DIA Group appoints Samir Dixit as new managing partner for Malaysia

DIA Group has appointed Samir Dixit as managing partner for DIA Malaysia, signalling a renewed focus on connecting brand strategy with measurable business outcomes. The firm aims to reinforce its 30-year legacy of creative excellence while ensuring that its strategic work translates directly into enterprise value and business growth.

Dixit told A+M, that he has relocated to Malaysia, and has been based there since late July. He has also been the COO for DIA Brands since 2022, and will continue to hold the role alongside his new managing partner designation. "It's currently a combined role overseeing DIA Malaysia, but over time we will review the need for another senior hire."

"For now, we are looking to get our direction down, and build our capabilities and strengths. That has always been there, but we want to build it to the next level," he said. 

The announcement of Dixit's appointment comes after news of DIA's managing director Sutapa Bhattacharya, departing from her role, after spending three years at the consultancy.

Don't miss: DIA Brands' managing director Sutapa Bhattacharya steps down

Over the past year, DIA reviewed its offerings and concluded that the market’s expectations had shifted beyond traditional “brand-only” strategy. Rather than follow the industry trajectory, DIA is doubling down on its founding promise of "Creating business advantage" by linking brand strategy explicitly to clients’ business KPIs. The firm’s approach integrates management consulting rigor with creative solutions, ensuring strategies convert into experiences defined by both brand excellence and financial performance.

"I will be focused on growing the business, its offerings, and products, as well as deepening client relationships. We want to play a meaningful role for our clients, to go above and beyond what other agencies can do for them," Dixit shared. "The big change that we have been driving and will continue to drive, is to turn brands into business enablers. Currently, many view it as a mere communications tool, and we've identified a gap there."

Dixit will also continue holding his role as global head of Acorn Management Consulting, the management consultancy arm of Acorn Research. He brings global experience across four continents, spanning value-creation programs, growth strategy, operating models, and M&A.

Prior to this, he's worked at valuation firm Brand Finance as the managing director for APAC, and director and chief strategist at Bizolutions in Singapore. Dixit also spent six years at Standard Chartered Bank, four of which were spent as the global brand controller for marketing and communications. He also has advertising experience, with stints at Publicis Groupe and Ogilvy & Mather. 

“DIA believes that brand strategy must measure up to business KPIs and translate brand investments into case studies that can deliver to board level, CFO and consumer level expectations. If we truly understand our clients’ businesses, and derive insights that open opportunities for business growth, we can effectively contribute to their brand and business success,” said Nigel Smith, CEO, DIA Group.

He added that Dixit’s decades of experience across management consulting, valuation advisory, and leadership would help bridge the C-suite agenda with brand strategy.

Yesterday, A+M reported that Sutapa Bhattacharya, the managing director for DIA Malaysia, left her role in August. Bhattacharya joined DIA Brands from Tenaga Nasional, where she was the GM, strategic communication and branding. At DIA Brands, she led several notable branding projects, including work for Malakoff and IJM Corporation. 

When asked about her next steps, Bhattacharya said: "For now, I am taking a pause and considering different roles and options before me, but also dabbling in a few projects of my interest."

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