MUMBAI: WPP Media has nabbed Vinish Mathews, former chief strategy officer at Mindshare India, to head its team Fulcrum operations across south Asia. The appointment marks a homecoming of sorts for Mathews, who previously orchestrated strategic planning for Hindustan Unilever’s sprawling personal care empire during his decade-long stint at Mindshare.
Mathews arrives with 22 years of battle-tested experience spanning India, China and Southeast Asia. His CV reads like a tour through advertising’s most cutthroat markets—from steering Nestlé and PepsiCo campaigns in China’s digital-first landscape to managing Unilever’s 30-brand portfolio including Dove, Lux and Fair & Lovely in India.
The 45-year-old executive cut his teeth at The New Indian Express before climbing the ranks at The Media Edge and Mindshare. His most recent role saw him as managing director of Mindshare China, where he juggled marquee accounts including Royal Caribbean and Tourism New Zealand whilst leading Alibaba’s outbound business across Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America.
At Essence, Mathews served as vice-president and client partner for Google across India and Southeast Asia, cementing his reputation as a digital media heavyweight. His expertise spans the full spectrum from FMCG giants to fintech upstarts, with forays into automotive, tourism and consumer durables.
WPP Media’s decision to bring Mathews aboard signals its intent to capitalise on south Asia’s booming advertising market. The region has become a crucial battleground for global agencies as brands chase the spending power of India’s burgeoning middle class and the digital transformation sweeping across emerging markets.
Mathews will now task himself with driving growth and transformation for team Fulcrum’s client roster, leveraging his cross-cultural expertise and proven track record in building “immersive consumer connections.” For WPP, it represents a strategic coup in the ongoing war for talent between the world’s largest advertising groups.
