Over the past 25 years, I’ve had one constant mission: to transform how brands, platforms, and people connect in a digital-first world. My journey across India, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia has been about pioneering change at scale—from building digital business units of 400+ multidisciplinary specialists to piloting AI-powered marketing solutions that reshape entire industries. I don’t just follow disruption; I help design it. Whether launching creator commerce ecosystems with TikTok, driving social and content commerce at scale, or co-authoring industry-shaping studies with partners like Google, BCG and media bodies, I’ve been at the frontline where technology, content, and data converge to deliver real business impact. But transformation is not just about platforms; it’s about people. I’ve built talent accelerators like Media Masters to bridge academia and industry, and I’ve mentored leaders who now drive digital growth across Southeast Asia. I believe talent is the multiplier of every innovation, and my proudest legacy is the leaders and teams I’ve helped shape. I’ve led initiatives recognized globally for impact and creativity, consistently driving campaigns to Agency of the Year-level performance, and I’m focused on designing future-ready, human-AI-powered ecosystems that deliver lasting value for brands, industries, and communities.

Maneesheel Gautam

Over the past 25 years, I’ve had one constant mission: to transform how brands, platforms, and people connect in a digital-first world. My journey across India, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia has been about pioneering change at scale—from building digital business units of 400+ multidisciplinary specialists to piloting AI-powered marketing solutions that reshape entire industries. I don’t just follow disruption; I help design it. Whether launching creator commerce ecosystems with TikTok, driving social and content commerce at scale, or co-authoring industry-shaping studies with partners like Google, BCG and media bodies, I’ve been at the frontline where technology, content, and data converge to deliver real business impact. But transformation is not just about platforms; it’s about people. I’ve built talent accelerators like Media Masters to bridge academia and industry, and I’ve mentored leaders who now drive digital growth across Southeast Asia. I believe talent is the multiplier of every innovation, and my proudest legacy is the leaders and teams I’ve helped shape. I’ve led initiatives recognized globally for impact and creativity, consistently driving campaigns to Agency of the Year-level performance, and I’m focused on designing future-ready, human-AI-powered ecosystems that deliver lasting value for brands, industries, and communities.

Available to hire

Over the past 25 years, I’ve had one constant mission: to transform how brands, platforms, and people connect in a digital-first world. My journey across India, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia has been about pioneering change at scale—from building digital business units of 400+ multidisciplinary specialists to piloting AI-powered marketing solutions that reshape entire industries. I don’t just follow disruption; I help design it. Whether launching creator commerce ecosystems with TikTok, driving social and content commerce at scale, or co-authoring industry-shaping studies with partners like Google, BCG and media bodies, I’ve been at the frontline where technology, content, and data converge to deliver real business impact.

But transformation is not just about platforms; it’s about people. I’ve built talent accelerators like Media Masters to bridge academia and industry, and I’ve mentored leaders who now drive digital growth across Southeast Asia. I believe talent is the multiplier of every innovation, and my proudest legacy is the leaders and teams I’ve helped shape. I’ve led initiatives recognized globally for impact and creativity, consistently driving campaigns to Agency of the Year-level performance, and I’m focused on designing future-ready, human-AI-powered ecosystems that deliver lasting value for brands, industries, and communities.

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Language

English
Fluent
Indonesian
Advanced

Work Experience

Managing Director at GroupM Nexus – Indonesia
August 1, 2025 - October 9, 2025
Launched and scaled GroupM Nexus Indonesia, growing a 400+ strong multidisciplinary team across content, AI, commerce, programmatic, influencer, search, social, live commerce, and data & tech driving intelligence and innovation for 60,000+ campaigns each year across 165 clients. Piloted WPP OpenAI initiatives in Indonesia, embedding AI-driven solutions into client strategies to deliver measurable business growth. Designed multi-market creator commerce models and branded storytelling strategies with TikTok, now scaled regionally. Founded Media Masters, an industry–academia accelerator, strengthening Indonesia’s media talent ecosystem.
Leader, Digital – Southeast Asia / Singapore & Regional at Mindshare
March 1, 2021 - October 9, 2025
Built and led FAST (Future Adaptive Specialist Team), pioneering future-ready media strategies across Southeast Asia. Co-authored the BCG – Google – Mindshare Digital Maturity Study, shaping digital transformation agendas for major brands across Southeast Asia. Led digital strategy for the 2018 Asian Games marketing campaign, driving record-breaking engagement. Contributed to regional industry transformation through IAB and MMA leadership roles. Won Campaign APAC Planner of the Year and 30+ regional innovation awards.
Leader, Invention – Indonesia & India at Mindshare
March 1, 2016 - October 9, 2025
Pioneered Mindshare Invention Unit in Indonesia, creating a hub for platform innovation and culturally grounded ideas. Built IYLTS (Ideas You Love to Share) framework to accelerate digital media adoption across brand portfolios. Directed integrated campaigns for HUL (Unilever), transforming bold media concepts into measurable sales and equity growth. Recognized with multiple awards for innovation, creativity, and market impact.
Media Planning & Activation – India at Mindshare, Mumbai
July 1, 2009 - October 9, 2025
Directed integrated brand campaigns across HUL’s portfolio, pioneering socio-cultural, region-based media strategies. Led award-winning campaigns like Wheel Smart Homemaker, Sunsilk Gang of Girls, Surf Excel Save Water, and Lifebuoy health awakening program—recognized by Ad Club India as breakthrough work delivering measurable, industry-defining impact. Won 20+ global media awards, including Media Entrepreneur of the Year (Unilever India, 2006).
Managing Director at GroupM Nexus
August 1, 2025 - October 9, 2025
Launched and scaled GroupM Nexus Indonesia, growing a 400+ multidisciplinary team across content, AI, commerce, programmatic, influencer, search, social, live commerce, and data & tech, delivering intelligence and innovation for 60,000+ campaigns each year across 165 clients. Piloted WPP OpenAI initiatives in Indonesia, embedding AI-driven solutions into client strategies to drive measurable growth. Designed multi-market creator commerce models and branded storytelling strategies with TikTok, now scaled regionally. Founded Media Masters, an industry–academia accelerator strengthening Indonesia’s media talent ecosystem.
Leader, Digital – Southeast Asia / Singapore & Regional at Mindshare (Global Media Agency, GroupM/WPP)
March 1, 2021 - October 9, 2025
Built FAST (Future Adaptive Specialist Team), pioneering future-ready media strategies across Southeast Asia. Co-authored the BCG – Google – Mindshare Digital Maturity Study, shaping digital transformation agendas for major brands in the region. Led digital strategy for the 2018 Asian Games marketing campaign, driving record engagement. Contributed to regional industry transformation through IAB and MMA leadership roles. Award: Campaign APAC Planner of the Year; recipient of 30+ regional innovation awards.
Leader, Invention – Indonesia & India at Mindshare (GroupM/WPP)
March 1, 2016 - October 9, 2025
Pioneered Mindshare Invention Unit in Indonesia, creating a hub for platform innovation and culturally-driven brand ideas. Built IYLTS (Ideas You Love to Share) framework to accelerate digital media adoption across brand portfolios. Directed integrated campaigns for HUL (Unilever), transforming bold media concepts into measurable sales and equity growth. Recognized with multiple awards for innovation, creativity, and market impact.
Media Planning & Activation at Mindshare, Mumbai (GroupM/WPP)
July 1, 2009 - October 9, 2025
Directed integrated brand campaigns across HUL’s portfolio, pioneering socio-cultural, region-based media strategies. Led award-winning campaigns such as Wheel Smart Homemaker, Sunsilk Gang of Girls, Surf Excel Save Water, Lifebuoy health awakening program; recognized with 20+ global media awards including Media Entrepreneur of the Year (Unilever India, 2006).
Managing Director at GroupM Nexus – Indonesia
August 1, 2025 - October 9, 2025
Launched and scaled GroupM Nexus Indonesia with a 400+ multidisciplinary team across content, AI, commerce, programmatic, influencer, search, social, live commerce, and data & tech, delivering intelligence and innovation for 60,000+ campaigns annually across 165 clients. Piloted WPP OpenAI initiatives in Indonesia, embedding AI-driven solutions into client strategies to drive growth. Designed multi-market creator-commerce models and branded storytelling strategies with TikTok, scaled regionally. Founded Media Masters to strengthen Indonesia’s media talent ecosystem. Selected as Performer, GroupM Kaleidoscope—among the top 60 global future leaders.
Leader, Digital – Southeast Asia / Singapore & Regional at Mindshare (Global Media Agency, GroupM/WPP)
March 1, 2021 - October 9, 2025
Built FAST (Future Adaptive Specialist Team), pioneering future-ready media strategies across Southeast Asia. Co-authored the BCG – Google – Mindshare Digital Maturity Study, shaping digital transformation agendas for major brands across the region. Led digital strategy for the 2018 Asian Games marketing campaign and contributed to regional industry transformation through IAB and MMA leadership. Recognized with the Campaign APAC Planner of the Year award and 30+ regional innovation awards.
Leader, Invention – Indonesia & India at Mindshare (GroupM/WPP)
March 1, 2016 - October 9, 2025
Pioneered the Mindshare Invention Unit in Indonesia, creating a hub for platform innovation and culture-first brand ideas. Built the IYLTS (Ideas You Love to Share) framework to accelerate digital media adoption across brand portfolios. Directed integrated campaigns for Hindustan Unilever (HUL), transforming bold media concepts into measurable sales and equity growth.
Media Planning & Activation at Mindshare, Mumbai (GroupM/WPP)
July 1, 2009 - October 9, 2025
Directed integrated brand campaigns across HUL’s portfolio, pioneering socio-cultural, region-based media strategies. Led award-winning campaigns such as Wheel Smart Homemaker, Sunsilk Gang of Girls, Surf Excel Save Water, Lifebuoy health awakening, and more; recognized with 20+ global awards, including the 2006 Media Entrepreneur of the Year (Unilever India).
Managing Director, GroupM Nexus – Indonesia at GroupM Nexus – Indonesia
August 1, 2025 - October 9, 2025
Launched and scaled GroupM Nexus Indonesia, growing a 400+ multidisciplinary team across content, AI, commerce, programmatic, influencer, search, social, live commerce, and data & tech driving intelligence and innovation for 60,000+ campaigns annually across 165 clients. Piloted WPP OpenAI initiatives in Indonesia, embedding AI-driven solutions into client strategies to deliver measurable business growth. Designed multi-market creator commerce models and branded storytelling strategies with TikTok, now scaled regionally. Founded Media Masters, an industry–academia accelerator strengthening Indonesia’s media talent ecosystem. Selected as Performer, GroupM Kaleidoscope, among the top 60 global future leaders.
Leader, Digital – Southeast Asia / Singapore & Regional at Mindshare (Global Media Agency, GroupM/WPP)
March 1, 2021 - October 9, 2025
Built and led FAST (Future Adaptive Specialist Team), pioneering future-ready media strategies across Southeast Asia. Co-authored the BCG – Google – Mindshare Digital Maturity Study, shaping digital transformation agendas for major brands across South East Asia. Led digital strategy for the 2018 Asian Games marketing campaign, driving record engagement. Contributed to regional industry transformation through IAB and MMA leadership roles. Winner: Campaign APAC Planner of the Year; recipient of 30+ regional innovation awards.
Leader, Invention – Indonesia & India at Mindshare (GroupM/WPP)
March 1, 2016 - October 9, 2025
Pioneered Mindshare Invention Unit in Indonesia, creating a hub for platform innovation and culturally-first brand ideas. Built IYLTS (Ideas You Love to Share) framework, accelerating digital media adoption across brand portfolios. Directed integrated campaigns for HUL (Unilever), transforming bold media concepts into measurable sales and equity growth. Recognized with multiple awards for innovation, creativity, and market impact.
Media Planning & Activation – India at Mindshare, Mumbai (GroupM/WPP)
July 1, 2009 - October 9, 2025
Directed integrated brand campaigns across HUL’s portfolio, pioneering socio-cultural, region-based media strategies. Led award-winning campaigns like Wheel Smart Homemaker, Sunsilk Gang of Girls, Surf Excel Save Water, and Lifebuoy health awakening program — recognized by Ad Club India as breakthrough work delivering measurable impact. Won 20+ global awards, including Media Entrepreneur of the Year (Unilever India, 2006).

Education

Executive Development Program at Indian Business School, Hyderabad
January 1, 2010 - October 9, 2025
MBA (Marketing) at Institute of Management Development & Research, Pune
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2000
Executive Development Program at Indian Business School, Hyderabad
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010
MBA (Marketing) at Institute of Management Development & Research, Pune
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 2000
Executive Development Program at Indian Business School, Hyderabad
January 1, 2010 - October 9, 2025
MBA (Marketing) at Institute of Management Development & Research, Pune
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2000
Executive Development Program at Indian Business School, Hyderabad
January 1, 2010 - October 9, 2025
MBA (Marketing) at Institute of Management Development & Research, Pune
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2000

Qualifications

Co-author, BCG – Google – Mindshare Digital Maturity Study
January 11, 2030 - October 9, 2025
Media Entrepreneur of the Year – Unilever India
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2006
Campaign APAC Planner of the Year
January 11, 2030 - October 9, 2025
Top 60 Global Future Leader, GroupM Kaleidoscope
January 11, 2030 - October 9, 2025
Co-author, BCG – Google – Mindshare Digital Maturity Study
January 11, 2030 - October 9, 2025
Top 60 Global Future Leader, GroupM Kaleidoscope
January 11, 2030 - October 9, 2025
Campaign APAC Planner of the Year
January 11, 2030 - October 9, 2025
Media Entrepreneur of the Year by Unilever
January 11, 2030 - October 9, 2025
30+ Global & Regional Innovation Awards
January 11, 2030 - October 9, 2025
Co-author, BCG – Google – Mindshare Digital Maturity Study
January 11, 2030 - October 9, 2025
Contributor, IAB & MMA industry transformation initiatives
January 11, 2030 - October 9, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Telecommunications, Education, Consumer Goods