Dheeraj Sinha is appointed CEO of McCann Worldgroup India, driving strategy and growth post-Omnicom-IPG merger. With expertise in transforming agencies, he’s poised to boost McCann’s brand portfolio, client relationships, and market share. Sinha’s leadership is expected to accelerate McCann’s innovation and creative excellence in India.
Dheeraj Sinha is set to take charge as CEO of McCann Worldgroup India, a move that signals one of the most significant leadership realignments following the Omnicom–Interpublic (IPG) merger. Currently serving as CEO of FCB Group India—a role he assumed in November 2023 after Rohit Ohri’s exit—Sinha is poised to steer McCann’s strategy for the combined holding company in India, according to sources confirmed to Storyboard18.
The announcement arrives on the same day Omnicom unveiled its global structure and leadership blueprint for the merged entity, underscoring the timing and scale of the shift. Sinha’s track record of transforming agencies and accelerating growth precedes him. Before FCB, he was CEO of Leo Burnett South Asia and Chairman of BBH India at Publicis Groupe, where he orchestrated business transformation across Leo Burnett, Leo Burnett Orchard, BBH, Publicis Business, and Publicis Health.
Under his leadership, FCB India has already delivered notable wins—securing the KFC mandate and capturing 10 Cannes Lions in 2025—highlighting his ability to drive creative excellence and commercial results. His deep expertise in navigating complex holding‑company ecosystems and building omnichannel capabilities positions him to amplify McCann’s brand portfolio, deepen client relationships, and expand market share in a fiercely competitive Indian advertising landscape.
The reshuffle also includes broader leadership appointments: Prasoon Joshi as Chairperson, APAC, McCann Worldgroup, and Aditya Kanthy as President, Omnicom Advertising Group, India, signaling a concerted effort to integrate talent and vision across the newly merged structure.
Industry observers note that Sinha’s transition from FCB to McCann is more than a title change—it’s a strategic alignment of talent with the merged entity’s long‑term growth agenda. With a focus on innovation, data‑driven storytelling, and sustainable brand building, Sinha is expected to accelerate McCann’s relevance in a market where agility and creativity are paramount.
As the Indian advertising sector continues to evolve rapidly, Sinha’s appointment underscores a confidence in seasoned leadership to chart a path through disruption, deliver measurable impact for clients, and cement McCann Worldgroup’s position as a powerhouse of integrated marketing communications in the region.
What impact do you think Sinha’s leadership will have on McCann’s creative direction and client partnerships moving forward?
