MAM
GroupM appoints Anand Thakur as head of analytics, data and tech for GroupM Nexus India
Mumbai: GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, today announced the appointment of Anand Thakur as head of analytics, data and tech at GroupM Nexus in India. He brings with him more than 20 years of significant experience across the media industry in the information technology domain. He joins the GroupM Nexus India team from Omnicom Media Group, where he held a key role overseeing various Information Technology functions such as Software Development, Product Development, UI/UX, and Business Solutions.
In his new position at GroupM Nexus, Anand will lead automation initiatives across all GroupM applications and contribute to shaping the solution architecture. He will collaborate closely with agencies to expand capabilities in Commerce, Performance, automation, and enhancements. Additionally, he will actively participate in developing the data lake, establishing a robust data infrastructure for managing both structured and unstructured media. Anand will also be instrumental in creating comprehensive integrated campaign reporting and a diverse range of capabilities.
Anand’s proficiency lies in creating holistic integrated campaign strategies while supervising and directing teams to ensure the seamless implementation of operational procedures. He has been instrumental in formulating business continuity plans, procedures, SLAs, and service standards to uphold business service excellence in his past. Additionally, he excels in configuring dashboards and leading automation initiatives. He stays updated on the latest technologies and automation trends, playing a central role in improving efficiency and effectiveness across diverse projects.
GroupM Nexus India president Priti Murthy said, “Anand’s rich experience in driving business service excellence will come to play in developing data-driven campaign insights and implementing efficient, technology-driven solutions and innovations at GroupM Nexus India. As we stride toward streamlining our business processes and fostering innovation, he will play a pivotal role hastening the path towards building the world’s largest performance capability engine and delivering incremental growth for GroupM agencies.
GroupM Nexus India head of analytics, data and tech Anand Thakur, said, “I am tremendously excited to join the GroupM Nexus leadership team. The rapid advancements in AI, machine learning, and big data analytics have opened new and exciting possibilities for optimizing advertising spends. I look forward to steering the data and tech transformation at GroupM Nexus.”
Brands
Emami names Dhruv Aggarwal as chief growth officer
Former Bain partner steps in as FMCG firm sharpens growth playbook
MUMBAI: Emami Limited has appointed Dhruv Aggarwal as its chief growth officer, effective 25 March 2026, following the resignation of Giriraj Bagri.
Aggarwal joins the FMCG major from Bain & Company, where he most recently served as partner. With over two decades of experience across consulting and strategy, he brings a global perspective shaped by work across India, the US, the UK and Germany.
During his tenure at Bain, Aggarwal advised consumer, retail and media companies on large-scale transformations, business turnarounds and growth strategies. He was also closely involved with India’s startup ecosystem, guiding early-stage ventures on scaling and digital expansion, while supporting private equity and venture capital firms on investment decisions.
His earlier stints include a brief role at Barclays Capital and operational experience at Jindal Power, giving him a mix of financial and industry exposure.
Academically, Aggarwal holds an MBA from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and has also been associated with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a PhD candidate and teaching assistant.
The appointment comes at a time when Emami Limited is looking to sharpen its growth strategy in a competitive consumer market. With a seasoned strategist now at the helm of growth, the company appears set to double down on transformation and expansion in the months ahead.
