GREY's Samir Datar moves to Hakuhodo Percept as Senior VP

He will be based in Delhi, and handle some of the key businesses including Maruti Suzuki.

Hakuhodo Percept has strengthened its planning team by appointing Samir Datar as senior vice-president, planning. Datar moves from GREY, Delhi. He will continue to be based out of Delhi and will also be involved in strategic efforts in account management on some of the key businesses including Maruti Suzuki.

Speaking about his new role at Hakuhodo Percept, Datar, says, "After meeting the core leadership team, I realised that Hakuhodo is a very exciting place to be. I was very impressed with the culture of looking at a solution that goes beyond just creating advertising. NEXA is a perfect example of elevating the premium appeal for a brand without losing the essence and the strong equity. I am delighted to be part of this vibrant team in the next phase of growth."

Datar has spent more than 20 years in advertising, working on some of the most iconic brands such as Maggi, Samsung, LG, Hyundai and ESPN across agency brands which include J. Walter Thompson, Cheil, HS Ads among others. He also worked as the head of GREY Delhi.

A perfect blend of strategic planning and account management, Datar brings a business perspective to the creative process. He is an avid reader of fiction and an active blogger, is a keen student of customer-centric marketing, and even draws insights by observing human behaviour at coffee shops and malls.

Confirming Datar's appointment Elvis Sequeira, chief operating officer, Hakuhodo India, through a press release says, "We are gradually moving towards becoming a seamless, department - less ideas company. Datar is a fabulous fit for where we want to go...His experience, background and maturity are added bonuses. We look forward to doing fantastic things together."