Brands
Ogilvy apologises to Malala Yousafzai
MUMBAI: Looks like Indian advertising is coming under the radar for constant controversies. This time Ogilvy & Mather India’s series of ads for Kurl On titled ‘Bounce Back’ trigged negative conversations. The ad series features Malala Yousafzai, Mahatma Gandhi and Steve Jobs.
The art work showcases a cartoon depiction of Pakistani young activist Malala being shot, and then miraculously coming back to life after a night’s rest on a Kurl On mattress. Social media was buzzing with thoughts that the ad is offensive at various levels. Considering the gravity of the situation, Ogilvy went ahead to undertake an investigation into process. There are no talks initiated for the other creatives that use Mahatma Gandhi and Steve Jobs as central characters.
The official release issued by the agency on its website stated, “We deeply regret this incident and want to personally apologise to Malala Yousafzai and her family. We are investigating how our standards were compromised in this case and will take whatever corrective action is necessary. In addition, we have launched a thorough review of our approval and oversight processes across our global network to help ensure that our standards are never compromised again.”
The agency also tweeted about the same.
It can be recalled that last year around the same time, the Ford Figo controversial posters caught the attention of the world. JWT’s Bobby Pawar and Ford India’s Sriram Padmanabhan had to take responsibility of this and had to step down.
So, who will take responsibility from Ogilvy? Any guesses?
 |
Brands
Anurag Mittal returns to PwC India as partner
Former Barbeque Nation CFO rejoins PwC after three years
MUMBAI: PwC India has appointed Anurag Mittal as partner, marking a return to the firm where he began his professional career.
Based in Mumbai, Mittal brings nearly two decades of experience in transaction advisory, deal execution and financial leadership. He joins PwC India after a three-year stint as senior director at Alvarez & Marsal, where he led complex financial due diligence and deal advisory assignments across sectors.
Mittal is a former chief financial officer of Barbeque Nation Hospitality Limited, where he oversaw financial strategy at one of India’s largest casual dining operators. His earlier career includes a combined nine-year tenure at Alvarez & Marsal across leadership roles and nearly six years in transaction advisory services at EY.
He began his career as an article trainee at Price Waterhouse Lovelock & Lewis, making his elevation to partner a full-circle return. In his new role, Mittal will spearhead PwC India’s advisory roadmap, with a focus on transactions and complex financial engagements.
