VML Qais sets up shop in India

VML Qais is the Asian arm of the VML Network, WPP Group's pure play digital agency network.

VML Qais, a full service digital agency so far based in Singapore, has announced the launch of its India operations with its office in Mumbai. VML Qais is the Asian arm of the VML Network, WPP Group's pure play digital agency network and a strategic partner of Y&R Advertising.

The agency has been handling major Indian brands such as Mahindra & Mahindra, ICICI Bank, Revlon, Tata Motors and Mahindra two-wheelers, although from Singapore.

"India is among the fastest growing digital markets. Not to be here would have been a clear mistake," says Tripti Lochan, chief executive officer, VML Qais Asia. While the agency is actively looking for an India head, the operations in the country will be led by Lochan.

VML Qais looks at India set to be an innovation hub with the country's young population and the large number of active users on social networking platforms. It aims to leverage the growth of the digital medium in the country and its social nature to foster brand engagement with customers.

"VML Qais offers customised, research-based online and social media marketing solutions designed to transform brand experiences. Our very first campaign in India, 'Spark the Rise' for Mahindra, achieved stunning results. We are now tasked to raise the bar later this year," Lochan says.

"Our commitment to deliver difference-making work for clients and an extraordinary work ethic are hallmarks of VML offices around the world. We see tremendous growth and potential in India and are fully committed to investing in this market. We believe that our technology and operational expertise can be leveraged to serve the unique marketing needs of clients," says Jon Cook, CEO, VML Network.

Headquartered in Kansas City, MO, USA, VML Network has offices in New York, Seattle, Sap Paolo, Milan, London, Sydney, Singapore, Jakarta and now, Mumbai. It acquired majority stake in Qais Consulting earlier this year to form VML Qais.

VML also boasts of awarded work; its recent haul of seven Cannes Lions for Gatorade's 'Everything to Prove' and the Australian Defence Force's 'Mobile Medic' campaigns are some of its commended works.

In India, VML Qais currently has a team of six people in Mumbai and one in New Delhi. Lochan says that they look to aggressively ramp up the operations by the end of the year. The agency is also actively pitching for new business and hopes to announce a few shortly.

"Even today, big brands in India are looking overseas for agencies when it comes to serving their global aspirations. That is a need we can serve as we have a global perspective and presence. Also, there is a gap when it comes to insight-led strategy, which we will be able to fill as well," Lochan tells afaqs!.