Rana Barua quits Contract; Raji Ramaswamy takes over as CEO

Rana Barua steps down as the CEO of Contract Advertising. Raji Ramasway steps into Barua’s shoes with effect from July 3, 2017. Barua moves out due to personal reasons, as per the announcement made by J Walter Thompson South Asia.

Tarun Rai

Commenting on Barua, Tarun Rai, CEO, JWT South Asia, said, “Over the last four years Rana has built an excellent team of professionals, helped in developing new capabilities, built business and reputation. As a result of his efforts, Contract continues to be counted as one of the best agencies in the country. He will be missed and I am sure he will make a success of whatever he choses to do next. We wish him all the very best."

Speaking about his movement, Barua said, "It's been an outstanding and fulfilling 4 and a half years for me at Contract and I have enjoyed every moment of this journey. Contract is now clearly among the top few agencies of the country and poised only to get bigger and better.”

With over 25 years in marketing and brand management at J Walter Thomson, Ramaswamy is a seasoned communications professional with depth and width of experience. She is driven by all the opportunities in today’s communications landscape including digital, activation, design and integrated marketing. Over the years, she has worked with some of the most high profile companies and brands, in Mumbai and later in Kolkata, including Kellogg’s, DeBeers, ITC, Tata Steel, Berger Paints, Exide, to name a few.

As the head of JWT Kolkata, she has led a large team to significant business wins and expanded the operations. She has been instrumental in nurturing a workplace that has a diverse pool of creative talent and capability. Under her leadership, JWT Kolkata has consistently had the leadership position in the region and continues to grow.

Her key achievements are leading teams in Category Development, Strategic Planning, Brand Insights, Communication Development and Brand Management. Ramaswamy’s deep understanding of the business plays an important role in enabling her to orchestrate multidimensional brand solutions.

Speaking of the appointment, Rai said, “I have known Ramaswamy for over a decade. She is a consummate advertising professional. Her passion and energy are infectious. She leads from the front and is totally committed to her work and to her clients. She understands the power of collaboration, is a team player and an excellent leader. I am very confident that she will do exceptionally well in her new role and help in meeting our clients’ business objectives and in taking Contract to greater heights.”

On her new assignment, Ramaswamy, CEO, Contract India said; “Contract Advertising has always been an iconic brand and respected for its commitment to building great brands. With this opportunity, I hope to leverage my vast experience in brand building across categories by creating meaningful communication that will deliver on brand objectives and create campaigns that will work for our clients and the agency.”

Ramaswamy is a member of the Global Diversity and Inclusion Council at J Walter Thompson and a recipient of The Telegraph She Leadership Awards 2016.

An avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction, Ramaswamy believes that life is all about learning. She loves nature, adventure sports and traveling too.

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