SHIKHA PODDAR JOINS ARENA MEDIA AS SENIOR BUSINESS DIRECTOR

Arena Media (Havas Group) has appointed Shikha Poddar as Senior Business Director – South & West Lead, effective May 2026. With extensive experience at WPP Media, EssenceMediacom and Mindshare, she will drive business expansion, strengthen client partnerships, and spearhead strategic growth across the South and West regions.

Arena Media, part of the Havas Group, has announced the appointment of Shikha Poddar as Senior Business Director – South & West Lead, effective May 2026. In her new role, Poddar will oversee business expansion and operations across the South and West regions, with a clear mandate to strengthen Arena Media’s market presence, drive strategic growth, and build deeper client partnerships.  

Poddar’s appointment marks a significant step in Arena Media’s ambition to consolidate its leadership footprint across key markets. Her extensive background in media planning, digital transformation and business leadership positions her as a strong catalyst for the agency’s next phase of growth.  

Prior to joining Arena Media, Poddar was associated with WPP Media, where she completed an impactful five-year journey across two successful stints. Her tenure at WPP Media was marked by strategic contributions that enhanced client outcomes and reinforced her reputation as a growth-focused leader.  

At EssenceMediacom, Poddar worked extensively with digital-first brands, sharpening her expertise in digital media strategy and integrated marketing solutions. This experience allowed her to develop a nuanced understanding of how brands can leverage digital ecosystems to achieve scale, relevance and measurable impact.  

Her earlier role at Mindshare saw her leading media strategy for Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), one of India’s largest advertisers. Poddar was instrumental in developing integrated, audience-centric media frameworks that spanned both traditional and digital platforms. Her work at Mindshare not only strengthened HUL’s media effectiveness but also showcased her ability to connect brand objectives with consumer insights in a rapidly evolving marketplace.  

Colleagues and industry peers have often highlighted Poddar’s ability to combine strategic foresight with operational excellence. Her leadership style is characterised by a focus on collaboration, innovation and measurable outcomes, qualities that align closely with Arena Media’s vision of delivering meaningful growth for clients.  

Arena Media’s decision to appoint Poddar reflects the agency’s commitment to investing in senior leadership talent capable of navigating the complexities of today’s media landscape. With brands increasingly seeking partners who can deliver integrated solutions across platforms, Poddar’s experience in both digital-first and traditional media environments is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Arena Media’s regional strategy.  

As she steps into her new role, Poddar brings with her a proven track record of driving transformation and building client-centric strategies. Her appointment is expected to energise Arena Media’s teams in the South and West, fostering a culture of innovation and reinforcing the agency’s position as a trusted partner for brands seeking growth in dynamic markets.  

With this strategic hire, Arena Media signals its intent to strengthen its leadership bench and accelerate its growth trajectory, ensuring that clients benefit from both global expertise and local market understanding.