Media Agencies: Top-level changes that made news in 2023

As the year 2023 comes close to the end, exchange4media brings you the most talked-about top-level movements of the year in the media agency business. From Dentsu's re-organisation to key changes in GroupM's leadership, here’s all the entries and exits that made headlines. 

Harsha Razdan 

In March 2023, Dentsu Asia Pacific announced the appointment of Harsha Razdan as CEO- South Asia. He started his stint on May 1, 2023. Razdan joined the company at a time when most of the top leadership at Dentsu was departing one after the other between 2021 and 2023. He is responsible for leading nearly 4,000 people across South Asia.

Anita Kotwani 

Another big development that took place in Dentsu in March this year was the promotion of Anita Kotwani to CEO-Media, South Asia. In her expanded role, Anita is leading all of Dentsu’s Media businesses across South Asia, including Carat, iProspect, dentsu X, Posterscope and media investment arm Amplifi. Anita was earlier the CEO of Carat India, a position she has held since 2020.

Sujata Dwibedy

Sujata Dwibedy was elevated as the Chief Investment and Trading Officer at Amplifi India, the media investment division of dentsu. Prior to this, she was leading investment at Amplifi.  Sujata has been associated with dentsu for over 8 years. 

Roopam Garg

In June, after a nearly six-year-long stint with Dentsu X, CEO Roopam Garg decided to move on. He served as the Chief Operating Officer at dentsu X till April 2021 and was then promoted as CEO. Prior to Dentsu, Garg has worked in senior positions with GroupM, Publicis and Rediffusion.  

George Kovoor 

Early this year, Wavemaker India announced the appointment of George Kovoor as the Chief Creative Officer. George reports into Ajay Gupte, CEO – South Asia and is based out of Bangalore. George joined Wavemaker after his eight-year-long stint with Ogilvy where he was Digital Lead – Mumbai and South operations.

Shekhar Banerjee

In July this year, Wavemaker announced a series of key strategic changes to its leadership team. Shekhar Banerjee, Chief Client Officer & Office Head – West, took on the additional responsibility of managing North & East for Wavemaker India. Banerjee joined Wavemaker in 2018 to lead operations for the West region.

Premjeet Sodhi

Premjeet Sodhi, Chief Strategy Officer, took on the role of Global Head of Measurement & Analytics. In his new role, he is part of Wavemaker’s Global Consultancy team. 

Mansi Datta

Mansi Datta succeeded Premjeet Sodhi as Chief Strategy Officer. Datta has been in charge of Wavemaker's North & East region operations since 2020. Mansi joined Wavemaker as General Manager in 2015.

Ramsai Panchapakesan

Ramsai Panchapakesan moved on from Zenith Media in July and joined Havas Media Network as Managing Partner- Investments. He was previously Senior Vice President & National Head - Media Buying at Zenith Media. At Havas, he reports to R Venkatsubramanian, President - Investments, Havas Media India, and MD of Havas Play.

Based out of Gurugram, he oversees Integrated buying in the North and East markets, along with assuming additional responsibilities for Trading.

Sangeeta Barde

In April this year, Havas India announced the elevation of Sangeeta Barde as CEO of Havas Life Sorento India. As part of her new role, Sangeeta drives the success model for offshoring and achieving strategic and impactful globalization initiatives and also being the Regional Head of HH&Y Middle East. She continues to report to Rana Barua, CEO, Havas India, and Charles Houdoux, CEO of APAC & LATAM for HH&Y. Sangeeta was elevated as Managing Director of Havas Life Sorento in April 2021.

Snehi Jha 

In July, Mindshare appointed Snehi Jha as the Head of Mindshare Fulcrum, South Asia. Snehi's career began at Mindshare Fulcrum in 2002, where she spearheaded strategic media planning for the Skin Care and Oral Care sectors. Her return to Mindshare marks a homecoming.

Uday Mohan & R. Venkatasubramanian

In April, Havas Media Group India announced the elevation of Uday Mohan and R. Venkatasubramanian as Managing Directors. While Mohan, previously President and Chief Client Officer, was promoted as Managing Director of Havas Media India, R. Venkatasubramanian was elevated to the position of Managing Director of Havas Play in addition to his current role as President – Investments at Havas Media India.