Campaign India Agency Report Card 2011: Interface Communications

Ownership: IPG

Key Personnel: Joe Thaliath, COO, Robby Mathew, NCD, Shireen Cama,SVP, Shaiilesh Gupte, VP

Account won: Oreo, Nivea, XUV 500, Verito, Murugappa Group, Sulekha.com, Maverik Systems

Account lost: UltraTech

In terms of the body of work, the jury feels that the agency has been doing consistently good campaigns for Mahindra but it was pointed out, ‘maintenance is no virtue’. Moreover, a client like Mahindra doesn’t really come across as an aggressive advertiser, feels the jury. The agency, however, managed to add new accounts like Oreo, Murugappa Group, Sulekha.com as well as Mahindra’s XUV 500, though they lost Ultratech Cement. No key people movement is a plus point for the agency. However, the jury felt that the agency has to emerge with visible work in order to make a major impact.
How Campaign India rates the agency: 5

How Interface Communications rates itself: 9
Interface has had a spectacular year, with new account wins and launches across categories. The year started with the much awaited launch of Oreo. We launched the brand in India amidst much fanfare, with a highly impactful 360 degree campaign followed by the launch of Verito, the new Mahindra sedan. This year also saw Interface clinch the responsibilities for the global brand, Nivea. The launch of Genio, India’s first UV targeting the SME buyer was another first for the agency. There was no dearth of great news from the agency. And this time it was a change of address. Interface moved into a brand-new office at the swanky High Street Phoenix. With the new office came an intensified focus on building analytics and digital as the next thrust areas. In fact Interface is probably the only agency that offers integrated digital solutions, from focused digital strategy and execution to implementation. That too across rich media, social media, CRM, database, lead generation and ROI drove digital solutions. Interface is also one of the few agencies in the country with a large account planning team. This gives the agency a significant edge when it comes to creating insightful communication, and has already contributed significantly to making Interface one of the top 15 agencies in India.

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