You will see a new Omni very soon: Kartik Sharma, e4m Influencer of the Year 2025

Kartik Sharma, CEO of Omnicom Media India, was on Wednesday named e4m Influencer of the Year 2025, and what followed wasn’t a long interview, but a brief and candid on-stage exchange between him and Chairman and Editor-in-chief of BW Businessworld and Founder of exchange4Media, Dr. Annurag Batra. The chat offered a rare insight into his leadership mindset, Omnicom Media's priorities, and his personal goals for the year ahead.

Accepting the award without a prepared speech, Sharma struck a deeply personal and humble note. “I really don’t have a speech as you can see… I didn’t know that whatever I’ve done has impacted so many people. So, it’s a revelation for me,” he said, adding that he simply continues to focus on his work.

He credited the honour to the people who’ve shaped his journey- colleagues, clients and partners. He thanked his family for their constant support. Acknowledging teams, past and present, at Omnicom Media Services, he added, “You are the backbone of me wanting to come to office every single morning. New challenges -that’s what makes me”.

In a quick-fire chat following the acceptance, Dr. Batra asked Sharma what the industry should expect from Omnicom Media Services in 2026, especially after a strong year marked by multiple account wins.

Sharma’s answer was direct. “Growth - growth for our clients. If our clients grow, we are going to grow,” he said, adding that people growth would remain equally critical.

However, he cautioned against chasing scale at the cost of values. “There are good growths and bad growths. We want to grow in a very consistent fashion and with the right values and culture,” Sharma noted. “If you get these two things right, the growth will happen.”

Asked what new tools or thinking the market should watch for, Sharma hinted at a significant platform upgrade. “Our marketing platform is called Omni… you will see a new Omni, which is four times more powerful, coming in very soon. Just wait for a month,” he said.

Beyond organisational priorities, Sharma shared a few personal goals for the year ahead. “The first and most important for me is health - personal health… to be fit enough and independent enough,” he said.

He also spoke about staying curious and learning across hierarchies. “I don’t make a difference between junior and senior. I think that’s very old school,” Sharma remarked, stressing the importance of learning from every interaction.

With a smile, he added one personal resolution still pending. “Pick up one hobby in 2026… something which is not related to work”.

Wrapping up the exchange, Sharma named the industry leaders who’ve shaped his thinking. “One of my dear friends, mentor, boss, ex-boss is sitting here - Ajit Varghese,” he said, also acknowledging PK as a long-time professional peer and friend.