Vivo calls strategic timeout on Kohli adverts
Vivo Mobiles has temporarily stopped airing ads featuring its brand ambassador Virat Kohli on television and social media platforms till the time the Chinese mobile phone maker faces scrutiny by investigative agencies over money laundering charges, executives aware of the development said.“Planned advertising and promotion activities involving Kohli are being put on hold till there is clarity on where the investigation is head Another executive said Kohli’s team, too, was uncomfortable about the former Indian cricket captain being shown in Vivo ads — at least for the time being. “This (the non-airing of ads) is also to protect Virat from criticism,” he said. The executives did not wish to be named.An email query addressed to Vivo India remained unanswered till press time. Queries sent to Cornerstone Sport, the talent management company that manages Kohli’s portfolio, too, failed to elicit a response. Industry observers said the pause was the “logical option” for the time being.Lloyd Mathias, business strategist and formerly heading marketing at PepsiCo and Hewlett Packard, said, “Decision to pause commercial activity linking a national icon with a brand under intense government scrutiny, is always appropriate.
Vivo calls strategic timeout on Kohli adverts
Vivo Mobiles has temporarily stopped airing ads featuring its brand ambassador Virat Kohli on television and social media platforms till the time the Chinese mobile phone maker faces scrutiny by investigative agencies over money laundering charges, executives aware of the development said.“Planned advertising and promotion activities involving Kohli are being put on hold till there is clarity on where the investigation is head Another executive said Kohli’s team, too, was uncomfortable about the former Indian cricket captain being shown in Vivo ads — at least for the time being. “This (the non-airing of ads) is also to protect Virat from criticism,” he said. The executives did not wish to be named.An email query addressed to Vivo India remained unanswered till press time. Queries sent to Cornerstone Sport, the talent management company that manages Kohli’s portfolio, too, failed to elicit a response. Industry observers said the pause was the “logical option” for the time being.Lloyd Mathias, business strategist and formerly heading marketing at PepsiCo and Hewlett Packard, said, “Decision to pause commercial activity linking a national icon with a brand under intense government scrutiny, is always appropriate.