MAM
Ipsos launches AI-powered video ad evaluation tool in India
MUMBAI: Global market research giant Ipsos has unveiled Creative|Spark AI, a cutting-edge advertising evaluation solution that delivers insights on video advertisements within minutes, hitting the Indian market today alongside 23 other countries.
The revolutionary tool combines human intelligence with artificial intelligence to predict viewer reactions to advertisements across linear TV, YouTube and social media platforms. Built on Ipsos’ existing Creative|Spark assessment framework and trained on 18,000 human response cases from the past five years, the solution operates on the company’s secure Gen AI platform, Ipsos Facto.
“This is a game-changer for advertisers juggling tight budgets and pressing deadlines,” said Shaun Dix, Ipsos’ global leader of creative excellence. “Particularly with the enormous spend flowing into social media advertising, brands can now evaluate single ads or hundreds of creatives in as little as 15 minutes.”
Ipsos India head brand health tracking and creative excellence Shalini Sinha emphasised the tool’s significance for the Indian market: “Creative|Spark AI offers an efficient, budget-friendly solution that’s particularly valuable for sectors not yet fully embracing creative assessment but eager for actionable insights.”
The platform doesn’t simply analyse advertisements—it provides predictive insights at “a fraction of the cost of consumer surveys,” according to Ipsos India creative excellence and creative/Spark AI head Shrutika More.
She highlighted the tool’s ability to help marketers “optimize testing budgets, increase campaign ROI, and deliver results at the speed and scale demanded by today’s market.”
The solution is immediately available in five Asia-Pacific markets—Australia, India, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam—as either a self-service option on Ipsos Digital or through full-service engagement with Ipsos teams. The company plans to roll out the tool across additional markets throughout 2025.
For India’s rapidly evolving advertising landscape, this AI-powered solution promises to deliver what many marketers have long sought: lightning-fast creative assessment with the precision of human insight at scale.
MAM
PwC India announces leadership change in Deals practice
Shashank Jain steps down as co-leader after nearly three decades with the firm.
MUMBAI: When one dealmaker steps off the pitch, another is ready to take the baton because in the fast-moving world of transactions, the game never really stops. PwC India has announced a leadership transition in its Deals practice, with Shashank Jain stepping down from his role as co-leader to pursue an opportunity in the industry. The practice will continue to be led by Mohit Chopra, ensuring continuity and sustained growth momentum.
PwC India partner and leader for advisory dinesh Arora paid tribute to Jain’s contributions. “We deeply appreciate the significant contributions made by Shashank over close to three decades he has spent with PwC, particularly his defining role in shaping and strengthening our Transaction Services practice in India,” he said. Arora highlighted Jain’s support for clients through some of the most complex and significant transactions in the Indian market, noting his deep technical expertise, sound judgment and nuanced understanding of the evolving M&A landscape.
The Deals practice remains a key growth driver for PwC India, and the firm expects continued expansion under Mohit Chopra’s leadership. He will continue to guide clients through complex transactions and transformational business moments, building on the strong foundation established over the years.
Reflecting on his journey, Shashank Jain said, “I have had an exceptional journey at PwC. I owe my growth and learning to the nurturing environment and leadership development that PwC provided.” He added that he had been working closely with Mohit and the larger team to ensure a smooth transition and expressed confidence that Chopra would take the Deals practice to newer heights.
From intern to respected deals leader, Shashank Jain has clearly closed many successful transactions and now, it seems, he’s ready to strike a new deal of his own.
