After six years as JV, Anish Daryani acquires M&C Saatchi Indonesia

After six years as a joint venture, M&C Saatchi Indonesia sets sail on a new voyage as Anish Daryani acquires the agency's 55% ownership from M&C Saatchi Group. This move ushers in a new era for the creative powerhouse, paving the way for a rebranded entity and a refreshed identity in January 2024.
While co-founders Elki Hendria and Dami Sidharta remain vital members of the leadership team and shareholders, M&C Saatchi Indonesia will shed its former name and embrace a new chapter. Yet, amidst this transformation, one thing remains constant: commitment to clients, talent, partners, and vendors. Business continuity is the name of the game, with operations running smoothly from the familiar home in Menara Sentraya.
Daryani, a veteran of the advertising world with over 15 years of experience, brings a wealth of expertise to the helm. Having steered Phibious Indonesia to success, he now charts a course for his brainchild's independent future. This venture coincides with a period of strategic evolution for M&C Saatchi Group, marked by leadership changes and a focus on streamlining operations. Against this backdrop, Daryani's bold independence signals the agency's unwavering faith in its path forward.
M&C Saatchi Performance, a shining star with 24% revenue contribution in 2022, will continue as a separate entity, its impressive client roster (Asana, Asics, Julo, Noice, Jobstreet) testament to its growth potential. Talented leaders like Roshat Adnani (APAC Managing Director, P&L) and Kabeer Chaudhary (Global CEO, Performance) add further fuel to the engine.

With a roster of clients like Asian Paints, Adaro Energy, Ismaya Group, PermataBank, ByteDance, Sampoerna-Phillip Morris, and Unilever, Daryani's independent venture promises exciting future collaborations. As they chart their own course, the team at M&C Saatchi Indonesia looks forward to weaving new narratives, igniting imaginations, and solidifying their position as creative catalysts in the ever-evolving world of advertising.
Anish Daryani said: "M&C Saatchi is one of the strongest brands in the business, and it has been my life’s honour to serve the group over the last six years. We started M&C Saatchi Indonesia with just the three of us (with Dami and Elki), and have grown to a team of hundred. We’ve earned many Agency of the Year titles over the years, among other awards including our first Cannes Lion, attracted the best talent, and built a formidable business. Here, I have learnt immensely, and forged strong bonds with friends I made the world over from across the network. However, as a creative entrepreneur, some of my ambitions can only be met as an independent entity, which regretfully involves my exit from the group. I’m grateful for all the good times we have shared together, and for Zillah’s keenness to agree to a deal that helps me race towards meeting my ambitions. For M&C Saatchi Group, I will continue to be a reliable friend. As we take our second first step, we wish to continue serving our clients with the same level of passion and integrity, and setting higher benchmarks in the industry."
Zillah Bing-Thorne said: "We have enjoyed our relationship with Anish and wish him & colleagues all the very best for their new venture."