FCB Ulka brings on board Swati Bhattacharya as CCO

FCB Ulka Advertising has appointed Swati Bhattacharya as Chief Creative Officer. In 2015, Bhattacharya had set up Dentsu Mama Lab as Principal Partner. Prior to that she was with JWT, where she had a 22-year stint. In 2011, she was appointed National Creative Director, JWT India.

Commenting on Bhattacharya’s appointment, Rohit Ohri, Chairman & CEO, FCB Ulka Group, said, “I'm delighted to have Swati as the creative leader of FCB Ulka Advertising. Swati is a humanist. Her work always finds that magical connection between human and brand truths. Horlicks, Maggi sauces and noodles, Close Up, Airtel, Kit Kat, 7Up, Pepsi, Pizza Hut, UNICEF, Sunrise and Slice have all seen the Swati magic at work. Her human stories have won her India’s highest award in cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, in 2014 for best screenplay. Her short film ‘Double Shift’ featured in the Toronto, Vancouver, Kolkata and Mumbai International short film festivals and went on to win in the best short film, best soundtrack and best cinematography categories. This is an exciting new chapter in the history of FCB Ulka in India. I’m glad that Swati will be partnering me and the leadership team at FCB Ulka in writing it.”

Susan Credle, Global Chief Creative Officer, FCB, added here, “When I had the privilege of meeting Swati many months ago, I was first and foremost drawn to her passion for art that drives this industry and her commitment to finding the human truths that ignite game-changing ideas. I’m excited to work more closely with such an incredible creative leader and strategic thinker who will harness the creative strength of one of our network’s strongest offices.”

Bhattacharya started her career as a copy trainee at JWT. A young woman driven by hunger and excitement to see her work on air, she made her mark very quickly. Today, not only is she a creative force to reckon with in the industry but also a champion for the cause of women. Her passion in helping women find their place in the sun is evident in her short films and blogs. She strongly feels that ‘being good’ is not enough, but supporting people and pushing them to ‘be brave and real’ is where we really need to focus.

Speaking on her new role, Bhattacharya said, “There isn’t anyone you couldn’t learn to love once you hear their story. That’s just as true for brands as it is for people. Intimacy is the true algorithm of creativity and that is why, I believe, stories are at the core of what we do. FCB Ulka has created some of the best brand stories we have ever heard...I am looking forward to adding some new ones.”