MAM
Madison PR adds 20 clients to its kitty in January
MUMBAI: It seems to be a great year for Madison already. Madison Public Relations has won 20 new clients in the month of January, itself.
Commenting on the new wins, Madison Public Relations CEO Paresh Chaudhary said, “It’s a great start for the last quarter of the year and lays a strong foundation for the next year, with over 50 per cent of our big wins as retainer clients. A focused strategic communication partnership approach, coupled with intense capability building mechanisms, are converting PR managers to brand managers, thus enhancing the brand building process.”
Madison PR has further strengthened its dominance in the youth, entertainment, luxury and lifestyle segments. The agency signed up brands across diverse sectors, including The Lodha Group, Zee Media Corp, Indian Merchant Chambers, Enamor, Celio, VVF, Radio Mirchi, and Max Fashions, among others.
As the agency’s client roster extends, it is also investing in quality talent with relevant strategic communication experience. The agency claims to have also recorded less than 5 per cent attrition rate as opposed to the industry standard of 20-25 per cent. A new strategy brand planning team has been created to provide a cutting edge to every campaign right from conceptualisation.
Madison World chairman Sam Balsara said, “I am delighted at Madison PR’s consistent high growth over two years. I am glad that more and more advertisers are waking up to the power of brand PR. PR, when used intelligently and strategically, can greatly enhance the power of advertising.”
Meanwhile, the Madison Public Relations Partners Meet has been introduced as an annual property, the first one held in December 2013. The interaction with external partners is aimed at tappingon their strengths on a regular basis. It has helped Madison PR to understand markets, issues and challenges better, whilst gaining insight that guides the team better in planning city-specific activations. This deeper engagement between external partners and Madison PR has proved mutually beneficial in harnessing further business because of the high level of effectiveness of plans.
The agency recorded a growth of 32 per cent in 2012-13 and is expected to end 2013-14 with close to 30 per cent growth.
Going forward, Madison PR aims to strengthen its practices in the areas of entertainment, luxury, tourism, IT and FMCG.
MAM
PwC India announces leadership change in Deals practice
Shashank Jain steps down as co-leader after nearly three decades with the firm.
MUMBAI: When one dealmaker steps off the pitch, another is ready to take the baton because in the fast-moving world of transactions, the game never really stops. PwC India has announced a leadership transition in its Deals practice, with Shashank Jain stepping down from his role as co-leader to pursue an opportunity in the industry. The practice will continue to be led by Mohit Chopra, ensuring continuity and sustained growth momentum.
PwC India partner and leader for advisory dinesh Arora paid tribute to Jain’s contributions. “We deeply appreciate the significant contributions made by Shashank over close to three decades he has spent with PwC, particularly his defining role in shaping and strengthening our Transaction Services practice in India,” he said. Arora highlighted Jain’s support for clients through some of the most complex and significant transactions in the Indian market, noting his deep technical expertise, sound judgment and nuanced understanding of the evolving M&A landscape.
The Deals practice remains a key growth driver for PwC India, and the firm expects continued expansion under Mohit Chopra’s leadership. He will continue to guide clients through complex transactions and transformational business moments, building on the strong foundation established over the years.
Reflecting on his journey, Shashank Jain said, “I have had an exceptional journey at PwC. I owe my growth and learning to the nurturing environment and leadership development that PwC provided.” He added that he had been working closely with Mohit and the larger team to ensure a smooth transition and expressed confidence that Chopra would take the Deals practice to newer heights.
From intern to respected deals leader, Shashank Jain has clearly closed many successful transactions and now, it seems, he’s ready to strike a new deal of his own.
