Indian adlanders have mixed feelings about in-house ad agencies. Here’s why

Success stories of in-house ad agencies of brands keep floating around every now and then. Last year, when ed-tech company Byjus' in-house creative agency won a Silver Entertainment Lion at Cannes for its ‘Master’ Ji campaign, it created a lot of positive chatter mainly because it delivered quality work. Restaurant aggregator and food delivery app Zomato, that's known for its moment marketing campaigns, produces most of its work in-house. Its competitor Swiggy has a similar model. (Representational Image: No Revisions via Unsplash)

While one school of thought thinks such agencies help in creative stimulus, others believe it’s just a fancy wrapper to make marketing teams look uber-cool.

Crayons Advertising reports Rs 93.62 crore revenue in H1FY24

Crayons continued to bag integrated service duties from marquee clients in the government and private sector, including DGIPR Madhya Pradesh and Invest UP (Government of Uttar Pradesh). During the half-year under review, the company was also instrumental in the National Education Policy program for the Ministry of Education in Delhi. (Representative Image: Wance Paleri via Unsplash)

The company expects to launch its creative studio by the end of this financial year, aiming to create additional inventory and brand integration opportunities.

Fine dining, fast food, and live counters. What’s that got to do with the state of advertising?

"The world had changed so much from the days of the leisurely old diners. Meanwhile customers would often complain while eating at fast-food joints ‘I still remember those amazing meals I used to have at those diners,’ " writes Jitender Dabas while comparing old diners to large networked agencies. (Representative Image: Tim Mossholder via Unsplash)

An analogy between the restaurant and Indian agency businesses that’s alarming and thought provoking at the same time.

Publicis Groupe’s Q3 organic revenue up 5.3 percent

Earlier this month, Sadoun announced the company's return-to-office plan, which will be effective from January, 1, 2024. As per the new mandate, the network's employees are expected to work in the office three days a week and be present every Monday. (Image: Publicis Groupe via YouTube)

Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun focuses on the company’s return to office mandate and AI plans.

Piyush Pandey brought Indian middleclass soul to Indian advertising: Madhukar Sabnavis

"He pushed us to see the world as a standard and not just be content with being the best in India. But for me and others who worked closely with him, he taught us that while research is important, we must never forget we ourselves are consumers and people, and our experiences and observations also matter," Madhukar Sabnavis on Piyush Pandey.

Madhukar Sabnavis, former vice chairman and director, client relations, Ogilvy, talks about Piyush Pandey’s influence on Indian advertising.

Ogilvy after Piyush Pandey: Can the agency retain creative monopoly amid fierce competition?

In 2023, premium content like sports and films were put in front of the paywall and fast products made a massive impact in bringing scale to digital viewership. (Representative Image: My Life Through A Lens via Unsplash)

Piyush Pandey’s transition to an advisory role comes at a time when a raft of new agencies and specialist firms seem to be challenging the creative monopoly of ad giants like Ogilvy.

Best advice Piyush Pandey has given to his brother Prasoon Pandey

On his brother, Piyush Pandey, Prasoon says, "The kind of human being he is sets him apart. We all know that he is brilliant with his ideas, what makes him special is he values the relationships he builds, and that reflects in the teams he leads. He not only protects them, he nurtures them and takes care of them."

Prasoon Pandey, director, Corcoise Films, talks about how his older brother and legendary adman Piyush Pandey jams with him to crack ideas, thinks from his heart, and nurtures his team.