Rakesh’s résumé is as minimalist as his writing style—it lists just one company: FCB Interface. Straight out of college, he joined as a creative trainee via a backdoor entry, having skipped FCB’s campus recruitment process entirely in favor of what seemed like a better idea that afternoon: day-drinking with friends. Turns out, luck and a touch of recklessness can take you places. Today, he leads the agency’s creative mandate as Chief Creative Officer, still occasionally wondering how it all worked out so well.
On most days, you’ll find him in his dimly lit cabin, sleeves rolled up, whipping up campaign ideas with his team for marquee clients like Mahindra, Unilever, and Hero Motor Corp. Ideas that have picked up a few nods at some pretty fancy award shows, from local ones like the Abbys by One Show and Kyoorius to the globally renowned Cannes Lions.
Rakesh believes creativity shines brightest when fueled by culture. Whether he’s on jury duty or taking a seat on FCB’s Global Creative Council, he uses this belief as his compass. He’s also a writer who ironically dislikes writing about himself—he saves his flamboyance for the work.
Rakesh’s love for advertising comes from his love for stories. He believes every brand has a story to tell, and powerful storytelling is the most effective way to hold an audience’s attention. When he’s not helping brands find their voice, you’ll find him in the kitchen making spicy seafood or strumming his ukulele (badly, but enthusiastically) for his daughter.
MEMBERSHIP: Global Creative Council