Mindshare APAC CEO Amrita Randhawa joins Publicis Groupe to lead SEA

share on

twitter /
facebook /
linkedin /
- email
- telegram
- whatsapp
- wechat
- pinterest
- line
- snapchat
- reddit

Mindshare's APAC CEO and executive chair for Greater China, Amrita Randhawa, has left after more than 15 years to join Publicis Groupe as CEO of Southeast Asia from 1 June. A Publicis spokesperson told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that in her new role, Randhawa (pictured) will be fully responsible for all the operations of Publicis Groupe in the Southeast Asia region, from creative to media, influence, production, commerce, data, tech and clients. Her priority will be to drive impact for Publicis' clients by making them win in a platform world, the spokesperson added.

With Randhawa's new role, Publicis Groupe is bringing all its markets including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand under one leadership. With Southeast Asia led as one region, the network said it will create even more opportunities for all of its talents and clients, while leveraging the individual strengths of each country, so that in turn they can play a bigger role in this large ecosystem. She will be based in Singapore, reporting to Loris Nold, CEO Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Publicis Groupe.

As Publicis' CEO of Southeast Asia, Randhawa said her vision is entirely focused on potential. "Clients are increasingly asking for simplicity to navigate a platform world. I aim to unleash the full potential of the Groupe's offering to put together bespoke solutions that work for our clients - fast! In equal measure I aim to unleash the full potential of the talent from this very rich and diverse region who have the ideas that will define our future," she added. Randhawa's appointment comes as Publicis' former CEO of Southeast Asia, Nicolas Menat, leaves the network to return to France. Menat also last double-hatted the role of chief client officer for APAC.

Meanwhile in a statement to MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Randhawa said: "I've had a dream run at Mindshare with mentors, colleagues, friends and teams that have made work a joy. They have nothing but my best wishes and will keep setting the bar high." Ashutosh Srivastava, APAC CEO of GroupM, will be taking over Randhawa's duties in the interim until a replacement is found. GroupM's spokesperson confirmed the news to MARKETING-INTERACTIVE.

Randhawa first joined Mindshare as a planner in 2002, according to her LinkedIn. She then moved on to DDB's Mudra Communications for a year as a senior planner, before taking up the role of associate media director at Publicis' Starcom India. Randhawa returned to Mindshare in 2006 as brand team leader, and subsequently climbed up the ranks to take on the roles of CEO of China in 2013, Greater China in 2016, and eventually APAC in 2018.

Following her appointment as APAC CEO, Randhawa focused on the agency's product to deliver a balance of brand and demand services for marketers. She was also responsible for ensuring that Mindshare adapts and evolves to focus on clients' needs. Based in Shanghai, Randhawa also took on the dual role of Mindshare Greater China's executive chairperson as well. In the span of her career, Randhawa has worked across various cities including Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Mumbai and Delhi.

Randhawa's exit comes a couple of months after Mindshare elevated its US CEO Adam Gerhart to the role of global CEO. Gerhart replaces Nick Emery who was booted out after a "clear breach of conduct". He oversees Mindshare's strategy and operations across 86 countries, and the development of nearly 10,000 employees. Gerhart's vision for the agency encompasses data and insights that influence wider brand opportunities, such as product development, as well as sales and marketing.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE's Content 360 Week is back from 6 to 8 April this year! Super charge your content production, distribution and monetisation strategies by learning from brands such as NBA Asia, P&G, Malaysia Airlines, and Marriott International, among others. Sign up today!

share on