Super Agencies, Super Challenges feat. Tarun Rai (Co-Chairman Start Design Group UK, Ex-Group CEO S Asia Wunderman Thompson)

Episode 16 kicks off The Indian AdGeek in 2026 with a powerhouse guest: Tarun Rai, Co-Chairman of Start Design Group UK and former Group CEO South Asia at Wunderman Thompson (JWT). In this wide-ranging conversation, Tarun shares: * His first big break in advertising and the decisions that propelled him from Account Executive to Group CEO. * Lessons from seven years in publishing before returning to the agency world. * A candid take on whether the ‘Super Agency’ model has truly delivered seamless integration—or just created slower giants in the age of AI. * How leaders can sell intangible brand equity to CFOs obsessed with quarterly metrics. * Why agencies still struggle to own IP and build products, and what needs to change. * The three elements of a winning pitch deck (and the biggest mistakes agencies make). * His perspective on design vs advertising as CMOs shift budgets. * The skillsets agency leaders must double down on to stay indispensable in the next decade. * Leadership lessons from running both creative and media businesses. * His favorite podcasts and books that inspire him today. This episode is a blueprint for anyone navigating the crossroads of advertising, design, and leadership in 2026. The Indian AvGeek streams on all major podcast apps. Vishal on X