MAM
Raveena Tandon & Harsha Bhogle to endorse Sugar Free
MUMBAI: Showdiff Worldwide, a joint venture between Rediffusion DYR and Ravi Shastri, has zeroed on actress Raveena Tandon and cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle as brand ambassadors for Zydus Cadila’s brand of artificial sweetener – Sugar Free.
Rediffusion DY&R client servicing director Jeffrey Almeida said, “The TVC for the product is ready and will be on air a week from now.” When asked about the premise of the ad, Almeida said, “The TVC has Harsha and Raveena meeting each other and they both realise that they have something in common – they both were calorie conscious.”
According to Almeida, as of now the agency will not be floating any outdoor campaign for Sugar Free. “If and when the need is required for outdoor campaigning for the product, it will be done,” he said. For the time being, TV commercials and radio ads have been made and will be on air in a week’s time.
Talking about the target audience for Sugar Free, Almeida said, “We are increasing the baseline now. Earlier the perception was that Sugar Free was only for people who have diabetes and sugar problem. But now we are widening the view point and bringing home the fact that Sugar Free can be taken by anyone and everyone.”
The endorsement deal for Tandon and Bhogle is for a period of one year for Sugar Free. Although Sugar Free has had ads prior to this, it is the first time that the brand has roped in known faces to endorse the product.
MAM
WPP appoints Mark Taylor as chief people officer in leadership reshuffle
Marie-Claire Barker moves to culture role as Cindy Rose builds new team
MUMBAI: WPP has appointed Mark Taylor as its new chief people officer, bringing in a seasoned HR leader as part of a broader leadership reshuffle under chief executive Cindy Rose, according to media reports.
Taylor succeeds Marie-Claire Barker, who will transition into a specialised role focused on performance and culture, reporting to him. The move is seen as part of WPP’s effort to sharpen its organisational structure and align talent strategy with its transformation agenda.
With more than three decades of experience, Taylor brings a diverse track record across industries including pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, retail and digital entertainment. He most recently served as chief people advisor at The LEGO Group, where he worked closely with top leadership on board and executive appointments, governance and organisational strategy.
Prior to that, he held senior HR leadership roles at Burberry and King, where he played a key role in organisational transformation and integration efforts, including the company’s alignment with Activision Blizzard. Earlier in his career, Taylor also worked with Kimberly-Clark and GlaxoSmithKline.
His cross-sector experience is expected to support WPP’s three-year ‘Elevate 28’ turnaround plan, which focuses on simplifying operations, strengthening capabilities and driving sustainable growth.
The appointment marks the second major leadership hire under Rose in a week. Recently, WPP named Anne-Isabelle Choueiri as chief transformation officer, bringing in additional firepower to execute its strategic overhaul. Choueiri previously held a senior transformation role at Estée Lauder Companies.
The leadership changes signal a clear push by WPP to blend experience with transformation as it navigates a rapidly evolving advertising landscape. With Taylor now steering the people agenda, the company appears focused on ensuring its talent strategy keeps pace with its broader ambitions.
