Veteran Media Leader Ajay Gupte Set to Join Dentsu in Senior Leadership Role

Senior media and advertising professional Ajay Gupte is likely to join Dentsu in a senior leadership capacity later this year, according to industry sources familiar with the move. The development follows his recent departure from WPP Media, where he served as President – Client Solutions, South Asia, until the end of January.

Post-WPP Media Transition

Gupte stepped down from his role at WPP Media after leading client solutions across the South Asia region since July 2025. His exit has triggered speculation across agency circles that he will soon bring his extensive experience to Dentsu, a global advertising and marketing services network.

While Dentsu has not formally announced the appointment, multiple industry insiders indicate that Gupte’s joining could be aligned with the network’s broader Media++ strategy aimed at strengthening its integrated offerings across creative, media, data and experience.

Rich Industry Experience

Gupte is widely regarded as one of the most seasoned leaders in the Indian media industry. Before his latest role at WPP Media, he spent more than seven years at Wavemaker, where he served as CEO – South Asia, following earlier leadership roles including COO and Managing Director across India and Indonesia.

Earlier in his career, Gupte held senior positions with notable agencies including MEC as Managing Director and Country Head for Indonesia, and worked with mediaReach OMD in West Africa, Maxus Global, Madison Media, and Mudra Communications.

Career Beginnings and Broader Expertise

Gupte began his professional journey in media planning before transitioning into brand-side roles. Early assignments included managing media investments, brand communications, and sports marketing for TVS Motor Company, as well as a project leadership role at OnMobile Global focused on advertising products.

What’s Next?

As the advertising industry navigates a period of rapid change — with pressures around account churn, margin dynamics and the operationalisation of AI — Gupte’s anticipated move to Dentsu is seen as a strategic reinforcement of leadership capability