Wavemaker names South Asia CEO as Kartik Sharma exits

Wavemaker has announced the appointment of Ajay Gupte as chief executive officer for South Asia. Gupte replaces Kartik Sharma, who has moved out of the organisation.

Gupte was previously COO. He will continue to be based in Gurugram and will report to Prasanth Kumar, CEO of GroupM South Asia and Gordon Domlija, who serves a dual role as president of Wavemaker Asia-Pacific and China CEO.

Kumar said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kartik for his contribution over the years and wish him all the very best. At GroupM we always believe in building on the hard work and passion of our people and it gives me great pleasure to see Ajay take over as the new CEO of Wavemaker South Asia." Kumar cited Gupte's experience in multiple markets and categories and said he will bring "distinctive and increasing value for our clients and the overall ecosystem".

Gupte moved to Wavemaker in India in 2019 from Indonesia, where was MD.

He said, “I am humbled and very excited to take over the role of the CEO of Wavemaker South Asia. It is an exciting time for the Indian market as the Indian advertising industry is also having a global impact, and I see lots of opportunities for growth.”