Former global CEO of Maxus Vikram Sakhuja, who subsequently took on the role of global strategic development officer at GroupM, will be joining Sam Balsara-promoted Madison World.
Madison World announced on 21 April 2015 that Sakhuja will join Madison Media Group (including OOH) as partner and group CEO.
“He will be responsible for the media and OOH business of Madison World and will work closely with Sam Balsara,” an official statement said.
On Sakhuja’s appointment, Balsara, chairman and managing director, Madison World, said, “I am delighted to have Vikram come on board and partner us in Madison. I know Vikram as a true blue professional, over the last 20 years, first as a client, then a media partner and finally as a formidable competitor. I am confident that he will be able to contribute significantly to our clients’ business growth and success, by providing the right strategic direction, given his vast and rich experience.”
Sakhuja added, “I am truly excited at the prospect of returning home to India and in an entrepreneurial capacity. It is also a privilege to now partner a person who initiated me into media in my client days. Media has never been more exciting, and I look forward to further strengthening an already iconic agency brand. ”
Current Madison Media Group CEO Gautam Kiyawat has decided to relocate to Singapore for personal reasons, the statement added.
Acknowledging his contribution, Balsara said, “I would like to place on record Gautam’s substantial contribution to Madison Media in the three years that he has been with us, especially in the area of growing our people and working as a team. I thank Gautam for his contribution and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
(Updated following an official announcement from Madison World at 10:26 am.)
