Sanjeev Bhargava to head JWT Delhi operations

JWT India has brought in Sanjeev Bhargava to head its Delhi operations, a role left vacant by Rohit Ohri. His designation will be managing partner. Bhargava was earlier chief operating officer of Draftfcb + Ulka Delhi.

Bhargava worked at JWT Delhi at the beginning of his career, and has since been with Draftfcb + Ulka for the past 18 years.

Speaking to Campaign India, Colvyn Harris, chief executive officer, JWT India, said, "It was a long process and we went through many people. Essentially we were looking for somebody who had great professional skills and had shown that for many years, as well as someone who is a nice person. Sanjeev fit that bill."

Commenting on Bhargava's role, Harris said, "It will be the primary leadership role for all our clients out of our Delhi operation. New business is always a part of the mandate, but his job is to lead the Delhi operations to greater glory."

Bhargava said, "Colvyn and I go back a long way. I worked in JWT where I started my career. It was a wonderful 18-year long stint with Draftfcb+Ulka. Frankly, I had no intention of moving out from there but the opportunity of leading a large office like JWT Delhi was the motivation."

When asked whether any new faces would be seen at JWT Delhi soon, he said, "I think there is a nice strong and robust team at JWT, and they have been instrumental in the stupendous growth of the organisation. I see no reason why that should change. I personally have a very high regard for the team that is at JWT presently."

When asked about whether the whittling away of certain key businesses like Pepsi and Airtel was a concern, and protecting them a part of Bhargava's mandate, Harris replied, "No, I'm not worried. But Sanjeev has worked on Frito-Lay, Nestle and Docomo in the past, and brings that experience with him." Bhargava added, "All I can say is that with a such a large cache of businesses, some mishaps are likely to happen at some point or the other. I don't think the organisation will get derailed by these events."