Mumbai : Tarun Rai has formally assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer J. Walter Thompson South Asia from March 2, 2015. He will be based in Mumbai. Rai succeeds Colvyn Harris, who will assume the role of Executive Director, Global Growth and Client Development.
Rai’s role includes leading J. Walter Thompson South Asia comprising India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, as well as J. Walter Thompson’s Indian companies Contract Advertising, Hungama Digital Services, J. Walter Thompson Mindset, Encompass and Social Wavelength.
“I am delighted to take charge of J. Walter Thompson’s South Asia operations and look forward to connecting with each of our offices and clients across the region. It’s a great homecoming for me and I am very excited to kick start this new inning,” Rai said.
Rai joins JWT from Worldwide Media, where he held the role of CEO since 2008. Under his leadership, Worldwide Media (then a joint venture of The Times of India Group and BBC Worldwide) grew exponentially.
During his previous tenure at JWT, Rai helped build some of the world’s most reputed brands; his clients included Hindustan Unilever, Diageo, GlaxoSmithKline, Pizza Hut, De Beers, ITC, Tata Steel, Nestlé, Hero, Godrej and Kellogg’s. Rai is an advertising and media professional with more than 25 years of experience. He holds a business degree and is an alumnus of the London School of Economics.
