MAM
Wunderman Thompson India ropes in Rakesh Varma & Abhay Godbole, bolsters its Mumbai leadership team
Mumbai: Wunderman Thompson India has announced the appointment of two senior hires for its Mumbai office. Rakesh Varma has joined as vice president & executive business director, and Abhay Godbole as vice president & client service director.
Both Rakesh and Abhay will report to Wunderman Thompson Mumbai managing partner Anurag Tandon.
Rakesh has over 15 years of advertising experience, having worked on a wide range of brands, with a particular fondness for automobiles and auto accessories, with brands like Volkswagen, TVS Motorcycles, Ashok Leyland & Gulf Oil. He has been associated with leading brands like Hotstar, Radio City, FBB, Gelusil & Tata AIA, amongst others. He has in-depth understanding and experience in brand strategy, campaign planning, and leading integrated marketing efforts.
Having previously worked with Wunderman Thompson Mumbai, Abhay Godbole returns to the agency for a second innings. During his previous stint with the agency, Abhay was instrumental in leading the much lauded “Mutual Funds Sahi Hai” for AMFI. He has close to two decades of experience in marketing communications, working across categories like FMCG, automobiles, and BFSI. Passionate about advertising and creativity, Abhay believes any marketing challenge can be addressed through compelling creative solutions.
Commenting on the new appointments, Wunderman Thompson Mumbai managing partner Anurag Tandon said, “As we continue to diversify our client roster and grow our talent base, it is critical for us to have the right hands on deck. Rakesh and Abhay bring with them extensive experience and domain knowledge that will propel us to drive growth in key industry domains and deliver the best outcomes for our clients. Both our senior hires have an impressive track record of building strong consumer brands, and I am looking forward to scaling new heights with our client partners.”
On taking up his new role at Wunderman Thompson, India, Rakesh Varma, commented, “At Wunderman Thompson, we’re building a future that’s as exciting as its legacy. And I consider myself extremely fortunate to be a part of this transformation. With its diverse brand portfolio, integrated service approach, and promising growth vision, WT is all set to thrive. I’m looking forward to nurturing some of the long-standing client relationships and creating new ones.”
Abhay Godbole added, “I am delighted to be back at Wunderman Thompson, one of India’s finest agencies that has nurtured and built multiple brands in the country. Wunderman Thompson is in a unique position to create the agency of the future; an agency that is capable of delivering the best of both mainline and data-led digital communications. I look forward to being a part of this exciting and transformational journey.”
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
