MAM
VML appoints Shikhar Khanna as chief strategy officer for India
WPP veteran returns for third stint to lead strategy from Mumbai
MUMBAI: VML has appointed Shikhar Khanna as chief strategy officer, marking his return to the WPP network for the third time, now based in Mumbai.
Khanna brings over two decades of experience across global markets, having worked in Malaysia, China and India. His career spans strategy leadership roles at agencies including Geometry Global, Mindshare and MediaCom, where he led communications planning and brand strategy for major global clients.
Most recently, he served as chief strategy officer at Dentsu India, where he focused on media strategy and digital transformation initiatives, including the growing role of generative AI in marketing.
Announcing his move, VML chief strategy officer Shikhar Khanna said, “Back at WPP. Third time. This time Mumbai. Grateful, charged and ready.”
At VML, Khanna will lead the agency’s strategic direction in India, working across its integrated offerings in brand, customer experience and digital transformation. His appointment comes at a time when agencies are sharpening their strategic capabilities to navigate an increasingly complex and data-driven marketing landscape.
Known for blending data, creativity and cultural insight, Khanna has worked across a diverse portfolio that includes FMCG, telecom, automotive and retail brands, helping shape campaigns that resonate across markets.
With his global experience and familiarity with the WPP ecosystem, VML is betting on Khanna to bring both continuity and fresh thinking as it strengthens its strategic muscle in India’s competitive agency landscape.
