Group M China was jointly awarded the 2003 Office of the Year, the only Media Specialist so honoured out of 30 submissions. Group M India had also won last year's Office of the Year award.

Group M was among the shortlisted finalists in four out of the ten award categories and the eventual winner of three awards - the single largest haul of awards of all the Advertising & Media Agencies who entered, claims the company. Group M, one of India's largest media investment management group with five offices across India providing media planning, buying and research services through its operating companies Maximize and MindShare. Specialist services are provided through its Advanced Techniques Group, mOne, Media Consumer Insights Group, BroadMind and Group M Outdoor.

The judges, says a company release, recognised Group M Asia Pacific for consistently delivering their clients effective communication strategies, outstanding media buys, world class consumer insights, and superior tools and systems resulting in improved customer ROI. Also cited were the company's new business record, staff training and development programs and regional teamwork.

Also selected as runners up for "Media Planner/Buyer of the Year" was Maneesheel Gautam (MindShare Fulcrum India) and Michael Zhang (MindShare Beijing). This category attracted 30 submissions with only three finalists, says the release. Maneesheel, who has been in the business for four years, made it to the top rung with his integrated approach to Lifebuoy communication planning, for clients Hindustan Levers.

Chris Walton (Group M China) was nominated as a finalist for Agency Head of the Year, the only Media specialist head to be selected.