CEO Umesh Shrikhande to leave Contract

Umesh Shrikhande, chief executive officer, Contract Advertising, will end his stint of 17 years at the agency by the end of January 2013.

Confirming his exit to Campaign India, Shrikhande said, "My tenure at Contract has been joyous and educative, essentially because of the agency's DNA which has always been about sound thinking, good ideas and a value-based approach to doing business. Having spent almost 17 years of my working life here, Contract has been like a second family for me. The talented people and clients of Contract have been a delight to work with. And I have a deep sense of thankfulness to each one of them for having contributed to my evolution. As I move ahead to seek new experiences, my best wishes for the continued progress and happiness of team Contract."

Shrikhande said he would continue to be associated with advertising, but did not divulge further details, indicating that plans are yet to be firmed up.