BBDO's Nikhil Mahajan on cultivating growth, clients and creativity

Nikhil Mahajan joined BBDO India as the chief growth officer in 2019 to bolster the leadership team. Now, with the challenges of the pandemic behind him, he's propelling the agency forward as the general manager of its Delhi office, focusing on ideation, policies, client servicing, new business acquisitions, and overall agency growth.

Under his leadership, BBDO has achieved a 70% client strike and retention rate in FY2024 and is targeting double-digit growth in FY2025.

In his first candid video chat since his appointment, Mahajan, who marks his fifth year with BBDO India, discusses the company's entrepreneurial spirit, his daily challenges, his approach to securing new clients, and the impact of his collaboration with Josy Paul, the chairman and chief creative officer.

He also emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence over artificial intelligence and how discovery brands are now surpassing destination brands in demand and prestige.

Mahajan brings over two decades of diverse experience from industries such as music, banking, and advertising, with past roles at prominent companies like GE, Standard Chartered Bank, JWT, and Lowe Lintas.