After being associated with McCann Worldgroup for a period of more than eight-and-a-half years, Rajit Gupta has now joined Cheil X Mumbai, an independent full-service agency under Cheil SWA group, as VP and Creative Head.
Unlike Cheil India which majorly manages the Samsung business, Cheil X handles the business-connected agency’s non-Samsung businesses including TVS X, Vishal Mega Mart, etc. In fact, Cheil X Mumbai has been launched with the sole intention to manage the fast-growing new client mandates in India.
That being said, in his new role at Cheil X Mumbai, Gupta will report to Vikash Chemjong, CCO, Cheil India and will be spearheading the agency’s Mumbai operations with a focus on increasing the agency’s expansion opportunities in the region.
During his stint at McCann Worldgroup which began in September 2015 with him joining the creative agency in the capacity of Senior Creative Director, Gupta was elevated to the role of Executive Creative Director at the agency in September 2020 and went on to helm the creative execution of G20 summit in India, last year.
Before joining the Prasoon Joshi-led creative agency, he was associated with Contract India from December 2013 to August 2015 as Creative Director.
In his earlier stint with McCann Worldgroup which lasted for close to two years, starting March 2012, Gupta was the agency’s Associate Creative Director.
Prior to that, he was the Creative Group Head (Art) at Mudra Communications from July 2010 to March 2012 and Senior Art Director at Publicis India from July 2009 to July 2010.
He started his career as an Art Director at JWT in January 2006.
Commenting on his new role, Gupta, VP and Creative Head, Cheil X, said, “Why Cheil?” That’s what everyone asked me when they heard the news, even Poppins, my dog. He wasn’t thrilled about his walk being moved from 10:00am to 7:00am. I tried to tell him that discipline is good for us, but he sensed there was more to it. He knew that the only reason I’d walk out of a nine-year-old stint is because I was ready for my second innings. I embraced the idea of transformation. A change in perspective, format, culture and city. I feel a renewed energy to accept this challenge because, as creatives, that’s what we do! We evolve and create something better.”
“Joining Cheil X in Mumbai is like joining a start-up with the backing of a powerful company. It offers the flexibility of a start-up with the stability and resources of an established firm. It’s an opportunity to create impactful work with a confidence that comes from solid backing,” he added.
To this, Vikash Chemjong, Chief Creative Officer, Cheil India, said, “There is a lot that Rajit brings to the table. His understanding of brands. His sense of design. His typography. His experience at some of the best agencies in the country. His tally of metals. Not to mention his eloquence and effortless good looks! But these aren’t the only reason we at the agency were impressed about him. He has this vibe. An edge. A mojo so to say. Or simply put, an X factor! Which probably is what makes him such an excellent fit for Cheil X! We are lucky to have him. And I’m sure our clients will feel the same very soon.”
