Matthew Froggatt, Chief Development Officer, TNS—on the findings of TNS’s Digital Life study

“Winning and keeping customers is harder than ever. The online world undoubtedly presents massive opportunities for brands, however it is only through deploying precisely tailored marketing strategies that they will be able to realise this potential. Choosing the wrong channel, or simply adding to the cacophony of online noise, risks alienating potential customers and impacting business growth.”

“Digital waste is the accumulation of thousands of brands rushing online without thinking who they want to talk to—and why.  Many brands have recognised the vast potential audiences available to them on social networks; however they are failing to understand that these spaces belong to the consumer and their presence needs to be proportionate and justified.”

“The key is to understand your target audience and what they want from your brand—social networks aren’t always the right approach. If consumers in one market don’t want to be talked to, can you use an alternative online method—creating owned digital media platforms, targeted sponsorship or search campaigns—to engage in an appropriate way that will achieve business results, without adding to the digital waste pile?”

“There is a huge appetite for increased internet access and mobile services among consumers in fast growth markets. Digital Life shows that as online communities mature, brands that can cut through the digital noise have fantastic potential to drive rapid growth from this nascent consumer base.”

Read the full article: TSN Global

Hans Vestberg, President and CEO of Ericsson—on Sony’s Acquisition of Ericsson’s Stake In Sony-Ericsson Mobile

“Ten years ago when we formed the joint venture, thereby combining Sony’s consumer products knowledge with Ericsson’s telecommunication technology expertise, it was a perfect match to drive the development of feature phones. Today we take an equally logical step as Sony acquires our stake in Sony Ericsson and makes it a part of its broad range of consumer devices. We will now enhance our focus on enabling connectivity for all devices, using our R&D and industry leading patent portfolio to realize a truly connected world.”

The full press release: www.sonyericsson.com

Unilever CEO, Paul Polman—on the company’s acquisition of 82% of leading Russian beauty company Kalina

“This [acquisition of Concern Kalina] will transform Unilever’s personal care business in Russia, giving us leading positions in skin care and hair care, as well as establishing a presence in oral care. It will also strengthen and re-balance Unilever’s portfolio and competitive position in Russia, an emerging market with considerable potential and one of our priority countries.”

“Personal Care is a strategic category for Unilever and growing rapidly. Ten years ago it represented 20% of Group turnover; strong organic growth has driven it to now reach over 30%, with strong positions in many of the emerging markets.”

“Organic growth remains the cornerstone of our ambition to double the size of Unilever whilst reducing our overall environmental impact. Acquisitions such as Concern Kalina supplement organic growth and add powerful new brands to our portfolio.”

The full press release: www.unilever.com

Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo Chairman and CEO—on formation of Power of One—Americas Council and creation of global snacks group

“The combination of our snack and beverage portfolios creates significant value for our shareholders through synergies driven by a common customer base and distribution platform, supplier leverage and shared infrastructure. The value of this combined portfolio has been greatest in our international markets, which share many activities; and we are now well positioned to realize further benefits in North America following the successful integration of our bottling business.”

“This strategically critical initiative will leverage the capabilities of the entire enterprise. Snack and beverage occasions are typically planned together, and the products are both purchased and consumed together. Our new Power of One—Americas Council will help us to better coordinate our manufacturing, sales and distribution activities and align our retail and consumer brand promotions across our portfolio, which will result in greater operating efficiency, speed to market and value.”

“As I look at our business and our organization today, I believe we are well equipped to deliver on our financial targets for the year and drive healthy, sustainable growth in the future.”

The Full Press Release: PepsiCo

Jeff Hansberry, president of Starbucks Global Consumer Products Group—on the launch of Starbucks Coffee K-Cup Portion Packs

“We are excited to expand our presence in the multi-billion dollar single-cup coffee category with the introduction of Starbucks coffee K-Cup Portion Packs, which offer a convenient at-home brewing solution utilizing the popular Keurig Brewer. We plan to build Starbucks systemwide sales of K-Cup into a $1 billion business over time.”

“Starbucks 40 years of expertise in sourcing and roasting the world’s finest coffee beans allows us to deliver the aroma, body, and rich flavor of Starbucks coffee in a K-Cup. Now, coffee lovers will have another way to easily enjoy a perfect cup of Starbucks coffee at home.”

The full press release: Starbucks

Eric Schmidt, Chairman, Google,—on Google TV launch in Europe next year

“Some in the US feared we aimed to compete with broadcasters or content creators. Actually our intent is the opposite.”

“We seek to support the content industry by providing an open platform for the next generation of TV to evolve, the same way Android is an open platform for the next generation of mobile.”

“We expect Google TV to launch in Europe early next year, and of course the UK will be among the top priorities.”

“Stifling the Internet—whether by filtering or blocking or just plain turning the ‘off’ switch—appeals to policy makers the world over. Instead, policy makers should work with the grain of the Internet rather than against it.”

The full article: Reuters

Steve Jobs, Apple CEO—resignation letter to the the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community

“I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.”

“I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.”

“As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.”

“I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.”

“I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.”

Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development—on Ford and Toyota’s collaboration on gas-electric hybrid system

“Clearly, Ford and Toyota will remain competitors. But, at the same time, by working together and sharing our product development expertise, cost and leveraging our scale, we’ll be able to offer our customers more affordable technology sooner.”

“The fact that we both have very successful front wheel drive hybrid systems already in the market, and will be bringing that knowledge to this co-development process, the next real need was the unique capabilities of a rear wheel drive hybrid systems, for light duty trucks and SUV’s.”

“We have sold about 3.3 million hybrid vehicles in about 80 nations. Our collaboration with Ford is a move to make hybrid technology more widely available in sport utilities and in trucks. That kind of motors are indispensible to American customers.”

“As you look over time, our expectation was that more and more of our vehicles on a percentage basis would be electrified; hybrid, plug-in or battery electric.”

The full article: CBS Detroit

Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company,— on Coca-Cola’s $4bn investment for long-term sustainable growth in China

The Coca-Cola Company and its Chinese bottling partners announced a new investment of US$4 billion over the next three years, commencing 2012.

“China is one of our most important growth markets in the world as we work to achieve our 2020 Vision goal of doubling system revenues and servings this decade. The new investment is a part of our long-term commitment to invest in innovation, partnerships and a portfolio that will enable us to grow our business in a sustainable and responsible way.”

“Besides our infrastructure and capabilities, the new investment will also focus on enhancing the consumer experience, ensuring product affordability and building brand loyalty which deliver sustainable growth.”

“In the first six months of 2011, sales in China topped 1 billion unit cases—double the rate sold five years ago when the Company first delivered 1 billion unit cases for a full year.”

“These achievements are driven by a renewed focus on core brands, continued distribution gains and expansion of cold drink equipment, all made possible by our continued investment and dedicated execution over the years.”

“The three new Coca-Cola plants benefit the local economies and communities, where 940 jobs will be created directly and 9,400 jobs indirectly. The total investment of these three new plants amount to RMB 1.5 billion (approximately US$230 million and will bring new technology and economic growth prospects to the local communities.”

The full press release: The Coca-Cola Company

Graham Mackay, SABMiller Chief Executive—on SABMiller plc proposal to acquire Foster’s Group Limited

“We believe that Foster’s represents an attractive opportunity for SABMiller to acquire a leading brewer in a stable profitable beer market. Foster’s is the Australian beer market leader, with a national footprint across all states and has a well developed route to market.”

“Its portfolio contains 7 of the top 10 Australian beer brands and VB remains the single largest brand in the market. However, for some time, the company has lost market share and has been under-performing. We believe that this creates opportunities for us to apply our operational and commercial capabilities to enhance current performance and to use our global scale.”

“We believe the acquisition of Foster’s represents a very attractive opportunity for us to create value. Through the application of our commercial capabilities and best operating practices we believe we can improve Foster’s top line growth and enhance its profitability. All of this aligns with our existing strategic priorities. A Foster’s transaction will give SABMiller a strong number one position in a sizeable, highly profitable market, supporting our profit growth profile.”

The full interview: SABMiller