Thursday, January 15, 2026
Industry Veteran Sonal Verma Joins Publicis Groupe India to Lead Arc Worldwide Amid Rising Demand for Connected Commerce Solutions
The GMA Admin
MUMBAI — Publicis Groupe India has appointed Sonal Verma as the new Managing Director of Arc Worldwide India, the Group’s specialized experiential and shopper marketing arm. Verma will report directly to Kedar Teny, Chief Product Officer of Publicis Groupe India, and is tasked with leading the agency’s business operations during a period of rapid evolution in consumer buying behavior.
Strategic Leadership and Objectives
In her new role, Verma will focus on expanding Arc Worldwide’s “connected commerce” capabilities. Her primary objective is to develop future-ready solutions that influence consumer choice at the point of action, particularly as purchasing journeys become increasingly non-linear and complex.
Kedar Teny emphasized that Verma’s appointment is a “natural progression” for the agency. As brands seek growth closer to experiential moments of decision, her role will be central to embedding these shopper-focused capabilities more deeply into Publicis Groupe’s wider service offerings.
Background and Expertise
Verma joins the agency with over 25 years of experience in:
- Integrated Marketing: Developing cohesive strategies across multiple platforms.
- Experiential Strategy: Creating immersive brand interactions.
- Consumer Engagement: Driving deeper connections between brands and shoppers.
The Role of Arc Worldwide
Arc Worldwide serves as a critical bridge between brand creativity and the point of sale. The agency utilizes shopper behavior, environmental context, and consumer mission to design interventions that drive measurable business outcomes. Verma noted that she intends to build “insight-led, culturally relevant and scalable solutions” that operate at the intersection of creativity and commerce.
Conclusion
The appointment of Sonal Verma signals Publicis Groupe India’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the experiential marketing sector. By placing a veteran leader at the helm of Arc Worldwide, the group aims to capitalize on the growing demand for sophisticated, data-driven shopper marketing strategies that can effectively navigate the modern, fragmented path to purchase.