Why Did Suraja Kishore Step Down as BBDO India CEO After Six Years?

In the fast-moving ad world, when someone big walks away, it often means more than just leaving a post. That’s why Suraja Kishore leaving his CEO chair at BBDO India after six strong years made many people pause and notice. Some were shocked, others showed big respect. But nobody thought it was bad. It wasn’t about stress, fights or being tired. It felt like a calm, planned move.

Suraja didn’t only run a firm. He built something deep with his people. He cared, he pushed better ideas, and changed how things worked. He always followed what felt right, not only what made profit. After giving his full time and heart, he decided to take a new step forward.

This is not just a normal switch. It’s about knowing when to stop—not because you’re forced, but because you want to grow again. It’s about leaving meaning, not just numbers. In today’s busy time, doing that takes guts. Not all know when it’s right to move on—but he surely did.

Starting a Bold Path

When Suraja became head of BBDO India in April 2019, he already worked many years in companies like Lowe Lintas, Publicis, Mudra and McCann. He got a top job and also a big goal—to take one of India’s top ad firms through tech shifts and fresh client needs.

And he did it well.

He didn’t just give direction, he brought a new mindset—mixing smart thinking with care for humans. One early challenge was keeping BBDO’s spark alive while getting it ready for what’s ahead.

He once said, “BBDO is not a company; it’s a culture with its own tribe.” That line wasn’t just fancy—it showed how he saw the whole place. That became the base for how he changed its working style and heart.

Putting People First

Suraja always believed one thing—big ideas don’t grow in fear. They come from teams who feel safe, heard and strong. Being a leader for him wasn’t about bossing around. It was about building a place where people can rise and be proud. He didn’t just guide teams—he shaped them. Everyone mattered, whether a new writer or a top planner.

Under him, BBDO became more than an agency. It became a place where young minds could learn and shine. Many said BBDO started making real talent, not just hiring it.

One strong reason this all worked was his close bond with Josy Paul, the creative head at BBDO. The way they worked became an example in the ad world. People said their link felt natural, strong and full of meaning. They weren’t just coworkers—they were a force. Together, they made work that not only got awards, but also touched hearts.

Like Ariel’s “Share The Load” campaign. The “Silent Separation” film made a big impact. It wasn’t just a brand ad—it made families think deep about how chores are shared at home. That film won a D&AD White Pencil under Suraja’s lead—a sign of great mix of story and purpose.

His people-first thinking didn’t stop at BBDO. At MICA, he began India’s first full course for copywriters and art folks. He also helped build the Planning Group India, giving young thinkers a place to grow strong.

His reach wasn’t stuck in boardrooms. It spread to classes, events and creative minds across the country.

Steering Through Big Change

The world of ads Suraja saw in 2019 isn’t the same in 2025. So much shifted. India saw fast digital boom, local stories rising, and more people asking brands to show purpose. In this, Suraja didn’t just let BBDO follow—he kept it ahead. His calm and bold moves helped the company grow without losing its creative soul.

One big move was starting TeamX India, a new setup just for Mercedes-Benz. It showed how he could balance fun ideas with global client needs. It proved BBDO could handle both old and new ways of working.

He also left at a time when the ad world is shaking. The Omnicom and IPG deal is moving top chairs. Around that time, Jitender Dabas from McCann also quit. Maybe it’s chance, maybe not. But lots of top folks are now thinking about change and maybe starting fresh paths.

So, Suraja’s exit isn’t just about one person stepping out. It shows a bigger shift—where new rules, new faces and fresh ideas are entering the scene.

A Thoughtful Exit

What makes Suraja’s choice different is the reason. Most people quit when they’re tired, stuck or under stress. But he didn’t. In his words, “I have always chosen people over company.” His move came from deep thinking—not pressure. He believed even leaders need to keep growing.

To explain, he used a line by writer Marcel Proust—“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes.” That wasn’t just a nice quote. It showed how he lives and works. He wasn’t running from anything. He was walking toward something with open mind.

This wasn’t stepping down. It was stepping forward. After six full years, he felt his part was done. He helped shape a creative home, mentored a strong team, made bold work and led through changes.

His notice will run till April 2025. Until then, he’ll make sure things stay smooth. Even while leaving, he stays steady and clear—just like his whole journey.

His leaving matches the values he brought—care, thought and being ready for what comes next.

What’s Next for BBDO India?

Now, BBDO India stands at a big turning point. Suraja’s chapter was full of culture, ideas and leadership with heart. Now, a new phase begins—with new hopes but also big shoes to fill.

The agency today is strong. Its team is full of thinkers and artists. Its clients trust it. Its place in the market is solid.

But the question remains—who leads next? No name is shared yet. But whoever comes will not just get a job—they’ll take on a way of thinking. Suraja’s effect is not just in plans, but in how people work, how clients feel, and how creativity is everyone’s job—not one team’s.

This next part isn’t about replacing him. It’s about continuing the way he shaped.

What Will Suraja Do Now?

He hasn’t said what’s next. But with his wide skills—as planner, teacher, guide and builder—many paths are open. He might start a consulting space, go global, return to classrooms or even write a book.

Whatever he does, one thing’s sure—his journey in Indian ads isn’t over. His line “move forward, not on” wasn’t just pretty talk. It was a sign. He’s not leaving the space he helped grow. He’s just picking a new role to play.

Knowing When to Leave

In a world where people stay too long or leave during trouble, Suraja’s exit teaches something rare—the best time to go is when all is going well. That takes self-trust and vision. It shows that leading isn’t just about growing numbers. It’s about knowing when to shift. When to breathe. When to let new voices rise.

For six strong years, Suraja didn’t just run BBDO. He changed it. He built trust, shaped talent and led with heart. His legacy isn’t just in work—it lives in people, ideas and the future he helped light.

Wherever he goes next, one thing’s clear—we’ve not heard the last from him.

🚀 Ready to take your leadership journey to the next level?

Join a network of visionary professionals shaping the future of corporate governance.

🔗 Reserve your spot for our next live webinar and discover how you can make your mark at the board level.

🌐 Explore more at BoardSearch — where leadership meets opportunity.