Josy Paul Takes on Chairman and Group CCO Roles at BBDO Group India

BBDO Group India has elevated Josy Paul, previously Chairman of BBDO India, to Chairman and Group Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of BBDO Group India. In his expanded role, Paul will oversee the creative vision across the group, which brings together three creative agencies BBDO India, Ulka and Mudra under Omnicom Advertising.

During his tenure at BBDO India, Paul helped establish the agency’s reputation for transformative, award-winning work that challenged conventions and set industry benchmarks. The agency’s campaigns under his leadership have included Ariel’s ‘Share The Load’, Whisper’s ‘Touch The Pickle’, Gillette’s ‘Women Against Lazy Stubble’ and Mirinda’s ‘Release The Pressure’. These campaigns sparked conversations around gender equality, inclusion and mental health.

Paul’s work has earned more than 25 Cannes Lions, including a Grand Prix and multiple Gold awards. Ariel’s ‘Share The Load’ was ranked the world’s most effective campaign by WARC for two consecutive years, reinforcing its position as a benchmark for long-term brand building and marketing effectiveness.

Leadership to Shape BBDO Group India’s Creative Vision

Announcing Paul’s elevation, Jitender Dabas, CEO of BBDO Group India, said, “Josy is not just another creative luminary. He is an institution in himself and one of the tallest creative leaders I have worked with. His global reputation is built on iconic work and ideas that have built brands and challenged cultural norms. I feel privileged to have him as Chairman of our group. What makes him truly special is his infectious enthusiasm for people, for ideas and for possibilities. As we build the new BBDO Group India, I can think of no better partner to help shape its creative ambition and culture.”

Commenting on his expanded role, Josy Paul said, “After all these years, I still feel like a beginner. This new chapter at the BBDO Group India is a huge honour and a beautiful responsibility. We are bringing together some extraordinary agencies, cultures, histories and people. I see it as creating a bigger room for creativity. It’s been an absolute joy working alongside Jeetu and watching his brilliant mind at work – creating, shaping and growing brand ideas with intuitive strategic depth. I’m grateful to all the people who have trusted me through the years. There is much to build together.”

Paul’s elevation follows the appointment of Jitender Dabas as CEO of BBDO Group India in February 2026, following the merger of Omnicom and IPG. The leadership changes come as the group brings its agencies together under a shared structure, with Paul taking responsibility for shaping its creative direction and ambition.

The appointment places Paul at the centre of BBDO Group India’s creative leadership as the organisation brings together the capabilities, histories and cultures of BBDO India, Ulka and Mudra.