Earlier this year, GroupM announced the global merger of Essence and Mediacom. Now GroupM India has announced the appointment of Naveen Khemka as CEO of Essence-Mediacom and Sonali Malviya as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer.

Naveen and Sonali will drive Essence-Mediacom's multichannel, audience planning and strategic media expertise. He will be instrumental in driving the integration of Essence's digital and data-driven DNA, helping drive the company's client growth globally.

GroupM South Asia CEO Prashant Kumar said, “Both Naveen and Sonali are inspirational leaders. During their stints at Mediacom and Essence, they have taken the agency's businesses to new heights. We are all very excited about the coming together of both agencies. We are confident that we will continue to strengthen our client relationships and focus on our people and capabilities. I wish both Naveen and Sonali I congratulate them on their new roles. I am confident that this will provide a great working experience to our customers." 

Essence-Mediacom APAC CEO said – this appointment will provide strong leadership to the company, Rupert McPetrie

, CEO of Essence-Mediacom APAC“The appointment of Naveen as CEO and Sonali as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer for Essence-Mediacom South Asia will provide us with very strong leadership and direction. agency. Both have excellent track records, both strongly believe in putting people first. Together they will take our clients' businesses to new heights."

Naveen Khemka, CEO, EssenceMediacom South Asia, said, “I am excited to lead the agency following the merger of Essence and Mediacom. Our best-in-class data and digital-based With the solutions in place, I am confident that we will be able to future-proof talent and offer innovative services. Thank you to all our customers for their continued trust and partnership. Our customers are now looking forward to innovation from Essence-Mediacom. that are necessary to succeed in the new age."

Naveen has over 25 years of experience in the world of networking, having worked with leading brands. In his previous role at GroupM, Naveen was part of the Mindshare team. He also played an active role in the merger of Maxus and MEC to form Wavemaker. He ensured a seamless transition of cultures and clients. In the last four years, under his leadership, Mediacom has scaled new heights.

“Clients today expect media to be at the forefront of change,” said Sonali Malviya, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Essence-Mediacom South Asia. It's also the goal to rapidly drive scalable business transformation in a new age of possibilities. Platforms evolve, creators emerge, and communities form every day. It's all transformed and driven by consumers, content, and technology. I look forward to partnering with our highly talented teams to drive and grow those changes. This will ensure better service to consumers and clients. This is the best time to be working in media."

Sonali has over 20 years of management and media experience across industries and markets. She has held various senior roles at Mindshare, PHD and Mediacom. She came back to the GroupM family in the year 2018. She previously served as the Senior Vice President (Customer Services) of Google's Agency Business in India and South East Asia. Sonali was promoted as the MD of Essence India in 2021.

Naveen and Sonali will both operate from Gurgaon based office. Naveen will report to Prashant Kumar, CEO, GroupM South Asia and Rupert McPtree, CEO, Essence-Mediacom APAC, while Sonali will report to Naveen. Both will continue to be part of GroupM South Asia Exco.

Essence and Mediacom are adapting themselves from the consumer point of view in the fast-evolving media landscape. In the year 2022, it was announced that Essence and MediaCom would be merged to form the newly formed Essence-MediaCom. The company has around 400 employees and a huge customer base. The merger is to be finalized by January 2023.