MAM
TBWA restructures; makes key executive appointments
MUMBAI: In a major re-structuring exercise, TBWAWorldwide is now planning to move towards a Global Client Market structure, reflecting the change in multi-national client structures and the nature of their businesses, away from a traditional, rigid regional structure.
As a part of this, TBWAWorldwide has also made several key executive appointments among the global leadership team, restructuring around the strengths of the existing group.
The agency’s move to a more focused versus generalist model among global executives is reflective of a further change to the regional operating structure of the company away from a traditional regional setup.
TBWA’s Los Angeles office chief strategy officer Nick Barham adds responsibilities as global chief strategy officer to his existing role. He will continue to lead the LA office’s strategy department as part of its executive team, in addition to being charged with leading the TBWA network’s Disruption practice and planning function.
Perry Valkenburg has been named president, international – global operations. Valkenburg will have oversight of TBWADigital Arts Network, TBWAWorldhealth, Content & Production, Design and TBWA’s Merger and Acquisition strategy.
James Vincent and Emmanuel Andre will also assume the title of president, international. Vincent, who was a founding member and CEO of TBWAMedia Arts Lab, will lead the charge in developing new and innovative client models for global client business and building out new partnership models within the network. On the other hand, Andre will be in charge of TBWA’s network culture, training and development programs, with the goal of creating one of the most enviable talent development programs in the industry.
TBWA’s Digital Arts Network gets new leadership, with Luke Eid, global innovation director for TBWAWorldwide, becoming president, TBWADigital Arts Network. Juuso Myllyrinne becomes VP and head of strategy for TBWADigital Arts Network.
TBWAWorldwide president and CEO Troy Ruhanen said, “These appointments are a conscious move from a generalist model of operating to a more focused, less traditional model. We have a strong bench of talent to work with at TBWA and these moves are intended to build on the individual strengths of these people, allowing them to be more entrepreneurial and take ownership of the future of our company. These individuals are agents for change and will lead our agency to success in these areas.”
Fifteen core global markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Canada, U.K., France, Germany, the Netherlands, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, Greater China, Singapore, Japan and global client business unit TBWAMedia Arts Lab (Apple), will all report directly to Ruhanen, with Keith Smith supporting Ruhanen with these markets and key global clients, in the role of president, international – global markets.
Toronto-based Omnicom agency Juniper Park becomes part of the TBWA network with immediate effect. Led by Jill Nykoliation as president, Juniper Park will strengthen TBWA’s footprint in the North American market as well as broadening their design capabilities.
The traditional regions will be reorganized outside of the global client markets. Europe, Middle East and Africa will be consolidated into two groups headed by TBWA Belgium CEO Kris Govaerts and TBWA Istanbul CEO Cem Topcuoglu. Govaerts, will in addition oversee operations in Western Europe excluding the Global Client Markets. Topcuoglu, will also oversee Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Asia Pacific will be divided into three focused regions including Asia, Oceania and Greater China. Philip Brett will assume the role of president, Asia, with oversight of all three. TBWA’s regional operations will relocate from Hong Kong to Singapore, in alignment with many of the region’s key clients. Paul Bradbury continues to lead Oceania as CEO of WhybinTBWA in Australia and New Zealand.
Two key appointments have been made in Greater China to strengthen the network’s operations in that region. Nils Andersson joins TBWA from Y&R as president and chief creative officer for TBWAGreater China, making China the fifth office in the network to appoint a creative to the most senior leadership role. TBWAHong Kong managing director Joanne Lao moves to the role of CEO for TBWAGreater China to partner with Nils.
Ruhanen added, “We’re adding some great talent to the network with the addition of Juniper Park in Canada and the appointment of Nils and Joanne in Greater China, strengthening our bench in two core markets. We are making a pledge to increase female leadership in our company with Project 2020, and having Jill and Joanne leading two of our key offices is testament to our belief in that initiative. Aligning our business with those of our global clients and moving away from a traditional regional structure will allow our leadership and markets to be more entrepreneurial because they are not operating in a traditional structure. Instead of being generalists, we’ll be specialists with a critical area of focus.”
Brands
CNBC-Awaaz Udaan wraps debut season, gears up for bigger second run
Pan-India campus drive empowers youth with real-world career skills
MUMBAI: CNBC-Awaaz has wrapped up the first season of its campus initiative, Udaan Taiyari Kal Ki, with plans already in motion for a bigger and broader second edition.
Run in partnership with UTI Mutual Fund, the programme travelled across more than 10 cities and 18 leading institutions, including top management schools, aiming to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace readiness.
At its core, Udaan tackled a familiar challenge. While millions graduate each year, many step into the professional world underprepared for its financial, emotional and strategic demands. The initiative sought to change that by offering practical insights into investing basics, career planning, decision-making and mental resilience.
The scale was notable. Over 3,800 final-year postgraduate students participated directly, with sessions spanning cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. The impact extended further through television and digital platforms, turning the programme into a hybrid learning experience.
Each campus stop featured a mix of panel discussions, fireside chats and hands-on workshops, bringing newsroom-style conversations directly to students. The format struck a chord, with strong engagement reflecting a growing appetite for real-world skills beyond textbooks.
Reflecting on the journey, CNBC-Awaaz managing editor Anuj Singhal said, “UDAAN is one of our most engaging and interactive IPs, built around empowering India’s youth. It felt good to be back on college campuses, engaging directly with students. These conversations go beyond classrooms, helping students gain real-world perspective and confidence as they step into their careers.”
From the partner’s perspective, the focus remained on financial awareness. UTI Mutual Fund MD and CEO Vetri Subramaniam said, “It is important to engage with students who are on the brink of their corporate journey. We need to guide them on financial investments so they can begin early and build long-term habits.”
Highlighting the broader vision, Network18 CEO of English and Business News Smriti Mehra said, “Through Udaan, CNBC-Awaaz is taking real-world knowledge directly to campuses while shaping the next generation of leaders. The response shows a clear need for platforms that go beyond academics.”
With its first season striking a strong chord, Udaan has positioned itself as more than just a campus event. As it gears up for Season 2, the initiative looks set to expand its footprint and continue preparing young India for the leap from campus to corporate life.
