The Media Research Users Council India (MRUCI) held its 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 22, 2025, where Vikram Sakhuja, partner and director at Madison World, was elected as Chairman, and Dhruba Mukherjee, CEO of ABP, was appointed Vice Chairman. Additionally, Shashidhar Sinha will now serve as Chairman of the IRS Technical Committee. The announcements were made during MRUCI’s board meeting following the AGM.
Sakhuja succeeds Shailesh Gupta, who served two consecutive terms (2023–2025) as Chairman and is the Whole-Time Director of Jagran Prakashan. Commenting on the transition, Gupta said:
“The Board’s approval of the pilot marks a significant milestone for the Indian Readership Survey (IRS). By beginning with a metro and two states, we ensure financial prudence while building operational confidence. The learnings from this phase will guide the nationwide rollout, delivering a robust and credible readership measurement system that the print industry deserves. I sincerely thank our Board Members and stakeholders for their support and extend my best wishes to Mr. Vikram Sakhuja and the new Board.”
Expressing his gratitude, Vikram Sakhuja stated:
“I thank Mr. Shailesh Gupta for his leadership and guidance. I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chairman at MRUCI and thank the Board for placing their confidence in me. Our endeavour is to restore the IRS as the gold standard in readership research and the most credible survey in the country.”
The AGM also welcomed three new members to the Board of Governors: Navaneeth LV, CEO of THG Publishing; Surinder Chawla, President Response at Bennett, Coleman & Co.; and Upali Nag, President Strategy – South Asia, WPP Media.
About the Appointees:
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Vikram Sakhuja brings over 38 years of experience, having held key roles such as Global CEO of Maxus WW, CEO of GroupM South Asia, and CEO of Mindshare South Asia. He has also served in senior positions at P&G, Coca-Cola, and Star TV, and has been active in multiple industry bodies including ASCI, ABC, RSCI, BARC, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, and AAAI. Sakhuja is an IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta alumnus.
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Dhruba Mukherjee has been with ABP since 1997, with over two decades of experience across brand management, audience development, advertising sales, and production before becoming CEO. He is an alumnus of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, IISW&BM, Calcutta University, LSE, and Harvard Business School’s Senior Executive Leadership Program.
The leadership change signals MRUCI’s continued commitment to enhancing the credibility and operational excellence of the Indian Readership Survey, reinforcing its position as the benchmark in readership research across the country.
