Menaka Menon to head strategic planning at Draftfcb Ulka Bengaluru

This is Menon's second stint at the agency; in 2000, she had joined the agency as account executive.

Draftfcb Ulka has appointed Menaka Menon, erstwhile director, marketing, MTV to head strategic planning at its Bengaluru office. She has been in the industry for more than 13 years, of which about five years is in the broadcast business.

She started her career with Draftfcb Ulka as account executive in 2000.

On her second stint at Draftfcb Ulka, Menon observes, "Draftfcb Ulka is known for the strategic contribution it provides to client businesses. I started my career here and I am excited about the opportunity to come back."

Menon will report to Dennis Koshy, vice-president, Draftfcb Ulka Bengaluru. Her professional interests include new media, understanding youth consumer and their buying behaviour. Here, she will handle strategic planning for all the brands handled by the agency's Bengaluru office, including Sunfeast, Minto, Candyman, Santoor and Chandrikain.

Koshy says, "Having started her career with us, Menon is familiar with the organisation and I am sure she will add significant value to our clients here."

In an official communiqué, Nitin Karkare, COO, Draftfcb Ulka says that Bengaluru is a critical operation for the agency with prestigious brands. "Menon is part of our Star One programme and we are delighted to have her back on board."

An alumnus of MICA, Menon started her career at the then FCB Ulka, as part of its Star One programme. In 2002, she moved to JWT as senior account director for about four and a half years. Moving on, she switched to the broadcast industry as senior manager, brand integration at Big FM. Here, she was responsible for creating brand-driven content for the channel.

In 2008, Menon moved back to JWT for a two-year stint as AVP and client services director. In 2010, she joined UTV as business head, UTV New Media. Her last stint was with MTV, where she was director, marketing.

During the course of her career, Menon has worked on several big brands such as Amul, Knorr, Levi's, Kotak, Diageo and STAR across Mumbai and Bengaluru.