MAM
O&M launches Social@Ogilvy
MUMBAI: Global advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather announced the launch of Social@Ogilvy ,a worldwide practice connecting all of the agency’s social media experts to deliver solutions across all areas of business.
From being a specialty offering within Ogilvy Public Relations, the service has been expanded across all marketing disciplines into a global network of social media experts from the complete Ogilvy family.
Social@Ogilvy connects marketing, communications, CRM, sales enablement, shopper marketing experts among other things to deliver seven big social solutions. In addition to social media marketing and communications ,it will also provide socialCRM, social care, social business solutions, listening and analytics, and Ogilvy’s measurement model Conversation Impact.
In the Asia Pacific region Social@Ogilvy extends to 23 cities in 15 territories.
Social@Ogilvy has over 550 dedicated social media experts around the world and 4,000 digital experts delivering global and local solutions. Headquartered in New York, the team is led by global managing director John Bell, chief operating officer Tom DeLuca and Director of Social@Ogilvy in Asia-Pacific Thomas Crampton.
Bell said, “Now, no matter which door clients walk through at Ogilvy they will connect with the Social@Ogilvy team to deliver agile and measurable solutions. That’s access to social experts deep in every marketing and communications discipline. The real power of social media for business in 2012 and beyond lies in fully integrated solutions not stand-alone social programs.”
Ogilvy & Mather Asia Pacific chief executive officer Paul Heath said, “The demand for world-class digital and social media solutions across Asia Pacific is growing rapidly. Social media has been the fastest growing discipline over the last two years. Social@Ogilvy brings our social media specialists from all disciplines into an integrated team that supports clients at every stage of the game.”
Thomas Crampton commented, “Our social media offering is the clear market leader with Ogilvy winning more awards in social media than any other agency in Asia. The launch of Social@Ogilvy enables our global network of social media strategists to bring best-in-class social media expertise to all clients across Ogilvy Group.”
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
