Indiantelevision.com Team

(19 October 2006 8:00 pm)

MUMBAI: On a client focused visit to India, JWT chairman and CEO Bob Jeffrey announced that the company has appointed Guy Murphy as global planning director. He will report to Jeffrey and collaborate closely with Craig Davis, JWT chief creative officer. Murphy comes on board with 14 years of experience at BBH.

Stepping into his new role, Murphy said, "Planning has reached something of a crossroads, at JWT and for the industry. I find myself asking, 'What would Stephen King do?' especially as he was media led in his invention of planning 1.0. I place a high value on creativity, and I intend to lead and support JWT's planners around the globe in their production of the most inspiring and contemporary briefs. In addition, I want to help create the environment for more great work to be sold."

As part of his first India tour Jeffrey met with several clients including Unilever, Pepsi Kellogs and Nestle, leading him to conclude that the Indian market has a huge growth potential. Thus, eyeing India as a core market Jeffrey is optimistic of what the country has to offer and says the company is poised to make an aggressive entry into new modes of communication like digital, mobile and below the line (BTL) activities. With this, JWT is also targeting acquisition plans in 2007 to integrate new companies into their offering thus, expanding their spectrum of services.

The local growth witnessed in India is something of interest to Jeffrey, from which he sees a new breed of creative leadership emerging. He said, "Two to three years ago no one was looking at India. However, now people are surprised with the creative work coming from JWT India and this has drawn focus to the country."

In addition, Jeffrey claimed that this growth in the Indian market has given an impetus to several global brands desiring to make an entry into the country. Similarly, Indian businesses are also becoming more ambitious to extend their presence globally.

Given the creative enthusiasm and newer communication platforms blooming in India, Jeffrey has high expectations for a revisit next year. On this trip, he has been accompanied by Marian Salzman JWT EVP and chief marketing officer.