BBDO Group India has elevated Josy Paul, previously Chairman of BBDO India, to Chairman and Group Chief Creative Officer of BBDO Group India. In his new role, Paul will oversee the creative vision across the group, which comprises BBDO India, Ulka and Mudra under Omnicom Advertising.
Paul co-founded BBDO India in 2008, introducing the philosophy of ‘Create acts, not ads’. During his tenure, the agency built a portfolio of campaigns addressing social and cultural issues, including Ariel’s ‘Share The Load’, Whisper’s ‘Touch The Pickle’, Gillette’s ‘Women Against Lazy Stubble’ and Mirinda’s ‘Release The Pressure’.
His work has won more than 25 Cannes Lions, including a Grand Prix and multiple Golds. Ariel’s ‘Share The Load’ was ranked the world’s most effective campaign by WARC twice consecutively.
Jitender Dabas, CEO, BBDO Group India, said, “Josy is not just another creative luminary. He is an institution in himself and one of the tallest creative leaders I have worked with. His global reputation is built on iconic work and ideas that have built brands and challenged cultural norms. I feel privileged to have him as Chairman of our group. What makes him truly special is his infectious enthusiasm for people, for ideas and for possibilities. As we build the new BBDO Group India, I can think of no better partner to help shape its creative ambition and culture.”
Commenting on his elevation, Josy Paul,Chairman and Group Chief Creative Officer of BBDO Group India, said, “After all these years, I still feel like a beginner. This new chapter at the BBDO Group India is a huge honour and a beautiful responsibility. We are bringing together some extraordinary agencies, cultures, histories and people. I see it as creating a bigger room for creativity. It’s been an absolute joy working alongside Jeetu and watching his brilliant mind at work - creating, shaping and growing brand ideas with intuitive strategic depth. I’m grateful to all the people who have trusted me through the years. There is much to build together.”
The elevation follows Dabas’ appointment as CEO of BBDO Group India in February 2026, following the merger of Omnicom and IPG. The group’s client portfolio includes Amul, Tata Motors, McDonald’s, Mars, Meta, P&G, ICICI, ITC, Royal Enfield, Uber, Red Bull, Mercedes, William Grant & Sons, Adani, Tata Beverages, Birla Opus, LT Foods, LIC and RBI, among others.
