Dentsu India has announced the appointment of John Thangaraj as its new Chief Strategy Officer – Creative and Media. The announcement was made by Thangaraj via LinkedIn, where he shared, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Chief Strategy Officer – Creative and Media at Dentsu India!”
Thangaraj joins Dentsu India from Havas India, where he most recently served as Chief Strategy Officer of Havas Creative Network India. Before his stint at Havas, he was associated with FCB Group India for eight years. He joined FCB in July 2016 as Executive Planning Director at FCB Ulka and was progressively elevated within the organisation. In March 2018, he was promoted to National Planning Director at FCB Ulka. He became Chief Strategy Officer of FCB India in January 2021 and was appointed Group Chief Strategy Officer in April 2023.
Prior to FCB, Thangaraj was Head of Strategy – North at Mindshare between September 2013 and June 2016. He also served as VP – Strategic Planning at MullenLowe Lintas Group from 2010 to 2013, and Head – Strategic Planning at Rediffusion Y&R between 2008 and 2010, where he led brand strategy for clients including Bacardi, Danone, and Tata Steel.
His earlier experience includes a role at Adidas in 2007 as Manager – Trend and Lifestyle Marketing, where he was instrumental in launching and promoting the Adidas Originals brand in India. He began his career in public relations and consumer research, with previous associations including Quantum Consumer Solutions, Logan Meo Walters, and 20:20 Media.
With over 20 years of multi-functional experience across advertising, media, brand marketing, and consumer insights, Thangaraj is set to play a critical role in driving integrated strategic thinking across Dentsu India’s creative and media verticals.
