Tarun Rai is CEO, JWT South Asia; Colvyn Harris gets global role

Colvyn Harris is now executive director, global growth and client development, JWT

Tarun Rai (51), former CEO of BCCL's Worldwide Media (WWM), has been named CEO, JWT, South Asia (including India, Sri Lanka and Nepal markets), a role occupied by Colvyn Harris till now.

Harris, in turn, has been given a global mandate at the agency - he will work as executive director, global growth and client development at JWT.

JWT's group companies - including Contract Advertising, Hungama Digital Services, JWT Mindset, Encompass and Social Wavelength - will now come under Rai's purview. He will report to Gustavo Martinez, (global) CEO, JWT, and will work closely with Nick Romas, the agency's Asia Pacific CFO.

In the meanwhile, as reported yesterday, Deepak Lamba, president, BCCL, has taken over from Tarun Rai as CEO at Worldwide Media.

Recall that Rai was appointed as CEO at WWM back in 2008, prior to which he was with JWT for over 19 years. When he left JWT in 2008 he was managing partner and head of the agency's Mumbai operations.

Says Rai in a press note, "It's wonderful to return home to J. Walter Thompson during this pivotal time in the company's history. Being away for a few years has given me an invaluable 'outside-in' perspective of the advertising business."

JWT's Martinez adds, "I am thrilled to welcome Tarun back. He has the global business acumen and pioneering spirit needed to lead the agency across South Asia. He was an important part of our past, and will now be a critical part of our future."

About Harris, Martinez goes on, "I am deeply grateful for Colvyn's longstanding leadership and commitment to J. Walter Thompson. He has been a real asset and a great support during my first 11 months in the company. He will continue to help me further the growth of the company in this new role."

Harris has been South Asia CEO of JWT since September 2012, until which time he was CEO of JWT India. The 57 year-old has been with JWT for the past 35 years. During his long-standing tenure, one that continues, he has held several key positions within the group, including CEO, Contract Advertising and managing director, JWT Colombo. He has also held various industry leadership roles including president, Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI).

About his elevation, Harris says, "Every day has been an opportunity. Building our capabilities to meet the ambition of our clients' brands has been my relentless passion and purpose. I have worked with the most amazing team one can ever hope for and the bluest-of-blue chip clients across every category one can dream of. I am proud to have sustained and grown our client partnerships. I look forward to being an integral part of the global client development team."