Publicis hires journalist for its rural initiative

The India unit of Xpanse Asia, the specialist small town and rural marketing network of Publicis Groupe, has appointed Ravi Balakrishnan as associate director-consumer context planning. Balakrishnan will report to the country head, India, Xpanse, Sandip Bansal and his primary role would be to unearth consumer insights for the agency's clients and their brands as well as development of insight-based activation platforms and programs.

 A graduate of English literature and a post graduate diploma holder in advertising, Balakrishnan has over ten years of experience in journalism. Immediately before joining Xpanse Asia, he was assistant editor of Brand Equity, the weekly marketing and advertising feature of The Economic Times.

"A senior journalist joining a media network may surprise some. But building diversity is an integral part of our talent practice. We like people who have curiosity, enthusiasm and a conviction of purpose. We are happy to have Ravi with us," said Ravi Kiran, CEO, South Asia, Starcom Mediavest Group.

Added Bansal, Country Head, India- Xpanse Asia said, Development of insight-based activation platforms and programms, rather than random activities, has always been a priority for us at Xpanse, and Ravi comes to us at a time, when clients are beginning to recognize and appreciate the value in our differentiated approach."