'Advertising has evolved to include marketing solutions'

INTERVIEW: HARI RAMANATHAN, CEO, VMLY&R South, Southeast Asia and Japan | Ranked No 6 globally by The Drum, WPP's agency for brand and customer experience and commerce, VMLY&Ris working towards greater integration across functions. Hari Ramanathan, the agency's CEO for South, Southeast Asia and Japan tells Christina Moniz about the role of India as an important talent hub, the importance of long-term partnerships with clients and the need for integrated brand solutions. Edited excerpts:

- Christina Moniz

AI and ML are emerging to be a big HRchallenge for advertising agencies. What's your take?

The industry talent pipeline has reduced primarily because of tech start-ups and platforms, which offer a lot of exciting opportunities for new talent today. The industry needs to do more to showcase the immense possibilities for young people in advertising. The concept of advertising has evolved to now encompass marketing solutions, and that proposition is not only attractive to potential clients but also to new talent. The agency culture we are fostering is one where people can work sans silos and get a better understanding of our clients'businesses.

That's our pitch and it seems to be working so far. Another thing we are doing to keep people motivated is offering them the opportunity to try new roles and learn different skills. That allows them to feel more fulfilled in their work and it is also great for the organisation.