MAM
Thakar joins Grey as chief strategy officer for Greater China
MUMBAI: Grey Group has appointed Pratik Thakar as the EVP/ chief strategy and innovation officer for Greater China with immediate effect.
This comes close on the heels of the appointment of TH Peng who joined Grey Group – Greater China as chairman and CEO on 12 March 2012.
The moves signal Grey Group‘s ambition for this critical market and its emphasis on strategic thinking and innovation in creating effective work.
Thakar had been with McCann Worldgroup for over nine years. He has worked with TH Peng since 2007 and has worked on accounts like Microsoft, L‘Oreal Group, Shanghai GM, MasterCard, Nestle, Bank of China, Coca-Cola and Haier. His 18 years of industry experience covers stints in India, South East Asia and Greater China for Saatchi & Saatchi, DDB Mudra and Lowe Lintas.
On Thakar’s appointment Peng said, “I’ve seen Pratik connecting dots in new ways. He knows how to engage CMOs with business solutions and inspire a creative person with powerful ideas. He can seamlessly connect a brand story with an engagement idea or digital content. He is a multifaceted strategist.”
Grey has a roster of clients that include Proctor & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, Sony, Volkswagen Seat, Tencent, Diageo, Eli Lilly, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Cerebos and 3M.
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.
