Grey Delhi finds a new creative head in Amit Shankar

Shankar's 15-year career spans just a handful of agencies, including Percept Advertising, Contract and Grey

Grey India has appointed Amit Shankar as executive creative director and creative head for its Delhi branch. He would report to Malvika Mehra and Amit Akali - both national creative directors at Grey.

Discussing his appointment at the agency, Shankar says, "This is going to be a bit of a homecoming for me. Grey was where I learned much as a junior, from some exceptional minds in the business. It's a privilege for me to lead the place. Also, I am looking forward to work with Malvika and Amit, who are incredibly talented people and have a great vision for Grey; as well as Ketan, who I have worked with before."

Shankar's 15-year career spans just a handful of agencies. He began his career with Percept Advertising in 1996, working on accounts such as Siemens Telecom, Honda Motors and Coca-Cola. After two years, he moved to Grey, where he handled some important clients, including Samsung, Revlon, Hindustan Times, Domino's, Aaj Tak, Indian Airlines, Business Today, Dainik Jagran and SBI Credit Card.

In 2004, he joined Contract Advertising, spearheading the launch of NIIT Edgeineers and NetworkLabs. Later, he developed the creative for the re-launch of Microsoft Windows XP in India and also re-launched Honda's corporate image for motorcycles and scooters.

Commenting on Shankar's appointment, Akali says, "The Delhi office is clearly going to be our point of focus. In the past, some fabulous work has come out of there, including campaigns for Incredible India and Orbit chewing gum. Hiring an experienced hand like Shankar is a step in that direction. I'm sure he'll make a great partner for Ketan Desai, who's just come in as branch head."

Mehra feels that besides being really good at his craft -- be it art direction or penning down some fabulous scripts -- Shankar has the right experience and attitude to lead the creative team in the Delhi office.

Shankar has won several national and international awards and was featured extensively in Luerzer's Archive. He also won the India Today award for his work on the 'My India My Pride' campaign.