Carter Murray, worldwide CEO of FCB, announced today that Rohit Ohri is joining FCB Ulka as group chairman and CEO, effective January 2016. Ohri is the successor to current CEO and group chairman Nagesh Alai who, after 25 years with FCB, is moving into a global role. Ohri joins FCB from Dentsu, where he was CEO of Dentsu Asia Pacific and, previously, executive chairman of Dentsu India Group. Alai will assume the role of global vice-chairman at FCB, working on special initiatives for Carter Murray.
“I want to thank Nagesh for dedicating his career to our FCB operations in India and for helping FCB Ulka become one of the strongest agencies in the country. I look forward to working with him on special global initiatives,” said Murray.
Ohri joins FCB Ulka with 26 years of experience in the industry. Under Rohit’s leadership, Dentsu India became the fastest-growing operation in the world. Prior to Dentsu, Rohit headed the Delhi office of JWT India. The office grew rapidly and became one of the most profitable offices of JWT globally. Furthermore, he was named one of the Top 10 Advertising Gurus in India by The Indian Express’s “100 Most Powerful People in India Survey” for three consecutive years (2012-2014) and Campaign India’s A- Lister for five consecutive years (2010-2014).
“When Nagesh and the Board introduced me to Rohit as someone they felt fitted the culture of the company, I was struck by his passion for what we do, his focus on great work and strong client relationships, and his natural gravitas,” said Murray. “If you add his track record in the industry, Rohit is someone whom I think will lead FCB Ulka forward with vision and energy, and keep the flame strong.”
With FCB’s newly restructured global company, Ohri will serve as a member of the global operating committee and report directly to Murray in New York. He will be one of the CEOs helping to guide the global company.
“FCB has gone back to its roots and is reigniting its brand essence under Carter’s leadership. The opportunity to partner with him, in what could be the most defining time in the history of FCB convinced me to quit my regional assignment and come back to India,” said Ohri. “FCB Ulka has a rich legacy of creating solid brand-building work. It’s a company that values partnerships, people and culture. The opportunity to build on this legacy and to take a great agency to greater heights is truly exciting. I’m delighted to be at the right place at the right time and with the right people.”
Ohri will be supported by FCB Ulka’s management board, which includes Shashi Sinha, executive director, Lodestar Media and CEO – Mediabrands; Niteen Bhagwat, executive director, Interface Communications and Asterii Analytics; MG Parameswaran, executive director of FCB Ulka Mumbai and Bengaluru, FCBi, Cogito; and Arvind Wable, executive director, FCB Ulka Delhi.
Ohri’s hire comes at a time when FCB is bringing in world-class talent to the agency – most recently with the hiring of Susan Credle as global chief creative officer. This signifies FCB’s continued focus on hiring top talent.