MSD Ends Partnership with Schbang Marketing Agency
MSD, Indian affiliate of US pharmaceutical leader Merck, has severed ties with Schbang, the creative marketing solutions agency linked to the contentious publicity stunt featuring model Poonam Pandey, who simulated her demise. The stunt, orchestrated by Schbang, Pandey, and media outlet Hauterfly, aimed to highlight cervical cancer awareness but resulted in a backlash.
MSD Denounces Unsanctioned PR Campaign Amid Ethical Concerns
MSD has marketed its cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil, in India since 2008. Describing the recent actions as “grossly irresponsible and distasteful,” MSD has distanced itself from the agency and the Pandey publicity stunt.
“MSD wishes to clarify that the recent public relations campaign regarding HPV (Human Papillomavirus) prevention, conducted by Poonam Pandey and the digital marketing agency Schbang, was neither initiated nor endorsed by MSD, and was conducted without our knowledge. This campaign was deemed grossly irresponsible and distasteful, contradicting our company’s core values of ethics and integrity,” stated the multinational in a communication to businessline.
MSD’s Ethical Stand: Disavows Controversial PR Campaign
MSD, the pharmaceutical giant, introduced its cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil, to the Indian market in 2008. However, the recent association with a controversial publicity stunt led by model Poonam Pandey and marketing agency Schbang has prompted MSD to express strong disapproval.
In a statement, MSD clarified that it had no involvement in nor prior knowledge of the PR campaign orchestrated by Pandey and Schbang. The company deemed the activity as highly irresponsible and against its values of ethics and integrity.
MSD’s swift denouncement underscores its commitment to maintaining ethical standards in its marketing efforts. The incident highlights the importance of transparency and ethical considerations in collaborative ventures, especially in sensitive areas like healthcare promotion.
Schbang Story
In 2015, Karia launched Schbang in India in collaboration with co-founders Sohil Karia and Akshay Gurnani. The agency set up its headquarters in Mumbai, India’s bustling commercial hub.
The primary goal behind Schbang’s establishment was to create an independent agency capable of providing comprehensive services across various mediums. This initiative came at a time when the industry witnessed a wave of acquisitions, with many emerging digital agencies being absorbed by larger corporations.
Schbang aimed to differentiate itself by offering a versatile and agile approach to advertising. Rather than focusing solely on digital platforms, the agency sought to cater to diverse advertising needs across both traditional and digital channels.
With a founding team of 60 members, Schbang embarked on its mission to redefine the advertising and marketing landscape in India. This marked the beginning of a journey characterized by innovation, creativity, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results for clients.
Schbang boasts a robust workforce in India, with a notable staff size ranging between 501 to 1,000 employees. This significant workforce underscores the agency’s extensive operations and its capacity to handle diverse projects across various sectors.
With a large team of professionals, Schbang can offer a wide range of expertise and skills, covering every aspect of the advertising and marketing spectrum. From creative strategists and content creators to digital marketers and project managers, the agency’s talent pool is diverse and multifaceted.
Having such a sizable workforce also reflects Schbang’s commitment to providing comprehensive and tailored solutions to its clients. With ample resources at their disposal, the agency can execute campaigns efficiently, meet tight deadlines, and deliver exceptional results consistently.
Furthermore, the substantial employee count signifies Schbang’s role as a significant player in the Indian advertising industry. As one of the leading agencies in the country, Schbang’s influence and reach extend across various sectors, making it a preferred choice for brands seeking innovative and impactful marketing solutions.
Also read: Tragic Loss, Poonam Pandey, 32, Succumbs to Cervical Cancer
Source: Google Instagram The Hindu
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