AD Agencies
WPP Media keeps Bayer Consumer Health account in South Asia after global review
MUMBAI: WPP Media has retained the integrated media mandate for Bayer Consumer Health across South Asia, following a global review, with Essencemediacom continuing to lead the business.
The renewed partnership deepens a long-standing collaboration between the two firms, sharpening its focus on using AI, automation and data-led insights to accelerate brand growth and media efficiency across India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The agency will also strengthen digital and e-commerce integration to drive measurable business outcomes.
Bayer Consumer Health division country head Sandeep Verma said the partnership had “consistently evolved with the changing consumer and media landscape”. As Bayer expands its regional footprint, Verma said the focus would be on “future-ready media innovations that deepen consumer understanding and strengthen our brands’ role in everyday self-care.”
WPP Media South Asia president – client solutions Navin Khemka added, “We cherish our longstanding partnership with Bayer Consumer Health. We remain committed to harnessing AI, data and technology to deliver campaigns that strengthen consumer connections and drive growth.”
WPP Media is the global media collective of WPP, bringing together the group’s platform, people and partners to drive growth in a fast-changing media landscape.
AD Agencies
Tawana Burnett to lead social and influencer jury at Abby Awards 2026
Meta’s Apac leader takes the reins for Abby Awards, adding flair to social content
MUMBAI: Tawana Burnett, Meta’s Head of Top Accounts and Agencies for Apac, has been named jury chair for the new social content and influencer ,arketing category at the Abby Awards 2026, powered by The One Club | The One Show.
With a 25-year career spanning the US, EMEA, Latam, and Apac, Tawana has worked on campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands and leading advertising agencies. At Meta, she guides CMOs, business leaders, and agencies on harnessing digital and emerging advertising solutions to accelerate brand growth.
Before joining Meta, Tawana led award-winning product teams at Intuit, LeapFrog, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer, helping launch iconic products including QuickBooks, Listerine, Advil, and ChapStick.
A champion of diversity, she was featured in Adweek’s Women Trailblazers in 2019 for mentoring more than 15 women-led startups and for her work on the #biascorrect campaign that promotes women in leadership. She was also recognised in Ad Age’s Global Leading Women Class of 2023, The List in 2024, and served as juror for Spikes Asia and Mad Stars 2024.
Tawana has held leadership roles in the Singapore Inclusion Council at Meta, the IAB SouthEast Asia & India Board, and currently serves on the boards of IAA SEA and the Ronald McDonald House in New York City. Originally from New York, she now lives in Singapore with her husband and daughter.
The Abby Awards 2026, presented by The One Club | The One Show, will be held during Goafest 2026 from 20 to 22 May in Goa, celebrating creativity across the region.
