WPP colleagues remember Hemant Mehta: 'Life well-lived and a legacy that inspires'

Hemant Mehta, the renowned market research and consumer insights veteran, has passed away. He was a revered figure in the industry who held key positions in organisations such as IMRB, Kantar and TAM Media Research.

Mehta had been an integral part of the industry, contributing to its growth, launching several innovative services, spearheading industry initiatives, mentoring many people and being a trusted advisor to many clients.

The news of his demise has shocked the advertising and marketing world with many industry heads expressing their sorrow about his passing.  

Prasanth Kumar, CEO - South Asia, GroupM

“Definitely a shock! I will keep my words few. It’s always been very enriching every moment that we have met. Hement has always been very collaborative and he always has been someone who would go beyond brief to help. We have had lovely memories. My prayers are always with his soul”

Tushar Vyas, President – Growth and Transformation, GroupM South Asia

I've had the privilege of knowing Hemant for more than two decades. He's a dear friend, a professional companion, and a valuable partner at multiple WPP Streams. Hemant is a truly remarkable individual, and his contributions to our industry are nothing short of extraordinary. His work was a harmonious blend of data and insights, meticulously crafted with precision and passion.

Beyond his professional achievements, Hemant was a mentor and friend to many, always ready to share his knowledge and wisdom with a generous spirit. His brilliance, kindness, and enduring impact on the media, advertising, and market research communities will be cherished and remembered always.

As we remember Hemant, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will forever guide and inspire us. Hemant, our 'Dinner with HM' WhatsApp group will continue to remain active—perhaps someday!

Preeti Reddy, Chairwoman - South Asia, Insights Division, Kantar

Hemant was absolutely in the right profession. Research demands rigour, an ability to find patterns, logical, clear thinking, creativity and the ability to communicate. All which Hemant had in great measure. But there was much more to Hemant than his research capabilities. He had a zest for living, he was brimming with energy, interested in everything - art, food, films, crosswords, books, travel, farming, writing, technology. The professional legacy he leaves behind isn’t only the clients he led or the businesses he transformed. It is all the people whose lives he touched and whose careers he helped build. And there are many of them. He was the ‘go-to-person’ for so many of us.

Hemant had both energy and imagination. He was evocative of life itself. His leaving us is a reminder that life, however short or unpredictable, is a gift to be lived to the fullest. I will miss him terribly. We still had so many arguments to fight, crosswords to complete, restaurants to discover and gossip to exchange. Rest in peace, my friend. You left us too early.”