High profile recruitment at FOODFOOD; freeze on Ogilvy and Motivator as agency

The end of 2010 has paved the way for new trends in television channels with the launch of speciality channels dedicated solely to food. The trend setter being, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited's Khana Khazana. the Alva Brothers' FOOD First, and Sanjeev Kapoor's "FoodFood' in association with the Astro Group.

With the competition heating up, everything possible needs to be catered to, in order to strengthen their base. Astro All Asia Network and Sanjeev Kapoor's specialty channel FoodFood have reeled in media professionals, Karthik Lakshminarayan as Chief Operating Officer and Abraham Thomas as the Project Head. In the near future they will also look into acquiring senior management members to nourish base.

Lakshminarayan started his career fifteen years ago with Chaitra Leo Burnett (Now Leo Burnett). Since then, he worked for Madison Media, where he managed eminent clients like Cadbury, Marico, Godrej, Axis Bank, and McDonald's, to name a few. He also worked with Colours. In 2010, Lakshminarayan joined Freemantle Media, India as Head of Commercial & Business Development, helping them produce two popular reality Shows ' "Indian Idol' and "India's Got Talent'.

Prior to joining Red FM in 2005, Thomas worked with The Indian Express, SET Max and MTV Networks. He currently helps Astro All Aisa Network in setting up their broadcasting business.

It has also been confirmed that Ogilvy, India will be the creative agency for the channel, while Motivator will undertake the role of their media agency.

Hopefully, 2011 can serve up delicious recipes to entice the viewers taste buds and lure in advertisers with their spell binding aroma. Adgully wishes them all the best for the year 2011. | By Vanessa Azavedo [vanessa(at)adgully.com]