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Tag: Ogilvy

  • Ogilvy’s influence chief calls time after 12 years

    Ogilvy’s influence chief calls time after 12 years

    LONDON: Rahul Titus is leaving WPP after a dozen years, during which he transformed Ogilvy into the world’s largest and most awarded influencer marketing operation. The global head of influence, who also leads influencer strategy for WPP Open X, announced his departure with plans for a trek to Everest Base Camp and some cycling holidays.

    Under Titus’s watch, Ogilvy has grown to employ more than 650 influencer specialists across over 30 markets. The agency has claimed the title of the world’s leading influencer network for seven consecutive years and won the Social & Creator Grand Prix at Cannes Lions for two years running.

    Titus joined Ogilvy as an intern in Bangalore before climbing through the ranks. He took on the role of managing partner and head of influence for Britain and Europe, the Middle East and Africa in September 2017, then became global head of influence in June 2022. His portfolio has included blue-chip clients such as Walgreens Boots Alliance, Bacardi, Mondelez, Mattel, Unilever, British Airways and Vodafone.

    Since November 2021, he has also served as global influence lead for WPP Open X, a bespoke unit that handles celebrity and influencer work for more than 200 Coca-Cola brands across 195 countries. He is a founding board member of the Influencer Marketing Trade Body, established in October 2021 to professionalise the industry.

    Before Ogilvy, Titus spent six months at YMU as director of social talent, where he managed digital-first creators. Earlier, he spent nearly three years at MediaCom, establishing and running its global influencer offering for clients including Shell, Revlon, LVMH and Sony. He began his career in search engine optimisation at Dentsu Aegis Network agencies Carat and iProspect.

    In his farewell message, Titus thanked WPP leaders including Julianna, Laurent, Fiona, Liz, Devika, Karen and Lindsay for their support. He said change was “scary but also exciting” and that he would be “cheering loudly from the sidelines” for his former colleagues.

  • Ogilvy turns Durga Puja into a brand laboratory for its clients

    Ogilvy turns Durga Puja into a brand laboratory for its clients

    KOLKATA: Forget garish hoardings and booming Shubho Sharodiya  messages. Ogilvy East has spent a decade transforming Durga Puja advertising from noise into culture—and this year’s crop of campaigns shows why the approach works.       

    The star turn came from Coca-Cola, which wove a sari from recycled red and white PET bottles. Not just any sari, but the iconic Lal Paar—spun into thread by master weavers in Phulia and block-printed with Coke’s contour design. Launched at the 75th Ballygunge Cultural Pujo, it became an instant ritual companion, from Sindoor Khela to Instagram feeds. Sustainability met tradition, and the sari didn’t just trend—it became part of the festival itself.

     

    Eveready Ultima built Asia’s largest toy truck, powered entirely by AA batteries and certified by the Asia and India Book of Records. It carried the idol of Ma Durga to Vikramshila, an NGO for children. Whilst giant idols on giant trucks usually hog attention, this tiny battery-powered bahon lit up hearts instead.       
    “At Eveready, we’ve always believed in using the powerful platform of Durga Pujo for good,” said  Eveready Industries India chief executive Anirban Banerjee. “This year we’re focusing on pure joy. With Ultima Bahon, we’re bringing smiles and a memorable experience directly to underprivileged children at Vikramshila.”      
     

    Asian Paints Sharad Samman rolled in on another disappearing Kolkata icon: the yellow taxi. Forty of them became moving installations, each symbolising a decade of the festival. Gattu, the brand’s beloved mascot, took a musical ride through four decades in a film stitched with genres from each era.       
    “Festivals are reflections of their times,” said  Asian Paints  managing director & chief executive Amit Syngle. “With Choltey Choltey Chollish, we wanted to mirror Kolkata’s journey and the way creativity, community and imagination have shaped Pujo across generations.”       

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbcC58ggcGg

     

    Nestlé Nangrow broke ground with the Junior Dhunuchi—a blue, smoke-emitting toy that let children join the traditional Dhunuchi naach. For generations, kids had been told “No fire. No smoke. No Dhunuchi.” Creativity flipped that script.       

    “The Dhunuchi activation was an endearing and out-of-the-box way of celebrating toddlerhood and parenting, elevated by the cultural significance of the Dhunuchi Naach,” said Nestlé marketing head for premium infant and toddler nutrition Mayank Raina.       
     

    Even Sunlight detergent found its space. In a festival where new clothes dominate, detergent usually sits out. Not this time. Sunlight launched a photosensitive pack that revealed vibrant alpona motifs when exposed to sunlight, turning a functional product into a festive artefact.        

    The pattern is clear. Ogilvy East doesn’t interrupt Pujo—it interprets it and becomes part of it. Previous campaigns turned queuing into a refreshing experience for Coke and built Eveready’s Light Idol from torch beams.       

    “Durga Puja is the crowning jewel of Bengal’s culture,” said  Ogilvy North chief creative officer Sujoy Roy, who leads the east initiative. “Advertising has no business being a noisy gate-crasher. It has to earn its invitation. Ogilvy East keeps trying to make brands not just visible, but a meaningful part of the smiles, the stories and the rituals that define this festival.”
           
    Ogilvy Mumbai executive vice-president and office leader at Ogilvy Kolkata Roshni Mohan said Pujo is a dynamic canvas and an annual invitation to innovate. “When creativity serves culture, it doesn’t just capture attention—it enriches the experience.”

  • Kingfisher revamps O la la la leo with football stars

    Kingfisher revamps O la la la leo with football stars

    MUMBAI: When football meets flavour, you get Kingfisher’s latest twist on a classic. Kingfisher premium packaged drinking water has reinvented its signature O la la la leo jingle in a lively acappella format, enlisting Argentina’s football legends Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Tagliafico to turn music into motion.

    The campaign, created by Ogilvy, ditches instruments entirely, layering beatboxing, humming, whistling and harmonies to celebrate Kingfisher’s globally recognised anthem of good times. Fans and players share the spotlight in a split-screen spectacle, syncing ball tricks to rhythm in a seamless dance of sport and sound. From high-energy dribbles to perfectly timed passes, every move echoes the jingle’s infectious beat, uniting football and music in a festival of flair.

    “This campaign marks an exciting step in Kingfisher’s global journey,” said United Breweries Limited chief marketing officer Vikram Bahl. “By bringing our signature jingle into international football, we are connecting with audiences in a way that is both playful and powerful. Sport and music speak the same language, and together, they create unforgettable experiences.”

    AFA chief commercial and marketing officer Leandro Petersen added, “The acappella treatment combined with our players’ energy reflects the vibrancy and passion that define football. It’s a celebration of rhythm, unity and joy.” Ogilvy South chief creative officer Puneet Kapoor summed it up, “What started as India’s party soundtrack is now a global groove, uniting fans, friends and football legends. When O la la la leo drops, it’s a signal to Messi, Tagliafico, Fernandez and Martinez to raise their glasses and let the good times roll.”

    The brand film will be streamed across Meta, Youtube and television, bringing this high-octane, rhythm-packed experience to football enthusiasts and Kingfisher fans alike, proving that good times can now be scored in goals and grooves alike.

  • Wishful launches with cinematic sparkle, redefining festive occasion wear

    Wishful launches with cinematic sparkle, redefining festive occasion wear

    MUMBAI:  When celebrations call, Wishful answers with timeless sparkle. Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. (ABFRL) has unveiled Wishful, its premium celebration wear brand, with a cinematic campaign that radiates timeless elegance and contemporary flair. Designed for the modern Indian woman, the debut collection reimagines festive fashion with jewel-toned ensembles, intricate embroidery and flowing silhouettes.

    Shot against surreal landscapes, the Ogilvy-crafted campaign marries ethereal backdrops with striking designs. From lehengas that shimmer like starlight to breezy fabrics that capture movement, every frame is steeped in understated grandeur.

    “Wishful is more than just a collection; it is a feeling. We wanted to evoke the dreamlike beauty of festivities and the joy of dressing for meaningful moments,” said ABFRL, chief marketing officer – TCNS division, Puneet Sewra. “It reflects sophistication, individuality and quiet confidence.”

    Currently available at W stores and online, the collection spans day premium, party wear, light and heavy festive attire, as well as wedding ensembles. Each piece is designed to feel as special as the occasion it’s worn for, offering a blend of artisanal detail and modern sophistication.

    With a 360-degree rollout across digital, print, cinema, outdoor and in-store channels, Wishful aims to become the go-to destination for women who seek elegance that’s both timeless and personal.

    This season, celebration comes with a touch of the cinematic, and a wardrobe that’s truly Wishful thinking.

  • Taneira wraps the festive season in ‘The Gift of Pure Love’

    Taneira wraps the festive season in ‘The Gift of Pure Love’

    MUMBAI: Taneira, the ethnic wear brand from the House of Tata, is weaving emotions into every fold this festive season with its touching new campaign, ‘The gift of pure love’: a celebration of relationships, memories, and the timeless elegance of the saree.

    Rooted in the belief that true love should be felt, not just seen, the campaign highlights how a thoughtfully gifted saree can carry far more than aesthetic value, it carries intention, memory, and meaning. A Taneira saree is crafted with the purity of natural fabrics, the gentle shine of silk, and the soul of Indian handcraft traditions. It’s more than a gift, it’s an embrace.

    Through two emotionally resonant films, Taneira brings alive everyday stories: a husband’s quiet gesture, a sister’s heartfelt surprise, all wrapped in the grace of a saree. These vignettes aren’t about grand declarations, but about quiet, personal acts of love that make festivals truly special.

    “Our campaign beautifully captures the spirit of festive gifting and meaningful bonds,” said Taneira, chief sales and marketing officer, Somprabh Singh. “With the Miara collection, we’re offering not just sarees, but heirlooms of love and craftsmanship.”

    Alongside the campaign, Taneira launches its ‘Miara’ collection, a festive range designed for today’s woman, marrying traditional artistry with a modern twist. From delicate cottons to lustrous silks, Miara sarees start at Rs 6,499, offering versatility for every festive mood, whether as a cherished gift or a personal indulgence.

    Ogilvy South, executive creative director, Aarti Nichlani, summed it up and said, “These aren’t just pretty colours and textures. These sarees tell stories – honest, real, and deeply Indian. Just like the moments we’ve captured in the campaign.”

    In an era of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Taneira’s campaign is a reminder that some gifts never go out of style, especially when they come from the heart, stitched with meaning, and steeped in tradition.

     

  • Peter England raps up Onam with Imbachi’s festive hip hop anthem

    Peter England raps up Onam with Imbachi’s festive hip hop anthem

    MUMBAI: Move over mundu monotony, this Onam has a hip hop twist. Peter England, the brand that’s long stitched confidence into Indian wardrobes, is remixing tradition with Gen Z swagger through a fresh campaign featuring Kerala’s own rapper, The Imbachi.

    At the heart of the drop is an anthem that feels more like a vibe than an ad, a mashup where the pulse of the Chendamelam meets the bounce of hip hop, turning Onam’s rhythms into something modern, vibrant, and impossible to scroll past.

    “This isn’t about scripted ads anymore; it’s about co-creating with the voices youth resonate with,” said Peter England chief business officer Anil S Kumar. He revealed that Imbachi not only performed but also wrote and composed the track, while the brand’s garments played backup as visual cues for festive style.

    For Imbachi, the collab was personal: “Onam is more than a festival, it’s a wave of memories. Waiting for new outfits was always the highlight, and fashion is still central to how we celebrate. This anthem captures that energy festive, stylish, and totally in tune with Kerala’s youth. Ee Onam, Scene Onam!”

    The track part celebration, part style statement marks Peter England’s first big step into Gen Z culture. By weaving in the authenticity of homegrown talent with fashion that goes beyond just festive rules, the campaign positions Onam as an occasion to own the moment rather than follow tradition blindly.

    “Less brand message, more cultural expression” was how Ogilvy Bangalore CCO Puneet Kapoor described the creative approach. With its beats, style, and swagger, the film doesn’t just sell clothes, it sets the stage for a new wave of brand–youth collaborations.

    And while the anthem plays loud, the message is even louder: when culture meets cool, tradition doesn’t just survive, it thrives, remixed and reimagined for a new generation.

  • PR story comes full circle as veteran pens India’s five-decade journey

    PR story comes full circle as veteran pens India’s five-decade journey

    MUMBAI: From press releases to power moves, Public Relations in India has been on quite the rollercoaster and now its story has been bound between covers. Communication veteran Ganapathy Viswanathan, who has spent over 30 years shaping brands at Ogilvy, Lintas, Mudra and Publicis, has launched a new book chronicling PR’s dramatic transformation across five decades.

    What began in the 1970s as a little-understood function has now grown into a strategic juggernaut that drives reputation, navigates crises, and even influences elections and sport. Viswanathan’s book captures this arc with real-world anecdotes and practical insights that make it both a guide for the young and a mirror for industry stalwarts.

    “PR today is about building trust, telling authentic stories, and engaging meaningfully with audiences across platforms. This book is my tribute to a profession that has the power to shape perceptions, influence decisions, and create lasting impact,” said Viswanathan at the launch.

    The chapters don’t shy away from today’s burning questions either: the talent crunch, the shifting roles of influencers and journalists, and how empathy has become as critical as strategy.

    For students, it’s a crash course in a craft that’s moved beyond “spin.” For professionals, it’s a reminder that PR is now central to boardrooms, not just newsrooms. And for India’s communication industry at large, it’s a milestone marker charting how far PR has come, and how much further it could go.

  • Roshan Salian joins Magnon Group as associate vice president – key accounts

    Roshan Salian joins Magnon Group as associate vice president – key accounts

    MUMBAI: Roshan Salian has been appointed associate vice president – key accounts at Magnon group, marking the latest step in a 15-year career in digital marketing.

    Salian, who has previously held leadership roles at Social Panga, Ogilvy, Schbang, Tonic Media and Gozoop, is known for crafting customer-first campaigns and building collaborative partnerships with digital-first brands.
    At Social Panga, he spent over three years as group head – brand solutions, overseeing client relations, creative strategy and integrated marketing. Earlier stints include account director at Ogilvy and group solutions manager at Schbang.

    With his new mandate, Salian is expected to drive strategic growth for key accounts at Magnon group, leveraging his expertise in campaign strategy, operations and brand development.

  • Amazon rebrands as your everyday enabler, not just the everything store

    Amazon rebrands as your everyday enabler, not just the everything store

    MUMBAI: Once known as the ‘everything store’, Amazon India is now gunning for something a little closer to home—and heart. With its new campaign, Har Din Behtar, the e-commerce giant wants to be seen not just as a marketplace for all things, but as a thoughtful partner in everyday life.

    Conceptualised by Ogilvy, the campaign signals a quiet but meaningful shift in Amazon’s narrative: from a transactional utility to a brand that understands India’s everyday struggles, quirks, and quiet triumphs.

    The thematic film opens with a neighbourly face-off—a tongue-in-cheek tug-of-war of betterment. From swapping outdated décor to embracing new habits, the film portrays how a little friendly rivalry becomes the nudge towards becoming your best self. That spirit runs through three punchy follow-up films:

    .  A PG aunty takes the plunge and partakes in a Gen-Z party, all thanks to budget buys under Rs 300.

    .  A grandson uses thoughtful buys to bond with his grandfather—small gestures, big feels.

    .  A dad sneaks veggies into his kids’ meal with a clever kitchen hack, backed by products with crores of reviews.

    The campaign tagline—“Har chhoti badi koshish se banta hai din behtar”—cements the message: it’s the little things that make every day better.

    Commenting on the campaign launch, Amazon India director – growth & consumer marketing, Pragya Sharma said, “Today’s India is not for the fainthearted. It is where rising expectations are being met with expanding opportunities. We love this about India because it reflects the culture that has been a north star for Amazon since the first day of the launch of our e-commerce marketplace in the country. Customer obsession is at the centre of everything we do, it is what keeps us curious, nimble, and innovative. We love that our customers’ expectations are never static and always rising. It reminds us to not just respond to customers’ needs but anticipate them as well. With ‘Har Din Behtar’, we are not only acknowledging this spirit of relentless improvement, we also aim to match it by enhancing selection, speed, and service quality daily.”

    The campaign strikes a fine balance between emotional pull and retail proposition. Backed by RTBs like under Rs 300, innovative products, and crores of reviews, the films highlight how Amazon isn’t just about indulgence—it’s about effort turned effortless.

    Ogilvy India CCO Sukesh Nayak spoke about the campaign, saying, “Amazon as a brand has always been known as the ultimate online shopping destination in India – an everything store. With this campaign, we’ve added heart to what Amazon stands for. Evolving to become an everyday partner for all of life’s little-big moments. Through our films, we’ve shown how Amazon supports you in turning your small daily goals into big, beautiful wins. Helping you really make every day better.”

    From everyday buys to everyday better, Amazon’s message is clear: it’s not just what you get—it’s what you do with it that counts.

  • Ogilvy India rolls out consulting arm, Neeraj Bassi returns to lead the charge

    Ogilvy India rolls out consulting arm, Neeraj Bassi returns to lead the charge

    MUMBAI: Ogilvy India has officially launched Ogilvy Consulting in the country, with seasoned brand whisperer Neeraj Bassi stepping in as head of the India practice. Based out of the Gurugram office, Bassi will also double up as head of strategic planning for Ogilvy India (North).

    Globally, Ogilvy Consulting is all about cracking the holy trinity of modern business challenges — growth & innovation, business design, and digital transformation. It ropes in Ogilvy’s best across brand strategy, customer engagement, commerce, PR, partnerships and influence, bundling them into one potent, integrated offer.

    For Bassi, this isn’t just a gig — it’s a return to base. Having last served as president – strategic planning at Ogilvy Gurugram till 2015, the advertising veteran brings 28 years of strategy-packed experience to the table. His most recent avatar was as chief growth officer at Cheil X, following stints at Publicis, Havas, JWT Dubai, and McCann Erickson, where his journey began in 1997.

    Ogilvy India chief strategy officer Prem Narayan  said, ” I have always admired Neeraj. He is one of the finest strategic minds in the country.   His rich experience across consulting, advertising and driving growth make him one of the rare few who excel at intersecting consumer x culture x brand x business x modern media landscape to deliver business impact and transformation.   There couldn’t have been anyone better to lead and launch the Ogilvy Consulting practice and drive excellence of the strategic planning function for Ogilvy India (North), Neeraj will make us sharper, stronger and sweeter.”

    Bassi, with his trademark cool, added: “I am really excited to lead the Ogilvy Consulting practice in India. Globally we are getting a good traction in this space and I am looking forward to offering independent, unbiased advice for full funnel management of marquee brands – right from fuelling desire to demand conversion at point of sale. Ogilvy Consulting would address the issue of distributed brand narrative that is happening because of domain experts working in their silos. Championing the cause of one brand, one narrative, Ogilvy Consulting will help clients integrate the domains at a strategic level. It’s a homecoming for me and coming home is always special.”

    With this move, Ogilvy India joins the global consulting party — and with Bassi at the helm, expect the narrative to get sharper, the strategies slicker, and the silos shaken.