Mahesh Chauhan becomes Group CEO at Rediffusion

Mahesh Chauhan has taken over as Group CEO of Rediffusion from Arun Nanda. The appointment is effective immediately.

Nanda will now serve as chairman, and will look after Rediffusion's group companies including TME, Wunderman, Showdiff, Rediffusion PR, OAP-Touchpoint and Rediffusion DYR.

However, Everest Brand Solutions and Sudler & Hennesey would not be part of Chauhan's mandate, ostensibly on account of reasons of conflict.

Nanda started Rediffusion DYR with Ajit Balakrishnan in 1973, as an endeavour to show the world that there was more to advertising than writing slogans and illustrations. Having proved his point, Nanda believes that it is time for him to hand over the reigns to someone with the passion, vision and drive to take the company to the next level, with that person being Mahesh Chauhan.

In a statement, Chauhan said that his new role "epitomises the faith that Arun and Ajit have always reposed in me", and expressed hope of living up to it.

Chauhan has been in the field of advertising for over 16 years, and over the past six years has headed the southern region for Rediffusion DYR, and has been President of Everest Brand Solutions. He has been at the helm of affairs at Rediffusion DYR for the past two years.