Campaign India Agency Report Card 2011: Saints and Warriors

Ownership: Independent

Key Personnel: Pushpinder Singh, chairman, Pankaj Acharya , MD, Sartaj Jaffrey, Sr.  VP and branch head, Sanjay Sharma, managing partner - Yang SAW, Anil Verma, managing partner-Yang SAW, Mahendra Parab, ECD, Akhil Saxena, ECD, Pradeep Mohindroo, VP, Pratim Putatunda, CD

Account won: Cavin Kare (snacking), Big FM, SAB TV, Fiat, Vimal Gutka, Wagh Bakri-Milli, One 97 

Account lost: Skoda, Paras

The jury felt that this was one agency that could have best leveraged on the opportunities that an independent agency could exploit, but they haven’t been able to match industry’s expectations, as yet. They lost Skoda to Saatchi & Saatchi in the first half of 2011. Clearly a big blow to the agency. Towards the end of the year, they won Fiat, an account that was with Bates Asia earlier.  There were other gains, as well, Cavin Kare (snacking biz), Big FM, Sab TV, Vimal Gutka, Wagh Bakri-Milli  and One 97.  But it is too soon to comment on the impact of the  account wins. In 2012, Saints and Warriors has a solid chance to prove that it has fairly made up for the loss of Skoda. But we will have to wait for next year’s Report Card to be able to evaluate that.
How Campaign India rates the agency: 5

How Saints and Warriors rates itself: 1
It was a roller coaster year with a beautiful ending. The agency expanded its presence with a full-fledged office in New Delhi (Yang Saints and Warriors) and quickly picked up three businesses there.

The middle of the year saw the departure of Skoda and Paras ( both realignments).

The last two quarters were welcomed with a spate of senior level appointments and new businesses. Also, a new 10,000 sq ft self owned office.

As per information from the registrar of companies we are now a top 20 agency in revenue terms.

The agency continues to grow exponentially as a creative services outfit. However, there is disappointment at the pace of our forays in branded content and media properties.