Campaign India Team
Jul 16, 2024

Moves and wins roundup: Week of 15 July

The latest appointments and account wins from Lead Experts, Bombay Design Centre, Collective Artists Network, Rediffusion, The Salt Inc, FCB, FCB Kinnect, Column Inches, Sports For All, IN10 Media, Burson, Interactive Avenues, Positive Vibez Brand Solutions, M&C Saatchi Performance, Havas India, Pitchfork Partners, Adbuffs and more in our weekly news roundup.

SabkaLoan partners with Lead Experts for digital marketing enhancement

Lead Experts has partnered with SabkaLoan, an online loan provider in India, to enhance its digital presence and customer engagement. This collaboration is part of Lead Experts' strategic expansion into the financial services sector, leveraging data-driven digital marketing to boost SabkaLoan's online visibility and customer interaction.

Through this partnership, SabkaLoan has seen a significant increase in revenue, nearly doubling in the past 1.5 years. Lead Experts' targeted strategies have improved loan disbursement rates by 35% and reduced non-performing assets by 47%. Both companies view this collaboration as a milestone in revolutionizing digital engagement within the financial services industry.

Bombay Design Centre secures Tata Chemicals website overhaul

Bombay Design Centre (Bombay DC) has been chosen to revamp Tata Chemicals' corporate website, showcasing the design agency’s expertise in digital transformation. The project will involve a complete redesign of the site, covering aspects such as design, content, messaging, technology, and user experience to enhance Tata Chemicals' online presence.

The mandate aims to create a globally impactful website that effectively communicates Tata Chemicals' story and commitment to sustainability. Bombay DC’s digital and technological solutions will be utilised to deliver a standout user experience and set a new standard for corporate websites in the manufacturing sector.

Collective Artists Network acquires Galleri5 to enhance AI capabilities

Collective Artists Network has acquired Galleri5, an AI-powered content and influencer marketing technology firm, in a move to align with its goal to integrate advanced technology into its creator and content ecosystem. Galleri5 provides solutions in AI visual content generation, creator intelligence, campaign management, and trend forecasting, benefiting India's largest retailers and brands.

The acquisition of Galleri5 follows Collective Artists Network's recent purchases of Terribly Tiny Tales and Under 25 Universe, reflecting its strategy to strengthen its new media presence. By incorporating AI and focusing on talent and pop culture, the company aims to enhance brand engagement and customer experience, solidifying its position in the industry.

Rediffusion appoints Pankaj Arora as head of west

Rediffusion has named Pankaj Arora as executive vice president and head of west, overseeing the Mumbai and Ahmedabad offices. He brings over 30 years of experience in CSR communications, having worked with organisations like Hero MotoCorp, Hyundai Motor India Foundation, and Godrej. His expertise includes enhancing social equity credentials, developing CSR strategies, and leading impactful communication initiatives.

Arora's previous roles include positions at Grey WorldWide, Publicis, Lowe Lintas, and Contract & Triton, handling clients like Unilever and P&G. At Rediffusion, he will oversee the three Mumbai units led by Alvin Ferrao, Pushkaar Kshirsagar, and Vritti Handa Dey, aiming to strengthen the agency's regional operations.

The Salt Inc acquires Simplus Information Services

The Salt Inc., a technology-powered content agency, has acquired the services business of Mumbai-based Simplus Information Services, a content services provider with a strong reputation in the BFSI sector. This acquisition allows The Salt Inc. to expand its range of content services, catering to a broader spectrum of brands across multiple sectors.

Founded by financial journalist Rajas Kelkar, Simplus Information Services has served over 70 organisations since 2013. The strategic alliance will integrate The Salt Inc.'s psychometric AI product with Simplus’s content intelligence, providing enhanced real-time consumer insights. Kelkar will lead the editorial agenda for The Salt Inc, aiming to set new standards in communication solutions.

KFC India appoints FCB India as creative agency on record

KFC India has appointed FCB India as its creative agency on record after a multi-agency pitch. Over the years, the quick service restaurant (QSR) worked with Ogilvy India to create many clutter-breaking campaigns. 

FCB India will now lead KFC India's 360-degree creative communication as the brand gears up for its next phase of growth in India, focusing on strengthening KFC's relevance and recruiting next-gen consumers. With more than 1000 restaurants in the country, the quick service restaurant has evolved dynamically with the changing consumer landscape since it entered India over two decades ago. 

FCB Kinnect promotes Elstan Rebello to executive vice president–south

FCB Kinnect has elevated Elstan Rebello as executive vice president—south (branch head). He will now lead the southern market, overseeing the creative, strategy, media, and account management departments, as well as manage P&L for this high-growth region.  

Since joining the agency as assistant vice president—account management in June 2020, he significantly contributed to building the culture of the Bengaluru office, growing the team to almost 100 and playing a pivotal role in securing major clients including TVS Motor Group, Titan, Intel, ITC Foods and Murugappa Group. During the course of his 16-year-career, he has worked with brands like Network18 and Condé Nast. 

Column Inches secures PR mandate for Namdev Finvest

Column Inches has been appointed as the official PR partner for Namdev Finvest, a non-banking financial company (NBFC) specialising in MSMEs, green financing, and small business loans. The agency will manage nationwide media engagement, focusing on brand-building initiatives, product launches, press events, and media planning.

Column Inches aims to enhance Namdev Finvest's presence across print and digital media with tailored PR strategies. This partnership is expected to strengthen Namdev's foothold in the NBFC sector and contribute to the growing fintech landscape in India. Column Inches, headquartered in Gurugram, has supported over 400 startups and SMEs since its inception in 2015.

Sports For All bolsters its leadership team

Sports For All (SFA), a company focused on professionalising and commercialising grassroots sports in India, has appointed Rohan Vyavaharkar as global head of partnerships and strategic communications and Kumar Darpan as chief revenue officer (CRO). Vyavaharkar brings experience from roles at SportVot, Abhinav Bindra Foundation, Omidyar Network India, Stepathlon Lifestyle, Twitter, Red Bull India, and NDTV. Darpan, with nearly two decades in media and entertainment, has worked with Disney Star, Warner Brothers Discovery, and Odisha Television Network. In his role as SFA's first CRO, he will focus on driving revenue growth through innovative monetization strategies and ensuring fiscal sustainability.

IN10 Media Network announces key leadership appointments

IN10 Media Network has appointed Amarpreet Singh Saini, Manish Soni, Vinod Rao, and Dipti Kalwani to its leadership team, aiming to drive growth and innovation across its platforms. Saini, formerly with ZEEL, joins as VP of content and strategy at Filamchi Bhojpuri, overseeing viewership growth and brand development. Soni, with 24 years in the broadcast industry, becomes VP of content and strategy at Hindi entertainment channel Ishara, focusing on content that resonates with Hindi heartland viewers.

Vinod Rao takes on the role of VP of content and strategy at Hindi general entertainment channel Nazara, bringing over 20 years of experience from Zee Entertainment, SAB TV, and Shemaroo TV. Dipti Kalwani, appointed as senior VP for TV and AVOD at Juggernaut Productions, will lead content development for TV and AVOD platforms. These appointments follow recent key exits and launches at IN10 Media Network, including the resignation of CEO Rajiee Shinde and COO Alok Tripathi earlier this year.

Birla Opus Paints appoints Burson for reputation management and brand communications in India

Burson has been named the strategic communications partner in India for Birla Opus Paints, a brand under Aditya Birla Group's Grasim Industries. The agency will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy to establish Birla Opus Paints as a leading player in the Indian paint industry.

Burson India will work with the Birla Opus Paints’ brand team to amplify the brand’s narrative and reinforce its commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability. It will leverage its experience and network to create a strong brand identity for Birla Opus Paints, enhance its brand image, foster thought leadership and deepen engagement with its diverse audience, whilst also highlighting its association with the prestigious Aditya Birla Group.

Interactive Avenues secures RPPL social media mandate

Interactive Avenues, part of IPG Mediabrands India, has won the social media mandate for Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL), which manages the Indian Racing League and FIA Formula 4. The agency will work from their Mumbai office to boost the digital presence of these motorsports properties.

RPPL chose Interactive Avenues for their strategic expertise in sports media management. The collaboration aims to increase motorsports awareness in India and create opportunities for young talent in racing, engineering, and mechanics.

PVBS and WNN partner for integrated brand strategy solutions

Positive Vibez Brand Solutions (PVBS) and WhyNotNow (WNN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide comprehensive brand strategy services across various industry sectors. Both firms will invest in each other through an equity route and will jointly work to empower startups, SMEs, and established brands by combining WNN's expertise in branding, marketing strategy, and PR with PVBS's proficiency in brand strategy, design, and event execution.

Urban Company selects M&C Saatchi Performance for global expansion

Home service brand Urban Company has appointed M&C Saatchi Performance as its digital agency to drive its international growth into Singapore and the UAE. Known for guiding digital brands like MPL and UpGrad, M&C Saatchi Performance will leverage its expertise to support Urban Company's expansion.

In conjunction with this partnership, M&C Saatchi Performance has promoted Partha Sharma to country director in India. Sharma, who has played a key role in building the agency in India, will now lead the Urban Company account. This collaboration aims to enhance Urban Company's global footprint using data-driven strategies and market insights.

Anirban Mozumdar steps down as Havas Group India’s chief strategy officer

Anirban Mozumdar has stepped down from his role as chief strategy officer (CSO) at Havas Group India, a position he held since March 2023. He will transition to working as an independent consultant and CSO on demand.

Before joining Havas, Mozumdar was associated with 82point5 and has a history of working with organisations such as chlorophyll brand and communications consultancy, ITSA Brand Innovations, Publicis India, Mudra Communications, Leo Burnett, and Rediffusion DY&R. His career spans various sectors, including technology, industrial products, and FMCG, where he has contributed to B2C, B2B, D2C, and startup brands.  

ThinkLaw appoints Pitchfork Partners as strategic communication counsel

ThinkLaw, a law firm specialising in corporate, commercial, and dispute resolution, has chosen Pitchfork Partners Strategic Consulting LLP as its communication counsel. The Mumbai-based agency will create and implement a comprehensive communication strategy to highlight ThinkLaw’s legal expertise and industry leadership.

ThinkLaw covers a broad range of legal matters, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity, venture capital, and dispute resolution. The collaboration aims to enhance its visibility and reinforce its position as a go-to firm for businesses seeking holistic, research-driven legal solutions.

Adbuffs partners with Nitro Commerce to boost marketing ROI for D2C brands

Adbuffs has entered into a strategic partnership with Nitro Commerce to enhance marketing return on investment (ROI) for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. This collaboration of NitroX’s intent algorithms and cookie-less technology with Adbuffs’ expertise in performance-based marketing will offer brands solutions to enhance their marketing strategies and achieve sustainable growth.

 

Source:
Campaign India

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