XDS Brand, the branding, packaging and implementation marketing agency owned by Indian multinational Tech Mahindra, has officially launched in Ireland and plans to work with Irish and international clients across fast moving consumer goods, retail and life sciences.
The Dublin-based company already employs 25 people and will create a further 40 jobs this year, with hopes to hire an international team across Ireland, the US and India over the next 18 months.
XDS will partner with Perigord, the Irish business that Tech Mahindra bought a 70% stake in last year for €21m, and former SGS & CO vice president of sales Salvatore Acerbia has been announced as the company's vice president of client partnerships.
XDS will focus on helping its client brands to utilise sustainable packaging and will link up with Perigord, which will advise on packaging in health services while remaining a separate company.
"We are delighted to finally announce the launch of XDS Brand and forming a new part of the Tech Mahindra XDS division, which boasts the top CX agencies in the world," said Gary Orr, CCO of Perigord and XDS Brand.
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"With the XDS Brand forming part of this division it will allow us to develop our collective ambition of being the global leader in branding and packaging solutions. Furthermore, It will permit us to expand our goal of advising our clients on sustainable packaging, carbon footprint reduction and ensuring they are in line with their own objectives when it comes to ESG values.
"Additionally, we are excited to welcome Salvatore to XDS Brand as our new vice president of client partnerships. His CV is world class and I am looking forward to collaborating with him as we look to develop and grow even further in the US market.”
Also commenting on his appointment, Acerbia said: “I am honoured to be taking up this position with XDS Brand.
"They have shown that the company is on the cutting edge of expanding their clients’ branding from all aspects from sustainable packaging to augmented reality experiences.
"I am looking forward to working closely with Gary and the wider international team in ensuring that XDS Brand broadens its client base not only across the US but globally as the leader in this industry.”
Tech Mahindra employs around 125,000 people globally and is valued at approximately €5bn. The Perigord deal calls for a four-year earn-out for the remaining 30% stake linked to financial performance.
Locarno Investments Ltd, the holding company for multiple Perigord operating companies, reported turnover of €13.8m in 2018. According to Tech Mahindra, revenue increased to €16.8m in 2019 and then €19.5m in 2020.
Photo: Gary Orr.
