WPP Media South Asia unveils leadership structure in line with global transformation

In a significant move following WPP’s global realignment of its media operations, the company has formally transitioned from GroupM to WPP Media South Asia and introduced a restructured leadership framework. The formation of two pivotal leadership bodies can be witnessed: the Executive Committee and the WPP Media Leadership Council, both designed to enable deeper integration, drive performance, and embed AI-enabled solutions through WPP Open.

The South Asia operations will continue to be led by Prasanth Kumar (PK), Head of India and Sri Lanka, who will spearhead the implementation of the region's strategic roadmap in collaboration with both leadership groups.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is composed of senior leaders tasked with operational excellence, client growth, strategy, and transformation. It comprises:

• Navin Khemka, Ajay Gupte, Priti Murthy, and Amin Lakhani, Presidents – Client Solutions
  These four senior leaders will serve as the agency’s primary client-facing representatives, anchoring relationships and delivering integrated media solutions.

• Ashwin Padmanabhan, Chief Operating Officer, WPP Media South Asia
  Will lead executional excellence across media planning, buying, and key growth domains such as commerce, performance, content, sports, and influencer marketing.

• Vishandas Hardasani, Chief Financial Officer
  Will continue to oversee commercial and compliance frameworks across the organisation.

• Upali Nag, President – Strategy
  Will guide strategic planning and value creation for high-impact clients.

• Vishal Jacob, President – Choreograph
  Responsible for building and scaling Choreograph’s data and technology offerings across the region.

• Praseed Prasad, President – Growth & Marketing
  Will drive the agency’s new business agenda, focusing on expansion into new geographies, high-growth categories, SMBs, and mOutcome initiatives.

 WPP Media Leadership Council

Complementing the Executive Council is the WPP Media Leadership Council, a cross-functional group of 11 senior leaders representing various business verticals such as branded content, digital performance, sports and entertainment, legal and privacy, and information technology. The Council is tasked with ensuring cohesion, capability building, and strategic business delivery across the region.

The council members include:

• Ajay Mehta (CEO, Kinetic)

• Atique Kazi

• Ruchi Mathur

• Shekhar Banerjee

• Snehi Jha

• Vinit Karnik

• Manini Chakraborty

• Namalie Herath

• Murali T

• Parveen Sheik

• Rohit Sule

In keeping with WPP’s global ambition to embed a people-centric culture, the South Asia unit is in the final stages of appointing a Chief People Officer. This addition signals the agency’s intent to anchor its transformation in learning, leadership, and talent development.

This leadership overhaul comes on the heels of WPP’s global shift towards a more integrated media offering powered by WPP Open, an AI-enabled marketing operating system aimed at streamlining decision-making, improving efficiency, and enhancing effectiveness for clients.