Ogilvy India has announced the elevation of VR Rajesh as group president. This follows Kunal Jeswani, who is currently, chief executive officer of the agency in India, being appointed as chief executive officer for its Singapore and Malaysia offices. Jeswani will be with Ogilvy India for the next two months before making his move to Singapore. Jeswani has been CEO of Ogilvy India since 2015, previously serving as its chief digital officer.
He will succeed Chris Riley, who is departing the agency.
Kent Wertime, co-CEO, Ogilvy Asia, and chairperson, Ogilvy Singapore and Malaysia Group, said, “I couldn’t be more thrilled that Kunal is taking up this important role. Kunal lives the Ogilvy spirit: he cares deeply about Ogilvy people and what we stand for, he is focused on building close client relationships, he is deeply passionate about the creative product for our clients, and he constantly aims to shape and transform the Ogilvy service offer through innovation, new capabilities and new partnerships.”
As group president, Rajesh will lead Ogilvy's offices in the country and handle the P&L across its advertising, brand and content, experience, health, PR and influence, verticals along with the agency's consulting business. Rajesh was president of the agency's advertising vertical since July 2019.
Rajesh will take over as group president on 1 June 2022.
Piyush Pandey, chairperson of global creative and executive chairperson, Ogilvy India, said, "VR is a fantastic leader and a pivotal driver of our business and our culture. He joined Ogilvy in 2004 and has grown from strength to strength within Ogilvy. Since 2018, he has led Ogilvy Mumbai and Kolkata, growing the business consistently year after year. He embodies Ogilvy values and knows how critical it is to nurture strong talent in our business. He is a powerful growth driver, an influential client partner, and a passionate creative partner. VR also understands the importance of transformation in our business and has demonstrated this time and again - championing new transformative roles, new capabilities and new revenue streams.”
He added, “I am delighted that after a stellar performance at Ogilvy India, Kunal is moving to head Ogilvy Singapore and Malaysia. This important responsibility will add international exposure to Kunal’s rich experience across the many aspects of the communications business. I am sure he will be successful in his new role."
Jeswani said, "Ogilvy India is easily one of the best agencies in the world and it has been an absolute privilege to spend the last 17 years in the company of giants who I love, respect and have grown with. As I move to a different market and a different Ogilvy experience – Ogilvy India is bigger, better and more vibrant than it has ever been. The company is in fantastic hands with immensely talented business, strategic and creative leaders. I am sure that under VR’s leadership, our client relationships will thrive, and our work will shine even brighter.”
Rajesh added, “Over the last seven years, Kunal has shaped a people-centric culture and laid foundations for Ogilvy's digital transformation. It's a privilege to take the baton from him and continue the journey. The next couple of years will see us accelerate new-age digital competencies and strengthen our content offering by being more regional and local. It's going to be an exciting ride in creating a comprehensive Ogilvy offering for our clients. I am sure it won’t be difficult when one has a family of giants.”
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