Mumbai: Global integrated growth and transformation partner Dentsu has appointed Ajay Gupte as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) for South Asia, strengthening its leadership team as the company accelerates its business transformation and client-centric growth strategy across the region.
In his new role, Gupte will work closely with Harsha Razdan, CEO, Dentsu South Asia, to drive operational excellence, enhance organisational agility, and build a future-ready operating model that delivers integrated marketing, technology, and consulting solutions.
Focus on Business Transformation
As Chief Operating Officer, Gupte will lead initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency while fostering greater collaboration across Dentsu’s network in South Asia.
His responsibilities include strengthening client-focused operations, enabling integrated service delivery, and advancing the company’s Business-to-Business-to-Society (B2B2S) approach, which combines marketing, technology, consulting, and data capabilities to create long-term value for businesses and society.
The appointment comes as organisations increasingly seek integrated business partners capable of delivering technology-driven and data-led solutions in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Nearly Three Decades of Industry Experience
Ajay Gupte brings close to 30 years of leadership experience across media, marketing, digital transformation, and client management.
Before joining Dentsu, he served as:
- President – Client Solutions, WPP Media South Asia
- Chief Executive Officer, Wavemaker South Asia
During his tenure, he led large-scale business transformation programmes, strengthened client relationships, and built high-performing teams across the region.
Earlier in his career, Gupte held leadership positions at TVS Motor Company, OMD, and other leading organisations, developing expertise in strategic planning, operational leadership, innovation, and business growth.
Harsha Razdan on the Appointment
Commenting on the leadership appointment, Harsha Razdan, CEO, Dentsu South Asia, said:
“Dentsu is entering its next phase of growth with a clear ambition to build the industry’s most integrated, client-centric and innovation-led growth partner. As our clients navigate an increasingly dynamic business environment, they need partners who can bring together strategy, creativity, media, data and technology to solve their most complex business challenges and deliver meaningful outcomes. We are continuing to strengthen our leadership and capabilities to realise that vision and provide end-to-end, integrated solutions that help our clients navigate change, seize new opportunities and create long-term value. Ajay’s appointment is an important milestone in our transformation journey. His extensive industry experience, proven track record of leading business transformation and deep understanding of clients and markets will further strengthen our ability to execute our strategy, foster greater collaboration across our network and deliver even greater value to our clients. I am delighted to welcome Ajay to dentsu and look forward to partnering with him as we continue to shape the future of our business across South Asia.”
Ajay Gupte on Joining Dentsu
Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Ajay Gupte said:
“I am excited to join dentsu at a pivotal moment in its growth journey. The opportunity to work with a talented leadership team to strengthen operational excellence, unlock new opportunities and advance the company’s ambition of delivering future-ready integrated solutions is truly exciting. I look forward to partnering closely with teams across the network to drive sustainable, scalable growth and create greater value for our clients.”
Strengthening Dentsu’s South Asia Growth Strategy
The appointment reflects Dentsu’s continued focus on strengthening its leadership capabilities as businesses increasingly demand integrated solutions spanning marketing, customer experience, digital transformation, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and consulting.
By enhancing collaboration across its network and investing in experienced leadership, Dentsu aims to help clients navigate digital disruption while driving long-term business growth across South Asia.
With Gupte joining the executive leadership team, the company is expected to further accelerate its transformation strategy and strengthen its position as an integrated growth partner for enterprises operating in the region.
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