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Tag: Madison World

  • Pooja Tomar hops over to Publicis Groupe as senior director of buying

    Pooja Tomar hops over to Publicis Groupe as senior director of buying

    MUMBAI – Media maven Pooja Tomar is on the move again. After nearly three years as senior business director at Havas Media Group, Tomar has been snapped up by Publicis Groupe, stepping into the newly minted role of senior director, buying from April 2025. She will be based in India, working on-site.

    With more than a decade of navigating the labyrinth of media planning, buying and strategy across FMCG, e-commerce and technology, Tomar brings a bulging toolkit of cross-media skills to her new perch. Her career reads like a masterclass in media evolution — from digital hustle to broadcast muscle.

    Before Havas, Tomar clocked nearly five years across Starcom and Publicis’ ZenithOptimedia, sharpening her cross-platform planning chops. Earlier stints at Madison World and GroupM saw her navigating media buying with a keen eye on both budgets and ROI, across some of India’s top retail, telecom and tech accounts.

    Tomar’s trademark: an uncanny knack for aligning new technology with old-school brand strategy – and for chasing hard numbers with harder insights. Over the years, she has built a reputation for being a strategist who can not just plan campaigns but anticipate market moves, with a solid grip on consumer trends, media fragmentation, and the shifting sands of cross-platform engagement.

    Expect fireworks as she joins Publicis Groupe, bringing her “360-degree media brain” to a fiercely competitive Indian media marketplace.

  • Publicis and Havas in adland tug-of-war for Madison?

    Publicis and Havas in adland tug-of-war for Madison?

    MUMBAI: Publicis Groupe and Havas Network are in separate talks to snap up a majority stake in Madison World, India’s last large independent advertising group, if media reports are to be believed. 

    Founder Sam Balsara, who set up the agency in 1988, is looking for a deal that strengthens Madison’s future and aligns it with a global network.

    “Madison has always been open to a tie-up, but the terms must be right,” said chairman & managing director Balsara. He declined to reveal the valuation the agency is seeking. Publicis and Havas, meanwhile, stay tight-lipped.

    With an estimated Rs 5,000 crore in gross billings in fiscal 2024, Madison makes its money charging 15–20 per cent in fees. Its roster boasts over 500 clients across media, digital and outdoor, including Asian Paints, Saffola and Blue Star. But not all news is good—Madison recently lost the Godrej Consumer Products account.

    This isn’t the agency’s first dance with global suitors. A decade ago, talks with WPP and Dentsu over a 75 per cent stake sale fizzled out over valuation gaps. Now, with Omnicom snapping up Interpublic Group (IPG) to create an ad behemoth, other networks are scrambling to shore up their portfolios.

    Publicis, which leapfrogged WPP last year to become the world’s largest ad group, counts PepsiCo, Diageo and Skoda among its big clients in India. Havas, with brands such as Reckitt, Tata Motors and Swiggy, runs 25 agencies in India across creative, media and health.

    Madison isn’t new to parting ways with its ventures. In October 2022, the Balsara family fully exited MediaCom, a joint venture with WPP, selling its remaining 26 per cent stake.

    Now, the question is: will Madison go global, or will it like in the past stay fiercely independent and just let suitors court it?

  • Hiveminds packs a punch with Samsonite’s e-commerce growth strategy

    Hiveminds packs a punch with Samsonite’s e-commerce growth strategy

    MUMBAI: Samsonite India is zipping up its digital strategy with Hiveminds, a Madison World unit, securing the e-commerce marketing and retail media mandate for the premium luggage giant. Following a competitive multi-agency pitch, Hiveminds will spearhead Samsonite’s online acceleration across platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, ensuring high visibility, optimised media spends, and strong conversion rates.

    Commenting on the collaboration, Hiveminds chief strategy officer Deepti Bhadauria said, “E-commerce platforms are becoming the primary search and buy platforms for affluent Indians. By leveraging platform expertise and data-driven insights, we will deliver high scale and good efficiency to Samsonite brands. We are thrilled to be partnering with a marquee brand and a dynamic marketing team at Samsonite.”

    Samsonite India head of e-commerce & distribution Abhinaw Sinha added, “Samsonite is a well-established brand in retail and with a rise in digital-first shopping behaviors, we are committed to strengthening our e-commerce presence and maintaining our leadership in the Indian market. Hiveminds’s deep expertise in e-commerce marketing makes them the ideal partner to accelerate our online business and engage with the growing base of digital-savvy e-com shoppers effectively.”

    This collaboration marks a strategic move for Samsonite, strengthening its dominance in the travel gear space while catering to the surge in digital-first shopping. With Hiveminds at the helm, Samsonite’s journey through India’s e-commerce landscape is set for a smooth take-off.

  • Hiveminds takes the wheel for Oben Electric’s performance marketing drive

    Hiveminds takes the wheel for Oben Electric’s performance marketing drive

    MUMBAI: The electric revolution just got a fresh jolt, and this time, it’s in marketing. Madison World unit, Hiveminds has taken the driver’s seat in Oben Electric’s performance marketing, ensuring this fast-growing electric two-wheeler brand zooms past the competition. This partnership isn’t just about speed—it’s about precision, leveraging cutting-edge digital strategies to plug Oben Electric directly into the hearts (and wallets) of eco-conscious consumers. Hiveminds will spearhead Oben’s digital marketing, media investments, and conversion strategies across key platforms, ensuring the brand reaches the right audience at the right time.

    As India’s electric vehicle (EV) market revs up, Oben Electric is shifting gears to strengthen its retail footprint and attract a new wave of Gen Z and digital-first customers. With the demand for sustainable mobility soaring, the company is leveraging cutting-edge digital strategies to convert interest into sales.

    Hiveminds founder & CEO Jyothirmayee JT expressed excitement about the collaboration, “EV is one of the most exciting industries right now. I am delighted that we’re getting the opportunity to work with an upcoming brand that is catering to the Gen Z and digital-first customers who are more aware today. The industry now needs a highly data-led approach to customer acquisition and media deployment. With our expertise and proprietary tools, we are sure to deliver business growth through this collaboration.”

    On the other side of the partnership, Oben Electric’s director of marketing Saurav Arora highlighted the significance of performance marketing in their expansion strategy, “As we scale operations, performance marketing is crucial for accelerating demand and optimising conversions. Hiveminds’ expertise in performance marketing will help us maximise digital impact and drive measurable business growth. We are confident this partnership will strengthen our growth journey.”

    Backed by Madison World, which served 500 advertisers last year, Hiveminds continues to push the boundaries of digital marketing, blending proprietary tools, AI-driven insights, and data analytics to drive measurable success. With this latest partnership, Hiveminds is set to give Oben Electric a turbocharged advantage in India’s evolving EV landscape.

  • Poulomi Saha Joins Havas Media Network India as associate vice president

    Poulomi Saha Joins Havas Media Network India as associate vice president

    MUMBAI: Poulomi Saha has been appointed associate vice president at Havas Media Network India. She has over 13 years of experience in marketing, media strategy, and integrated communication planning, 

    Prior to this role, she served as deputy general manager at Madison World, overseeing media operations for Max Life. Her professional journey also includes roles such as director at Publicis Groupe and associate business director at Mediacom, where she led media strategies for major brands including Mars, Subway, and Adidas.

    Saha has previously held leadership positions at Zenith, Mindshare, and Madison World, managing high-profile accounts such as LVMH, Swarovski, H&M, and ITC.

    She holds a professional diploma in digital marketing from SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) and a postgraduate degree in marketing from the International School of Business & Media.

  • Pranav Joshi promoted to business director at Wavemaker

    Pranav Joshi promoted to business director at Wavemaker

    MUMBAI:  Pranav Joshi, a seasoned media and marketing professional, has officially taken up the role of business director at Wavemaker. With over a decade of experience in the marketing and advertising sector, Joshi is poised to strengthen Wavemaker’s media strategies.

    Previously, Joshi served as associate business director at Wavemaker, where he led the Volini portfolio for Sun Pharmaceuticals and showcased his expertise in both traditional and digital media planning. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic and a strategic mindset, underpinned by an MBA in Marketing from Chetana’s Institute of Management & Research.

    Throughout his career, Joshi has held key positions at prominent firms such as Madison World and Mindshare, successfully managing campaigns for major brands including Godrej and Hindustan Unilever. His knack for utilising research data to inform strategic planning has earned him a reputation for driving significant business growth.

    Joshi’s appointment comes at a time of rapid evolution in the media landscape, and he is expected to leverage his skills to navigate emerging trends and foster innovation at Wavemaker

  • Zee concludes Agency Premier League T20 in Mumbai

    Zee concludes Agency Premier League T20 in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: In a cynical media agency world with shrinking budgets,  how do you thank media planners and buyers for partnering your event or looking at your offering favorably? 

    You could try the route that Zee Entertainment Enterprises  Ltd’s chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue Ashish Sehgal has done. He put together a three city Agency Premier League T20 which concluded on 20 December in Mumbai. 

    It worked out well, says a Zee press release, as it was “highly engaging and competitive trade marketing initiative.”

    The Mumbai leg was won by Starcom with strong  competition from leading agencies, including Wavemaker, Madison World, DBB Mudra Max, Essence Mediacom, and Mindshare Fulcrum. Zee brought in actor Utkarsh Sharma and actress Simrat Kaur, who were part of last year’s blockbuster hit, Gadar 2. The popular and versatile artists added to the excitement and thrill of the event.

    OMD clinched victory in the Delhi leg, which featured spirited performance from Havas, IPG, Group M, Publicis, and Dentsu.

    The Bengaluru leg saw Group M Mavericks claiming victory after competing against Group M Blasters, Dentsu, Havas Media, Initiative, and Madison.
     

    The Delhi LEg of Agency Premier League“We are thirilled to ponse to the Agency Premier League T20 across all three legs in Bengaluru, Delhi, and MumbaI,” says Sehgal. “This initiative is a testament of our commitment to strengthen partnerships with the media fraternity through the unifying power of cricket. It has been an incredible journey, and we look forward to continuing this momentum as we bring the excitement of DP World ILT20 closer to our partners.”

    Clearly, Sehgal  and Zee will have won some brownie points with media agency executives. Now it’s up to the sales team to cash in.

  • Zee announces Agency Premier League T20 for media agencies to build connect with DP World ILT20

    Zee announces Agency Premier League T20 for media agencies to build connect with DP World ILT20

    MUMBAI: In a vibrant fusion of cricket and creativity, the inaugural Agency Premier League T20 is set to launch in Bengaluru, blending the excitement of the game with the star power of the media industry. The tournament will kick off on 16 December, featuring renowned Kannada actor Ramesh Aravind at the opening ceremony, promising a thrilling experience that unites media professionals in a celebration of sport and collaboration.

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) the official broadcaster of the DP World International League T20, is engaging prominent media agencies through this unique initiative, which will also take place in Delhi on 18 December and culminate in Mumbai on 20 December. With Ramesh Aravind, known for his iconic Kannada talk show Weekend with Ramesh on Zee5, headlining the Bengaluru leg, this innovative trade marketing initiative aims to promote the third edition of ILT20 among media professionals on an engaging platform.

    The Bengaluru leg will see spirited participation from prominent agencies, including Group M fielding two teams and Dentsu, Havas Media, Initiative and Madison each competing with one team. Following this, the Delhi edition will feature teams from OMD, Havas, IPG, Group M, Publicis and Dentsu. The Mumbai event will host an equally competitive lineup with Wavemaker, Starcom, Madison World, DBB Mudra Max, Essence Mediacom and Mindshare Fulcrum.

    Zeel’s chief growth officer of digital & broadcast revenue Ashish Sehgal said, “The Agency Premier League T20 reflects Zee’s commitment to fostering meaningful engagement and pursuits with our trade partners, including the media. Cricket unites India, and this league brings the excitement of ILT20 closer to the media fraternity while celebrating the unifying spirit of the game. Through this tournament, our aim is to create an innovative and immersive experience that resonates with cricket fans across the globe.”

    The month-long third edition of DP World ILT20 will begin on 11 January 2025, with the finals slated to take place on Sunday, 9 February 2025. Cricket fans can watch this action-packed tournament on Zee’s most widely distributed and viewed 15 linear TV channels: &Pictures SD, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema 2, Zee Action, Zee Biskope, Zee Zest SD, Zee Cinemalu HD, Zee Telugu HD, Zee Thirai, Zee Tamil HD, Zee Kannada HD, Zee Zest HD, &Flix SD and &Flix HD. It’s also free to view on one of India’s leading OTT platforms – Zee5. The syndicate broadcast partners around the world will be announced in the coming days.

    As per the press release mentioned earlier this year, Zeel reported that the league’s second season reached 221 million viewers and to capture a viewership of 230 million for the upcoming season, Zee will expand its reach by including south Indian channels, offering a month-long cricket carnival experience.

    The channel’s extensive distribution strategy ensured widespread accessibility in India and across the globe. With a notable 46 per cent share of female viewership and 55 per cent share of youth viewership, the league’s broad appeal in India underscores its status.

  • Omnicom Media enlists Varuni Vij as vice-president

    Omnicom Media enlists Varuni Vij as vice-president

    MUMBAI: Omnicom Media group has signed up Varuni Vij as vice-president from this month. Vij has  a large part of her 16 years of working in media agencies, moving onto the client’s side in 2020 when she started  working with Reckitt.

    Vij has had stints with Zenith, Madison World, Carat, Mindshare and Initiative over her career. Her last job was with the Good Glamm Group, where she says she “started as a media lead. But  I significantly enhanced our brand’s visibility and engagement, leveraging my media expertise and passion for beauty and personal care I was promoted to Brand side for notable Beauty & Personal care brands – Organic Harvest, Manish Malhotra Beauty and POPxo makeup.”

    Her going back to the agency side will be a homecoming of sorts. 

  • News18 Bangla’s ad campaign sets the stage for upcoming Dashobhuja Awards

    News18 Bangla’s ad campaign sets the stage for upcoming Dashobhuja Awards

    Mumbai: News18 Bangla redefined the essence of this festive season with a campaign celebrating the resilience and power of women. Launched during Durga Puja and continuing through the festive season, this  initiative highlighted the significance of Nari Shakti beyond the traditional five days of festivities. Every day, viewers were treated to fresh and engaging content that emphasized the significance of women’s strength, weaving stories that resonated deeply with the spirit of the festival.

    The campaign aims to draw parallels between the divine strength of Maa Durga and the exceptional spirit of women from various walks of life, emphasizing their strength, resilience, and valuable contributions to society. The campaign featured content that embodied the spirit of Maa Durga in everyday women professionals such as doctors, journalists, advocates, and teachers, who have overcome challenges through their extraordinary efforts. The impactful campaign was also featured in Ads of the World, further showcasing its innovative approach and reach.

    The campaign will culminate with News18 Bangla’s upcoming flagship event, the prestigious ‘Dashobhuja Awards’ ceremony, which aligns closely with the campaign’s overarching theme. This event will honour ten extraordinary women from remote areas of West Bengal who have made remarkable contributions without being in the limelight. The awards will recognize the accomplishments of women who have carved their path in their respective fields and achieved significant milestones.

    The campaign holds special significance in light of the socio-cultural landscape of West Bengal, where women’s empowerment and gender equality have become focal points. To further amplify the narrative, News18 Bangla has gathered insights from renowned personalities in West Bengal, sharing their thoughts on the impact of the campaign.

    Madison World VP Samrat Mukherjee said “This festive season, News18 Bangla’s campaign to celebrate women of all professions is a true tribute to the spirit of Goddess Durga – strength, courage, and resilience! By highlighting the achievements of women in various fields, News18 Bangla is helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive world. Such campaigns play a vital role in shaping our society by challenging stereotypes, promoting gender equality, and empowering women to pursue their dreams. May this festive season be a reminder that women are the embodiment of Shakti, and their success is worth celebrating!”