MAM
Western Railways Mumbai nets ad revenues of Rs 80mn
MUMBAI: The Western Railways (WR) in Mumbai has grabbed a total amount of Rs 80 million from advertising on railway properties in the previous financial year. The corresponding figure for the entire division (outside Mumbai city limits) is only Rs 115 million.
While speaking to indiantelevision.com, WR’s chief public relations officer Shailendra Kumar says, “Mumbai city makes a major contribution to the total advertising revenues obtained by WR. However, advertising revenues lag way behind the freight and passenger tariffs, in the scheme of things.”
The WR, Mumbai division, has tried out several innovative schemes to encourage clients to increase their advertising spends. “Recently, we have come up with the ‘video wall concept’ and attractive glow signs. We have also forged collaborative partnerships with major companies. For instance, through a co-branding exercise with the Bombay Stock Exchange, we keep commuters informed about the highs and lows of the BSE sensex,” says Kumar.
When questioned about the placement of TV screens showing Prannoy Roy-promoted NDTV India’s 24-hour news broadcast at railway platforms, Kumar says: “The railways haven’t directly given the mandate to NDTV channel. The railways sub-let video walls and other ad space to a marketing concessionaire or private contractors for a minimum guarantee. One of these agents in turn leased it out to NDTV. Moreover, the screens are placed in just five stations in Mumbai.”
This is definitely some kind of a coup by NDTV because it is an exclusive arrangement and has resulted in huge unmeasured out-of-home viewing as well as great brand recall for the recently launched news channel.
When questioned about advertising on train coaches and rakes, Kumar adds, “Certain clients like Indian Oil Corporation and New India Assurance, for instance, come directly to us while others are routed through the ad agency. We have witnessed an upsurge in TV serial programme advertising – a recent example being Sahara TV’s Karishma – The Miracles of Destiny.”
However, Kumar doesn’t expect to substantial increase in the advertising revenues in the next financial year.
MAM
WPP appoints Mark Taylor as chief people officer in leadership reshuffle
Marie-Claire Barker moves to culture role as Cindy Rose builds new team
MUMBAI: WPP has appointed Mark Taylor as its new chief people officer, bringing in a seasoned HR leader as part of a broader leadership reshuffle under chief executive Cindy Rose, according to media reports.
Taylor succeeds Marie-Claire Barker, who will transition into a specialised role focused on performance and culture, reporting to him. The move is seen as part of WPP’s effort to sharpen its organisational structure and align talent strategy with its transformation agenda.
With more than three decades of experience, Taylor brings a diverse track record across industries including pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, retail and digital entertainment. He most recently served as chief people advisor at The LEGO Group, where he worked closely with top leadership on board and executive appointments, governance and organisational strategy.
Prior to that, he held senior HR leadership roles at Burberry and King, where he played a key role in organisational transformation and integration efforts, including the company’s alignment with Activision Blizzard. Earlier in his career, Taylor also worked with Kimberly-Clark and GlaxoSmithKline.
His cross-sector experience is expected to support WPP’s three-year ‘Elevate 28’ turnaround plan, which focuses on simplifying operations, strengthening capabilities and driving sustainable growth.
The appointment marks the second major leadership hire under Rose in a week. Recently, WPP named Anne-Isabelle Choueiri as chief transformation officer, bringing in additional firepower to execute its strategic overhaul. Choueiri previously held a senior transformation role at Estée Lauder Companies.
The leadership changes signal a clear push by WPP to blend experience with transformation as it navigates a rapidly evolving advertising landscape. With Taylor now steering the people agenda, the company appears focused on ensuring its talent strategy keeps pace with its broader ambitions.
