Patel will lead digital media investments across emerging channels, programmatic and connected media
Starcom has appointed Dhaval Patel as Senior Director – Digital Media Buying, effective September 4, 2026. In his new position, Patel will be responsible for leading the agency’s digital media buying and investment mandate, with a focus on strengthening execution across emerging digital platforms, programmatic advertising and connected media.
Patel brings more than 12 years of experience across the media, digital and broadcast sectors. He joins Starcom after his most recent stint with WPP Media, where he was responsible for digital media buying for the West region across Mindshare and mSix&Partners (Matrix).
Over the course of his career, Patel has worked with several prominent media and entertainment organisations, including ZEE5, Times Internet, Star TV and Sun TV Network. His experience spans both digital and traditional media environments, giving him exposure to integrated media planning and investment across multiple formats.
Patel has worked across a broad range of media channels, including programmatic, connected TV (CTV), commerce, retail media, linear television, print and radio. His experience in managing campaigns across these channels has involved coordinating media investments across different audience touchpoints and platforms.
At Starcom, Patel’s mandate will include driving digital media investment strategies while supporting the agency’s broader cross-channel approach. His experience across programmatic and connected media is expected to further strengthen Starcom’s capabilities as advertisers increasingly look to integrate digital, commerce, CTV and other emerging media formats into their campaigns.
The appointment also comes as media agencies continue to expand their digital buying capabilities, with programmatic, connected television and retail media becoming increasingly important components of advertisers’ media investment strategies.
With his experience spanning media networks, digital platforms and broadcast businesses, Patel brings a combination of digital buying expertise and cross-media exposure to his new role at Starcom.