WPP’s Stephen Li confirms HSBC account

NEW DELHI: Stephen Li the regional director of WPP Group’s Team HSBC Asia-Pacific, has confirmed that MindShare and Contract Advertising will handle media and creative respectively, for India.

The Hong Kong-based Li, who has worked on the HSBC account for more than five years, is expected to visit India in mid-July.

Speaking to Indiantelevision.com from Taipei, where he is on an official trip, Li said, “The arrangement is that WPP Group resources will be put across the region for HSBC account. The media component will be handled by MindShare whereas Contract Advertising will work on advertising.”

On the decision to opt for Contract in India from the WPP Group agencies, Li said, “Contract seemed to the best fit for the account.” On the work, which predominantly has been seen in print media in India, Li added, “Well, its too early to comment on what level of work is expected to be done (on local and regional basis). At this point of time, we are still working very closely with client and our headquarters in London. But it is expected to be a comprehensive television and print campaign.”

The WPP Group overcame the challenge from Omnicom Group and Interpublic Group (Lowe was handling the account in Asia Pacific region).