Entry into India a Key Component of Carlson Marketing Growth Strategy

New office opens in Mumbai; Kingfisher Airlines added to client roster

Carlson Marketing, the relationship building company, formally announced its expansion into India today with the opening of its first Indian office in Mumbai on the strength of its relationship with client Kingfisher Airlines.

Jeff Balagna, president and CEO of Carlson Marketing Worldwide, is excited about the growth opportunities that the market in India represents for loyalty marketing: “India is a key strategic focus for both Carlson Marketing and our parent company Groupe Aeroplan. Our expansion to India is a testament to the global demand for services that build stronger relationships and maximize the value customers deliver for our clients.”

Together with Groupe Aeroplan, Carlson Marketing is the world’s largest loyalty management company with offices in 16 countries including the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, the UK, Canada and now India. Carlson Marketing works with some of the best known brands in the world, including Coca-Cola, Qantas, Procter & Gamble, Oracle, Exxon Mobil and RBS. The loyalty marketing company now adds Kingfisher Airlines to its blue-chip client roster.

Anshu Sarin, Vice President, Guest Loyalty at Kingfisher Airlines, commented, “We have worked with Carlson Marketing continuing to develop and differentiate the King Club programme in India for the last 12 months. We continuously strive to deliver the best for our guests and King Club is a key vehicle for us. Carlson Marketing’s deep and international loyalty and airline expertise made them a natural choice as a partner for Kingfisher.”

Carlson Marketing’s Mumbai office delivers a full suite of services in support of loyalty and relationship building programmes including programme design, creative and digital marketing services, rewards and operations, technology services and decision science.

Schuster, president, Carlson Marketing Asia Pacific, added, “We’re proud to be working with one of the great airlines in the world in Kingfisher. Serving them out of our Mumbai office marks a significant step in our strategy to bring the best global thinking and implementation of loyalty and relationship marketing to leading organisations in the largest and fastest-growing markets in the world.”

Nik Laming, managing director, India and senior vice president, Carlson Marketing Asia Pacific, added, “This office opening is especially important for loyalty marketers in this region of the world. A local presence is critical to serve local clients. Our launch team of 10 – which we expect to grow rapidly – demonstrates our commitment to the region and gives us the perfect blend of the best local talent supported by international knowledge and experts throughout our global network.”

About Carlson Marketing Worldwide

Carlson Marketing is the world’s leading relationship building company. Carlson Marketing designs and delivers loyalty, engagement and event programmes for some of the world’s best known brands. Carlson Marketing’s two global service offerings – Brand Loyalty and Engagement & Events – are supported by six core capabilities: Strategy & Brand Planning; Creative and Communications; Decision Sciences; Award Services; Technology Services and Customer Service. Owned by Groupe Aeroplan, a global leader in loyalty management, Carlson Marketing employs more than 2,200 marketing professionals across 16 countries. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. USA, Carlson Marketing has large regional offices in Toronto, London and Sydney. www.carlsonmarketing.com

About Kingfisher Airlines

Kingfisher Airlines is India's only Five Star Airline rated by Skytrax, and the only one to offer premium first class service on domestic routes. Besides being the first and only airline in India to offer in-flight entertainment, Kingfisher offers LIVE TV on many domestic routes in India with 16 channels of live and exciting content. The airline has received numerous awards for innovation, customer responsiveness and was voted the ‘Best New Airline of the Year’, within months of its launch.

Kingfisher Airlines is a part of the UB Group that is one of India’s largest conglomerates with diverse interests and a global presence. The UB Group is also the largest Indian alcoholic beverages (beer and spirits) company and the third largest drinks group in the world. www.flykingfisher.com