Week at a glance: India at Cannes Lions; Focus East; AI Vs human creativity

We expect a more positive second half compared to the previous year: Ashwin Padmanabhan

In a recent interview with Adgully, Ashwin Padmanabhan, President - Investments, Trading & Partnerships at GroupM, discussed various aspects of the evolving marketing landscape. He shared insights on staying updated with trends, the impact of ad-free streaming platforms, the significance of influencer marketing, and the future of online advertising.

When we do breakthrough work, the world notices: Navin Khemka on Cannes Lions win

Whisper India’s ‘The Missing Chapter’, done by EssenceMediacom and Leo Burnett, has won a Bronze Lion in the Media Lions category at Cannes Lions 2023. In a freewheeling interaction with Adgully, Navin Khemka speaks about the mantra for creating award-winning work, the merger between Essence and Mediacom, AI and advertising, and more.

AI vs human creativity Part 1: Examining the impact of AI on the music industry

In a recent interview with BBC Radio 4, former Beatle Paul McCartney talked about something that would make Beatles’ fans happy. McCartney revealed that a song from the last record created by the band before they disbanded will soon be unveiled, and what makes this release particularly intriguing is the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to revive John Lennon’s voice.

AI Vs human creativity Part 2: Will AI melodies be the symphony of the future?

It is a reality that AI-generated music is here to stay, and streaming platforms will have to deal with the phenomenon. While it may be possible to dish out AI-generated music compositions with consummate ease, they may not be able to match the ones made by human composers/ singers. Music essentially is a manifestation of sublime human emotions, and machines can’t replicate that fundamental human trait. We discussed that aspect in detail in the first part of this feature report.

Focus East: How FMCG brands are sharpening their regional marketing strategies

When it comes to market focus for brands and marketers, the North, West and South markets have always had a dominant share. The East and North-East markets are a distant second. The equations are now changing as these markets become more assimilated into the mainstream.

Focus East: The M&E and Advertising possibilities for brands to expand consumer base

As in the case of the rest of the country, the East markets – comprising West Bengal, Sikkim, the North East states and Odisha – is undergoing rapid digital transformation. The global pandemic proved to be the catalyst for greater digital adoption.

Amid speculations over merger, Sony says ‘We take SEBI’s interim order very seriously'

Speculations have been rife over the fate of the ZEE-Sony merger deal ever since the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued an interim order barring ZEE promoters Subhash Chandra and his son Punit Goenka from holding any directorial position in any listed companies.

Sylvestor da Cunha, creator of Amul Girl, passes away

Advertising industry veteran and creator of the iconic Amul Girl and the ‘Utterly Butterly’ campaigns, Sylvestor da Cunha has passed away. He had been MD of ad agency ASP.

The year is expected to be marketing heavy for consumer durables brands: Priyanka Sethi

In conversation with Adgully, Priyanka Sethi, Director and Head of Marketing, Haier Appliances India, speaks about key trends in the consumer appliances sector, rise of data analytics, keeping up with changing consumer preferences, Haier's commitment to sports and entertainment, and more.

CX is the larger umbrella under which brands are seeing biz functions: Unny Radhakrishnan

In conversation with Adgully, Unny Radhakrishnan, CEO, Digitas India, shares some insights about the role marketing agencies play in the evolution of new-age brands with the transition from personalization to hyper-personalization.

Cannes Lions awards Lions Health Grand Prix for Good to Working with Cancer

Five months after its launch in Davos and subsequent global wake-up call at the Super Bowl, ‘Working with Cancer’ has been recognised by Cannes Lions with the Grand Prix for Good, designed to celebrate the use of creativity to positively impact not only business and brand, but also the world at large.

Despite positive developments, women leaders still face barriers: Aditi Mittal

In conversation with Adgully, Aditi Mittal, Group Head - HR, SAVE Solutions, speaks about the shift in gender stereotypes and roles in the workplace, prioritising self-care, setting boundaries, and fostering a supportive work environment, and more.

The lynchpin of PR is issue management and stakeholder relationships: Geetu Batra

In conversation with Adgully Geetu Batra, PR & Communications Lead at Cheil India speaks about the key differences between working in a PR agency versus working directly within an advertising and marketing company, some valuable lessons, creative and innovative PR strategies, and more.

How audio & smartwatch brand Wings is creating impactful retail experiences

Wings, India’s fastest growing direct-to-consumer (D2C) audio, smartwatch, and true wireless stereo (TWS) brand, is capturing the attention of the country’s youth with its innovative products. Nishit Sharma, Co-Founder, Wings Lifestyle, peaks about the strategy behind Wings’ expansion into the offline category and what makes Wings stand out amid the cluttered competition.

Saibal Biswas on what makes Medibuddy’s Father’s Day campaign special

In conversation with Adgully, Saibal Biswas, Head of Marketing, Partnerships and PR, MediBuddy, elaborates on the ‘Papa ki meethein Yaadein’, the core creative concept, media mix, response to the campaign, and more.

Manjira Sharma on how Roche Diagnostics empowers women to #BeYourOwnShero

Manjira Sharma shares insights into the tactics employed, the success metrics being tracked, and the future plans and initiatives Roche Diagnostics India has in store to support women’s health in India.