Meridian Communications flags off Delhi branch

Meridian Communications has kicked off its Delhi operations. This is its third office set-up in the country. Confirming the development to afaqs!, Sanjay Thapar, president, O&M Delhi, says, “Delhi being a critical and strategic market, Meridian will be looking at going beyond traditional advertising. A robust team which knows how to create thought leadership campaigns and link those campaigns to concrete results is being put together.”

Sunil Verma, currently vice-president at O&M’s Delhi branch, will take charge of the new outfit. He will continue to be based in Delhi. Jossy Raphael has been hired as creative director for Delhi.

Meridian Delhi already has two businesses in its bag, DLF Pramerica and Unitech. DLF Pramerica, the life insurance firm which is a joint venture between DLF (the Indian real estate major) and Prudential Financial (a US based financial services company), called for a pitch in November 2007. Following the presentation of credentials, strategy and creative, Meridian bagged the business. DLF Pramerica is looking at a separate set of brand values, independent of both DLF and Prudential, but combining the best of both. The agency will be expected to work in line with the sales objectives of the company.

Jossy Raphael, creative director, Meridian Communications, says, “We are extremely excited about the opportunities in this market. The opening of Meridian Delhi enhances our already strong foothold in the northern region. It supplements our efforts in adding value to our clients through our in-depth market knowledge, brand understanding, 360 degree offerings, reach and creative talent.”

The Bangalore office of Meridian, set up in 2006, established its presence. Mumbai happened in 2007. O&M revealed its plans to open an office in Delhi at the time.

Across Mumbai and Bangalore, Meridian has accounts such as Axis Bank, Arvind Mills, Dockers, Himalaya Drug Company, Optimix from the ING Group, Anand Rathi Group and ITC Personal Care. It also works with the INX Group and has created the launch communication for the group’s 9X entertainment television channel.