AD Agencies
Abhimanyu Khedkar appointed MD & head of office at Leo Burnett Mumbai
MUMBAI: Leo Burnett has handed the Mumbai reins to one of its own. Abhimanyu Khedkar has been elevated to managing director and head of office, Mumbai, capping a steady, decade-long rise within the agency and marking a new chapter for the creative powerhouse in India’s advertising capital.
Khedkar said he was happy to begin his new role at Leo Burnett. The promotion follows a rapid sequence of senior leadership positions, most recently as managing partner. Over the years, he has moved through the ranks from senior vice president to executive vice president, executive director and then managing partner, building a reputation for blending brand thinking with business results.
His career spans more than two decades across some of the country’s most influential agencies. Before Leo Burnett, Khedkar worked with BBH India as brand partner and spent over three years at O&M, where he handled the Marico business. Earlier stints include roles at Publicis Ambience and Percept H, where he began his journey in advertising.
With deep experience across FMCG brands, client leadership and agency management, Khedkar’s appointment signals continuity with momentum. For Leo Burnett Mumbai, it is a familiar face stepping into the corner office, and for the industry, another reminder that patience and persistence can still pay off in big ways.
AD Agencies
Tawana Burnett to lead social and influencer jury at Abby Awards 2026
Meta’s Apac leader takes the reins for Abby Awards, adding flair to social content
MUMBAI: Tawana Burnett, Meta’s Head of Top Accounts and Agencies for Apac, has been named jury chair for the new social content and influencer ,arketing category at the Abby Awards 2026, powered by The One Club | The One Show.
With a 25-year career spanning the US, EMEA, Latam, and Apac, Tawana has worked on campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands and leading advertising agencies. At Meta, she guides CMOs, business leaders, and agencies on harnessing digital and emerging advertising solutions to accelerate brand growth.
Before joining Meta, Tawana led award-winning product teams at Intuit, LeapFrog, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer, helping launch iconic products including QuickBooks, Listerine, Advil, and ChapStick.
A champion of diversity, she was featured in Adweek’s Women Trailblazers in 2019 for mentoring more than 15 women-led startups and for her work on the #biascorrect campaign that promotes women in leadership. She was also recognised in Ad Age’s Global Leading Women Class of 2023, The List in 2024, and served as juror for Spikes Asia and Mad Stars 2024.
Tawana has held leadership roles in the Singapore Inclusion Council at Meta, the IAB SouthEast Asia & India Board, and currently serves on the boards of IAA SEA and the Ronald McDonald House in New York City. Originally from New York, she now lives in Singapore with her husband and daughter.
The Abby Awards 2026, presented by The One Club | The One Show, will be held during Goafest 2026 from 20 to 22 May in Goa, celebrating creativity across the region.
