Ex-GroupM top executive is Publicis’ new CFO

Mumbai: WPP-owned GroupM’s former chief operating officer and chief financial officer, Sridhar Ramasubramanian, is Publicis Groupe’s new CFO. Ramasubramanian will replace Pankaj Vasani, who was the executive president and group CFO, South Asia, at the Paris-headquartered ad holding company. Vasani was also a key member of the executive management team.

Confirming the news to Brand Equity, Anupriya Acharya, chief executive at Publicis Groupe, South Asia, said, “I am delighted to welcome Sridhar Ramasubramanian on-board. Sridhar brings with him a very successful track record of strategic thinking and unwavering focus on driving longterm organisational goals and objectives. While we are sad to see Pankaj go, I would like to thank him for his immense contribution to the Groupe and wish him great success in his future endeavours.”

Vasani told BE, “This was not an easy decision on my part and it took a great deal of consideration. It is always exciting and yet, a bit unnerving to move out of your comfort zone. But, as they say — do what you got to do. I’m headed off to explore my next chapter.” In the past, Vasani has held leadership roles at Vodafone, Coca-Cola, and Subros.


After the sudden and high-profile departure of Publicis Communications’ chief executive officer Saurabh Varma in December 2019, there has been a series of top-level exits at Publicis Groupe companies.