Ogilvy's Ajay Gahlaut steps out for a 'new plan'

Gahlaut had joined the agency in 2007 and had been with it ever since. But, he's in for a plan beyond advertising now.

Ajay Gahlaut, chief creative officer, Ogilvy North and deputy CCO, Ogilvy India, has decided to part ways with the agency. Gahlaut confirmed the news to afaqs!. This was his second stint with the agency where he earlier worked as a creative consultant.

Ajay Gahlaut

Speaking about his movement, Gahlaut says, “There is no real reason behind this. It has been 11 years and it was a wonderful journey and a great job. I've been doing the same thing for so many years now.”

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“I just thought, one, I needed a break and then a change. I'm not really clear about the latter. For now, I am not close to doing anything. The new plan is to try something beyond advertising in a different area of creativity. There are a lot of opportunities these days. It is kind of difficult for me because I still enjoy advertising. It is easier to try new things when one is in a tight spot, but Ogilvy is like home,” Gahlaut adds.

Sonal Dabral

Piyush Pandey

Sonal Dabral, group chief creative officer and vice chairman, Ogilvy India says, "Ajay did some excellent work in his decade long innings in Ogilvy Delhi. I'd like to thank him for building a great team and wish him all the best for all his future endeavours."

Piyush Pandey, executive chairman and chief creative officer, Ogilvy South Asia says, "Ajay is looking for life beyond advertising and for that reason, I cannot stop him just like I couldn’t stop Abhijit(Avasthi). If Abhijit was going to another agency, I wouldn’t have let him go. Everyone has a dream and unfortunately, I can’t fulfil that dream. He has done a stellar job and I am very proud of him. He worked very closely with me and I will miss him. He is a very dear friend."

At Ogilvy, Gahlaut has worked on brands such as Pernod Ricard, BMW, KFC, Taco Bell, Dabur, Perfetti Van Melle, Mother Dairy, Pizza Hut, Sprite, Best Foods, HT Mint, Philips, to name a few.

Gahlaut worked at Ogilvy as creative consultant between 2001 and 2005 after which he left and re-joined the agency in 2007 and had been with it ever since.

Previously, Gahlaut has had stints with McCann, Saatchi & Saatchi (then Sista Saatchi & Saatchi) Mumbai, among others.

Ogilvy further announced that Gahlaut’s successor will be announced shortly.