MAM
MEC India appoints Ajit Gurnani as head, West
MUMBAI: MEC India, a media and planning agency and founding partner of GroupM, has appointed Ajit Gurnani as head of MEC West.
The post-graduate from the Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA), Gurnani will be reporting to MEC India managing director T Gangadhar.
Speaking about the appointment, Gangadhar said, “Mumbai is our biggest office by far and I am pleased that we have found a quality leader like Ajit to head our operations here. Given his rich vein of experience, I have no doubt that Ajit will make valuable contributions – to clients and staff alike.”
Gurnani has more than 16 years of experience in the field of media and marketing. Prior to this, he was with Mindshare as principal partner, was a part of Jagran.com and Starcom Digital.
On his new role, Gurnani said, “I am excited about the opportunity and challenge that this assignment provides to me. I look forward to working with the team and help create business building work that wins accolades and recognition.”
MEC is a media agency whose services include media planning and buying, digital media, mobile, search, performance marketing and social media management, among others. The agency has a global headcount of 4,500 people with domestic and international clients across 84 countries.
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.
