Vinay Hegde joins Madison Media as senior VP, buying

Madison Media has announced the appointment of Vinay Hegde as senior vice- president, buying. He will report to Neelkamal Sharma, chief operating officer (COO), buying, for the Group.

Hegde joins the agency from Starcom Mediavest Group where he was national trading director.

Commenting on the new hire, Vikram Sakhuja, Group chief executive officer, Madison Media, and out-of-home (OOH), says, "I am delighted to have (Vinay) Hegde join our team. I have known him as a fantastic buyer whose understanding of the Indian television environment is second to none. He will bring considerable heft to Madison's prodigious buying strength.

Commenting on his appointment, Hegde says, "I am delighted and look forward to use my experience to contribute to the crystallisation of the vision of the leadership team at Madison. Madison is the quintessential example of an agency with strong foundations built upon the human spirit by the enigmatic and brilliant Sam Balsara, and now infused with a fresh energy by the charismatic (Vikram) Sakhuja."

Hegde comes aboard Madison Media with over 20 years of experience, having worked at Mindshare Fulcrum for over 10 years, where he handled buying for the Unilever business. He has also worked with Disney as director, revenue strategy, in addition to having worked at HTA and Percept.

Madison Media Group is a media agency which handles media planning and buying for blue chip clients. Its client portfolio includes brands such as Godrej, ITC, Marico, Snapdeal, McDonald's, TVS, Raymond, Piramal Healthcare, Levi's, SpiceJet, Domino's, Max Life Insurance, Asian Paints, Pidilite, Tata Salt, Acer, Crompton, Indian Oil, Gowardhan Dairy, and Café Coffee Day.