Contract's Ravi Deshpande to move on

He will focus on pursuing personal interests.

Ravi Deshpande, Contract India's chairman and chief creative officer, has put in his papers and will leave the agency by end of June. He will focus on personal passions, says the press note sent by the agency. The agency has not revealed who will take on Deshpande's role.

Deshpande says, "Contract has been a part of me since the beginning of my career. It has been a truly great place. I am leaving with wonderful memories. I would like to thank everyone for this amazing journey. I wish everyone the very best for the future. In the true spirit of Grow Young, reinvention of oneself must continue."

Rana Barua, chief operating officer, Contract Advertising, says, "Ravi has contributed significantly to the growth of Contract. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours. We are thankful for his contribution to make Contract one of the finest brands and organisations in the Indian advertising world."

Deshpande has had two stints with Contract, having joined it first during its inception in 1987. He began his career with Clarion and has also been associated with O&M. In 2001, he started Lemon, along with Euro RSCG Worldwide. However, in 2005, he joined Contract again as chief creative officer. Deshpande was promoted as chairman three years later.

Recently, the agency's Delhi head Prashant Mathur had put in his papers after a two-and-a-half year stint.