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Mahesh Motwani exits Initiative Media India after nearly 25 years
Media veteran begins new chapter as consultant after long stint across Lintas and IPG
MUMBAI: After nearly 25 years in the media business, Mahesh Motwani is turning the page. Motwani has moved on from Initiative Media India after a 24-year-and-nine-month stint with the agency, marking the end of a long association with the Lintas and IPG ecosystem.
Motwani has started a new chapter as a self-employed consultant from September 2026, according to his professional profile.
In a farewell post, Motwani described his nearly quarter-century journey as a “life” lived at the organisation rather than simply time spent there. He said the years had shaped both his professional and personal life, while thanking his family, colleagues, seniors, clients, media partners and friends for their support.
He particularly credited his team for standing by him through every circumstance and thanked senior colleagues who mentored him while giving him the freedom to grow professionally and personally.
Motwani also acknowledged clients for their confidence and support, along with media partners and industry friends who, despite professional differences, became part of his extended work family.
“As I enter a new phase from 1st Sept with an open mind and an open sky too I reset my compass for new destinations and fresh challenges,” he wrote.
Motwani began his career in the Lintas ecosystem in 2001. His professional history includes roles at Lintas India and Lintas Media Group before he moved into senior leadership at Initiative Media India.
He served as executive vice president at Initiative Media India from December 2001 to August 2026, completing almost 25 years with the organisation.
His departure comes as the Indian media and advertising industry continues to see senior executives reassess their careers, roles and professional priorities amid a rapidly changing agency landscape.
For Motwani, the next destination remains open. But after almost 25 years in one professional home, his message is clear: the next chapter is about new challenges, fresh possibilities and, as he put it, “new beginnings”.
