MUMBAI: Wavemaker announced the appointment of Ajay Gupte as chief executive officer for Wavemaker, South Asia. Gupte who is currently COO of Wavemaker India, takes over from Kartik Sharma who steps down to pursue other opportunities in the industry. He will continue to be based out of Wavemaker Gurugram and will report into Prasanth Kumar, CEO - GroupM South Asia and Gordon Domlija, President Wavemaker Asia-Pacific and China CEO.

GroupM South Asia CEO Prasanth Kumar said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kartik for his contribution over the years and wish him all the very best.”

He added, “At GroupM we always believe in building on the hard work and passion of our people and it gives me great pleasure to see Ajay take over as the new CEO of Wavemaker South Asia. He comes with vast experience working in multiple markets and categories. He is a well-rounded professional, and I see him bring in distinctive and increasing value for our clients and the overall ecosystem. I am confident that he will continue to grow Wavemaker as an agency of the future.”   

Wavemaker President Asia-Pacific and China CEO Gordon Domlija added, “India is a hugely important market for Wavemaker, and we’ve got a very successful team here. I’ve gotten to know Ajay as a strong client and team leader, and I’m convinced he is the right choice to help Wavemaker to future sucesss and, ultimately, to keep looking for better ways to unlock growth for our clients, our agency and our people.”

Gupte said, “I am humbled and very excited to take over the role of the CEO of Wavemaker South Asia. It is an exciting time for the Indian market as the Indian advertising industry is also having a global impact, and I see lots of opportunities for growth.”