MAM
ZenithOptimedia acquires Australia’s FirstClick Consulting
MUMBAI: ZenithOptimedia has acquired Australia’s independent performance marketing agency FirstClick Consulting.
FirstClick will become part of Performics Worldwide, ZenithOptimedia’s global performance marketing network. The agency will rebrand to Performics Australia and will retain its current management team, led by CEO Grace Chu, who will join the Performics Global Executive Leadership Team.
Investing in performance marketing solutions through the development of the Performics network is a key growth strategy for the ZenithOptimedia Group. Performance media includes measurable, ‘biddable’ channels such as paid search, programmatic display and paid social. Performance media has seen considerable global growth in recent years, with expected growth of 19.1 per cent globally for 2015 (eMarketer).
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Sydney, FirstClick provides clients across Australia with a full range of digital performance marketing services including search engine marketing, search engine optimisation, programmatic buying, social marketing, marketing analytics and conversion rate optimisation.
FirstClick CEO Grace Chu said, “We are very excited about becoming part of Performics Worldwide and the ZenithOptimedia Group. Our clients and our people will benefit from the global perspectives, best practices and capabilities that come with being part of this award winning international network. It’s a testament to the FirstClick team to be recognised as leaders within an international context.”
Performics Worldwide CEO Michael Kahn added, “We have been very impressed with the quality of FirstClick’s offering and the results it is delivering to its clients are truly exceptional by global standards. The combination of Performics, a global leader in performance marketing with FirstClick, a market leader in Australia will provide clients with a combination of global best practice and strong local knowledge. We are confident that together we will be very well positioned to service the growing digital opportunity in Australia.”
ZenithOptimedia Australia CEO Ian Perrin said, “We have been unequivocal in our pursuit of delivering the very best performance offering in Australia, and bringing FirstClick into the group represents a massive step in this direction. Grace and her team are world class and arguably the most talented digital performance thinkers in the country. The team will make an enormous contribution to our organisation and we look forward to welcoming them into the family.”
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.
