Top brass changes at Rediffusion Y&R

The winds of change seem to have swept through the Rediffusion group. Mahesh Chauhan, who was group chief executive officer, and has been with the Rediffusion Group for eight years, has decided to move on. He is being replaced by D Rajappa as president, Rediffusion Y&R. Dhunji Wadia, formerly managing partner at JWT India, will take over Rajappa's responsibilities at the helm of Everest Brand Solutions.

D Rajappa (L) and Dhunji Wadia (R)

Commenting on Rajappa’s appointment, Diwan Arun Nanda, chairman and managing director, Rediffusion Y&R, said, “Raja’s clarity of purpose and his integrity have always succeeded in attracting and retaining high talent. The relationships he forms are always meaningful and long term, with colleagues and clients.”

About his new role, Rajappa said, “I’m no stranger to the group, and I’m here because of the entrepreneurial freedom it offers talented people. I’ve had the opportunity to exercise this freedom in various capacities and this new function definitely offers me further scope to do so. Mr. Nanda has been a great role model. My immediate focus would be to inspire the talented team we have and grow the business and scale of Rediffusion.”

Confirming his move as president of Everest, Wadia said, “After a successful stint of 24 years with JWT and extensive associations with some of the most robust marketing companies, I am seeking to leverage the depth and width of my experience in leading the Everest team to greater success.”

Rajappa, a Rediffusion Group veteran, has been with the group for over 15 years in various capacities. He started out as an account director in 1995 and went on to head the Delhi branch of Rediffusion. He later moved to Rediffusion Sri Lanka as president and chief executive officer in 2003. In 2006, he returned to India as president of Everest Brand Solutions.

Wadia took over as managing partner of JWT Mumbai on January 1, 2008, prior to which he was in the agency’s Bangalore office. In 1997, he handled the role of regional business manager for Unilever Home and Personal Care division for Central Asia, North Africa and Middle East region (CAME region).