The Hindu Business Line : Ranjan Kapur is now WPP Country Manager

WITH the onus of growing the WPP umbrella in India, Mr Ranjan Kapur, former Executive Chairman, O&M India, who has recently been appointed as WPP Country Manager, will have the job of identifying new business opportunities and revenue streams for the WPP group.

Ensuring better coordination between the respective units of the WPP Network, Mr Kapur, with his 38 years of advertising experience, is expected to act as a conduit between the Indian agencies and their interaction with WPP's worldwide headquarters.

Regarding the recent conflict between the Indian promoters of Rediffussion DY&R and WPP Worldwide for controlling stake in the agency, Mr Kapur said, "If I am asked to help out I would definitely do it. But basically my job would be to ensure better efficiencies at the back-end offices of the WPP group in India."

Succeeding the late Mr Shunu Sen, Mr Kapur's role would be that of a ambassador for the WPP Group in India, someone who would act as counsellor as and when required.

The WPP agencies in India include JWT India, O&M India, MindShare, MediaEdge: CIA, Contract Advertising, Rediffusion | DYR, Everest Integrated Communications, Bates India, Equus Red Cell, IMRB, Quadra Advisory, Portland Outdoor, Sudler & Hennessey, 141 and Wunderman, among others.

Operating from an office within the premises of his erstwhile agency, O&M, Mr Kapur feels his latest appointment gives him the right balance between enjoying his retired life as well as to remain connected with the world of advertising.

Currently, holding the post of a non-executive member within the group, Mr Kapur sees his role evolving with time.

Says he, "Over time my role will keep evolving and we have to see just how it goes. Presently it is looking into areas such as back-end offices and helping out new agencies such as Equus and Bates."

In future, Mr Kapur's role might get enhanced, depending on the kind of demands the WPP worldwide network may make.