Full-service media agency Initiative today announced the promotion of Arun Sharma to the role of chief operating officer (COO) for the Delhi region. As senior partner of Initiative, Sharma played a pivotal role in spearheading one of the top clients of the agency, Reckitt Benckiser. Last year, Sharma was also given the additional mandate of IPG Mediabrand’s newly launched unit MAGNA and was named managing director of the division.
“I am delighted that Arun will continue to grow and lead this strategic approach of Initiative, not just to consolidate the agency in Delhi but also to grow the business. We believe in growing brands through culture, something that Arun has led from the front with creating a successful asset as Banega Swachh India for Dettol,” said Vaishali Verma, CEO, Initiative.
Sharma, said, “The Indian media industry is going through very exciting times. With our strong brand equity, perfect mix of large and reputed global and local clients, cutting edge tools and techniques, strong product offerings, talented and driven bunch of people, we are best poised to serve clients in this dynamic market scenario.”
An alumni of MICA, Sharma started his career with Madison in 1998 as a strategic planning supervisor for the Coke Business. In 1999, he moved to Universal McCann as Associate Media Director and handled businesses like Nestle, L’Oreal and Gillette. In 2003, he had a brief stint with Mediacom following which Sharma moved to the client’s side and joined Bharti Airtel as DGM Marketing. Following a stint of 11 years, in 2014, Sharma quit Bharti Airtel as VP Marketing - Head Media (All Business, South Asia) and moved to Initiative as Vice President – Reckitt Benckiser Business Head.
