MAM
RAPP India appoints Kapil Bhatia as associate VP
MUMBAI: RAPP India has roped in Kapil Bhatia as AVP for the agency’s growing clientele in Mumbai.
Kapil joins RAPP India from Squad Digital, Nairobi, where he was general manager overseeing the operations of the agency across digital strategy, creative solutions, media planning, social media marketing and mobile marketing.
Before moving to Nairobi, Kapil worked with the DDB Mudra Group for four years and was primarily in-charge of client servicing for one of the agency’s largest clients, LIC.
On joining RAPP India, Bhati said, “This is going to be an exciting opportunity to tap into my through the line communication understanding. I look forward to help RAPP with the building its multi-channel capabilities.”
RAPP India and Tribal Worldwide India president Venkat Mallik said, “We are going through an interesting phase of transformation and growth at RAPP in India. Kapil joins RAPP at just the right time as we look to remodel the agency and introduce a set of new initiatives to strengthen the multi-channel RAPP offering across Mass Media, E Commerce, Social Media, Email marketing & CRM. RAPP is one of the few agencies with the ability to offer genuinely integrated communication thinking and Kapil’s skills and experience complement this really well.”
Commenting on this, Vice President, RAPP India vice president Bijoe George said, “As we go about building RAPP INDIA as a media agnostic, data-led agency we needed leaders who can champion this cause amongst clients. Kapil comes with the requisite experience and fits the bill perfectly”.
MAM
WPP appoints Mark Taylor as chief people officer in leadership reshuffle
Marie-Claire Barker moves to culture role as Cindy Rose builds new team
MUMBAI: WPP has appointed Mark Taylor as its new chief people officer, bringing in a seasoned HR leader as part of a broader leadership reshuffle under chief executive Cindy Rose, according to media reports.
Taylor succeeds Marie-Claire Barker, who will transition into a specialised role focused on performance and culture, reporting to him. The move is seen as part of WPP’s effort to sharpen its organisational structure and align talent strategy with its transformation agenda.
With more than three decades of experience, Taylor brings a diverse track record across industries including pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, retail and digital entertainment. He most recently served as chief people advisor at The LEGO Group, where he worked closely with top leadership on board and executive appointments, governance and organisational strategy.
Prior to that, he held senior HR leadership roles at Burberry and King, where he played a key role in organisational transformation and integration efforts, including the company’s alignment with Activision Blizzard. Earlier in his career, Taylor also worked with Kimberly-Clark and GlaxoSmithKline.
His cross-sector experience is expected to support WPP’s three-year ‘Elevate 28’ turnaround plan, which focuses on simplifying operations, strengthening capabilities and driving sustainable growth.
The appointment marks the second major leadership hire under Rose in a week. Recently, WPP named Anne-Isabelle Choueiri as chief transformation officer, bringing in additional firepower to execute its strategic overhaul. Choueiri previously held a senior transformation role at Estée Lauder Companies.
The leadership changes signal a clear push by WPP to blend experience with transformation as it navigates a rapidly evolving advertising landscape. With Taylor now steering the people agenda, the company appears focused on ensuring its talent strategy keeps pace with its broader ambitions.
