JWT appoints Jagdip Bakshi as Global Business Director on Unilever

JWT announced today that it has appointed Jagdip Bakshi as Global Business Director on Unilever. His responsibilities will include client relationship management as well as ensuring advertising solutions that are best in class across all product categories. The job will be based out of London and begins September 2008.

"Unilever is one of our most important clients and has been with JWT for over a hundred years. With this appointment, we are confident that the relationship will see new highs," said Bob Jeffrey, CEO JWT, Worldwide. "Jagdip has been with JWT for 28 years and he has vast experience on Unilever brands across key markets." Jeffrey added.

"This appointment is a significant example of the growing importance of Indian advertising talent on the global stage. Jagdip is respected as a stalwart not just in JWT but among the Indian advertising fraternity. It is only fitting that top management at JWT emerge from a thriving growth market like India," said Michael Maedel, President JWT. "We are delighted with this development, and are confident that Jagdip will bring his own brand of discipline, strategic thinking and creativity to the job," Maedel added.

Bakshi has worked closely with Unilever over the years, handling key assignments in important markets. Starting with Beverages with the Brooke Bond and Lipton brands in Bangalore, he was appointed leader on Beverages for Unilever's Central Asia Middle East (CAME) region. Subsequently he moved to London in 2000 and was global business manager on Lipton, one of Unilever's largest brands, as well as Lux, giving him a global perspective in food and in personal wash.

Ravi Deshpande, who returned to the Contract in early 2005, is being elevated to Chairman and Chief Creative officer. Commenting on the appointment, Michael Maedel said "Ravi has Contract in his DNA, having spent many successful years at the agency. Under his creative leadership, I am convinced that Contract will surpass even its heyday reputation as an award winning creative power house. Contract featuring among the top Indian performers at Cannes 2008 is only the beginning."

Maedel is confident that there will be a smooth transition, and clients will continue to receive the servicing, planning and creative product that they have come to take for granted from Contract. "A CEO, who will partner Ravi, has been identified, and this announcement will be made very shortly," concluded Maedel.

About Jagdip Bakshi: Educated at Sherwood College Nainital and University of Delhi, Jagdip graduated with Honours in Economics in 1977. He went on to get a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). He joined JWT in 1980, and has held several positions of responsibility in Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi. He has been CEO of Contract Advertising for the last four years.

A keen industry champion, Jagdip sits on the executive committee of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and is co-founder and current Chairman of Goafest