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Coke shifts US media account to Starcom MediaVest
MUMBAI: Coca-Cola has shifted its US media planning and buying to Publicis Groupe’s Starcom MediaVest Group. Until now, Coke’s domestic media buying and planning had been handled by three agencies Universal McCann, Starcom and MediaVest. The accounts are worth about $350 million.
Starcom MediaVest (SMG) is part of Publicis Groupe based in Paris, networks as Starcom in Chicago and MediaVest in New York. Coke heard pitches from four companies SMG, Interpublic Group’s Universal McCann; Aegis Group’s Carat; and WPP Group’s MindShare, the only non-roster contender.
SMG will be responsible for integrated communication planning, media execution, strategic analysis and media tracking for the Atlanta-based company’s entire portfolio of carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, including soft drinks, waters, juices, sports drinks, teas and milk-based products, says an Atlanta Business Chronicle report.
Brands include, Coca-Cola classic and the family of Coke trademark products, such as Diet Coke, Vanilla Coke, Cherry Coke, Sprite, Powerade, Dasani, Fanta, Nestea brands, and Minute Maid juice brands. Media includes broadcast, print, outdoor and Internet advertising. According to the media reports, Coke’s decision was closely watched by the US ad business.
The choice of Starcom MediaVest marks another blow for the Interpublic Group of Companies. With the change, Universal McCann, a unit of Interpublic, lost its media buying business with Coke in the United States. But Coke still works with Interpublic in a number of markets worldwide. The changes were spurred by an ongoing integration of Coke’s three big North American units: Coca-Cola North America, Coca-Cola Fountain and Minute Maid, say the reports.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
