Aditi Mishra is the new CEO of Lodestar UM, India

Aditi Mishra is the new CEO of Lodestar UM, India. She will replace Nandini Dias who recently, moved on from the company. Aditi has been with Lodestar UM for over two decades. She started as a Management Trainee and has worn many a hat over the years, driving large client relationships in a business role to leading Strategy and Product as the chief strategy officer of Lodestar UM for the last 10 years.

On her appointment, Mishra said “I am excited and honored to be taking on the role of CEO of Lodestar UM. As I think about what is next for us in the challenging environment of today, I am energized by the vision of building an agency resilient and agile to partner with clients and the community for the future. A team that will not just ride the waves of digital transformation but foster media as a growth driver for business. I recognize that I have big shoes to fill and with the support of the incredible teams across Mediabrands India, I look forward to stewarding this journey for Lodestar UM.”

Also, Hema Malik has been elevated to the position of chief investment officer, Mediabrands India. She began her journey with Lodestar UM and has been leading the operations as its COO in Delhi for the last 6 years. As the first CIO of Mediabrands India, Hema will lead the charge on this front for Mediabrands India.

Malik said, “We at Mediabrands India have always ensured that all our clients get full advantage of the opportunities in the marketplace. With the setting up of Mediabrands Investments, we are not only strengthening our obsession for performance and accountability but are equally energized to explore transformative partnerships and set new trading norms beyond the obvious. I am honored and excited to be the first CIO of Mediabrands India. So much to look forward to as we build the new.”

Both Aditi and Hema will continue to be based out of Delhi/Gurgaon. Shashi Sinha, CEO, Mediabrands India added “I am a firm believer of leadership from inside; success with and around people for winning together. Both Aditi and Hema have been with the organization for over two decades and have done us proud in their multiple roles over the years. Nothing makes me prouder than to see our own people grow. I am thrilled and view these appointments as a giant leap forward. I am confident that both Aditi and Hema will embrace their new roles successfully and champion good growth.”

Nandini Dias has chosen to move on from Lodestar UM after being its CEO for close to a decade. Nandini joined the group as a young media person 27 years ago and has since gone on to acquire the top position, leading the organisation to several ‘Media Agency of the Year’ recognitions over the years.

Dias said, “I leave Lodestar UM in the hands of a strong, capable, and empowered team that has stayed vested and bonded with me for a long time. In fact, almost all of the top 30 have been with me throughout my tenure as CEO – something that I am particularly proud of. So it was with a heavy heart that I had to break the news to them about my decision to move on. It is rare that one gets the opportunity to hand over the reins after an organisation's best years, but this year was one of Lodestar UM’s finest. Over a dozen new businesses, over 20 international awards, Campaign’s Agency Of The Year - Silver, RECMA recognized it as the agency with highest Vitality and personally, my being recognised as the Media Agency CEO Leader Of The Year by the International Advertising Association (IAA) and feted by the Governor of Maharashtra. I couldn't choose a greater milestone year in which to hand over the baton and go out on a high.”

Shashi Sinha, CEO, Mediabrands India said, “Nandini has been my partner, ally, and friend for 27 years. She has led from the front to build Lodestar UM ground up to make it what it is today. A dynamic, vibrant top three agency in the country. Passion is what defines Nandini, whether it is creating business solutions, building strong media properties for her clients or making a difference to our society and communities or just bringing her teams together to celebrate a festival or a win, Nandini did it all with remarkable fervor. At a personal level, I will miss her terribly. But I have always believed that a good leader is defined not by what has been built but by what is left behind. Nandini leaves her indelible mark on Lodestar UM in the solid and hugely capable leadership team that she has nurtured and I can say with all confidence that they will only continue to build on her legacy."

While not having taken a decision on the future yet, Dias said, “I started out with a fledgling agency and am handing over the Media Agency of the Year as I move on. So I am looking forward to taking a well-earned break for the first time in my life and am excited to see how things will unfurl.”