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Tag: Harsha Razdan

  • Dentsu India unveils ‘Roaring Bengal’ report

    Dentsu India unveils ‘Roaring Bengal’ report

    MUMBAI: Dentsu India, in strategic partnership with The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCC&I), has launched the inaugural Roaring Bengal Report – a bold declaration positioning Bengal as the keystone of dentsu’s ambitious growth strategy for Bharat, beginning with the East.

    More than an insight report, Roaring Bengal represents a decisive shift in dentsu’s India roadmap, placing Bengal not at the periphery, but at the core of its multi-regional ambition. By unlocking the region’s powerful mix of culture, commerce, and creativity, the report signals dentsu’s commitment to building with Bengal, for Bengal, and from Bengal.

    Since 2017, Bengal has received investment proposals worth Rs. 13.55 lakh crore, underpinned by over 6,000 acres of ready industrial land and a progressive policy environment. The state is rapidly evolving into a national force across sectors such as green energy, smart infrastructure, fintech, artificial intelligence, and digital skilling – all contributing to a purpose-driven, innovation-led growth trajectory.

    With a projected Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs. 18.74 lakh crore by 2025, Bengal is among India’s fastest-growing consumer economies. The Bengal Silicon Valley is further accelerating the state’s digital economy, attracting substantial investment in future-facing technologies such as AI, IoT, and fintech.

    Report link: https://www.dentsu.com/in/en/reports/asset_single_article___the_roaring_bengal_report

    Narayan Devanathan, president & chief strategy officer, South Asia, dentsu said, “Bengal is not just part of our Bharat strategy, nor are we merely dipping our toes into the East. We are making a bold, long-term commitment. With this report and our partnership with BCC&I, we are planting our flag in a region where legacy meets leap – a centre of gravity for what is next. The Roaring Bengal Report is not commentary; it is our call to co-create Bengal’s future.”

    Abheek Biswas, AVP, consumer insights, dentsu India added, “This is a moment of inflection. From AI clusters and clean energy investments to inclusive skilling, Bengal is building with precision and purpose. The Roaring Bengal Report does not just map this momentum. It aligns us to it, firmly and fearlessly.”

    BCC&I is a long-standing catalyst for industrial growth in the region, welcomed the report’s launch. “This collaboration couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Arnab Basu, president, BCC&I. “Bengal is rising with intent, and the Roaring Bengal Report is more than insight: it is a navigational tool. It invites businesses to anticipate Bengal’s future and act on it today. Dentsu’s global expertise, paired with sharp regional relevance, makes this alliance both timely and transformative. This collaboration arrives at exactly the right moment. Bengal is building at scale, and the Roaring Bengal Report is more than insight; it is a roadmap. It equips brands to look beyond today and anticipate Bengal’s future. Dentsu India brings global scale with razor-sharp local relevance – a potent combination to deepen impact across industry, government, and civil society. Now is the time to act, and this report lights the way”, he added.

    Harsha Razdan, CEO, South Asia, dentsu commented, “This is not just a report. It is a roadmap backed by resolve. We are here to build real impact with Bengal, and our approach is deeply action-oriented. We will embed Eastern insights into Dentsu Lab India to shape innovation strategies at scale. We will convene co-creation workshops in Kolkata and across the state, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and creators to solve real-world challenges. And we will double down on skilling and capability-building efforts to empower Bengal’s next generation to lead in technology, media, and innovation. These are not gestures or slogans. They are measurable, mission-driven commitments. With Bengal, we are not just imagining the future. We are committing to building it together.”
     

  • Dentsu South Asia fuses creative and media in leadership makeover

    Dentsu South Asia fuses creative and media in leadership makeover

    MUMBAI: dentsu south Asia is betting big on integration with a leadership shake-up that sees Amit Wadhwa ascending to chief executive of creative and media brands, south Asia while Anita Kotwani takes the reins as chief client officer, south Asia.

    The ad network’s bold restructuring aims to blend traditionally separated creative and media functions into a seamless operation, with both executives reporting to Harsha Razdan, dentsu’s south Asia boss, and Prerna Mehrotra, who oversees media operations across the Asia-Pacific region as CCO and CEO – Media, APAC.

    “Marketing today is more complex than ever, but complexity shouldn’t slow businesses down,” declares Razdan, touting the firm’s One dentsu  model as the solution to untangle clients’ thorny business challenges.

    In his expanded role, Wadhwa will lead dentsu’s creative and media practices, architecting seamless collaboration across three creative brands – Dentsu Creative Webchutney, Dentsu Creative Isobar, and Dentsu Creative PR, and five Media brands – Carat, dentsu X, iProspect, Posterscope, and Sokrati. His priority will be to break silos and establish a unified way of working across these disciplines, ensuring that media and creative function as a cohesive force.

    Says Wadhwa:  “This level of integration hasn’t been done in a long time, giving us the opportunity to shape a new way forward. Success isn’t about a single idea or individual – it happens when the right people collaborate, take ownership, and act with intent. That mindset is what’s driving the next phase of growth at dentsu South Asia. For years, Media and Creative have been distinct powerhouses, each delivering impact in their own way. But the future demands integration, not silos. We are bringing them together – not just for efficiency, but to create a more connected, agile, and strategic approach to solving challenges. 2024 laid the foundation for dentsu; 2025 is about momentum – bigger ideas, faster execution, and smarter impact. With some of the brightest minds in the industry, I’m excited for what’s next.”

    Kotwani will steer client-centric strategies that strengthen partnerships and align solutions with evolving business needs. As chief client officer for dentsu south Asia, she will champion transformative growth by embedding client-centricity into every strategic decision. She will oversee integrated client teams, expanding her remit to creative, media, and CXM, while also ensuring the expansion of the network’s presence in high-growth areas such as business transformation (BX), retail, and commerce. She will deliver bespoke, high-demand client centric solutions by combining expertise from across the network with cutting-edge technology, advanced commerce strategies, and strategic partnerships.

    Says Kotwani: “Clients power everything we do. This role is about creating high-impact partnerships by understanding their challenges and delivering solutions that generate measurable business growth. My focus is on accelerating their success through integrated capabilities, tailored strategies, and seamless execution. We are leveraging dentsu’s full ecosystem to create market-leading solutions that enable brands to scale, adapt, and lead with confidence. With extensive experience in building enduring client relationships and shaping large-scale media and marketing initiatives, I am committed to delivering long-term value. We are bringing together expertise, innovation, and deep market insights to help businesses unlock new opportunities, strengthen brand positioning, and create exponential impact. This is about setting new benchmarks for growth and ensuring our clients stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.”

  • Dentsu India charts the Martech map to decode digital dominance

    Dentsu India charts the Martech map to decode digital dominance

    MUMBAI: In a world where marketing meets machines, Dentsu India has launched its latest industry report, ‘Martech Landscape in India’, offering a deep dive into the nation’s ever-evolving Martech ecosystem. With digital transformation accelerating across industries, the report unpacks how businesses can harness AI, first-party data, and hyper-personalisation to drive real impact.

    The study comes at a time when India’s digital advertising market is projected to grow at a 19.09 per cent CAGR, touching Rs 59,200 crore by 2025. Driven by government initiatives like ‘Digital India’, Martech adoption is reshaping customer engagement, streamlining operations, and maximising ROI.

    The Martech landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by key trends that are reshaping digital marketing strategies. AI and automation are revolutionising the industry, with predictive analytics and AI-led tools enhancing decision-making and customer engagement. As privacy regulations tighten, brands are increasingly turning to first-party data strategies, making owned data a crucial asset for personalised marketing.

    Meanwhile, omnichannel and vernacular marketing are gaining traction, enabling brands to connect with diverse audiences through regional languages and voice search. The rise of e-commerce and digital retail is further fuelled by AI-powered personalisation, which is transforming the online shopping experience. Additionally, Tier 2 and 3 cities present untapped opportunities, as digital adoption surges beyond metro hubs, opening new avenues for growth and brand expansion.  

    The report underscores that Martech is no longer an option but a core business strategy. However, challenges such as integration complexities, data privacy concerns, and skill gaps must be tackled to unlock its full potential.

    Dentsu CEO for South Asia Harsha Razdan said, “I have always believed that technology is most powerful when it simplifies complexity. Martech is a great example of that – it helps businesses make sense of vast amounts of data and turn it into meaningful customer experiences. Today, it’s not about whether businesses use Martech, but how well they integrate it into decision-making and customer engagement. In India, we’re at that turning point. The companies that get this right will build stronger customer relationships and more resilient businesses. But success isn’t just about having the right tools – it’s about knowing what to focus on. This report is designed to help businesses cut through the noise, focus on what works, and turn Martech into real business impact.”

    Dentsu president & chief strategy officer for South Asia Narayan Devanathan added, “As the dots between media, creative, and customer experience connect more intimately, Martech has become the spine that unites these disciplines – enabling powerful, data-driven connections that drive meaningful outcomes. India’s Martech landscape is evolving rapidly, redefining how brands engage with consumers. By viewing Martech as the backbone of their business strategy, brands can unlock smarter solutions that fuel growth and impact. We’re proud to introduce this report as a valuable guide for brands looking to navigate and thrive in this ever-changing market.”

    As India’s Martech revolution picks up pace, Dentsu’s latest report serves as a roadmap for brands looking to navigate, adapt, and thrive in the digital-first era.

  • Sujata Dwibedy & Jose Leon assigned leadership roles at dentsu

    Sujata Dwibedy & Jose Leon assigned leadership roles at dentsu

    MUMBAI: Two arrows have left the quiver of dentsu india. The goal is that the duo will enhance the business at the leading Indian agency and drive it into its next phase of growth. Sujata Dwibedy has been named CEO, dentsu x, while Jose Leon has taken on the role of CEO, retail media business. Both executives will report to dentsu, CEO-media for south Asia, Anita Kotwani.

    Sujata, who brings 26 years’ experience in strategy, planning, research, buying and innovation, will steer dentsu x towards integrated excellence across media, technology and creative services. her appointment is seen as a key move to forge transformative partnerships and deliver outstanding client outcomes.

    Jose, with a strong background in deep tech, commerce and digital consulting – including previous leadership roles at global digital platform companies – will lead the retail media business. his role is expected to enhance dentsu’s retail media offerings by delivering tech-driven, personalised campaigns that combine consultation, implementation and activation at scale.

    dentsu, CEO for south Asia, Harsha Razdan said the new appointments reflect dentsu india’s relentless pursuit of excellence and its commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, positioning the network for further innovation and market leadership.

  • dentsu India makes merry in 2024

    dentsu India makes merry in 2024

    MUMBAI: It’s been a dramatic turnaround of  sorts for dentsu India’s media practice  – the calendar year 2024 that’s just ended. The agency has added  80 brands to its portfolio and achieved a remarkable 10 per cent  growth in billings.

    This accomplishment marks a strong recovery from the previous year’s challenges and sets a goal for ambitious double-digit organic growth in 2025.

    The success can be attributed to dentsu’s unique blend of marketing, technology, and consulting, which has driven innovation and impactful results. 

    “This year has been transformative,” stated dentsu  CEO south Asia Harsha Razdan. He pointed out to  the use of cutting-edge technology and data insights that helped it enhance its core offerings and unlock new growth opportunities.

    Added dentsu Media south Asia CEO Anita Kotwani : “Our success hinges on delivering measurable results for our clients. With data-driven insights, we continuously adapt to market demands and strive to set new benchmarks.”

    Throughout the year, dentsu focused on strengthening client relationships and acquiring new marquee brands, including General Insurance Council, LG Electronics, Skechers, Flipkart, Myntra, and Amazon Seller Services, Akasa Air, Vero Moda,  Sintex, Amazon Seller Services, CK Birla Healthcare, Kotak Mutual Fund, Ardex Endura, Shopper Stop, D DÉCOR, Godrej Properties, HAMDARD, Tata Mutual Fund, Tata Realty, Quick Heal Technologies, Unity Small Finance Bank, Meesho, Waree Energies, Vi-John, Berger Paints, Suzuki, and Be-Rite (Gemini Edibles & Fats), among others.

    The agency’s array of solutions spans traditional and digital media, performance marketing, influencer campaigns, and out-of-home (OOH) advertising. dentsu’s Media Innovations & Solutions team also made notable advancements in branded content, influencer marketing, gaming, and sports, registering a fourfold increase in the business. Collaborative efforts with companies like Meta and Google led to the development of global capabilities in consumer intelligence and retail products.

    The agency introduced some tools in 2024 which gave it that edge over others, leading  to higher client satisfaction and acquisition. These included Retail Media, Performance Practice 2.0, Total Commerce and Spark—an advanced marketing mix modeling tool. With its offerings broadened,  dentsu Media achieved some outstanding results, particularly with dentsu Retail experiencing fivefold growth.

    The Media Practice’s integrated approach, highlighted by the proprietary Media++ Framework, has established dentsu as the industry leader, providing comprehensive strategies for every customer journey stage.

    “We are targeting  a higher double-digit organic growth in 2025,” said Harsha.  “Our focus remains on raising the bar, delivering breakthroughs, and staying true to dentsu’s global vision of Innovating to Impact.”

    With that kind of commitment in place, competitors and the industry had better keep a sharp eye on dentsu’s moves in 2025. For the agency is sure learning to dance and make its clients dance to its market- and customer-winning advertising  and marketing solutions tunes. And it’s learning it pretty fast under its new leader Harsha and team dentsu India. . 

  • dentsu elevates Imtiyaz Vilatra to lead Postercope India

    dentsu elevates Imtiyaz Vilatra to lead Postercope India

    MUMBAI: He is going to be the new poster boy of dentsu’s OOH initiatives. The agency has promoted Imtiyaz Vilatra to chief executive officer of Posterscope India.

    In his new role, he aims to enhance Posterscope’s digital out-of-home (DOOH) and intelligent OOH (iOOH) offerings with a strong emphasis on data-backed, measurable outcomes for clients. He will report to dentsu media, south Asia, CEO Anita Kotwani.

    With more than  25 years’ experience, Imtiyaz is known for his focus on innovative and impactful OOH campaigns. He plans to further integrate advanced technologies like augmented reality, 4D experiences, and AI to strengthen Posterscope’s capabilities.

    By merging dentsu’s digital expertise with Posterscope’s established OOH foundation, his vision is to meet evolving client needs and expand the agency’s reach in both urban and rural sectors. This move aims to establish Posterscope as a leader in both traditional and digital OOH.

    Says dentsu south Asia CEO Harsha Razdan:  “Imtiyaz’s elevation is a timely and strategic move, enabling him to drive Posterscope’s expansion in experiential and below-the-line (BTL) divisions, strengthening our urban and rural reach. His leadership remains a vital link between strategy and execution, translating our goals into meaningful partnerships for our clients and communities. I am confident that under Imtiyaz’s continued guidance, we will not only meet but exceed the evolving needs of our clients, setting new benchmarks for excellence. His exceptional passion and deep industry insights will be pivotal as we navigate a path where innovation meets purpose, driving change that resonates far beyond the immediate.”

    Adds Kotwani: “Imtiyaz’s elevation is a testament to his visionary leadership and commitment to redefining the OOH landscape. Under his leadership, Posterscope will strengthen its position within the dentsu ecosystem, embodying our ‘Onedentsu’ vision of unified, cross-channel marketing solutions. By seamlessly integrating OOH with digital, media, and experiential campaigns, Posterscope is set to deliver transformative, multi-channel experiences powered by dentsu’s advanced audience insights, driving precision and impact that elevate client outcomes.”

     “The OOH industry stands at a transformative juncture, with technology and data insights reshaping how we connect with audiences,” points out Vilatra. “Posterscope’s future lies in harnessing AI, programmatic DOOH, and real-time analytics to deliver dynamic, measurable campaigns. Integrating dentsu’s digital intelligence into our OOH offerings enhances our capabilities and raises the value we deliver through deeper engagement, personalisation, and an integrated, ROI-focused approach.”

    That’s exactly what ad spend-focused marketers are increasingly demanding. If things work out as planned, the trio of Razdan, Kotwani and Vilatra could well be raising their champagne glasses in celebration soon. 

  • Harsha Razdan’s reaction on Reliance-Disney merger!

    Harsha Razdan’s reaction on Reliance-Disney merger!

    Mumbai: The CCI’s approval of the Reliance-Disney merger is a game-changer for India’s media industry. We’re witnessing the creation of the largest media conglomerate in the country, with a staggering valuation of $8.5 billion. This merger is set to command around 40-45 per cent of the TV market and 30-35 per cent of the digital space – a scale that’s unprecedented.

    From an advertiser’s perspective, this isn’t just consolidation; it’s a strategic realignment of the industry’s landscape. With Reliance’s distribution prowess and Disney’s rich content portfolio, we’re likely to see more streamlined operations and possibly even reduced subscription costs for consumers due to improved efficiencies. Advertisers now have a one-stop shop for everything from Hindi and regional entertainment to sports, music, and international content.

    However, with this scale comes the inevitable power to influence market dynamics, including pricing. The control over 80 per cent of India’s cricket broadcasting alone speaks volumes. While some may worry about rising ad rates, this is an opportunity for smarter, more targeted ad spends and a unique chance to integrate marketing plans across TV and digital platforms for greater impact and efficiency. The sheer reach and diversity of this new entity mean that advertisers can now connect with audiences on an even larger scale, across multiple platforms.

    Our industry must adapt by focusing on creativity and consumer-centric strategies to navigate these changes. As this giant takes form, let’s ensure that we leverage its strengths to continue delivering value-driven, impactful solutions. After all, in the world of advertising, the only constant is change, and this merger is simply the opportunity to ride the next big wave.

  • Dentsu India continues its contribution towards social responsibility with ‘One Day for Change’

    Dentsu India continues its contribution towards social responsibility with ‘One Day for Change’

    Mumbai: Dentsu India has marked yet another milestone on its path to sustainability by celebrating the latest edition of its flagship volunteering initiative – ‘One Day for Change’. Aligned to the network’s 2030 Sustainability Strategy, the seventh iteration of this initiative was themed around one of the network’s global sustainability pillars – ‘Fair and Open Society’.  

    ODfC is dentsu’s annual initiative driven by its commitment to create solutions to impact business and society positively. This year, the event focused on cultivating a more diverse and inclusive community through activities that empowered individuals to think, feel, and act with empathy & mindfulness.

    On 4 & 6 October 2023, a two-day event was organised at dentsu offices in Mumbai, Gurgaon, Bangalore, and Pune. Indoor and outdoor activities were planned in collaboration with Giftabled, an NGO that focuses on life skills, fine motor skills, and perception for children with autism and developmental delays. The event drew enthusiastic participation from over 478 employees contributing over 1434 hours across the two days.

    The outdoor activity emphasized the importance of eating nutritious meals and creating healthy and hygienic behaviors in children. It also provided them with the necessary knowledge and abilities to care for themselves, prevent illness, and live better lives. The indoor exercise, on the other hand, was designed to address the issues connected with sensory processing and perceptual skills that are frequent in children with cognitive deficits and autism. It gave volunteers the opportunity to design games for children who struggle with sensory processing and perceptual skills utilizing colors and sensory aspects.

    Commenting on the event, dentsu CEO Harsha Razdan said, “Sustainability is not just an idea; it is a way of being. At dentsu, our social impact goals are driven by our commitment to offer people-centered transformations that shape society. Our priority is to empower people – in business and beyond. As a leader in the space, we are privileged to have the expertise to influence people, making it our moral responsibility to ensure that opportunity and equality are provided as fundamental rights. They are not meant to be earned, but rather to be owned. Our goal for ODfC 2023 was to give this vision a boost, modify preconceptions, and embed the values that drive an open and fair society for all.”

  • 75% Indians trust tech companies with their personal data

    75% Indians trust tech companies with their personal data

    MUMBAI: The million dollar question today for any brand or company is ‘How can you decipher your customer?’ In its second edition of Me, My Life, My Wallet, KPMG explored the multidimensional customer, what truly drives behaviour and choices and how this is set to change as the customers of tomorrow emerge.

    The research explores the 5 Mys – my motivation, my attention, my connection, my watch and my wallet. It is the way in which the organisation’s clients should be viewing its customers.

    Indians, it seems, give away data to get a better experience while respondents of most of the developed countries aren’t really interested to trade data about themselves. 75 per cent of the consumers trust the technology companies for the data whereas they don’t trust the government (51 per cent) which is a high figure compared to the global average (37 per cent).

    87 per cent people would trade their personal data to a company for better customer experience and personalisation, better products and services and better security. The attention of 58 per cent people is grabbed by brands that offer deals or discounts on social media.

    KPMG in India partner and head, consumer markets Harsha Razdan said, “Consumers are anxious, with younger generations feeling it the most. They like new technology but are concerned about handing over personal data, and what that could mean for their privacy and security. Our research demonstrates that organisations should be aware of the heightened awareness people have about the value of their data; they want to feel that they are in control at every stage of the business relationship.”

    Among the sectors seeing the toughest competition is digital entertainment, with more than 20 players vying for attention. Telecom provider Reliance Jio, with its global and local tie-ups, has changed the way in which the populace uses its phones. Local players with rights to Hindi blockbusters and IPL cricket tournament that transfixes the nation's attention in April and May are going up against Netflix and other major video streaming services.

    There are many other sectors where services have yet to scratch the surface of the vast potential, such as healthcare and education. Globally, 66 per cent of consumers are keen on technology. The interest in technology leaps in the fast-growing economies of China (81 per cent), and India (83 per cent). 47 per cent of the consumers in India are anxious about unauthorised tracking of their online habits by companies, governments and criminals.

    “With digital services moving from the big cities into India’s heartland, the type of growth that we will witness will change. The consumer in a second-tier city will be very different to the one in Mumbai and the rural consumer is different again. This makes the Indian market yet more complex,” said KPMG in India partner and head, customer and channel, management consulting Abhijeet Ranade.

    When the wallet comes into picture, 24 per cent indicated that advertising influences their buying/spending decisions, which is the highest out of all eight markets.

    “Many companies haven’t yet fully grasped the concerns consumers have about sharing their data, or how this could affect consumer loyalty. Yet more and more businesses are looking to monetise the data they hold – whether that’s what we put in our shopping basket, how many times a week we exercise, or what we choose to watch. Consumers are more aware of the value of their data, and businesses need to be responding to this new, tech-driven, data-savvy type of customer,” Razdan added.

    The research across eight global markets provides an in-depth look at the STEP (social, technological, economic and political) events influencing consumers of today and tomorrow. The survey included nearly 25,000 consumers across Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, the UAE, The UK and the US. Out of the 25,000 consumers, 3000 participated in India between the age group of 25-40.

    KPMG in India chairman and CEO Arun M Kumar said, “The Indian consumer is difficult to understand, and as the online revolution progresses beyond the big cities and starts gaining momentum in the country’s heartland, they are getting more complicated still. The rewards for companies who take time to learn, though, are substantial.”

    The research focused on six key themes of critical importance to organisations and institutions around the world, namely; trust, data, wealth and retirement, generational surfing, the customer of the future and the B2B customer.

    Ranade said, “The idea and concept that the physical world will get replaced completely by the digital channel, that’s not happening and it’s not happening for quite some time.”