MUMBAI – VML, a leading global creative and commerce agency, has announced the appointment of Mr. Shikhar Khanna as its Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). A seasoned strategist with over 18 years of experience across the APAC region, Khanna returns to the WPP network to lead VML’s strategic initiatives in India.
Key Highlights of the Appointment:
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Return to WPP: This marks Khanna’s third stint within the WPP ecosystem. He previously held leadership roles at Geometry Global (Malaysia) and Mindshare & MediaCom (China).
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Industry Veteran: Prior to joining VML, Khanna served as the Chief Strategy Officer – Media at Dentsu India.
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Regional Expertise: With nearly two decades of experience, he specializes in integrated brand transformation across diverse communication disciplines.
Strategic Vision
Khanna shared his enthusiasm for the new role via LinkedIn, stating he is “Grateful. Charged. Ready” to take on the Mumbai-based leadership position. His appointment is expected to bolster VML’s capabilities in blending creative strategy with data-driven media insights for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The move highlights VML’s commitment to onboarding top-tier talent as it continues to navigate the rapidly evolving digital and commerce landscape in India.

