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Tag: Neo

  • GroupM merges Essence and Mediacom, integrates Mindshare with Neo

    GroupM merges Essence and Mediacom, integrates Mindshare with Neo

    Mumbai: WPP’s media investment group GroupM announced on Wednesday its plans to merge Essence with MediaCom and Mindshare with Neo in its latest steps to transform and further simplify its operations. The moves, which build on the April 2021 launch of Choreograph, WPP’s global data and technology company, will create a new 9,000-strong cross-channel performance platform built on AI technology, it said.

    Additionally, Finecast, Xaxis, and GroupM Services – GroupM’s global community of activation experts – will be brought together to form media performance organisation, GroupM Nexus. Xaxis Global CEO Nicolas Bidon will oversee GroupM Nexus as Global CEO.

    Essence and MediaCom will merge to form EssenceMediacom, a new agency offering fusing the digital and data-driven DNA of Essence with MediaCom’s scaled multichannel audience planning and strategic media expertise.

    MediaCom Global CEO Nick Lawson will lead newly formed EssenceMediacom as Global CEO. Kyoko Matsushita, after eight years at Essence, is promoted to a new role as WPP’s CEO in Japan as the company continues to invest in expanding, high-growth markets.

    Mindshare will complete the integration with global performance agency Neo, wherein both will operate under the Mindshare brand but will retain and scale Neo’s operating model, focused on pureplay performance solutions at its heart, integrating this into Mindshare’s full-funnel offering.

    Neo’s 1,200 digital-first, performance experts and consultants will be integrated with Mindshare’s 10,000 media specialists and Neo’s digital-first services will be fully embedded into Mindshare and GroupM’s offering, stated the agency.

    With this reorganisation, GroupM’s five agency brands will be streamlined into Mindshare, Wavemaker, EssenceMediacom, GroupM Nexus and Choreograph.

    “The future of marketing is outcomes-driven, supported by audience-first planning and continually improving, AI-enabled performance standards,” stated GroupM Global CEO Christian Juhl. “Through GroupM Nexus and our agency powerhouses Mindshare, Wavemaker, and EssenceMediacom we are building a tech-enabled future, side-by-side with our clients, that is accountable to advertisers’ growth goals and to our vision for an advertising ecosystem that works for everyone. I also want to congratulate Kyoko, who has grown and strengthened Essence in her time as Global CEO, on her exciting new role as WPP’s CEO in Japan. We will continue to work closely together to strengthen the position of our agencies across APAC.”

    The merger of Essence and MediaCom builds on a record of strong business growth for both agencies, according to the agency. Comvergence ranked MediaCom first in the industry for new business wins in 2021 with $2.87 billion in new billings attributed to wins, while Essence has continued to grow and expand its remit with Google and other key clients.

    “The formation of EssenceMediacom builds on the strong and proven relationship between the agencies to create the agency model our clients want for the future — one founded on brilliant strategy and brand-building capabilities, with pioneering digital expertise running throughout,” said EssenceMediacom CEO Nick Lawson. “EssenceMediacom will not only help our clients see the bigger picture and reimagine what’s possible; it will also provide opportunities for our people to upskill and train in new areas, further enriching and enhancing their careers.”

    “Today’s global marketers need both agility and scale from their agency partners to properly support their businesses across international markets. Bringing together Essence and MediaCom – each with their own celebrated histories of excellence – will create a truly unique combination of agile innovation and global scale in a single agency,” added Kyoko Matsushita.

    GroupM Nexus will comprise 9,000 practitioners around the world, collectively responsible for the activation of more than two million campaigns managed by GroupM each year. This global community represents the industry’s leading team of experts in digital channels and platforms, search, social, programmatic, AI, cross-channel optimization, and data-driven technologies and software.

    GroupM Nexus unites GroupM’s addressable content and TV, AI technology (Copilot), and omnichannel solutions from Finecast, Xaxis, and GroupM Services into a single unit. The global organisation will be underpinned by a new cross-channel performance platform and international delivery hubs to set new benchmarks for performance innovation and efficiency for GroupM’s agencies and clients.

    “GroupM Nexus unites leading media talent, digital services excellence, cutting-edge AI technology and unique scaled partnerships into a new cross-channel performance organisation with one purpose: power growth for our people, our agencies and the amazing brands they represent. We cannot wait to innovate together and unlock new opportunities for everyone,” said GroupM Nexus CEO Nicolas Bidon.

    “This is a journey we’ve been on for the past year with many clients who have been demanding more diverse media services to drive their growth,” commented Mindshare Global CEO Adam Gerhart. “The merger delivers seamless access to Neo’s digital-first capabilities and a relentless focus on performance models to accelerate Good Growth. For our teams it means more opportunity and the ability to create greater impact across the world. I’m delighted to partner with Neo CEO Nasreen Madhany as we complete the integration of the two businesses and move into a new future together.”

  • Ronaldinho begins esports journey with own cryptocurrency

    Ronaldinho begins esports journey with own cryptocurrency

    MUMBAI: Brazilian soccer legend, Ronaldinho, has released a personalised cryptocurrency with the help of World Soccer Coin (WSC). The cryptocurrency is named as ‘Ronaldinho Soccer Coin’ (RSC).

    Ronaldinho Digital Stadiums will be developed in 300 locations including Asia, the Middle East, Africa and others within three years. The stadiums will be created using cutting-edge digital technologies such as block chain, AI and VR. Venues in Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines are expected to be ready in 2019, with an esports competition to be held in Bangkok.

    Speaking about the plans, Ronaldinho said, “Ever since I thought of retiring, I started to think about my life after retirement. I wish to contribute to the world as much as I can. I want to bring a smile to as many people as possible through this project.”

    With the aid of the revenue generated by the new coin, the former Barcelona star hopes to develop a soccer academy and host fixtures, as well as focusing on digital soccer projects.

    The digital aspect includes a betting platform, equipping stadiums with virtual reality capabilities and creating a blockchain database. These innovations will be assisted by technology from Chinese company NEO smart economy.

    NEO founder Da Hongfei said, “Using the blockchain technology of NEO, we will build a new smart economy from an existing economic system.”

    The pre-sale of the coins will start from 16 August 2018.

  • Neo@Ogilvy enters into JV with Smile Group, appoints Sanjay Ramakrishnan as country head

    Neo@Ogilvy enters into JV with Smile Group, appoints Sanjay Ramakrishnan as country head

    MUMBAI:Ogilvy India has announced a joint venture between Neo@Ogilvy and Smile Group. The move will strengthen the agency’s performance marketing, e-commerce and mobile offerings. The JV will also set up a global media delivery hub to service Neo@Ogilvy’s global media operations.

    Not only this, Neo@Ogilvy India has also announced the appointment of Sanjay Ramakrishnan as country head.

    Talking on the JV, Ogilvy South Asia chairman and creative director Piyush Pandey said, “This JV is one more step ahead in our digital journey. Harish’s experience in Digital Media and eCommerce will help drive rapid growth in these areas. And Sanjay Ramakrishnan is a fantastic young business leader with the right skills to lead Neo@Ogilvy in India.”

    Elaborating on the vision of the partnership Smile Group chairman Harish Bahl said, “The JV will help offer world class services to local and global clients of Ogilvy and Neo respectively, using the expertise and experience of Smile in the areas of performance marketing, e-commerce and mobile.” Adding he said, “Sanjay, who will be the country head of Neo@Ogilvy India, brings on board a good blend of e-retail and performance marketing expertise both in internet & mobile and is best positioned to build a leadership position for Neo India around this business focus, which we believe are the future high growth areas for digital agencies.”

    Ramakrishnan has over 15 years experience across digital media, e-commerce, mobile, telecom and consumer technology. He moves in from Vizury where he was the GM for India, S.E. Asia and MENA; prior to this, he was SVP marketing at Myntra. He has also held senior marketing roles at Google, Intel, Geodesic and Worldspace.
    The aim is to recast Neo@Ogilvy as one of the most effective digital media companies in the country says Ramakrishnan

    OgilvyOne India president and country head Vikram Menon said, “We’re really excited with the JV with Smile Group. Strategically this fits perfectly into our plans to offer the best capability across digital to our clients. The Neo-Smile JV, with Sanjay at its helm, will do just that. He will ensure that Ogilvy is able to deliver the best across digital media, performance marketing, e-commerce and mobile.”

    While OgilvyOne drives all digital strategy and creative services for clients in India, Neo@Ogilvy’s specific focus is on digital media, performance marketing, e-commerce and mobile marketing. Neo@Ogilvy’s client roster in India includes IBM, Diageo, British Airways, The Economist and The Which Group, among others.

    On his appointment, Ramakrishnan said, “I am excited to be part of Ogilvy and drive this JV with the Smile Group. The aim is to recast Neo@Ogilvy as one of the most effective digital media companies in the country with a clear focus on performance marketing, mobile and e-commerce. I have been a marketer all my life and I believe there is a gap in the way paid digital media is intergrated with traditional marketing and communication.The goal is to change that through Neo@Ogilvy. End-to-end e-commerce solution is another unique offering that this JV brings to the table and I’m keen to use the skills I have to drive it.”

  • Sony Six appoints Neo’s Prasana Krishnan as Business Head

    Sony Six appoints Neo’s Prasana Krishnan as Business Head

    MUMBAI: In an early morning announcement, former COO of Neo Sports Broadcast Prasana Krishnan has been brought into MSM’s sports channel Sony Six as their new Business Head. Krishnan was also previously associated with Nimbus Media, Times of India and Arthur Andersen.

    Talking about this new development MSM India COO N P Singh says, “We are optimistic that Prasana’s appointment will further strengthen and grow Sony Six’s position in what can be called as one of the most competitive broadcasting markets in the world. We look forward to a long and fruitful working association with him.”
    Prasanna Krishnan is confident that the channel will grow consistently to the leadership position in this space

    Prasana, who is delighted about his new role with Sony Six, says “I look forward to take up this challenging role and work towards ensuring that the channel grows consistently to the leadership position in this space.” Krishnan has over 17 years of experience in the media and consulting sectors.

    In 2006, Krishnan joined Neo Sports and in 2009 was elevated to chief operating officer.

  • Five brands sign on-air deals for Bundesliga on NEO

    Five brands sign on-air deals for Bundesliga on NEO

    NEO Sports Broadcast has announced a list of sponsors for the German Football League.

     

    The associate sponsors for the Bundesliga’s 51st season in 2013-14 are Airtel, Lava, Loreal, Bose and Nike. More brands are in the process of signing up the channel revealed.

     

    The number of sponsors announced is amongst the highest for any football league broadcast in the country. Through these associations, NEO has nearly sold out all inventories on the Bundesliga, the broadcaster claims.

     

    NEO Prime and NEO Sports will showcase close to 300 hours of live and non-live programming from the 2013-14 Bundesliga season. Apart from the live action every weekend, this includes previews, match highlights and magazine shows covering the latest news and developments from the league.

     

    Live coverage of the current Bundesliga season on NEO runs from August 2013 to May 2014.

     

    NEO Sports Broadcast Sr. VP advertising revenue Sudip Roy said, “Football viewership is on the rise in India, and among the top European football leagues in the last season, the Bundesliga had the highest growth in reach on the digital cable platform. Fans love watching winning teams and with Bayern Munich having won a historic treble in 2012-13, we only expect the league to further grow in popularity. Sponsors have recognised this and we are delighted with their support.”

     

    Alliance Advertising director Arshad Nizam said, “These are exhilarating times for the broadcast of professional football in India. The interest shown by multiple sponsors in the Bundesliga reaffirms the growth of the commercial value of the sport here.”

  • Neo ropes in seven sponsors for French Open

    Neo ropes in seven sponsors for French Open

    MUMBAI: Following the announcement of the dual feed coverage for the French Open tennis Grand Slam, Neo Sports Broadcast has announced that it has got seven sponsors for the event which starts tomorrow 26 May 2013.

    The co-presenting sponsors for the French Open this year are Renault and Micromax.

    In addition to these, five associate sponsors have also signed on for the event. These are Cadbury, Carlsberg, Nokia, Coca Cola and Samsung Smart TV. The number of sponsors announced is amongst the highest for any Grand Slam in the country. With this, the broadcaster said that it is almost completely sold out on the French Open.

    The dual feed innovation for the French Open this year ensures that both Neo Prime and Neo Sports will show live feeds from separate courts. Consequently, fans will not miss out on any of the top action in one of the most exciting Grand Slams of the year.

    Viewers will also be able to catch daily build-up and post match analysis for the French Open with ‘First Serve’, the wraparound show for the event.

    Neo Sports Broadcast COO Prasana Krishnan said, “The French Open in 2012 had the highest level of viewership for any Grand Slam. This year, we expect this to go even higher with the pioneering dual feed coverage. We are pleased to note that sponsors have bought into this vision and are supporting us in a big way”.

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    Neo bolsters French Open coverage with a dual feed

  • Neo bolsters French Open coverage with a dual feed

    Neo bolsters French Open coverage with a dual feed

    MUMBAI: The Neo Sports Network will debut a dual feed broadcast plan for the tennis Grand Slam the French Open. The tournament runs from 26 May-9 June.

    The aim of this effort is to ensure that tennis fans do not miss out on any top stars playing simultaneously at the French Open as the network‘s two channels, Neo Prime and Neo Sports, will have live feeds from separate courts.

    This is the first time that anybody has done this for a tennis Grand Slam where two channels were used to broadcast separate feeds through the course of the event.

    This initiative means that fans will have access to 225 hours of live content on the Neo Sports Network, which is almost twice as much as the 130-140 hours that are typically set aside for live coverage of a Grand Slam across broadcasters.

    Neo Sports Broadcast COO Prasana Krishnan said, “The attraction of the French Open is extremely high and Neo‘s coverage is taking it to significant new landmarks. Last year, the reach of the event was a third better than Wimbledon and nearly equal to the other two Grand Slams put together. This year, we will be taking this to greater heights with dual feed coverage and nearly doubling live coverage to 225 hours, which is in line with our strategy to bring in more novelty with non-cricket properties.”

    The dual feed will ensure at least 45 additional hours of live content in prime time, providing a win-win situation for both viewers and advertisers.

    There will also be live updates and contests on the Neo Prime Twitter handle (@neoprimetv) through the two week period to add to the interactive experience.

    ZenithOptimedia managing partner Navin Khemka though doesn‘t feel that the dual feed will make much of a difference in terms of the ad revenue that the event gets. “The sport is too niche. A crore or two more isn‘t going to matter much. The rate isn‘t that high. I think that the aim is more about keeping the two channels alive.” A tennis Grand Slam makes around 3-5 crore in ad revenue.

    Rafael Nadal is gunning for an unprecedented eight title, Roger Federer is hunting for that 18th Grand Slam, and Novak Djokovic is just a trophy away from completing a career Grand Slam.

  • Sorbojeet Chatterjee quits Neo Sports to join DNA

    MUMBAI: Sorbojeet Chatterjee who was working with Neo Sports Broadcast as vice president-marketing has quit the company to join DNA at the same designation.

    Chatterjee‘s last day at Neo was 14 September and he is joining the English daily on 20 September.

    He will report to DNA CEO K.U. Rao.

    Chatterjee had joined Neo Sports Broadcast in July 2011. Prior to joining Neo, he worked with TV Today for over four years.

  • Neo may land up with Rs 800 mn ad rev from Asia Cup

    Neo may land up with Rs 800 mn ad rev from Asia Cup

    MUMBAI: Neo Cricket, the official broadcaster of the Asia Cup, could land up with an advertising revenue of Rs 800 million, according to Indiantelevision.com‘s preliminary estimates.

    Telecom handset manufacturer Micromax has come in as the title sponsor for the event for the second consecutive time. Nimbus Sport and Micromax have entered into an agreement in a deal that is estimated to be in the region of Rs 70-80 million, according to sources.

    Micromax business director Vikas Jain said, “Micromax is proud to be part of the Asian Cup 2012, which is the most coveted cricket championship in Asia. Cricket is not just another sport, but a culture that connects youth beyond boundaries.”

    Nimbus is also looking for four associate on-ground sponsors. Nimbus Sport COO Yannick Colaco said, “Micromax is an exciting brand, close to the heart of youth, and one which is a good match to the dynamic and vibrant nature of this event. We are also looking at four associate on-ground sponsors.”

    On air, Neo Cricket plans to rope in two co-presenting and six associate sponsors.

    “An ad rev of Rs 800 million from telecast of the event looks probable. There is a low mood now due to India‘s poor performance in Australia. But let us not forget that the team should do better in subcontinent conditions,” says a media buyer who did not want his name to be revealed.

    Weighing in Neo‘s favour could be the fact that India is playing arch rival Pakistan after a year when they last met in the World Cup semi-finals. The four-nation Asia Cup is also a contest among three strong teams – India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

    Neo Cricket‘s distribution is taken care of after One Alliance inked a fresh one-year deal this January.

    The Asia Cup kicks off on 12 March and will consist of seven ODIs. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will take part.

    In terms of broadcast syndication, Nimbus Sport has inked a deal in the UK with Zee Cafe. The channel will run live telecast and an hour of highlights on each match day.