Tag: India

Mumbai, India – Media network Omnicom Media Group (OMG) in India has appointed Anand Chakravarthy, former managing director at Essence, to be its new chief growth officer. 

In his new role, Chakravarthy is set to use his strategic foresight and over two decades of industry experience to create new opportunities for growth and play an instrumental role in shaping OMG India’s future trajectory. He will be reporting directly to Kartik Sharma, group CEO of OMG India. 

Chakravarthy has over 24 years of experience in the media and advertising industry and has worked with many reputable businesses, all of which witnessed exponential growth under his guidance. He has also led many profitable businesses, including during his leadership stints at Essence Global, Wavemaker, and Reliance Broadcast Network. Chakravarthy’s strength lies in his ability to formulate crucial strategies that help businesses scale up and become sustainable in an extremely competitive market.

Commenting on his appointment, Chakravarthy said that he is thrilled to be a part of OMG India, as the network is recognised globally for its thought leadership and building future forward capabilities – a critical need in the industry today. 

“Working in this ecosystem with this team and leveraging these capabilities to help brands evolve without any limitations is a fantastic opportunity. I look forward to fully committing to OMG’s vision and pushing the boundaries of innovation & growth,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sharma said, “I am delighted to welcome Anand on board. His extensive knowledge, values-based leadership style and commitment to delivering results will undoubtedly be a great asset to our business going forward. His work speaks for itself and shows that he has the propensity to lead and help companies capitalize on new growth opportunities in an emerging market.”

India – Dentsu Creative India has appointed Sudhir Das as its newest executive creative director. In his new role, Das will oversee and strengthen the creative capabilities of the agency’s Bengaluru office, further leveraging the power of modern creativity across brands.

Dentsu Creative aims to transform brands and businesses through the lens of modern creativity, which delivers ideas that create culture, change society and invent the future.

Prior to this role , he was with Leo Burnett as associate executive creative director (AECD). In his previous roles, he has worked with brands like Coca-Cola, Nestle, Apple and Airtel, to name a few. In addition, he has also had an interest in technology and how it can be used to spark new and intriguing conversations.

He will report to Arjuna Gaur, chief creative officer at Dentsu Webchutney and dentsuMB.

The appointment comes after Dentsu Creative India recently took the world by storm when it was declared the ‘Agency of The Year’ at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity 2022 – a first-ever for India. This was for the campaign ‘The Unfiltered History Tour’ for media company VICE.

Speaking on his appointment, Das said, “The Cannes jury has confirmed what we knew all along – this is the best agency to be in. I am super excited to be joining this bunch of incredibly talented and hard-working people and aim to continue their awe-inspiring trajectory of success.”

Meanwhile, Gaur commented, “Sudhir Das is an experienced creative leader with some of the world’s biggest brands in his portfolio. He is as comfortable with mainline advertising as he is with new age forms and is an engineer to boot. A brilliant well-rounded creative, Sudhir will be an invaluable addition to the team.”

In a recent interview by MARKETECH APAC with Dentsu Creative, CEO Amit Wadhwa described said campaign for VICE as “very bold” and “possibly uncomfortable” idea, which was expected to ruffle a few feathers.

“Our aim is to spark a movement against the storage of artefacts from other countries in the British Museum, and that these should eventually be returned to the countries to which they belong,” Wadhwa said.

India – Casual apparel brand The Souled Store has released new films to promote its ‘Supima’ clothing line, featuring digital personalities Shayan Roy and Govind Menon.

The films, produced by Kulfi Collective’s branded content arm Supari Studios, The Souled Store aims to overturn the narrative that “basic” reflects a ‘no efforts put in’ sentiment by revamping the term into a positive state of mind while also instilling a sense of belonging, freedom and comfort.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bjI12fNhp28

In addition, the films showcase the three prime features of the Supima collection in a way that attracts the Gen Z and Millennial audiences.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/99OW04S1ERU

Talking about the project, Victor Daruwala, creative director at Supari Studios, said “Most ads have the creative liberty of time duration when it comes to delivering their message. We, on the other hand, had a hard stop of 15 seconds to say what we had to say. This made it challenging as well as interesting for our creative team to take a crack at, and the result was nothing short of genius. We managed to say what we had to by saying less, focussing on key product attributes, and using humour alongside a quick snappy edit to deliver the message.” 

Meanwhile, Sujoy Dutta, SVP for Marketing at The Souled Stored, commented, “We had a great time partnering with Supari Studios on our campaign for Souled Store’s Supima t-shirts. They showed the functional benefits of the range in a way that was engaging and showcased Souled Store’s warm, endearing personality. We didn’t have to choose between creativity and business objectives, which we loved.”

Mumbai, India – India’s sexual e-superstore under TTK Healthcare Ltd., Love Depot, has launched a new digital campaign ‘#ThePleasureIsAllYours’, in an aim to normalise pleasure of all kinds for everyone – regardless of age, gender, and orientation, amongst others.

The campaign, which was developed in collaboration with creative agency The Glitch, seeks to encourage candid conversations around pleasure and what it means for love, partnership, and lust. Conscious efforts were made to ensure that there was a clear distinction between cool and crass. Ultimately a full-fledged campaign was created, that took steps towards not only normalising pleasure but also making it look cool, appealing not to a particular age group, but to a cohort willing to have conversations around sexual wellness out in the open.

Moreover, the campaign highlights the various ways in which people seek or engage with pleasure, showcasing choices, habits, and more, eventually stating that no matter what gets one kindled, Love Depot holds the potential to bring one’s fantasies to life. The brand promotes pleasure with no strings attached, helping people acknowledge it so that one day they may embrace it.

The film is also part of the wider campaign which includes a KOL awareness campaign, health and sexual wellness articles across lifestyle publications, and prominent blogs, as well as a full social activation including story content, reels, and a media plan.

Yudhajit Mukherjee, creative director at The Glitch, shared that they have long believed that tapping into culture is the key to connecting with their audience and with Love Depot, they’re able to show a part of a regular Indian’s life that either gets skipped or gets judged. 

“The campaign acknowledges that pleasure is different for different people and that all kinds of pleasure are normal, and we’re proud to work with a partner like Love Depot who shares our inclusive, purpose-powered values,” said Mukherjee.

Meanwhile, Arjun Siva, digital marketing head of TTK Healthcare Ltd & Love Depot, said, “Love Depot is fearless when it comes to breaking traditional boundaries. The Glitch has truly understood the Love Depot ethos, in making pleasure accessible to everyone, and I look forward to paving the way for open dialogue, which will ultimately lead to education, acceptance and of course safety.”

India – Advertising agency DDB Mudra Group has appointed Manish Darji as its new head of art for West. This appointment reinforces the agency’s commitment to craft at a time when visual storytelling is constantly evolving.

In his new role, Darji will be leading the design mandate for the agency’s west office and will be reporting to Pallavi Chakravarti, DDB Mudra’s creative head for West. He will also be exploring applications of craft in newer categories like digital, data, entertainment, and content. 

With a career spanning two decades, Darji has worked on some of India’s leading brands like Coca-Cola, NDTV, Big Bazaar, Volkswagen, and Marico, as well as Viacom 18, and Mondelez. He has also served as executive creative director and associate creative director at DDB Mudra in the year 2014 and 2010 respectively. Moreover, Darji has worked at BBH, McCann Erickson, Ogilvy, and Rediffusion Y&R, as well as Bates 141.

DDB Mudra said that its Unexpected Works philosophy lays a strong emphasis on creating clutter-breaking work that drives results, and craft plays a crucial role in this advanced approach. 

Speaking on his appointment, Darji said, “Bill Bernbach was the first to put Art and Copy on the same floor, back in the 60s, and that’s been the model for all agencies ever since. With it comes the opportunity to let craft shine as we pursue our promise of Unexpected Works. I am truly excited to be on this ride.”

Meanwhile, Chakravarti noted, “It is impossible to look at a piece Manish has worked on and not be wowed. His passion for craft and grasp of distinctive visual languages are skills sorely needed in this day and age. We’re delighted to have him on board to further the creative vision for DDB Mudra West.”

India – Independent creative company Wieden+Kennedy (W+K) has appointed Ayesha Ghosh, former CEO at Taproot Dentsu, to be its new managing director for India. She, who will be based in Mumbai, will partner with Santosh Padhi, CCO of Wieden+Kennedy India.

In her new role, Ghosh will be joining Padhi in building out an expanded leadership, talent, and client roster for W+K to create transformative work for local and global brands.

Aside from her previous role Taproot Dentsu, Ghosh was part of the leadership team for Contract Advertising for over a decade, helping build and grow the agency’s presence. Prior to Contract Advertising, she has also held permanent positions in a number of industry shops including Grey Worldwide, Trikaya Grey, and PSL McCann Erickson.

The company said that the current W+K Delhi’s managing director, Gau Narayanan, will be leaving India and W+K to return home to the United Kingdom. Narayanan will be staying on in his current role to help with the transition through August. 

Commenting on her new appointment, Ghosh said, “It’s astonishing how W+K consistently produces off-the-charts work, across the world. I hope to absorb some of that genius and with the help of a talented team in India and an ace like Paddy, create some genius of our own. With scattered attention, infinite distractions, only work that is honest and primal, will win for brands. And that’s what we mean to do.”

Meanwhile, Padhi commented that he is glad Ghosh is joining them to be part of this wonderful journey, as she is absolutely blunt and honest when it comes to work, which is extremely important these days for their business. 

“Clients too prefer to have conversations that cut to the chase. Ayesha and I have worked closely together for a good number of years at Taproot, we understand and complement each other. An organization is known by the kind of people that work for it and both of us will be focusing on putting together a crazy, talented bunch of people, across departments. And we believe that magic will follow,” he said.

Neal Arthur, global CEO at Wieden+Kennedy, said, “Ayesha’s first day is a great day for W+K. W+K India has big things ahead. Their collective creative ambition, optimism and connection to both local and global culture will no doubt usher in the next wave of transformation for the brands they work with. We are excited and grateful to have Ayesha with us.”

Mumbai, India – Madison Digital, the digital unit of Madison World, has welcomed back Shobhit Gaur, most recently the digital head at PHD India, to be its new vice president. He will be reporting to Vishal Chinchankar, CEO of Madison Digital and Madison Media Alpha.

Gaur has more than 14 years of experience in various facets of the digital world including ROI, business development, data science, integrated, online, mobile and performance marketing, and social media, as well as brand planning, and digital strategy and analytics. Aside from his previous stint at PHD India, Gaur has also worked at MEC, Interactive Avenues, Starcom – Mediavest Group and Omnicom.

Commenting on re-joining Madison Digital, Gaur said, “I am excited to be returning to Madison Digital and look forward to contributing to the organisation in my new role and responsibilities. Madison Digital offers me exciting challenges and opportunities as I look forward to unlocking our clients’ growth with data, technology, and talent.” 

Meanwhile, Chinchankar also commented, “We’re glad to have Shobhit back on board. Having worked with various categories, he brings a wealth of experience to Madison. I am confident that we will be able to take our work to the next level with new business and continue to delight existing clients.”

Just recently, Madison PR, the communications arm of Madison World, appointed Abhinav Krishna Srivastava, former COO at SPAG Asia and DYellowElephant, to be its new CEO. He is an expert in internal and external communications covering public relations, public affairs/advocacy, digital, advertising and integrated marketing campaigns.

Mumbai, India – BBH India has appointed George Sebastian, former senior creative director at DDB Mudra, as its newest executive creative director. He will report to BBH India’s Chief Creative Officer & CEO Russell Barrett and lead a talented team of copy, art and design professionals.

He brings into the agency around 14 years of experience and has helped brands like Gillette, Tanishq, Glance, Dell, McDowell’s No 1, Britannia, TTK Prestige, 3M and TicTac unlock their purpose and ambition. Prior to joining DDB Mudra, he also worked with Enormous Brands and Grey Group.

Speaking on his appointment, he said, “There are a few things at the core of this celebrated agency, and network at large, that strongly resonate with me. Whether it is an unabashed love for ideas, a robust culture of expression and debate, or the wonderful team of Good and Nice folks one gets to learn from. BBH is bubbling with opportunity, and I’m looking forward to working closely with Russell and all black sheep to explode its massive potential.”

Meanwhile, Barrett commented, “George is an exceptionally talented creative individual who is also incredibly versatile. He’s as comfortable working on a 30-second commercial as he is on an AR idea. He’s as gifted at his craft when he’s writing in Hindi as in English. He’s a mature creative leader who is as driven as the hungriest first jobber. We’ve got the ‘all-inclusive-package’ with George and I’m certain he’s going to produce extremely famous, relevant and modern work for BBH India.”

India – Automotive brand Volkswagen in India has launched a new campaign for its newly launched sedan, ‘Virtus’, which aims to reignite the premium midsize sedan with its ‘Big by’ design, performance, safety, connectivity, convenience and comfort. 

Titled ‘Hello Goosebumps’, the film, which was conceptualised by advertising agency DDB Mudra Group, highlights the thrill and joy of driving the new Volkswagen Virtus. It also captures the core DNA of the brand of build quality, safety, and fun-to-drive experience.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen’s media agency, PHD India, has further elevated the launch campaign via its 360-degree incisive approach, covering all vital media channels, and crafting an effective marketing strategy. The agency was also tasked with building enthusiasm and maximising outreach amongst its target audience to amplify the launch experience of Volkswagen Virtus. 

The campaign kick-started on a high note with the ‘French Window Innovation’ in India’s top-read newspaper, The Times of India. Garnering scores of impressions across the country, this large-canvas innovation delivered high-visibility engagement that today’s audiences desire and was augmented by high-impact roadblocks on leading business and news digital publications to maximise reach and frequency. 

Moreover, the campaign was further strengthened with an influencer marketing strategy featuring India’s mega influencers like Tamanaah Bhatia, Yami Gautam, and Mrunal Thakur, amongst others, perfectly encapsulating the essence of Virtus’ tagline – ‘Hello Goosebumps!’ through their own personal and professional journeys.

Abbey Thomas, head of marketing and PR at Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, shared that with the launch of the new Volkswagen Virtus, their intention was to showcase the potential of the premium midsize sedan segment. 

“Our communication positioning for the Virtus ‘Hello Goosebumps’ has been rightly captured by our partner DDB Mudra Group and amplified by PHD media in reaching out to our intended consumers. The combined efforts have elevated the excitement and thrill of driving sedans paving the way for an introduction truly befitting of the Virtus,” said Thomas. 

Meanwhile, Pallavi Chakravarti, DDB Mudra’s creative head for West, commented, “This sedan looks like a dream and drives like one too. ‘Hello Goosebumps’ captures the essence of the Volkswagen Virtus in a simple, visceral campaign that every passionate driver will undoubtedly relate to.”

Monaz Todywalla, CEO at PHD Media India, noted that the partnership with Volkswagen gave them the opportunity to steer another big launch campaign to its true potential while staying true to PHD’s tradition of helping its clients make significant leaps in the marketing space. 

“Utilising key strategies across all touchpoints to maximise reach, an outcome like this always gives us the impetus to continue building impactful experiences for brands like Volkswagen and elevate their marketing strategies to be a cut above the rest,” said Todywalla.

Mumbai, India – Madison PR, the communications arm of Madison World, has appointed Abhinav Krishna Srivastava, former COO at SPAG Asia and DYellowElephant, to be its new CEO. He will be based in the agency’s Mumbai office. 

With more than 21 years of experience, Srivastava is an expert in every aspect of internal and external communications covering public relations, public affairs/advocacy, digital, advertising and integrated marketing campaigns. He also comes with enriched experience of stakeholder engagement, CSR, financial and investor relations, crisis management, and media training. 

Moreover, Srivastava has led integrated marketing and communications strategies across sectors like consumer, lifestyle, food, pharma and healthcare, technology, and telecom, as well as energy, and infrastructure, amongst others. Having worked with some of the world’s most respected brands, he has experience with multiple consumer market mechanisms and managing complex corporate reputation programs for businesses.

Commenting on his new role, Srivastava said that he is beyond excited to join Madison Public Relations and be a part of such a respected, mission-driven team of India’s leading homegrown agency group. 

“I look forward to developing our business by building on established clients and finding new opportunities for growth. As the communications domain has got revamped in the past 2 years, I believe Madison’s might and my multi-sectoral experience will help us expand our growth horizon and get into the big league,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sam Balsara, chairman at Madison World, said, “I am delighted to have Abhinav lead our very capable and experienced Madison PR team as CEO. Am sure he will take Madison PR to new heights and will add a lot of value to our client’s business.”