Havas WW India CEO Sushant Panda quits

The agency will be led by a five member management committee under the leadership of Anish Gupta, chairman (non executive).

Sushant Panda, CEO and managing partner, Havas WW India has put in his papers. His last day at the organisation will be March 31.

The agency will now be headed by a five-member management committee comprising Satbir Singh (chief creative officer and managing partner), Shavon Barua (president, south and west), Sandeep Gupta (chief financial officer), Sourav Ray (chief strategy officer) and Anish Gupta (chairman, non executive).

Juan Rocamora, chairman, Havas WW Asia Pacific, says, "We thank Sushant for his contribution in leading Havas over the last three years of his seven-year tenure. I understand his desire to build his career outside of Havas going forward. We wish him all the best."

In its official communiqué, the agency stressed that Panda's exit will have no impact on the agency's commitment to its clients and the transition will be carried out with minimal disruption.

Interestingly, the management committee has already been given the task of expanding the agency's business with the help of Havas WW network's core strengths. The agency is especially eyeing expansion plans in the digital and healthcare space.

With 23 years of experience, Panda has earlier worked with Grey Worldwide and Bates CHI & Partners. He joined Havas WW India in 2006.