Balaji

About Balaji

Media has gone through three major shifts over the last two decades: The rise of digital, The scale of programmatic, and now the Emergence of AI.The next transformation will not be about channels. It will be about how marketing organizations operate.That’s the space I’m deeply interested in designing intelligent media and marketing ecosystems that combine strategy, technology, and storytelling to drive measurable business growth.As a Client Lead at WPP Media, I partner with brands to drive integrated media strategy, transformation, and business outcomes across TV, Digital, CTV, and Programmatic ecosystems. My role focuses on aligning media investments with business objectives, leading cross-functional teams, and building scalable, performance-driven marketing systems.Over the course of my career, I’ve worked with leading Indian and global brands including Flipkart, Tata Tea, McDonald’s, and the NBA, helping them navigate evolving media landscapes and unlock growth through integrated marketing strategies.My core areas of expertise include:• Integrated media strategy• Programmatic and CTV ecosystems• Marketing transformation• Media operations and team leadership• Data-led brand growthMore recently, I’ve been exploring how AI can augment marketing strategy and media operations. I’ve been building AI-assisted tools and agents that support areas such as media planning workflows, marketing intelligence, pitch strategy development, and social media audits experimenting with how modern media organizations can operate faster, smarter, and more intelligently in an AI-enabled environment.My work has been recognized with EMVIES shortlists, 10+ MADDYS, and the Choreos Award (GroupM). I’ve also led initiatives such as India’s first Metaverse wedding activation and long-term strategic programs that helped scale a client’s business from ₹300 Cr to Cr turnover.Outside work, I’m passionate about fitness and mentorship. I’m a cricketer, runner, and cyclist, and regularly serve as a guest faculty member at institutions including LIBA, UpGrad, and the Boston Institute of Analytics, where I teach Digital Marketing and Emerging Media.I believe the next phase of marketing will be shaped by organizations that combine human creativity, intelligent automation, and measurable impact.If you’re exploring media transformation, AI in marketing, or building next-generation marketing ecosystems, I’d be glad to connect.

Experience

1. Client Lead

   WPP Media

   Apr 2026 — Present · Chennai, IN

   Client Relationship & Strategy, Commercial Growth, Team Leadership, New Business & Operational Excellence

Education

• Tagore Higher Secondary School

  Higher Secondary, CBSE

  1988 — 2002

• University of Madras

  MBA, Marketing

  2009 — 2011

• MICA | The School of Ideas

  Post Graduate Certification, Digital Marketing

  2020 — 2020

• The New College

  Bsc, Visual Communication

  2002 — 2005

Skills

• Customer Insight
• Public Relations
• Media Strategy
• Advertising
• Direct Marketing
• Mobile Marketing
• Media Buying
• Digital Media
• Media Planning
• Television
• Digital Marketing
• Brand Management
• Marketing Strategy
• Integrated Marketing
• Social Media
• Sem
• Radio
• Digital Strategy
• Marketing Communications