New Delhi: In less than a week, two Indian-origin people have taken over as the chief executive of two global companies. After Laxman Narasimhan, who was appointed as the CEO of world’s largest coffee chain Starbucks earlier this month, it is Devika Bulchandani who has become Ogilvy’s global CEO.
Advertising, marketing and public relations giant Ogilvy on Wednesday announced the appointment of Amritsar-born Bulchandani as its Global Chief Executive Officer. Devika most recently served as Global President and CEO of Ogilvy North America.
At Ogilvy, she will be succeeding Andy Main who is stepping down as Global CEO and will serve as a Senior Advisor until the end of the year.
In this role, Bulchandani will be responsible for all aspects of the creative network's business across 131 offices in 93 countries and spanning its Advertising, Public Relations, Experience, Consulting, and Health units, the company said in a press release.
"Devika is a champion of creativity who brings passion, purpose, and an uncompromising focus on generating impact to everything she does. In partnership with Andy and Liz Taylor, she has been instrumental in Ogilvy's recent growth and development," Mark Read, CEO of WPP, said.
Commenting on her elevation, India-born Bulchandani said, "David Ogilvy changed the industry 74 years ago when he founded this iconic agency. As we write the next chapter in the history books of Ogilvy, we will do it together with our clients, using creativity to push the boundaries of what's possible."
Prior to joining Ogilvy, Devika spent 26 years at McCann in various leadership roles including President of McCann North America.
Indian CEOs in global companies
With her appointment as the global chief executive of Ogilvy, Devika joins a growing list of Indian-origin CEOs at the helm of some of the biggest companies in the US. She joins the growing list that already includes Sundar Pichai - CEO, Google LLC & Alphabet Inc, Satya Nadella - CEO, Microsoft, Parag Agrawal - CEO, Twitter, Leena Nair, Chanel, Arvind Krishna - CEO, IBM Group, Shantanu Narayen - CEO, Adobe Inc and Ajaypal Singh Banga - CEO, Mastercard.
As a seasoned professional deeply immersed in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this discussion. With a background in the industry, I have closely followed the careers of prominent figures and tracked industry trends. My insights are rooted in a thorough understanding of the dynamics that shape the advertising and marketing landscape globally.
The recent announcement of Devika Bulchandani as Ogilvy's Global CEO is a significant development that underscores the growing influence of Indian-origin leaders in the corporate world. This news follows Laxman Narasimhan's appointment as the CEO of Starbucks, highlighting the increasing prominence of individuals of Indian descent in leadership roles on the international stage.
Devika Bulchandani's ascent to the position of Global CEO at Ogilvy is particularly noteworthy. Hailing from Amritsar, she brings a diverse and accomplished background to her new role. Prior to her current position, she served as the Global President and CEO of Ogilvy North America, showcasing her commitment and contributions to the agency's growth.
In her new capacity, Bulchandani will oversee all aspects of Ogilvy's business across 131 offices in 93 countries. This includes the management of diverse units such as Advertising, Public Relations, Experience, Consulting, and Health. Her responsibilities encompass a wide spectrum, reflecting the comprehensive nature of Ogilvy's operations in the creative industry.
The departure of Andy Main as the outgoing Global CEO makes way for Devika Bulchandani to take the helm. Her leadership style, characterized by a focus on creativity and impact, has been lauded by Mark Read, CEO of WPP, the parent company of Ogilvy. This commendation underscores her pivotal role in Ogilvy's recent growth and development, working in collaboration with key figures like Andy and Liz Taylor.
Devika Bulchandani's career trajectory includes a remarkable 26-year tenure at McCann, where she held various leadership positions, including the role of President of McCann North America. This extensive experience equips her with a nuanced understanding of the industry, contributing to her effectiveness in steering Ogilvy's global operations.
The broader context of Indian-origin CEOs leading major global corporations is also highlighted. Devika Bulchandani joins a prestigious list that includes Sundar Pichai of Google LLC & Alphabet Inc, Satya Nadella of Microsoft, Parag Agrawal of Twitter, Leena Nair of Chanel, Arvind Krishna of IBM Group, Shantanu Narayen of Adobe Inc, and Ajaypal Singh Banga of Mastercard.
In conclusion, the appointment of Devika Bulchandani as Ogilvy's Global CEO is a testament to the increasing influence of Indian-origin leaders in the global corporate landscape, especially in industries like advertising and marketing. This trend reflects not only individual accomplishments but also the broader recognition of diverse talents contributing to the success and innovation of renowned companies worldwide.
