In a significant move, Ogilvy India has rolled out its consulting business arm, marking a new chapter for the agency’s strategic growth in the country. Neeraj Bassi, a seasoned strategist with nearly three decades of experience, returns to Ogilvy to head this new vertical. He will be based out of the Gurugram office and will also oversee strategic planning for Ogilvy India (North).
With this launch, Ogilvy brings to India a global consulting model that addresses complex business needs—ranging from growth and transformation strategies to designing brand experiences and navigating digital disruption. The consulting arm integrates Ogilvy’s wide-ranging services—brand, customer engagement, commerce, public relations, and more—into a cohesive offering for clients seeking end-to-end solutions.
Bassi brings with him a rich and diverse professional background. Most recently, he served as Chief Growth Officer at Cheil X and has previously held leadership roles at Publicis, Havas, and Cheil India. His journey in advertising began at McCann Erickson in 1997 and includes an international stint with JWT in Dubai. This return marks a homecoming of sorts, as Bassi was previously President – Strategic Planning at Ogilvy’s Gurugram office until 2015.
Welcoming Bassi back, Prem Narayan, Chief Strategy Officer, Ogilvy India, shared, “Neeraj is back in Ogilvy. That’s a feeling that many of us in Ogilvy have been wishing for quite some time. I have always admired Neeraj. He is one of the finest strategic minds in the country. His rich experience across consulting, advertising and driving growth make him one of the rare few who excel at intersecting consumer x culture x brand x business x modern media landscape to deliver business impact and transformation.”
On rejoining Ogilvy, Neeraj Bassi said, “I am really excited to lead the Ogilvy Consulting practice in India. Globally we are getting a good traction in this space and I am looking forward to offering independent, unbiased advice for full funnel management of marquee brands – right from fuelling desire to demand conversion at point of sale. Ogilvy Consulting would address the issue of distributed brand narrative that is happening because of domain experts working in their silos. Championing the cause of one brand, one narrative, Ogilvy Consulting will help clients integrate the domains at a strategic level. It’s a homecoming for me and coming home is always special.”
With this move, Ogilvy further strengthens its leadership bench while reinforcing its position as a forward-thinking partner to brands navigating today’s ever-evolving consumer landscape.
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