MAM
GroupM cos Maxus & MEC merged into new global network, digital-first media services expanded
MUMBAI: GroupM, the world’s leading media investment group, has announced a portfolio restructure to improve service and delivery to clients.
GroupM is committing to the expansion of Essence, its digital-first agency, by adding traditional media capabilities and a larger geographic footprint to the agency’s existing media and creative credentials. In time, Essence will also lead several key GroupM client relationships as part of this restructure.
GroupM is also merging the global operations and teams of its agencies MEC and Maxus into a new, billion dollar revenue, media, content and technology agency under the leadership of MEC’s CEO Tim Castree.
Maxus will continue to operate as an agency brand in India with the support of the newly formed global agency as well as the GroupM network.
GroupM’s portfolio will now comprise three successful global media agency networks — Mindshare, MediaCom, and the new company – each with more than one billion dollars in annual revenues, plus an innovative digital-first agency, Essence. GroupM also plans new investments across all of its agencies and its [m]PLATFORM data and technology capabilities.
“We’re committed to improving our service to clients. These moves will give us greater focus, help us innovate, and improve our speed of delivery,” said Kelly Clark, Global CEO, GroupM.
Since Clark became global CEO in October 2016, GroupM has made a number of organizational changes. Clark recently appointed Lindsay Pattison as GroupM’s Chief Transformation Officer to lead a range of transformation initiatives. GroupM acquired Essence in November 2015.
“The leadership team at Essence is excited about the opportunities this creates for our clients and our people,” said Christian Juhl, CEO, Essence. “Our mission is to make advertising more valuable to the world; with this infusion of talent, capabilities and markets, we can do this now on a bigger stage.” Clark named Castree CEO of MEC in November 2016.
“Maxus and MEC share common values and ambitions. Both networks have a strong local market presence and entrepreneurial drive. Together, we believe we can create an exciting new media, content and technology agency which we look forward to introducing soon,” said Castree.
“We’ve clearly signaled our ambition to transform, and we mean business,” said Pattison. “This allows us to more meaningfully invest in each agency’s future – retaining and attracting the best talent with inspiring and rewarding workplaces, creating differentiated cultures and approaches, and sharing in a focus on helping clients win.”
Brands
Kingfisher bets big on music culture with Karan Aujla’s 2026 India tour
Water Partners with Karan Aujla for P POP Culture India Tour 2026
MUMBAI: Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water from United Breweries Limited, part of the Heineken Company, has announced its association as the co-presenting partner of Karan Aujla’s P POP Culture India Tour 2026. The collaboration places music and culture at the centre of the brand’s iconic “Good Times” philosophy, integrating the brand seamlessly into one of the most dynamic live music movements in the country.
As co-presenting partner, Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water will play a significant role across the tour’s on-ground and digital ecosystem, creating immersive consumer experiences and driving meaningful engagement at every touchpoint. The partnership is designed to strengthen the brand’s cultural relevance among young and expressive audiences who see music as a core part of their identity and celebrations.
At the heart of the association is a series of three brand films featuring Karan Aujla, where the global music artist reimagines Kingfisher’s iconic “Oo La La La Le O” jingle across Afro, Punjabi and Funk genres. The Afro-inspired film sets a relaxed jam-session tone, with Aujla warming up, finding his rhythm and delivering a smooth rendition that builds anticipation. The Punjabi version draws from his cultural roots, transforming the jingle into a high-energy Punjabi pop track marked by confidence and commanding stage presence. The Funk interpretation introduces a playful yet bold edge, driven by contemporary beats and groove-led production that highlights his versatility while amplifying the epic Good Times spirit. Together, the films blend spontaneous performance moments with music-led storytelling, reinforcing Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water’s long-standing association with celebration and culture.
Commenting on the partnership, United Breweries Limited chief marketing officer Vikram Bahl, said that music remains a powerful cultural connector and a core passion point for consumers. He noted that the brand has always focused on creating moments that bring people together, and reimagining the iconic jingle across diverse musical styles offers a fresh expression of the Good Times philosophy. He added that the association with Karan Aujla’s P POP Culture India Tour enables the brand to embed itself authentically within one of the most exciting music movements in India today.
Expressing his excitement, Karan Aujla said that partnering with Kingfisher felt like destiny, as music and celebration are deeply embedded in both their identities. He described reinterpreting “Oo La La La Le O” across different genres as a creative high, allowing him to respect the legacy of the iconic tune while infusing it with his own energy and contemporary sound. He emphasised that the collaboration goes beyond a remake, presenting a fresh vibe that audiences can experience live as the tour travels across cities.
The P POP Culture India Tour 2026 will roll out across major cultural hubs including Delhi on 28 February, Mumbai and Pune on 3 March, Chandigarh on 14 March, Indore on 21 March, Bengaluru on 29 March, Kolkata on 3 April, Jaipur on 5 April and Lucknow on 10 April. At every stop, Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water aims to deliver its signature Good Times experience, celebrating creativity, community and unforgettable shared moments.
With this partnership, Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water continues to strengthen music as a central pillar of its brand identity. Fans can experience the collaboration by watching the brand films across Kingfisher’s official digital and social media platforms.
