Tarun Rai formally takes over as CEO, J. Walter Thompson South Asia

Tarun Rai formally assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer J. Walter Thompson South Asia today. He will be based out of the agency’s Mumbai office.

In his new role as CEO, Tarun will lead J. Walter Thompson South Asia, which includes India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, as well as J. Walter Thompson’s Indian companies, including Contract Advertising, Hungama Digital Services, J. Walter Thompson Mindset, Encompass and Social Wavelength.

“I am delighted to take charge of J. Walter Thompson’s South Asia operations and look forward to connecting with each of our offices and clients across the region. It’s a great homecoming for me and I am very excited to kick start this new inning”, Rai said.

Tarun joins J. Walter Thompson from Worldwide Media, where he held the role of CEO since 2008. Under Tarun’s leadership, Worldwide Media (then a joint venture of The Times of India Group and BBC Worldwide) grew exponentially.

During his previous tenure at J. Walter Thompson, Rai helped build some of the world’s most reputed brands; his clients included Hindustan Unilever, Diageo, GlaxoSmithKline, Pizza Hut, De Beers, ITC, Tata Steel, Nestlé, Hero, Godrej and Kellogg’s. He is someone who understands and reflects J. Walter Thompson’s values and ethics. Rai is an advertising and media professional with more than 25 years’ experience. He holds a business degree and is an alumnus of the London School of Economics.

Tarun Rai succeeds Colvyn Harris who will assume the role of Executive Director, Global Growth and Client Development.