WPP Media Appoints Aishwarya Rao to Consulting Lead
The media group has tapped Aishwarya Rao to spearhead its newly consolidated consulting practice in the ANZ region.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Advertising
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WPP Media has appointed Aishwarya Rao as the new managing partner of its expanded consulting practice. The move comes as the company consolidates four specialist disciplines into a single group-wide consulting function.
Why it matters
This expansion aims to address growing demand from marketers for expert advice on organizational modernisation, productivity, and commercial outcomes. By integrating these services, WPP Media seeks to streamline how clients access data strategy, AI, and technology architecture.
Aishwarya Rao brings 20 years of professional experience to the role, leading a practice that integrates four distinct specialist disciplines. These units include Analytics & Insights, Transformation Consulting, Technology Architecture, and Agentic Design.
The players
Aishwarya Rao
She is the newly appointed managing partner of consulting at WPP Media and brings two decades of industry experience to the firm.
WPP Media
It is a prominent global advertising and communications services group that maintains a significant presence in the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Tom Braybrook
He serves as the executive to whom Aishwarya Rao reports within the WPP Media organizational structure.
The details
The consulting practice draws on expertise from agencies including EssenceMediacom, Mindshare, and Wavemaker to offer comprehensive marketing technology and data solutions. Rao, who previously worked at Accenture Song, will report directly to Tom Braybrook in her new role.
Timeline
WPP Media announced the appointment of Aishwarya Rao in October 2026.
Market Landscape
WPP Media's consolidation follows the industry-wide shift toward integrated agency consulting services that blend media buying with deep digital transformation. This structure positions the firm to compete directly with global management consultancies by offering end-to-end data and technology support.
Clients of EssenceMediacom, Mindshare, and Wavemaker can expect a more unified approach to complex marketing technology and data projects. This reorganisation aims to provide businesses with faster access to multi-disciplinary experts under a single consulting banner.
The takeaway
Organisations looking to modernise should prioritise integrated consulting partners that can bridge the gap between media buying and technology architecture. Leveraging consolidated expertise often leads to clearer paths for commercial growth and improved operational productivity.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts, see Advertising.
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