‘India stands as a shining beacon of excellence within our APAC operations’

livemint.com:

Mint, EssenceMediacom’s APAC CEO Rupert McPetrie, and South Asia CEO Navin Khemka, shared insights into the merger journey, the imperatives guiding their approach, and the roadmap for future growth. Edited excerpts: Rupert McPetrie: Bringing together these two businesses was an extraordinary moment for us—merging two robust agencies, each with a stellar client list and a wealth of talent. Our aim wasn't merely to combine them; it was to forge something entirely new.

Hence, we crafted a fresh proposition centred on breakthroughs for brands. Reflecting on the merger, there are several vital learnings and insights. Firstly, prioritising the well-being of our people was paramount.

With 2,500 employees in the Asia Pacific, it was essential to keep them informed and cared for throughout the process. Secondly, communication played a pivotal role. Following the merger announcement in 2022, the market buzzed with excitement and interest.

Our key insight here was the necessity of consistent communication—keeping stakeholders abreast of our progress and timelines ensured clarity and alignment. Thirdly, balancing speed with thoroughness was critical. While it was imperative to execute swiftly in response to the rapidly evolving market, we also dedicated the necessary time to ensure a robust integration process.

Lastly, maintaining unwavering focus amid the daily operational demands was crucial. We navigated the delicate balance of tending to existing clients while driving forward the creation of our new agency. Navin Khemka: Prior to the merger, our track record in India showcased steady growth, adding between $80-100 million in new business annually.