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Tag: Publicis Groupe

  • 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.

  • Publicis Groupe fuses Leo Burnett & Publicis Worldwide to give birth to Leo

    Publicis Groupe fuses Leo Burnett & Publicis Worldwide to give birth to Leo

    MUMBAI: Giant  firms all over the world are collapsing into each others’ arms and forming even larger behemoths as the corporate world looks for scale. And even more scale. 

    Everyone expected something to give even in the advertising world  with Omnicom announcing its intent to acquire the Interpublic group  in December 20024. A spate of  mergers and acquisitions was predicted to follow.

    At least one has, hardly 15 days into 2025.  And it’s coming from the Publicis Groupe which announced a bold initiative that merges two of its iconic networks into a powerful new entity called Leo, symbolising the strength of collaboration through the Power of One. This strategic union aims to address contemporary global brand challenges by delivering enhanced creativity, personalised content, and connected brand experiences.

    Leo Burnett, famously known as the brand of Humankind, and Publicis Worldwide, recognized for driving transformation, will unite under the Leo banner. The redesigned Leo Burnett logo features an expansion that links the branding prowess of one of advertising’s most recognizable names with the roar of a lion, representing a formidable creative force comprising 15,000 professionals across 90 countries.
     

    Leo's Leaders

    Together, Leo brings together the expertise of 8,000 creative minds from Leo Burnett and 7,000 from Publicis Worldwide, boasting an impressive track record with eight agencies of the year and over 400 major creative awards.

    The new entity will be co-led by Marco Venturelli and Agathe Bousquet, who previously drove Publicis Conseil to win the Cannes Lions 2024 Agency of the Year. They, along with chief strategy officer Gareth Goodall, will oversee Leo’s global creative community and culture, ensuring that local teams leverage the Groupe’s data, technology, and media assets.

    Publicis Groupe Canada CEO Andrew Bruce joins as chairman of Leo North America. The Leo constellation will operate alongside Publicis Groupe’s existing creative brands, including Saatchi & Saatchi, BBH, and Fallon, enhancing the group’s diverse creative roster.

    Publicis Groupe chief strategy officer Carla Serrano emphasised: “Through Leo, we are doubling down on our strategy of strong creative brands connected to the industry’s only data, media, and tech ecosystem.” Agathe Bousquet added, “Leo’s global spirit will thrive at the local level, powered by premier data and technology to create tailored solutions for clients.”

    Marco Venturelli remarkedd:“Creativity remains a messy human process, and Leo will foster a global community of creative and strategic talents dedicated to human-centered creation at scale.”
     
    Publicis Groupe CEO Arthur Sadoun concluded, “Leo embodies the belief that creative efficiency does not mean fewer brands. By uniting these creative communities, Leo will be more impactful and accessible than ever.”

    With this launch, Publicis Groupe is set to redefine the landscape of advertising and creative services in the coming year. Once again predictions are that this is just one of the upheavals that’s going to  hit the industry in 2025. Expectations are that a tsunami of selloffs, acquisitions and mergers are going to totally transform how the advertising landscape looks in the next 12 months. Stay tuned in.

  • Rajdeepak Das & Sompat Trisadikun join One Club International board

    Rajdeepak Das & Sompat Trisadikun join One Club International board

    Mumbai: The One Club for Creativity has appointed Publicis Groupe South Asia CCO and Leo Burnett South Asia chairman, Rajdeepak Das, to a three-year term on its International board of directors. Grey Thailand CCO, Sompat Trisadikun, also joins the board this month.

    Board members are responsible for providing input and feedback on the club’s ongoing global programming, supporting The One Show and ADC Annual Awards in their region, elevating the annual global creative rankings, connecting the club with advertising and design universities and schools, and recommending outstanding candidates to serve as awards judges.

    “The One Club’s International Board of Directors is a platform with immense responsibility where great minds come together to chart the future narrative for the industry,” said Das. “As part of the board, I am looking forward to the opportunity to nurture the next generation of talent to make creativity more impactful.”

    Das firmly believes that the true potential of creativity and technology is finding human-centric solutions for the biggest brands. He has cultivated a distinctive reputation over the years for driving impactful innovations for some of the country’s iconic brands.

    Das’ unprecedented work on brands like P&G Whisper (Missing Chapter) has facilitated change in the age-old Indian education system and enabled the world’s largest school program for girls. His work on PepsiCo Lays (Smart Farms) has revolutionized farming with the help of AI to increase food security for the country.

    Das believes creativity is the currency for developing nations and his work has demonstrated that. He and his team are currently working with some of the country’s largest brands to deliver high-impact solutions for gender ergonomics for farming, water sustainability, girl child education, healthcare, female hygiene and more.

    His humankind approach to creativity has led Leo Burnett India to win multiple Grand Prix’s and awards at prestigious shows including The One Show, Cannes Lions, D&AD and Spikes Asia.

  • Lay’s partners with the Indian fashion label HUEMN

    Lay’s partners with the Indian fashion label HUEMN

    Mumbai: Lay’s has partnered with the Indian fashion label HUEMN to launch a limited-edition merchandise collection. This collaboration combines Lay’s vibrant colors with HUEMN’s distinctive fashion design, offering a bold new take on style.

    Lay’s, known for its innovative products and flavors, is extending its playful spirit to fashion. HUEMN, recognised for its handcrafted pieces, merges artistry with bold expression. The collection provides a unique experience that reflects both brands’ commitment to cultural relevance.

    The collaboration includes a special promotion where consumers might find HUEMN merchandise inside select Lay’s bags. Lay’s announced the partnership with a teaser and created an interactive treasure hunt in a department store’s Lay’s aisle. Selected loyal customers, identified through social listening, received golden tickets giving them the chance to find exclusive HUEMN merchandise hidden in Lay’s packs. This initiative combined the excitement of a treasure hunt with the appeal of high-end fashion, engaging Lay’s fans in a memorable way.

    Expressing her delight on this association, PepsiCo India category lead – potato chips, Saumya Rathor said, “At Lay’s, we’re always looking for innovative ways to bring joy to our consumers, and our collaboration with HUEMN is a perfect example of that. By drawing inspiration from Lay’s vibrant colors, we’ve created a unique merchandise collection that speaks directly to our Lay’s fandom. For the launch, we’ve introduced an element of surprise, transforming the simple act of snacking into an exciting treasure hunt. Partnering with HUEMN, we are delivering an experience that goes beyond traditional snacking. We can’t wait for our fans to discover these limited-edition pieces and make them a part of their everyday style.”

    Speaking on this HUEMN co-founder Pranav Misra said “As a brand, HUEMN has always championed wearable art that speaks to individualism and creativity. Inspired by the massive fandom surrounding Lay’s, this partnership is a celebration of the love and connection people have with their favourite potato chips. It’s about bringing the world of Lay’s and HUEMN together, offering the community a chance to wear something that represents both comfort and the joy of snacking. Creating this together with an iconic brand like Lay’s has been an incredible experience for all of us. We’re excited to see our communities embracing this unique association.”

    “Lay’s is a brand that is part of culture and now with the HUEMN partnership we will be a part of pop-culture. This is a great example of how we believe partnerships can create magic,” said Publicis Groupe South Asia CCO and Leo Burnett South Asia chairman Rajdeepak Das.

    The exclusive merchandise features classic sweatshirts, t-shirts and bodysuits adorned with playful Lay’s prints, offering a cool, visual appeal, that showcase Lay’s iconic branding. Each piece is crafted with high-quality materials, making them fun, comfortable, and perfect for the colder months approaching. The merchandise will be sold at HUEMN stores and HUEMN.in, starting today.

  • Ad Tech Today announces EMERGE 2024

    Ad Tech Today announces EMERGE 2024

    Mumbai: AdTech Today presents EMERGE 2024 – the rise of independent agencies, a one-of-a-kind event designed to recognise and celebrate the innovative spirit of independent agencies within the advertising and marketing landscape on 12 September 2024, at Radisson Blu, Mumbai. This event aims to highlight these agencies’ exceptional contributions while exploring the industry’s future.

    The event will feature thought-provoking panel discussions, networking opportunities, and the prestigious EMERGE Awards, where outstanding agencies will be recognized for their achievements.

    The event is supported by prominent partners: PR partner: Treize Communications, knowledge partner: MRSI (Market Research Society of India), support partner: Explurger and session partner: Blis.

    The panels will be moderated by a distinguished group of industry leaders like India Channel Factory MD Chirag Bhatia, Publicis Groupe CEO – digital technology business Amaresh Godbole and EY partner, marketing advisory services Amiya Swarup ensuring that the conversations and evaluations are both insightful and balanced. Following the panels, the EMERGE Awards will honor the achievements of independent agencies. The awards ceremony will also feature the special felicitation of two iconic figures in advertising: The Advertising Club COO Bipin Pandit and BBDO India chairman Josy Paul.

    With major independent agencies like White Rivers Media, DVIO Digital, Enormous, Gozoop, Howl, Eggfirst Advertising, and Infectious Advertising to name a few participating, EMERGE 2024 offers B2B professionals the opportunity to connect with thought leaders, gain insights into industry trends, and celebrate the best of independent talent.

  • NBA India’s “Nets for Change” wins Gold at Cannes Lions for photography

    NBA India’s “Nets for Change” wins Gold at Cannes Lions for photography

    Mumbai: Earlier this year, the NBA partnered with the Publicis Groupe, MEA (Dubai), in India to bring to life “Nets for Change”, an initiative to repurpose discarded underwater fishing nets at basketball courts in India.  Discarded underwater fishing nets pose a significant environmental threat, and through this initiative, the NBA and Publicis are giving these nets a new purpose, so that aspiring players have higher-quality courts where they can come together to play the game.  The pilot project was launched successfully in Mumbai at The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in Colaba and in community courts in EuroSchool, Thane and Vikhroli, with plans to expand to other markets.

    As an extension of this campaign, the Publicis team created a series of posters to encourage more youth to play basketball.  Featuring street-style photography, these posters recreated some of the most iconic dunks by NBA stars, capturing them through the lens of everyday life in India.  Displayed across courts during the filming of the campaign, the posters invited young ballers to be India’s next ’23 in a billion’, ‘8 in a billion’, and ‘6 in a billion’, referencing the iconic jersey numbers of NBA superstars.  The posters featuring these iconic dunks were submitted to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity by Publicis Groupe Dubai, winning Gold for Photography and Silver as an Outdoor Campaign in Industry Craft.

    The NBA is committed to using the power of basketball to inspire fans and partners to minimize environmental impacts and help drive broader industry and societal progress.  The “Nets for Change” campaign video highlights the extent of the ecological damage caused by discarded fishing nets and how this initiative is helping combat it, one hoop at a time.

  • PepsiCo India triumphs at Cannes Lions 2024 with four wins

    PepsiCo India triumphs at Cannes Lions 2024 with four wins

    Mumbai: PepsiCo India has once again distinguished itself in the marketing world by winning four awards at this year’s Cannes Lions, making it the brand with the highest number of awards.  

    Gatorade earned one gold and one bronze award for its groundbreaking Turf Finder initiative, recognised in the creative data category and entertainment for sports under live experience subcategory. Launched earlier this year, the Turf Finder Initiative is designed to ignite a passion for sports among residents of India’s bustling metropolitan areas. This initiative reflects Gatorade’s dedication towards promoting active lifestyles and fostering a love for sports in urban environments.

    Speaking on the win, chief marketing officer, India beverages, Tarun Bhagat said, “We are immensely honored and thrilled by Gatorade’s success at the 71st Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Winning top honors such as the Gold in the Creative Data Lions for Data-enhanced Creativity, and a Bronze in the Entertainment Lions for the Sports category is a significant achievement that highlights our innovative approach and dedication to fostering an active-lifestyle culture in India.

    Our Turf Finder initiative, leveraging Google Maps data, perfectly aligns with our mission to promote active lifestyles. In bustling metropolitan cities, there is a significant challenge in finding adequate spaces for playing sports. Despite a strong intent to engage in playing sports, individuals often find it difficult to locate suitable spaces due to a lack of adequate play areas. With Turf Finder, Gatorade seeks to solve this issue by leveraging the data from Google Maps to identify potential areas and transform them into playing areas, thereby providing sporting access for everyone. This initiative underscores Gatorade’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges and fostering community engagement in meaningful and impactful ways. We are grateful for the support and collaboration that made this possible and look forward to furthering our mission to promote sports and an active lifestyle.”

    Similarly, Lay’s achieved remarkable success, winning two awards, including one silver and one bronze in categories such as Glass: The Lion for Change and Sustainable Development Goals under live experience subcategory, along with the prestigious WARC Creative Effectiveness Grand Prix. The ‘Drops of Joy’ campaign, launched to reclaim water vapour during potato frying to achieve water-positivity, and ‘Farm Equal’, a project empowering over 2,500 women farmers in India with specialized tools in collaboration with USAID, were recognized for their innovation and impact.

    Commenting on the occasion, Lay’s India – PepsiCo category lead Saumya Rathor said: “We’re overjoyed to have our efforts recognized at Cannes. At our core, Lay’s is rooted in agriculture and deeply values the communities we work with and the environment we depend on. Our ‘Drops of Joy’ campaign highlights our efforts in water positivity by reclaiming water during production. Additionally, through Project Farm Equal, we’ve had the privilege of empowering over 2,500 women farmers, providing them with the tools and support they need. Winning Cannes Lions for these initiatives is a humbling reminder that our dedication to making a positive impact is resonating and making a difference.”

    Publicis Groupe, South Asia chief creative officer & Leo Burnett, South Asia chairman Rajdeepak Das added “With PepsiCo we have found the right partners who are aligned to our vision of using the power of creativity to make a real difference. All the campaigns from Gatorade Turf Finder, Lays Farm Equal and Drops of Joy use modern-day technology and tools to make a difference to our communities, and we couldn’t be prouder of our partnership with PepsiCo. And we are thrilled that some of the most creative minds from around the world who are part of the prestigious Cannes Jury also resonated with our work, winning us these precious Lions.”

    These achievements by Gatorade and Lay’s highlight PepsiCo India’s commitment to innovation and its ability to create impactful campaigns that engage audiences and drive positive change. 

  • Birla Opus launches new thematic communication ‘Make Life Beautiful’!

    Birla Opus launches new thematic communication ‘Make Life Beautiful’!

    Mumbai: Birla Opus Paints, housed under Aditya Birla Group’s Grasim Industries, has released its first thematic communication. The film brings to life the brand philosophy of Birla Opus articulated through the tagline ‘Make Life Beautiful’. With this new thematic communication, Birla Opus showcases the brand’s transformative power, which helps create a more beautiful world.

    The film showcases a never done before Hi-Definition, 3D feature animation with realistic silhouettes, an industry first for any brand within the paints category in India. It has a melodious track created by renowned Indian composer, Ram Sampath which captures the essence of the campaign with the resounding message – ‘Duniya Ko Rang Do’ (Colour the world). This landmark campaign marks a significant milestone for Birla Opus Paints as it continues to expand its footprint across the nation. The film will be advertised in Hindi and all major regional languages and backed by a 360-degree activation across TV, Digital, OOH, Print, and Radio to drive awareness and induce trials. The communication has been conceptualised by Leo Burnett India and produced by Zombie Studio; a leading global animation studio based out of Brazil.

    In February 2024, the Aditya Birla Group made a significant entry into the paint industry with the launch of Birla Opus. Committed to expanding its paints business, the company plans to establish six manufacturing facilities nationwide by 2025.

    Commenting on the film launch, Birla Opus CEO Rakshit Hargave said, “We understand the discerning tastes of today’s consumers who seek products and experiences that resonate with purpose and value. With this film’s playful rendition which personifies our brand belief of ‘Make Life Beautiful’, we are excited to embark on this journey of transformation with our customers, inspiring them to embrace beauty with purpose.”

    Birla Opus head – marketing Inderpreet Singh added, “We’re thrilled to unveil our first-ever brand film for Birla Opus. The film exemplifies beauty which comes alive through one of the best animation styles in the world, comparable to HD animation in Hollywood movies, a first in the paints industry in India. The message, ‘Duniya Ko Rang Do’ crafted by renowned music composer, Ram Sampath, resonates with a powerful idea of finding hope, happiness and beauty in life.

    Rajdeepak Das, CCO, Publicis Groupe – South Asia & Chairman, Leo Burnett – South Asia said, “Birla Opus is a brand that is designed for today’s dynamic new Indian audiences. And we wanted to give the campaign a fresh and innovative approach. Using animation for storytelling, our film is an artistic approach to express how our audiences can surround themselves with colour that inspires and transforms.”

  • An OREO could be your ticket to space!

    An OREO could be your ticket to space!

    Mumbai: Imagine space travel being within your reach by just buying an Oreo cookie. This is exactly what we’re offering consumers with Oreo’s latest launch: Space Dunk cookies. Oreo—World’s No.1 and India’s favourite cookie brand—is giving consumers an opportunity to become the second Indian to go to space by simply buying and scanning an Oreo Space Dunk cookie pack. This limited edition pack will be available in the market during May & June of this year, and is an extension of a successful global campaign.

    India’s recent space exploration missions have captured the imagination of young and old across the nation. There is an increased curiosity and adulation for what the country has managed to achieve in the realm of space exploration. In the 40th year anniversary of the first Indian to go to space, Oreo is giving one lucky Indian the opportunity to experience space for themselves! Through this campaign, Oreo is giving billions of Indians a chance to make their dream come true with an out-of-the-world reward – a chance to become the next Indian in space.

    The special edition ‘Space Dunk’ packs with space themed cookies come with a QR code which, upon scanning, will redirect the consumer to a microsite – www.oreospacedunk.in – and give them a chance to be the first person to Twist, Lick, Dunk in space. The brand is partnering with Space Perspective to offer a chance to embark on a transformative six-hour journey to the edge of space in Space Perspective’s Spaceship Neptune—a pressurized capsule propelled gently by a SpaceBalloon™. Their reimagined spaceflight experience will allow the winner to safely enjoy unprecedented views of planet Earth with no special training required, no weightlessness and no heavy g-forces. The winner can also expect breathtaking views from the largest windows ever flown to space, a world-class meal and complimentary Oreo cookies, Wi-Fi and even a Space Spa with a bathroom — all the comforts of the world’s first Space Lounge. In addition to this, consumers can also win exclusive space related experiences at a reputed space center and luxurious stargazing experiences at Astroport Sariska.

    Speaking about this, Mondelez India VP- Marketing Nitin Saini said, “Oreo brand has always been synonymous with unlocking playfulness and through this campaign, we want to transport consumers to a place full of excitement and childlike curiosity!  All of us at some or the other point in time have wondered what it would be like in the outer space and I am very happy that as a brand we are able to offer an Indian a chance to embark on this journey and experience the grandeur of space.”

    Publicis Groupe, South Asia & Chairman – Leo Burnett , South Asia CCO Rajdeepak Das added, “Everyone of us has dreamt of going to space as a kid. And Oreo is on a mission to turn this dream into a reality. This literally ‘out-of-this-world’ experience needed a campaign that’s just as iconic. We have crafted a story which plays on Oreo’s iconic Twist, lick, Dunk, but with a cosmic flavour to capture the audience attention.”

    Wavemaker India chief client officer & office head, West, North & East Shekhar Banerjee said, “We are elevating the ritual of Twist, Lick and Dunk to newer heights with this initiative. By leveraging cutting-edge tech and immersive experiences across media channels, we are making this extraordinary opportunity a tangible reality. As our campaign unfolds, expect quite literally some out of the world experiences as we get the nation to suit up for space.” 

    To celebrate the launch, Oreo is releasing a captivating film that takes the brand’s iconic proposition, Twist, Lick, Dunk, on a spacewalk! Witness a simple yet dramatic narrative that reimagines the classic Oreo ritual with a touch of space-age wonder. The campaign will be supported by elements across social, print, outdoors and  travel apps.

  • Whisper teaches young girls – periods ka matlab healthy hai aap!

    Whisper teaches young girls – periods ka matlab healthy hai aap!

    Mumbai: India’s leading feminine-care brand Whisper, from the house of Procter & Gamble, is raising awareness about— the early onset of menstruation among young girls — as part of the fifth edition of its #KeepGirlsInSchool (KGIS) movement. With girls starting periods as early as eight years of age, the need to create awareness early on is crucial, as 26 million girls can be at risk of dropping out of school without period education and access to period products.* Studies have found that one out of five girls could be dropping out of school due to a lack of period education and access to period products.**

    In India today, girls as young as eight years of age are beginning their menstrual cycle, as per several reports, and so are at a higher risk of dropping out from school due to lack of period education. This could lead to escalation in absenteeism and increased drop out rate if they do not learn and are made aware at the right time. Whisper is at the forefront of educating girls across the country about the importance of menstrual hygiene, normalising any myths and taboos about periods, with an aim to decrease dropout rates caused by insufficient information and lack of access to period products. To date, Whisper’s Keep Girls In School program has taught over 100 million schoolgirls and mothers about periods and period products, and provided free sanitary napkins to girls.

    Whisper’s new emotional film features young eight-year-old girls who know nothing about menstruation and think up the worst possible scenarios as the cause of unexpected bleeding in one of their friends. The film aims to normalise this natural biological change in their body by educating young girls in school about the early onset of periods with a fun, catchy jingle that reiterates, “periods ka matlab healthy hai aap (periods means you are healthy)”.

    Publicis Groupe – South Asia chief creative officer and Leo Burnett – South Asia chairman Rajdeepak Das said “Our ongoing research about the changing conversations around menstruation identified a glaring anomaly – girls today are getting their periods much earlier than before. However, they are being educated about periods at a much later stage or oftentimes not at all. Whisper and Leo Burnett have been on a journey to keep girls in school for a long time and we wanted to bridge this gap. Our latest work talks to the 8-year-olds in a language they can understand, with a heartwarming song that teaches them that getting periods means they are healthy. The goal is to not just teach the little girls but also use the song as a tool to equip her ecosystem- parents and educators, enabling them to teach periods in an empowering manner.”

    “There is a seismic shift happening in period biology. This heightens the need to educate girls early on and to prepare them to embrace this biological process. Through this initiative, we strive to educate them about how periods are healthy and how they can take care of themselves on their period days. Every year, Whisper goes to more than 60,000 schools to create period education programs and we are now also going to younger standards. Consumers too can do their bit buying a Whisper Ultra pack which will help us educate and donate pads to one girl to keep her in school,” said Procter & Gamble Vice president & category leader – India feminine care Girish Kalyanaraman.

    KGIS is an initiative by Whisper which aims to reduce the stigma attached to menstruation, create awareness and reduce the number of girls who drop due to the lack of information around menstrual hygiene. KGIS has taught over 100 million school girls about periods and period products till date. For the first time, Whisper has used music to raise awareness about periods; through a fun  and catchy jingle, “periods ka matlab healthy hai aap”.