M+C Saatchi North America Appoints Suresh Raj as First-Ever Chief Growth Officer

M+C Saatchi North America, the integrated network that helps brands navigate, create, and lead meaningful change through cultural power, today announced it has appointed longtime industry luminary Suresh Raj as its first chief growth officer, responsible for leading new business and growth for the agency as it continues its expansion in the U.S.

Suresh is the former chief growth officer at McCann New York, previously served as worldwide chief business development officer at Ogilvy Group, and sits on the Cannes Lions-ANA CMO Growth Council.

The announcement comes on the heels of the appointments of the first-ever M+C Saatchi North America CEO Nadja Bellan-White, regional chief creative officer Stevie Archer. In addition, M+C Saatchi Sport + Entertainment announced a new leadership team in the U.S., naming Val Middleton executive vice president for sport, Danielle Mileno as managing director and head of consumer PR, and Alex Osorio as managing director of influencer engagement and culture.

The agency also recently unveiled its Cultural Power Index, a proprietary AI tool designed to help brands assess their strengths and break through culture in meaningful ways.

“The appointment of Suresh, with his deep experience in leading agencies through transformative growth, is a clear signal we have planted our stake in North America,” said Nadja. “Combined with the recent launch of Cultural Power, we are well-positioned to be a key partner for brands navigating the complex business and cultural landscape we face. Suresh is charged with communicating to the market our wide and seamlessly integrated capabilities.”

“M+C Saatchi is building and expanding a network in the U.S. that fills a clear and urgent need for brands today,” said Suresh. “From influencer and creator marketing to fully integrated social and creative campaigns to consulting and strategy, and public relations, M+C Saatchi operates as a one-stop shop for solving complex business challenges. It combines the power and capabilities of a holding company with the nimble and individualised service of an independent agency. I look forward to helping further grow its presence in the U.S. market.”

Suresh brings nearly 30 years of experience in the marketing communications industry, having held leadership positions at some of the world's most top agencies. Prior to joining M+C Saatchi, he was chief growth officer at McCann New York, and previously served as global chief growth officer at VIRTUE Worldwide (Vice Media Group's creative agency), chief business development officer at Vision7/BlueFocus International, managing director of global business development at Zeno Group, and worldwide chief business development officer at Ogilvy. Throughout his career, he has successfully driven growth strategies and secured major global clients including the US Soccer Federation, Amazon, Nike, Logitech, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Jaguar LandRover and Frontier Communications.

A vocal champion of diversity across all spectrums, Suresh has been named to numerous Top 100 Lists (Ethnic Minority & LGBTQ+) by the Financial Times, Yahoo! Finance, YouTube and is also an ADCOLOR Rockstar nominee. He served as a jury member of the Cannes Lions Glass Lions (Lion of Change) in 2024 and was recently inducted as an executive member of the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences. He was a Campaign 40 under 40 honoree, as well as ADWEEK’s Pride Star recipient. He has served on juries for the Effies (NA), PR Week Awards and SABRE Awards. He is also Chair of the ANA LGBTQ+ Forum and an inaugural member of McKinsey's LGBTQ+ network, The Alliance.