Millward Brown names Surekha Poddar as MD, Mumbai

Millward Brown, a global leader in brand, media and communications research, has announced the appointment of Surekha Poddar as Managing Director for its Mumbai operation.

In her new role, Surekha reports into recently appointed Managing Director of South Asia, Prasun Basu. Her remit will see her leading the largest of Millward Brown’s operations in South Asia. The company also has offices in Gurgaon, Bangalore, and newly-opened, Dhaka. She replaces Muder Chiba who has decided to leave the company to pursue other interests.

Surekha has over 20 years’ experience in marketing, research and strategic management spanning both agency and client-side. Some of her previous roles include, Executive Director of Consumer Research at Nielsen India, VP of Market Research and Consumer Insight at Bharti Airtel, VP in the CSMM division of IMRB, General Manager for Asian Information Marketing & Social Research (AIMS). She is not new to Millward Brown, having worked as Regional Director for the company’s Asia Pacific region based in Singapore.

She has been widely covered in media, one of the recent topics being on her views on ‘Women of Tomorrow’.

Commenting on her appointment, Surekha Poddar said: “I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead such a talented group of researchers and to represent a world leader in consumer insights in the Mumbai marketplace. The company works with some of the most respected brands in the region helping them to maximise their marketing investments so it’s a perfect fit given my passion for marketing, brand-building and consumer insight”.

Prasun Basu, MD of South Asia, said: “I am delighted to welcome Surekha to the Millward Brown family again. Her extensive experience will provide our clients and employees with a partner and trusted advisor who truly understands the important role research plays in building strong brands and making a meaningful impact in driving businesses forward”.

Basu adds: “I would like to say a big thank you to Muder for his leadership of the Mumbai operation and as a member of the India Management team. He was instrumental in leading the Mumbai unit with the fastest growth within India. I wish him the very best in future.”

Surekha re-joins Millward Brown following 18 months as a certified executive coach and consultant to senior corporate executives across a number of sectors.