Tarun Rai — CEO

An update : Tarun has been appointed Co-Chairman, Start Design Group UK. After four decades across Marketing, Media and Communications Tarun recently retired as Executive Director Asia-Pacific, Wunderman Thompson. Over the last two decades he has been a CEO and Chairman of diverse companies in Media and Advertising. A brand and business builder with experience of over 30 years across industries – from FMCG to Luxury – with a specialization in Media and Communications. For the last 15 years he has been a CEO and has sat on various Boards. Developing strong, result-focused teams, working comfortably in multi-cultural environments and delivering ambitious business results are his core strengths. Over the three decades he has worked in MNC/MNC Joint Ventures and has an excellent record of transforming businesses and taking them to leadership positions quickly. As the CEO of Worldwide Media, a joint venture of The Times of India and BBC Worldwide, he championed Convergence - transforming a print business and making it a ‘multi-media’, lifestyle business, converging print and digital. And in the process, creating multiple revenue streams. Worldwide Media became the largest Lifestyle publishing group in the country. He joined Wunderman Thompson in 2015 as the Chairman and Group CEO, South Asia, with the responsibility of three countries and six companies, spanning communications, digital, activation, shopper marketing, rural and live events. He was given charge of the larger APAC geography as Executive Director, in January, 2022. His over three decades of experience in Marketing Communications has given him expertise in building brands and developing the right marketing and communication strategy. His Media and Publishing experience has given him deep exposure and understanding of Fashion, Luxury and Lifestyle spaces. As a result of working across media and advertising for some of the top companies in the country – both MNCs and Indian business houses – he is very well networked. He writes frequently and is extensively covered in industry and business media. In 2018, he was facilitated as ‘India’s Most Trusted CEO’ by WCRC. He was also the only finalist from India at the HR Excellence Awards, Singapore and was recognised as the ‘Most people-focussed CEO’. He is a past President of the Association of Indian Magazines and has been on various Executive Committees of Advertising bodies.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a seasoned leader in Media and Advertising with a strong focus on Brand Management and Marketing strategies.

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Experience: 38 yrs 10 mos