Ashish Bhasin, CEO, Apac and chairman India, dentsu International, is retiring from the agency.

He was also interim CEO for India, since the departure of Anand Bhadkamkar in August 2021.

According to a statement from dentsu International, Bhasin was seeking early retirement from the group, which has been granted. His 13-year stint ends today (12 November).

The Indian operations of the agency will be temporarily handled by Peter Huijboom, global CEO, media and global clients. Similarly, the Apac business will be temporarily handled by Simon Jones, CFO - Apac and Belli Mathanda, COO, Apac. The duo will work alongside global CEO, Wendy Clark, who will have a greater focus on the region during this time.

Bhasin said, "I have had a wonderful 13+ years and have enjoyed leading dentsu India and dentsu Apac. In this journey I was lucky to have a brilliant team, very supportive colleagues and have made some lovely friends for life. Dentsu is a great company and I wish them the very best. I am unable to comment on my future plans for now but in the meanwhile, I am really looking forward to going to Harvard for the Advanced Management Program, which I have secured an admission in, for the next semester.”

A statement from dentsu added that the organisation is in the final stages of its search and appointment of a new CEO in India.