Mumbai: In a significant development, Wieden+Kennedy (W+K) India has announced the resignation of three key executives: Santosh Padhi (Paddy), Ayesha Ghosh, and Shreekant Srinivasan, Head of Delhi. This move comes as a surprise to the advertising industry, given the trio’s instrumental role in shaping the agency’s creative and business operations.
Santosh Padhi, who joined W+K as Chief Creative Officer (CCO) in early 2022, was instrumental in establishing the agency’s Mumbai office, alongside Ayesha Ghosh. Together, they successfully spearheaded creative and business operations across Mumbai and Delhi, delivering impactful campaigns for prominent brands such as Jio 5G, Jio Fibre, Hero Vida, Jockey, Jindal Steel, Casio G-Shock, Hero Cycles, Firefox, Zoya Solitaires, Brownkind Skin care, and Whistle dental care.
Santosh Padhi (Paddy) said, “I came into the W+K family with lots of excitement as I always followed their amazing work during my taproot days. I’m super proud that along with Ayesha and the solid team we managed to get some of the biggest brands in the nation, and had success on every front, be it people, reputation or clientele. We won over a dozen businesses and have managed to produce some beautiful work on the brands mentioned above. Not only me but we all really enjoyed the freedom the global team gave us on every front with total autonomy and many other wonderful things which I will always remember.”
“Unfortunately like most senior creative individuals even my heart is calling for something beyond this, something new, something that will give me a newer high, I have to depart in search of a new love’ added Paddy
Ayesha Ghosh said, “The last 2.5 years have been quite exhilarating, right from stepping into this legendary agency, to setting up the Mumbai office, stabilizing and growing the Delhi office, delivering good results and adapting the unique W+K culture to India. Within a little over half a year of joining, it was satisfying to see the impact of our leadership. This wouldn’t have been possible without the passion and hard work of our employees. Every interaction with the W+K crew around the globe has opened my mind to new ways of thinking and new ways of measuring the worth of the work that we do. I hope I get to work with such a smart set of people again.”
“I’ve been meaning to pause for a while, dedicate more time to yoga and spend time with family. As for what comes next, I’ll see what the universe throws my way’ surmised Ayesha.
Statement issued by W+K India said, “We are grateful to Paddy and Ayesha for their efforts during these past two and a half years as they set up an office in Mumbai and brought in new energy and clients. We wish them all the best as they move on from the agency and take their talents into the world.”
The departure of these senior executives raises questions about the future direction of W+K India, which has been a significant player in the country’s advertising landscape. The agency has not yet announced replacements for the departing executives, and it remains to be seen how this change will impact its operations and client relationships.
