Balaji RD

Driving digital-first transformation for clients, teams, and growth at R K Swamy Ltd. I lead the integrated media for South India, driving digital transformation both internally and for our clients.

• I’m spearheading the creation of a one-stop digital solutions hub covering SEM, social media, Programmatic, and CTV, helping clients seamlessly integrate digital into their marketing mix.
• My role spans building new business opportunities, transforming traditional media clients into digital-first advertisers, and upskill traditional media planning team to deliver integrated media strategies across traditional, digital, and adtech platforms.
• I work closely with teams to embed digital best practices into client strategies, ensuring our solutions are future-ready and performance-driven.
• With a strong foundation across media channels such as traditional, digital, and emerging technologies, I am committed to making R K Swamy a truly digital-first agency in the South market..

• Spearheaded a cross-functional team of 10 professionals in account management, campaign management, creative, and tech at VDO.AI, driving cohesive and efficient operations.
• Boosted client retention to 80% by consistently exceeding expectations and showcasing significant value, fostering long-term partnerships.
• Directed successful programmatic campaigns across the US, Europe, Canada, and APAC, achieving outstanding results and expanding market reach. Expertise in managing Connected TV campaigns.
• Oversaw P&L responsibilities, consistently innovated ad formats, maintained healthy profit margins, and maximized conversion rates through strategic planning and execution.
• Performance Campaign Management: Extensive experience in managing performance campaigns on Google AdWords and Meta. Expertise in creating and executing deals via GAM (Google Ad Manager)
• Data Insights and Optimization: Proficient in extracting valuable insights from tools such as Moat, Adelaide, Nielsen DAR, and Google Analytics. Utilizing data-driven approaches to enhance campaign performance. Conducted brand lift studies with various partners for major clients, deriving key insights and developing actionable strategies to improve outcome.

• Led a high-performing team of 7 media planners to manage a substantial media budget of ₹250 crores, with a primary focus on TV, followed by Print, Digital, Cinema, and OOH, ensuring optimal allocation and ROI.
• Pioneered innovative experiential campaigns in emerging technologies such as the metaverse, voice, and chatbots, enhancing brand engagement and driving client satisfaction.
• Achieved a 70% success rate in new business pitches, leveraging extensive expertise in media planning, buying, and strategy to secure and convert high-value clients.
• Provided exceptional client servicing, delivering significant value through planning and buying efficiencies, resulting in substantial savings and earning client incentives.
• Highly successful in transforming passive media channels such as TV, Print, Radio, and OOH into interactive platforms through innovative technology. Examples include Zapr-enabled TV campaigns, AR-enabled Print and OOH campaigns, and conversational audio ads on Gaana.