Rediffusion DYR appoints Wasim Basir as the first ever group executive vice-president.
Prior to this, he was the managing director of Red Lounge – a Coca-Cola venture created specially for the Beijing Olympic Games. In his new role, Basir will report directly to Mahesh Chauhan, group chief executive officer of Rediffusion DYR.
Basir had made China his home for the past eight years, working with Leo Burnett, then McCann Erickson and finally Red Lounge. But India was where his heart was; and it was then that Rediffusion made him an interesting offer.
Basir says, “I had some fabulous years in China. My career there took me through an intensive process of learning some things and unlearning others. In the meantime, India had developed into an exciting avenue, and coupled with my personal reasons, it was about time I returned to India.”
With over 14 years of work experience, Basir joins the group to look after its key businesses, as well as new initiatives, to build capabilities. Rediffusion has crafted a new profile for Basir, in an effort to bolster the business orientation sense that drives the agency.
On the Basir’s appointment, Chauhan says, “Bringing Wasim on board has been a conscious and strategic decision to strengthen a very strong leadership team at the organization. Wasim is a fantastic talent and an inspiring leader, who is one with us in our efforts to reinvent the industry. We are fine tuning the organization’s capabilities and are now ready for more. Expect to hear more from us soon.”
Basir brings with him over 14 years’ experience. In his earlier role at Red Lounge, he was spearheading the Olympic efforts of brand Coca-Cola in China, consolidating internal Coca-Cola marketing teams with creative, interactive, activation, PR and media functions, a unique strategic marketing concept within the industry.
He began his career the advertising industry in 1995 as an Account Executive with Chaitra Leo Burnett, Mumbai. He moved on to Leo Burnett China in December 2000 as Group Brand Director at their Shanghai office. Post Leo Burnett, Basir was Group Business Director at McCann Erickson, Shanghai, where he strategically led Coca-Cola.