VML retains Wunderman Thompson senior management
Sources have confirmed that some top management people at VML have been given additional roles
VML has retained the top-level management of Wunder Thompson to structure the newly formed agency. Sources have confirmed with e4m that while some people may have the same designations, others will be given additional responsibilities.
While Bhautik Mithani, Chief Financial Officer at Wunderman Thompson - South Asia, has been retained, Pinaki Bhattacharya, the Chief Strategy Officer, has been given the additional role of Client Partnership Officer.
With more than 20 years of experience, Bhautik has played an integral role in guiding agencies through many changes in the industry over the last two decades. Previously a key member of the leadership team at Wunderman Thompson, he joined the agency from Rediffusion Brand Solutions, where he was Group CFO and a board member for nine years. Bhautik has demonstrated clarity of vision by carrying out several mission-critical projects, and high-level risk analysis, and has formulated strategies for various mergers and acquisitions.
With over two decades of HR experience, Jyoti was a key member of the Wunderman Thompson leadership team, partnering with senior stakeholders to provide overall people and culture leadership to the organization, and helping the organization meet its strategic goals. She previously led the People function at McCann Worldgroup, Walmart India, and STAR India, besides actively representing the Indian market in Global Diversity Coalitions & APAC Women Leadership groups in her various corporate assignments.
Pinaki has more than two decades of experience in advertising and communications. He started his career in account management, moved to his first role in strategic planning in the year 2000, and has been a planner for global and local blue-chip brands ever since. Over the years his work has spanned diverse categories such as F&B, Nutrition, Automobiles, Technology, and Durables, among others; and he is a trusted advisor to many of our clients and colleagues.
Babita Baruah, CEO, VML - India, expressed her enthusiasm about the new leadership team, stating, "Our commitment is to deliver world-class solutions to our clients, and with the expertise and leadership of our newly appointed team, we are well-positioned to take VML India to a new level and continue driving innovation in the dynamic Indian market."
Last month e4m reported about VML appointing Harsh Shah as the Managing Partner. Shah was the Chief Digital Officer at the agency.
On January 11, e4m reported the announcement of Babita Baruah joining as Chief Executive Officer of India from March 1, 2024, where she will partner with Saurabh Saksena, who has been elevated into the role of President.
Last year in October, WPP announced the merger of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R, both products of historic WPP mergers. The new entity is now called VML.
Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R were launched in 2018.
