Magna Global’s Hatem Fakih Reveals Strategies for Thriving in GCC’s Media Landscape
Hatem Fakih, the Business Director at Magna Global, brings a wealth of expertise to the dynamic world of media and advertising. His leadership navigates the complexities of the industry, ensuring growth, profitability, and a forward-thinking approach. In this exclusive interview, his insights delve into navigating GCC markets, leveraging technology, and fostering collaborative success.
Your tenure in the media and advertising industry has been long and varied. Could you share your reflections on how your journey has evolved along with your learnings and how these have been applied in your roles?
Throughout my extensive tenure in the media and advertising industry, I’ve navigated the dynamic GCC markets, rich in diversity and evolving consumer behaviors. An essential insight for me is the significance of understanding cultural intricacies shaping consumer preferences. The diverse demographics in the region demand a nuanced approach to media strategies.
I’ve learned to tailor campaigns to resonate with local values, ensuring genuine connections with the community. My journey highlights technology’s pivotal role in shaping the media landscape. The rapid adoption of digital platforms and the prevalence of social media emphasize staying abreast of technological trends. Leveraging data-driven insights and innovative digital marketing approaches is crucial for effective audience engagement.
In various roles, I’ve applied these learnings by fostering adaptability and innovation. Encouraging a forward-thinking mindset and openness to emerging technologies is vital for staying ahead in this ever-evolving market. Collaboration is a cornerstone of success in the Gulf market. Building strong relationships with local partners, influencers, and media vendors enhances campaign reach and deepens understanding of market dynamics. This collaborative approach navigates the intricacies of the GCC market, fostering long-term success.
As Magna Global’s Business Director, how do you ensure that all the strategies you create align with your clients’ visions and marketing goals? What KPIs do you monitor and how do you ensure that they are met?
As the Business Director at Magna Global for the Gulf market, aligning strategies with clients’ visions and marketing goals involves a multifaceted approach.
i. Client Collaboration: We regularly engage with clients to understand their business objectives, long-term visions, and specific marketing goals. This includes conducting comprehensive briefings and workshops to gather insights and align expectations.
ii. Market Research & Analysis: Our delivered strategies are customized and tailor-made to resonate with market dynamics and target audiences and stay on top of market trends and advertisers’ activities.
iii. Customized Strategies and Agile Strategies Adjustments: Our approach is based on customized strategies that seamlessly integrate with clients’ brand identities, resonating with the GCC market’s cultural nuances. We ensure these strategies address specific challenges and opportunities unique to the region. Additionally, we remain agile and ready to adjust based on evolving market dynamics.
iv. Continuous Learning: We stay updated on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in marketing to continually refine and enhance our strategies for optimal results.
How do you navigate the intricacies of the media landscape and keep updated with the current market and consumer trends?
Navigating the media landscape and staying updated with the current market and consumer trends in the Gulf region demands a multilayered approach, including but not limited to research, media consumption habits, local partnerships, cultural adaptability, and data and analytics.
Publishers are divided on Google’s third-party deprecation and whether it is a strategic mistake or something to embrace. What is your take?
As a professional, I see this as a significant development towards greater privacy, a user-centric approach, and data protection. However, in our region, we face certain challenges. This will affect our ad targeting and was evident when Apple updated their IOS, restricting advertisers without consent. Nevertheless, I also perceive this as a call for innovation within our industry—whether through new technologies or inventive approaches to reaching our audiences.
As a consumer, I’m becoming increasingly conscious of privacy, and there’s a growing demand for transparent and privacy-friendly practices. Media agencies and advertisers that embrace privacy-enhancing technologies may be viewed more favorably by users.
Changing spending habits, omnichannel shopping, and much more are changing how modern consumers or “zero consumers” shop. How can companies attract them and gain an edge over their competitors?
The concept of “zero consumers” is relatively new definition for a diverse group characterized by omnichannel shopping habits, simultaneous frugal and extravagant spending, and a lack of brand loyalty. Health and sustainability concern this group, though it doesn’t always translate into a willingness to pay more. Ignoring their preferences risks rendering companies irrelevant.
Consumer companies face the challenge of understanding and meeting the needs of zero consumers while staying ahead of technological, talent, and competitive trends. There are some defined imperatives to gain an edge over this group including reimagining the omnichannel experience, overhauling consumer propositions, scaling up personalization, and reshaping societal impact. The success of these strategies hinges on proper execution and adaptation to the changing landscape marked by evolving technology, talent competition, and shifting consumer behavior.
In recent years, big brands all over the world have adopted CGI or FOOH advertising because of its cost-efficiency and low engagement levels. How do you think this trend will progress?
CGI technologies empower brands to craft visually stunning and attention-grabbing content without the logistical challenges and costs tied to traditional methods. As technology advances, the quality of CGI continually improves, potentially driving increased adoption as brands seek more realistic and immersive ways to showcase their products or services.
Additionally, brands may leverage CGI for highly personalized and targeted advertisements, providing a more engaging and relevant experience for audiences. Another avenue is integrating CGI with AR and VR to create interactive and immersive experiences, fostering more engagement with out-of-home (OOH) advertising. However, this integration poses the challenge of differentiating between real content and CGI content.
Brand-building isn’t enough in today’s consumer market. Consumers need unique brand experiences to keep coming back. What are the benefits of emotions being incorporated into marketing?
Presently in media, we’ve begun examining the attention metric, focusing on eliciting various emotions to create memorable and emotionally charged experiences. Associating positive emotions with a brand leaves a lasting impression, increasing the likelihood of consumer recall and future engagement, fostering brand loyalty. Consumers appreciate brands that showcase genuineness and a human side.
Addressing emotional needs can significantly enhance overall customer satisfaction. Brands attuned to and responsive to the emotional triggers of their customers are better positioned to craft products, services, and experiences aligning with customer expectations. This understanding plays a pivotal role in decision-making, influencing purchasing decisions and shaping consumer behaviors.
Emotional experiences possess a viral quality. When consumers have a positive emotional reaction to a brand, they’re inclined to share their experiences, contributing to word-of-mouth marketing and potentially creating viral content. This emotional connection amplifies the brand’s reach and impact.
If there is an ongoing or upcoming advertising/media trend that you would never want to bring back, what would it be and why?
Disruptive advertising formats and approaches are something that no one would like to see making a comeback. As media evolves, focusing more on entertainment, consumers are becoming selective in their content consumption. Disrupting this journey can lead to a negative perception of the brand or product being advertised.
Havas May Become A Separate Entity As Vivendi Considers Three-Way Split
The share price of French media conglomerate Vivendi has surged. This is a result of its potential split into three distinct listed companies. In an attempt to increase the value of his company, French billionaire Vincent Bollore is considering dissolving his vast media and entertainment conglomerate, Vivendi SE. The plan calls for the roughly €10 billion ($10.9 billion) French conglomerate to be divided into three separate businesses: the Pay-TV division, Canal+; the advertising and communications branch, Havas; and a business that includes its majority stake in the publishing group, Lagardère Group.
Vivendi contemplates a three-way split
The company argues that this is because, as a unified entity, its shares are sold at a discount, which limits its capacity to carry out its intended expansion plan. The value of the various entities would be maximized by splitting them into three companies. Vivendi claims that splitting itself into three sections will allow it to fully realize the development potential of all of its operations. Each of its three business divisions is currently seeing rapid growth in the global market, which is accompanied by a wealth of investment opportunities.
Rise in revenue and profit valuations
Should the split proceed, Havas and Canal+, Vivendi’s primary revenue and profit stream, will be spun off as independent businesses. After separating from their parent company, this could result in valuations of roughly €3 billion for Havas and €6.1 billion for Canal+. Regarding its €1.3 billion ($1.4 billion) ownership of the former telecom monopoly Telecom Italia SpA, Vivendi is also exploring options.
Subsequently, the organization intends to establish a third publicly traded division as an investment firm. It would accommodate Lagardère and encompass additional listed and unlisted assets in media and entertainment firms. To investigate a possible split, Vivendi will consult its “usual” banks and advisors. Any strategy must benefit all parties involved and consider tax implications. The market valuation of the three distinct entities might be roughly 40% higher than their current valuation.
Read More: Havas Announces Majority Stake Acquisition in PR Pundit in India
Vivendi’s split from Universal Music Group
The news comes two years after Vivendi split from Universal Music Group in a highly successful IPO. This gave shareholders ownership of 60% of the company’s shares. The board is now permitted to investigate the possibility of dividing into three companies. Ad holding company Havas Group would once again become an independent publicly traded company if the plan is approved. This was the case until Vivendi purchased it in 2017.
It’s an indication of how Bollore, the industrialist and corporate raider who invested in Vivendi for the first time in 2011, is still shaping the organization. He is essentially leading even though he is no longer the chair. 2018 saw him fold into another business he owned, the advertising agency Havas, after first selling off his video game and telecom assets. At the time, he held just under 30% of the group’s shares.
Vivendi’s efforts for business synergies and cohesion
For a considerable time, investors and Vivendi have been frustrated by the group’s operating businesses’ lack of coherence and synergies. Since his father’s official retirement in 2022, Yannick Bollore has been working to make things better. Vivendi declared that it would evaluate the viability of the suggested split. It would take into account the tax implications for shareholders, in collaboration with banks and other advisors. There was no deadline given for finishing the assessment, but information will be shared “in due course.” The split plans were announced only a few weeks after Vivendi effectively acquired the rival Lagardère group, expanding its holdings to include publishing house Hachette.
Read More: Havas Acquires EPROFESSIONAL, a Hamburg-based Digital Performance Marketing Agency
Amazon Ads and IPG Mediabrands Ink 3-year Deal for Upcoming Prime Video Ads
Amazon’s video advertising division is about to take off. To support the launch of Prime Video Ads next year, Amazon Ads and IPG Mediabrands have inked a three-year deal. When limited commercials for TV series and movies on Prime Video debut in early 2024, the partnership will use Prime Video Ads to connect brands with relevant audiences. With this new offering, IPG Mediabrands is the first media holding company to collaborate with Amazon Ads. The first countries where Prime Video Ads will be available are the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada. Later this year, France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and Australia will be added. In 2024, IPG Mediabrands will provide support to each of these nations.
Key features of Amazon Prime Video Ads
Along with first-look opportunities to test new models and ad formats, as well as content sponsorships in each region, Amazon Ads and IPG Mediabrands will work together to help brands incorporate global Prime Video audiences into their media strategies. With the help of Amazon’s first-party shopping and entertainment insights, IPG Mediabrands advertisers will be able to connect with and engage streaming audiences and generate relevant ad experiences for Prime Video viewers. Additionally, they will be able to use Amazon’s data and research regarding viewers’ viewing and shopping habits to guide their marketing strategies.
How will advertisers benefit from Amazon Prime Video ads?
In September, Amazon announced that Prime Video, one of the last popular streaming services to forgo putting frequent commercial breaks in its films and television series, would begin doing so early the following year. An estimated 115 million people in the US will see Prime Video ads each month. Amazon seeks to have noticeably fewer advertisements than other streaming TV services and traditional linear TV. Simultaneously, it will give advertisers reach, frequency, and the ability to customize their messages, . Currently, a $14.99 monthly Prime Video subscription is included in the $139 annual Prime Subscription. All Prime members will transition to an ad-supported model as part of the plan, but they can choose to continue watching Amazon Prime Video without advertisements for an additional $2.99 per month in the U.S.
The introduction of Prime Video’s ad tier has been eagerly anticipated by advertisers, especially because of the immediate and sizable audience it will provide. In contrast, other streaming services have had difficulty increasing the proportion of their user base that is ad-supported. To help them create relevant ad experiences for Prime Video audiences, advertisers through IPG Mediabrands will also benefit from Amazon’s insights. These are generated through its shopping and entertainment platforms.
Read More: Amazon Enters Generative AI Scene With Its Chatbot “Q”
Competitors serving the ads in the streaming service market
Amazon is making a big advertising push now that several competitors have joined the market. This year, Netflix even tried an upfront sales model. However it has struggled to provide the volume of impressions that many large advertisers claim they require. Additionally, the executive team in charge of Netflix’s outreach to media buyers and marketers has been reorganized. Disney has also allowed advertisements on Disney+.
Amazon Prime – A one-stop destination for entertainment
Prime is a one-stop entertainment destination that offers customers a vast selection of premium entertainment in a single application. Customers can find all of their favorite films and television shows on Prime Video. It can be live sports, entertainment from Amazon MGM Studios and other studios, third-party channels that are available as an add-on subscription through Prime Video Channels. Moreover, they can also find movies and series that can be rented or purchased through the Prime Video store.
IPG Mediabrand’s wide range of iconic clientele
A division of Interpublic Group, IPG Mediabrands is responsible for media and marketing solutions. IPG Mediabrands oversees more than $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients. This is across its full-service agency network, UM, Initiative, Mediahub, and through its award-winning specialized business units, Healix, Kinesso, Magna, Mediabrands Content Studio, Orion Holdings, Rapport, and the IPG Media Lab. Among the many well-known and iconic brands in the world are those from IPG Mediabrands’ diverse portfolio of industry sectors, which includes automotive, e-commerce, direct to consumer and e-commerce, retail, hospitality, food and beverage, pharma, health and wellness, entertainment, financial services, energy, toys, and gaming. Some of their clientele are well-known marketers such as Johnson & Johnson, CVS, American Express, Mattel, Henkel, and General Mills.
Read More: Amazon Announces Publisher Cloud to Plan Programmatic Deals in Amazon DSP
Here’s what they said
Eileen Kiernan, global CEO of IPG Mediabrands said,
Amazon’s latest offering brings a first-to-market opportunity for our clients to reach consumers at the category level in a comprehensive, scalable way—from culture and content to commerce and shoppable experiences. We are excited to play a role in this game-changing addition to the streaming TV marketplace and serve as Amazon’s anchor partner as they bring Prime Video ads to life.
Alan Moss, vice president of global sales for Amazon Ads added,
From our first conversations, IPG Mediabrands has leaned in so that their clients can be among the first brands to engage with the Prime Video streaming audience across the nine countries we’ll serve starting in early 2024. When we begin introducing limited ads into Prime Video shows and movies, Prime Video will be one of the largest premium ad-supported services in most countries where we operate. This means we can simultaneously offer brands unmatched reach and frequency to help them achieve their business goals.
Dani Benowitz, global president of MAGNA, the investment and intelligence arm of IPG Mediabrands stated,
As longtime partners of Amazon Ads, we are thrilled to participate in a global deal of this scale across all of the countries in which Prime Video ads will launch throughout 2024. The ability to access the entire Amazon streaming TV product suite is an added benefit for both endemic and non-endemic brands within our broad client portfolio.
Read More: GroupM and Amazon Ads Partner for Creator-Led Shoppable Format
In Conversation with Mindshare’s Amit Lall: Mastering Digital Dynamics
Amit Lall, Principal Partner at Mindshare, brings two decades of expertise in telecom, technology, and digital planning. He oversees digital strategies for diverse sectors, prioritizing consumer-centric solutions powered by data.
In this exclusive interview, his insights will unveil the evolving media landscape, technological adaptations, and future trends, offering readers a glimpse into transformative digital initiatives propelling clients to sustainable success.
As an accomplished expert with over two decades of experience in this industry, can you walk us through your background and your experience working as the Principal Partner / Digital Lead – Client Leadership at Mindshare?
Mobile and technology have been my lifelong passions. I embarked on my professional journey with the telecom industry, initially in sales and later transitioning into product management, eventually finding my way into the realm of digital planning. This path has been characterised by a multitude of highs and lows, each contributing to my growth. Presently, I serve as a Principal Partner at Mindshare, where I oversee digital for West 1 cluster. The continually evolving digital landscape, coupled with the increasing influence of cutting-edge technologies like AI and ML, ensures that my work remains both exhilarating and challenging.
A wide range of clients come under your wing, from Fintech to Telecom to Fashion. How do ensure that the strategies employed for these sectors resonate with the specific audiences? Are there different digital strategies for each of them and if so, how do they differ from each other?
In the ever-evolving realm of brand management, a one-size-fits-all solution is elusive. Crafting effective strategies relies on a meticulous understanding of the specific objectives tied to the media task at hand. Our approach is tailored to align with the unique goals each brand aspires to achieve. Throughout the formulation process, we prioritize understanding the brand’s position in the consumer funnel. Whether the brand is emerging, established, or grappling with low consumer consideration, recognizing the brand’s needs is vital. We require absolute clarity on these points before delving into the realm of solutioning.
Furthermore, comprehensive details on the brand, its category, and its competitive landscape are indispensable. The better we know your brand, the more refined our solutioning becomes. These insights play a pivotal role in shaping communication and deployment strategies. Our solutioning is focused on an an audience-first approach, supported by robust data, powerful insights, and compelling content. By addressing these critical questions and staying committed to an audience-centric approach, we ensure that our solutions are not just effective but also resonate with the core essence of the brand.
In the context of cutting-edge technologies such as Generative AI, Metaverse, and 5G, how have you prepared yourself to embrace them? How have they disrupted the advertising industry?
To be transparent, navigating the multitude of changes in the tech space, whether in Generative AI, the Metaverse, Blockchain, or Web 3.0, can indeed be challenging. However, working in the digital industry provides a unique advantage, offering exposure to numerous startups and tech enthusiasts. This exposure allows firsthand experiences with technologies and helps understand their true potential, which can be leveraged for user experience, engagement, and performance enhancement.
At Mindshare, we’ve always championed the ethos of leveraging technology and staying at the forefront for our clients. These cutting-edge technologies are seamlessly integrated into our tactical deployment strategies, contributing significantly to our client’s success by delighting their consumers. A testament to this commitment is our pioneering adoption of the Metaverse for clients in the auto and beverages categories. Additionally, we boast numerous success stories stemming from the strategic deployment of AI/ML tools, resulting in superior media outcomes that have played a pivotal role in driving growth for our clients.
Your 20 years of experience in this industry must have given you a unique perspective on the changes and evolution of this industry. Do you see any emerging trends? What preparations do you have in place to face them?
Over the past two decades, we’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation in the media landscape. What was once at the periphery of media choices is now inching towards dominating it. The sheer scale and technological advancements in the digital realm have not only propelled its growth but also led to a significant reshaping of budget allocations. Digital media is not only growing but also taking money away traditionally allocated to TV through connected TV, OOH through DOOH, and radio through streaming music apps.
With continuous push and support from the government, digital penetration is at an all-time high. This has translated into massive adoption of smartphones, complemented by cheap data plans to drive usage and high-speed connections across 4G and 5G networks for a superior experience. As these factors converge, we foresee our future trends being dominated by big query data, driven by the prowess of Generative AI and ML.
AI and ML are not only about automation and predictive analysis but also about multiple messaging or personalization at scale. The adoption of Connected TV (CTV) is poised to outpace growth projections at an accelerated pace. Furthermore, we anticipate that full-funnel deployment will become the new norm, as advertisers seek comprehensive strategies covering every stage of the consumer journey. Lastly, I believe retail media will continue its dominance, reflecting the evolving dynamics of consumer behavior and preferences.
Consumer viewership habits have also evolved over the period of time. What metrics and goals do you look to accomplish for CTV vs Mobile advertising? Can you throw some light on the CTV advertising landscape in India?
India’s CTV ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth, reaching 33 million households in July 2023, a substantial increase from the 11-12 million recorded in January 2022. Projections from the GroupM Finecast report suggest a trajectory toward 50-60 million households by the end of 2025. This surge is primarily fueled by the preferences of new-age consumers who prioritize on-demand content over scheduled programming, resulting in a significant shift from traditional viewership. The convenience of accessing content anytime, anywhere has prompted a surge in viewers cutting the cord and embracing CTV. For advertisers, the appeal lies in the larger screen and premium ad environment, translating to a more impactful reach, with key metrics centered around impressions, viewability, and overall reach.
Digital marketing is a rapidly evolving landscape in which, Programmatic digital out-of-home (pDOOH) seems to be the new trailblazer marketing strategy everyone wants to undertake. What are your thoughts on this?
Digital OOH has changed the role of the OOH medium. From just being a ‘reminder’ medium, DOOH has also made it a medium to enhance imagery. The OOH industry has historically grappled with challenges related to transparency and measurement. However, with the emergence of pDOOH, both of these concerns are being addressed. Unlike the static-only medium, pDOOH provides a plethora of options, allowing you to play with formats such as video, staticads, and GIFs, enabling sharper targeting, and in some cases, even retargeting your consumers. These possibilities make this medium more effective.
Have you ever run a marketing campaign that presented an unexpected challenge or outcome? How did you implement the lessons learned?
All campaigns are unique and designed with business objectives in mind. Based on the objectives, our solution isalways consumer-centric, powered by data. To drive engagement, we use dynamic creatives at scale, keeping the consumer’s journey in mind.
Any words of advice you would like to share with the young professionals about navigating through the ever-evolving marketing landscape?
My advice to young professionals is to stay curious and keep upskilling to adapt and stay relevant in the ever-changing media landscape.
Dentsu and Meta Partner for WhatsApp Business Customer Relationships Solution
Dentsu became the first global agency network solution provider for WhatsApp Business, after announcing a global partnership with Meta. For WhatsApp, the company’s encrypted messaging platform, Dentsu will supply customer relationship management solutions. First launching in the UK, the partnership adapts to the changing ways in which consumers interact with brands, allowing businesses to provide more customized services and build stronger relationships with customers. Users of WhatsApp Business will have access control over who can access their accounts, as well as analytics and optimization tools provided by Merkle, Dentsu’s customer experience management subsidiary.
Partnership for customer relationship management solutions
Dentsu and Meta have partnered to drive innovation and experimentation, resulting in significant improvements for their clients. The partnership is based on Dentsu’s three-way satisfaction in business, people, and society activities, or the Sanpo Yoshi principles. Every week, more than 200 million WhatsApp Business users use the platform to create hyper-personal, social, and conversational connections between brands and consumers. Dentsu’s clients will be able to further customize their customer engagement strategies to support their service, commerce, and loyalty experience journeys thanks to this innovative integration. With the help of its media, creative, customer, and data capabilities, Dentsu hopes to drive people-centered transformation and enable end-to-end business messaging solutions.
Read More: Dentsu India Appointed As BharatBenz’s Integrated Communication Partner
Dentsu’s Proprietary Web Platform
Dentsu has developed a proprietary web platform for customers to manage all access to their accounts, allowing for streamlined access to WhatsApp Business. Through its Merkle brand, Dentsu offers an end-to-end managed service that includes creation, analysis, and optimization. By providing seamless customer journeys across media, customer engagement, and service, Dentsu is enabling businesses to capitalize on the enormous engagement and conversion potential of this channel. Through the Meta family of apps, the partnership uses experience and recent developments in AI to jointly develop first-to-market media and brand activation products and solutions.
Here’s what they said
Angela Tangas, UK&I CEO at dentsu said,
Customer-brand communications are in the moment and increasingly conversational. It needs to be easy and brands that embrace conversational experiences will be well-positioned to thrive. Our relationship with Meta is focused on helping brands achieve deeper engagement and value with their current and prospective customers, a critical enabler for growth. Launching a WhatsApp conversational solution, builds on our commitment to creating seamless E2E experiences. This enables brands to establish stronger, more relevant, one-on-one connections with customers, fostering trust and enhancing service experiences in the process.
Derya Matras, Meta VP of Northern Europe Middle East Africa added,
For people and businesses across the world, WhatsApp is a great place to get business done. We’re looking forward to seeing how dentsu brings the power of messaging to its customers around the world so they can accomplish more right within a chat.
Read More: Aalap Desai, Ex-CCO, Dentsu Creative India Launches TGTHR, a full-funnel ad agency
Swiggy To Continue With Havas Media Group India for Media Duties
Swiggy, an online meal ordering and delivery service, has concluded its media pitch. For its media responsibilities, the business has decided to continue to work with its long-standing partner, Havas Media Group India. In September of this year, the company requested that its media duties account be reviewed.
Havas’s Media Duties for Swiggy
The Swiggy account is valued at approximately INR 200 crore. More than 10 noteworthy agencies participated in the pitch process. The account was won by Havas Media Group India in 2016 after a multi-agency pitch that was started in August. Swiggy reportedly spent between INR 250 and 350 crore on advertising in 2023, according to the Pitch Madison Advertising Report.
Read More: Havas Announces Majority Stake in Klareco Communications
Publicis Names Rajdeepak Das as South Asia CCO; Chairman, Leo Burnett South Asia
Publics Groupe has promoted Rajdeepak Das to Chief Creative Officer, at Publicis Groupe South Asia, and Chairman of Leo Burnett, South Asia. Das’s appointment demonstrates the Groupe’s emphasis and dedication to world-class, inspirational creativity that develops brands through contemporary, purpose-driven work.
Focus on transforming client businesses
Das will concentrate on advancing the Groupe’s creative agenda in these newly established roles by utilizing the alchemy of technology and data to transform client businesses. To support these directives, he will collaborate closely with the Groupe’s creative, data, and technology talent.
Das’s leadership experience
Das is a superb creative leader with more than 20 years of successful brand development experience. Leo Burnett India has produced performances both domestically and internationally under his direction. The agency has won the Asia-Pacific Creative Agency of the Year at Spikes Asia 2023, the Most Awarded Indian Agency at the Cannes Lions 2023, The One Show 2023, Adfest 2023, and D&AD 2023 under his leadership. He is the recipient of over 100 international awards. Being a strong advocate of the ability of modern creativity to change people’s lives and an early adopter of cutting-edge concepts and technologies, some of his most notable campaigns have been wildly successful. These include “SmartFarms” for PepsiCo, “Say It With Oreo” for Mondelez, and “PumaDive” for PUMA.
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Here’s what they said
Anupriya Acharya, South Asia CEO, Publicis Groupe said,
I have really enjoyed working with Raj as his ideas and creativity continue to fuel both business impact and accolades. His quest for world-changing brand ideas is truly remarkable. His scintillating, sustained performance, ability to transform agency culture and reputation, as well as the width of the work that captures innovation, business transformation, data and sustainability, make him an ideal choice. We hope to leverage these strengths on a larger Groupe canvas.
Rajdeepak Das added,
I am super-delighted to get such a large canvas! With the breadth of capabilities at the Groupe level, a repertoire of finest clients and brilliant diverse talent, the opportunities are limitless. It’s been a truly exhilarating ride for me so far, and the new mandate (s) make it even more exciting. I look forward to redefining creativity and driving brand impact, as also positively shaping communities through powerful, progressive work.
Read More: Publicis Media, UK AOP To Test Privacy-Enhancing Technology (PETs)
Prasanth Kumar re-elected as AAAI’s President for 2023-2024 term
At the AAAI Annual General Meeting on December 1, Prasanth Kumar, CEO-South Asia of GroupM Media (India) Pvt Ltd, was re-elected to the position of President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) for the 2023–2024 term. The Association unanimously chose Rana Barua, Group CEO of Havas Worldwide India, as vice president. As the immediate past president of AAAI, Anupriya Acharya, Chief Executive Officer of Publicis Group South Asia, will serve as an ex-officio member of the AAI Board from 2023 to 2024.
Other elected members of the AAAI Board
- Sam Balsara – Madison Communications Pvt. Ltd
- Tanya Goyal – Everest Brand Solutions Pvt Ltd
- Vishandas Hardasani – Matrix Publicities and Media India Pvt Ltd
- Mohit Joshi – Havas Media India Pvt Ltd
- Kunal Lalani – Crayons Advertising
- Chandramouli Muthu – Maitri Advertising Works Pvt Ltd
- Sridhar Ramasubramanian – Beehive Communications Pvt Ltd
- Vikram Sakhuja – Platinum Advertising Pvt Ltd
- K Srinivas – Sloka Advertising Pvt Ltd
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Here’s what they said
Prasanth Kumar, CEO-South Asia of GroupM Media (India) Pvt Ltd said,
I am deeply grateful to the members of the AAAI for re- electing me as President, a role I accept with great honor and responsibility. Our collective vision is to strengthen an inclusive environment, actively engaging with all stakeholders to shape a dynamic and future-ready organization. Our commitment is steadfast in strengthening unwavering support for every member, recognizing that while we have achieved a few milestones together, there is still a considerable journey ahead. This prospect excites us; it fuels our motivation. When we collaborate and exert our combined efforts, we not only enhance each year for everyone involved but also solidify our resolve to be architects of change within our industry. We stand dedicated to not just witnessing but actively creating a transformative era, steering our organization towards new horizons of innovation and impact.
On his appointment as Vice President, AAAI Rana Barua commented,
I am passionate about policymaking that leads to impactful and positive changes to the advertising industry, that benefit all the stakeholders, including, media, consumers, and advertising agencies. I believe in the potential of advertising to foster economic development and enhance meaningful social changes. I look forward to collaborating with the AAAI members to bring these shared goals to life.
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Decoding Media Evolution with Shailesh Kapoor of Ormax Media
Shailesh Kapoor, CEO of Ormax Media, brings two decades of expertise to the Indian media industry. In this interview, he discusses the industry’s evolution, emphasizing the role of audience data and analytics at Ormax Media.
He sheds light on successful marketing strategies and the impact of influencer marketing in India. Discover how his insights and Ormax Media’s innovation collectively shape the industry, offering consumer-centric solutions and steering the future of media.
Having worked in media, TV, and marketing for more than two and a half decades, can you share your insights and your experience over the years?
The Indian media industry was in a fairly nascent stage when I started working in 1999. Over the last 25 years, there has been significant growth, especially with the digital medium coming in over the last decade. This growth has also attracted global players to India, bringing in best practices and processes. Yet, the Indian entertainment industry remains unique, relying equally on its chaotic energy and remaining instinct-led in large parts. One of our biggest challenges at Ormax Media has been to educate the industry about the value of audience data and analytics for more informed business decision-making. This remains a work in progress, especially in the South markets, where entertainment businesses are run in a more traditional way.
Viewership habits have changed amongst the Indian audience over the years. As a seasoned expert who has witnessed the evolution first-hand, can you shed some light on today’s viewership behavior?
Each medium has its unique role in the life of the viewer, and the viewing behavior of that medium reflects that. For example, television is the family medium, allowing families to spend quality time together every night—an essential need even more pronounced in today’s digital age. Despite the decline in appointment viewing, which was once crucial for television, there’s a noticeable shift amidst shorter attention spans. Surprisingly, the decrease in appointment viewing hasn’t resulted in increased channel flipping, as viewers prefer sticking to familiar shows and channels. In this evolving scenario, the Holy Grail of television has shifted from appointment to destination, emphasizing the channel’s significance over specific time slots in the competition for viewership share.
OTT is a medium for solo consumption or with those of the same group (spouse/siblings). Hence, it’s a more personal and intimate medium. Movie-going is an outdoor activity, equally about the social and communal experience as it is about the content itself. With the advent of digital media and the manifold increase in media choices available to the audience, including social media, viewing behavior is highly distracted. Anything that cannot hold the attention of the viewer for a few minutes will be rejected.
Social media and digital media have become increasingly popular, but they have also brought with them the rise of fake news and misinformation. What are your thoughts on this? Has this shift from traditional to digital been the primary cause of declining news credibility? If so, how can we combat it?
A lot of digitally savvy audiences still use print and television to ‘verify’ the news they see on digital/social media. That is the nature of online news: It will be high on immediacy but suspect on credibility. Building a credible news platform digitally requires one to build a strong brand, and this is where legacy brands, ranging from TOI to Jagran to BBC to Aaj Tak, have an advantage. One of the reasons TV news and print medium will continue to stay relevant is the credibility they bring in.
With the diversity of content available on these OTT platforms, people are shifting away from mainstream television. What is your perspective on advertising on these platforms? Would it help brands establish equity with their audience and reach the right audience?
Digital advertising, whether through platforms like YouTube or social media apps such as Instagram or Facebook or through AVOD apps, is on the rise. This is because a significant cohort of the younger, urban audience is consuming digital content more than television. Given that India is such a vast country with varied demographics, socio-economic groups, and geographies, both television and digital advertising will continue to be strong options for advertisers to choose from. The death of TV, as is often predicted, is a Western idea. In the Indian context, both mediums have a strong standing, and advertisers must choose the one (or both) depending on what fits the context, target audience, and messaging of their campaign.
There has been a tidal wave of influencer marketing in India, especially thanks to the popularity of Indian influencers. How do you think brands and advertisers can leverage influencer marketing in India to gain brand recognition?
The choice of the right influencer is important, because influencers may give reach, but don’t always ensure message credibility. Hence, brands must be careful in selecting influencers who are credible and fit the brand, and not just those who have the reach/ followers.
Can you take our readers through some of the methodologies you use to obtain industry insights? What are a few successful marketing strategies you have seen where advertisers took advantage of data insights from Ormax Media?
This is a vast topic, and we deploy a variety of methodologies, primarily in the areas of content testing, tracking media brands and campaigns, forecasting, and analytics. Our website has details of these methodologies for those interested in more information. Our work is primarily for media platforms (film studios, streamers, TV networks) more than advertisers. However, we work extensively with advertisers to help them choose the right media options and the right celebrity endorsers, among other services.
Our tool, Ormax Mpact, helps advertisers evaluate the success of high-impact brand activation, such as a big sponsorship or a roadblock. Our tool, Ormax Celeble, helps brands select the right endorser/influencer that fits the brand profile. We also have various industry reports that help advertisers understand the market size and growth of various sectors to build an outlook toward the sector’s health.
Are there any emerging or concerning trends you see in the future? How are you preparing yourself?
A definite trend that’s emerging is that the lines between different media are getting blurred. Today, Reels on Instagram are competing with long-format content like web series, for example. Yet, each medium and content type has its unique experience, making it relevant to its audience. A lot of our work post-pandemic is about understanding the nuances of media intersection. We do not buy into binary narratives, e.g., TV vs. OTT, OTT vs. theatres. Instead, our effort is to understand media intersection in the right context. For example, media choices of digital vs. TV for IPL will operate in a very different context compared to the audience’s decision to watch a new film in the theatre vs. OTT. With the growth in media options, complexity will only increase, and the right data and analytics, combined with the right context, can help media brands and advertisers make consumer-centric decisions.
Roku and Unity Announce Collaboration to Aid Mobile App Marketers
Roku, the top streaming service in the US and the world’s top platform for producing and managing real-time 3D (RT3D) content, and Unity have announced a strategic product and commercial partnership. This partnership will make it easier for mobile app marketers to extend their app install campaigns to TV streaming inventory. Through this partnership, mobile app marketers will have the only seamless TV streaming campaign execution experience possible by combining Unity’s user acquisition technology and experience with Roku’s premium inventory.
Roku – Unity solution for app marketers
The solution, which is currently in beta testing, links Unity’s Luna app marketing platform to Roku’s premium TV streaming inventory by fusing Unity’s campaign management and optimization technology with Roku’s Action Ads. With a smooth transition from ad view to download, Roku’s Action Ads offer advertisers the advantages of click-through measurement along with an easy-to-use discovery flow for viewers. They can therefore evaluate the effectiveness of their streaming TV campaigns from the point of initial ad exposure to the download of mobile apps.
TV streaming and Roku Action Ads
The first-to-market collaboration coincides with the expansion of TV streaming advertising. GroupM projects that global TV streaming ad revenue will reach $25.9 billion in 2023, an increase of 13.2%. Given that, at least 82 of the top 100 games use Unity to expand their user bases and that Roku has nearly half of all broadband homes in the United States, these two platforms are ideally positioned to assist app marketers in utilizing more screens and devices to engage potential users and spur incremental growth. Through this partnership, marketers can now take advantage of Roku Action Ads for a seamless experience in addition to closing the measurement loop for improved optimization.
Read More: Roku-Shopify Revolutionize TV Ads By Enabling On-Screen Purchases
App marketers and TV streaming campaigns
With the Roku remote, users can start the game download on any mobile device and go back to watching TV shows without any hassles. Additionally, app marketers can now track every aspect of their TV streaming campaigns, from the first TV ad exposure to the final mobile app download, which opens up new, more affordable growth strategies. When Roku’s scaled inventory is combined with Luna’s campaign management technology, app marketers hoping to boost performance on home TVs will have never-before-seen opportunities.
After logging in from Unity, app marketers will go to Luna and choose Roku from a list of marketing channels. This makes it simple for marketers of mobile apps to purchase cross-channel advertising on a single platform. After the beta test, Luna will collaborate with a select group of partners to expand to Roku.
Here’s what they said
Miles Fisher, Senior Director, Head of Emerging and Programmatic Sales at Roku said,
Mobile app marketers seek to maximize their budgets and ad opportunities. TV streaming has become the right performance channel to enable growth and provide channel diversity in a highly competitive market. Roku’s scale, tech, and direct connection with the viewer are uniquely positioned to make the largest screen in the home work harder for mobile performance marketers on Unity.
Omer Kaplan, SVP of Revenue and Operations for Unity Grow added,
The driving force behind this partnership is to turn CTV into a high-scale performance channel for apps and games. Savvy app marketers today know that they have to harness every available channel to drive truly incremental and cost-efficient growth, and CTV represents a huge and largely untapped opportunity. By coupling that scaled inventory with Luna from Unity’s robust campaign management and optimization technology, this partnership unlocks unique value for app marketers who are looking to drive performance on home TVs. We believe that there is no better combination of partners more suited to making CTV a successful performance marketing channel to add to app advertisers’ UA toolkit.
Read More: Roku and Spotify Collaborate to Introduce Video Ads To Roku App