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.

