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Tag: Gautam Reghunath

  • Gautam Reghunath, PG Aditiya launch new creative agency Talented

    Gautam Reghunath, PG Aditiya launch new creative agency Talented

    Mumbai: After a combined 20 years at dentsu Webchutney, the former Webchutney CEO and CCO Gautam Reghunath and PG Aditiya are exploring their entrepreneurial sides with the launch of their new project, Talented. According to the statement, the duo has centred their venture around what they believe has to be the most valued currency in the industry – its talent. 

     Reghunath & PG Aditiya were both homegrown leaders at dentsu Webchutney having started out in 2010 and 2012 respectively.

    The new founders said that they have a few ‘radical ideas’ they believe can fundamentally alter the agency business – including employee ownership and stronger skin in the game relationships with clients.

    “We love the agency business. But the world certainly doesn’t need another advertising agency,” Gautam Reghunath & PG Aditiya said, on their new start. “What we believe it does need is a serious re-imagination of the agency experience – both for clients and for the talent in advertising. With Talented, we’re starting-up because we have some ideas that we believe can fundamentally alter what our business means, first for those working in it and then therefore for our clients.”

    “We want to build a workplace where what every member of the leadership & its youngest colleagues think and say about the company, are the exact same,” they further added.

    The duo further said they hope to create an ambitious, world-class, creative company ‘with a big heart’ – addressing age-old advertising tropes like pay, work hours, inequity, lack of employee ownership, lack of ESOPs and the industry’s looming irrelevance while at it. “We all know perfectly well what needs to improve in the agency business: we just plan to execute it to perfection. There’s so much we can learn from our friends in tech.”

    The founders then went on to add that it’s only natural that the benefits of all of this will flow directly into their work for their clients. “When a client chooses us, we want them to know that we’re committed to putting the sharpest, most motivated talent in front of them. How we operate internally is going to play a huge role in making that happen,” stated the duo, adding, “And at the end of all of this, we just want to do great advertising.”

  • Sidharth Rao to take direct charge of dentsu Webchutney from Jan 2022

    Sidharth Rao to take direct charge of dentsu Webchutney from Jan 2022

    Mumbai: Dentsu Webchutney on Wednesday announced that CEO Gautam Reghunath and COO PG Aditiya will be leaving their positions early next year to set up their own venture. With this change, the agency will now be back under the direct charge of dentsuMB Group CEO Sidharth Rao. Rao, founder of dentsu Webchutney, will front the agency’s leadership team, even as Reghunath and PG Aditiya will continue to work with him through this period to ensure a smooth transition for the creative agency.

    “Gautam & PG have been the two most defining hires in our history. As a founder, you want your people to find their calling at the company you build, and the legacy the two of them leave behind is the best possible example of this,” said Sidharth Rao. “From joining at entry-level positions in 2010 and 2012 respectively, and rising to the very top through hard work, passion and just simply being the best in the business at their jobs. It’s a story that makes me believe that we’ve created an organisation where anyone can shine. And now, they have a chance to do it for themselves as creative entrepreneurs.”

    “There is a lot that we at dentsu Webchutney owe them but none more so than the culture they’ve created for us all to thrive in. They’ve also assembled an outstanding leadership group, an army of superstars across all levels, all of whom give me and the rest of dentsu’s management immense confidence in how we will march forward as a company,” Rao further said. 

    In a joint statement, Reghunath and PG Aditiya said, “There is no other agency or network in the country where we would have had the chance to build our careers as we have at dentsu and at Webchutney. We’ve spent nearly 90 per cent of our careers here, so moving on is not a decision we’re taking lightly. Our personal views of what success, failure, and everything else in-between look like have been shaped at Webchutney and the people that we’ve had the privilege of working with & leading here. We’re so proud and thankful for how it’s all panned out.” 

    “As for the future, we’re more excited than ever about this wonderful business and have a few ideas germinating in our heads—ones that we get to build out. But for now, we’ve got a few more months left in this dream job, and we’re just going to try and maximize every minute of it. There are so many exciting new pieces of work launching over the next few months, some of them possibly the best work we’ve ever had the chance to be a part of. The best years of Webchutney are ahead of it and we’ll be cheering from the very front,” they added.

  • What 2020 taught me about the advertising business

    What 2020 taught me about the advertising business

    MUMBAI: Indiantelevision.com is happy to bring you the year ender 2020 series Throwback 2020– a wrap  up of major developments in the media, entertainment, advertising and marketing sectors during one of the most challenging 12 months mankind has faced in a century. We are also bringing you perspectives from executives – their POVs – of the year just gone by. Here’s one from Dentsu Webchutney CEO Gautam Reghunath, wherein he talks what the annus horribilis has taught him and his team at the agency. Read on to learn more from him. 

    Your Core Team Will Make or Break You.

    Great teams aremade through endless iterations of roles cultures, processes, structures and tackling problems when they emerge. They are more than a bunch of well performing people put together. The only way to build these teams is through endless optimisations of how this team works together. I’ve never been more thankful to have had this core in place. Investing in culture and setting up a great core team has always been a priority at Webchutney but the last 12 months have just solidified how it is especially important during a rough year. 

    Agency creativity is now a rare product. We’re doubling down on it. 

    The truth is that over the past decade, creativity as a service has taken a back seat at most big agencies. In our industry right now distribution, productivity and  efficiency are what’s valued, but the side effects are that they are all becoming commoditised. There’s little differentiation between agencies. As for Webchutney, it is only smart for us to maintain our focus of differentiation to creativity, a truly scarce resource whose value is always on the rise.

    Remote-talent might just have saved advertising.

    Clever, creative people don’t just live in big cities. Social media platforms have thrived on it but advertising will have to learn to embrace creativity from across the country for its own sake. But not before a serious change to what’s required. Remote work requires new infrastructure and management styles that we aren’t used to or taught. The hardest challenge with remote is trying to change the fundamental nature of agency floors: we're social creatures, we communicate synchronously, we ideate together, often loud. Self-discipline is hard. In advertising, it’s even harder. Companies which figure it all out have a massive talent arbitrage opportunity.

    Resourcefulness and initiativestood out more than ever this year.

    Resourcefulness is a competitive advantage. Too many organizations hire when they should be optimizing the people they’ve already got. Efficient people want to work in an efficient environment. The people who have stood out for me this year are the ones who’ve shown excitement about the opportunities for us this year, an ability to contribute the right way and those who’ve displayed apotential to learn and adapt. Initiative is contagious.

    Client relationships – stop taking them for granted.

    Over a period of time, agencies typicallystart takingclient relationships for granted. But the reality is that every day, they’re choosing to be your client or not. No year has this played out more than 2020. Somewhere a client relationship starts resembling a subscription you renew every year. Digital agencies who’ve grown up on project work might deal with this better. We’ve fought so hard for a seat at the table over the years that because we were always pitching, we developed a skill of communicating who we are and what we’re bringing that some of the older agencies forgot to do consistently. 

    Make a Plan, But Don’t Plan on Sticking to It.

    Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” The key decisions this year challenged my willingness to evolve more than my aptitude or intelligence. 2020 taught me that you can make progress by planning but it’s more by deviating that the chances of success increase. It’s also proven to us in advertising that that we have so much more to learn as an industry on how to reinvent ourselves. Nobody ever regrets making fast and decisive adjustments to changing circumstances.
     

  • How to create effective social influence?

    MUMBAI: Today, a social media user’s newsfeed comprises brands, influencers & publishers, all battling to create what marketers hope are ‘like-worthy’ pieces of content. And, to stand out, several brands have recently taken the influencer-marketing route, but Dentsu Webchutney is of the opinion that even this is slowly hitting a saturation point.

    Influencer marketing itself is riddled with disorganized logistics, confusing operations, lack of clarity about success metrics amongst other issues. Webchutney Influence aims to solve these problems for both brands and content creators.

    “Over the last year or so, we’ve noticed a pattern of brands across categories working with an extremely limited circle of content-creators: mostly the top tier publishers and creators. Unless these circles expand, the nature of content created, will not either. Webchutney Influence has been making inroads into doing just that… by working with Instagram creators who are known more for the quality of their work, with a smaller but focused loyal fan base, and other smaller publishers on Facebook to co-create and distribute content effectively. And we aim to economize this model to scale”, says Dentsu Webchutney creative director PG Aditya.

    “We realized that while brands had warmed up to collaborating with these ‘micro-influencers’ in spirit, it was usually way more convenient for them to partner with larger names, unfortunately at the content’s expense. Which is why the team at Webchutney Influence also works as a quasi-talent management hub. It is important for influencers to not feel that their content quality was being compromised, while you, the brand can reap the benefits of a user’s undivided attention,” says Dentsu Webchutney CEO Sidharth Rao.

    But how does a brand ensure that the influencers and publishers recommended is the right fit for them? Dentsu Webchutney senior vice president Gautam Reghunath clarifies: “Webchutney Influence has spent quality time handpicking publishers & content creators who command a high resonance with their audiences, and mapping their audience demographics to that of our brands before we actually recommend a collaboration. Plus, we’re a creative agency at heart. Understanding a ‘brand fit’ is something built into the team’s DNA.”

    Reghunath also touches upon the changing culture of the agency itself. “It is the new normal at Dentsu Webchutney to see a social influencer and our own creative & influence teams brainstorming on how the next series of brand creatives should be. To be honest, we’re just keeping up with the way social media is evolving – right from tweaking the way we brief our creative partners to re-imagining who these creative partners are. Webchutney Influence is as much about reach as it is about creativity,” he adds.

    Webchutney Influence has already executed campaigns with brands such as Flipkart, Mach City, Quikr, Canon India, Rentomojo and Reliance AJIO across Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

  • Dentsu Webchutney introduces ‘Bro’ster for smart drinkers

    Dentsu Webchutney introduces ‘Bro’ster for smart drinkers

    MUMBAI: Clubs, pubs and other F&B establishments have constantly tried their best to grasp the attention of their patrons in different ways. However, most experiences are soon forgotten once the night passes. And all that remains as a mark of a great night is an even greater hangover.

    Cue in Morning Fresh- a safe and natural alcohol detox drink that gives you a shot at a fresh start the next morning. But here’s the thing. No one can estimate whether a hangover is in line before it’s too late- especially when we’ve had one too many!

    This is why, Morning Fresh, along with its digital partner, Dentsu Webchutney, has created a ‘Bro’ out of the one thing that knows how you drink best: the Coaster. Dentsu Webchutney, in partnership with Morning Fresh, has designed the Bro’ster – the first-ever interactive coaster that holds your drink, helps you drink smart, and even cues in a hangover in real time! Much like a wingman, for your drink.

    The Bro’ster is a pocket-sized entertainer with built-in load sensors that calculate your drinking data over a span of time and it throws up funny, flirty and sometimes sarcastic messages on its LCD screen, after every sip that you take.

    Once you’re done drinking, the Bro’ster even plans to use the data received through your session to set customized rewards and offers. Think cab-rides for those that drank too much, to food coupons for those who’ve had very little, to bottles of Morning Fresh when the Bro’ster knows you may have a hangover.

    “At Morning Fresh we are always trying to push the envelope to create an innovative and fresh experience for our customers. As a young brand, it is important for us to find ways to engage with our audience in a meaningful and relevant way,” says Mitali Tandon, Co-Founder of Morning Fresh.

    “The brand promise of Morning Fresh and the entire Bro’ster experience were a great fit,” says Gautam Reghunath, Senior VP, Dentsu Webchutney. “Though the Bro’ster is still in its early stages, we can’t wait to explore its possibilities and develop it further. Internet of Things is an area we’re experimenting with for a lot of our clients through the Dentsu Webchutney Innovation Labs. The idea is to consistently try and create new, out-there experiences that can get brands and consumers to interact,” he adds.

    “We wanted to ensure no one felt left out,” says PG Aditiya, Creative Director (Copy) at Dentsu Webchutney. “Alone or with your gang, the Bro’ster will surely make your night a memorable one.”

    The way forward for the Bro’ster? Mitali says, “We’re starting with a few pubs and bars in Bangalore, and hope to scale it to serve more patrons. Additionally, it is exciting to see the role real–time data can play in the F&B industry.”

  • Dentsu Webchutney introduces ‘Bro’ster for smart drinkers

    Dentsu Webchutney introduces ‘Bro’ster for smart drinkers

    MUMBAI: Clubs, pubs and other F&B establishments have constantly tried their best to grasp the attention of their patrons in different ways. However, most experiences are soon forgotten once the night passes. And all that remains as a mark of a great night is an even greater hangover.

    Cue in Morning Fresh- a safe and natural alcohol detox drink that gives you a shot at a fresh start the next morning. But here’s the thing. No one can estimate whether a hangover is in line before it’s too late- especially when we’ve had one too many!

    This is why, Morning Fresh, along with its digital partner, Dentsu Webchutney, has created a ‘Bro’ out of the one thing that knows how you drink best: the Coaster. Dentsu Webchutney, in partnership with Morning Fresh, has designed the Bro’ster – the first-ever interactive coaster that holds your drink, helps you drink smart, and even cues in a hangover in real time! Much like a wingman, for your drink.

    The Bro’ster is a pocket-sized entertainer with built-in load sensors that calculate your drinking data over a span of time and it throws up funny, flirty and sometimes sarcastic messages on its LCD screen, after every sip that you take.

    Once you’re done drinking, the Bro’ster even plans to use the data received through your session to set customized rewards and offers. Think cab-rides for those that drank too much, to food coupons for those who’ve had very little, to bottles of Morning Fresh when the Bro’ster knows you may have a hangover.

    “At Morning Fresh we are always trying to push the envelope to create an innovative and fresh experience for our customers. As a young brand, it is important for us to find ways to engage with our audience in a meaningful and relevant way,” says Mitali Tandon, Co-Founder of Morning Fresh.

    “The brand promise of Morning Fresh and the entire Bro’ster experience were a great fit,” says Gautam Reghunath, Senior VP, Dentsu Webchutney. “Though the Bro’ster is still in its early stages, we can’t wait to explore its possibilities and develop it further. Internet of Things is an area we’re experimenting with for a lot of our clients through the Dentsu Webchutney Innovation Labs. The idea is to consistently try and create new, out-there experiences that can get brands and consumers to interact,” he adds.

    “We wanted to ensure no one felt left out,” says PG Aditiya, Creative Director (Copy) at Dentsu Webchutney. “Alone or with your gang, the Bro’ster will surely make your night a memorable one.”

    The way forward for the Bro’ster? Mitali says, “We’re starting with a few pubs and bars in Bangalore, and hope to scale it to serve more patrons. Additionally, it is exciting to see the role real–time data can play in the F&B industry.”

  • Dentsu Webchutney appoints Gautam Reghunath as Senior VP and Branch Head

    Dentsu Webchutney appoints Gautam Reghunath as Senior VP and Branch Head

    MUMBAI: Dentsu Webchutney, the digital agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, has appointed Gautam Reghunath as Senior Vice President and Branch Head, Bangalore. He will lead the 40-member-strong team in Bangalore, overseeing clients including Flipkart, Dailyhunt, Helpchat and Quikr.

    Reghunath, formerly Vice President, will report directly to Dentsu Webchutney CEO Sidharth Rao. Reghunath’s key role will be to further build on the Bangalore office’s business success in addition to strengthening the agency’s creative and content production capabilities.

    Confirming Reghunath’s new assignment, Rao said, “Under Gautam’s leadership, our South India business continues to evolve at tremendous speed, having grown 200% over last year. From what was a five-member office in early 2015, we are now a 40-people-strong team in Bangalore. It is imperative that we have the strongest possible leadership there to take us to new heights. Gautam has an ambitious vision for the company and is a powerful advocate of putting young talent at the forefront of our business.”

    Talking about his new role, Reghunath said, “I am Dentsu Webchutney through and through, and this is a responsibility I am proud to be tasked with. The last one year has been great, being ranked number 1, great new clients and moving into our new space in Bangalore. We have embarked on an ambitious growth path, not just from a business perspective but also as individual creative professionals. The agency is brimming with young creative and leadership talent and it will be a privilege to lead them in our endeavor to continue evolving as a new-age agency – relevant for 2017 and relevant for our clients.”

    Reghunath joined Dentsu Webchutney’s Mumbai office in 2010 at a junior servicing position and over the last two years had been tasked with building the agency’s Bangalore operations. He was recently named in Social Samosa’s ‘Top 30 under 30’ list and has previously worked with L&K Saatchi and Saatchi.

    Dentsu Webchutney’s clients include Flipkart, Airtel, TI Cycles and Redbull across areas of digital marketing, online video content, website design, mobile marketing and social media. The agency runs with a team of over 200 digital marketing professionals across New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

  • Dentsu Webchutney appoints Gautam Reghunath as Senior VP and Branch Head

    Dentsu Webchutney appoints Gautam Reghunath as Senior VP and Branch Head

    MUMBAI: Dentsu Webchutney, the digital agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, has appointed Gautam Reghunath as Senior Vice President and Branch Head, Bangalore. He will lead the 40-member-strong team in Bangalore, overseeing clients including Flipkart, Dailyhunt, Helpchat and Quikr.

    Reghunath, formerly Vice President, will report directly to Dentsu Webchutney CEO Sidharth Rao. Reghunath’s key role will be to further build on the Bangalore office’s business success in addition to strengthening the agency’s creative and content production capabilities.

    Confirming Reghunath’s new assignment, Rao said, “Under Gautam’s leadership, our South India business continues to evolve at tremendous speed, having grown 200% over last year. From what was a five-member office in early 2015, we are now a 40-people-strong team in Bangalore. It is imperative that we have the strongest possible leadership there to take us to new heights. Gautam has an ambitious vision for the company and is a powerful advocate of putting young talent at the forefront of our business.”

    Talking about his new role, Reghunath said, “I am Dentsu Webchutney through and through, and this is a responsibility I am proud to be tasked with. The last one year has been great, being ranked number 1, great new clients and moving into our new space in Bangalore. We have embarked on an ambitious growth path, not just from a business perspective but also as individual creative professionals. The agency is brimming with young creative and leadership talent and it will be a privilege to lead them in our endeavor to continue evolving as a new-age agency – relevant for 2017 and relevant for our clients.”

    Reghunath joined Dentsu Webchutney’s Mumbai office in 2010 at a junior servicing position and over the last two years had been tasked with building the agency’s Bangalore operations. He was recently named in Social Samosa’s ‘Top 30 under 30’ list and has previously worked with L&K Saatchi and Saatchi.

    Dentsu Webchutney’s clients include Flipkart, Airtel, TI Cycles and Redbull across areas of digital marketing, online video content, website design, mobile marketing and social media. The agency runs with a team of over 200 digital marketing professionals across New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.