MAM
ZenithOptimedia predicts 4.6% ad growth to $525 bn in 2013
MUMBAI: Publicis Groupe’s research agency ZenithOptimedia has said in its latest forecast that global ad expenditure will grow 4.6 per cent to touch $525 billion in 2013.
Continuing the trend that started with the economic downturn in 2007, the growth next year also will be led by developing markets predicted to grow by 8 per cent on average in 2013. Central and Eastern Europe are expected to bounce back after a tough 2012 with 7.4 per cent growth in 2013 ($28.592 billion), while Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) will grow by 8.2 per cent ($148.423 billion) and Latin America by 10.1 per cent ($41.935 billion). North America which has had a particularly strong 2012 owing to record Olympic audiences and heavier than expected political advertising in the US is expected to grow at a solid 3.6 per cent in 2013 ($178.313 billion).
The digital medium will continue its strong growth into 2013 and is expected to grow at 15.1 per cent as compared to traditional media which is set to grow at 2.3 per cent.
The agency has also revised it for the remainder of 2012 slashing the growth further from 4.3 per cent (as predicted in June) to 3.8 per cent. The main reason attributed to this downgrade is advertisers in the eurozone cutting expenses in response to further economic weakness. ZenithOptimedia predicts that the eurozone spend will shrink 3.1 per cent over the course of this year as compared to the earlier 1.1 per cent decline forecast in June. Assuming the region remains intact, budgets are expected to resume slow 0.9 per cent growth in 2013, strengthening to 2.3 per cent in 2014.
“Advertisers are broadly continuing to invest, despite the global economic concerns and issues. However, they are seeking to ensure that all expenditures are delivering strong return on investment. The US continues to deliver solid growth. This combined with the growth in developing markets and in digital media, has helped mitigate the drop in eurozone spending,” said ZenithOptimedia Group global chief executive officer Steve King.
MAM
PropertyPistol appoints Hemant Bajaj as chief marketing officer
Proptech firm taps global marketing leader to sharpen brand and growth strategy.
MUMBAI: In the fast moving world of proptech, building homes may be the business, but building the brand is just as crucial. Propertypistol, the proptech driven real estate advisory platform, has appointed Hemant Bajaj as its chief marketing officer (CMO) as the company looks to strengthen its brand narrative and accelerate growth across markets. Bajaj will lead the company’s marketing operations across multiple geographies, overseeing brand strategy, integrated marketing initiatives and revenue aligned growth programmes as Propertypistol prepares for its next phase of expansion.
The appointment comes at a time when the proptech sector is seeing rapid digital adoption, with companies increasingly focusing on leadership talent capable of combining technology, data driven marketing and customer experience.
Bajaj brings experience spanning India, South East Asia and the Middle East, where he has worked on scaling brands and leading digital transformation initiatives across multiple industries. His work in the marketing and media ecosystem recently earned him recognition as a ‘Powerhouse Leader’ at the Mastermind Awards in Dubai, highlighting his track record in managing high impact marketing mandates.
Propertypistol founder and managing director Ashish Narain Agarwal said the appointment comes at a pivotal stage in the company’s journey as it looks to strengthen its market presence.
“Hemant’s appointment comes at a defining moment for us. As we scale our market position, it is vital to have leadership that blends strategic vision with executional depth. Hemant’s deep understanding of brand and business alignment will be instrumental as we redefine the proptech landscape,” Agarwal said.
Bajaj said Propertypistol’s technology first approach to real estate advisory was one of the key reasons behind his decision to join the company.
“Propertypistol has established itself as a technology first platform that is redefining how investors navigate the property market. Having led marketing transformations across international borders and fast paced industries, I recognise the exceptional strength of the foundation built here,” he said.
He added that his focus would be on accelerating the company’s digital marketing capabilities while building strategies that deliver sustained value for customers and partners worldwide.
The leadership move reflects Propertypistol’s broader effort to strengthen its executive team as the proptech industry evolves rapidly. With property search, advisory and transactions increasingly shifting online, companies in the sector are investing heavily in marketing intelligence and digital platforms to stay competitive.
By bringing Bajaj on board, Propertypistol is betting that sharper brand positioning and technology led marketing will help it stand out in an increasingly crowded digital real estate marketplace.
