We want to grow in a consistent fashion, with the right values & culture: Kartik Sharma

Consistent growth with the right values and culture is something that Kartik Sharma believes in. Moments after being named e4m Influencer of the Year 2025, he engaged in a brief, candid exchange with Chairman and Editor-in-chief of BW Businessworld and Founder of exchange4Media Dr. Annurag Batra. 

The conversation spanned leadership, Omnicom Media Services’ priorities for 2026, personal goals, and the people who’ve shaped his journey. 

Excerpts from the conversation:

You’ve been appointed Group CEO of Omnicom Media Services and your organisation has been in the news. What should we expect from the combined entity in 2026?

Growth - growth for our clients. If our clients grow, we are going to grow. And growth for our people because their training needs, newer things, it’s all going to be growth.

But more importantly for us internally is the culture. There are good growths and bad growths. We want to grow in a very consistent fashion and with the right values and culture. If you get these two things right, the growth will happen.

2025 was a strong year for Omnicom Media Services, with several marquee account wins. What should the market expect next in terms of new ideas or tools?

Our marketing platform is called Omni. I won’t go into the details. But you will see a new Omni, which is four times more powerful, coming in very soon. Just wait for a month, you will get more from us.

Beyond organisational growth, what personal goals are you setting for yourself in 2026?

The first and most important for me is health - personal health. To be fit enough and independent enough. 

The second goal is to learn from each and every person I interact with. I don’t make a difference between junior and senior. I think that’s very old school.

Learning, being curious, experimenting more, and just going and doing new things—that’s important.

And maybe one thing which I’ve not been very good at, pick up one hobby in 2026, something which is not related to work.

Which leaders or individuals from the industry do you look up to?

One of my dear friends, mentor, boss, ex-boss is sitting here - Ajit Varghese.

The other person is PK, a dear friend. When we’re on the other side as agencies, we fight hard, but we remain friends.

Temperament, balance, knowledge orientation, these are things I deeply respect.

While accepting the award earlier in the evening, Sharma reflected on the recognition itself. “I didn’t know that whatever I’ve done has impacted so many people. It’s a revelation for me. I just continue to do what I do,” he said.

Thanking colleagues, clients and partners, he added, “There is no client, there is no business. It’s very simple.”