Mumbai: Brand media and communications research company Millward Brown has appointed Surekha Poddar as MD for its Mumbai operation. Poddar replaces Muder Chiba who has decided to leave the company to pursue other interests.

Poddar will report to recently appointed South Asiamanaging director Prasun Basu. In her core responsibility, she will lead the largest of Millward Brown’s operations in South Asia.

The company also has offices in Gurgaon, Bangalore, and newly-opened Dhaka.

Poddar has over 20 years of experience in marketing, research and strategic management from both, the agency and the client side.

Prior to this, Poddar worked as executive director of consumer research at Nielsen India. She has also worked with Bharti Airtel as VP market research and consumer insight. Apart from this, Poddar has worked in the capacity of VP in the CSMM division at IMRB and GM for Asian Information Marketing & Social Research (AIMS).

In 2005, she worked with Millward Brown as regional director for the company’s Asia Pacific region based in Singapore.

Talking about the appointment Surekha Poddar said, “I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead such a talented group of researchers and to represent a world leader in consumer insights in the Mumbai marketplace. The company works with some of the most respected brands in the region helping them to maximise their marketing investments so its a perfect fit given my passion for marketing, brand-building and consumer insight”.

Millward Brown MD of South Asia Prasun Basu said, “I am delighted to welcome Surekha to the Millward Brown family again. Her extensive experience will provide our clients and employees with a partner and trusted advisor who truly understand the important role research plays in building strong brands and making a meaningful impact in driving businesses forward."