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Wunderman Thompson South Asia elevates Vijay Jacob to managing partner, East and South
Mumbai: Wunderman Thompson South Asia has announced that Vijay Jacob has been elevated to managing partner, East and South, Wunderman Thompson India. Prior to taking on his new role, Vijay was senior vice president & managing partner, Wunderman Thompson Kolkata.
With a proven track record of handling key businesses and having worked extensively in the South, that includes leadership roles in agencies in Bangalore and Chennai, and partnering leading clients such as Britannia, ITC Foods, 3M, UB, TVS Motors and extensive experience in FMCG sales & marketing experience with Eveready, Vijay’s knowledge and understanding of the South market will give an impetus to Wunderman Thompson India’s growth strategy in the South.
Commenting on Vijay’s new appointment, Wunderman Thompson South Asia CEO Shams Jasani commented, “The South market is very important to us, and Vijay’s appointment comes at a time when we want to spearhead the next phase of growth. We have a very clear focus on new business and key clients including oversight of client retention and business development, nurturing the teams of talent, and driving innovation and growth for our clients and our capabilities. With Vijay’s proven track record of always being able to meet the ever-changing needs of clients and building strong and happy teams, we are convinced that he will be able to drive positive impact for our clients and their businesses and help fuel our growth ambition.”
Upon being elevated as head of East and South, Wunderman Thompson, India, Vijay Jacob, said, “I am looking forward to taking on this new role at Wunderman Thompson India and further pave the way for the organization to greater success. The South market holds immense potential for delivering transformational work that builds on Wunderman Thompson South Asia’s capabilities in creative, data, tech, and commerce. I look forward to collaborating with our experienced team to deliver tailored solutions to ensure growth for our clients and make the south market the growth engine for our company.”
Vijay will assume his new role commencing June. He will continue to report to Shams Jasani.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
