MAM
Mindshare integrates Socialmedia8 to expand global social media footprint
MUMBAI: Global media network Mindshare has integrated Amsterdam based Socialmedia8 into its network as a step towards expanding its footprint globally. Furthermore, Socialmedia8 founder Igor Beuker has been appointed as Mindshare‘s first global chief social officer and social agency M80‘s managing director Mark Evans is now Mindshare North America social lead.
SocialMedia8 specialises in acquiring, managing, and extracting value from social fans and followers will bring social commerce, social TV, social gaming, social search and social CRM capabilities to Mindshare‘s portfolio of social media services.
Beuker will report to Mindshare Worldwide global digital leader Norm Johnson and will be joining the agency with immediate effect. Beuker has earlier served as chief marketing officer at Scoot, TeliaSonera and Telefonica O2. He also founded community agency LaComunidad and social video metrics firm ViralTracker before setting up SocialMedia8.
Evans will take up the post of managing director, social team at Mindshare North America and will head up social media campaigns for the agency‘s North American-based clients. Evans has extensive digital and social media experience and has served as vice president, digital, at Catapult Marketing and digital brand director at Euro RSCG prior to joining M80.
Mindshare Worldwide CEO Nick Emery said, “There is a lot of talk in this space and few experts, even fewer who can translate what they do into integrated business plans for progressive clients. We are putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to social media. Both Igor and his team and Mark bring with them a wealth of experience in actioning both effective and creative solutions.”
Beuker said, “In this new role as c-level officer I look forward to helping drive the broad social agenda for Mindshare clients. I am very excited to oversee Mindshare‘s social media marketing strategy and services at both global and local levels.”
Evans said, “”Incorporating social expertise within our scope of services allows us to deliver smarter, digital communication solutions. From insights to strategies, activation and analysis, this approach will allow us to deliver greater value for our clients. And, this will lead to better user experiences for their audiences.”
MAM
BLR Airport Launches ‘Connections’ Service to Ease Transit Travel
New initiative targets smoother transfers as Bengaluru hub traffic rises 30 per cent.
MUMBAI: Missed connections may be a traveller’s nightmare but Bengaluru is trying to make them a thing of the past. Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has rolled out ‘Connections by BLR’, a new transfer programme designed to take the friction out of connecting journeys. Built around three pillars ease, efficiency and experience,the initiative aims to simplify what is often the most stressful leg of air travel.
The move comes as transfer traffic at BLR Airport climbs sharply, up more than 30 per cent year-on-year. Transfers currently account for around 15 per cent of total passenger traffic and are projected to touch 20 per cent by 2026, signalling a clear shift in how the airport is positioning itself within airline networks.
At its core, the programme focuses on making navigation intuitive and downtime more comfortable. Dedicated transfer desks have been set up across terminals, supported by colour-coded wayfinding blue and yellow signage designed for quick recognition. Inter-terminal movement is being streamlined through complimentary shuttle services with predictable wait times, while designated transfer zones aim to reduce passenger confusion.
Beyond logistics, the airport is leaning into experience. Travellers in transit now have access to a wider choice of lounges, curated retail and food and beverage options, as well as sleeping pods for short stays. For longer layovers, transit hotels in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer boutique in-terminal accommodation, an increasingly sought-after feature as global travel patterns evolve.
The timing is strategic. BLR Airport now connects to 114 passenger destinations 80 domestic and 34 international with key routes spanning Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune domestically, and Singapore, London Heathrow, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur internationally. Recent additions such as Hindon, Bidar and Silchar within India, alongside Dammam, Hanoi and Riyadh overseas, are further expanding its reach.
Infrastructure is also catching up with ambition. Developments including the West Cross Taxiway, Terminal 1 refurbishment and Terminal 2 expansion are laying the groundwork for higher capacity and smoother operations critical for any airport aiming to become a serious transfer hub.
Bangalore International Airport Limited chief operating officer Girish Nair framed the initiative as both a response to demand and a forward-looking play. He pointed to the growing depth of the airport’s network and the opportunity to build a more reliable transfer ecosystem that benefits both passengers and airline partners.
In an era where travel is as much about transitions as destinations, BLR Airport is betting that a seamless connection might just be the journey’s most important upgrade.
