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Cheil SWA elevates Kumar Awanish to group chief operating officer
Former chief growth officer to steer operations and AI push at agency
GURUGRAM: Cheil South West Asia has elevated Kumar Awanish to group chief operating officer, strengthening its leadership team as the agency sharpens its focus on technology and AI-led transformation.
Awanish, who previously served as chief growth officer, will now oversee the group’s operational strategy. He will report to Sungkyoon Kim, president and chief executive officer, and will be based at the agency’s Gurugram headquarters.
In his new role, Awanish will drive operational excellence across the group while fostering closer collaboration among its agencies. He will also help steer Cheil SWA’s ambition to evolve into an AI-first organisation, combining technology and data with creative capabilities to deliver future ready solutions for clients.
“Kumar has the right skill set and experience to lead the group into this dynamic phase,” said Kim. “Cheil SWA is entering a new chapter of advertising transformation led by AI. His passion for the organisation and enthusiasm for work are truly infectious, and I look forward to his next innings with the group.”
With more than two decades of experience across advertising, marketing and digital ecosystems, Awanish has built a career around scaling businesses through technology and data driven strategies. During his tenure as chief growth officer at Cheil India, he led a team of over 100 specialists and helped build the agency’s direct to consumer and commerce capabilities while sustaining strong growth in media operations.
Before joining Cheil SWA, Awanish held roles across several leading organisations including Bharti Airtel, Snapdeal, Times Internet, GroupM and Oppo.
Reflecting on the new role, Awanish said the agency’s next chapter will be driven by a deeper integration of technology and creativity. “We are doubling down on AI literacy across functions and group agencies, empowering our people to use AI not just for efficiency but as a catalyst for human creativity,” he said.
He added that the renewed integration of media and creative capabilities will help the agency remain agile while delivering full funnel impact for clients in an increasingly complex marketing landscape.
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Primus Partners appoints Akasa Air co-founder Neelu Khatri as independent director
Veteran aviation and defence professional joins as independent director
NEW DELHI: Primus Partners has appointed Neelu Khatri, a founding member of Akasa Air, as an independent director, strengthening the consulting firm’s board as it prepares for its next phase of growth.
Khatri brings more than three decades of experience across defence, aviation, aerospace technology and consulting. She was part of the core team that helped build Akasa Air from concept to launch, contributing to what has been widely described as one of the fastest airline scale ups in recent aviation history.
At Primus Partners, she will provide strategic guidance on corporate governance and help steer the firm’s long term growth plans. Her experience of building a start up into a full scale organisation is expected to support the consulting firm as it expands its footprint.
Primus Partners co-founder and chairperson Davinder Sandhu, said the appointment brings valuable expertise to the board. “Neelu’s journey across defence, aviation and consulting brings a rare blend of operational insight and strategic thinking. Her experience in rapidly scaling Akasa Air will be invaluable as we continue to grow while maintaining a strong focus on corporate governance,” he said.
Primus Partners, an India headquartered management consulting and solutions firm, has emphasised governance and board oversight since its early days. The company has also taken an unconventional approach by inviting its Gen Z employees to attend board meetings so that younger perspectives can contribute to discussions.
Speaking on her appointment, Khatri said the consulting sector is entering a transformative period shaped by emerging technologies. “The industry is evolving rapidly with the rise of AI. This is an exciting moment for an Indian origin consulting firm like Primus Partners to expand its product offerings and strengthen its presence globally,” she said.
She added that as the firm pursues ambitious expansion plans, her focus will be on ensuring strong governance frameworks and effective risk management as the organisation scales.
