(advertising) Account Director Resume Samples and Templates for 2025

Advertising Account Director Resume Guide for India

A well-crafted Advertising Account Director resume is essential for success in India’s dynamic advertising and media industry. Whether you’re a mid-level professional seeking senior positions or an experienced Account Director targeting leadership roles at agencies like Ogilvy, Dentsu, WPP, Publicis, or independent creative agencies, this guide provides everything you need to create a standout resume that impresses Indian employers and passes ATS screening on portals like Naukri and LinkedIn.

This comprehensive guide includes:

• Resume format recommendations for Indian advertising sector
• Key skills Indian agencies look for
• Complete resume example with Indian context
• Top advertising employers in India
• Salary insights in INR by experience level
• Career progression guidance
• ATS optimization tips for Indian job portals

Why Your Advertising Account Director Resume Matters in India

India’s advertising industry is one of the fastest-growing globally, with agencies like Ogilvy India, Dentsu, WPP Network, Publicis Groupe, Havas, Leo Burnett, McCann, and TBWA actively hiring Account Directors. A strong resume helps you:

• Stand out from thousands of professionals on Naukri and LinkedIn
• Pass ATS screening used by agency networks and holding companies
• Showcase skills that Indian agencies value, including client leadership, campaign management, and revenue growth
• Demonstrate your account growth achievements and client retention record

Indian advertising recruiters typically spend 6-10 seconds reviewing each resume initially. Your Account Director resume must immediately communicate your client leadership, campaign success, and ability to grow agency revenue. With India’s advertising industry expanding across digital and traditional media, a well-optimized resume is essential.

Advertising Account Director Resume Format for India

Indian employers prefer clean, professional resume formats. Here’s what works best:

Recommended Format

• Length: 1-2 pages (2 pages recommended for senior roles)
• Layout: Reverse chronological (most recent first)
• Font: Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (11-12pt)
• Sections: Contact, Summary, Skills, Experience, Key Accounts, Education, Certifications

Personal Details for Indian Account Director Resumes

Indian resumes typically include:

• Full name
• Phone number with country code (+91)
• Professional email address
• LinkedIn profile URL
• City, State (full address not required)

What to Avoid

• Decorative fonts or graphics (causes ATS issues)
• Personal information like religion, caste, or father’s name
• Salary expectations (discuss during interview)
• References (provide when requested)

Key Skills for Account Directors in India

Indian agencies look for comprehensive account leadership covering client management, campaign delivery, and business development.

Client Leadership (Essential)

• Relationship Management: CXO-level client engagement
• Strategic Counsel: Brand strategy advisory
• Account Growth: Upselling, cross-selling, scope expansion
• Retention: Contract renewals, long-term partnerships
• Conflict Resolution: Issue escalation, crisis management

Campaign Management

• Campaign Strategy: Integrated campaign planning
• Creative Briefing: Clear briefs, creative feedback
• Media Integration: ATL, BTL, digital coordination
• Project Management: Timelines, budgets, deliverables
• Quality Assurance: Output standards, brand consistency

Business Development

• New Business: Pitch participation, proposal development
• Revenue Growth: Account revenue expansion
• P&L Management: Profitability, resource optimization
• Contract Negotiation: Fee structures, retainer agreements
• Team Building: Account team leadership

Industry Expertise

• Integrated Advertising: Traditional + digital campaigns
• Digital Transformation: Social, programmatic, content
• Category Experience: FMCG, Auto, Tech, BFSI expertise
• Media Knowledge: TV, print, OOH, digital planning
• Production Oversight: TVC, content, digital asset production

Soft Skills for Indian Agencies

• Communication: Client presentations, internal alignment
• Leadership: Team motivation, mentorship
• Strategic Thinking: Big-picture brand vision
• Problem-Solving: Creative solutions under pressure
• Negotiation: Client expectations, vendor management

How to Present Skills

Create a dedicated skills section. Group by category (Client Leadership, Campaign, Business). Highlight account revenue and client retention prominently.

Advertising Account Director Resume Example for India

Here’s a complete resume example tailored for Indian employers:

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Priyanka Mehta

Mumbai, Maharashtra | +91-98XXX-XXXXX | priyanka.mehta@email.com | linkedin.com/in/priyankamehta-advertising

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Professional Summary

Dynamic Advertising Account Director with 12+ years of experience leading integrated marketing campaigns for Fortune 500 clients at top-tier agencies. Proven track record of managing ₹25 Cr+ annual account portfolio with 95% client retention and 40% YoY revenue growth. Expertise in client relationship management, campaign strategy, and new business development across FMCG, automotive, and technology sectors. Strong background with Ogilvy and Dentsu serving clients including HUL, Maruti Suzuki, and Amazon. MBA from MICA with consistent record of exceeding client expectations. Seeking VP/Group Account Director role at a leading creative agency.

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Skills

Client Leadership: Strategic Client Partnership, CXO Engagement, Account Growth, Retention Strategy Campaign Management: Integrated Campaigns, Creative Strategy, Media Planning, Digital Transformation Business Development: New Business Pitches, Revenue Growth, Contract Negotiation, P&L Management Team Leadership: Account Team Building, Mentorship, Cross-functional Coordination Industry Knowledge: FMCG, Automotive, Technology, E-commerce, BFSI Categories Soft Skills: Executive Presentations, Strategic Thinking, Crisis Management, Stakeholder Alignment

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Professional Experience

Group Account Director | Ogilvy India | Mumbai | April 2020 – Present

• Lead account portfolio of 4 major clients with combined annual billing of ₹25 Cr
• Achieved 95% client retention and 40% YoY revenue growth across portfolio
• Manage and mentor team of 12 including Account Directors, Managers, and Executives
• Drive integrated campaigns across TV, digital, social, and experiential
• Lead strategic planning for HUL personal care brands with ₹10 Cr annual retainer
• Spearhead digital transformation initiatives resulting in 60% increase in digital billings
• Won 3 new business pitches worth ₹8 Cr combined annual revenue
• Present quarterly business reviews and annual planning to client CMOs
• Coordinate with creative, planning, media, and production teams on campaign delivery
• Received “Client Excellence Award” for highest client satisfaction scores (2023)

Account Director | Dentsu India | Mumbai | June 2017 – March 2020

• Managed automotive client (Maruti Suzuki) with ₹12 Cr annual account
• Achieved 100% contract renewal with 25% scope expansion
• Led team of 8 account professionals across Mumbai and Delhi offices
• Developed and executed integrated launch campaigns for 3 new vehicle models
• Coordinated multi-agency ecosystem including media, digital, and activation partners
• Built strong relationships with client marketing and sales leadership
• Mentored junior team members on client management and presentation skills

Senior Account Manager | McCann India | Delhi NCR | July 2014 – May 2017

• Handled technology client portfolio including Microsoft and HP
• Managed ₹6 Cr annual account with focus on B2B and consumer campaigns
• Executed 360-degree campaigns across traditional and digital media
• Developed client presentations and strategic recommendations
• Coordinated with global teams for brand consistency and adaptation
• Supported new business pitches contributing to 2 major wins

Account Manager | Leo Burnett India | Mumbai | July 2012 – June 2014

• Managed day-to-day operations for FMCG client accounts
• Coordinated campaign production including TVCs and print
• Developed creative briefs and provided feedback on creative work
• Built relationships with client brand teams at various levels
• Supported senior team on strategic planning and reviews

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Key Accounts Managed

HUL Personal Care | Ogilvy | 2020 – Present

• Category: Personal Care (Skin, Hair, Body)
• Account Size: ₹10 Cr annual retainer
• Scope: Brand strategy, integrated campaigns, digital
• Achievement: 35% increase in account revenue, award-winning campaigns

Maruti Suzuki | Dentsu | 2017 – 2020

• Category: Automotive
• Account Size: ₹12 Cr annual
• Scope: Launch campaigns, sustenance, dealer marketing
• Achievement: 3 successful vehicle launches, 100% retention

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Education

Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) | MICA Ahmedabad | 2012

• Specialization: Advertising & Communications
• CGPA: 3.5/4.0

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) | St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai | 2010

• Major: Mass Communication
• First Class (78%)
• Editor, College Magazine

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Certifications

• Strategic Account Leadership | Ogilvy University | 2023
• Digital Marketing Strategy | Google | 2022
• Client Management Excellence | 4A’s (AAAA) | 2021
• Integrated Campaign Planning | IPA (UK) | 2020
• Media Planning Fundamentals | GroupM Academy | 2019

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Awards & Recognition

• Effie India Gold - Best FMCG Campaign | 2023
• Ogilvy Client Excellence Award | 2023
• Cannes Lions Bronze - Integrated Campaign | 2022
• Abby Award Silver - Digital Campaign | 2021
• Dentsu Star Performer Award | 2019

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Languages

English (Fluent) | Hindi (Fluent) | Marathi (Native) | Gujarati (Conversational)

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Declaration

I hereby declare that the information provided above is true to the best of my knowledge.

Priyanka Mehta Mumbai, December 2024

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Types of Account Director Roles in India

India’s advertising industry offers various career paths. Here’s an overview:

By Agency Type

• Creative Agency: Full-service advertising
• Media Agency: Media planning and buying
• Digital Agency: Digital-first campaigns
• Integrated Network: Multi-discipline agencies
• Boutique/Independent: Specialized creative shops

By Experience Level

• Account Executive: 0-2 years, coordination role
• Account Manager: 2-4 years, day-to-day management
• Senior Account Manager: 4-6 years, client leadership
• Account Director: 6-10 years, strategic account ownership
• Group Account Director: 10-15 years, multi-account portfolio
• VP/Business Director: 15+ years, business unit leadership

By Specialization

• Brand Account Director: Full-service creative accounts
• Digital Account Director: Digital-first client work
• Media Account Director: Media agency relationships
• Integrated Account Director: Multi-channel campaigns

Top Advertising Employers in India

India’s advertising sector offers excellent opportunities. Here are the top employers:

Global Agency Networks

• Ogilvy India: Part of WPP, full-service creative
• Dentsu India: Dentsu network, integrated marketing
• McCann India: IPG network, creative excellence
• Leo Burnett India: Publicis network, brand building
• TBWA India: Omnicom network, disruption
• JWT/Wunderman Thompson: WPP network, connected marketing
• Havas Creative India: Havas Group, integrated communications

Media Agencies

• GroupM India: WPP media investment group
• Dentsu Media: Media planning and buying
• OMD India: Omnicom media agency
• Publicis Media: Starcom, Zenith, Spark

Digital & Independent

• Interactive Avenues: Dentsu digital
• iProspect India: Performance marketing
• Enormous Brands: Independent creative
• Famous Innovations: Creative boutique
• Tilt Brand Solutions: Strategy-led agency

In-House Teams

• Flipkart: E-commerce marketing
• Amazon India: Retail marketing
• Swiggy/Zomato: Consumer tech
• Major FMCG Companies: In-house agency teams

How to Apply

• Apply through Naukri.com and LinkedIn
• Agency career pages directly
• Industry referrals (highly effective)
• Recruitment consultants (for senior roles)
• Industry networking events

Advertising Account Director Salary in India

Account management offers competitive salaries with growth potential. Salaries vary based on experience, agency type, and portfolio size.

Salary by Experience Level

Experience	Creative Agency (INR)	Media Agency (INR)	Digital Agency (INR)
AM (2-4 years)	₹5 - ₹10 LPA	₹5 - ₹9 LPA	₹6 - ₹12 LPA
Sr. AM (4-6 years)	₹10 - ₹16 LPA	₹9 - ₹14 LPA	₹12 - ₹18 LPA
AD (6-10 years)	₹16 - ₹28 LPA	₹14 - ₹24 LPA	₹18 - ₹30 LPA
GAD (10-15 years)	₹28 - ₹50 LPA	₹24 - ₹40 LPA	₹30 - ₹55 LPA
VP/BD (15+ years)	₹50 - ₹90 LPA	₹40 - ₹70 LPA	₹55 - ₹100 LPA

Note: Variable pay can add 15-30% based on new business and retention.

Salary by City

City	Salary Range (AD Level)
Mumbai	₹20 - ₹32 LPA
Delhi NCR	₹18 - ₹28 LPA
Bangalore	₹16 - ₹26 LPA
Hyderabad	₹14 - ₹22 LPA
Chennai	₹13 - ₹20 LPA
Kolkata	₹12 - ₹18 LPA

Factors Affecting Salary

• Agency Network: Global networks pay premium
• Portfolio Size: Larger billings mean higher salary
• Client Category: FMCG, auto, tech command premium
• New Business Success: Pitch wins add to compensation
• Education: MICA, XLRI, top B-school adds value
• Awards: Industry recognition impacts salary

Salary data based on Glassdoor India, AmbitionBox, and industry surveys.

Career Progression for Account Directors in India

Account management offers clear progression paths.

Typical Career Path

1. Account Executive (0-2 years): Coordination, support
2. Account Manager (2-4 years): Day-to-day management
3. Senior Account Manager (4-6 years): Client ownership
4. Account Director (6-10 years): Strategic leadership
5. Group Account Director (10-15 years): Portfolio management
6. VP/Business Director (15+ years): Business unit leadership
7. Managing Director: Agency leadership

Skills Development by Level

• Early Career: Operations, coordination, execution
• Mid Career: Client management, team leadership
• Senior Career: Strategy, P&L, business development

Alternative Paths

• Client-Side Marketing: Move to brand management
• Consulting: Strategy and transformation
• Entrepreneurship: Start own agency
• Specialized Roles: Planning, strategy, new business

ATS Tips for Your Account Director Resume

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Optimize yours:

For Naukri.com

• Use keywords from job descriptions (Account Director, Client Management, Advertising)
• Keep formatting simple (no tables, columns, or graphics)
• Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
• Upload in .docx or .pdf format
• Update profile every 15 days

For LinkedIn Applications

• Match resume to LinkedIn profile
• Use standard job titles (Account Director, Group Account Director)
• Include account billing and revenue numbers
• Get endorsements from clients and colleagues

General ATS Tips

• DO: Standard fonts, clear headings, bullet points
• DO: Include metrics (₹25 Cr portfolio, 95% retention, 40% growth)
• DO: Mention specific categories and clients
• DON’T: Use headers/footers, text boxes, images
• DON’T: Use creative section titles

Keyword Strategy for Account Director Roles

Common keywords from job postings:

• Account Director, Group Account Director, Business Director
• Client Management, Client Relationship, Account Leadership
• Campaign Management, Integrated Marketing, Brand Strategy
• New Business, Revenue Growth, Client Retention
• FMCG, Automotive, Technology, Financial Services

Final Tips for Your Advertising Account Director Resume

✅ Lead with portfolio metrics—₹25 Cr billing, 95% retention, 40% growth

✅ Show client categories—FMCG, auto, tech expertise

✅ Highlight campaign success—award-winning work, business results

✅ Demonstrate business development—pitches won, revenue added

✅ Include team leadership—team size, mentorship

✅ Show progression—clear career growth from AM to AD

✅ Proofread carefully—attention to detail critical

Quick Checklist

• Contact with +91 phone and LinkedIn
• Professional summary highlighting portfolio and retention
• Skills organized by category (Client, Campaign, Business)
• Experience showing account metrics and achievements
• Key accounts section with specific results
• Education with MICA/top B-school
• Awards and industry recognition
• ATS-friendly formatting
• Declaration statement

Ready to create your professional Advertising Account Director resume? Use our resume builder to get started with templates optimized for Indian job portals.

For more guidance on resume structure, check out our resume format guide with tips specifically for the Indian corporate job market.