MAM
Balsara elected president of International Advertising Association India chapter
MUMBAI: Madison Communications chairman and managing director Sam Balsara has been elected as the new president of the India chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) at its recently concluded annual general meeting held in Mumbai.
Balsara has been elected president for the year 2005-06.
The new managing committee has includes: Pradeep Guha as vice president, Mukul Upadhyaya as secretary, Ashok Nerkar as treasurer and M G Parmeshwaran, Goutam Rakshit, Ramesh Narayan, Ishan Raina as members. Hormusji Cama has been made co-opted member and Roger C.B. Pereira and Pheroza Bilimoria are special invitees.
Spread over 93 countries and with over 6,000 members worldwide, the IAA champions advertising as a force for growth in all free market societies. Advertising revenues ensure an independent, pluralistic, affordable media with competing channels of information for consumers, which are the foundation of democracy itself.
The IAA is uniquely positioned to recognise emerging cross-border trends before they become obvious, and provide marketing communications professionals with an international, multi-industry forum for the global exchange of knowledge, best practices, professional development, experience and ideas.
The India Chapter was initiated over 20 years ago with a view to foster a healthy environment for the growth of globalisation in the communications industry. It has a membership of around 40 members and membership to IAA is by invitation only.
Balsara said, “With the presence of such strong industry associations like Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), Indian Newspapers Society (INS) and Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) and Clubs like The Advertising Club, Bombay; the IAA India Chapter needs to identify the unique and distinct role that it can play in the advertising and marketing fraternity. Probably it will be in the area of global practices, exploiting its global reach across 93 countries, and access to 6000 key decision makers.”
The major item on the agenda of the IAA in the current year is the holding of the IAA World Congress in Dubai from 20 – 23 March, 2006 and the IAA , India Chapter hopes to play a key role in taking a large delegation from India to this Congress.
Also on the cards is a series of dinner meetings exclusively for the IAA members and their guests to be addressed by “International Indians”. The first guest in this series will be Harish Manwani, earlier marketing director of Hindustan Lever and currently president Asia, Africa, Middle East and Turkey, based in London.
The Dubai Chapter, which is one of the largest chapters of IAA has lined up a rich fare in terms of global speakers and relevant topics and the Congress would also give Indian professionals an opportunity to check out the opportunities available in Dubai because of rapid and unbelievable progress made by the country in the last few years. It is for the first time that the IAA World Congress is being held at a destination that is so close to India.
Brands
Mana Projects names Ranbir Kapoor brand ambassador amid rebranding
Bengaluru developer unveils new identity focused on design and nature.
MUMBAI: When real estate meets reel star power, the foundation for a new brand story is often laid brick by brick. Mana Projects, the Bengaluru based real estate developer, has appointed actor Ranbir Kapoor as its brand ambassador while unveiling a refreshed brand identity aimed at aligning the company with the evolving expectations of modern urban homebuyers.
The announcement marks a new phase for the developer, which has spent over two decades building residential communities in Bengaluru, particularly along emerging growth corridors such as Sarjapur Road.
The updated brand identity reflects the company’s emphasis on design led living and environmentally conscious development. According to the developer, the new positioning focuses on creating residential spaces where architecture, nature, engineering and lifestyle planning work together to shape meaningful living experiences.
Mana Projects chairman and managing director D. Kishore Reddy said the rebranding represents a natural progression as the company adapts to the expectations of a new generation of homeowners.
“This rebranding represents the natural evolution of Mana Projects as we align ourselves with the aspirations of a new generation of homeowners, particularly millennials who form the backbone of Bengaluru’s dynamic homebuyer community,” Reddy said.
He added that today’s buyers increasingly look beyond basic housing to spaces that combine design, sustainability and a strong sense of community.
“At Mana, our philosophy centres on creating homes where space is purposeful, design is intelligent, nature is respected and engineering ensures long term sustainability. Our association with Ranbir Kapoor reflects this new chapter as we continue to build communities that enable people to truly live brilliantly,” he said.
Kapoor, who has been associated with several lifestyle and consumer brands, said the partnership resonated with his own understanding of what makes a home meaningful.
“A home is one of the most meaningful investments people make in their lives, and it should reflect comfort, warmth and a sense of belonging,” Kapoor said.
“What impressed me about Mana Projects is the brilliance of their thought, the way design, nature and functionality come together to enhance everyday living. I’m delighted to be associated with Mana Projects as they continue to create homes that inspire modern urban families to truly live brilliantly.”
The collaboration will be introduced through a large scale integrated campaign spanning digital platforms, outdoor media and experiential activations, making it one of the developer’s most prominent branding initiatives in recent years.
Founded in Bengaluru, Mana Projects has built a portfolio of residential developments that emphasise thoughtful architecture, amenity rich neighbourhoods and environmentally sensitive planning. The company’s projects often integrate open spaces, green landscapes and energy efficient engineering to support sustainable urban living.
With Bengaluru continuing to attract young professionals and technology workers, the developer believes the city’s housing market is increasingly being shaped by buyers seeking well planned communities that balance functionality with quality of life.
Looking ahead, Mana Projects plans to expand its presence across the city by developing future ready residential projects designed to accommodate emerging lifestyle trends such as hybrid work culture, community driven living and multigenerational households.
By combining a refreshed brand identity with a high profile ambassador, the company hopes to strengthen its position in Bengaluru’s competitive real estate market while appealing to a new generation of homeowners seeking homes that blend design, nature and modern living.
