Tag: Media Mandate

Hong Kong – Hearts & Science, an Omnicom Media Group agency, has secured the media business for AS Watson in Hong Kong following a competitive pitch, MARKETECH APAC learnt.

Effective 1 March 2025, Hearts & Science assumed responsibility for all media duties, covering both online and offline channels.

The pitch, reportedly held in the second half of 2024, saw participation from multiple agencies, including incumbent dentsu.

This appointment comes on the heels of the agency’s recent win with Warner Bros. Discovery, where it was named the media agency of record for WBD’s Theatrical and Streaming divisions across multiple Asia Pacific markets.

Earlier this year, OMG also appointed Rochelle Chhaya as APAC CEO of Hearts & Science, leading its regional expansion, including launches in Malaysia and Taiwan in Q1 2025.

India – PHD India, part of the Omnicom Media Group, has been named the agency on record for Bondbazaar, a financial platform specialising in fixed-income investments.

After a multi-agency pitch, PHD India has been tasked with handling Bondbazaar’s media strategy, planning, and buying, with services managed from its Mumbai office.

Through this partnership, Bondbazaar and PHD India will use data, technology, and media strategies to enhance the brand’s market presence and support its growth in the investment sector.

Speaking of the win, Monaz Todywalla, CEO of PHD India, shared, “We are excited to partner with Bondbazaar and look forward to driving strong marketing and business outcomes for the brand backed by our legacy of intelligent strategy and planning. We believe in an agile and mutual partnership—one where we will work collaboratively to accelerate Bondbazaar’s growth in the market. PHD India’s extensive background working with BFSI and financial clients ensures that we are well-equipped to meet their unique needs and goals and strategically position the brand for success.”

As interest in financial security grows, Bondbazaar aims to simplify bond investing through technology, transparency, and a user-focused approach. The platform seeks to make bond investments more accessible by offering tools to help investors navigate the market and manage their financial goals.

Akshay Aggarwal, chief marketing officer of Bondbazaar, said, “We congratulate PHD India for their vision to drive us forward in today’s highly competitive landscape. India’s bond market is growing exponentially, and amidst this evolution, we recognise the importance of building meaningful connections with our consumers.” 

“With PHD India’s proven track record in delivering innovative media solutions and a holistic understanding of the Indian market, we are confident about achieving our growth objectives, positioning ourselves to capitalise on India’s evolving financial landscape, and serving our customers better,” Aggarwal added. 

India – Piramal Pharma has appointed OMD India, part of Omnicom Media Group, to manage its integrated media mandate following a competitive multi-round pitch. OMD India will drive brand growth through sharp, creative, and forward-leaning communication strategies.

In this appointment, OMD India will oversee strategic marketing and media efforts for Piramal Pharma’s OTC brands, including Lacto Calamine, Little’s, Tetmosol, Polycrol, and women’s intimate health products such as i-pill and i-activ. The account will be managed from OMD India’s Mumbai office.

OMD will also develop and implement a media strategy aimed at expanding Piramal Pharma’s market presence, increasing brand visibility, driving consumer engagement, and supporting business growth.

Anisha Iyer, CEO of OMD India, shared, “We are excited to embark on this partnership with Piramal Consumer Healthcare, a company that mirrors our commitment to innovation and excellence.”

“This collaboration presents a significant opportunity to leverage our strategic acumen and deep market intelligence to elevate Piramal’s impressive portfolio of brands to new heights. Together, we aim to craft media strategies that go beyond visibility—building lasting trust and loyalty with consumers across India and shaping a future of sustained growth and impact,” Iyer continued.

India – After a rigorous multi-agency pitch, OMD India has secured the integrated media mandate for HDFC Life, an India-based life insurance solutions provider.

HDFC Life, with nearly 25 years of innovative products and services, offers 80 solutions across protection, pension, savings, investment, annuity, and health to meet diverse consumer needs. Partnering with OMD India, the brand aims to enhance its customer-centric approach, expand its reach, and drive business growth.

OMD India will oversee HDFC Life’s consolidated media strategy across offline and online channels. Leveraging its strategic expertise and Omnicom’s data and tech orchestration platform, Omni, the agency aims to help the brand deepen audience connections, stand out in India’s competitive insurance market, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

Anisha Iyer, CEO of OMD India, said, “We’re excited to partner with HDFC Life and look forward to creating an inspiring journey of driving strong marketing and business outcomes for the brand. Our partnership is designed to deliver real business impact underpinned by OMD India’s strong and future-facing capabilities. We’re excited for what the future holds.”

Vishal Subharwal – group head strategy & CMO at HDFC Life commented, “We are happy to welcome OMD aboard. HDFC Life and OMD have common values that focus on innovation and customer-centricity. OMD’s capabilities, tools and culture are in sync with our expectations and we are confident that this partnership will add value to our brand story with exceptional experiences and strategies to further build on the promise of our proposition.”

Shanghai, China – Global food and beverage giant Nestlé has named Publicis Media China as its new media agency, tasking them with managing the company’s comprehensive media portfolio across China.

Under this appointment, Publicis Media China will oversee Nestlé’s media requirements, including planning and buying for social, mobile, and performance media in China. The agency’s responsibilities will span Nestlé’s entire product portfolio in China, covering categories such as confectionery, milk powder, coffee, snacks, beverages, and more.

Nestlé awarded its media account to Publicis Media China following a competitive pitch that highlighted the agency’s data and technology-driven capabilities. Publicis Media China impressed with a strategy demonstrating a deep understanding of Nestlé’s business in China, presenting innovative solutions aimed at broadening and deepening consumer reach and driving significant business results.

Publicis Communications has been partnering with Nestlé in China for 14 years, delivering creative services and customer relationship management (CRM). With the addition of media and eCommerce services through this recent appointment, Publicis Communications is poised to offer a more cohesive and integrated approach, enhancing its ability to support Nestlé’s strategic objectives in China.

To bolster these efforts, Nestlé One, an exclusive team dedicated to Nestlé China, has been established. This initiative aims to foster greater synergy and alignment across creative, media, and CRM functions, driving forward Nestlé’s business goals. Plans are slated to commence in August 2024, with pivotal strategies and campaigns set for launch in the months ahead.

David Zhang, executive vice president of Nestlé S.A. and CEO Zone Greater China, said, “Nestlé is always seeking new ways to connect with our consumers in the digital age. Publicis Groupe has shown that they are at the forefront of innovative digital strategies with their strong data capabilities and unique tools. We believe this continued partnership will allow us to create more meaningful connections with our customers, and we are excited to see where this partnership will lead us.” 

Meanwhile, Jane Lin-Baden, Asia Pacific chief executive officer of Publicis Groupe, commented, “We are honoured to be chosen as Nestlé’s trusted strategic partner. Nestlé places consumers at the centre of its brand strategy. It has shown foresight in its innovative marketing approach driven by digital and data, which is where Publicis’ expertise lies. We look forward to partnering with Nestlé to increase its effective investment in intelligent solutions to respond rapidly to Chinese consumers’ needs and supercharge Nestlé’s sustainable growth.” 

Nestlé, a global leader in food and beverage, is dedicated to using food to improve the quality of life for all, present and future. It focuses on a unified marketing strategy that integrates e-commerce and digital transformation, ensuring comprehensive brand exposure across multiple channels.

India – Muthoot FinCorp, a non-banking financial services company (NBFC) in India, has appointed Havas Media Network India to manage its comprehensive integrated media mandate.

Havas Media’s Bengaluru operations, which have been witnessing significant expansion over the years, will oversee the brand’s media responsibilities across OOH, digital platforms, television, print, and on-ground activations.

This partnership aims to deeply resonate with diverse audiences nationwide, driven by a shared commitment to financial inclusion. Leveraging Havas Media Network India’s strategic insights and creative strengths, Muthoot FinCorp seeks to enhance its brand presence and fulfil its promise of transforming lives through targeted campaigns.

As part of this partnership, Muthoot FinCorp’s new ‘Book My Gold Loan’ campaign, starring Shah Rukh Khan, was developed by Havas Media India and Havas Worldwide India. It introduces an innovative service allowing customers to instantly book a ‘Gold Loan’ with a missed call, leveraging Muthoot FinCorp’s branch network for seamless access from home. This multilingual, multi-platform campaign ensures broad audience appeal, transcending language and platform barriers.

Shaji Varghese, CEO of Muthoot FinCorp Limited, said, “We have partnered with Havas Media Network India due to their strategic expertise and understanding of our vision to revolutionise financial accessibility for all. Our collaboration is expected to propel our commitment to innovate and enhance customer experiences while reinforcing our position as one of the leading players in India’s financial services sector.”

Commenting on the win, Mohit Joshi, CEO, Havas Media Network India, also shared, “Havas Media Network India’s South operations have been consistently expanding, establishing it as a vibrant hub for partnering with leading brands, and we are now delighted to join hands with Muthoot FinCorp, a prominent brand across India. We understand the critical role of the financial services sector in driving economic resilience and empowerment. Additionally, Muthoot Fincorp’s commitment to integrity and customer-centricity aligns seamlessly with our values, which are built on the philosophy of meaningful solutions in everything we do. Together, we strive to shape a future where financial empowerment and innovation go hand in hand.”

In addition to the ‘Book My Gold Loan’ service, Muthoot FinCorp is also intensifying its focus on other significant offerings, aiming to strengthen its diversified bouquet of products in the financial services sector.

Singapore – Arena Media Singapore has been reappointed as the media agency of record for AIA Singapore following a competitive pitch. As media agency of record, Arena Media Singapore will lead AIA’s media planning and buying across traditional and digital channels.

The appointment is effective immediately as of this writing.

Arena Media Singapore’s reappointment by AIA Singapore reaffirms the insurer’s confidence in their ability to drive innovative, digital-first media solutions. Together, they have embarked on notable campaigns like the launch of AIA Health360, a comprehensive suite of solutions that covers the full gamut of wellness.

These includes addressing their financial, physical and mental wellness needs to empower Singaporeans in proactively managing their health and wellness needs, aligning with AIA Singapore’s brand promise to help people live ‘Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.’

Deanson Lee, head of digital at Havas Media Network, expressed his enthusiasm about the continued partnership, saying, “We are honoured to further our journey with AIA Singapore and continue driving innovation and excellence together. Leveraging our wealth of insights and digital acumen, we are committed to supporting AIA in making a positive impact and advancing holistic wellness. We eagerly anticipate the future and look forward to achieving more meaningful results together.”

Meanwhile, Allison Chew, head of PR, brand and marketing at AIA Singapore, underscores the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Arena Media has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication and keen expertise in navigating the media and digital landscape. Their adeptness in shaping strategies that foster meaningful connections with our audience has been instrumental in delivering enriching experiences to our customers and community, who are at the heart of AIA Singapore’s business.”

New Delhi, India – Advertising agency Cheil India has recently announced its latest significant business win with Indian fashion-led hypermarket Vishal Mega Mart with a mandate to focus on integrated advertising and marketing solutions.

This expansive partnership comes at a pivotal juncture where the agency is poised to grow its roster of clients through its assortment of creative, media, data, activation, and retail capabilities.

Talking about the partnership, Hanish Batra, head of marketing, Vishal Mega Mart, said, “We look forward to our association with Cheil India and a great partnership in our ambition of making aspirations affordable for our customers.”

Meanwhile, Neeraj Bassi, chief growth officer, Cheil India, commented, “Vishal Mega Mart is a retail powerhouse enabling consumers to experience high end fashion across India. We are elated to partner with them in their quest to make fashion accessible to masses.”

“We are eager to create a benchmark creating work that sets a new standard for the fashion retail industry. This partnership will mark our foray into managing retail clients, which is a dynamic category in itself,” he added. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Advertising Agency OMD Malaysia has been appointed by telecommunications company CelcomDigi to handle media duties for three years following a pitch called in August.

OMD Malaysia’s appointment follows their futuristic pitch which impressed CelcomDigi and aligned with the telco’s strategic priorities. Additionally, the agency imprinted themselves on the client by highlighting the power of Omnicom Media Group’s agile and bespoke service model and the use of Omni, a proprietary people-based precision marketing and insights platform.

Prior to this win, OMD worked with CelcomDigi to execute a brand launch campaign in October that is running for a quarter. The telco was formed last December following a merger between Celcom and Digi and recently unveiled its new brand spirit “Create a world inspired by you” along with a new logo.

Through this, OMD wanted to show how the union signified more possibilities and opportunities that could reimagine a new era for the country. The team also understood the need to communicate that CelcomDigi’s combined strength helps consumers reimagine their life and gives them power to do more.

Using this insight, CelcomDigi leveraged OMD’s innovative thinking to execute market-first initiatives on TV, radio, and social media. These included brand integrations within Malaysian news programmes and shows, and branded likes and hashtags on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Speaking on the appointment, Mayank Bhatnagar, managing director at OMD Malaysia, said, “We are chuffed to have secured the trust of CelcomDigi with our innovative media planning approach. This was one of the key pitches in Malaysia, and it was satisfying to see our team develop great chemistry with CelcomDigi over the past few months. With our knowledge and expertise in the field, we are confident that we can help CelcomDigi establish themselves as the nation’s trusted partner in innovation and digitalisation.”

Meanwhile, Eileen Ooi, chief executive officer, Omnicom Media Group Malaysia, commented, “It has been an absolute honour and an exciting journey to work with the CelcomDigi team to kick-off the brand launch campaign. We are absolutely thrilled about this new partnership, and look forward to continue creating innovations that inspire Malaysians every day.”

Sydney, Australia – Australian value furniture and bedding retailer Fantastic Furniture has appointed Initiative as its media agency of record.

Through this appointment,  Initiative is tasked with all of Fantastic Furniture’s national and local broadcast media planning & buying, print, outdoor, radio, press, magazines, cinema, and BVOD. 

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Incubeta, Fantastic Furniture’s Digital agency was not part of the review.

Initiative’s immediate remit will begin on October 1, wherein it will undertake an in-depth analysis of the business to understand its brand identity, target audience and long-term business objectives, to ensure that all media efforts are aligned with the company’s ambition and vision.

Commenting on the partnership, Jo McAlister, managing director of Initiative Sydney, said, “We are confident our strategic approach and quest to hone our craft to create brave, but sustainable campaigns will deliver exceptional results for Fantastic, and will ultimately enhance its brand presence, drive customer engagement and boost sales.”

“Initiative works with clients who have similar cultures and ambitions. We are fearless in our approach to deliver best in class outcomes; we always put our people, clients and partners front and centre in everything we do. It was clear from the start that Fantastic shares the same philosophies, so there is no doubt we will make an undeniably formidable client/agency partnership,” she added. 

Meanwhile, Laurie Lai, chief marketing officer of Fantastic Furniture, commented,  “We are excited to work with a team who is uncompromising in its ambition to provide unbeatable value, smart thinking and pride in their craft, creating the highest quality client outcome possible.

“Initiative presented an excellent understanding of different ways to approach screens and demonstrated they have the right tools to deliver. Their team challenged our thinking from the start, developing a strategy which will ensure we get the best results from our media investment. We look forward to building a strong relationship with Initiative and feel confident our new partnership will deliver continued growth for Fantastic Furniture,” she concluded.