Zomato Ad Turns Hiring Controversy Into Clever Marketing Campaign
Zomato’s New Ad Smartly Spins Controversial Hiring Process into Promotion for Zomato Gold's Weekend Offer
sheetal
Zomato has smartly used the buzz surrounding its recent Chief of Staff hiring controversy to launch a creative print ad promoting its Zomato Gold weekend offer.
The quirky ad appeared in the November 30, 2024, edition of the Times of India. It reads:
"No need to pay us Rs. 20 Lakhs, just pay us Rs. 30 and get Zomato Gold for 3+3 months at Rs. 30."
The punchline, "Issued in public interest by Chief of Staff, Marketing," added a humorous touch.
The controversy began when Zomato's CEO, Deepinder Goyal, posted on social media about hiring a Chief of Staff (COS). The job description raised eyebrows as it included an unusual condition: no salary for the first year and a Rs. 20 lakh upfront fee for the position. Goyal claimed the role would provide "10x more learning than a two-year degree from a top management school."
The announcement sparked heated discussions on platforms like LinkedIn and X, with many criticizing the unconventional hiring terms. A day later, Goyal clarified the Rs. 20 lakh fee was removed, explaining that it was intended as a "filter" to find candidates who valued the fast-track career opportunity without being hindered by constraints.
By turning the spotlight from controversy to humor with its Zomato Gold ad, the company has once again demonstrated its knack for attention-grabbing marketing strategies.
