McCann Worldgroup (MWG) India has announced a significant restructuring of its leadership team, with the elevation of Kamal Basu to Executive Director and Chief Growth Officer and the appointment of Jyoti Mahendru as Chief Talent Officer and National Communication Officer.
These key strategic moves are aimed at reinforcing the agency’s market positioning and enhancing its capabilities in client service amidst a rapidly evolving business environment.
Kamal Basu, who joined MWG in early 2023 as part of the leadership team, brings with him a wealth of experience in advertising. His extensive career includes leadership roles at top agencies such as Rediffusion DY&R, Ogilvy, and Saatchi & Saatchi, where he served as CEO in India. Over the years, he has handled high-profile clients like Unilever, Procter & Gamble, American Express, and British Airways.
Before re-entering the advertising domain, Basu spent ten years in the automotive sector, leading marketing efforts at Skoda and Volkswagen. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the successful launches of notable models including Octavia, Rapid, Beetle, and Tiguan.
Joining MWG India alongside Basu is Jyoti Mahendru, a seasoned HR leader with over 25 years of experience. An MBA graduate from IMT Ghaziabad, she specialises in building comprehensive HR frameworks focused on organisational transformation, culture management, coaching, mentoring, and talent engagement.
Mahendru previously served at VML India, where she played a pivotal role in stabilising teams and integrating people, culture, and structure during the agency’s merger and rebranding.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be back at McCann to work with a stalwart like Prasoon – it truly feels like coming home. I look forward to contributing meaningfully and making a real difference,” said Mahendru.
In her new role, Mahendru will focus on drawing top talent, fostering high-performing and agile teams, and promoting people-centric policies that prioritise employee wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion.
Commenting on the appointments, Prasoon Joshi, Chairman McCann Asia Pacific and CEO & CCO McCann Worldgroup India, said, “The new structure of MWG India's McCann in India will enable the company's best people to provide focused and dedicated partnership to clients. This will help bring disruptive creativity, agility, and fluidity to the table, which are crucial for transforming clients' businesses and creating iconic brands in the current business landscape. By leveraging the expertise and creativity of its best employees, MWG India can provide its clients with the guidance and support they need to succeed in today's highly competitive market.”
This leadership restructuring highlights MWG India’s commitment to delivering excellence through a refreshed and strategically aligned leadership framework.