Insight Chaser

Shaziya Khan

Brand Communication Strategy Leader

Innovative Thinker | Consumer Insights Catalyst | Brand Equity Architect

Profile Summary:

A seasoned brand communication strategy leader with 3 decades of experience at VML (JWT) in the Indian and Southeast Asian markets. An “Insight Chaser” noted for fresh consumer understanding, innovative brand thinking, and aligning cross-functional teams around core brand brilliance. Collaborates with diverse analytical creative thinkers – engineers, social entrepreneurs, designers, researchers, architects, and business experts – harnessing their collective expertise to drive impactful brand strategy solutions that build long-term, high-quality brand equity. Distinguished Chevening Pearson Scholar with residencies at The Stirling Media Research Institute, Scotland and Financial Times, London.

Industry Experience:

Luxury | Grooming | Wealth | Well-being | ESG

Key Clients: De Beers (Forevermark, Nakshatra, Sangini, Wedding, Arisia, Asmi), The Leela, Unilever (Lux, Sunsilk, Rin), Johnson & Johnson (Benadryl, Listerine), Zydus (Everyuth, Nutralite, Sugarlite), Kaya (men), AMFI (Association of Mutual Funds of India), HSBC (global private banking), Kotak (insurance, wealth), Godrej (Goodknight, Appliances), Kellogg’s (Chocos, Special K), Tata (Himalayan), Team Eagle, and more.

Thought Leadership & Expertise:

– Architect of brand strategies that foster long-term brand equity through deep consumer understanding, reframed perspectives, trend integration, persona development, and compelling campaigns

– Identify new target opportunities and nurture brand-consumer connections

– Proven leader adept at unifying teams for seamless strategy execution

– Author newsletter exploring the emotional roots of brand and business growth

– Contribute column on brand allyship for women’s financial empowerment 

Career Evolution:

Began in advertising as a college student, designing posters, exhibitions.
7 years honing client relationship, project skills in account management roles.
Transitioned to brand strategy after an enriching sabbatical year as a Chevening Pearson Scholar, featuring studies at the Financial Times in London.
Over the following 18 years, advanced to the National Planning Director role.

  • Developed brand communication strategies for diamonds: elevate preference and trust; cereal: demystify flakes; laundry: brand key evolution; wealth: relaunch offering; investing: inclusivity of largest industry programme
  • Spearheaded initiatives: “Culture Muscle Finance Study”, client webinars
  • Contributed to new business growth: Advertising wins – The Leela; Zydus; Godrej Goodknight, Appliances; AMFI; ESG clients. Bespoke strategy – Kotak, Tata, HSBC.

Achievements & Awards:

  • First Indian to win the prestigious Jay Chiat Grand Prix, Gold, USA (known as the ‘Oscars Of Strategy’)
  • Advertising Research Foundation David Ogilvy Gold Award, USA
  • Midas World’s Best Financial Advertising
  • New York Festivals World’s Best Advertising and Marketing Effectiveness awards
  • APG (Account Planning Group, UK) Gold Award and Special Prize for Best Presenter Outside UK
  • IPA (Institute of Practitioners of Advertising, UK) Bronze Award for strategy 
  • AME (Asian Marketing Effectiveness) Award for Best Insights and Strategic Thinking
  • Accomplished Effie award winner with 1 Gold (Sustained Success), 3 Silver, and several Bronze honours
  • Four WPP Global Atticus Awards for ‘original thinking on issues and trends’
  • Jury member at prestigious national and international awards 

Publications & Contributions:

– Contributed articles to business press (Economic Times, Business Standard, Business World, Hindu Business Line, Financial Express, Little Black Book, Exchange For Media, Social Samosa, Thrivegobal.in, mxmindia.com) and branding publications (warc.com, Ad Map, WPP Brandz India Reports, Impact, Campaign, agencyfaqs.com).

– Guest lectured at educational institutions (ISB, MICA, NMIMS), industry bodies (Emerging India Camp CII-JICA), and companies (Orion Venture Partners, Franklin Templeton, Mirum Agency).

– Presented a case study on the Financial Times Group’s benefits and difficulties of sharing resources

– WPP Stella Mentor, facilitating women’s progression to senior levels

Personal Interests:

Appreciates paper, colour, and texture. Passionate about creating digital art and exploring new creative outlets.

Education:

MSc in Media Management, University of Stirling, Scotland (Chevening Pearson Scholar, Distinction)

Master of Management Studies, Specialization in Marketing, University of Mumbai (First Class)

Bachelor of Arts, Economics & Statistics, University of Mumbai (First Class, Student of the Year)