MAM
Happy mcgarrybowen appoints Mani as ECD & Madhavdas as SVP
MUMBAI: Happy mcgarrybowen, the creative agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, has added creative and account management muscle in the team with the appointment of Rajesh Mani and Kunal Madhavdas as the agency’s first ever ECD and Sr. VP respectively.
Armed with over 18 years of rich experience across agencies like BBH, Ogilvy, Leo Burnett and Commonwealth, Rajesh arrives at Happy to take up the Executive Creative Director role.
Kartik Iyer, CEO, Happy mcgarrybowen, said, “Creative leadership is not just about the talent but more about having the maturity to nurture ideas. In Rajesh we found the natural energy to further that culture.”
Having worked on many landmark campaigns, such as Vodafone’s Blackberry Boys, The Zoozoos, Lenovo’s Sumo film, many noted pieces on Marico, Chevrolet, Bajaj, Titan and more, Rajesh will head a few of Happy mcgarrybowen’s prime accounts – Ola, Suzuki and Jabong.
Mani said, “The decision to join here felt like a natural progression. The mandate was simple and clear; to keep the creative flag flying high and that’s what I aim to do.”
Meanwhile Kunal Madhavdas landed at Happy mcgarrybowen after stints at Lowe Lintas, JWT and McCann Erickson in a career that is 14 years in the making. Having overseen multiple blockbuster campaigns for Flipkart, TVS, Myntra, Fastrack, Britannia, Tata Tea, bagging multiple Effies and a couple of AME’s in the process, Kunal joins as Senior Vice President, working closely with Kartik Iyer and Samarjit Choudhry, COO, Happy mcgarrybowen.
Madhavdas commented, “The intent and the capability to crack and execute integrated campaigns that work effectively across mediums is something most brands look for in their advertising partners today. Happy mcgarrybowen has consistently done that. I can sense happier times ahead, so keep watching!”
The new hires mark a distinct upsurge in direction and ambition from Happy mcgarrybowen on its tenth anniversary and serves as another example of how the agency is investing heavily in the finest talent in India to deliver the best for its clients.
Samarjit Choudhry, COO, Happy mcgarrybowen, said, “With Kunal and now Rajesh, we have people who come from the same mindset.”
MAM
PwC India announces leadership change in Deals practice
Shashank Jain steps down as co-leader after nearly three decades with the firm.
MUMBAI: When one dealmaker steps off the pitch, another is ready to take the baton because in the fast-moving world of transactions, the game never really stops. PwC India has announced a leadership transition in its Deals practice, with Shashank Jain stepping down from his role as co-leader to pursue an opportunity in the industry. The practice will continue to be led by Mohit Chopra, ensuring continuity and sustained growth momentum.
PwC India partner and leader for advisory dinesh Arora paid tribute to Jain’s contributions. “We deeply appreciate the significant contributions made by Shashank over close to three decades he has spent with PwC, particularly his defining role in shaping and strengthening our Transaction Services practice in India,” he said. Arora highlighted Jain’s support for clients through some of the most complex and significant transactions in the Indian market, noting his deep technical expertise, sound judgment and nuanced understanding of the evolving M&A landscape.
The Deals practice remains a key growth driver for PwC India, and the firm expects continued expansion under Mohit Chopra’s leadership. He will continue to guide clients through complex transactions and transformational business moments, building on the strong foundation established over the years.
Reflecting on his journey, Shashank Jain said, “I have had an exceptional journey at PwC. I owe my growth and learning to the nurturing environment and leadership development that PwC provided.” He added that he had been working closely with Mohit and the larger team to ensure a smooth transition and expressed confidence that Chopra would take the Deals practice to newer heights.
From intern to respected deals leader, Shashank Jain has clearly closed many successful transactions and now, it seems, he’s ready to strike a new deal of his own.
