MAM
WPP appoints Jane Geraghty Global CEO of Brand & Design
Veteran leader also named Global CEO of Landor in dual role.
MUMBAI: Jane Geraghty just landed the ultimate brand double-header because when you’re already running Landor, why not take the whole WPP design empire along for the ride? WPP has appointed Jane Geraghty as global chief executive officer of WPP Brand & Design while simultaneously naming her Global CEO of Landor. The dual role, announced via Geraghty’s LinkedIn post, positions her to lead the group’s specialist brand and design agencies at a time when clients increasingly demand stronger differentiation through multidimensional strategy and experience design.
Geraghty, who joined WPP earlier this year as chief client officer, brings over three decades of experience in marketing, branding and communications. She previously served as Global CEO of Landor (2017–2020), President for EMEA (2013–2018) and Managing Director (2011–2016), after earlier leadership stints at Saatchi & Saatchi, McCann-Erickson and Ogilvy in New York.
In her post, Geraghty said she was “thrilled” to step into the role, highlighting that branding and design are becoming critical for clients seeking differentiation. She emphasised the opportunity to harness WPP’s collective capabilities across agencies, noting that AI powered by WPP Open is already reshaping brand creation, management and global collaboration.
The appointment reflects WPP’s push to integrate its brand and design network more tightly, positioning it to deliver seamless, high-impact work at the intersection of business strategy and brand experience.
In an industry where creativity meets commerce, Geraghty isn’t just leading two titles, she’s steering the ship that turns brands from recognisable to unforgettable, one bold move at a time.
Brands
Magnum Ice Cream Netherlands takes control of Kwality Wall’s India from Unilever
61.9 per cent stake transfer reshapes ownership as Unilever exits promoter role
MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited has entered a new chapter, with The Magnum Ice Cream Company HoldCo 1 Netherlands B.V. acquiring a controlling 61.9 per cent stake from a clutch of Unilever PLC-led entities, marking a significant shift in ownership.
The transaction, completed on March 30, 2026, follows a share purchase agreement signed in June 2025. The incoming promoter picked up over 145 crore equity shares, effectively taking control of the company and being formally classified as its new promoter under regulatory norms.
As part of the deal, the outgoing promoter group, including Unilever Group Limited and its affiliated entities, has fully exited its shareholding in the company. They have now been reclassified from promoter to public shareholders, closing a long-standing association with the ice cream business in India.
The board of Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited took note of the ownership change and approved a series of leadership updates alongside it. Ritesh Tiwari stepped down as director, while Abhijit Bhattacharya was appointed as chairperson and additional non-executive director. Tahir Toloy Tanridagli also joined the board as an additional non-executive director.
The reshuffle signals a broader strategic reset as the Magnum-led entity looks to steer the brand’s next phase of growth in India. The transition has been carried out in line with regulatory requirements, including disclosures tied to the open offer and reclassification norms under market regulations.
With Unilever stepping back and Magnum stepping in, Kwality Wall’s India is effectively getting a fresh scoop of leadership and direction. The coming months will reveal how the new promoter plans to scale the brand in one of the world’s most competitive ice cream markets.
