ROMA DAS TAKES HELM AS MANAGING DIRECTOR AT MCCANN, BRINGING TWO DECADES OF MARKETING LEADERSHIP

Roma Das has been appointed Managing Director at McCann, marking a new chapter in her distinguished career. With 20 years of experience across Publicis, JWT, Lowe, and McCann, she has led impactful campaigns in FMCG, healthcare, retail, and banking. Her appointment signals McCann’s continued focus on strategic growth and collaboration.  

Roma Das, a seasoned advertising and marketing professional with two decades of experience, has stepped into her new role as Managing Director at McCann. The announcement marks a significant milestone in her career, one that has been shaped by leadership positions at some of the world’s most renowned agencies, including Publicis, JWT, Lowe, and McCann itself. Her journey reflects both the evolution of India’s advertising industry and the growing importance of integrated, digital-first strategies in shaping brand narratives.  

Das’s appointment comes at a time when the advertising landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. With consumer behaviour shifting dramatically in the post-digital era, agencies are expected to deliver not just creative excellence but also measurable business outcomes. As P&L Head and Business Lead, Das has consistently demonstrated her ability to balance creativity with commercial acumen, ensuring campaigns resonate with audiences while driving tangible results for clients. Her collaborative leadership style has been a hallmark of her career, fostering environments where innovation thrives and teams are empowered to deliver their best.  

Over the past 20 years, Das has worked across diverse sectors including FMCG, consumer durables, healthcare, insurance, retail, banking, and hospitality. This breadth of experience has given her a unique perspective on how brands can connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Whether it is managing large-scale B2C campaigns or designing targeted B2B strategies, she has shown an ability to adapt to the nuances of each industry while maintaining a sharp focus on outcomes. Her expertise in client management and strategic planning has made her a trusted partner for brands seeking to navigate competitive markets.  

At McCann, Das is expected to build on the agency’s legacy of delivering iconic campaigns while steering it towards new opportunities in digital and experiential marketing. The industry has seen a surge in demand for integrated solutions that combine creativity with data-driven insights, and her track record positions her well to lead this charge. Her experience in event management and promotions further adds to her ability to craft holistic brand experiences that extend beyond traditional advertising.  

Reflecting on her new role, Das expressed gratitude and excitement, describing it as a new chapter in her professional journey. Her words capture both the personal significance of the appointment and the broader sense of anticipation within the industry. For McCann, her leadership represents continuity and renewal—continuity in its commitment to excellence, and renewal in its embrace of fresh perspectives and evolving strategies.  

Colleagues and peers describe Das as a leader who combines vision with pragmatism. She is known for her ability to inspire teams while maintaining a clear focus on business objectives. In an industry often defined by rapid change and high pressure, her steady leadership has been a source of strength. Her collaborative approach ensures that diverse voices are heard, and her emphasis on measurable impact keeps campaigns aligned with client goals.  

The appointment also underscores the growing prominence of women leaders in India’s advertising sector. Das’s rise to the position of Managing Director reflects both her individual achievements and the broader shifts towards inclusivity and diversity in leadership. As agencies increasingly recognise the value of diverse perspectives in shaping creative work, her leadership is likely to inspire the next generation of professionals.  

Looking ahead, Das’s challenge will be to navigate the complexities of a marketplace where consumer expectations are constantly evolving. The rise of digital platforms, the demand for personalised experiences, and the need for brands to engage authentically with social and cultural issues all present opportunities and challenges. With her extensive background and proven ability to deliver results, she is well positioned to guide McCann through this dynamic landscape.  

Her career trajectory—from managing campaigns in FMCG and healthcare to leading strategic initiatives in banking and retail—illustrates a commitment to learning and growth. Each role has added to her repertoire of skills, enabling her to approach problems with both creativity and analytical rigor. As she takes on the responsibility of leading McCann, these qualities will be invaluable in shaping the agency’s future.  

For Roma Das, the move to Managing Director is not just a professional milestone but also a testament to her enduring passion for advertising and marketing. It is a role that demands vision, resilience, and adaptability—all qualities she has demonstrated throughout her career. As she embarks on this new journey, the industry will be watching closely, eager to see how her leadership shapes McCann’s next chapter.  

In her own words, she is “grateful and excited for the journey.” That sentiment resonates beyond her personal story, capturing the spirit of an industry that thrives on reinvention and forward momentum. With Roma Das at the helm, McCann is poised to continue its tradition of excellence while embracing the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.