MAM
HSBC’s global media business moves to Omnicom’s PHD from WPP
MUMBAI In a major blow to WPP, HSBC Bank has handed over its global media business to Omnicom’s PHD. The agency won the business following a review which began in January along with Mindshare and Dentsu.
In a press statement, HSBC said, “We have selected PHD as our preferred media planning and buying supplier as they demonstrated strong strategic skills and advanced digital transformation capabilities. In a complex media and communications marketplace, PHD’s overall approach stood out as being forward thinking, yet straightforward and pragmatic.”
Earlier this year, HSBC appointed Publicis-owned Saatchi & Saatchi to replace WPP’s JWT to lead its global advertising business.
With this, WPP has lost another major client from its kitty as the HSBC account has billing of around $400 million and was worth over $20 million in annual revenue to WPP. The HSBC account was at WPP’s Mindshare, whose American Express business is also up for review. WPP is trying to hold its relationship with Ford Motor, also in review.
Mindshare held HSBC’s business for over 13 years. Another account loss comes as a blow to Mindshare, where the network is still reeling from the sudden exit of WPP’s chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell while struggling to retain or win some of the estimated $10 billion worth of media business that went under review at the beginning of the year.
Global media giant, WPP has recently lost several pitches including Campbell, Marriott, Amgen, AT&T, Volkswagen among others.
Also Read :
WPP board begins investigation of its CEO Sir Martin Sorrel, says WSJ
Sameer Singh joins GroupM as South Asia CEO
Sir Martin Sorrell says ta-ta to WPP, Roberto Quarta becomes exec chairman
Has advertising finally begun to embrace AI?
Brands
Pocket FM elevates Lalit Gangwar to COO to drive global growth
Founding member to lead operations, monetisation and expansion across markets
MUMBAI: Pocket FM has elevated Lalit Gangwar to chief operating officer, tasking the founding team member with leading global business operations as the company sharpens its international growth strategy.
In his new role, Gangwar will oversee end-to-end operations across markets, including growth, monetisation and execution for the company’s audio business. The appointment comes as Pocket FM looks to strengthen its operating foundation and build a more predictable, scalable global business.
Gangwar has been closely involved in shaping the company’s trajectory from its early days. He played a key role in building the growth and marketing playbook in India, helping the platform scale to over 150 million users within its first year and establish a strong foothold in the audio storytelling category.
He later led Pocket FM’s expansion into the United States, where he set up teams, defined market strategy and drove scale, contributing significantly to the company’s international ambitions.
Pocket FM co-founder and CEO Rohan Nayak said, “Lalit has been central to Pocket FM’s journey from the very beginning. He has built our growth engine and scaled our business across markets.” He added that the company’s focus on nurturing internal talent makes Gangwar a natural choice to lead the next phase.
Gangwar said, “Pocket FM has always been driven by a simple belief that powerful stories can travel across borders and create meaningful impact.” He noted that the company will continue to focus on scaling markets, investing in AI-led storytelling and strengthening monetisation.
As COO, Gangwar is expected to bring greater operating discipline while building systems, talent and processes to support long-term growth.
With leadership continuity and a clear global focus, Pocket FM appears to be turning the page to its next chapter, one that aims to take its storytelling playbook well beyond home turf.
