Shrikhande to join Taproot as CEO

Taproot India has named a CEO, a newly introduced position. Dentsu India Group announced the appointment of former Contract India CEO Umesh Shrikhande as chief executive officer of Taproot India on 2 July.

Rohit Ohri, executive chairman, Dentsu India Group, said, “I’m delighted that Umesh has chosen to join us. Aggi, Paddy and I look forward to his partnership in this exciting new phase of growth at Taproot. Umesh is an industry professional I’ve always had the highest regard for and now, I’m happy to have this opportunity to work with him.”

Agnello Dias, co-founder and chief creative officer, Taproot India, said, “I am glad to have Umesh's vast experience on our side, which will be a guiding light for us as we scramble around doing what we think is the right thing. He is sharp, insightful and most important possesses great clarity on the way mass communication in the contemporary world works. Everything we need.””

On his mandate, Shrikhande said, “Aggi and Paddy are not just immensely talented, they also happen to be wonderful people who have managed to build an attractive reputation for Taproot despite a hugely competitive environment. I consider it a delightful privilege to get this opportunity to work with them and with their wonderful and energetic team.”

“With the kind of experience Umesh has and the number of youngsters Taproot has, it will be a wonderful blend,””added Santosh Padhi, co-founder and chief creative officer, Taproot India.

Shrikhande, who started his career with Lintas, has worked with Euro RSCG and Lemon in past assignments. In his second stint at Contract, he took over as CEO in 2008.