Unmesh Pawar, who had been serving Dentsu International as chief people officer, South Asia, since October of 2022, has now exited the organisation after a stint that lasted over three years. Pawar served Accenture for almost 17 years and KPMG for over three in his long and successful career of over three decades. He had joined Dentsu in 2022.
In a reflective farewell note, Pawar described his journey as “extraordinary,” having led the people agenda during one of the most disruptive periods for the advertising and digital ecosystem. He spoke of the steep learning curve and the privilege of partnering with the South Asia CEO, Harsha Razdan, the South Asia leadership team, and Luke Speers, CPO–APAC, in shaping differentiated people capabilities at a time when client expectations and technology were reshaping the industry. He also credited the South Asia HR team for being “the backbone of every initiative and every transformation,” acknowledging their faith, commitment and relentless execution.
As he now moves on, Harini Muralidharan has been elevated to a new leadership role at Dentsu — as cluster HR director, finance services & India business platforms. Pawar, in his farewell note, extended a special mention to Muralidharan as she takes on this position.
An alumna of XLRI Jamshedpur, Muralidharan’s association with Dentsu had begun in August of 2022, when she had taken up the role of human resources director. Over three years into this role she was elevated to cluster HR director-India, finance services and India business platforms.
Muralidharan had begun her professional journey with EY, Hewlett Packard and two startups, way back in 2001.
She joined Infosys in 2006, and spent over six years there in various roles including HRBP, organisational development and total rewards.
From March of 2012 to March of 2014 she played HR business partner, NetApp.
Ericsson India roped her in for the role of Bangalore site HR head and HRBP for R&D, in September 2014. Two years and nine months later, she moved to Juniper Networks, as senior director, HRBP.
May of 2019 saw her accepting the role of head people business partnering, Tesco.
It was in August 2022 that she came to be associated with Dentsu.
With her latest elevation to CPO, South Asia, Harini Muralidharn will be expected to lead the culture and people agenda for Dentsu, in India and Sri Lanka.
Known for her energy and ability to inspire people, her sharp business acumen will continue to be an asset to Dentsu.
HRKatha congratulates Muralidharan and wishes her all the best!
