#e4mExclusive:  Sean Donovan’s internal memo: Here’s how Omnicom Advertising is reshaping India leadership

An internal memo issued by Sean Donovan, President, Omnicom Advertising Asia, has outlined the complete structure of the newly formed Omnicom Advertising India. exchange4media has seen the memo, which details the leadership architecture, network design and agency-level responsibilities that will define the India operations following the global Omnicom–IPG consolidation.

Donovan begins his note by calling this an “exciting new journey as we move forward together as the most powerful creative company in the world,” and explains that the global architecture will rest on three networks—McCann, BBDO and TBWA.

For India, he notes, the model has been customised to reflect the country’s scale, economic momentum and the heritage of its local agencies. “Given India’s significance as one of the world’s largest growing economies and strengths of our amazing local agencies, we have adapted this global model to bring the best of what our new group offers,” he writes, adding that the structure offers “the right balance between continuity and change” to accelerate growth for clients and talent.

The memo confirms the elevation of Prasoon Joshi to Chairman, Omnicom Advertising India, one of the most influential creative leadership appointments in the new organisation. Alongside him, Aditya Kanthy has been named President & Managing Director, Omnicom Advertising India, reporting directly to Donovan. The duo will define the India charter of Omnicom Advertising, supported by S. Subramanyeswar (Subbu), who moves into the dual role of Chief Strategy Officer, OA India and Chief Knowledge Officer, OA Asia. Their mandate, Donovan notes, will centre on leveraging Omnicom’s shared and scaled investments in creativity, knowledge, tools, specialist capabilities and AI-driven platforms to elevate agency performance.

In India, the group will operate through three global networks —TBWA\Lintas, BBDO Group and McCann— reinforced by the legacy equities of Lintas, Ulka and Mudra. Donovan describes this structure as being powered by Omnicom Advertising’s creative and experience innovation engine, represented locally through Kinnect and 22feet Tribal, which are positioned to drive integrated creativity and digital-first solutions.

Leadership appointments across the agencies have also been detailed. Dheeraj Sinha and Rahul Mathew will lead McCann, while Josy Paul continues at the helm of BBDO India with an updated leadership team to be announced shortly.

Govind Pandey and Prateek Bhardwaj will head the merged TBWA\Lintas operation. Chandni Shah will take over as CEO of the combined Kinnect and 22feet Tribal unit, and Rohan Mehta will oversee digital integration and capability development across the group.

Donovan states that all agency brand CEOs and the central Omnicom Advertising India structure will report to Kanthy, with Joshi guiding creative direction and cultural alignment in his role as Chairman.

The memo notes that the new operating structure, effective January 1, 2026 is being executed in close collaboration with local leadership to ensure stability for clients and teams. Donovan acknowledges the resilience and patience shown across the network during the transition and reiterates that talent remains the organisation’s most valuable asset.

“All leaders in India and I are here to support you in every way, and are fully committed to make this transition as seamless as possible,” he writes, adding that the new phase will open long-term career pathways across markets.

Sean Donovan’s communication marks a defining moment for the Indian advertising landscape as Omnicom Advertising prepares to integrate creativity, strategy, technology and legacy brands into a unified structure. exchange4media will continue to track the developments as further details unfold.