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Tag: AAAI

  • Srinivasan Swamy inducted into AFAA hall of fame at Adasia Beijing

    Srinivasan Swamy inducted into AFAA hall of fame at Adasia Beijing

    MUMBAI: In a moment of well-deserved recognition, R K Swamy Ltd chairman Srinivasan Swamy has been inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA) at Adasia Beijing. The honour ‘AFAA’s highest’ was presented by AFAA  immediate past president Raymond So, before delegates from 32 countries.

    The citation celebrating Swamy’s extraordinary career highlighted his “quarter century spent in leading and building the largest Indian-owned integrated marketing services group”: the R K Swamy Hansa Group. It also commended his visionary leadership that has guided the global marketing and communications industry for over four decades.

    Over the years, Swamy has held numerous prestigious leadership positions across the industry. He has served as chairman of the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA), chairman and world president of the International Advertising Association (IAA), and chairman of the Confederation of Asian Advertising Agency Associations (CAAAA). He was also president of the India chapter of the IAA for an unprecedented four years, president of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) for three consecutive terms and was re-elected once again in 2025 and chairman of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). In addition, he has served as chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), president of the All India Management Association (AIMA), the Madras chamber of commerce and industry, the Madras management association, and the Advertising club Madras.

    The citation also lauded his role in creating and leading major industry milestones. Swamy played a key part in conceptualising Goafest, steering the IAA world congress 2019, and spearheading the IAA silver jubilee summit in Kochi. He has also been instrumental in driving several editions of the confederation of Indian industry’s international brand summit and the AIMA world marketing congress, among other notable initiatives.

    Beyond the realm of advertising, Swamy has made a significant impact through his work with social, educational, medical, and cultural institutions. His involvement in community and religious causes has further reinforced his reputation as both an industry stalwart and a socially conscious leader.

    His illustrious career has earned him numerous national and international accolades. He is the only Indian to have received the award of appreciation from the Japan Advertising Association, the IAA Global Compass Award for outstanding contribution to the industry, and the Adstar Korea Lifetime Honour Award. Among his many other honours are the AFAA special merit award, the IAA Inspire champion award, the IAA North Star medal, and the honorary life fellowship from the All India Management Association.

    Swamy has also been recognised closer to home with lifetime achievement awards from the advertising agencies association of India, Indira institutions, the Rotary Club of Guindy, and the Advertising Club Madras. He has been inducted into the IAA India chapter hall of fame and was honoured with the Distinguished alumni award by the Alagappa College of Technology during its platinum jubilee celebrations.

    Known for his friendly demeanour, generous spirit, and wise counsel, Srinivasan Swamy continues to inspire the advertising fraternity across the world. His induction into the AFAA hall of fame cements his position as one of India’s most respected global advertising leaders: a visionary who has built an enduring legacy of leadership, learning, and lasting impact.
     

  • Advertising veteran Srinivasan Swamy returns for fourth stint as industry chief

    Advertising veteran Srinivasan Swamy returns for fourth stint as industry chief

    MUMBAI: India’s advertising industry loves a comeback story—and Srinivasan K Swamy is giving it one. The executive group chairman of R K Swamy has been elected president of the Advertising Agencies Association of India for 2025-26, marking his fourth term in the role after an 18-year hiatus.

    Swamy, also known as Sundar Swamy, previously ran the 80-year-old trade body from 2004 to 2007, when India’s advertising market was a fraction of its current size. His return suggests the industry wants experienced hands to navigate an increasingly complex landscape of digital disruption, regulatory scrutiny and changing consumer behaviour.

    “I am deeply humbled that this marks my fourth term in this role,” said Swamy, whose lengthy CV reads like a who’s who of industry bodies. He has chaired everything from the International Advertising Association to the Audit Bureau of Circulation, earning a lifetime achievement award from AAAI along the way.

    Jaideep Gandhi was elected vice-president, while the 15-member board includes heavyweights from agencies spanning Leo Burnett to Grey Worldwide. The roster reflects the fragmented nature of India’s advertising market, where global networks jostle with homegrown shops for a slice of the action.

    Outgoing president Prasanth Kumar, who served three years during the turbulent post-pandemic period, handed over the reins with typical corporate grace. “I am confident that, with his vast experience and vision, he will steer AAAI to even greater achievements,” he said.

    Whether Swamy can repeat his earlier success remains to be seen. The advertising world he inherits is vastly different from the one he left in 2007—social media has upended traditional media planning, privacy regulations are reshaping data collection, and artificial intelligence threatens to automate creative work.

    Still, at an age when most executives are eyeing retirement, Swamy clearly believes there’s more work to be done. For an industry built on selling dreams, that kind of optimism is probably just what the doctor ordered.

    Other elected members of the Board in alphabetical order and the companies they represent on AAAI are: 
    * Anupriya Acharya,  Leo Burnett (TLG India Pvt Ltd) 
    * Sam Balsara, Madison Communications Pvt Ltd 
    * Tanya Goyal, Everest Brand Solutions Pvt Ltd 
    * Tapas Gupta, BEI Confluence Communication Ltd. 
    * Vishandas Hardasani, Matrix Publicities and Media India Pvt Ltd 
    * Mohit Joshi, Havas Media India Pvt Ltd 
    * Santosh Kumar, Innocean Worldwide Communication Pvt Ltd 
    * Kunal Lalani, Crayons Advertising Ltd 
    * Chandramouli Muthu, Maitri Advertising Works Pvt Ltd  
    * Vikram Sakhuja, Platinum Advertising Pvt Ltd 
    * Kartik Sharma,  Omnicom Media Group India Pvt Ltd 
    * Anusha ShettY,  Grey Worldwide (India) Pvt Ltd 
    * Shashi Sinha, Initiative Media (India) Pvt Ltd 
    * K Srinivas, Sloka Advertising Pvt Ltd  
    * Paritosh Srivastava, Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi Pvt Ltd 

  • Dentsu reveals it tipped off CCI in ad cartel investigation

    Dentsu reveals it tipped off CCI in ad cartel investigation

    MUMBAI: Who blew the whistle on Indian advertising’s best-kept secret? Turns out, it was the house of Dentsu. Three months after the Competition Commission of India (CCI) swooped down on the country’s top ad agencies over alleged rate-fixing, Japanese media conglomerate Dentsu has confirmed it was the one to pull the plug—filing a suo motu disclosure under CCI’s leniency framework in February 2024. The move, Dentsu claims, wasn’t about crisis control, but about triggering “reform from within.”

    In March, CCI teams raided nearly 10 locations, targeting big-league players including GroupM, Publicis, Havas, IPG, and Madison, along with industry associations like AAAI, ISA, and IBDF. The focus? Alleged cartelisation through fixing ad rates, discounts, and possibly stifling competition, an apparent violation of Section 3(3) of the Competition Act, 2002.

    While the industry speculated, Dentsu in a statement to Storyboard18 said, “We had a choice to remain passive or drive change… This was a decision to support reform from within.”

    Dentsu also claimed to have already implemented stricter audits, tighter controls, and sharper governance. “Change can’t be effected by walking away,” it added, calling this a turning point for the entire sector.

    CCI’s leniency programme, a powerful tool in its arsenal, incentivises cartel members to come forward in exchange for reduced penalties. Think immunity for honesty, if you snitch first. This has been critical in cracking covert coordination, especially in complex industries like media buying where cartels may not leave an obvious paper trail.

    Legal experts say proving cartelisation under Section 3(3) isn’t just about similar pricing, it requires evidence of intent. That can come from emails, meeting notes, or even circumstantial cues like identical bid patterns or synchronised rate shifts via industry associations.

    What’s next? If the CCI finds strong evidence, the repercussions could be seismic: hefty penalties, shattered reputations, and a fundamental reordering of media-buying norms. Already, industry stakeholders are watching this case as a litmus test for regulatory muscle in India’s high-stakes ad market.

    As one industry veteran put it off the record: “This isn’t just an investigation, it’s a wake-up call.”

    In an industry where everyone knows everyone, Dentsu’s move may have ruptured long-standing silences. Whether it ends in punishment or reform, one thing is certain: Indian advertising’s old ways just met a very public reckoning.

     

  • Goafest 2025 unveils power-packed speaker line-up

    Goafest 2025 unveils power-packed speaker line-up

    MUMBAI: Get ready to be dazzled – Goafest 2025 is back, and it’s pulling out all the stops. The 18th edition of South Asia’s largest creative festival has unveiled a star-studded line-up of speakers, featuring the sharpest creative and marketing minds from India and beyond. With the theme ‘Ignite ____’, this year’s festival is set to spark change, fuel collaborations, and unlock new growth avenues.

    The speaker roster reads like a who’s who of the industry – Rishad Tobaccowala, Youri Guerassimov (Marcel), Prasoon Joshi, Amarjit Singh Batra (Spotify), Geetika Mehta (Nivea), Vikram Mehra (Saregama), Karan Bedi (Amazon MX Player), P.G. Aditiya (Talented), Tejas Apte (HUL), Ankit Desai (Marico), Shubhranshu Singh (Tata Motors), Rajeev Jain (DS Group), Ajay Kakar (Adani Group), Arjun Choudhary (Swiggy), Sanket Prakash Tulangekar (MMT), Pragya Bijalwan (Voltas), Kanika Anand (Airtel), Aruna Daryanani (Amazon MX Player), Darshana Shah (Aditya Birla Capital), Satya Raghavan (Google), Ajit Verghese (JioStar), Bobby Pawar, Sonal Dabral, Rathi Gangappa (Starcom), Rashmi Sehgal (Zenith), Lulu Raghwan (Landor), Rajdeepak Das (Publicis), Deepak Dhar (Banijay), Yash Chopra (Amazon MX Player), Biprorshee Das (WARC), Sujeet Kulkarni (Andersen), Karthi Marshan, Nisha Singhania (Infectious), Rubeena Singh, Shekhar Narayanaswami (Times Innovative), Sandeep Bommireddy (Adonmo) and Promita Saha (Karukrit).
    Anupriya Acharya
    Masterclass sessions at Goafest 2025 will feature a diverse set of industry leaders, including Nick Eagleton (D&AD), Senthil Kumar (VML), Vara Prasad (ITC), Krishnendu Dutta (Ipsos), Jayesh Moorjani (Google), Jayant Rajan (Meta), Gowthaman Ragothaman, Shahad Anand (Media Kart), Amogh Dusad, Anoop Menon (Meta), Debapriya Dutt (Earthday.org) and Karuna Singh  (Earthday.org) 

    But that’s just the start. Bollywood bigwigs Kareena Kapoor Khan, Suniel Shetty, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vijay Varma, and cricket legend Gautam Gambhir will bring star power to the festival. And for those looking to party, Mika Singh’s live performance is set to bring the house down.

    This year’s Goafest introduces the Goafest Village, a multi-stage experience featuring Advertising Plays, Advertising Rocks, and GoaFresh. The event will run from May 21 to 23 at Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon, Goa, co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and the Advertising Club (TAC).

    Rohit OhriPublicis grouple south Asia CEO and immediate past president of AAAI Anupriya Acharya said, “This year, we’ve designed the festival in a manner that delivers conversations that matter. Every session has been thoughtfully curated to offer value, be it through fresh perspectives, actionable insights, or future-facing ideas. In an industry that is adapting to the fast-evolving pace, we are excited to present yet another power-packed edition of Goafest, further strengthening the platform’s position as one that encourages learning, meaningful exchange, and forward-thinking dialogue.”

    Rohit Ohri, creative mentor for Goafest 2025, added, “Goafest has always stood for creativity that breaks boundaries. We’re spotlighting voices that inspire change.  This year’s line-up is designed to ignite new possibilities. It’s about creativity that breaks boundaries.”

    The festival promises to be a whirlwind of insights, entertainment, and networking – a must-attend for anyone in the world of creativity and marketing.

  • Goafest 2025 returns to Goa with a bang

    Goafest 2025 returns to Goa with a bang

    MUMBAI:  South Asia’s biggest creative extravaganza, Goafest, is heading back to its spiritual home in Goa for its eighteenth edition. Organised by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), Goafest 2025 will take place from 21 to 23 May at the Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon Goa. This year, the festival welcomes Amazon MX Player as its title sponsor.

    A fresh twist awaits attendees with the debut of the ‘Goafest Village’—a dynamic, multi-venue experience packed with immersive engagements under one roof. Themed ‘Ignite _____’, the festival is set to spark game-changing discussions on creativity, brand evolution and consumer engagement.

    Celebrated as the mecca of advertising, media and marketing, Goafest promises three action-packed days of learning, networking and inspiration. The Abby Awards Powered by One Show will once again take centre stage, honouring South Asia’s most outstanding creative minds.
     

    Prasanth Kumar, Rana Barua, Jaideep Gandhi

    GroupM South Asia CEO & AAAI president Prasanth Kumar said, “Goafest is a beacon of creativity and connection. Returning to Goa feels like coming home. ‘Ignite _____’ is more than a theme—it’s a call to action for bold ideas, groundbreaking conversations and visionary thinking. The Goafest Village concept will elevate networking, collaboration and the overall festival experience.”

    TA president and group CEO of Havas India, south east and north Asia Rana Barua added: “Goafest is where ideas meet impact. This year, we aim to push creative boundaries further with ‘Ignite _____’. The AbbyY Awards Powered by One Show continue to be the gold standard of creative excellence, and this year’s edition will be nothing short of inspiring.”

    Goafest 2025 organising committee  chairman Jaideep Gandhi promised an even bigger spectacle, saying, “With new initiatives like Goafest Village, we are redefining engagement, learning and industry collaboration. Our mission is to propel India’s creative and marketing ecosystem onto the global stage.”

    Havas Media Network India CEO and co-chair of the organising committee  Mohit Joshi, added, “Tech, data and agility are rewriting advertising. At Goafest 2025, we’ll ignite powerful conversations that challenge norms and fuel ideas with real-world impact.”
     

    Ajay Kakar, Aruna Daryanani, Mohit Joshi

    “Goafest has always been a platform where the brightest minds in advertising, media, and marketing converge to exchange ideas and push creative boundaries. Bringing the festival back to Goa this year is about rekindling the energy and spirit that makes Goafest truly special. With a larger-than-ever scale, immersive experiences, and an inspiring lineup of industry leaders, Goafest 2025 will be a space where innovation meets opportunity. We are excited to welcome the entire industry to Goa for three days of learning, networking, and, most importantly, celebrating creativity. We also look forward to honoring the best minds in the industry with the Abby Awards Powered by One Show,” added Adani group corporate branding Ajay Kakar.
     

    Amazon MX Player  director Aruna Daryanani, highlighted the synergy between the festival and the brand’s mission: “As a platform redefining entertainment and advertising, we’re thrilled to partner with Goafest 2025. The theme ‘Ignite _____’ aligns perfectly with our vision of pushing creative and content boundaries.”

    Drawing over 2,000 industry professionals annually, Goafest 2025 is set to be bigger, bolder and more immersive than ever. Expect a melting pot of creativity, commerce and culture—all under the Goan sun.

  • Vikram Sakhuja honored with AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award

    Vikram Sakhuja honored with AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award

    MUMBAI: The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) presented its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Madison Media & OOH group CEO Vikram Sakhuja, on 10 January at a glittering ceremony attended by leading figures from the advertising and marketing industry – Piyush Pandey, Prasoon Joshi, N. P. Singh, Arvind Sharma, Madhukar Kamath, Ramesh Narayan, Sam Balsara, Shashi Sinha, Anupriya Acharya, Prasanth Kumar, and another 200 of them. 

    With nearly four decades of expertise, Sakhuja has been associated with global giants like Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Co, Star TV, Mindshare, Maxus, and GroupM. An alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta, his career highlights include setting up India’s first media AOR, launching the country’s first afternoon soap opera, and leading brand introductions during P&G’s and Coca-Cola’s early days in India. He has also been instrumental in pioneering research initiatives such as BASES and retail audits and transforming GroupM into India’s largest and most awarded marketing investment powerhouse.

    Accepting the award, Sakhuja reflected on his 38-year journey, including 23 years in the agency world. He noted how his 15 years in marketing gave him a solid foundation. And how his early years in  DCM between IIT and IIM shaped his professional outlook, stating, “After five years of college, I got a taste of professionalism, and it tasted pretty good. I said to myself: If this is what corporate life prepares us for, I’m all game for it.”

    He added: “I am truly humbled to have been given the Lifetime Achievement Award by AAAI. When I look at the list of 31 recipients before me, it’s genuinely humbling because they were all legends. I am a mere mortal. That said, it is brilliant to receive this validation from my peers. I thank the entire industry for this lovely honour that I’ve been bestowed with.”

    In response to the honour, Madison World chairman Sam Balsara remarked:  “This lifetime achievement award is a testament to Vikram’s tireless work ethic, his passion for excellence and his commitment to making a positive impact on the media industry as a whole.”

    Sakhuja remains an active contributor to the industry through roles in organizations like the Advertising Standards Council of India (Asci), Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), Readership Studies Council of India (RSCI), Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), and Ficci’s marketing committee.

    The accolade recognises Sakhuja’s outstanding contributions to shaping India’s media and advertising landscape.

  • Nishant Patil and Bodhisattwa Banerjee clinch winning prizes at Advertising Rocks

    Nishant Patil and Bodhisattwa Banerjee clinch winning prizes at Advertising Rocks

    Mumbai: The second edition of Advertising Rocks, an initiative designed to encourage India’s Advertising, Media, and Marketing professionals to display their musical skills and abilities, kicked off on Day 2 of Goafest 2024. Through Advertising Rocks, individual singers have been encouraged to submit their entries and obtain the chance to entertain audiences at Goafest 2024, South Asia’s largest advertising festival.

    The participants gave stellar performances, enthralling the audiences. The winners were chosen on the basis of jury decision and live audience voting. The winners are as follow:

    Advertising Rocks – Winner – Solo Indian – Nishant Patil from Logicserve Digital Pvt. Ltd.

    Advertising Rocks – Winner – Solo International – Bodhisattwa Banerjee from VML India

    “Our heartiest congratulations to the winners and all the participants. This has been a wonderful platform to showcase the musical talent in our industry. I hope we can make it even bigger next year!” said former BBH CEO and curator of Advertising Rocks Subhash Kamath.

    Havas Media Network India CEO and Goafest 2024 Co-chair Mohit Joshi said, “Advertising Rocks was a big hit this year at Goafest, and the talent demonstrated by all participants has truly impressed us. My sincere congratulations to all winners, and I hope to see more talented performers next year.”

    At Advertising Rocks, four shortlisted performers from each of the two solo categories – Indian and International – showcased their musical talent in front of the esteemed judges: Harshdeep Kaur, Bollywood playback singer; Rajeev Raja, Founder & Soundsmith at Brandmusiq; and Merlin D’Souza, Founding Partner & Principal Composer at Brandmusiq and Music Director. The winners of both categories received cash prizes of Rs 50,000, while the runners-up were awarded with a cash prize of Rs 25,000. All entries were reviewed by Rajeev Raja, Merlin D’Souza, and Subhash Kamath.

  • Wavemaker India and ABP Group shine bright at Goafest ’24

    Wavemaker India and ABP Group shine bright at Goafest ’24

    Mumbai: The vibrant city of Mumbai played host to the day 1 of Goafest 2024, where the atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the winners of the prestigious Media ABBYs and Publisher ABBYs were unveiled. This year’s Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show, once again raised the bar, attracting an astounding 3,506 entries from 273 companies.

    In the realm of Media ABBYs, 65 illustrious metals were bestowed upon deserving recipients, setting the stage for a night of celebration and recognition. Leading the charge was Wavemaker India, capturing hearts and minds with a remarkable tally of 98 points and 16 metals, earning the coveted title of Media Agency Specialist of the Year. Among their impressive wins were four Golds, notably for their outstanding campaigns for Cadbury, including the captivating ‘#erasevday’ and the innovative ‘#NothingUniversity’.

    Not to be outdone, Initiative Media secured a commendable second place with 48 points and 8 metals, showcasing their prowess with campaigns such as ‘Yippee! Create Magic – Plastic to Parks’ for Sunfeast Yippee! and the thought-provoking ‘Missing Elephants: Provocative Creativity shaking Humanity’ for Amazon Prime Video.

    However, stealing the spotlight and clinching the Grand Prix was Essence Mediacom, a triumph fueled by their groundbreaking campaign for Airtel 5G Plus titled ‘Ultimate Fans: Look Maa! I am on TV’. Their stellar performance, garnering 42 points and 6 metals, underscored their commitment to innovation and creativity in the digital age.

    Rounding out the top ranks were stalwarts Mindshare and Publicis Media, each claiming their share of the limelight with impressive campaigns and a collective total of 12 metals.

    Day one of Goafest and the Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show also saw ABP Pvt Ltd emerge as the Publisher of the Year – its second successive victory – with five metals that included gold, two silver, and two bronze.

    The Hindu Group stood second with a gold, a silver, and three merits. Jagran Prakashan Ltd – the runner-up to the Publisher of the Year 2022 – came third with two bronze metals and two merits to its name.

    As the curtains draw on Day 1 of Goafest 2024, the stage is set for yet another exhilarating day of festivities, as the industry comes together to celebrate creativity, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

  • Goafest 2024 – day 1 sets the stage for adaptation and innovation with speakers

    Goafest 2024 – day 1 sets the stage for adaptation and innovation with speakers

    Mumbai: South Asia’s most definitive advertising, media, and marketing festival, Goafest 2024, is all set to bring together stalwarts from across the industry with a focus on adaptation and innovation. Co-hosted by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), Day 1 of the festival will feature key industry experts exploring the diverse aspects of the theme ‘The Age of Adaptability’.

    The festival will kick off with keynotes from industry leaders. The opening session titled Adapt To Thrive Not Just Survive, will witness Harit Nagpal, Managing Director & CEO of Tata Play, emphasize on the importance of adaptability as a key to thriving rather than merely surviving. Following this, an insightful session on Navigating The Age Of Adaptability by Sanjiv Mehta, Executive Chairman of L Catterton India will explore the essential components of leading with vision, flexibility, and purpose in today’s rapidly evolving market landscape.

    Goafest 2024

    Thereafter, in an impactful session titled From Setbacks to Comebacks: The Power of Persistence, acclaimed Writer and Film Director Tahira Kashyap in conversation with Atika Farooqui, Anchor/ Creative Director, Viacom18 will captivate the audiences with her inspiring journey, underscoring the transformative power of perseverance in turning obstacles into stepping stones.

    Concluding Day 1 with what adaptability means in real life, a session titled Embracing Failure to Touch Success, will feature Indian actress Medha Shankr, and actor Vikrant Massey. Moderated by the multifaceted Actor, Producer & Entrepreneur Neha Dhupia, the session will witness Medha and Vikrant, the cast of the acclaimed film 12th Fail, enlighten the audience with their insights on embracing failure as a stepping stone towards triumph.

    Concluding Day 1

    Scheduled to take place from 29 to 31 May, 2024, at The Westin Mumbai, Powai Lake, the stellar speakers and sessions on Day 1 will serve as a poignant reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is potential for extraordinary growth and achievement.

    Stay tuned for Day 2 and Day 3. To know the agenda for Day 2 and Day 3, please log on

    to: https://www.goafest.com/goafest2024/event-schedule.php

  • Srinivasan Swamy presented with IAA Global’s recognition IAA Golden Compass Award

    Srinivasan Swamy presented with IAA Global’s recognition IAA Golden Compass Award

    Mumbai: At the 45 IAA World Congress held in Penang, Malaysia, Penang governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak presented Srinivasan Swamy with IAA’s most coveted IAA Golden Compass Award. The award honours legends who have significantly contributed to the world stage in the field of marketing, advertising and media industries. This is the first time that this award is being bestowed upon an Indian industry leader. Earlier recipients of this Award include Shelly Lazarus (chairman Emeritus, Ogilvy and Mather), Paul Polman (CEO, Unilever), Paul Rossi (President, Economist Group), Marc Pritchard (Chief Brand Officer, Procter & Gamble), Andrew Robertson (President & CEO, BBDO Worldwide), etc.

    Srinivasan Swamy (popularly known as Sundar Swamy), is the chairman & managing director of R K SWAMY LIMITED, the only integrated marketing services company that will be listed on the main bourses of the Indian Stock Exchanges early next week. He currently holds the position of chairman for The Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA) and The Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC).

    Acknowledging the award received, Mr. Swamy said, “I am happy to receive this most coveted award on behalf of all the professionals in my company as well as the industry who have supported me at work and in my various initiatives over the years. I want to dedicate this award to my father, the late R.K.Swamy, who once said to me that no amount of time given to the industry is wasted time, since that is the hand that feeds us!”  

    Advertising veteran Ramesh Narayan, who has worked with Swamy for several years on various industry projects, said, “Sundar is a leader on steroids. His ability to set tall targets and get things done when the odds are stacked against him is inspiring. His leadership style is inclusive, but he will not brook any slackness from his teammates. It amazes me that he finds quality time for everything despite running a large diverse business. I wish him continued good health and energy as his group embarks on a new journey as a publicly listed entity.”

    Swamy has been a stalwart in the marketing services industry since October 1998 when he first joined the executive committee of Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI). During his tenure in AAAI, he was the architect of an agreement signed with the then Indian Broadcasting Foundation which put agency members and broadcaster members on an equal footing. He is also the only person who served AAAI for three consecutive years as President.

    Furthermore, as the president of the India Chapter of IAA for four consecutive years, Mr. Swamy revitalized IAA India, establishing it as the most active industry body during his tenure. Under his leadership, he launched two major award events: the IAA Leadership Awards and the IAA IndIAA Awards. Furthermore, India’s most vibrant advertising festival – Goafest, was started under his watch as President.

    Swamy was one of the founding members of the confederation of Asian Advertising Agency Associations, who served as its vice chairman before assuming the role of chairman. As the first Indian to hold the position of IAA chairman and world president, he spearheaded initiatives on data privacy, and brought out a twin-volume handbook on data privacy laws across the globe (in collaboration with the Global Advertising Lawyers Alliance). Under his Chairmanship, the 44th IAA World Congress was hosted in Kochi, India, which is widely regarded as the most successful in IAA’s history due to its scale and the calibre of speakers. Swamy has also served with distinction as chairman/president of several industrial bodies, such as, Advertising Standards Council of India, All India Management Association, Madras Management Association, Madras Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Advertising Club Madras.

    Lastly, Swamy has been actively serving as president/chairman of two school societies catering to over 6000 children. He also helps run a large quaternary-care multi-discipline charitable hospital and is involved in Vedic education, as well as other social, cultural, and religious activities.