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Tag: The Coca-Cola Company

  • Rohitash Srivastava joins 82.5 Communications as chief strategy officer

    Rohitash Srivastava joins 82.5 Communications as chief strategy officer

    MUMBAI: 82.5 Communications has appointed Rohitash Srivastava as its new chief strategy officer in a move that underscores the agency’s commitment to strengthening its strategic capabilities and accelerating growth. This internal transfer within the Ogilvy Group brings Srivastava’s two decades of experience as a communication planner, experience strategist, and brand consultant to the agency.

    Previously prominent strategic planning at Ogilvy India (north), Srivastava has shaped the brand strategies of industry giants, including The Coca-Cola Company, GSK’s Eno, Dabur India, Perfetti, Mother Dairy, and RSPL Group. His expertise in consumer-centric thinking and brand-building will play a pivotal role in 82.5 Communications’ continued success.

    “82.5 Communications is on a fantastic growth journey, fueled by the great work our teams are producing,” said  82.5 Communications CEO Kiran Ramamurthy. “Srivastava’s strategic acumen and proven track record are exactly what we need to accelerate this momentum. Srivastava thrives on simplifying complex challenges and making brand strategy feel refreshingly clear and actionable, with an approach rooted in common sense, conversation, and creativity.”

    Srivastava added, “82.5 is fast becoming the growth engine for Ogilvy, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this transformative moment. The talent and energy I see in Ramamurthy, our COO, and our CCOs Anuraag and Mayur make 82.5 a powerhouse of modern brand-building. We have great momentum, we’re already putting out some fantastic work, and this is just the beginning.”

    Srivastava’s accolades include multiple Effie awards, including a Gold and three Silvers in APAC Effies, and recognition as India’s Top Digital Planner by Digital Market Asia and Business World in 2016. He is also an academic contributor, teaching brand strategy at MICA and MET Mumbai and publishing insights in Brand Equity, WARC, and Campaign India.

  • Thums Up partners with Ranveer Brar for Toofani Biryani Hunt S2 on Disney+ Hotstar

    Thums Up partners with Ranveer Brar for Toofani Biryani Hunt S2 on Disney+ Hotstar

    Mumbai: Thums Up, a homegrown beverage brand from The Coca-Cola Company, has announced Toofani Biryani Hunt season two. A sequel to the successful first, this new chapter seeks to rekindle the taste for the perfect biryani pairing. With celebrity chef Ranveer Brar back at the helm, the upcoming edition is all set to deliver an exceptional culinary adventure.

    Conceptualised and created by Disney+ Hotstar CreativeWorks, join the Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt season two as the esteemed chef Ranveer Brar explores seven diverse regions — Hyderabad, Bangalore, Visakhapatnam, Lucknow, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata — to understand the toofani origin of each biryani. Through its one-of-kind storytelling, the hunt brings alive the untold stories of 21 of the hottest biryani makers in the country with the chef uncovering the inspiration behind each hotspot. The indomitable combination of Thums Up, Biryani and Chef Brar aims to settle the age-old question of “Kaunsi Biryani hai Sabse Toofani?”

    Commenting on season two of Toofani Biryani Hunt, The Coca-Cola Company category head, sparkling flavours, India & Southwest Asia Sumeli Chatterjee said, “We’re excited to present ‘Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt Season 2,’ in partnership with Disney+ Hotstar, serving up a sizzling flavour expedition on screen. This season, we celebrate the crisp chill of Thums Up paired with a steaming plate of rich, smoky biryani. With Chef Ranveer Brar bringing his exceptional talent back on board, the journey is set to be more delicious than ever as we uncover the best of biryani from seven diverse regions across India.”

    On his exciting collaboration with the brand, celebrity chef Ranveer Brar said, “Biryani is not just a dish; it’s a journey through time and taste, rich with history and fragrant with tradition. I am elated to return for another season of the Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt, as we uncover the history, legacy and bold flavours of biryani from various regions in India. Each episode is an adventure—seeking out the best biryani spots, learning their stories, and savoring the bold flavors that make this dish so beloved.”

    Speaking about the show, Disney+ Hotstar head of ads Dhruv Dhawan added, “At Disney+ Hotstar’s CreativeWorks, we continue to leverage the power of storytelling and solve the complex marketing needs of advertisers who want to forge meaningful connections with their audiences. Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt season 1 resonated well with our audiences and we are excited to bring in another season which exemplifies how we combine creativity and cultural relevance to craft memorable experiences. With season 2, we’re taking this journey with Thums Up to new heights, exploring the rich flavors and traditions that make biryani a dish close to every Indian’s heart.”

    Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt season two is set to kick off with the pilot episode on 28 August 2024. This season promises a feast for the senses, the local pride for their culinary best and biryani fans across regions vouching that their biryani is most toofani.

  • The Coca-Cola Company’s Honest Tea launches #FindYourGood campaign

    The Coca-Cola Company’s Honest Tea launches #FindYourGood campaign

    Mumbai: Honest Tea, a ready-to-drink beverage with organic green tea announces their newest #FindYourGood campaign in collaboration with celebrated author, columnist, and wellness enthusiast Twinkle Khanna. The newly launched film depicts Twinkle Khanna finding her calm amidst daily chaos, with #HonestTea, made from organic green tea, sourced from the famous Makaibari Tea estate.

    In a world filled with societal expectations, Honest Tea’s campaign nudges people to define their way of relaxation. As a supportive ally in this quest, the brand offers two great-tasting flavours, Lemon-Tulsi and Mango.

    To kick off the campaign, Honest Tea will roll out a series of social films and digital activations, engaging with consumers across various platforms. Conceptualized by WPP Open X, the campaign film, captures a relatable moment as Twinkle confronts her to-do list. As she sits down to relax, she enjoys a sip of Honest tea and says “It’s up to you to decide what’s good for you.

    Speaking about the collaboration with Honest Tea, Twinkle Khanna said, “I am excited to be part of the #FindYourGood campaign that echoes my mantra of a good, holistic life. Stimulated by the importance of finding joy and balance in the every day, Honest Tea’s campaign strives to bring about a positive transformation in the well-being of the modern woman.”

    Commenting on the launch of the new campaign, The Coca-Cola Company, India and South-West Asia operating unit senior director of marketing Ruchira Bhattacharya,= said, “Honest Tea is proud to launch the #FindYourGood campaign that celebrates those little moments of peace and calm in your daily rigmarole. The partnership with Twinkle Khanna resonates our purpose to support and encourage one’s personal idea of balance and wellness in this fast-paced world.”

    Sharing his views about the latest campaign, WPP Open X executive creative director Mukund Olety said, “Our latest campaign, #FindYourGood, throws light upon a very important thing that many of us often tend to forget, which is making time for little moments of peace and joy in our daily lives” Speaking about the collaboration with Twinkle Khanna, he said, “Teaming up with Twinkle Khanna for this campaign has been a truly joyful experience. As a proponent for the well-being of women, she naturally conveys the nuances we wish to communicate through this campaign.

    Honest Tea is currently available on e-commerce platforms in select cities- Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and Gurgaon, at the price point of Rs 60. For more details visit Honest Tea’s Instagram page – @honestteaindia. 

  • The One Club announces first-ever jury presidents for The One Show 2024

    The One Club announces first-ever jury presidents for The One Show 2024

    Mumbai: The One Club for Creativity has announced the first group of top global creative leaders who will serve as jury presidents for The One Show 2024.

    This represents the first time in its 51-year history that The One Show will have jury presidents. These top creatives from around the world will lead judging for each discipline, and have a vote on the work.

    Confirmed One Show 2024 jury presidents, by discipline, are as follows:

    1.    Brand-side/in-house: The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta – Global VP, design – Rapha Abreu
    2.    Branded Entertainment: Gale, Los Angeles – ECD, Brand – Geoff Edwards
    3.    Creative Effectiveness: GUT, Miami – Global Chief Growth Officer, Partner – Carmen Rodriguez
    4.    Creative Use of Data, Creative Use of Technology: VMLY&R, Atlanta – Chief Experience Design Officer – Kaleeta McDale
    5.    Cultural Driver: Starbucks, Seattle – VP, Creative – Jayanta Jenkins
    6.    Direct Marketing: DDB Worldwide, New York – Global CCO – Ari Weiss
    7.    Experiential & Immersive, Integrated: FCB Global, New York – Global Creative Partner – Danilo Boer
    8.    Film & Video: Translation, Culver City – CCO – Jason Campbell
    9.    Fusion Pencil: Ogilvy, São Paulo – CCO, Latam – Keka Morelle
    10.    Gaming: Riot Games, Los Angeles – Global Head of Marketing – Francine Li
    11.    Green Pencil: Garnier, Publicis Conseil, Paris – Worldwide ECD – Mikki Brunner
    12.    Health & Wellness, Pharma: HAVAS Health & You, São Paulo – CCO – Laura Florence
    13.    IP & Product Design: IDEO, Cambridge – ECD, Consumer Products & Retail – Heather Bosch
    14.    Moving Image Craft & Production: Film Director, Amsterdam – Nina Aaldering
    15.    Music & Sound Craft: Yessian Music and Sound Design, New York – Partner, CCO – Brian Yessian
    16.    Out of Home, Print & Promotional: DAVID, Madrid – Global CCO, Partner – Pancho Cassis
    17.    Public Relations: Edelman, London – CCO – Emma De La Fosse
    18.    Social Media: R/GA US, New York – CCO – Shannon (Haynes) Washington
    19.    Sustainable Development Goals Pencil: Deloitte, Sydney – Global Lead Partner, marketing & commerce – Nick Garrett

    The One Show 2024 Jury Presidents for Design, Interactive, Online & Mobile/Interactive & Mobile Craft, and Radio & Audio disciplines will be announced shortly.

    In addition, members of The One Club Board of Directors will for the first time be present during judging, serving as non-voting facilitators in jury discussions.

    “The One Show’s reputation is built on the integrity of its juries and judging process,” said The One Club CEO Kevin Swanepoel. “This year’s introduction of Jury Presidents, all the most senior-level global creative leaders, will help further this legacy of the fairest and most positive judging process.”

    Entries to The One Show 2024 can be submitted now, with fees increasing after each deadline period. Super-early entry deadline for the greatest savings is 3 November 2023. Early entry deadline is December 15, 2023, with the regular deadline 26 January 2024. The extended deadline is February 16, 2024, and final deadline 1 March 2024.

    The One Show 2024 juries will be announced in December, with early judging starting in January 2024. Finalists will be announced in April 2024, and Gold, Silver and Bronze Pencil and Merit winners will be unveiled during Creative Week in New York, 13-17 May 2024.

    Agencies, brands, production companies and individuals responsible for winning work are included in The One Show Creative Rankings, as well as The One Club’s Global Creative Rankings, which combine points for winning work in The One Show, ADC Annual Awards, Type Directors Club TDC awards, Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE) Awards, and One Asia Creative Awards. Winners are ranked globally, regionally and by country.

    The One Club for Creativity – home of The One Show, ADC Annual Awards, Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE), ONE Asia Awards, Type Directors Club and competition, TDC Ascenders, Young Guns, Young Ones Student Awards, Next Creative Leaders, ONE Screen Short Film Festival, and more – is the world’s foremost non-profit organization whose mission is to support and celebrate the global creative community. Revenue generated from entries to its global awards shows goes back into the industry to fund programming under the organization’s four pillars: Education, Inclusion & Diversity, Gender Equality, and Creative Development. 

  • WPP hits 2023 target in 2021; FY revenue stands at £12801 million

    WPP hits 2023 target in 2021; FY revenue stands at £12801 million

    Mumbai: London-headquartered global communications company WPP on Thursday announced its 2021 preliminary results with the full year and Q4 financial highlights. The full year continuing operations reported revenue at £12801 million (+6.7 per cent), against 12,003 in 2020. The company posted £1,494 million operating profit for the full year (£1261 million in 2020). Profit before tax stood at £1365 million, against £1,041 million last year.

    “It has been an outstanding year for WPP. Our top-line growth, driven by strong demand for our services in digital marketing, media, e-commerce and technology, has resulted in our fastest organic growth for over 20 years. As a result, we are two years ahead of our plan, hitting our 2023 revenue target in 2021,” said WPP CEO Mark Reed.

    “Cash generation continues to be very strong, underpinned by efficiencies achieved in our transformation programme, allowing us to make significant investments in our offer and reward our people for their huge contribution, while returning over £1 billion in cash to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks,” he added.

    The company is looking forward to 2022 with confidence, guiding to strong top-line growth, improving profitability and continued investment in people and services.

    Reed shared that the company has made substantial strategic progress, creating the world’s leading board-level communications firm through the merger of Finsbury Glover Hering and Sard Verbinnen, and acquiring capabilities in AI, commerce and technology services to leverage across all of WPP for future growth.

    “As clients seek to accelerate their growth and transform how they reach customers, the depth, breadth and global scale of our offer – which combines creativity with technology and data, through Choreograph, and the largest global media platform in GroupM – is proving its value for existing and new clients. The talent, dynamism and commitment of our people have also shone through. Our extensive partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, the expansion of our work with Google and the continuation of our longstanding relationship with Unilever demonstrate the value that three of the world’s leading marketing organisations place in WPP,” stated Reed.

  • India-made Thums Up becomes a billion-dollar brand

    India-made Thums Up becomes a billion-dollar brand

    Mumbai: Made-in-India soft drink brand Thums Up has become a billion-dollar brand in 2021, announced The Coca-Cola Company, which owns the brand.

    “Our local Thums Up brand became a $ one billion brand in India, driven by focussed marketing and execution plans,” said The Coca-Cola Company chairman and CEO James Quincey on Thursday evening during a post-earnings call.

    With this, the original fizzy drink to emerge from the country becomes the first home-grown Indian beverage brand to scale to billion-dollar sales, finding its place amongst the billion-dollar brands in the global beverages market.

    During the December quarter, the company’s sales grew by nearly 30 per cent in the country as “initiatives in India to build omnichannel presence and marketing campaigns around key occasions by leveraging festivals and passion points, through occasion-led marketing and integrated execution, drove a sequential increase in market share,” Quincey added.

    The locally-made fizzy drinks brand Thums Up was launched more than four decades back in 1977, after Coca-Cola had exited from the Indian market following the Indian government’s directive to reduce the ownership stake of its Indian operation. 

    The brand was then re-acquired by The Coca-Cola Company in 1993 when it re-entered the Indian market. Coca-Cola had then bought the entire portfolio of aerated drinks from Ramesh Chauhan of Parle Bisleri. which also included Gold Spot and Limca.

  • Coca-Cola appoints Ruchira Bhattacharya as director, marketing – emerging categories

    Coca-Cola appoints Ruchira Bhattacharya as director, marketing – emerging categories

    Mumbai: The Coca-Cola Company has recently appointed former Tata Consumer Products executive Ruchira Bhattacharya as its new marketing director for emerging categories. Bhattacharya confirmed the development in a LinkedIn post.

    Bhattacharya is an experienced marketer with over 13 years of experience in the consumer goods industry. She worked with Tata Consumer Products as director of innovation, packaged beverages for around two years. Prior to that, she was with Tata Global Beverages for nine years. Her past stints also include Hindustan Unilever, KPMG.

    “Ending a fantastic 11-year run with Tata Consumer Products. Privileged to have been part of the Tata culture working alongside wonderful colleagues, partners, and mentors. Loved being a part of some incredible brands, campaigns, and innovations. Grateful for it all. Excited to start my chapter with The Coca-Cola Company today. Looking forward to this new adventure,” she wrote.

  • The Coca-Cola Company names Aditi Anand as head of creative strategy

    The Coca-Cola Company names Aditi Anand as head of creative strategy

    Mumbai: The Coca-Cola Company has appointed Aditi Anand as the head of creative strategy for brand Coca-Cola for India and South-West Asia.

    Before joining Coca-Cola, Aditi was HMD Global’s head – brand, media, and digital marketing where she was at the helm of brand and media strategy for Nokia mobiles in India.

    Aditi brings with her 14 years of industry experience in large-scale global and Indian brands like Flipkart, Bharti Airtel, and Micromax Informatics. She has led teams across multiple marketing sub-functions like brand strategy & media, digital content & experiences, consumer insights, retail, eCommerce, and marketing analytics.

    “Excited to start a new inning with The Coca-Cola Company as Head of Creative Strategy on Brand Coke for India & Southwest Asia,” Aditi wrote in a LinkedIn post.

  • WPP’s Brand Union promotes Toby Southgate to worldwide CEO

    WPP’s Brand Union promotes Toby Southgate to worldwide CEO

    MUMBAI: WPP’s global brand strategy and design agency Brand Union has promoted Toby Southgate to worldwide CEO, effective 1 July.

     

    Southgate will manage the growth of the global network while to continuing his responsibilities in the Americas. He will remain based in New York and will report to Brand Union and FITCH group CEO Simon Bolton.

     

    “Toby is a true professional in our industry and a trusted adviser to senior clients all around our network. He has a unique thought process and leadership style that enables him to have compelling conversations with clients, prospects and talent alike. I have no doubt Toby has what it takes to step into this role on a worldwide stage and take Brand Union to the next level,” said Bolton.

     

    In this new role, Southgate will be responsible for leading the growth of Brand Union across each of its 24 markets. He will manage all of Brand Union’s international teams and lead collaboration with other WPP agencies, delivering on the group’s ‘horizontality’ strategy.

     

    “I love this business and I’m proud to be leading Brand Union beyond the traditional definition of branding. I’m delighted Simon has given me the chance to lead the network. Brand Union is all about creating brilliantly designed and beautifully connected experiences for our clients and their brands. There is much more to come,” said Southgate.

     

    Southgate brings extensive Brand Union experience to this role, having joined the agency in 2008. He has held a number of roles including Brand Union Middle East managing director, Brand Union UK CEO and most recently, CEO Americas. In his latest role, he helped grow the agency’s footprint leading the acquisition of Epigram, a Brazilian brand and communications agency, in 2014.

     

    He has been a key player in the agency’s business development over the last seven years, bringing in major clients like The Coca-Cola Company, Vodafone, Shazam, GlaxoSmithKline and CBRE.

     

    CBRE global chief marketing officer Paul Suchman said, “Toby’s partnership and dedication to our business has been nothing short of outstanding. Under his leadership, Brand Union has helped us find a powerful global voice and significantly strengthen our brand equity in every market we serve.”

  • Snapdeal appoints Idi Srinivas Murthy as SVP marketing

    Snapdeal appoints Idi Srinivas Murthy as SVP marketing

    MUMBAI: Snapdeal has appointed Idi Srinivas Murthy as senior vice president – marketing. 

     

    Murthy joins Snapdeal after marketing stints in companies like The Coca-Cola Company and GlaxoSmithKline.

     

    Sandeep Komaravelly, who spearheaded Snapdeal’s marketing function for five years, has moved to another strategic leadership role within the company.

     

    Murthy said, “I am extremely excited to be a part of the young, energetic and dynamic team at Snapdeal. The company is creating the largest digital commerce ecosystem in the country and I believe that this is where New Age Marketing will be invented. I look forward to being a part of building an iconic brand in India for India and making Snapdeal’s vision of creating life changing experiences for buyers and sellers a reality.”

     

    His last role was at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), where as regional director, marketing – Africa based out of Johannesburg. He spearheaded GSK’s portfolio expansion, innovation, and consumer and medical marketing across 44 countries. Murthy’s work has also been recognised with multiple industry awards. In 2009, he featured in Brand Equity’s Indian Marketers League which covered the country’s brightest marketers. 

     

    At The Coca-Cola Company, he worked across different roles in marketing and operations. There, in his last role as marketing director India + South West Asia BU, he was responsible for leading Sprite to the number one beverage brand in the country. 

     

    “We are very excited to have Srinivas join the Snapdeal family. He comes with rich experience in leadership roles across various markets and I am sure his vast knowledge will add tremendous value and further fuel the Snapdeal growth story,” said Snapdeal co-founder and CEO Kunal Bahl.