Adgully Exclusive | There is no looking back: Goldmine Advertising's Rahul Sarkar

Over a cup of Green Tea and salted Pistachios Rahul Sarkar, COO, Goldmine Advertising emphasized on the fact that Goldmine has a strong PSU presence and team Goldmine has worked with some of the most recognizable PSUs of the country like ONGC, MTNL, Central Bank, LIC, IOCL to name a few.

Rahul Sarkar has nurtured several brands over a period of two decades and was always been blessed with big brands. His career path started with Trikaya (Grey), moved on to Mudra and later Equus Red Cell. When he took the much deliberated decision of joining Goldmine after spending 15 years at Equus Red Cell he knew that what he had to do and deliver.

He joined Goldmine 8 months back and since then has looked at beefing the teams and has worked on a strategy to bring the agency in the forefront.

To begin with his first focus was on the agency's corporate website, which has turned a new leaf after 8 years and has given a different dimension to the organization. Attention has been paid to the minute details so that website has all information and is well crafted, as Sarkar puts it. The site will not only be an information-providing tool but also act like a Business tool. Agency tit-bits will be regularly made available on the site as well.

On asking about the Plan of action he highlighted that last 8 months have given him enough time to introspect and come up with a strong focus areas. He feels concentration on the corporate sector is a must, as it will help in bringing a right balance for the company while opening up new avenues.

To fulfill that, Goldmine has added new specialized services, MINE ' the creative wing and the brainchild of Mr. Sarkar. When asked how do you see MINE stand the tough competition and the times ahead, he replied affirmatively. "To survive the competition and become triumphant, fundamentals of any organization should be strong and we have already started proving our metal". Mr. Sarkar, a brand specialist by wit and an artist by heart, adds "without taking the plunge how will you know whether you can swim or not".

Each silo has been structured in such a manner that they are self-sufficient and have been given a freehand to work as independent units.

The BTL team has an excellent solution and execution capabilities and has done some very challenging work for some of the largest clients like Goa Tourism, MTDC, Alcon at international as well as national level. The Media unit has been working quietly and steadily. Goldmine has partnered with Quasar, a WPP Group company, as their digital agency to take care of the digital marketing as well as social media responsibilities of their clients.

He has handpicked a bunch of young enthusiastic talent to be in charge of the large public sector accounts as well as the corporate sectors. Sarkar feels the organization should be driven by people. People who are young, talented and have the fire in their belly are the assets of any strong company. The grey cells win over grey hair, he admits with a slight chuckle, having his own generous share of grey hair.

On asking about how is Sarkar seeing 2012 his quick reply was sizeable growth without mentioning any numbers since he feels March is still a few miles away and does not want to make any tall promises. To conclude Mr. Sarkar stated that "We have already raised eyebrows due to the change in our accountability and professionalism, now with our brand new format we will be able to reach our goals, easily."

As I walk out, I introspected on why someone like Sarkar thought of sitting on the steering wheel of an agency which has a lot of unexplored potential hence an experienced expertise like him was the need of the hour.

I would say Mr. Singla is a visionary hence he got someone like Sarkar to drive him to Sunshine.