With nearly three decades at Ogilvy India, alongside her recent role at WPP Creative, Hephzibah Pathak stands as one of Indian advertising’s most respected and influential leaders. Having partnered closely with some of the country’s biggest brands, she has been instrumental in creating transformative, category-defining work that has shaped both culture and commerce. On 01 January, 2024, she took over as Executive Chairperson of Ogilvy India—becoming the first woman in the company’s 95-year history to lead its operations.
At IMPACT’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2025 event, Pathak reflected, “I want to remember & thank Piyush. He believed deeply in people & possibility. What we carry forward today comes from his generosity of spirit & vision.”
Known for her deep strategic insight and creative instinct, Pathak continues to steward brand Ogilvy with a focus on purpose-driven growth and innovation, ensuring that the agency remains a creative powerhouse in an ever-evolving marketing landscape.
Under Pathak’s leadership, Ogilvy India reported a 2.15% year-on-year revenue growth in 2024, reaching `443.11 crore, as per Ministry of Corporate Affairs filings. The year also saw the agency roll out a series of impactful, socially resonant campaigns including Cadbury Dairy Milk’s ‘Acceptance’—a narrative of compassion and inclusion; St. Jude’s ‘The Impossible Choice’; and Dove’s campaign highlighting the influence of anti-ageing narratives on young girls. Additionally, Ogilvy delivered notable work for Amazon through its ‘More Than Just a Box’ initiative, for Jio-bp with Pankaj Tripathi, and a reimagined 1993 Cadbury Cricket ad celebrating women’s achievements. Pathak’s vision has driven both creative excellence and business transformation, expanding Ogilvy’s top accounts while keeping its creative culture alive and agile.
A passionate advocate for women in leadership, Pathak has played a defining role in shaping inclusive progress within the organisation. She spearheaded JUNO, a program dedicated to identifying and nurturing the next generation of women leaders at Ogilvy India. Beyond the company, her influence extends across the industry—she has served on several global juries including Cannes Lions and Lynx Awards, and was part of the Advertising Standards Council of India for a decade. Recognised among the Top 2 Most Influential Women in Media, Marketing & Advertising by IMPACT and honoured as Creative Agency Head of the Year at the IAA Leadership Awards, Pathak continues to inspire through her leadership, creativity, and commitment to driving meaningful change.
