Dentsu SG picks new CXM and media MD

Dentsu Singapore has appointed Rahul Thappa (pictured) as managing director of customer experience management (CXM) and media, effective immediately. He reports to Prakash Kamdar, CEO of dentsu Singapore and CEO, clients and solutions, SEA, dentsu.

Thappa has over two decades of experience in the media industry, leading digital transformation and product innovation across pay-TV platforms, marketing agencies and content companies. He also has an expertise in customer analytics, adtech and martech, workflow automation and deal management, according to a statement seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE. 

Don't miss: Dentsu bolsters CXM offering across SEA 

"We embarked on our integration journey at dentsu Singapore five years ago so that we can truly serve our clients with seamless streamlined offerings, efficiently and effectively. With the sharp acceleration of digital transformation in recent years, the convergence of our martech and adtech solutions will now continue to set us apart with clients seeking to optimise their investments in building consistent and connected customer journeys," said Kamdar.

"Thappa’s strong track record in both fields, coupled with his intimate appreciation of the landscape in our region, will serve to bring out the best synergies of our offerings to further drive business growth and excellence for our clients," added Kamdar. 

Thappa also brings with him an understanding of evolving needs of brands in the region having spent close to 15 years driving digital transformation in Malaysia and in Singapore, added the statement. 

“As digital marketing evolves at an unprecedented pace, it's clear that adtech and martech need to work together seamlessly to deliver truly innovative solutions. This isn’t about choosing one over the other – it’s about integration and collaboration. Dentsu Singapore has always led the way with its unified approach, and as we further harmonise and align our CXM and media solutions, we’re making it even easier for clients to navigate complexity," said Thappa. 

"I’m thrilled to join this award-winning team and lead a group of talented professionals whose passion and expertise consistently push boundaries. I’m equally excited to collaborate with accomplished peers and contribute to a culture that drives innovation and excellence," he added. 

Prior to joining dentsu Singapore, Thappa was a managing director at Naviga where he was based in India, according to his LinkedIn. Thappa was also SVP adsales strategy, sales operations, trading, data analytics and ad systems at FOX Networks Group Asia and VP data analytics, trading and sales enablement, business intelligence and market insights at Astro. 

He also held multiple positions at Mindshare Malaysia where he served the roles of leader - client leadership, South Asia, managing partner, business director of entertainment sports and partnership as well as a business director. He started his journey at Mindshare as a planning and buying director, Team Unilever. 

Thappa's appointment comes as Sanchit Mendiratta departs dentsu this February. Mendiratta will continue to support the martech ambitions of dentsu's clients as a consultant with the network. 

Mendiratta was elevated to the role of managing director in June 2024 alongside Trishe Goh as senior director of growth, Merkle. 

Mendiratta worked in Merkle Singapore for 12 years, starting from a director of technology and products in 2012. Meanwhile, Goh worked in Happy Marketer, a Merkle company for six years, starting off as an associate consultant before eventually directing digital strategy.

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