MAM
MediaCom bags Uber’s global media mandate
MUMBAI: MediaCom has been appointed as Uber’s global media agency of record. The agency, which currently holds the account in the US and Australia, will expand its remit into every operational market for Uber across North America, Latin America, EMEA and Asia.
Effective 1 January 2021, MediaCom will oversee all digital and offline media in the active markets. The account will be led by MediaCom US chief transformation officer Ilana Nolte, and MediaCom US group business lead, executive director Latha Sundaram.
“Today requires a different approach to brand building and innovation, which is why we have consolidated our global media needs with MediaCom. The work they’ve done for Uber during perhaps one of the most disruptive times in our industry, has given us the confidence that our partnership will continue to thrive globally,” said Uber global head of media Travis Freeman.
MediaCom global CEO Nick Lawson added: “As one of the leaders of the new age of advertisers and one of the most cutting-edge brands around, we are proud to be part of Uber’s amazing global journey. To be appointed as their consolidated global agency of record is testament to the incredible work we see day-in-day-out across the business.”
GroupM’s global CEO Christian Juhl said: “This appointment is fantastic news and the consolidation speaks volumes about the innovative ideas MediaCom and GroupM bring to the table every day. We’re excited to scale those ideas within a global framework and look forward to working in partnership with Uber to continue their growth and develop more impactful work globally.”
MAM
BLS International launches #VisaReady campaign to guide applicants
Initiative targets visa myths, delays and rejections with practical guidance
MUMBAI: Visa woes may soon meet their match because paperwork, it seems, is finally getting a user manual. BLS International has rolled out a new awareness drive, #VisaReadyWithBLSInternational, aimed at simplifying the often confusing visa application process and reducing delays caused by misinformation and incomplete documentation. The campaign, led across social media platforms, zeroes in on a long-standing pain point for travellers: lack of clarity around procedures, timelines and requirements. By offering step-by-step guidance, documentation checklists and clear Dos and Don’ts, the initiative attempts to turn what is typically a stressful process into a more predictable one.
At its core, the campaign also seeks to bust common myths that frequently derail applications issues that often lead to avoidable rejections or last-minute complications. The idea is to equip applicants with practical, actionable insights so they can plan better and submit stronger applications within expected timelines.
The push will not remain limited to digital channels. BLS International plans to extend the initiative across its Visa Application Centres globally, reinforcing awareness at key touchpoints where applicants engage with the process.
BLS International joint managing director Shikhar Aggarwal framed the campaign as more than a communication exercise, emphasising the company’s attempt to embed guidance and preparedness into every stage of the applicant journey.
Operating in over 70 countries and working with more than 46 client governments including embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions, the company has built a sizeable footprint in visa and consular services. With this campaign, it is now leaning into education as much as execution, signalling that in the world of visas, clarity might just be the new currency.
