MAM
Coca-Cola seeks review of US media planning and buying business
MUMBAI: The Atlanta-based cola major Coca-Cola will review its US media planning and buying business, with the goal of consolidating its business into one agency account.
The planning and buying business of Coca-Cola US is worth $301 million. Vice president of integrated communications at Coca-Cola David Raines is running the review. In India, Madison Media is the agency of record (AOR) for Coca-Cola India.
“As part of the recent integration of all our businesses, we will be looking at one firm to do communications planning, media execution and strategic analysis and media tracking for the entire beverage portfolio in the USA – soft drinks, juices,” Coca-Cola spokesperson Mark Martin was quoted as saying.
Currently, media planning and buying accounts for Atlanta-based Coca-Cola have been divided between Publicis Groupe’s Starcom MediaVest and Interpublic Group of Co’s Universal McCann. Starcom MediaVest Group’s Starcom, Chicago, handles planning for Minute Maid Juices, while sibling MediaVest, New York, handles all other brand planning. Universal McCann handles buying for all the brands.
Martin said the two new players that have been invited to make presentations for the campaign in October are WPP Group’s MindShare and Aegis Group’s Carat along with the existing ones.
One hopes that Interpublic Group of Cos’ Universal McCann and Publicis Groupe’s Starcom MediaVest Group, both New York, will be able to defend their respective buying and planning accounts.
Also, from India’s point of view, there will be major complications if MindShare US bags the account and there is a re-alignment in India – because WPP Media in India handles Coca-Cola’s ace rival Pepsi account.
Brands
Devyani International names Sandeep Anand, Robinder Singh in key roles
Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee businesses see leadership refresh from April
MUMBAI: Devyani International has strengthened its senior leadership bench with a fresh set of appointments across its key brands, Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee, signalling a sharper focus on growth and brand momentum.
The company has appointed Sandeep Anand as chief marketing officer and business head for Pizza Hut. His appointment, approved by the board via a circular resolution on April 3, follows a recommendation by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, as reported by CNBC-TV18. Anand will officially step into the role on April 6, 2026.
He takes over from Vijay Gogate, who currently serves as chief executive officer for Pizza Hut within the company’s operations. The move marks a strategic transition as the brand looks to sharpen its marketing and business playbook in a competitive quick service restaurant market.
Anand brings over two decades of experience across the food and FMCG sectors, with a strong track record in brand building and innovation. His career spans roles at major consumer-facing companies including Domino’s, Zydus Wellness, Zomato, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Reckitt and Ranbaxy, giving him a well-rounded perspective on both scale and agility.
Alongside this, Robinder Singh has been appointed business head for Costa Coffee and the company’s airport operations. He too will assume his new role on April 6, bringing more than 18 years of experience in operations, business expansion and customer experience transformation.
The twin appointments come at a time when Devyani International is doubling down on leadership depth to steer its portfolio through evolving consumer preferences and heightened competition. With fresh faces at the helm of two key verticals, the company appears set to brew up its next phase of growth with renewed energy.
