Adtech regulation a priority for Modi govt in third term: MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Credibility of news and platforms are as important as monetisation challenges: Anurag Thakur

HUL: Meet the leaders who have emerged from "The CEO Factory"

Punit Goenka addresses Zee employees; ensures no layoffs due to failed merger

Disney's strategic sale to Viacom18 set to boost market share to 40 percent

The Leader's Edge: Storyboard18 in conversation with leaders, decision makers and disruptors

Nobody’s Perfect Retro Porsche Ad

In Conversation With Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard

Shahid Kapoor And Varun Ganjoo Speaks On PokerBaazi's Campaign

In conversation with IHCL’s Puneet Chhatwal & GroupM’s Kate Scott-Dawkins

Why are brands including e-sports in their sports marketing itinerary?

Storyboard18 x The English Nut: How to pronounce these 10 brand names

Experts' Take On Reinvention Of Ad Campaigns Through Technology

Experts Speak On Key Emerging Trends In Cannes Lions Entries

Leaders of the future have to be outstanding human beings: Nestle MD

In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

Meta to allow Alcohol, Real Money Gambling ads on its platform in India


From August 27, 2024, businesses in India can onboard WhatsApp Business Platform for messaging in the verticals such as Alcohol and Real Money Gambling.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/exclusive-meta-to-allow-alcohol-real-money-gambling-ads-on-its-platform-in-india-40062.htm">Read more</a>


Major leadership rejig at Nestle India; Rajat Jain to get significant role within group


Nestle India's Rajat Jain to get leadership role within Nestle Group and Rupali Rattan to succeed as Foods Business head. Gopichandar Jagatheesan and Manav Sahni will get new portfolios.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/exclusive-nestles-rajat-jain-to-get-leadership-role-within-group-rupali-rattan-to-succeed-as-foods-business-head-39600.htm">Read More</a>


Prasar Bharati OTT likely to be launched on September 15


Last month, the public service broadcaster invited submissions for the integration of various applications, including gaming, OTT, and educational apps into its platform and also sought onboarding linear satellite TV channels.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/prasar-bharati-ott-likely-to-be-launched-on-september-15-exclusive-41501.htm">Read More</a>


GCPL elevates Ashwin Moorthy to Global Head of Category Direction and Innovation


Ashwin Moorthy was also inducted into the GCPL Global Management Committee and will be part of the senior management.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/gcpl-elevates-ashwin-moorthy-to-global-head-of-category-direction-and-innovation-41940.htm">Read More</a>


Lowe Lintas wins creative mandate for battery brand Amaron


The incumbent ad agency of Amaron was Ogilvy, which has been associated with the brand for over two decades.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/exclusive-lowe-lintas-wins-creative-mandate-for-battery-brand-amaron-40244.htm">Read More</a>


Meghalaya becomes first Indian state to sponsor an esports team


Meghalaya's vision includes developing esports infrastructure, hosting tournaments, and providing comprehensive support to players, with the aim of bringing them to the forefront and representing Meghalaya, and India, on the global stage, including in future esports Olympics.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/meghalaya-becomes-first-indian-state-to-sponsor-an-esports-team-39918.htm">Read More</a>


Centre, State governments testing anti-deepfake tech, likely to launch this year


Recently, cricketer Virat Kohli fell prey to deepfake video which went viral on social media platforms.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/exclusive-centre-state-governments-testing-anti-deepfake-tech-likely-to-launch-this-year-40950.htm">Read More</a>


YouTube under MIB’s scrutiny for violating content policy


From January to June 2023, Google received 2191 content removal requests from the government and 1677 content removal requests were received between July and December 2023.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/exclusive-youtube-under-mibs-scrutiny-for-violating-content-policy-40717.htm">Read More</a>


ASCI escalates issue of illegal betting and gambling platforms' ads to MIB


Storyboard18 recently reported that offshore illegal gambling firms have been using the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) as a sporting platform for surrogate advertising.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/asci-escalates-issue-of-illegal-betting-and-gambling-platforms-ads-to-mib-41941.htm">Read More</a>

Indian broadcasters' Himalayan challenge in Nepal

Indian broadcasters discontinued their feed as they were not being paid for their services by the channel distributors in Nepal for almost two years.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/indian-broadcasters-cease-channel-distribution-in-nepal-over-malpractices-40414.htm">Read more</a>

DPDP Act draft rules expected within two weeks; transition period likely to be restricted to 6 months

Contrary to the expectations of telcos and tech companies, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 draft rules likely to have a transition period of only around 6-8 months.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/dpdp-act-draft-rules-expected-within-two-weeks-transition-period-likely-to-be-restricted-to-6-months-42169.htm">Read more</a>

All the big breaks and exclusives only on Storyboard18

Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation, formerly known as L&T Switchgear, has partnered with L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, a part of Publicis Groupe India, as its new advertising agency. 
 

Directed by filmmaker Ashim Ahluwalia and featuring an anthem by musician Shankar Mahadevan, the film takes the viewer on a journey through houses, hospitals, agricultural lands and various geographies to show how L&T Switchgearhas contributed to the country’s growth through its partnerships and products, stated the company.


Rajat Abbi, VP-Global Marketing, CMO, Schneider Electric India said, “Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation, Formerly L&T Switchgear, boasts a remarkable 70+ year legacy in powering the electrical industry and resonating with the heartbeat of the nation. Despite the name change, our core identity remains unchanged – it's only the trust of our customers and partners that now carries a new name. Collaborating with L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, we're happy that the team aligned with our values and helped us bring our vision to life. Effective storytelling is pivotal to any campaign, and our new brand film weaves together our entire journey and our key offering, beautifully. We eagerly anticipate the creativity that L&K Saatchi & Saatchi will bring to the table next.”


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ey0CzAK0VnU?si=QbntUv0skZ3I3ixk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>



Rohit Malkani, Chief Creative Officer, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, said, “One doesn’t often get to work with a musical genius, a renowned filmmaker and a voice that has moved millions, all in one TVC! That’s precisely what Lauritz Knudsen offered us in terms of an opportunity. The film has really been the icing on the cake after a toughly contested pitch. The challenge was to not just establish the new name and identity strongly but also tell the story of L&T Switchgear and its journey in building India. The result is a seamless piece of storytelling, weaving all practices in one symphony.”


Atin Wahal, Executive Director, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, said, “It is our privilege to partner with Lauritz Knudsen Electrical & Automation, a brand with a rich 70-year legacy in India, at this pivotal stage of their rebranding journey. At L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, we prioritise understanding our client’s business and delivering impactful results. This campaign underscores the brand’s legacy of trust while highlighting its continuous evolution towards a brighter future. The campaign is reassuring, uplifting and beautifully integrates the core values of both the brands.”


The campaign has been rolled out across TV and digital platforms, ensuring broad reach and engagement. It also includes a partnership with India’s game show Kaun Banega Crorepati. 


The campaign is being broadcast in multiple languages — Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/meet-lk-saatchi-saatchis-kartik-smetacek-and-rohit-malkani-find-out-what-the-mandate-for-ccos-is-today-27571.htm">Meet L&K Saatchi & Saatchi's Kartik Smetacek and Rohit Malkani: Find out what the mandate for CCO's is today</a>

Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation onboards L&K Saatchi & Saatchi as advertising partner

McCann Worldgroup has been appointed as the global creative agency for Italian lager Peroni Nastro Azzuro. 


As stated by McCann Worldgroup, they will take on the task of delivering a long-term, global core creative platform that will serve as the foundation for Peroni Nastro Azzurro’s consistent brand narrative across multiple consumer touchpoints and markets. 

 
On the appointment, Nathalie Pfaff, Chief Growth Officer at Asahi Europe & International said, “Creatively and strategically, McCann impressed the team over the course of a rigorous pitch process and we’re excited to start this next chapter of growth together.”

 
Javier Campopiano, Global CCO of McCann Worldgroup and McCann added “To be entrusted with taking this incredible brand to its next phase has energized and inspired our entire team at McCann Worldgroup. Peroni Nastro Azzurro is the brew of choice in Italy, and we’re excited about ensuring that it captures the hearts of beer drinkers around the world.”

 
And McCann London CEO Polly McMorrow said: “There is a reality that some pitches just mean more. And this one means more. Peroni Nastro Azzurro is an iconic brand, led by a brilliant team of people. The opportunity to work with them to deliver an enduring brand platform that will not only honour the heritage of this brand, but also drive its future growth across key markets, is a unique one. We can’t wait to get started.”



Peroni onboards McCann Worldgroup as its global creative partner

Omnicom announced the formation of Omnicom Advertising Group (OAG), a new global organization aligning world-class creative networks BBDO, DDB, TBWA, as well as leading agencies within the Advertising Collective including Goodby Silverstein & Partners, GSD&M, Merkley & Partners and Zimmerman. OAG will be led by Troy Ruhanen as Global CEO, Deepthi Prakash as Chief Operating Officer and Denis Streiff as Global CFO.


Bringing these agency brands under one leadership addresses clients’ needs for powerful creative solutions like never before. Each will retain its unique brand, culture and people, while capitalizing on OAG’s shared and scaled investments in innovative tools, technologies, specialist capabilities, and AI platforms. This foundation will enhance agencies’ ability to deliver world-class creativity and accelerate growth, as well as unlock greater opportunities for personal and professional growth for their talent.


The agency networks within OAG will report to Ruhanen and will be led by:


Nancy Reyes, who was recently promoted to Global CEO of BBDO


Alex Lubar, Global CEO of DDB


Erin Riley, who is being elevated to CEO of TBWA\Worldwide from her previous role as TBWA\Chiat\Day US CEO


James Fenton, CEO of the Advertising Collective stated, “OAG will make the best even better. One of the most exciting parts of this new division is that we can collectively invest in innovative offerings – such as Omnicom’s recent first-mover partnerships in GenAI,” said Ruhanen. “This will take our world-class creativity to the next level and keep our clients at the top of their industries. While we are excited to grow together, we will continue to celebrate and protect the uniqueness of each agency’s culture and entrepreneurship.”


Over the years, Omnicom has organized its portfolio by aligning its agencies into marketing disciplines to strengthen the depth of its services and enhance collaboration across the group, stated the company. This includes the formation of Practice Areas such as Omnicom Media Group (OMG), Omnicom Health Group (OHG), Omnicom Precision Marketing Group (OPMG) and Omnicom Public Relations Group (OPRG). 


John Wren, Chairman and CEO of Omnicom said, “Clients want best-in-class talent, innovation and seamless delivery of creative services around the globe. OAG will deliver on that promise while allowing our agency cultures to remain strong and evolve through shared investments and best practices. With Troy at the helm of this new division, I’m confident our creative agencies and all our incredibly talented minds will continue to set the bar for the industry.”


Existing clients will continue to be serviced by the agency and teams they currently work with. The changes will take effect on 
January 1, 2025.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/omg-bags-michelins-89-5-million-global-media-account-40561.htm">OMG bags Michelin's $89.5 million global media account</a>

Omnicom consolidates agencies under Omnicom Advertising Group; Troy Ruhanen becomes Global CEO, OAG

Interactive Avenues, the digital arm of IPG Mediabrands India, has bagged the creative and media mandate for Super League Kerala (SLK), Kerala’s football league. 


The agency will craft SLK’s brand identity, and will be responsible for their social media presence, TVCs, digital content & creatives, OOH design, and cross-media campaigns. Interactive Avenues will handle the account out of their Mumbai office.

 

he agency works with various sports teams and bodies including the IPL team Rajasthan Royals, WPL team UP Warriorz, Pro Kabbadi League’s Tamil Thalaivas, F4 Indian Championship, Indian Racing League, and Argentine Football Association. 


The agency’s partnership with SLK will focus on building a premium football league that helps everyone succeed in the game through sustainable community building, healthy competition, youth development, and wholesome entertainment, stated the agency.

 

Firoz Meeran, Vice Chairman – Group Meeran & Managing Director – Super League Kerala, shared his thoughts on the collaboration, “We endeavour to transform the dreams of Kerala’s young football enthusiasts into tangible career options leveraging an exhilarating league format with six dynamic franchises. Given Interactive Avenues’ creative and sports marketing prowess, we are confident they are the perfect partner to help us build a transformative brand narrative that embodies Kerala’s rich sporting spirit.”

 

Shantanu Sirohi, COO, Interactive Avenues, said, “We’re delighted to embark on this exciting football odyssey with Super League Kerala as their Creative partner. Leveraging cultural insights and community building strategies, we will help them drive impact and build a loyal fan following – not just during the upcoming league season, but way beyond.” 

 

Matthew Joseph, CEO – Super League Kerala, commented further, “To celebrate the deep love Kerala has for football, we wanted to partner with people who have that love and understanding themselves. We’re confident that we have found that partnership with Interactive Avenues and look forward to a triumphant debut season of Super League Kerala.”


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/auto-major-volvo-initiates-global-media-review-39083.htm">Auto major Volvo initiates global media review </a>

Interactive Avenues wins the creative and media mandate of Super League Kerala

dentsu has announced the launch of its Business Transformation Practice, Dentsu BX, in India. Narayan Devanathan will lead the new practice, adding to his existing role as President & Chief Strategy Officer, South Asia. 



He will continue to report to Harsha Razdan, CEO, South Asia, dentsu, while also reporting to Chris Bower, Managing Director, Business Transformation Consulting, APAC, dentsu, and Yuichi Toyoda, Global Practice President - Business Transformation (BX).


 
In his expanded mandate, Devanathan will collaborate with businesses to co-create transformation strategies that accelerate sustainable business growth. He will aim to deliver transformative solutions that drive substantial value for clients, businesses, and society. 



Working with a group of agile client transformation specialists internally and specialized strategic alliances externally, Dentsu BX will create innovative strategies for businesses to explore new categories, revolutionize their operations, and stay ahead of the times, true to dentsu’s promise of ‘Innovating to Impact’, stated the company.



Commenting on the expansion, Harsha Razdan said, “Dentsu’s relentless commitment is on delivering exceptional client- outcomes. As we have evolved to become more client-centric across all practices, the expansion of Dentsu BX into India represents a natural progression. I am confident that Narayan is the perfect leader for this initiative. His extensive expertise and proven track record make him ideally suited to lead this strategic and industry-leading offering. In addition to his existing remit, Narayan will harness our key expertise to craft innovative and transformative solutions that drive significant business impact for brands. With his elite ‘special ops’ team for Dentsu BX, Narayan will leverage the full strength of dentsu to deliver innovative, outcome-driven solutions for our clients.”


 
Devanathan added, “I am excited to lead the Dentsu BX practice in India. We have already launched the practice in stealth mode and engaged with multiple businesses on various projects. Clients already get ‘efficiencies and best practices’ with your garden-variety consulting firms and that’s now what Dentsu BX is about. Our goal is to create Next Practices for them via distinctive solutions built on three cornerstones: creativity, our ability to move people and activate and execute outcomes that benefit customers, society, and business. Our solutions span growth hacking, sustainability acceleration, innovation, and incubation – in short, all the ingredients businesses need to create a better, more sustainable future for themselves, their customers, and society. That’s the essence not just of Dentsu BX but of dentsu itself, and we will harness all the extraordinary talent and expertise of dentsu South Asia to deliver it.”


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/dentsu-group-india-biz-showing-encouraging-signs-after-long-period-underperformance-39680.htm">Dentsu Group: India biz showing "encouraging signs" after long period underperformance</a>

Narayan Devanathan to lead newly launched Dentsu BX in India

Global FMCG major Unilever has consolidated its creative and strategic duties across the world with ad holding company WPP. The Ogilvy-parent WPP already had responsibility Unilever’s Dove and Vaseline. 


After the streamlining, WPP will handle the creative duties for brands such as Sunsilk, Tresemme, Clear, Pond's, Nexxus and Shea Moisture, while continuing its work on Vaseline. 


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/women-of-hul-from-leena-nair-to-prabha-narasimhan-hindustan-unilever-has-created-iconic-female-leaders-33360.htm">Women of HUL: From Leena Nair to Prabha Narasimhan, Hindustan Unilever has created iconic female leaders</a> 


Previously, these brands were managed by Interpublic Group of Companies, Omnicom Group, and Brandtech Group's Oliver in various regions.


In January 2024, Unilever launched a global media review of its media planning and buying account. In the US, UK and Ireland, most of Unilever's media business is managed by GroupM's Mindshare. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/unilever-initiates-global-media-review-for-its-3-4-billion-business-20655.htm">Read more: Unilever initiates global media review for its $3.4 bn business; India included</a>

Unilever's beauty business consolidates global creative duties with WPP

Oriflame, the renowned Swedish beauty brand known for its direct and community selling strategy has called for a media and creative pitch. Oriflame is recalibrating its marketing and expansion strategies for the Indian market.

A source at Oriflame confirmed the development and said, “We are looking for creative and media agencies. We are in talks with couple of agencies but we want to explore more options to ensure that when we launch our expansion strategies, the media and communications part is also in sync.” 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/exclusive-hero-motocorps-media-mandate-up-for-grabs-auto-major-calls-for-pitch-35419.htm">Read more: Hero Motocorp's media mandate up for grabs; auto major calls for pitch: Exclusive</a>

The brand is also expanding its wellness category and focusing on the younger generation to enhance growth in the region. Oriflame offers a wide range of products in India, including skincare, makeup, fragrance, hair and body products catering to both adults and kids. The skincare category generates the most revenue for Oriflame.

According to Markets and Data report, the Indian Skin Care Market was estimated to be worth USD 2.56 billion in FY2023. Facial care was the market's largest category both in terms of value and volume. The market is expected to reach USD 3.73 billion by FY2031 growing at a CAGR of 4.82% for the forecast period between FY2024 and FY2031.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/tata-motors-media-review-for-passenger-vehicles-business-underway-exclusive-35869.htm">Read more: Tata Motors media review for Passenger Vehicles business underway: EXCLUSIVE</a>

According to Oriflame’s 2023 Annual report, Oriflame entered Asia in 1986, and currently has operations in China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. The year, 2023 continued to be a difficult year in Asia with a sales decline in all Asian markets. 

All COVID related restrictions were relaxed in all Asian countries. The sales of Oriflame products were impacted adversely due to increased competition from local e-commerce brands and also due to people returning to work post COVID which affected recruitment. The increased focus on digital tools and Wellness/Skincare categories progressed according to plan.

Exclusive: Beauty brand Oriflame calls for Media and Creative pitch

Century Pulp & Paper (CPP), part of the Aditya Birla Group and a major player in the domestic and the export market for paper, board, tissue and pulp, has appointed Vector Brand Solutions as their brand and communications agency on record, for their portfolio.

 

Part of Quotient Ventures, Vector Brand Solutions is a full funnel creative agency based out of Mumbai.


 

Mahuya Chaturvedi, Marketing and Consumer Product Head, Century Pulp and Paper, says, “We are thrilled to welcome Vector as our agency partners, as we enter the next phase of our growth journey. The Vector team brings a potent combination of deep strategic thinking and a sharp creative approach, and together we hope to engage with consumers in new and meaningful ways. We are super-excited about this partnership and look forward to shaping the future of this category.”

 

Hari Krishnan, Group Chief Business Officer, Quotient Ventures, adds, “We are excited to partner Century Pulp & Paper for their ambitious growth plans. We are grateful to them for placing their faith in us to disrupt the market and expand their reach and footprint across the nation. Working alongside not just one of the pioneers in this industry, but also such a passionate team, is both exciting and fulfilling. We look forward to building a new brand narrative for Century.”

Century Pulp and Paper appoints Vector Brand Solutions as its brand & communications AOR

Lodestar UM, the India unit of UM, a global media agency network of IPG Mediabrands, today announced its participation in the seventh global Impact Day, under the theme, "ONE Day, ONE UM, ONE Better World." Launched in 2016 under UM's corporate social responsibility unit, Better World, Impact Day reflects the agency’s commitment to its core values of community, curiosity and courage.

 
UM employees will participate in activities around three Impact Day pillars:


· Equity – Acts of service that directly impact underserved communities.


· Sustainability – Acts of service that directly impact our planet, locally or globally.


· Wellness – Acts of service that directly impact the well-being of another person’s physical or mental health.

 

In India, Lodestar UM has collaborated with LGBTQIA+ owned businesses such as Kai By Mangi, Dopamore, Arttitty, Sabarshh, Ash.Co, Embarque.co, Queergaon, Astitva Jewelry, Podi Nan Maga, and Scoby Labs. 



These businesses offer a variety of products, including natural lip gloss and oil, stylish handcrafted accessories, elegant bags and purses, vibrant shirts, handmade exquisite stone jewellery, ceramic ware, fashion apparel, bags, stone and bead accessories, lip-smacking pickles, podis and snacks, resin art accessories, and fermented drinks. 

 
"Our idea for Impact Day goes beyond commerce; we aim to foster enriching connections and meaningful experiences that positively impact the community," said Aditi Mishra, CEO, Lodestar UM. "By supporting LGBTQIA+ businesses, we are not only contributing to economic empowerment but also celebrating diversity and inclusion in a tangible way. Impact Day is a powerful reminder of how our collective efforts can drive meaningful change and create a better world for everyone."

 

"UMers from all over the globe look forward every year to volunteering as one connected team for our beloved Impact Day tradition," said Andrea Suarez, Global CEO, UM. "Our theme this year, ‘ONE Day, ONE UM, ONE Better World’ highlights the incredible impact we can have when we harness the power of our collective action to give back to the communities in which we live, serve and flourish.”

 

“Impact Day is a powerful reminder of the positive change we can create when we come together as a global community. It’s a chance for UMers across APAC to make a real difference in the lives of others, and I’m incredibly proud of the diverse and impactful initiatives happening across the region,” said Kasper Aakerlund, APAC president UM.

AGENCY NEWS