The Media Research Users Council India (MRUCI) announced a new leadership team at its 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on September 22, 2025. Vikram Sakhuja, Partner and Director at Madison World, has been elected as the new Chairman, while Dhruba Mukherjee, CEO of ABP, will serve as Vice Chairman. In addition, Shashidhar Sinha will take over as Chairman of the IRS Technical Committee.
Sakhuja succeeds Shailesh Gupta, Whole-time Director at Jagran Prakashan, who served two consecutive terms as MRUCI Chairman from 2023–2025.
Reflecting on his tenure, Shailesh Gupta said, “The Board’s approval of the IRS pilot marks a major milestone for readership measurement in India. By beginning with a metro and two states, we are ensuring both financial prudence and operational confidence. These learnings will enable a robust nationwide rollout and a credible readership system that the print industry deserves. I thank the Board and stakeholders for their support and extend my best wishes to Vikram Sakhuja and the new leadership.”
Accepting his new role, Sakhuja stated, “I am deeply honoured to take on the responsibility of Chairman at MRUCI. I thank Mr. Shailesh Gupta for his leadership and guidance. Our focus will be to re-establish the IRS as the gold standard of readership research and ensure it remains the most credible survey in the country.”
The board also welcomed three new members: Navaneeth LV, CEO, THG Publishing; Surinder Chawla, President – Response, Bennett, Coleman & Co.; and Upali Nag, President – Strategy, South Asia, WPP Media.
With over 38 years of experience across P&G, Coca-Cola, Star TV, Maxus, GroupM, and Mindshare, Vikram Sakhuja is a seasoned media leader and an IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta alumnus. Dhruba Mukherjee, a long-time ABP veteran, has led brand management, sales, and strategy initiatives, and is an alumnus of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, Calcutta University, LSE, and Harvard Business School.
