Pinaki Bhattacharya has stepped down from VML after nearly 16 years with the organisation, where he has most recently served as Chief Strategy Officer.
He has shared the update via a post on LinkedIn, confirming his exit from the agency in early February and reflecting on his tenure with the organisation.
Prior to stepping down, Bhattacharya has held multiple leadership roles at VML (formerly JWT). He has served as Chief Strategy Officer from April 2021 to early 2026. Before that, he has worked as Senior Vice President and National Planning Director from April 2010 to April 2021. He has also had an earlier stint at JWT as AVP and Strategy Planning Director from 2005 to 2006.
Before joining JWT for his second stint, he worked at Saatchi & Saatchi as Senior Vice President – Planning from January 2009 to March 2010. Prior to that, he has served as Head of Strategic Planning at Draft FCB Ulka’s Delhi office from June 2006 to January 2009, where he has led the planning function and worked across categories including consumer durables, automobiles, FMCG, and apparel.
Earlier in his career, he has worked at Draft FCB Ulka as Planning Services Director from September 2000 to October 2004, where he has handled brands such as Hero Honda, Tropicana, Compaq, HCL, Mother Dairy, and Benetton, alongside contributing to new business pitches. He has begun his career in account management at TBWA/Anthem, where he has worked from January 1997 to August 1999, handling brands including Electrolux, Sony, and Oriflame.
