MAM
WPP signs landmark lease for Shanghai Campus
MUMBAI: Martin Sorrell led communications services group WPP has signed a landmark agreement with Nan Fung Group and B.M. Group to lease 20 floors and 41,000 sqm at 399 Heng Feng Road, Shanghai, representing one of the largest office leasing deals ever signed within the city’s central business district areas.
The new building will house the WPP Shanghai Campus, one of the most ambitious co-location efforts ever undertaken by WPP. The WPP Shanghai Campus will bring together 26 WPP companies and more than 3,000 people, currently spread across 10 locations.
WPP companies to be relocated include Blue Hive, GroupM, Hill+Knowllton Strategies, Millward Brown, J. Walter Thompson, Ogilvy & Mather, Sudler & Hennessey, and TNS. Move-in is expected to commence at the end of 2015. The office space housing the WPP Shanghai Campus is expected to gain LEED Gold certification.
“China is now WPP’s third largest market, and our commitment to China is deeper than ever. We are proud to support the development of the city of Shanghai and provide our people with the best facilities,” said Sorrell.
In Greater China, WPP companies (including associates) have revenue of $1.5 billion and employ 15,000 people. “One of WPP’s key objectives is horizontality – promoting cooperation across our group companies to improve outcomes for our clients — and bringing our people in Shanghai into this location is an important step towards this goal,” Sorrell added.
399 Heng Feng Road is part of a massive three-stage redevelopment project in the Zhabei District, slated to include a 110,000 sqm shopping mall, six office towers, two luxury boutique hotels, and luxury residential sections and estimated for completion in 2017.
“The Nan Fung Group is delighted that WPP has chosen our project as their campus in East China. Their decision illustrates the increasing attractiveness of the Zhabei District to the international business sector. We regard WPP as a long term partner and we look forward to further working with them throughout the region. We will strive to provide to WPP, as well as other tenants excellent service. Taking this opportunity, on behalf of Nan Fung Group and B.M. Group, our joint venture partner, I would like to thank the officials in the Zhabei District for their strong support in making this project a success,” said Nan Fung group CEO Antony Leung.
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.
