Bates CHI & Partners strengthens its B'lore operations!

Close on the heels of joining hands with CHI Partners to form bates CHI & Partners, the ‘new model’ network has roped in, two creative directors - Mukund Sharma and Devesh Desai. Both will be based in Bangalore and will report to Sagar Mahabaleshwarkar. In their new roles, Mukund and Devesh will spearhead the creative teams of Bangalore as Executive creative director and Senior creative director respectively and will focus on creating and strategizing innovative campaigns reflecting the ‘changengage’ philosophy.

Talking about the development K Vasantha, General Manager and Bangalore Head, commented, “Our Bangalore office has been one of the most strongest performing branches for the agency. We are growing at a rapid pace, gaining good traction overall on the business as well as the creative front. Mukund and Devesh, are both young, energetic and raring to go with fresh ideas, and I am excited to welcome them onboard as a part of the process to strengthen the Bangalore team at bates CHI & Partners.”

Mukund Sharma has close to two decades of experience, including stints at JWT and Ogilvy. He joins Bates from Rediffusion Y&R, where he was creative head of the Bangalore office. At Rediffusion, he was associated with the launch of Arrow New York, Signature and Reliance Jewels, among others. He has worked on a diverse mix of categories including beer (Kingfisher, Foster’s), apparel (Levi’s, Van Heusen, Arrow) and IT (IBM). Commenting on his new role, Mukund Sharma says, “With new roles, come new challenges. All I can say at this point is ‘Watch this space for more’.”

Devesh Desai, added, “While it is true that the agency, now, bates CHI & Partners has undergone many changes, the agency delivers some fantastic and breathe-takingly refreshing campaigns, along with a steady rooster of clients. I look forward to some interesting challenges and a ever lasting learning experiences.”  Devesh has had experience of around 20 years in advertising stints at SSCB Lintas, Contract advertising, Everest Brand solutions, etc and is most known for his contribution to Anti-smoking poster that saw nominations at Cannes in 2001.

Commenting on the new hires, Mr. Sanjay Thapar, bates CHI & Partners India, said, “bates CHI & Partners in India continues to grow at a good pace with some new appointments, new partnerships and client wins. Mukund and Devesh's appointment is a key step in strengthening our commitment to deliver big and bold creative ideas that solve a client/brand's business problems. Using big ideas and process to put together bespoke multi-disciplined teams from a variety of disciplines to build a nimbler, faster, more modern alternative to the big networks for our clients.

Bangalore is an important market for us and given their expertise and well-proven track record, I am confident that both Mukund and Devesh will help take our work and relationships to the next level of creativity”