2011-2012. Nairobi. GM Strategy at ScanGroup and Deputy Managing Director at Publicis+Starcom Kenya

Appreciation Letters from P&G

 CREATIVE PRODUCT- EXCELLENCE IN DELIVERY.

From: Tafurt, Guillermo  To:  Vinod Natesan; Subject: RE: Pampers 90secs mpeg
Vinod. Team,
I want to thank you once more for the excellent work you have done on this critical project. We are very happy and confident it will help us get the award!!!!!!
Both your professionalism, sense of urgency and great attitude have made working with you on this project very pleasurable. Thank you very much for your help!
Guillermo Tafurt. Baby Care RBU - WWBA AFRICA
From: Bernardo, Nuno  To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Pampers 90secs mpeg
Very Good Indeed. Well Done Vinod.
Nuno Bernardo.South East Africa Expansion Markets

CONVERTING BRICKBATS TO BOUQUETS

 DOING MAGIC FOR CLIENTS

From: Nganga, Anthony  To: Vinod Natesan  Subject: Emailing: Always
Hi Vinod,
Attached find the Always Board. Please do your magic.
Tony

PUTTING SYSTEMS IN PLACE.

From: Bernardo, Nuno  To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Comprehensive Note on Briefing and Material Specifications
Looks great Vinod, do share with everyone. Thanks for putting this together, very helpful. Nuno.
Nuno Bernardo.South East Africa Expansion Markets

EXECUTING, REPORTING AND TRACKING SYSTEMS

From: Bernardo, Nuno To: Yeld, Piers Cc:  Vinod Natesan  Subject: xxxxxxxxx

Hello Team,
1. xxxxxxxxxto test xxx capabilities (in adapting xxx coordinating production and implementation. Output was excellent.
xxxxxVideo for xxx Awards to xxxxxxxx & adapt audio-visual materials. Output was excellent & done in a record 3 days time. VN created already an excellent Financial tracker they are using internally to follow-up on any P&G request and secure it’s all on xxx (check ‘P&G xxxxxx’ xlsb AND ‘Financial Manual’ pdf).Nuno Bernardo

VENDOR DEVELOPMENT

From: Bernardo, Nuno  To:  P&G XXXXX Cc: Vinod Natesan Subject: Please Chek it Out
Based on Pics, this supplier VINOD found in Tanzania looks very promising. I encourage you to see the ppt, takes 30 seconds. As talked, this is part of xxx (VN) effort to map out best suppliers for each of the countries for us. xxxxxxxxxx
Nuno Bernardo.South East Africa Expansion Markets

From: Bernardo, Nuno To: Vinod Natesan; xxxxx Subject: RE: Final P&G  xxx Requirements
Team, this is very good progress. Nuno Bernardo

From: Odunsi, Ibidunni To: Vinod Natesan: RE: Update on the Printers xxxxx
Hi Vinod,
It’s fine to go on with the previous plan xxxx.Thanks for your great work
Warm regards,
Ibidunni Odunsi.  Marketing Purchases Manager, WA.

From: Odunsi, IbidunniTo: Vinod Natesan   FW: Update on the Printers XXX
Hi Vinod,
Thanks a lot for a great Job. Overall, this is fine, few more comments:!
Warm regards,
Ibidunni Odunsi.  Marketing Purchases Manager, WA.

MARKET VISIT REPORTS WITH ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS.

From: Bernardo, Nuno  To: P&G xxxxxxx Cc: Vinod Natesan Subject: FYI: xxxx Tour Report XXth and xxx xxx2011
Interesting report from Vinod (xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)
Nuno Bernardo.South East Africa Expansion Markets

STRONG CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS

From: Bernardo, Nuno To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Update XXX XXX Expansion Markets
What happened to you?!?!?!? No need to thank me, I like the work we are doing together. Nuno.
Nuno Bernardo


INTEGRITY AND STEWARDSHIP

From: Bernardo, Nuno  To: Vinod NatesanCc: Sunder Venkataraman; Calise, Adele ; Piers.Yeld Subject: RE: URGENT REQUEST. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
Vinod. Thanks for reporting the incident. You have done the right thing. Nuno.
Nuno Bernardo.South East Africa Expansion Markets

BRAND BUILDING INITIATIVES

From: Opene, Ijeoma  To: Vinod NatesanSubject: RE: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hey Vinod,
Thanks a lot for this. Very helpful.
Kind regards,
Ijeoma

FEEDBACK FROM GREY GLOBAL

From: Piers.Yeld To: Vinod Natesan; Adele.Calise; Sunder VenkataramanCc: Omar.NasreddineSubject: Re: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Very good Vinod. Thanks.
Piers.

From: Adele.Calise  To: Vinod Natesan; Piers.Yeld Sunder Venkataraman Subject: RE: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Vinod,
Well done, great initiative.
Adele

CLIENT AND AGENCY RELATIONSHIPS MAINTAINED 

P&G .Client at Grey EA.

From: Bernardo, Nuno To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Au Revoir

Have a safe return, thank you for your contributions to our business.

All the best,

Nuno.

From: Ebinum, Ihinosen To: Vinod NatesanSubject: RE: Au Revoir

Nice o have met you and all the very best.

Kind regards,

'Nosen Ebinum.SPM, Brand Building Purchases Leader.Sub-Sahara Africa.

From: Odunsi, Ibidunni  To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Au Revoir

I wish you all the best Vinod

Warm regards,

Ibidunni Odunsi.Marketing Purchases Manager, WA.

From: Opene, Ijeoma To: Vinod Natesan Subject: Re: Au Revoir

Wow, that's sad. Wish you all the best.

From: Njoroge, Joyce To: Vinod Natesan; Subject: RE: Au Revoir

All the best Vinod.

From: Mgendi, EvelynTo: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Au Revoir

Vinod,

Wishing you a lovely vacation. Have a great year too.

Regards,

Evelyn

P&G Associates

From: Amina Abubakar  To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Au Revoir

Hi Vinod,

This seems pretty sudden .It was my pleasure to work with you, I wish you success in your next life!

Best regards,

Amina

From: Ciru Ngigi  To: Vinod Natesan Subject: Re: Au Revoir

Hi Vinod

It was great working with you too, though we did not interact too much, I hope we can keep in touch, being in the same field, I am sure we can find ways we can benefit each other.

All the best and regards

Ciru

P&G Team that worked with me at Grey .

From: Elaine Muthee  To: Vinod Natesan RE: Au Revoir

Hi Vinod,

Thank you so much for your kind words. I wish you all the best in your endeavors and I will definitely look you up if I am ever in India .I hope you made some good memories in Kenya. Keep smiling, enjoy being home and keep in touch.

Regards,

Elaine.

From: Navait Hagos  To: Vinod NatesanSubject: Re: Au Revoir

Thank you dear!! was a pleasure working with you. Good luck in India.

Regards,

Navait Hagos CDM, Ethiopia 

From: Dinah Nerima To: Vinod NatesanSubject: Re: Au Revoir

Hi Vinod… It was great working with you and will surely communicate via email.

From: Grace Nguyo To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Au Revoir

It was great working with you. Wishing you the best as you continue with the journey….

Thanks,

Nguyo Grace

From: Rajeev Menon  To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Au Revoir

Happy & Safe Journey. Wishing you Merry X-Mas and a very Happy New Year in advance.

Regards,

Rajeev Menon

From: Stellah Obunde To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Au Revoir

My pleasure.

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Nestle Appreciation Letters

For Sharper Analysis of Data & Better Planning on Brands.

From: Maundu,Roselyn, .

Subject:Telmar and Nescafe xx promo

Dear Vinod,

What you just pointed out is a very good point.

Wika na ligi: When can you make the analysis and give us comparable options with recommendations for faster decision making.

Getting Magic done for Clients

From Janet Sunkwa Mills. Culinary Business Lead.

Dear Vinod, Carol,

Pierre will be at the event in Zimbabwe and I really need us to pull some strings to have the outdoor up by then…can you work the magic???

Regards,

Janet

Client Relationships Maintained even while shifting to other Clients.

From: Wasike-Sihanya,Jaki,Market Excellence & Consumer Communication Sent: May

To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Au Revoir

Thanks Vinod for the great spirit, even if only for a short while on Nestle.

Welcome to the building! I am sure we will run into each other.I wish you every good thing.


 From: Sunkwa-Mills,Janet,Nairobi,EAR: Business Executive Manager – Culinary
 To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Au Revoir.
All the best Vinod – such a short encounter. Wishing all the best and God’ blessings in your new endeavours.


From: Iqbal,Amir,Nairobi,EAR – Dairy  To: Vinod NatesanSubject: RE: Au Revoir
Hi Vinood,
That is very sudden.Anyhow all the very best. I am also leaving before Christmas to Pakistan.It was good working with you.All the very best.
Regards,
Amir



From: Konak,Erkan,Nairobi,Dairy Business Unit  To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Au Revoir
Thanks for all the support Vinod.
I wish you best in your new adventure in India.
Best regards
Erkan KONAK / Group Brand Manager - Dairy NESTLE Equatorial African Region, Nairobi/



From: Bourelly,Laurent,Nairobi,EAR To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Au Revoir
All the best Vinod
Laurent

From: Othim,Flavia,NAIROBI,Dairy  To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Au Revoir
Dear Vinod,
All the best in your new ventures and hope you got a chance to enjoy Kenya.
Kind Regards,
Flavia


From: ElBahaey,Walid,Nairobi,Coffee & Beverage  To: Vinod NatesanSubject: RE: Au Revoir
Thanks Vinod
It was nice working with you.Wish you all the best back home.
Good luck.Cheers


From: Waruhiu,Angela,Nairobi,Coffee and Beverages  To: Vinod NatesanSubject: RE: Au Revoir
Hi Vinod,
It was a pleasure working with you on the team.Wishing you all the best in your endeavors back in India!
Kind regards,
AngelaWaruhiu



From: Wasike-Sihanya,Jaki,Nairobi,Market Excellence & Consumer Communication Sent: Friday, November 18, 2011 4:50 PM To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Au Revoir
Thanks for writing Vinod, and all the best.
Jaki Wasike-Sihanya.Regional Marketing Services Manager.Nestlé Equatorial African Region



From: Maundu,Roselyn,NAIROBI,Marketing To: Vinod Natesan Subject: RE: Au Revoir
Hi Vinod,
Nice working with you. All the best in your future endeavors. Kind regards Roselyn

Appreciation for Relevant, Simple and Appealing Ideas.

And from the team that worked with me at Nestle from McCann....


From: Martin Mwangi  To: Vinod Natesan Subject: Re: Au Revoir
What can I say, terrible timing, but hope this goodbye note finds you. My absolute privilege to have known you - I'm not the first to say so and I sure won't be the last.I'll keep in touch.
Rgds
martin mwangi.



From: Sammy Nyasae To: Vinod Natesan Subject: Re: Au Revoir
Great but not long enough! I trimmed my hair lol! Do have a good one too. Sam Lokx 

TWENTY THINGS MY EX- EMPLOYERS SAY ABOUT ME.

TWENTY THINGS MY EX- EMPLOYERS SAY ABOUT ME.

1991-92: FCB ULKA as an Account Executive.
“Vinod’s strengths are in planning marketing strategies and market research for clients. His grasp and knowledge in these areas are commendable. He was enthusiastic and diligent in servicing the accounts that he handled particularly Swissen and ITC Bhadrachalam. His capacity for hard work will, I am sure, keep him in good stead.”

S. VijayKumar. Branch Manager at Ulka Advertising, Hyderabad.

“Vinod Natesan spent some of his formative years with Ulka Advertising in Bangalore and Hyderabad. He has been in touch over the last 15 years as his career has progressed. An MBA from one of the better schools of management, he has kept himself alive and alert with the latest happenings and trends in marketing and advertising. It is laudable that he has taken a lot of interest in education and training. He also has a keen planning orientation, having worked on major campaigns and brands. I wish him all the best.”

Ambi M. G .Parameswaran. Executive Director & CEO – FCB Draft, Mumbai.

CLICK HERE

1992-1994: Sr Account Executive at Chaitra Leo Burnett, Mumbai

“This is to appreciate the fine work done by you and your team on the media analysis for Shulton. As the first such analysis, it threw up useful data on media spending in the category, which we can use in the next years strategy document. It is a step in our complete understanding of the category we compete in and our competitors. Expecting more such contributions from the agency in future.”

Sunil Balagopal, Brand Manager at Procter and Gamble India Limited

“It was great listening to Anupam and Amit yesterday and they are all praise for Chaitra and have quoted our performance as an object lesson for Lintas. Vinod you are a key member of the team keep it up.” (Amit Kumar was the Sr Marketing Manager at TELCO and Anupam Srivastava was his Deputy).

Anand Tendolkar, Account Director at Chaitra Leo Burnett, Mumbai.

CLICK HERE

1994-96: Account Group Head at Lintas (Uni- Lever Business), Mumbai

“Congratulations and thank you for your gift of pure vision, your fabulous Edison Idea! Here’s hoping you come back again with even greater ideas”

S. V. Siva General Manager and Head of Human Resources

CLICK HERE

1996-1998: Assoc General Manager at PSL McCann Erickson, Mumbai

“I was delighted to read your note of 23rd April (1997) informing me of PSL’s nomination to the Clio’s finals. The recognition you have received is well received. Congratulations to your entire team.”

Anand G Mahindra, Managing Director at Mahindra

“It is with tremendous joy that I received the news of your Creative work being nominated for the Clio awards.In my usually hectic schedule, running all these companies, it has given me much happiness to be associated with all of you (Ganga, Nalesh and Vinod) over these months and to see the consistently high quality of creative work”.

“I received the message on my answering machine advising me that you were going to set up your own consultancy. I wanted to let you know that I enjoyed working with you and that I sincerely wish you all the best in your future endeavors”.

Sorab Mistry, President and Chief Executive Officer, McCann Erickson India

CLICK HERE

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1998-2000: Mayan Consultants. Retainer with Interact Vision, Mumbai.

“During his stint with us, he proved to be a capable profit centre head with an excellent grasp of the economics of the business. His contributions were critical in us retaining the Kirloskar Air Conditioner account and in winning new business from ARY Fashions, Bayer and Hallmark Industries. He is an excellent judge of creative and also inspires the best of creative talent. He has a complete and comprehensive grasp of all advertising operations and has been a media planner and account planner in his own right for IV at Mumbai. All in all a solid and complete advertising person any CEO would love to have in his team. I am sure with all the dynamism, talent and passion that he brings to all that he does, he will find a place amongst the industry’s best.”

Prabir Purkayastha, CEO and President of Interact Vision.

“Congrats on your HTA job. Do your best. Live your Dream!
God bless you.”

A.G.Krishnamurthy, Chairman of the Mudra Group and Interact Vision.

CLICK HERE

2000-2002: JWT Assoc Vice President and Strategy Planning Director.

“Your BTS summary and have to say it is excellent, very well thought through. It is great to have a new perspective on the results. Thank you for stimulating renewed thoughts on India, I will keep on thinking on this one! Well done with your first full summary of research, I look forward to the next.”

Nicola Ellis, the Chief of Planning at DeBeers London


This is to express our appreciation for the excellent qualitative study
conducted by you, on the elite segment. The presentation of findings was
very lucid and I believe, addressed most if not all our queries regarding
the concept we are working on for the elites.

Srinivas Madani, Planner for India at DeBeers, London.

This is to tell you that we appreciate your efforts in helping us find
newer directions in our search for a new and better communication.

Kurien Pothen, GM, Marketing and Sales at Blow Plast Industries.

A special word for Vinod, who worked tirelessly for many days, especially on the research. I'm glad we did the research, as it gave our work and our presentation the added edge of confidence in our recommendations. We knew the world was watching, and we ensured we remained ourselves!
And you all know it's now a different trip!!!

Sunil Gupta General Manager, JWT Mumbai ( my boss at JWT)

CLICK HERE

2002-2005: Retainer with EICL to handle LG Care Chennai

“I would like to place on record my appreciation for the work produced by your team at Chennai. The launch advertisement has been a winner and has generated lakhs of responses indicating that the LG Mother branding was a winner. I think that this has happened with a skeletal people of 3 people and almost no infrastructure. It is only resourcefulness, commitment, passion and tireless hours of work that could have produced such results. My team joins me in applauding your team”

K.V. Augustine, Marketing and Sales Planning at L.G. Care India

CLICK HERE

2005-2008: Head of Operations at RAK Investment Authority, UAE.

“He may be re-designated as Head of Operations, RAK Media City and Tourism Office and all perquisites at this salary will be offered to him as per the rules of the Group.”

Dr Khater Massaad, Advisor to the Ruler of Ras al Khaimah from the office order providing me a double increment and promotion in May 2006

CLICK HERE

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THIRTY THINGS SAID ABOUT ME

THIRTY THINGS SAID ABOUT ME
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Source: Linkedin Connections
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Head of Operations/COO at RAK Investment Authority
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"I had the pleasure of working with Vinod Natesan when he was the owners representative from RAKIA as the Head of the Tourism Office. Vinod was involved in the capacity of the clients representative and project director for the proposed Banyan Tree in RAK as well as oversaw the overall development chain of all new hospitality and media projects by RAKIA. Vinod is an extremely well rounded person who ensured all aspects of a development was considered including providing valuable design inputs for the project. While Vinod was not an engineer by training, he was passionate about the brand "Banyan Tree" and understood its vision, being an advertising professional. He was always committed to ensuring that commercial considerations did not cannibalize on the architectural and design aesthetics and in many ways therefore contributed to the final consumer experience at the RAK property being up to the Banyan Tree consumer expectations."

Rajiv Ratnarajah Assistant Vice President & Head - Project Planning & Project Management [PPM], Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts

________________________________________

“Vinod was of great support to us when we visited the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah and was instrumental in us setting up business there. He was thorough in terms of procedure and knowledge of all aspects of the Emirate and its laws and also was able to grasp the requirements of our business based in Hamburg quickly. He was very warm, friendly and went out of his way to make us feel at home which we reciprocate heartily. He continues to remain a well wisher and a friend. We will stay in contact because of his variety of well established business contacts all over the world but esp. in India. He is of great help to establish our business opportunities in India.” March 2, 2009

Markus Wagner , Owner , Middle East Marketing and Investment Group
was with another company when working with Vinod at RAK Investment Authority
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod is an intelligent and versatile man. I had the good fortune of working with him during our assignment for RAK Dept of Civil Aviation. His sound knowledge and business acumen puts him in good stead with whichever organisation he works with. I wish Vinod the very best in all his future endeavours. Hoshi Siganporia” February 20, 2009

Hoshi Siganporia , Managing Director , The Big Idea Advertising
was a consultant or contractor to Vinod at RAK Investment Authority
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Vinod is a knowledgeable and articulate person who has an excellent grasp of market and consumer dynamics.I have always found him to be detail oriented with an eye on the bottomline.His personal goals have always been aligned with that of the organisation and he is an excellent team leader.He can move across the spectrum of strategy and operations effortlessly.I wish him the best in all his future endeavours October 10, 2010

Sridhar Vaidyanathan (Head - Corporate Finance & Global Investments at Rak Investment Authority ) worked directly with Vinod at RAK Investment Authority __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Associate General Manager at McCann Erickson Mumbai (PSL)
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“Early in my career, Vinod was my boss for a brief period of one year. Many years and many many colleagues later, I haven’t met too many who combine Vinod’s passion, conviction, intellectual curiosity and fierce commitment towards his job and his people. Am reassured to see that he retains the same hunger even today. For an organization looking to turbo charge its work culture, I can’t think of too many better prospects than Vinod Natesan.” March 9, 2009.

Amit Kumar
Executive Planning Director, McCann Erickson (colleague)reported to you at Leo Burnett in 1993 and was with PSLMcCann Delhi in 1996-98.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Vinod is straight and honest at what he wants to achieve. His approach to work is very clinical and analytical, which I've respected much. He grew from being an accounts executive to the position of a General manager in and advertising agency in a very short time, and out did past performances and set records in the agency in terms of new business. Which he has been able to repeat in further careers. He's a hard nut., and a maverick., and any serious business house deserves him.” March 13, 2009.

Ara A,, Owner, The Fix (colleague) worked with you at Leo Burnett in 1992-93 and was in touch right through.

__________________________________________________________AVP & Strategic Planning Director at JWT Mumbai
________________________________________________
“Know Vinod as a dynamic advertising professionalin charge of the Wheel detergent business. His contribution in fending of Nirma is well known. Worked closely at JWT where he headed planning. Vinod's planning approach to VIP Luggage was evolutionary with incisive and inclusive solutions. The business expansion bore fruit with the highly successful rural penetration drive and the school bags foray.

If you are looking at comprehensive branding solutions, Vinod is a valuable professional to partner with. His insightful approach will help your brand travel to the next orbit

Wish him success in all his endeavours” October 12, 2010
Ravi Shankar, Account Director, HTA
worked indirectly for Vinod at JWT
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Proprietor at Mayan Consultants International
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“Vinod looked after the marketing activities of the Landmark group for a while and I found him very knowledgeable in all aspects of the function. He was very data driven and collaborated with me in doing a quantitative survey on media consumption habits of regular customers and members of the loyalty club. He came out with very innovative campaigns to promote the Food Court at the Oasis Centre in Jumeirah and the CYBORG entertainment centre. His campaign "what women want" which ran during the Valentines and the Id season in February 2002 was a big success. I was also happy to see him replicate his success with the promotion of Emirate of Ras al Khaimah as an investment destination” March 13, 2009

P.K Faisal, GROUP CRM MANAGER, LANDMARK RETAIL GROUP (colleague)
worked directly with you in 2002 and is now with Bin Hendi UAE.
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“Vinod is a peoples person and is excellent in motivating employees , I met Vinod in Chennai and found him extremely sharp , focused , motivated and always being in control of things. I wish him all the best in his career” February 25, 2009

Viney Bhatia , General Manager- Finance at Rediffusion DYR Pvt Ltd was Commercial Manager , Rediffusion DYR Pvt Limited when he worked with Vinod in 2005.
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Visiting Faculty at Management Institutes in Mumbai (96-08)
SIMSR,VESIMSR,vESCSAC, NLDIMSR, SIES.
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“Vinod taught us Advertising at VESIMSR and it was one of my best classes through the MBA course. He is an excellent communicator and extremely organized. I also had the privilege to do a small assignment under his guidance, that brought out his systematic approach to problem handling and positive mentoring approach. He is always there for any discussion and is a great listener.” March 4, 2009

Shubha Chadaga , Merchandise Planner , BCBG Max Azria,was with another company when working with Vinod at Mayan Consultants International
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“Professor Natesan was one of the best professors we had at VES. His intellect, professionalism and vast knowledge on the Advertising Industry certainly had us students begging for more. I can vividly recall some of the examples he would use to depict successful brands (so you can imagine how good he is!). I can certainly vouch for his Marketing and Advertising strategies and would highly recommend him to anyone who wants to make their brand BIG! :) God bless, Sir!” February 25, 2009.Top qualities: Great Results , Expert , Creative.


Nandita Saggu, Specialist-Learning Solutions at Astrum Consulting.
Was a student of Vinod when he was a Visiting Faculty at VESASC and running Mayan Consultants in 2001
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“I know Mr. Natesan from 2001, he was a visiting faculty for us at my BMM Course. Mr. Natesan has a great indepth & intellectual knowledge of the the advertising & media industry. He has worked with the leading Ad Agencies in India and hence, has the upto date knowledge & understanding of his field. I can easily term him as the 'expert'! Would recommend him to anyone looking for a strategist, planner, out-of-the-box thinker. Wishing him the very best in all he does!” February 23, 2009


Sahil Jatana , Asst. Manager - Digital Media at NDTV Imagine
Was a student , VES College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Chembur
when Vinod was Visiting Faculty and running Mayan Consultants International
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Executive at FCB Ulka (91-92).
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Vinod Natesan spent some of his formative years with Ulka Advertising in Bangalore and Hyderabad. He has been in touch over the last 15 years as his career has progressed. An MBA from one of the better schools of management, he has kept himself alive and alert with the latest happenings and trends in marketing and advertising. It is laudable that he has taken a lot of interest in education and training. He also has a keen planning orientation, having worked on major campaigns and brands. I wish him all the best.


Ambi M.G.Parameswaran, Executive Director & CEO – Mumbai
Draftfcb + Ulka, Nirmal, Nariman Point. Mumbai 400021
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Executive at NDDB. On deputation to the World Bank 1988-89. Work ethic

"I met Vinod - an alma-mater, for the first time in B'lore in 1989, while he was on a mission-critical assignment for the World Bank and I was heading the Southern Region IT operations. I immediately struck a cord with him and found him sincere, intelligent, hard working, naive and humorous, He epitomised 24X7 professionalism, way back in 89.Since then, we have been in regular touch.
I have seen him struggle, grow and flourish in his chosen field - media/advertising."

Rajvinder Singh Bhisht
Owner at ATP Consultants
Mumbai
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LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS – Institute of Rural Management Anand & CUSAT(1 semester) - Masters (MBA/PGDRM) Teachers and fellow students.
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“Mr. Vinod Natesan was a student of mine at the Institute of Rural Management, Anand, India. I remember him distinctly because of the keen interest he showed in the behavioural science courses I taught there. He used to be relatively quiet and yet quite communicative. Vinod’s recent messages and articles in the alumni pages tell me that his observational and analytical skills, which were visible years ago at IRMA, have become much sharper, along with a well developed sensitivity to social phenomena. I remember Vinod as a genuine, hardworking, reliable and a warm person. With his abilities and well-placed concerns, I am confident that Vinod, wherever he is, will definitely go that extra effective mile to be useful to society.” March 4, 2009


M.J. Arul , Director at Presidency B-School, Presidency College, Bangalore was Professor , Institute of Rural Management, Anand and taught Vinod there .
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“Vinod is my senior and a very prominent alumni. I have known him as an advertising professional and an intellectual. He has helped his clients through his firm Mayan Consultants through many years now. I know from his dedication and intellectual curiousity that he is a person who puts in more than 100% in his work. I wish him a lot of luck in his future endeavors!” March 12, 2009


Desh Kapoor,, Engagement Leader at Infosys Consulting was Student, Institute of Rural Management
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“I have known Vinod for a long time, from IRMA days. Over the years he has worked in the Advertising/Public Relations field and has executed successfully many campaigns. He has a lot of experience in the industry, grasps things easily, and is a person who gives more than 100% at work. He is a very good person to know and have as a friend, and his sense of humor always tends to make me smile.” February 20, 2009


Manesh Modi , Market Research Analyst at MGT Information studied with Vinod at Institute of Rural Management Anand
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"I first came into contact with Vinod when we exchanged mails on a subject that was discussed post the 26/11 terrorist attack in India. He disagreed with some aspects of my views and was quite passionate in his disagreement. I did respond and later found that while he had disagreed with some aspects, he had accepted the balance to such an extent that he had passed on the comments to various other contacts/forums. I found that rather impressive because often people who disagree do not have the maturity to accept other aspects from the same person. I also analyzed his disagreements later and on hindsight felt that he did have a point and in the midst of a tragedy was actually showing a lot of sensitivity to peoples feelings. That impressed me again. I have found him posting views and comments and most times I feel that they are nor arm chair comments but what he actually believes in and feels strongly from the heart. That is not a common trait in most people. Vinod - stay that way."


Ravindra Vashisht was Vinod’s senior in IRMA and works at Tata’s Group. General Manager - Strategic Marketing & Biz Development at Tata Advanced Materials Ltd.

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Student at University of Kerala
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“Owner of a very strong personality. Very critical and thourough in analysis and quick in decision. Jobs are seen to its completion. A joyous and lovable person, with wide and varied interests in life. A good friend to have with.” February 20, 2009

Santhu Santosh , Chief Manager , SBT advised Vinod at University of Kerala
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“I have known Vinod since childhood. Vinod is a person of high integrity, honor and compassion. Vinod is very passionate about his interests and is very committed to the success of his work.” March 11, 2009

Anil Mukundan, Co Founder and Chief Technology Officer at CodeObjects, Inc.
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“I known Vinod since my school days. He is sincere and hard working and quite passionate at work.In his career he has been able to achieve quite a lot due to his great energy and enthusiasm.” February 25, 2009

Sweth Raghunath , Regional Sales Manager - GCC at Strategic Food International Company LLC .studied with Vinod at Loyola School, University of Kerala and CUSAT (1 sem)
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“I have studied with Vinod for brief period before he moved to IRM at Anand and have been impressed by his passion to excel in everything he does. Unbound enthusiasm, openness to ideas, attention to detail and analytical approach to problem solving are some of his obvious strengths.” February 20, 2009

Sathya Nair , Senior Channel Manager at Motorola - Enterprise Mobility Business Studied with Vinod at Cochin University of Science and Technology
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“Vinod Natesan is an individual with a forceful personality and excellent domain knowledge in his chosen field of advertising. He has notable abilities as a teacher and maintains exceptional tenacity and commitment to perfection, in the projects which he takes up. With his varied experience in the country and abroad and diverse interests transcending the confines of his profession he should be an asset to any progressive organisation.” March 14, 2009

Aananthakrishnan S , Government of India Official
studied with Vinod at University of Kerala
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2005-2008 Ras Al Khaimah, Mayan Consultants Intl

• This letter of promotion and increment was largely on the back of my contributions from 2005 till the middle of 2006. The impetus and the foundation laid were built on and grown by my successors as the press clippings show.

• RAK set to become `the next major development story in the Gulf', says Oxford Business Group report

• Ras Al Khaimah, March 27: The proactive approach of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah to diversification and investment generation is paying rich dividends and is set to turn the emirate to become `the next major development story in the Gulf', according to Oxford Business Group (OBG), the UK-based publishing, research and consultancy services company in its latest report titled `Emerging Ras Al Khaimah 2007', published as part of the `Emerging Markets Series'.

• RAK GDP grows by more than 50% over the last four years. RAK GDP which stood at Dhs7.1bn in 2003 has grown to touch Dhs11.12bn in 2006.

• "In 2006, real estate developers in Ras Al Khaimah announced the most ambitious slate of new high- rise, villa and island residential projects that the UAE has ever seen. While Dubai continues to dominate current construction activity, and Abu Dhabi has extremely large developments out for tender, investors in RAK have proposed nearly AED 60 billion worth of projects for completion before 2010," the report states.

• On the tourism front, the report states that RAK could become one of the top tourist destinations in the Gulf and the emirate hopes to attract as many as 2 million visitors by 2010 banking on "its unique attractions like UAE's longest stretch of coastline, desert landscapes, the Hajar mountains, a history stretching back to 7000 years, Bedouin culture, varied sports facilities and year- round sunshine".(Tourism figures climbed from 156,000 in 2005 to 500,000 by 2006-07 at an average occupancy level of 92% for the hotels there.)

• The study says and adds that the emirate will compliment the sector by setting up 25 new hotels that would be operational by 2010.

• Ras Al Khaimah's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown by more than 50% over the last four years and the fast- growing emirate, riding a wave of massive inward investments, is expected to clock an annual growth rate of over 15 % in the next few years, Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (Rakia) announced at the Ras Al Khaimah Conference 2008.

2005-2008: Ras Al Khaimah: Investment Promotion

ARABIAN OPPORTUNITIES FUND.

CLICK ON THIS http://www.ameinfo.com/89969.html

Arabian Opportunities 2 to invest 300 million euros in freehold properties in Ras Al Khaimah

Arabian Opportunities 2, a Hamburg based Property Fund, has opened its branch in a Free Zone managed by the RAK Investment Authority with a view to invest in real estate opportunities in Freehold Areas that are coming up in Ras Al Khaimah.

United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, June 27 - 2006

Nearly 300 million euros is being collected from investors in Germany for investments in real estate properties in the Middle East. RAK emerged as the favorite to harness the bulk of this fund thanks to its freehold laws and integrated master-plan with beach front tourism properties, mountain based projects and state of the art business and media zone projects.

Arabian Opportunities 2 RAK Branch which was registered in the RAK Investment Authority Free Zone is managed by Markus Müller (43, Banker and Insurance Manager ) and Markus Wagner (34, Grad. Business Administrator, M.A. hons.)

• There is a master plan in place for Ras Al Khaimah and the growth is planned. Infrastructural problems are not likely and there are plenty of freehold properties in the master-plan to accommodate foreign investor interest. The Marjan Island, The Al Hamra Village, the Minal Arab, the Gateway City are all seen as possibilities by the Fund.

The Wagners have also been encouraged by the trust reposed in them by the RAK Investment Authority.Dr Massaad has signed an MOU with the Wagners to promote Ras Al Khaimah as a destination for tourism and investments in the city of Hamburg and Lubeck where Mr. Adolf Wagner is an established name.

This project was my baby and my experience in handling Merril Lynch while at JWT came in very handy. What clinched this deal was the element of trust they had in us and the fact that we were able to understand the nuances of funds and international law. It also helped us get a base in Germany which is an important tourism market for us.

ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITIES An article from the FDI Magazine.

The once sleepy northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is bursting into life with a wealth of upscale leisure and commercial facilities in the pipeline.

The northern emirate, the seventh to join the UAE, which is zipping along with an annual growth of 4.4% GDP, is embarking on a massive tourism-oriented building plan that includes significant residential and commercial components. Everything from an ambitious spaceport to enormous theme parks and a 12-kilometre (km) ski slope are looming on the horizon, as the government aims to secure a larger slice of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) tourism cake.

The commercial real estate sector is also stirring into life with a spate of big deals hatched this year. Mirage Holdings FZCO, a Hollywood-based film production firm, will set up and operate Film and Media City, an investment costing $1bn. The Mirage Studio complex sits on 480 acres of real estate, close to the new Emirates Highway. In addition to the production studio, it will have an entertainment shopping centre, villas, apartments and office space for rent, a golf course and polo field.

Businessman Sultan Ali Lakhani has invested Dh150m in a television port and up-linking facility, which is attracting audio and film studios and news agencies.

Ends

The last two media projects were on my initiative and a direct result of my efforts. It came about through diligent one to one selling and follow up. In the case of Sultan Ali, we got him to cancel his investment in another Emirate and come to RAK. This was prompted by the kind of location we offered him and the fact that we understood the media business completely.

In the case of Mirage FZCO, too the selling point was that we understood the media business and were quick to react. The whole process of identifying the land and completing the lease and legal formalities hardly took 4 working days!!

VARIETY has carried a news report on this project:
CLICK ON THIS http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117948006.html

2005-2008: Ras al Khaimah: Media and Film City

Mirage to invest $1 billion in RAK

By

MEB Journal Staff

Hollywood-based production company Mirage Holdings said that it would invest $1 billion in the newly established Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Media Free Zone and Film City.

The project will reportedly be built over two million square meters, including both film studios and a media entertainment complex hosting an international film museum, film-making academy, shopping mall, miniature golf course, polo field and residential housing, according to a press statement from Mirage.

The RAK Investment Authority licensed the company to begin operating in late May, but did not disclose when the project would be completed, according to Vinod Natesan, a representative of RAK's tourism office. He said the project would employ both local and foreign staff to produce Hollywood movies and local productions.

Mirage CEO Michelle Nickelson touted the reduced cost of visual effects at RAK. "Visual effects are becoming extremely expensive, with several $200 million plus budget films coming out this year," she said in a press release. "The biggest cost is not the stars, it is the effects. By being able to fabricate visual effects in RAK using top designers in the US, everyone wins."

"Whoever wants to set up a media industry here is most welcome," Natesan said. "We are not competing with anybody. We offer facilities and there are plenty of people coming." He added that in addition to Mirage Holdings, RAK will host Century Media Networks, a South Asian television production company as well as a yet to be announced Indian film company.

SILVER SCREEN DEBUT.

Emirates: N. Emirates, Volume 8

14.06.2006

Mirage Holdings, a spin off of the US's Nickelson Entertainment Group (NEG), has been licensed to operate in Ras al-Khaimah Media City (RAK Media City) and will set up one of the largest film and post-production centres in the world.

At the beginning of the year, Century Media Networks Incorporated, a South Asian group, leased the first 20,000 sq metre plot to be involved in television production and satellite up linking.Representatives of RAK Media City have explained that further expansion is possible once the existing zones are rented.

Still, those in Ras al-Khaimah insist that they are not in competition with Dubai; rather they are aiming to complement their southern sister. The emirate's mountain ranges and abundance of untouched land make it a "unique product" and will attract a certain kind of movie production team -different than an operation which would choose Dubai and Studio City. "We see Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah becoming a cluster," said an official at the RAK Investment Authority. "We are in the middle of the world - right between Hollywood and Bollywood. We will continue to make [the UAE] a focal point."

RAK MEDIA CITY. RAK Media Free Zone gets green signal

By Sadiq A. Salam.4 January 2006, Khaleej Times

RAS AL KHAIMAH — In what is being considered as a milestone in economic and social development, RAK authorities have given the green signal for the establishment of the RAK Media Free Zone (RMFZ).

The Century Media Networks Incorporated (CMNI), an overseas venture, has been given the go-ahead to establish the RMFZ under the aegis of RAK Investment Authority (RIA).

The new facility will play host to media establishments, television channels, studios for audio-visual productions and computer graphics houses besides animation studios. "It will issue licences to them under the RIA mandate," he said, adding that RMFZ will lease ready-to-use office space and up-linking facilities where required, to such licence holders.

The RMFZ will also establish Free Zone which will lease land to investors who wish to set up their own media facilities, be it a printing press, a film studio, an advertising agency, a magazine office or a television studio. "To make use of RAK's colourful and rich landscape besides its rich history and heritage that makes it the ideal venue for film shoots, film studios and establishments linked to the film industry are also being issued licence by the RMFZ," he said, pointing out that a leading film-maker from India has already expressed interest in setting up a Film City in RAK.

He said: "The social milieu of Ras Al Khaimah, which has a distinct and international feel, will be all the more richer with the influx of highly qualified professionals who prefer a sophisticated lifestyle of peace and tranquility."

GULF NEWS. RAK free zone will grant licences to media establishments.

By Nasouh Nazzal, Staff Reporter

Ras Al Khaimah: Media establishments, television channels, studios for audio-visual productions, computer graphics houses, and animation studios will be issued licences by the RAK Media Free Zone under the emirate's Investment Authority mandate, officials said yesterday.Published: 01/04/2006 12:00 AM (UAE)

Hollywood production firm to set up film city in RAK.Mirage Holdings FZCO, a Hollywood based filmproduction firm, will set up and operate a Film and Media City in Ras Al Khaimah with an investment of USD 1 billion.

United Arab Emirates: Sunday, June 11 - 2006

'Mirage Holdings FZCO has been licensed to operate the entire Film and Media City as a UAE Free Zone. The Mirage Studio complex sits on 480 acres of exceptional real estate just off the new Emirates Highway in RAK and is a short 25 minute drive to Dubai International Airport.

In addition to the production studio, it will have an entertainment shopping center, villas, apartments and office space for rent, a golfcourse and polo field. The total cost of the project will be close to USD 1 billion", said Michelle Nickelson.

Mirage Holdings FZCO is closely associated with Manex Entertainment, the visual effects studio which won back to back Academy Awards for the films, 'What Dreams May Come' and 'The Matrix'.

'With Manex, there was a brilliant design team and with Mirage, we have members of the same team on board. Visual effects are becoming extremely expensive, with several $200 million plus budget films coming out this year. The biggest cost is not the stars, it is the effects. By being able to fabricate visual effects in RAK using top designers in the US, everyone wins', she added.

Dr Khater Massaad, Advisor to the RAK Crown Prince and CEO of RAKIA, said that RAK Media City has issued free zone licenses to more than 20 companies which include two publishing companies looking at business publications, three television channels, designers, event organizers, advertising agencies and IT based operators, ever since its launch in January 2006.

He said that three films were shot in RAK last year and all of them have been hits. These include '36 China Town', 'Lakshmi', and 'Deewane Hue Pagal', all from India. Sultan Ali Lakhani, a leading businessman from Asia has invested AED 150 million in a television port and up- linking facility which is attracting audio and film studios in large number to RAK including news agencies.

http://www.ameinfo.com/88478.html;00:55:58

Small emirate in UAE to be base for largest film centre in region

Jun 11, 2006, 14:53 GMT

Dubai - The small emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), one of the seven sheikhdoms that make up the United Arab Emirates, is set to become one of the largest film production centres in the Middle East with the set up of a Hollywood film city project, the local newspaper Gulf News reported Sunday.

A film institute is also on the anvil, which will promote local talent and create a platform to address the global market.

2005-2008: Ras Al Khaimah: Tourism Promotion

• RAK had limited budgets and therefore promotions were mostly through PR.
• The need for information on new developments were provided to key publications, opinion leaders and to overseas journalists with usable visuals and data. This paid us handsome dividends. At B2B venues we were known entities and there was a healthy curiosity about us.
• In fact agencies were jokingly told by my boss Dr Massaad " I hired an agency man and now he does not let me spend on advertising!!"
• However the results are clearly visible: In 2004 the tourism arrivals were 116,000 with 825 rooms when I had joined.(Dept of tourism figures).
• By the time it was 2006, the arrivals had jumped to 300,000, a clear jump of 158% in two years which meant an increase of 184000. From then on, 2007 saw a jump of 200,000 arrivals taking it up to 500,000, a growth of 40% YOY.
• The number of Hotels has also climbed as is listed below. I was privileged to handle the famed Banyan Tree Resorts Hotels.

RAK hotels achieve 93% occupancy in 2007

United Arab Emirates: Monday, February 04 - 2008 at 15:01

PRESS RELEASE

• Hotels in Ras Al Khaimah achieved a phenomenal 93% occupancy level during 2007, reflecting the rising popularity of the emirate as an international tourism destination.

• Ras Al Khaimah Tourism officials pegged the number of visitors to the emirate in 2007 at 500,000 and have unveiled an ambitious action plan to increase annual tourist numbers to 2.5 million by 2012.

• The emirate plans to increase the number of hotel rooms by five fold, from the current 1400 rooms to 7500, by 2012.

• 'The year 2007 was a fantastic year for Ras Al Khaimah as we enjoyed 40 % growth in tourist numbers and the hotels recorded 93 % occupancy levels throughout the year.

• International hotel chains are investing in the emirate in a big way with major projects by Hilton, Marriott Hotels, InterContinental, Rotana Hotels and Banyan Tree Resort currently underway, apart from the top- of- the- line Al Hamra Palace project.

• The immediate action plan for RAK Tourism would include restoration and preservation of all the heritage sites, setting up wildlife watching areas for visitors, implementing a coastal management programme and beautification project for RAK city areas. 'We are working on providing improved access and services to tourists in areas like Dhayah Fort, Shamal, the old city souk and Al Jazeera Al Hamra, apart from taking full advantage of the eco- tourism possibilities available to us in the mountains, beach tourism and desert,' she said.

• Speaking at the conference, Ivor McBurney, Vice President Development- Middle East, Hilton Hotels said that Ras Al Khaimah has taken care to maintain a unique cultural identity with a clear 'character and feel'.

• 'Ever since we opened in Ras Al Khaimah in 2001 the Year on Year average RevPAR % growth (Revenue Per Available Room) has been in double digits every year,' he added.

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Rajiv Ratnarajah Assistant Vice President & Head - Project Planning & Project Management [PPM], Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts

"I had the pleasure of working with Vinod Natesan when he was the owners representative from RAKIA as the Head of the Tourism Office. Vinod was involved in the capacity of the clients representative and project director for the proposed Banyan Tree in RAK as well as oversaw the overall development chain of all new hospitality and media projects by RAKIA. Vinod is an extremely well rounded person who ensured all aspects of a development was considered including providing valuable design inputs for the project. While Vinod was not an engineer by training, he was passionate about the brand "Banyan Tree" and understood its vision, being an advertising professional. He was always committed to ensuring that commercial considerations did not cannibalize on the architectural and design aesthetics and in many ways therefore contributed to the final consumer experience at the RAK property being up to the Banyan Tree consumer expectations."