MAM
WPP wins $600m global HSBC business
MUMBAI: In a strategic development, the London-based bank HSBC has appointed a group of WPP Group agencies to handle its $600m global advertising and marketing business after a pitch against rivals Interpublic Group and Omnicom.
HSBC which has been touted as the biggest account to change hands this year was handled by Lowe for the last five years. The account will now be taken over by WPP’s J Walter Thompson (JWT).
In a UK media report, HSBC said that it would consolidate all of its worldwide advertising activities, currently at more than 200 agencies in more than 40 markets, with eight firms that are owned by London-based WPP.
According to a report in the Brand Republic, the Group M division of WPP will take over the media buying and planning business, which had been held by Publicis Groupe’s ZenithOptimedia. MindShare will be the lead media agency with Maximise working on the business in Asia. Direct marketing will be handled by rmg:connect and 141 Worldwide and branding and corporate identity by Landor. JWT will share the creative duties with two other units, Bates Asia and Batey said the report. WPP global client leader Toby Hoare will be coordinating all activities.
Attempts by indiantelevision.com to contact JWT (Mumbai) president Kamal Oberoi for the take on the Indian scenario proved futile.
HSBC (London) group general manager for marketing Peter Stringham said in a media report that the bank would stick with the line “The world’s local bank” which has adorned HSBC advertising on television, in publications and public places.
Although the bank doesn’t seem keen on changing the strategy that was developed by Lowe as it reflected the reality of the bank, which was built by a lot of acquisitions in a whole lot of markets. What JWT will be doing is help HSBC refresh the idea creatively. The reason citied by Stringham in a media report for a change in the creative agency for the bank was to cut costs.
Brands
Axis Bank named Official Banking Partner of DP World PGTI
Partnership supports all tournaments this season to grow professional golf in India.
MUMBAI: Axis Bank just teed up a hole-in-one partnership because when a bank sponsors golf’s biggest swing in India, even the fairways feel more financially secure. Axis Bank has been appointed Official Banking Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (DP World PGTI), strengthening its commitment to sporting excellence and community engagement while backing the growth of professional golf across the country.
Under the partnership, Axis Bank will support all DP World PGTI tournaments this season, contributing to talent development, enhanced tournament experiences and wider fan engagement. The collaboration aligns the bank’s values of precision, discipline and trust with the Tour’s focus on performance and opportunity.
Axis Bank executive director Munish Sharda said, “We are pleased to partner with DP World PGTI as its Official Banking Partner. Golf embodies precision, discipline, and a pursuit of excellence qualities that strongly reflect who we are at Axis Bank. This association also strengthens our engagement with India’s growing premium customer segments, where the sport has a deep and enduring connect.”
Professional Golf Tour of India president Kapil Dev said, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Axis Bank as a Tour Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India. Partnerships of this stature play a vital role in strengthening the foundation of the Tour, enhancing opportunities for our players, and expanding the sport’s reach across the country.”
Professional Golf Tour of India CEO Amandeep Johl added, “Axis Bank’s strong legacy of excellence, innovation, and nationwide reach aligns perfectly with DP World PGTI’s goal to elevate professional golf in India and provide greater opportunities for our players.”
In a sport where every stroke counts and every partnership drives distance, Axis Bank isn’t just backing golfers, it’s investing in the fairway to future, turning India’s greens into a stage where precision meets passion and every drive has the power to inspire.
