Mumbai: In a strategic move aligned with WPP’s global media realignment, WPP Media South Asia has formally transitioned from GroupM, unveiling a new leadership structure designed to drive deeper integration, innovation, and measurable marketing outcomes across the region. This development was communicated internally, marking a significant pivot in the agency’s evolution and growth agenda.
As part of the transformation, WPP Media South Asia has instituted a dual leadership framework comprising an Executive Committee (ExCo) and the WPP Media Leadership Council (WLC). These bodies will work in close collaboration with Prasanth Kumar (PK), who continues to lead operations in India and Sri Lanka, to execute the agency’s strategic roadmap across South Asia.
The Executive Committee will be led by four Presidents of Client Solutions — Priti Murthy, Ajay Gupte, Amin Lakhani, and Navin Khemka — who will collectively shape client-centric strategies and engagement models. Supporting financial governance and compliance, Vishandas Hardasani will continue in his role as Chief Finance Officer.
In a bid to sharpen strategic alignment, Upali Nag has been appointed President – Strategy, focusing on high-value client initiatives. Meanwhile, Vishal Jacob will spearhead the Choreograph business across South Asia in his role as President, Choreograph, driving scaled growth in data and tech solutions.
Operational execution and marketplace excellence will be anchored by Ashwin Padmanabhan as Chief Operating Officer. He will be responsible for enhancing capabilities in planning, buying, and new growth verticals such as Commerce, Performance, Content, Sports, and Influencer Marketing.
Praseed Prasad has been named President, Growth & Marketing, with a mandate to drive business expansion into emerging categories, startups, SMBs, and untapped geographies, while also overseeing mOutcome initiatives.
The WPP Media Leadership Council (WLC), created alongside the ExCo, comprises senior leaders including Ajey Mehta, Atique Kazi, Ruchi Mathur, Shekhar Banerjee, Snehi Jha, Vinit Karnik, Manini Chakraborty, Namrata Mehra, Muralidhar T, Parveen Sheikh, and Rohit Sule. This collective will focus on cohesion, capability development, and consistent delivery of business results across the region.
Adding to this transformation, the agency is reportedly in the final phase of onboarding a Chief People Officer. This move signals a strong emphasis on cultivating a people-first culture rooted in learning, leadership, and transformation.
The new structure and appointments underscore WPP Media South Asia’s commitment to delivering enhanced agility, client innovation, and performance-driven media solutions. It also marks a definitive step in the company’s repositioning under the unified WPP Media identity, aimed at future-proofing operations for the evolving marketing landscape.
