Published on: July 16, 2026
Dentsu has named Ajay Gupte as its new Chief Operating Officer for South Asia, reinforcing its leadership team as the company continues to strengthen its transformation strategy across the region.
In his new role, Gupte will work closely with Harsha Razdan, CEO, South Asia, to drive operational excellence, enhance collaboration across the network, and support the development of a more agile and future-focused organisation.
As COO, Gupte will focus on advancing dentsu’s transformation agenda by improving client-centric ways of working and strengthening the company’s ability to deliver integrated Marketing, Technology and Consulting solutions. His responsibilities will also include supporting dentsu’s Business to Business to Society (B2B2S) approach, aimed at creating long-term value for clients, businesses and society.
Gupte brings nearly three decades of experience across media, marketing, digital transformation and client solutions. Before joining dentsu, he served as President – Client Solutions at WPP Media South Asia and Chief Executive Officer of Wavemaker South Asia, where he led business transformation initiatives, built high-performing teams and developed strategic partnerships with leading brands. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at WPP Media, TVS Motors and OMD.
Harsha Razdan, CEO, South Asia, dentsu said, “Dentsu is entering its next phase of growth with a clear ambition to build the industry’s most integrated, client-centric and innovation-led growth partner. As our clients navigate an increasingly dynamic business environment, they need partners who can bring together strategy, creativity, media, data and technology to solve their most complex business challenges and deliver meaningful outcomes. We are continuing to strengthen our leadership and capabilities to realise that vision and provide end-to-end, integrated solutions that help our clients navigate change, seize new opportunities and create long-term value. Ajay’s appointment is an important milestone in our transformation journey. His extensive industry experience, proven track record of leading business transformation and deep understanding of clients and markets will further strengthen our ability to execute our strategy, foster greater collaboration across our network and deliver even greater value to our clients. I am delighted to welcome Ajay to dentsu and look forward to partnering with him as we continue to shape the future of our business across South Asia.”
Commenting on his appointment, Ajay Gupte added, “I am excited to join dentsu at a pivotal moment in its growth journey. The opportunity to work with a talented leadership team to strengthen operational excellence, unlock new opportunities and advance the company’s ambition of delivering future-ready integrated solutions is truly exciting. I look forward to partnering closely with teams across the network to drive sustainable, scalable growth and create greater value for our clients.”
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