Sameer Desai, head designer, Design Sutra (Contract’s design arm), has decided to move on. Desai has been with Design Sutra for a year.
He quit the agency last week, apparently because of a difference of opinion between him and the agency’s management. Currently, Desai is weighing his options and there is a possibility of him starting his own venture.
“I still want to pursue my career in the design space as it is growing rapidly in India,” said Desai. He adds that he is aware of his strength and weakness and these will help him if he starts his own venture.
Desai started his career in 1993 with daCunha Advertising. In 1994, he moved to Lowe Lintas (then Lintas) as a visualiser. Soon after, he moved to Ogilvy, where he was stationed for nearly one and a half years. He then joined Rediffusion – Y&R, where he spent one and a half years.
Subsequently, he returned to Ogilvy for a second time and left after two years as an associate creative director. He then moved to Publicis Ambience for five years and then joined Contract as a creative director in late 2005. Towards the end of 2007, he joined Leo Burnett’s design arm but was offered to head Design Sutra, which he accepted.
Over the years, Desai has worked on brands such as Onida, Taj Group of Hotels, Cadbury Celebrations, Cadbury Eclairs, Asian Paints and Shoppers Stop, among others.