MAM
Vaynermedia Australia hires Denny Handlin to lead creative evolution
MUMBAI: If there’s one thing Vaynermedia Australia knows how to do, it’s making waves. Now, the agency is set to make an even bigger splash with the appointment of Denny Handlin as its new executive creative director. With Handlin at the helm, the agency is doubling down on its mission to redefine integrated, social-first marketing across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
Handlin brings an enviable track record, having held leadership roles at Clemenger Group, Meta, and most recently, Tiktok ANZ, where he was head of global business marketing. From steering high-impact campaigns to leading powerhouse creative teams, he has built a reputation for crafting consumer-first strategies that deliver real business impact.
Speaking about his new role, Handlin said, “I couldn’t be more excited for this new chapter at Vaynermedia, partnering with world-class clients to put social at the centre of everything we do. The team here is already known for its innovative, creative thinking, and I can’t wait to get started and push the boundaries of what’s possible in this space.”
Reflecting on his time at Tiktok, he added, “I’ve called Tiktok my home for nearly five years, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had there. I’ve worked with an immensely talented team and am proud of what we’ve built together. I truly wish them all the best.”
In his new role, Handlin will report to Australia country manager Karen Coleman and Vaynermedia’s head of creative for the Asia Pacific region Woei Hern Chan.
“Denny brings the best of both worlds—a rare blend of big-agency creative expertise and deep platform experience. We’re in our next phase of growth, evolving beyond just great creative and media to a truly integrated, social-first approach that drives business results. Denny is not only an exceptional creative leader but also a builder of high-performance teams and culture—exactly what we need to shape what’s next,” said Coleman.
With Vaynermedia charging full speed ahead into its next growth phase, Handlin’s appointment signals a commitment to pushing creative limits and delivering marketing that doesn’t just exist in the social space but dominates it.
Brands
Emami names Dhruv Aggarwal as chief growth officer
Former Bain partner steps in as FMCG firm sharpens growth playbook
MUMBAI: Emami Limited has appointed Dhruv Aggarwal as its chief growth officer, effective 25 March 2026, following the resignation of Giriraj Bagri.
Aggarwal joins the FMCG major from Bain & Company, where he most recently served as partner. With over two decades of experience across consulting and strategy, he brings a global perspective shaped by work across India, the US, the UK and Germany.
During his tenure at Bain, Aggarwal advised consumer, retail and media companies on large-scale transformations, business turnarounds and growth strategies. He was also closely involved with India’s startup ecosystem, guiding early-stage ventures on scaling and digital expansion, while supporting private equity and venture capital firms on investment decisions.
His earlier stints include a brief role at Barclays Capital and operational experience at Jindal Power, giving him a mix of financial and industry exposure.
Academically, Aggarwal holds an MBA from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and has also been associated with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a PhD candidate and teaching assistant.
The appointment comes at a time when Emami Limited is looking to sharpen its growth strategy in a competitive consumer market. With a seasoned strategist now at the helm of growth, the company appears set to double down on transformation and expansion in the months ahead.
