Santosh Padhi, Ayesha Ghosh Exit W+K India

Wieden+Kennedy (W+K) India bids farewell to key leaders, Santosh Padhi, known as Paddy, the Chief Creative Officer and Ayesha Ghosh, the President have resigned from their respective positions.

Padhi reflected on his time at W+K stating, “I came into the W+K family with lots of excitement as I always followed their amazing work during my taproot days. I’m super proud that along with Ayesha and the solid team we managed to get some of the biggest brands in the nation, and had success on every front, be it people, reputation or clientele. We won over a dozen businesses and have managed to produce some beautiful work on the brands mentioned above. Not only me but we all really enjoyed the freedom the global team gave us on every front with total autonomy and many other wonderful things which I will always remember."

His departure was driven by a desire for new challenges. Padhi expressed, “Unfortunately like most senior creative individuals even my heart is calling for something beyond this, something new, something that will give me a newer high, I have to depart in search of a new love.”

Padhi joined W+K India as CCO in early 2022, followed closely by Ghosh, who took on the role of President. Together, the two were instrumental in establishing the agency’s Mumbai office and managing both Mumbai and Delhi’s creative and business operations. Their tenure saw the agency secure major clients including Jio 5G, Jio Fibre, Hero Vida, Jockey, Jindal Steel, Casio G-Shock, Hero Cycles, Firefox, Zoya Solitaires, Brownkind Skin Care, and Whistle Dental Care among others.

Reflecting on her journey at W+K India, Ghosh commented, “The last 2.5 years have been quite exhilarating, right from stepping into this legendary agency, to setting up the Mumbai office, stabilizing and growing the Delhi office, delivering good results and adapting the unique W+K culture to India. Within a little over half a year of joining, it was satisfying to see the impact of our leadership. This wouldn't have been possible without the passion and hard work of our employees. Every interaction with the W+K crew around the globe has opened my mind to new ways of thinking and new ways of measuring the worth of the work that we do. I hope I get to work with such a smart set of people again."

"I've been meaning to pause for a while, dedicate more time to yoga and spend time with family. As for what comes next, I’ll see what the universe throws my way", she adds.

W+K issued a statement expressing gratitude to Padhi and Ghosh for their contributions stating, “We are grateful to Paddy and Ayesha for their efforts during these past two and a half years as they set up an office in Mumbai and brought in new energy and clients. We wish them all the best as they move on from the agency and take their talents into the world.”

Additionally, Shreekant Srinivasan, Head of Delhi, W+K India has put in his resignation.