Grey has appointed Jai Kotecha as chief executive of its London office, marking a significant leadership move as the agency builds on its recent creative resurgence. Kotecha joins on January 15 from Ogilvy, where he spent 13 years and most recently served as EMEA managing director of clients, leading European PR, social, and influence for WPP OpenX on The Coca-Cola Company business.
During his tenure at Ogilvy, Kotecha held several senior leadership roles, including CEO of Ogilvy Netherlands, and was instrumental in building Ogilvy UK’s social and influence division into its fastest-growing unit. He also played a key role in integrating Social.Lab, establishing influencer offerings, and leading integrated solutions for brands such as LEVEL under IAG.
At Grey London, Kotecha will work closely with global leaders Jason Kahner and Gabriel Schmitt, reporting to Patou Nuytemans, CEO of The Ogilvy Group EMEA. His appointment follows Grey London’s strongest performance in nearly a decade at the 2025 Cannes Lions, under the creative leadership of Helen Rhodes.
Kotecha said he is excited to build on Grey London’s momentum and continue delivering “Famously Effective” ideas for modern brands, a sentiment echoed by Rhodes and Ogilvy Group global CEO Laurent Ezekiel, who highlighted Kotecha’s strength in modernising agency offerings while reinforcing long-term brand building.
