Mumbai: Happy mcgarrybowen, the creative agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, has added creative and account management muscle in the team with the appointment of Rajesh Mani and Kunal Madhavdas as the agency’s first ever ECD and Sr. VP respectively.
Armed with over 18 years of rich experience across agencies like BBH, Ogilvy, Leo Burnett and Commonwealth, Rajesh arrives at Happy to take up the Executive Creative Director role.
Kartik Iyer, CEO, Happy mcgarrybowen, said, “We have been very particular about creative leadership within the agency. Because at that level it’s not just about the talent but more about having the maturity to nurture ideas. We have a strong culture at Happy mcgarrybowen and in Rajesh we found the natural energy to further that culture. It’s great to have him in our team.”
Having worked on many landmark campaigns, such as Vodafone’s Blackberry Boys, The Zoozoos, Lenovo’s Sumo film, many noted pieces on Marico, Chevrolet, Bajaj, Titan and more, Rajesh will head a few of Happy mcgarrybowen’s prime accounts – Ola, Suzuki and Jabong.
Speaking on his appointment Rajesh said, “When I met Kartik, I discovered we had a lot in common and his plans for Happy were exciting. So the decision to join felt like a natural progression. The mandate is simple and clear; to keep the creative flag flying high and that’s what I aim to do.”
Meanwhile Kunal Madhavdas landed at Happy mcgarrybowen after stints at Lowe Lintas, JWT and McCann Erickson in a career that is 14 years in the making. Having overseen multiple blockbuster campaigns for Flipkart, TVS, Myntra, Fastrack, Britannia, Tata Tea, bagging multiple Effies and a couple of AME’s in the process, Kunal joins as Senior Vice President, working closely with Kartik Iyer and Samarjit Choudhry, COO, Happy mcgarrybowen.
Kunal commented, “The intent and the capability to crack and execute integrated campaigns that work effectively across mediums is something most brands look for in their advertising partners today. Happy mcgarrybowen has consistently done that. I can sense happier times ahead, so keep watching!”
The new hires mark a distinct upsurge in direction and ambition from Happy mcgarrybowen on its tenth anniversary and serves as another example of how the agency is investing heavily in the finest talent in India to deliver the best for its clients.
Samarjit Choudhry, COO, Happy mcgarrybowen, said, “Happy mcgarrybowen has a culture of creating great ideas and not just great ads. We are particular about the people who work with us not just on skill set but also on the attitude. With Kunal and now Rajesh we have 2 people who come from the same mindset. They are a fabulous addition to the “Happy” team.”
