The Hindu Business Line : Colvyn Harris to be next CEO of JWT

ADVERTISING agency J. Walter Thompson (JWT) is witnessing some senior level changes. Mr Mike Khanna, Chief Executive Officer, JWT India and Area Director, Central Asia, will be retiring and is being appointed as Chairman Emeritus with effect from January 2005. Mr Colvyn Harris, currently President of Contract Advertising India, is being promoted to the top job at JWT.

Mr Khanna has been at the helm of the advertising agency for the last 20 years, while Mr Harris has been with the group for 24 years in several leadership positions both internationally and in India, with JWT and with Contract Advertising. Meanwhile, Mr Jagdip Bakshi, currently the Senior Vice-President and General Manager of JWT Delhi, is promoted as CEO of Contract Advertising.

In a statement Mr Khanna said, "Over the years I have watched Colvyn and Jagdip develop into leaders and watched them building strong brands and robust businesses, and I have every confidence in their ability to take these agencies to new heights in the future."

Among other top-level changes, Mr Kamal Oberoi, currently President of JWT India, will become the Chairman of the Group's new venture to be announced later this year. Mr Rohit Ohri, currently Senior Vice-President and Area Director Pepsi, will replace Mr Bakshi as General Manager of JWT Delhi.

Highlighting the importance of the Indian operations, officials will now report to Mr Patrick Pitcher, Area Director, JWT Asia Pacific South, which will comprise 14 countries, including India, Central Asia, South East Asia and Australia.

Both Mr Harris and Mr Bakshi will be appointed to the new Asia Pacific Executive Board, consisting of top executives from around the region, reporting to Mr Pitcher.