Saatchi & Saatchi launches talent management agency, ICONIX

Saatchi & Saatchi has launched ICONIX, its own talent management agency in India. This agency has kick-started its operations by roping in Indian cricket sensation, master blaster Sachin Tendulkar as its first client.

Talking about the need for launching such an agency, V Shantakumar, CEO and managing director, Saatchi & Saatchi, says, “Celebrities and talented icons are big brands in their own rights. When these are combined with other brands, it creates a powerful connect with consumers.”

He also feels that while there have been professional celebrity management agencies who are doing a good job, there is still a huge scope to do better. “Which is where ICONIX will step in, with a belief that our vision and innovative ideas will make all the difference,” Shantakumar says.

ICONIX is essentially an Indian concept, and will be headed by Vinod Naidu, who will be the agency’s executive director, and Harish Krishnamachar, who will assume the role of managing director.

Initially, ICONIX will focus on sports icons, and will later move on to arenas such as music, entertainment, Bollywood and even television stars. It will also venture into areas such as event management.

To begin with ICONIX will manage all of Tendulkar’s existing brand associations as well as assist in acquiring new ones.

ICONIX will have a presence in Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi.

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