USA – R/GA has named Urvashi Shivdasani as its new global chief financial officer, the agency’s first global C-suite appointment since regaining independence through a partnership between its management and private equity firm Truelink Capital.
Shivdasani joins R/GA from Huge, where she served as global CFO overseeing finance and operations functions spanning accounting, FP&A, real estate, commercial finance, resource management, and IT. She was also involved in the company’s transition to private equity ownership. Her previous roles include senior finance positions at Ralph Lauren and Discovery Communications.
At R/GA, she will work closely with CEO Robin Forbes and the global leadership team to shape the agency’s financial strategy, improve operational efficiency, and support the shift toward a more flexible, outcomes-based commercial model.
“Urvashi’s extensive experience and strategic acumen will be invaluable as we chart R/GA’s course as an independent agency and activate a new commercial model based on outcomes and not hours. Her track record of driving financial success and operational excellence will be critical as we continue to invest in innovation and new ways of working,” said Forbes.
Shivdasani’s appointment comes as agencies face mounting pressure to move away from traditional payment structures, driven by advances in AI and a growing emphasis on efficiency. She will also be responsible for overseeing the strategic deployment of R/GA’s newly launched $50 million Innovation Fund.
Speaking about her new role, Shivdasani shared, “I’m thrilled to join R/GA at this pivotal moment in its history. The agency’s commitment to innovation and its bold vision for the future were an incredibly compelling opportunity, and one I can’t wait to be involved in. I look forward to partnering with Robin and the leadership team to continue to build a growth organisation for the long term that drives creativity and innovation for our clients.”
