Rajit Gupta has been hired as vice president and creative head for Cheil X, Mumbai. In this role, Gupta has been tasked to play a pivotal role in shaping the agency's creative oeuvre and driving client success. He will report to Vikash Chemjong, chief creative officer, Cheil India. 

The appointment comes at the heels of the agency- an independent full-service one under the Cheil SWA group - beefing up its Mumbai operations to increase its focus on exploring new expansion opportunities in the region.

Gupta joins the team from McCann Worldgroup, where he held the position of executive creative director.

Chemjong said, “There is a lot that Rajit brings to the table. His understanding of brands. His sense of design. His typography. His experience at some of the best agencies in the country. His tally of metals. Not to mention his eloquence and effortless good looks! But these aren’t the only reason we at the agency were impressed about him. He has this vibe. An edge. A mojo so to say. Or simply put, an X factor!  Which probably is what makes him such an excellent fit for Cheil X! We are lucky to have him. And I’m sure our clients will feel the same very soon.”

Gupta said, “ ‘Why Cheil?’. That's what everyone asked me when they heard the news, even Poppins, my dog. He wasn’t thrilled about his walk being moved from 10:00am to 7:00am. I tried to tell him that discipline is good for us, but he sensed there was more to it. He knew that the only reason I'd walk out of a nine year old stint is because I was ready for my second innings. I embraced the idea of transformation. A change in perspective, format, culture and city. I feel a renewed energy to accept this challenge because, as creatives, that’s what we do! We evolve and create something better.”

He added, “Joining Cheil X in Mumbai is like joining a start-up with the backing of a powerful company. It offers the flexibility of a start-up with the stability and resources of an established firm. It’s an opportunity to create impactful work with a confidence that comes from solid backing."

With more than 17 years of experience, he repertoire of work includes stints with agencies like JWT, Publicis, DDB Mudra, and Contract Advertising.