DDB Mudra Mumbai appoints Ashish Kharwatkar as creative director

Kharwatkar moves in from Lowe, where he was creative director.

DDB Mudra, a part of the DDB Worldwide Communications Group, has roped in Ashish Kharwatkar as creative director for its Mumbai office. This is Kharwatkar's second stint with the agency. Earlier, he was associated with DDB Mudra as creative head in 2007.

As part of his new mandate, Kharwatkar will report to Louella Rebello, executive creative director, DDB Mudra Mumbai. Kharwatkar moves in from Lowe, where he was creative director.

With more than 12 years of experience, Kharwatkar has worked on a diverse set of categories ranging from automotive, FMCG, technology to media, hospitality, financial, retail and pharmaceutical.

On joining DDB Mudra, Kharwatkar says, "The main draw for me was the opportunity to work on an iconic brand like Volkswagen, again. I have worked with both, Mudra and DDB Mudra in India, and DDB in Sri Lanka. I guess what I like about the DDB Mudra Group is the focus on work and, more importantly, the people. I am looking forward to doing some good work."

Rebello says, "Kharwatkar has done some fine work across categories and I am looking forward to seeing him do some great work on our brands."

An Economics graduate, Kharwatkar began his advertising career in 1999 as trainee copywriter with Dattaram Advertising in Mumbai. In August 2000, he moved to Draftfcb Ulka as a copywriter. In June 2001, he joined Masters DDB (Sri Lanka) as associate creative director. He spent an approximate four and a half years with the agency. He then moved to Bates David Enterprise in November 2005 as copy supervisor. After spending a year with the agency, he joined Grey as group head (copy). Two years later, he joined DDB Mudra but soon moved to Lowe Lintas as creative director (writer) in September, 2009. He was with the agency for three and a half years.