Ruder Finn Elevates Tejas Totade to Global CTO & Chief Data & AI Officer
Ruder Finn promotes Tejas Totade to Global CTO & Chief Data & AI Officer to scale global technology, AI architecture, and data capabilities across regions.
Sandhya
Scaling Global Technology and AI Capabilities
Global communications agency Ruder Finn has announced the promotion of Tejas Totade to the dual role of Global Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Data & AI Officer. In this expanded capacity, Totade will unify the agency’s technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence functions under a singular global mandate.
His primary objective is to scale access to advanced technology tools and comprehensive AI training for agency teams worldwide, while designing the core architecture that underpins Ruder Finn’s global AI initiatives.
Driving Business Value Through Data & Innovation
With artificial intelligence reshaping the marketing and communications landscape, Totade's focus remains centered on turning technological capability into client growth.
“The greatest opportunity comes when we work together choosing the right technology, grounding it in data, and applying AI to solve a real business problem,” said Tejas Totade. “This role gives us an opportunity to create that shared vision globally and help our teams and clients translate the enormous potential of AI into measurable value.”
Sixteen Years of Driving Innovation at Ruder Finn
Totade brings over 16 years of leadership and technical execution within Ruder Finn. Having joined the firm as a senior developer, he founded rf.TechLab in 2018—the agency's internal incubator for emerging technologies.
Currently leading an international team across engineering, analytics, and digital development, Totade also co-leads rf.Studio53, Ruder Finn's specialized AI-powered creative hub.
Global Remit & Industry Recognition
Recognized as a leading figure in marketing tech, Totade has built a distinguished record through key honors, including PRWeek’s '40 Under 40', PRovoke Media’s Data Professional of the Year, and inclusion in PRNews' People of the Year (Agency Innovators).
Having previously steered successful AI adoption strategies in India and the UK, Totade’s expanded global remit now spans leadership across cross-functional teams in India, the Philippines, and New York.
