel 8

    India’s original superhero returns on a technological odyssey with Google Pixel 8

    Mumbai:  In 1987, the world marvelled at the incredible powers of invisibility when Arun Verma, affectionately known as “Mr. India,” discovered a watch that could make him disappear. Fast forward to 2023, and we’re thrilled to announce that Mr. India is back, not as a legendary character, but as the brand ambassador for Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, brought to life by the creative agency FCB Group India.

    The tech in Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro is nothing short of magic, and it has been decades since India witnessed technology of this calibre. Just as Mr. India once harnessed extraordinary powers with his invisible watch, the Google Pixel 8 is set to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible with technology.  

    The idea behind this collaboration is not just about innovation; it’s all heart. It’s about seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology into the fabric of everyday life, and it’s a testament to the creative brilliance of FCB Group India. This partnership marks the beginning of a remarkable journey where you’ll witness Mr. India navigating his life using the ground-breaking tech of Pixel 8, showing how this noteworthy device becomes an integral part of modern living.

    The campaign launch is set to be nothing short of “Jhakaas,” a term Mr. India himself would appreciate. It’s an extraordinary fusion of nostalgia, creativity, and innovation bound to captivate the imagination of tech enthusiasts and fans of Mr. India alike.

  • Adland honchos break into a jig to celebrate GoaFest return

    Adland honchos break into a jig to celebrate GoaFest return

    Mumbai: With the countdown begun for the ‘biggest advertising festival’ in the country (to be held 5-7 May), the ad world cannot seem to contain its excitement. And from the looks of it, not even the industry’s top honchos could hold themselves back from a little jig in the office!

    Seen grooving to singer-rapper Badhshah’s “Jugnu” track to celebrate the much-looked-forward-to event’s comeback were Madison World chairman Sam Balsara, Publicis Groupe, South Asia CEO Anupriya Acharya, FCB Group India chairman and CEO Rohit Ohri, founder of Another Idea and chairman Goafest 2022 Jaideep Gandhi and Good Brands For A Healthy Life chairman Arvind Sharma.

    Watch them groove here:

     

     
     
     

     
     
     
     
     

     
     

     
     
     

     
     

    A post shared by Goafest (@goafestlive)

     

    The Goafest now in its 15th year and hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) to facilitate the industry, is back this year after two long years of the pandemic. The ABBY Awards organised by The Advertising Club are also presented during the festival to showcase and toast the best in the business.

    This year, the Abbys have tied up with The One Show, a prestigious international award program in advertising, design and digital marketing.

  • FCB Group India expands its footprint in South Asia with FCB KL.LK

    FCB Group India expands its footprint in South Asia with FCB KL.LK

    Mumbai: FCB Group India on Monday announced the expansion of its footprint in South Asia with the launch of FCB KL.LK. This new agency partnership in Sri Lanka will be led by chairman and CEO Santosh Menon.

    FCB KL.LK, a fully integrated marketing communications agency, is the newest affiliate office under the FCB Group India umbrella. The agency works with marquee clients and brands including Ceylon Biscuits Ltd, HNB credit cards, Fairfirst life Insurance, Ultratech Cement, and Godrej Consumer products.

    Speaking on the importance of this partnership, FCB Group India chairman & CEO Rohit Ohri said, “We are delighted to partner with KL.LK in Sri Lanka. They are a young, future-ready agency that is growing very rapidly with many global multi-national clients. With this association, we are hoping to offer seamless service to many of our clients who look at South Asia as a contiguous market.”

    FCB global partner, global chief marketing abd reputation officer Brandon Cooke talked about how thrilled he is to have a partner in Sri Lanka. “The creative passion and business momentum made KL.LK the perfect partner for us in the Sri Lankan market. As we continue on our global mission to unleash creativity fuelled by diversity, data and technology, we’re incredibly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we expand our footprint across this region to a new client base,” he further said.

    FCB KL.LK chairman and CEO Santosh Menon added, “I came to Sri Lanka first in 2003 as a team member of FCB for its clients here. Today, bringing FCB back in its latest avatar as part of KL.LK gives me special pleasure and happiness. It’s the wheel turning full circle.”

    The new agency partnership aims to bring forth the KL.LK expertise to brands, coupled with FCB’s Never Finished philosophy, said the agency.

  • FCB Group India institutes ‘The Anil Kapoor Award for Excellence in Partnership’

    FCB Group India institutes ‘The Anil Kapoor Award for Excellence in Partnership’

    Mumbai: On the birth anniversary of its legendary leader Anil Kapoor, FCB Group India has instituted a special award-  ‘The Anil Kapoor Award for Excellence in Partnership’ in his honour. 

    The company that is also celebrating its 60th anniversary this year announced this internal award to recognise talent that embraced the one value that Anil Kapoor held very dear – partnership. 

    “Anil believed that strong brands were built on the foundation of strong partnerships. These were not just client-agency partnerships but partnerships that spanned the entire brand ecosystem,” said FCB Group India chairman & CEO, Rohit Ohri. “Internal agency partnerships, network partnerships, client partnerships, brand-consumer partnerships. Today, on his birthday, I am proud to honour his memory and keep his flag flying high with the institution of this award.” 

    Kapoor, an outsider to advertising took over an ailing Ulka Advertising in 1988 to turn it around not just into a ‘top five agency’ but also one that was recognised for building some iconic Indian brands. An industry captain with a strong voice, he was a proponent of the ‘strategic partner’ model for advertising agencies.

    IPG Media Brands CEO Shashi Sinha, who worked closely with Kapoor for almost three decades and was a key member of his leadership team is equally thrilled about this award. “Anil never tired of emphasising the importance of partnership. For him, the partnership was not unidimensional. It all starts with talent. To provide long-term partnerships to clients’, we needed to have long-term partnerships with our people. Only then would we fuel a virtuous cycle of existence. And this Award truly embodies that philosophy.”

  • FCB Group India announces organisational rejig & key elevations

    FCB Group India announces organisational rejig & key elevations

    MUMBAI: On the back of its success at the recently concluded Cannes Lions 2021 where it collected eight Lions, FCB Group India today announced the reorganisation of its creative agencies in India, along with key elevations. 

    The group which has seen a creative transformation over the last four years, announced organisational restructuring with its three full-service agency brands in India – FCB Ulka, FCB Interface, and FCB India. These three agencies will be a part of FCB Group India with Nitin Karkare, Swati Bhattacharya, Robby Mathew, and Joe Thaliath taking on more prominent roles, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. 

    “It is imperative for us now, more than ever before, to be able to provide our clients with the strategic direction and creativity they need to navigate the new world we live in today,” said FCB Group India chairman & CEO Rohit Ohri. “Our new structure allows for our best people to provide focused and dedicated partnership to our clients; to bring the disruptive creativity, agility, and fluidity that is required today to transform our clients’ businesses and create unmissable brands.”

    Karkare will take on the role of vice chairman at FCB Ulka. With 35 years in advertising, he started as a management trainee at Ulka Advertising. Karkare is known to forge long-term partnerships, be it his clients, teams, colleagues, or associates.

    Bhattacharya, who has recently been named ‘Adweek Creative 100’ for 2021, has been appointed creative chairperson at FCB India. She became India’s first woman chief creative officer when she joined FCB Ulka in 2016. Under her leadership, FCB has won more than 120 awards.

    Mathew takes over as vice chairman and CCO at FCB Interface. With over two decades at FCB Interface, he drives the agency’s creative agenda and is behind some of the agency’s most memorable campaigns for brands like Mahindra, Oreo, Bluestar, and Agrotech Foods.

    Thaliath takes charge as vice chairman and CEO at FCB Interface. A retail pioneer and entrepreneur, he started his advertising career with FCB Ulka in Cochin. He later shifted to Mumbai and led many different businesses before becoming the CEO of FCB Interface. Through his 30 odd years with the Group, Thaliath has worked on global and Indian mega brands across the automotive, FMCG, publishing, media, and telecom sectors.  

    “Nitin, Swati, Robby, and Joe have been the pillars of the Group. The creative work that Swati and Robby have done over the last four years has made FCB Group India shine brightly on the global creativity firmament. Nitin and Joe have ensured that our creativity was a powerful economic multiplier for our clients. Together, they have scripted our creative transformation story,” Ohri further said.

    “I believe this new three creative agency structure sets up the Group perfectly to serve our clients better, with a sharper focus on their business, and for accelerated growth as we look to our next 60 years in India. It signals the empowerment of our creative leaders and the building of sustainability in our creative transformation journey,” he added.  

    FCB Group India said that it also appointed the next level of leadership for each of its agencies, for which the announcement will follow soon.