Ajit Gurnani named managing partner of ZenithOptimedia

NEW DELHI: Publicis Groupe's media agency ZenithOptimedia has named former MEC India top executive Ajit Gurnani as its managing partner and head of western region.

Gurnani will report to ZenithOptimedia India managing director Hari Krishnan.

“We are delighted to announce this appointment,” Krishnan told ET. “ZenithOptimedia is making rapid progress in Mumbai, especially with its expanding new-age clients. We needed somebody with rich experience and robust background spanning both agency and client side experience. Ajit, with his experience across markets, clients and verticals was best suited for the role.”

Gurnani will be responsible for managing the agency’s new office in Mumbai, handling its digital mandate and digital clients such as Faasos, Ziffy and TImesaverz.

A former head of western region at MEC, a media agency owned by GroupM, Gurnani has over 18 years of experience in media, brand management and marketing. He has also worked with agencies like Mindshare and Rediffusion, and on clients like Unilever, Colgate Palmolive, Aditya Birla Group, Mercedes Benz, Nivea, Zee TV and CarTrade.