MAM
Indiantelevision.com’s Media, Advertising, Marketing Watch US ad spend to grow 4.1% to $1.12 trillion in 2011
MUMBAI: The US ad industry spending is on pace to grow by 4.1 per cent in 2011 to $1.120 trillion and will expand at a 5.5 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the 2010-2015 period, according to a new forecast released by Veronis Suhler Stevenson (VSS).
By the end of 2015, the communications industry will be the eighth-fastest-growing and fourth-largest US economic component.
Ad Industry growth in the 2010-2015 period will be driven primarily by the rapid convergence of computer, Internet and wireless mobile technologies fueling the ongoing transformation of the media landscape, the report said.
Major segments that have been negatively impacted in recent years by the migration to digital platforms and economic factors are expected to stabilise during the forecast period, according to the VSS Forecast.
The traditional consumer advertising media sector, which includes the broadcast television, consumer magazine publishing, and broadcast and satellite radio segments, among others, will generate growth in the forecast period, albeit trailing GDP, as brand-related digital products and delivery methods gain a stronger foothold for most traditional media outlets.
VSS co-founder, president and general partner John Suhler said, “The sectors that held up well in the last economic downturn – targeted media, business and professional information and services, education and training media and services, and entertainment and leisure media – are all expected to record solid growth in the forecast period, thanks in large part to their migration to digital platforms and delivery methods.”
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.
