R/GA has appointed Urvashi Shivdasani as its new global chief financial officer, ADWEEK has learned exclusively. She succeeds Carmine Battista, who held the position until 2023.
In her new role, Shivdasani will partner closely with CEO Robin Forbes and the global leadership team to enhance the agency’s financial strategy, streamline operations, and drive the success of a newly implemented model. She will also be instrumental in executing R/GA’s $50 million Innovation Fund, designed to fuel continued creativity and operational transformation.
“I’m thrilled to join R/GA at this pivotal moment in its history,” Shivdasani said in a statement. “The agency’s commitment to innovation and its bold vision for the future was an incredibly compelling opportunity, and one I can’t wait to be involved in.”
Shivdasani previously served as global CFO at Huge, and brings over 20 years of leadership experience in finance and operations. She played a pivotal role in the sale of Huge to private equity. Prior to her time at Huge, she held senior finance roles at Ralph Lauren and Discovery Communications.
Shivdasani marks R/GA’s first global C-suite hire since becoming an independent agency this year. After 23 years under Interpublic Group (IPG)’s ownership, the holding company sold R/GA to a group led by private equity firm Truelink Capital and the agency’s global leaders in March.
“Urvashi’s extensive experience and strategic acumen will be invaluable as we chart R/GA’s course as an independent agency and activate a new commercial model based on outcomes and not hours,” added Robin Forbes, global CEO of R/GA.
“Her track record of driving financial success and operational excellence will be critical as we continue to invest in innovation and new ways of working.”
