Tag: Swati Bhattacharya

Pinto new creative head – FCB Ulka (West), NCD – branded content

MUMBAI: In a significant development, FCB Ulka today announced the appointment of Keegan Pinto as Creative Head – FCB Ulka (West) and National Creative Director – Branded Content.

In this role, Keegan will be responsible for enhancing the creative quotient and strengthening the creative capabilities for the agency and will be based out of Mumbai.

With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Keegan is one of the most recognized and awarded names in the business. He has been a part of Colenso BBDO New Zealand, Publicis Ambience, Ogilvy & Mather India and Lowe Lintas. In his most recent outing, he was Creative Head of MTV India. His work has won him accolades at both national and international circuits such as D&AD, The One Show, Adfest, Cannes Lions, Abbys, Effies, DMA Asia Echo Awards, Promax India, Asia and World.

Keegan championed several memorable and impactful pieces of work for celebrated brands such as Lifebuoy, Tata Tea, Tetley, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, Calvin Klein, He Deodorants, Askme, Kamasutra, Sunsilk, Gulf Oil, Nescafe, Vdot, Big Bazaar, Economic Times, TVS, Zoom TV, DNA, Airtel, Ashok Leyland, Onida, Bajaj bikes, BBC World, Claris Pharmaceuticals, Croma, DB Realty, DNA newspaper, IICE Vodka, Himalayan Water, Dove, Ponds, Lakme, Hindustan Pencils, Kodak, Kingfisher Airlines and more.

FCB India group chairman and CEO Rohit Ohri said, “The diversity of his experience and the depth of his talent will be key in driving the creative transformation agenda at FCB Ulka. Further, his experience with branded content will help us quickly scale up our content division. I’m truly delighted to have Keegan as part of our leadership team at FCB Ulka.”

“Content creation today is an integral part of all brand communication. Keegan has a unique blend of advertising and channel experience which is extremely relevant in today’s world,” added FCB Ulka CEO Nitin Karkare.

FCB Ulka CCO Swati Bhattacharya said, “Keegan’s thorough understanding of the communication business is phenomenal.”

“The big change story that FCB wishes to write is the most enticing challenge that tipped things over for me and I look forward to that. I personally love a change story, be it a brand or an agency,” commented Pinto.

Pinto has led some popular award winning campaigns such as ‘Bande Achchhe Hain’ for ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, Stay Raw for MTV India, ‘Power of 49′ for Tata Tea, ‘Heat mein Dheet Hain’ for Onida ACs, ‘Inside waala Snaan’ for Tetley Green Tea, ’For Indian Values’ for Videocon d2h, the recent Beef Ban campaign for MTV and has been instrumental in the recently launched only-music channel from MTV, MTV Beats. On the side, Keegan is a music composer/lyricist and awaits a few movie releases in 2017.

December 7, 2016
FCB Ulka wins advertising duties for AVT Premium

MUMBAI: A.V. Thomas & Company has appointed FCB Ulka Bangalore to handle the advertising duties for their flagship brand, AVT Premium.

The win adds to FCB Ulka Bangalore’s portfolio which includes marquee clients like ITC Biscuits & Confectionery and Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting. AVT Premium is the AVT Group’s flagship tea brand, a brand that enjoys leadership status in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. AVT Premium delivers the strongest cup of tea, consistently.

AVT Consumer Products CEO Ravi Sanker said, “FCB Ulka team has shown willingness to go the extra mile to understand our brand, the market and the opportunity in front of us. We appreciate their collaborative approach and are expecting excellent and effective work from them.”

FCB Ulka CEO Nitin Karkare added, “As a company with a strong legacy we are proud to be working with them in ensuring that AVT Premium builds on its leadership status in the market.” FCB Ulka CCO Swati Bhattacharya too shared said, “AVT Premium is a brand we’re very excited to work with. The brand has a strong legacy in the South, and the challenge of building on such a robust foundation is extremely exciting. We look forward to creating some great work on the brand.”

A.V. Thomas & Company Limited is part of the multifaceted AVT Group of Companies founded in 1925 with diversified interest in Plantation, Biotechnology, Leather, Oleoresin, Value Added Spices and Consumer Products in Food and Beverage Category. In the branded packet Tea Market, A.V. Thomas & Co. Ltd. are not only one of the top contenders in the Indian branded packaged tea market, but also the flagship brand AVT Premium is the 2nd largest selling Dust Tea brand in the country.

October 24, 2016
FCB Ulka wins advertising duties for AVT Premium

MUMBAI: A.V. Thomas & Company has appointed FCB Ulka Bangalore to handle the advertising duties for their flagship brand, AVT Premium.

The win adds to FCB Ulka Bangalore’s portfolio which includes marquee clients like ITC Biscuits & Confectionery and Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting. AVT Premium is the AVT Group’s flagship tea brand, a brand that enjoys leadership status in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. AVT Premium delivers the strongest cup of tea, consistently.

AVT Consumer Products CEO Ravi Sanker said, “FCB Ulka team has shown willingness to go the extra mile to understand our brand, the market and the opportunity in front of us. We appreciate their collaborative approach and are expecting excellent and effective work from them.”

FCB Ulka CEO Nitin Karkare added, “As a company with a strong legacy we are proud to be working with them in ensuring that AVT Premium builds on its leadership status in the market.” FCB Ulka CCO Swati Bhattacharya too shared said, “AVT Premium is a brand we’re very excited to work with. The brand has a strong legacy in the South, and the challenge of building on such a robust foundation is extremely exciting. We look forward to creating some great work on the brand.”

A.V. Thomas & Company Limited is part of the multifaceted AVT Group of Companies founded in 1925 with diversified interest in Plantation, Biotechnology, Leather, Oleoresin, Value Added Spices and Consumer Products in Food and Beverage Category. In the branded packet Tea Market, A.V. Thomas & Co. Ltd. are not only one of the top contenders in the Indian branded packaged tea market, but also the flagship brand AVT Premium is the 2nd largest selling Dust Tea brand in the country.

October 24, 2016
Art forms influence advertising: FCB Ulka’s new NCD Mahendra Bhagat

MUMBAI: FCB Ulka Group has appointed Mahendra Bhagat as the national creative director. Bhagat will be based in Bengaluru and will support all FCB Ulka’s south India offices. Mahendra was earlier with JWT Mumbai as the vice president and creative head.

FCB Ulka CEO Nitin Karkare said, “Mahendra is a heady mix of creative, business acumen [he headed an office for a few years] and team building”.

FCB Ulka CCO Swati Bhattacharya said, “By his own admission, Advertising is his first love and he couldn’t stay away from it too long. Mahendra is a powerhouse of talent”.

Speaking on his new role, Bhagat said, “Advertising has always been influenced by other art forms, from cinema, literature, theatre, folk art to paintings, installations etc…in my second innings I would like to bring in some new practices that I followed while exploring art in its pure form”.

In his last assignment, he created some landmark work for brands like Times of India, Kellogs, Rin, Nakshatra Jewelry and Godrej Appliances amongst others. Before JWT, Mahendra has worked in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Delhi with SSC & B, Enterprise, Clarion and Lintas, providing creative partnership to giants like Titan, ITC and Bajaj Auto. He has many national and international awards to his credit including Cannes, Clio, New York Festival, London Festival as well as AME (Advertising & Marketing Effectiveness) and has been on the jury of most prestigious Advertising festivals including the New York Festival.

September 12, 2016
Art forms influence advertising: FCB Ulka’s new NCD Mahendra Bhagat

MUMBAI: FCB Ulka Group has appointed Mahendra Bhagat as the national creative director. Bhagat will be based in Bengaluru and will support all FCB Ulka’s south India offices. Mahendra was earlier with JWT Mumbai as the vice president and creative head.

FCB Ulka CEO Nitin Karkare said, “Mahendra is a heady mix of creative, business acumen [he headed an office for a few years] and team building”.

FCB Ulka CCO Swati Bhattacharya said, “By his own admission, Advertising is his first love and he couldn’t stay away from it too long. Mahendra is a powerhouse of talent”.

Speaking on his new role, Bhagat said, “Advertising has always been influenced by other art forms, from cinema, literature, theatre, folk art to paintings, installations etc…in my second innings I would like to bring in some new practices that I followed while exploring art in its pure form”.

In his last assignment, he created some landmark work for brands like Times of India, Kellogs, Rin, Nakshatra Jewelry and Godrej Appliances amongst others. Before JWT, Mahendra has worked in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Delhi with SSC & B, Enterprise, Clarion and Lintas, providing creative partnership to giants like Titan, ITC and Bajaj Auto. He has many national and international awards to his credit including Cannes, Clio, New York Festival, London Festival as well as AME (Advertising & Marketing Effectiveness) and has been on the jury of most prestigious Advertising festivals including the New York Festival.

September 12, 2016
FCB Ulka appoints Surjo Dutt as national creative director

MUMBAI: FCB Ulka has appointed Surjo Dutt as national creative director. Surjo joins FCB Ulka from Sapient Nitro where he worked as Head of Creative – Delhi.

Surjo played a key role in the most successful year for Sapient Nitro’s advertising business since its’ inception in India. The Delhi office won marquee creative projects for brands like Nestle, British Airways and Philips during his 15-month stint.

The British Airways campaign #fuelledbylove and Nestle’s corporate campaign titled #100andrunning were standout pieces of creative work that not only worked in the marketplace, but also, were highly awarded. Goafest, Kyoorius, APAC brand engagement awards, Hollywood A-list awards, CIDCA, TAMBULI are some of the award shows where these campaigns were recognized.

Prior to this he was with JWT Delhi as Vice President and Executive Creative Director (ECD). He began his career with JWT as a trainee copywriter 17 years ago. In his 17-year stint Surjo worked on a huge variety of brands and categories including pretty much all brands in JWT Delhi.

Some of the brands Surjo worked on included Pepsi, 7UP, Mirinda, Mountain Dew, Slice, Tropicana, Frito Lay, Nestle, Airtel, Nokia, GSK, Hero Motocorp, UNICEF, CONGRESS, NOKIA, Hamdard and RADIKAL. He was also a part of JWT’s global High Performance Group for 2 years.

Speaking on Surjo’s new role at FCB Ulka, FCB Ulka CCO Swati Bhattacharya said, “I remember the first time we heard the line ‘cheetah bhi peeta hai’ in JWT. We all knew the new kid on the Pepsi floor was special. Surjo’s omnivorous talent comes with an infectious energy and passion that not just creates great creative work but also strong creative teams. I am absolutely excited to have him partner me in building a bright creative future for FCB India.”

Commenting on Surjo’s appointment, FCB Ulka CEO Nitin Karkare said, “Surjo is a powerhouse of talent. The sheer energy that he brings to every assignment makes him a delight to work with. He is a great people’s person and his teams are always ready to give their best for him. He is a fantastic addition to our creative leadership team and I am sure our clients will benefit from his work”.

Speaking on his new role at FCB Ulka, Dutt said, “FCB Ulka is an agency I have always admired for not just its work but also its core values and culture. And now with true game changers like Rohit and Swati coming in, it’s a wonderful time to be in this agency. I am thrilled to be a part of the team and will do everything I can to write my bit of the success story that is sure to be written.

July 26, 2016
FCB Ulka appoints Surjo Dutt as national creative director

MUMBAI: FCB Ulka has appointed Surjo Dutt as national creative director. Surjo joins FCB Ulka from Sapient Nitro where he worked as Head of Creative – Delhi.

Surjo played a key role in the most successful year for Sapient Nitro’s advertising business since its’ inception in India. The Delhi office won marquee creative projects for brands like Nestle, British Airways and Philips during his 15-month stint.

The British Airways campaign #fuelledbylove and Nestle’s corporate campaign titled #100andrunning were standout pieces of creative work that not only worked in the marketplace, but also, were highly awarded. Goafest, Kyoorius, APAC brand engagement awards, Hollywood A-list awards, CIDCA, TAMBULI are some of the award shows where these campaigns were recognized.

Prior to this he was with JWT Delhi as Vice President and Executive Creative Director (ECD). He began his career with JWT as a trainee copywriter 17 years ago. In his 17-year stint Surjo worked on a huge variety of brands and categories including pretty much all brands in JWT Delhi.

Some of the brands Surjo worked on included Pepsi, 7UP, Mirinda, Mountain Dew, Slice, Tropicana, Frito Lay, Nestle, Airtel, Nokia, GSK, Hero Motocorp, UNICEF, CONGRESS, NOKIA, Hamdard and RADIKAL. He was also a part of JWT’s global High Performance Group for 2 years.

Speaking on Surjo’s new role at FCB Ulka, FCB Ulka CCO Swati Bhattacharya said, “I remember the first time we heard the line ‘cheetah bhi peeta hai’ in JWT. We all knew the new kid on the Pepsi floor was special. Surjo’s omnivorous talent comes with an infectious energy and passion that not just creates great creative work but also strong creative teams. I am absolutely excited to have him partner me in building a bright creative future for FCB India.”

Commenting on Surjo’s appointment, FCB Ulka CEO Nitin Karkare said, “Surjo is a powerhouse of talent. The sheer energy that he brings to every assignment makes him a delight to work with. He is a great people’s person and his teams are always ready to give their best for him. He is a fantastic addition to our creative leadership team and I am sure our clients will benefit from his work”.

Speaking on his new role at FCB Ulka, Dutt said, “FCB Ulka is an agency I have always admired for not just its work but also its core values and culture. And now with true game changers like Rohit and Swati coming in, it’s a wonderful time to be in this agency. I am thrilled to be a part of the team and will do everything I can to write my bit of the success story that is sure to be written.

July 26, 2016
Swati Bhattacharya to lead Dentsu Mama Lab

MUMBAI: Swati Bhattacharya, the former national creative director at JWT, who was associated with the company for 22 years, has joined Dentsu India as its principal partner – creative, to take the helm at its new project Mama Lab.

Started originally in Tokyo by Dentsu in 2013, and now to be introduced in India, the idea of Mama Lab is to create an ever-expanding picture of mothers in India, by tracing their personal histories across cities and villages and in-between places to answer a quintessential question on Indian mothers – Who is she? It will be an ongoing visual and oral biography of Indian mothers.

“Dentsu Mama Lab aims to be a thought leader on mothers, motherhood and mothering. Understanding the different facets of a mother is what will make brands connect meaningfully with them. I’m delighted to have Swati Bhattacharya lead this initiative in India. Her enormous experience of working on brands that have had deep meaningful connections with mothers will be the credible foundation of Dentsu Mama Lab. ‘Good Innovation’ is the essence of the Dentsu brand and Mama Lab is a vivid demonstration of it,” said Dentsu India executive chairman and APAC CEO Rohit Ohri.

In recent years, Swati Bhattacharya, a mother of two, was particularly responsible for building an enduring relationship with Horlicks (GSK India) and its several avatars, especially highlighting the sensitivities of the mother, wife and homemaker for the brand. Her experience in building such ‘mother’ and ‘women-oriented’ brands and taking up leadership positions in the corporate world makes her perfectly poised to head Mama Lab.

Excited to head the latest initiative at Dentsu India, Bhattacharya remarked, “Men have a habit of putting mothers on a pedestal, as if she is a person who needs to be worshipped more than be understood. There is a woman inside every mother, who is not all perfect, not all ‘Devi’, not all giving; and women know that but it’s time for marketers to know that too. It’s been years that I have spoken to only women as my consumers and tried to forge an intimacy that’s born out of truth. Mama Lab gives me an opportunity to speak to women in our own language, in our own way, we might not all be perfect but we are the best that we can be! I am so glad I won’t have to fake my interest in men anymore. I am looking forward to sell to women by pressing their security buttons and not their insecurity buttons”.

Much like motherhood that promises rich rewards through its firsthand trials, Mama Lab will evolve through experience and experimentation in both method and output.

“As with everything Indian, we know there is no such singular entity as The Indian Mother, and we wouldn’t want to embark on a quixotic adventure of that sort in the first place. What we will attempt to do is to create an ever-expanding picture of mothers in India, much like a perpetually-growing, always-complete-but-never-truly-complete jigsaw puzzle. As an outcome, our goal will be to gain insights into mothers and motherhood in India that will truly go beyond oft-repeated motherhood statements”, said Dentsu India executive vice-president and national planning director Narayan Devanathan, who will be closely working with Bhattacharya on Mama Lab.

Mama Lab will be positioned in the public domain as a platform for mothers and brands to engage with one another and benefit from.

November 3, 2014