SAI KARTHIK JOINS ULKA AS HEAD OF STRATEGY FOR SOUTHERN OPERATIONS

Ulka has appointed Sai Karthik as Senior Vice President and Head of Strategy for its southern operations. Based in Bengaluru, Karthik will lead strategic planning and client growth across regional accounts, bringing 15 years of experience from agencies including Talented, 82.5 Communications, McCann, Dentsu, M&C Saatchi and JWT.

Ulka has announced the appointment of Sai Karthik as Senior Vice President and Head of Strategy for its southern operations, a move that underscores the agency’s commitment to strengthening its strategic leadership across key regional markets. Based in Bengaluru, Karthik will be responsible for driving strategic planning and client growth across a diverse portfolio of regional accounts, reinforcing Ulka’s ambition to deepen its presence and influence in the southern market.  

With a career spanning 15 years, Karthik brings a wealth of planning expertise and a proven track record of shaping brand narratives across some of the industry’s most respected agencies. His professional journey includes stints at Talented, 82.5 Communications, McCann, Dentsu, M&C Saatchi and JWT, where he honed his skills in consumer insight, brand strategy and creative collaboration. This breadth of experience positions him to deliver integrated solutions that align with Ulka’s vision of combining creativity with strategic rigour.  

Karthik’s appointment comes at a time when regional markets are playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping national brand strategies. Bengaluru, with its dynamic mix of technology, retail, and consumer-driven industries, offers fertile ground for innovation and growth. By placing a seasoned strategist at the helm of its southern operations, Ulka is signalling its intent to not only consolidate existing client relationships but also to expand its footprint in emerging sectors.  

Industry observers note that Karthik’s background across both global networks and independent agencies equips him with a unique perspective on balancing international best practices with local cultural nuances. His ability to translate consumer behaviour into actionable strategies is expected to strengthen Ulka’s competitive edge in a region where brand loyalty and market differentiation are increasingly hard-won.  

Commenting on the appointment, Ulka emphasised its focus on building a robust strategic leadership team capable of navigating the complexities of modern marketing. The agency highlighted Karthik’s blend of analytical acumen and creative sensibility as key assets in driving growth for clients while fostering innovation across campaigns.  

For Karthik, the move represents both a professional milestone and an opportunity to shape the future of brand strategy in southern India. His mandate will involve not only steering client growth but also mentoring teams to deliver insight-driven solutions that resonate with diverse audiences.  

As Ulka continues to evolve its capabilities, the addition of Sai Karthik to its leadership ranks reflects a broader commitment to investing in talent that can bridge creativity and strategy. His appointment is expected to energise the agency’s southern operations, setting the stage for sustained growth and deeper client partnerships in the years ahead.