JWT's Uttio Majumdar joins Rediffusion Y & R

He will head the agency's Mumbai operations.

Rediffusion Y&R has announced the appointment of Uttio Majumdar to head its Mumbai operations. He joins the agency from JWT where he worked for 21 years. He will work closely with the company's president, Dhunji S Wadia.

At JWT, Majumdar was the vice president and executive business director, heading the agency team on Exide, ITC Limited (Tobacco Brands and Corporate), Tata Steel, Berger Paints and The Telegraph. He is well-known for transforming the agency relationship on these accounts.

Majumdar was one of the early movers into the digital space way back in 2000 when he moved to JWT, Chennai, and was involved in setting up a specialised integrated communication cell, focussing on dotcoms and IT projects. He headed the agency team on Satyam Infoway (eBusiness and B2B Portals), SSI Technologies, NetFinex, ApolloLife.com and TexWorld.com. He has successfully driven digital initiatives for clients like Exide and Tata Tiscon.

He also played an important role during the initial days of mobile telephony in India and was responsible for development of communication programmes to drive consumer awareness and education about the new-born category, and handling the communication for early mergers and acquisitions like the transformation of Modi Telstra to Spice.

In the course of his career, Majumdar has also worked on clients such as Ashok Leyland, Pepsi (regional), TexWorld.com, Bata, Berger Paints, Topaz Blades, Reckitt Piramal and Century Ply.

Speaking about the appointment, Wadia says, "Uttio was the first and only person we thought of when we were looking for a head of operations in Mumbai. Fortunately, he agreed to join us. He has an unbeaten track record of nurturing businesses and creating hardworking and sparkling creative work. Uttio is a one-of-a-kind team leader. And, he is an exceptional partner to have as an ally to a brand and a business. He is always willing to say and do what is right for the brand. Do consider your work done once he takes over."

On his new role, Majumdar says, "Dhunji made an offer that I couldn't refuse - even more fun, excitement and adventure in leading the Rediffusion Y&R Mumbai team and partnering some of the leading brands in the country. Over the last six months, there has been a buzz around Rediffusion once again - it was this buzz that really attracted me. Often, when we stay within our comfort zone, we stop hearing and noticing the buzz, and after 21 years at JWT, I felt it was time to rediscover the passion and excitement that attracted me to advertising in the first place."

Majumdar is a member of the Young Indians forum of the CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) which is involved in various activities with the youth to promote a positive attitude and outlook.