GroupM names Ajit Varghese as CEO, Maxus, Asia Pacific

GroupM has promoted Ajit Varghese, MD Maxus South Asia to the role of CEO Maxus Asia Pacific. In his new role, which comes into effect on January 1, 2014, Varghese will oversee Maxus operations in all Asia Pacific countries

Varghese takes over the role from Neil Stewart, who is being promoted to the new position of chief client officer, Maxus Global. Varghese will work closely with Stewart during a six-month transition period. In his new role, Varghese will relocate to Singapore and will report into Mark Patterson, CEO, GroupM Asia Pacific and Vikram Sakhuja, CEO, Maxus Global.

Over the last seven years, Varghese has been responsible for scaling up Maxus in India and South Asia. Under his leadership Maxus has achieved several distinctions. Maxus now has the best record in the industry in terms of new business wins and client retentions. It is the only media agency in India to be ranked 'dominant' for three years in a row by RECMA for its outstanding overall performance.

Led by Varghese, Maxus has also dominated the industry award scene in India and South Asia, winning at Cannes, FOMA, Emvies, Goafest and recently retaining the Mobile Marketing Agency for the second year running at MMA.

CVL Srinivas, CEO GroupM South Asia, said: "Ajit has been an outstanding leader for Maxus and a great ambassador for GroupM. He combines intellect with a passion for delivering the best value for his clients. He has helped create a very unique culture at Maxus and truly embodies the Maxus spirit. All of us at GroupM are very proud of his achievements and wish him the very best in his new role".

Vikram Sakhuja, CEO Maxus Global, said:  "Ajit has displayed exceptional leadership to make Maxus one of India's best and biggest agencies. With this promotion, I am very excited that Ajit will now lead Maxus APAC. I have no doubt that with his brand of entrepreneurial leadership, Maxus APAC will scale new heights. "

Ajit Varghese said: "The last seven years at Maxus has been an exciting journey; we have built a strong portfolio of clients, secured their trust, delivered them a world-class product and picked up many accolades along the way. We have worked hard to develop our value proposition, building a Maxus spirit and culture that will help sustain and propel our business in the coming years. I’m now looking forward to learning and contributing more to Maxus and GroupM across the region and am sure the journey will be as exciting and fruitful in the coming years. India obviously continues to be part of my scope and will remain close to my heart."