J Walter Thompson makes major leadership changes

Joy Chauhan, Kishore Tadepalli and Babita Baruah will take up their new roles from January 1, 2017.

As per a press release sent by the agency...

With Sanjeev Bhargava, head of JWT, leaving for a career outside advertising, J Walter Thompson (JWT) India has announced senior management changes.

Joy Chauhan takes over as the head of JWT's Delhi operations. Chauhan is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in advertising and communications. Over the years he has helped build some of the most prestigious brands in the country. He is currently the head of JWT's Bengaluru operations. The office has had an incredible run under his leadership and is JWT's fastest growing office.

Kishore Tadepalli takes over from Chauhan as head of JWT Bengaluru. Like Chauhan, Kishore has over two decades of experience in advertising and communications. He is currently senior vice-president and global brand director on Radiant (Rin in India). He is also the JWT India, business head for Hindustan Unilever. Over the years, Tadepalli has led large teams and helped build some of the most iconic brands of the country. Tadepalli will focus on meeting clients' business objectives and keep the momentum going.

Babita Baruah gets an independent charge of JWT's business unit - Power of One (PO1) - that handles a large number of PepsiCo's flagship brands. Another Thompsonite with over two decades in the business, Baruah has worked in JWT's Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi offices. She wears her passion on her sleeve to lead from the front, and has worked on some of the most powerful brands in the country. In addition to this, Baruah is actively engaged in mentoring students and women at work, speaking at industry forums, and is part of JWT's Worldwide Diversity Council. She will now report to Tarun Rai, CEO, JWT Company, South Asia.

Speaking on the new appointments, Rai says, "(Joy) Chauhan, (Kishore) Tadepalli and (Babita) Baruah have been performing exceptionally well. They are at a stage in their careers where they have a great balance of experience and youth. I am really happy that, as an organisation, we are able to provide opportunities at the right time for people to grow. This is also a reflection on the 'bench strength' of JWT, and a signal to all our employees that whenever there is any opportunity in our company we will first look at internal candidates. I am confident that all three of them will continue to perform at the highest level."

Commenting on Bhargava, Rai says, "(Sanjeev) Bhargava has done an excellent job in growing JWT Delhi. He is a fantastic professional and has had a stellar career in advertising. He now leaves to start a new career in media, and I am sure he will do a great job. I thank him for all that he has done for us, and wish him the very best for the future."

The changes come into effect from January 1, 2017.