NEW DELHI—Girish Balachandran has joined India's Avian Media in a senior role, after departing Waggener Edstrom's London office earlier this year.

Balachandran becomes national head of marketing and group business director at Avian, overseeing the agency's business development and marketing efforts across India and advising clients on strategy.

Previously, Balachandran spent two years as EMEA client development director at WagEd, a role that he stepped down from in June of this year. His move to Avian represents something of a reunion with CEO Nitin Mantri, with whom he worked at Pleon. Balachandran also worked at Ketchum during his time in the UK.

"In just ten years, Avian Media has established itself as one of the most reputed businesses in communications consulting in India with an enviable portfolio of clients," said Balachandran.

"My experience will help both multinational brands wanting to navigate to India as well as Indian brands exploring new markets in UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa."

Balachandran's arrival comes after solid growth at Avian in recent years, with Mantri noting that the firm is ready for its "next big leap."

"Girish will initiate a new marketing drive for Avian as well as manage key client relationships," said Mantri. "With his vast experience and business expertise, we aim to further strengthen our capabilities to become India’s most trusted advocacy Firm by 2025.”