GroupM Indonesia appoints Sri Widowati as CEO

GroupM has named Sri Widowati as chief executive officer for its Indonesia operations. 

Widowati, widely known as ‘Wido’ in the industry, announced the move via her LinkedIn, stating she is “stepping into the role of CEO at GroupM” in what she describes as “a big move” after years on the client side. Her official start date is set for June 16, 2025.

A seasoned marketer with a career spanning over two decades, Widowati most recently served as vice president of marketing at Danone Indonesia. She stepped down in February 2025 after a four-year stint during which she oversaw both the Infant Nutrition and Water divisions. Under her leadership, Danone launched award-winning campaigns such as 'Not All Water is Aqua' and data-driven initiatives for SGM’s infant nutrition range. 

She was named to Campaign Asia-Pacific’s CMO Power List in both 2023 and 2024.

Her appointment comes at a moment of major transition for GroupM, which is undergoing a global restructure under WPP’s new “single operating model.” As reported by Campaign Asia-Pacific, the shake-up has triggered widespread redundancies across the region, with Indonesia among the hardest hit in Asia. Several senior roles across GroupM and its agency brands, Mindshare, EssenceMediacom and GroupM Nexus have been cut, resulting in a leadership vacuum. 

GroupM Indonesia, in a post via LinkedIn, welcomed Widowati, noting her “sharp focus on delivering innovation that drives meaningful impact” and her “deep commercial insight” and “passion for marketing innovation,” developed through various brand leadership roles. 

“Wido is known not only for her strategic acumen, but also as a people-first leader—respected, trusted, and committed to building strong teams and lasting partnerships,” the company stated.

Widowati’s return to the industry comes after a brief sabbatical, during which she trained to become a Pilates instructor and travelled across Australia and New Zealand. She has also served as an Independent Board of Commissioner at CIMB Niaga since 2019.

Widowati describes Indonesia as “one of the most dynamic media markets in the world.”

“Change isn’t easy. It’s uncomfortable, often messy. But it’s also where progress happens, when we stop reacting and start shaping what’s next,” she wrote.