Indiantelevision.com Team

(14 July 2008 7:00 pm)

MUMBAI: JWT has appointed Jagdip Bakshi as global business director on Unilever. In his new capacity, Bakshi will be responsible for managing client relationship and ensuring advertising solutions across all product categories.

Bakshi will be based out of London, his work beginning from September 2008. Prior to this appointment, Bakshi was with Contract as CEO.

“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. Jagdip has been with JWT for 28 years and he has vast experience on Unilever brands across key markets,” said JWT Worldwide CEO Bob Jeffrey.

“This appointment is a significant example of the growing importance of Indian advertising talent on the global stage. 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,” added President JWT Michael Maedel.

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.

Meanwhile, Contract has elevated Ravi Deshpande, who is currently serving his second stint with the agency, to chairman and chief creative officer.

Deshpande joined Contract in 1987. After a long stint, he left the company in 2001 to start "Lemon" in alliance with Euro RSCG Worldwide. He also doubled up chief creative officer in an advisory capacity for Euro RSCG Indian subcontinent and the Middle-East.

However, in 2005 Ravi returned to Contract again.

Commenting on the elevation Michael Maedel said, “Ravi has Contract in his DNA, having spent many successful years at the agency. Under Ravi’s creative leadership, I am convinced that Contract will surpass even its heyday reputation as an award winning creative power house.”

Also commenting on the replacement for Bakshi’s position at Contract, Maedel said, “A CEO, who will partner Ravi, has been identified, and this announcement will be made very shortly.”