Tarun Rai shares career insights and professional updates post-retirement

After announcing his retirement from Wunderman Thompson in May 2023, Tarun Rai shared valuable career advice in a LinkedIn post aimed at professionals starting their journeys. He revealed that, following his retirement, he had joined the UK-based Start Design Group as Co-Chairman, Partner, and India Head. His advice: "Do something different, work with people you like."

Rai also mentioned that he accepted an invitation to join the advisory board of HelpAge India, sharing this insight: "Try and give back to society."

Additionally, Rai revealed that he had joined a new company as an independent director and advisor at the request of Balakrishnan K, Chairman of Kriscore Financial Advisors Private Ltd. He also disclosed that he had turned down a tempting full-time role, offering another piece of advice: "Do more things, in new fields."

Reflecting on the year, he wrote, "It has been a busy and rewarding 2024. I thank the people mentioned above and all those who offered me sound advice in navigating this new journey."

Throughout his extensive career in advertising, Rai held numerous roles at Wunderman Thompson. Starting as a young Account Executive in 1988, he quickly rose through the ranks to become Managing Partner at JWT by 2002. Following a stint in media, he returned to JWT as Group CEO, South Asia, where he expanded the agency’s capabilities, fostering greater collaboration between the agency and clients, and bringing in prominent national and international brands. After leading the merger between Wunderman and JWT, Rai was appointed Chairman and Group CEO for South Asia, playing a pivotal role in guiding the organization through the pandemic.