MAM
Dentsu Webchutney appoints Samera Khan as EVP
MUMBAI: Dentsu Webchutney, the digital agency from the Dentsu Aegis Network, has roped in Samera Khan as EVP- Strategy and Planning. Samera will be based out of Mumbai and will report to Dentsu Webchutney CEO Sidharth Rao.
As part of her new mandate, Khan will head creative strategy and planning for the agency across its offices in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru.
Commenting on her appointment, Khan said, “I am excited about this new role that I take on with Dentsu Webchutney. They have a unique way of approaching digital advertising with a spot-on understanding of culture and technology. And to partner with a distinct set of creative and strategic talent makes this even more exciting and challenging.”
Commenting on the appointment, Rao said, “Dentsu Webchutney has entered its next phase of growth and it’s absolutely essential for us that we use the right kind of partners to steer this growth forward. Samera has immense international experience along with advertising experience in India on some of the biggest brands in the world. This gives her a unique edge on strategy and understanding of the human mind. This will add to the strength that holds the Dentsu Webchutney fort together. I am extremely happy to welcome her on board.”
With more than 12 years of experience, Khan has worked with agencies including Ogilvy, DraftFCB and Havas Worldwide.
Some of the brands that Samera has worked on internationally and in India include Vodafone, Nestlé, Unilever, Volkswagen, Porsche, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, IKEA, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, The Economist, HDFC Bank, BPCL, Sanofi and Hockey India to name a few.
MAM
Edelman elevates Siddharth Panicker to head of Mumbai office
Financial services veteran steps up after nearly 15 years at the firm
MUMBAI: Edelman has elevated Siddharth Panicker to head of its Mumbai office, promoting a long-serving leader who has spent nearly 15 years building the firm’s financial services franchise in India.
Panicker has held a series of senior roles at Edelman, including associate vice president, head – financial services, and VP & head – financial services. In these positions, he led the development of the firm’s financial services practice, advising C-suite clients across investment banking, private equity, NBFCs, fintech, disputes, litigation and life insurance.
The promotion reflects his track record in corporate and financial communications, strategic counsel and leadership, as Mumbai remains a central hub for India’s financial and professional services sectors.
Earlier in his career, Panicker gained industry exposure through internships at Nalco Water, part of Ecolab, and MSL India.
His elevation underlines Edelman’s focus on leadership continuity and deep sector expertise as clients navigate increasingly complex regulatory, reputational and market environments.
