MAM
Jim Beam Partners with Mila Kunis for Global Marketing Campaign
MUMBAI: Jim Beam, the world’s #1 Bourbon, and award-nominated actress Mila Kunis are teaming up to “make history” in 2014 and beyond. Kunis joins the Jim Beam family as a global partner and spokesperson, and will play a leading role in Jim Beam’s new Make History™ multi-media brand campaign that will reach more than 100 markets worldwide. Make History™ is the first-ever global marketing campaign for the iconic American brand, which traces its history to 1795. The television campaign featuring Kunis will premiere in the next few months in the brand’s largest markets, including the U.S., Australia and Germany.
“Jim Beam has been making history by producing the world’s finest bourbon through seven generations of family distillers, and this partnership truly signifies a new era for the brand – an era in which we push boundaries even further, attracting new fans across the globe and continuing the great growth we’ve enjoyed on the brand,” said Kevin George, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Beam Inc. [NYSE:BEAM]. “Mila’s love of bourbon, her appreciation for the authenticity of our brand, her warm personality and her global relevance to our Make History™ campaign makes her the perfect partner. Anyone would want to share a Jim Beam with Mila. We love that about her, and couldn’t be happier to have her join the Jim Beam family.”
The Make History™ campaign will premiere three new television commercials featuring Kunis in the U.S. in mid-February and will roll out in markets worldwide over the next few months. Kunis will also be featured in retail materials and content on Jim Beam’s website, www.jimbeam.com, Facebook (www.facebook.com/JimBeamUS) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/jimbeamofficial).
“As a fan of bourbon and a huge proponent of making history, I am thrilled to be the newest member of the Jim Beam family,” said Kunis, who has spent time in Clermont, Ky., with Jim Beam’s seventh generation Master Distiller, Fred Noe, immersing herself in the heritage, traditions and craftsmanship of “America’s Native Spirit.”
Jim Beam’s TV advertising campaign was created by FutureWorks, a partnership between three independent agencies who lead Jim Beam creative efforts in key markets: StrawberryFrog (New York), The Works (Sydney) and Jung von Matt (Hamburg). In the U.S., the ads will appear across multiple media properties, including Turner Sports/BleacherReport, NBA telecasts, FXX, Spike, History Channel, AMC, Food Network and ESPN networks, as well as in media properties across the globe.
The U.S. campaign will feature Jim Beam’s full portfolio of brands, including Jim Beam® White, Jim Beam Black®, Devil’s Cut®, Jim Beam® Honey, Jim Beam® Maple, Jacob’s Ghost® Aged White Whiskey, Jim Beam® Signature Craft and Red Stag by Jim Beam®. To view a video of Kunis’ visit to the Jim Beam Distillery, visit: http://youtu.be/MC_35SsHANM. And for more information on the world’s #1 bourbon, please visit www.jimbeam.com, www.facebook.com/JimBeamUS or http://twitter.com/jimbeamofficial.
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.
