Rohit Suri named chief talent officer at Group M

Acquisition and retention of talent will be a key challenge for Suri in this primarily talent-led business, where attrition rates are very high.

The largest media agency in the Indian subcontinent, WPP–owned Group M, has appointed Rohit Suri as chief talent officer for South Asia. He replaces Gaurav Hirey, who has joined another WPP company, Millward Brown, and is now based out of Singapore.

Suri, who has moved in from People Interactive—owners of online properties, such as Shaadi.com and Makaan.com—will follow dual reporting.

He will report to GroupM’s South Asia CEO, CVL Srinivas and the chief talent officer for GroupM APAC, Angela Ryan.

Suri will also be a part of the Talent Executive Committees of both GroupM South Asia and APAC.

Srinivas says “We are at an exciting stage in our journey to build a data-centric digitally charged agency network of the future. With Rohit’s vast experience across different markets and the several interesting initiatives he has championed in his career, he will add a lot of value to our business and take our strong talent management practice to the next level.”

Suri adds, “GroupM has embarked on a thrilling voyage, which places talent management at the core. I look forward to leveraging my experiences in total rewards and innovative talent management practices in India, APAC and Europe for the growth of the business.”

At People Interactive, Suri was V-P, HR. In the past, he has worked with One97 Communications, part of the group which owns PayTM, and broadcasting company Turner International.

In his career span of 17 years, Suri has gained experience in change management, business partnership and cultural integration.

Talent retention as well as talent acquisition will be a key challenge for Suri as this business is primarily talent-led and attrition rates are on the higher side.