MUMBAI: GroupM agency Motivator has extended its services in the Southern market by launching its operations in Chennai. The expansion into the Chennai market is expected to add business of over Rs 100 crores for Motivator and is an integral part of the growth plans for the agency. Christopher Paul will lead the new Chennai team and will report to Zahid Shaikh, who was recently appointed as the Head of Operations - Motivator South.

Chennai is the fifth city in Motivator’s network in India in addition to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Thrissur. With the aim of solving business and marketing challenges, the agency further plans to set up a Data, Science and Tech lab in the city that will focus on building frameworks for data applications.

Speaking on the announcement, Motivator MD Rabe Iyer said, “As part of our expansion plans, we are looking at diversifying our client portfolio in the Southern market. The launch of our Chennai operations is a significant step in that regard. Besides, we look at Chennai as our Data & Tech lab destination given our existing partnerships and engagement with highly evolved start ups there. While Bangalore will be the central hub for Insights and Product development, Chennai will host the labs for Data Science and emerging technology."

The Chennai operations will service Motivator’s existing client base in the city, including brands like Yamaha and FundsIndia. In addition to these, the agency will look at bringing on board other local accounts and potential businesses with the objective of strengthening the client base in the new market.