Jude Fernandes to exit Mudra

Jude Fernandes, chief executive officer, Mudra India and executive director, Mudra Group has put in his papers at the agency. Fernandes spent close to 19 years at the agency and will be on-board until the end of September.

Commenting on the reason behind this move, Fernandes said, "I've spent close to 19 glorious years at Mudra in which I've achieved everything I have wanted. I am currently chief executive officer of Mudra India and executive director, Mudra Group. I have five agencies, Mudra South, West, East, Water and Maatra under me. The last few years have been exceptional for all Mudra India units and I would like to leave at the top of my game. Also, the second line at Mudra seems to be strong enough to cover my loss."

On his next destination, Fernandes, said, "I'm with the agency for two more months and have not made up my mind yet. I've kept three options open and could pick the client side, agency side or move to a consultancy. I'm currently only focussing on wanting to end the half year (September) on the same high I've achieved over the last 19 years at Mudra."

On Fernandes' departure Madhukar Kamath, group chief executive officer and managing director, Mudra Group, said, "Jude and I go back several years. I remember hiring him 19 years ago and then slowly giving him responsibility for Delhi and Kolkata along with our Mumbai office. He told me a few months back that he wanted to leave and pursue other ambitions like that of a NGO among others."
 
Kamath also stated that Fernandes will not be replaced directly and the team that reported to Fernandes will report directly to Kamath.