Tag: IAA India Chapter

  • IAA India partners with BrandMusiq to launch its sonic identity

    IAA India partners with BrandMusiq to launch its sonic identity

    MUMBAI — The International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter, the country’s only cross-industry body uniting advertisers, agencies, and media professionals, has partnered with BrandMusiq—Asia’s pioneering sonic branding agency—to launch its sonic identity.

    In a world where brands are increasingly defined by how they make us feel, IAA’s new sonic identity offers a bold and emotionally resonant way to experience the brand—not just see it or read it, but hear it.

    As a part of the collaboration, BrandMusiq has crafted a distinct Mogo (musical logo) and an immersive Mogoscape—a rich sonic environment that reflects IAA’s archetypes: the Hero (courageous, inspiring) and the Creator (imaginative, expressive). Rooted in Indian aesthetic philosophy, the identity draws from the Rasas of Veera (inspiration), Adbhuta (awe), and Karuna (empathy)—echoing IAA’s purpose to lead, uplift, and connect with heart.

    IAA president India Chapter Abhishek Karnani shared,  “IAA has always stood for ideas that move industries forward. With this sonic identity, we now have a new language—one that’s emotionally alive and future-facing. It reflects who we are today and who we hope to become tomorrow.”

    BrandMusiq founder & soundsmith, Rajeev Raja added, “IAA isn’t just an institution—it’s a creative spirit that brings people together across borders and disciplines. The Mogoscape we’ve created is more than a sound—it’s a musical embodiment of courage, curiosity, and care.”

  • Mohit Joshi named media agency head of the year at IAA Leadership Awards 2025

    Mohit Joshi named media agency head of the year at IAA Leadership Awards 2025

    MUMBAI:  Havas Media Network India  chief executive Mohit Joshi has been awarded media agency head of the year at the International Advertising Association (IAA) Leadership Awards 2025, held in Mumbai on 7 August. The honour caps a stellar run for Joshi, whose leadership has propelled Havas into the top tier of India’s media and advertising ecosystem.

    With nearly three decades in the industry, Joshi took charge at Havas in November 2020 and has since driven a transformation built on digital scale, data-led strategy, and deep integration. His efforts have not only expanded the network’s client portfolio but also embedded its global converged philosophy across teams, operations, and disciplines.

    ‘Mohit has evolved Havas into an integrated powerhouse, aligning media, digital, data, tech, and content into a unified strategic vision,’ said Havas India, Southeast & North Asia  group CEO Rana Barua. ”His leadership, focus on collaboration, and purpose-driven culture make this recognition richly deserved.”

    The IAA, a global body celebrating excellence in marketing and communications, lauded Joshi’s contributions to the industry. ‘Mohit’s track record speaks for itself. He is respected not just for results, but for his collaborative, warm, and helpful approach,’ said IAA India chapter & The Free Press Journal group president Abhishek Karnani.

    ‘This award is a collective win for all of us at Havas Media Network India,’ said Joshi.” It reflects our relentless drive to build an intelligent, impact-driven ecosystem. I’m grateful to my colleagues, clients, and partners for their trust and belief.”

     

  • Sunil Gupta lectures AI’s transformative role at IAA Conversations

    Sunil Gupta lectures AI’s transformative role at IAA Conversations

    MUMBAI: Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s shaping the way industries think, act, and innovate. At the recent IAA Conversations in Mumbai, Harvard Business School Edward W. Carter professor of business administration, Sunil Gupta delved into AI’s transformative power in marketing, branding, and beyond. The event, titled ‘Marketing in the Age of AI’, was moderated by VML India CEO and an IAA Mancom member, Babita Baruah and organised in association with Harvard Business School.

    The session kicked off with Gupta highlighting the disruptive nature of AI and how businesses across sectors are adapting to leverage it. “Almost every business, not just advertising, is thinking about AI and how it will affect their operations,” he noted.

    He outlined three ways AI is transforming industries:

    1    Augmenting and automating tasks to increase efficiency.

    2    Expanding and growing capabilities with innovative tools.

    3    Disrupting and experimenting, encouraging businesses to push creative boundaries.

    Gupta cited tech giants like Facebook and Google, explaining their use of AI to automate ad creation, audience targeting, and budget allocation.

    Gupta emphasised the unprecedented access to consumer data in today’s digital age. “It’s not just about what they buy or search for. It’s also about what they do on social media or why they contact a call centre,” he observed.

    AI, he argued, offers the ability to synthesise qualitative and quantitative data to create a 360-degree view of consumers. It enables brands to map customer journeys, uncover pain points, and even predict behaviours. “AI can act as a smart research assistant, helping brands connect the dots across vast datasets,” he added.

    Gupta also introduced the concept of synthetic consumers, personas created using past data to simulate market research scenarios. This approach offers quick insights at early product development stages.

    Gupta didn’t shy away from discussing the hurdles of AI adoption. “The use of AI will increase competition as it lowers entry barriers, making it easier for anyone to experiment and innovate,” he said.

    However, he flagged the risk of short-term thinking in advertising. “With AI’s ability to experiment and fine-tune ROI, there’s a danger that brands might focus too much on immediate results and lose sight of long-term brand building. And advertising is all about building brands,” he cautioned.

    Addressing how organisations should approach AI, Gupta urged companies to embrace the technology actively. “You can’t learn to swim by watching someone else. You need to dive into the pool yourself,” he remarked.

    He recommended dedicating time to understanding AI’s potential and limitations, noting that no technology has ever reduced workload—it has only shifted it. “Jobs don’t go away, tasks do. AI will eliminate non-value-added tasks, allowing professionals to focus on more impactful work,” he asserted.

    On a closing note, Gupta reminded attendees of the importance of starting with the problem, not the technology. “Sometimes, we get so caught up in the technology that we forget the problem we’re trying to solve,” he said, adding that copyright and IP protection will remain critical concerns in an AI-driven world.

    IAA India Chapter president, Abhishek Karnani underscored the event’s relevance, “At the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA), we take pride in being the only body in the industry that brings together creative agencies, media agencies, and media under one roof. This year, our focus is clear—Conversations, Skilling, and Artificial Intelligence—all aimed at preparing us for the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

    Organised with support from Free Press Journal as the presenting partner, the IAA Conversations event highlighted the intersection of technology, creativity, and strategy, offering a forward-looking perspective on how AI is reshaping industries.

  • Decode the future of marketing excellence at SMARTIES Unplugged with 25+ marketing experts

    Decode the future of marketing excellence at SMARTIES Unplugged with 25+ marketing experts

    Mumbai – The second edition of SMARTIES Unplugged India 2024 on 11 October is just around the corner, offering attendees 10+ curated sessions and insights from 20+ industry leaders. The pre-gala event will explore how AI-driven innovation and technology-powered creativity are reshaping the future of marketing, with expert speakers from brands like Flipkart, Spotify, HDFC Bank, Federal Bank, Ajio, Performics, amongst many more.

    SMARTIES Unplugged India promises to be a must-attend event, delivering valuable insights from cutting edge work featuring at SMARTIES, jury POVs on winning work, spotlighting top categories of Smarties and their evolving influence in the marketing ecosystem. on the future of advertising, marketing, and business strategies shaping the future of marketing excellence. The agenda features masterclasses, in-depth discussions, and interactive sessions, giving attendees actionable strategies to take back to their teams. Partners for the event include – InMobi Glance, Silverpush, Blis, Federal Bank, Hybrid, Digital Turbine, Spotify, Mondelēz, IAA India Chapter, flynt.social, Verix, The Free Press Journal, Indiantelevision.com, Adgully & Medianews4u.com.

    Key Highlights of the Event –

    ●    Masterclass on The Future of Video Advertising
       Gaming apps are emerging as high-attention platforms for video advertising, rivaling social media for brand engagement. Insights to master these interactive ads to boost brand performance will be shared by leaders from Digital Turbine.

    ●    Creativity Through Play in Leadership
       Playfulness has been identified as a key driver of creativity and resilience, essential for leadership in today’s AI-driven world. The session will explore how a culture of play can unlock innovation, with perspectives from Play2Transform Group.

    ●    Top SMARTIES Categories in Spotlight
       This session will offer a deep dive into the top categories that have seen the maximum traction at SMARTIES, discussing emerging trends in creativity and technology, with insights from Performics India, Interactive Avenues, and Hansa Cequity.

    ●    Insights from SMARTIES Jury & Brands
       A behind-the-scenes sneak-peek at the strategies driving marketing excellence, with key insights shared by SMARTIES jury and brands like Blis, HDFC Bank, and PivotRoots, alongside reflections from jury observer Kantar.

    ●    Marketing Excellence in the AI Era
       Marketing leaders from Federal Bank, AJIO, and Madison Loop will discuss how AI and creativity must intersect to drive real business impact in an increasingly tech-first world.

    ●    Attention & Advertising in India, with AI Being the Game-Changer
       Spotify India will reveal groundbreaking research on how consumer attention in the Indian market is reshaping advertising strategies, offering brands a roadmap to more effective campaigns. Hybrid will shed light on how AI-driven solutions are revolutionizing digital advertising, delivering cutting-edge results for brands.

    ●    Performance-Driven Creativity: Crafting Campaigns That Deliver
       This session will highlight how brands can use consumer insights to balance short-term wins with long-term brand loyalty, showcasing innovative approaches from Ultratech Cement and Glance Advertising.

    SMARTIES Unplugged will provide a comprehensive view of the evolving marketing landscape. Smarties Unplugged is truly designed to equip attendees with practical strategies to elevate their marketing efforts.

  • IAA fights voter apathy

    IAA fights voter apathy

    Mumbai: The International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter has created a campaign to fight possible voter apathy, and urge people to go out and vote for what is important to them.

    IAA India Chapter president Avinash Pandey said, ” As the general elections enter the critical last phase, the IAA has created a special campaign to motivate people in urban centres to go out and exercise their franchise. The campaign is completely apolitical and only takes the side of the Indian voter. “
     

  • Janak Sarda, Kranti Gada, Soumen Santara honoured at IAA World Congress Penang

    Janak Sarda, Kranti Gada, Soumen Santara honoured at IAA World Congress Penang

    Mumbai: The IAA World Congress in Penang Malaysia got off to a rousing start with sustainability as the theme of the first day.

    Three members of the IAA India Chapter were honoured with special awards at the opening gala dinner.

    Janak Sarda was conferred the Global Champion award as a recognition of his contribution to the IAA global activities.

    Kranti Gada won the Young Leaders Award for the best contribution to the Young Professional movement among all the chapters of the IAA.

    Soumen Santara won the best Executive Director Award for the efficient role he has played in coordinating the many activities of the India Chapter.

    IAA India Chapter president Avinash Pandey said, “It is a proud day for India when so many of our colleagues are recognised as among the best in the IAA global environment. It is because of them that we are able to contribute so positively to the Marcom industry.”

  • 45 IAA World Congress set to make waves in Penang, Malaysia from 6 to 8 March, 2024

    45 IAA World Congress set to make waves in Penang, Malaysia from 6 to 8 March, 2024

    Mumbai: The International Advertising Association (IAA) is to unveil the forthcoming 45 IAA World Congress poised to captivate Penang, Malaysia, from 6 to 8 March, 2024. Against the dynamic canvas of a rapidly evolving global landscape, this landmark event pledges to unite influential leaders and trailblazers from the advertising and marketing realm for an immersive three-day experience brimming with insightful discussions, innovation showcases, and unprecedented networking opportunities.

    At the core of the 45th IAA World Congress lies the compelling theme ‘Brand: Re-Code, an imperative call for businesses to adapt, infusing creativity, compassion, and technology into their strategies to redefine brand narratives. In an era characterised by transformative shifts – social, economic, and technological, organisations must recalibrate their approaches. The vulnerabilities exposed by recent crises underscore the need for a re-evaluation of traditional brand models and the adoption of agile operating frameworks.

    The 45 IAA World Congress aims to probe into cutting-edge trends shaping the advertising landscape. Through engaging dialogues, insightful knowledge exchanges, and the sharing of best practices and case studies, attendees will gain illuminating insights into frameworks that empower brands not only to thrive but also to positively impact the evolving global scenario.

    Building on the resounding success of the 2019 IAA global Congress in Kochi, India which witnessed a remarkable gathering of industry experts, the 45th IAA World Congress in Penang is poised to establish new benchmarks. Penang, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and exceptional connectivity, provides an ideal backdrop for nurturing meaningful collaborations and connections among industry professionals.

    Expressing his excitement, 45th IAA World Congress President, Chairman IAA Malaysia Penang John Chacko said, ‘The convergence of social, economic and climate issues, along with rapid technological advancements has created a new reality for businesses to navigate. Equally, social issues such as inequality, diversity and inclusion have gained significant attention with customers and the workforce demanding more ethical practices all around. All these issues would be discussed and debated by senior global experts in Penang. And Penang itself is a wonderful confluence of diversity, heritage, and culture.”

    Eros Media World PLC and IAA global vice president & area director, APAC Region, Group CEO Pradeep Dwivedi added, “The Indian media, advertising and marketing talents are making big waves globally in creative excellence, impact and effectiveness. The IAA World Congress 2024 in Penang, Malaysia offers Indian delegates with the perfect blend of learning and sharing the same with the worldwide community of professionals. I am confident of its wide appeal and benchmark level of participation from India, coming on the back of the phenomenally successful IAA World Congress previously held in Kochi, India. I am especially delighted to share that my good friend and an esteemed industry colleague Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP Network has been chosen as the leader of the Indian Delegation to IAA World Congress at Penang and looking forward to it. With Indians not needing visas to come to Malaysia the path has been made even easier for a good participation from India.”

    Further, President IAA India chapter and CEO ABP Network Avinash Pandey said, “The 45th IAA World Congress marks a pivotal gathering, echoing the success of our 2019 Congress. It serves as a hub for innovative ideas and transformative discussions, shaping the future of our industry. We eagerly anticipate a robust Indian delegation, expecting invaluable insights and collaborations.”

    The 45 IAA World Congress will feature an exceptional line-up of some influential figures as speakers from the creative and marketing domain. Some of them will include Maher Nasser (UN director of Outreach Communications), YAB Chow Kon Yeow (chief minister of Penang), Dr. Alex Connock (senior fellow, Oxford University), Tan Sri Tony Fernandes (founder CEO of Air Asia, Capital A), Caroline Yap (MD, Global Google AI Business), Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, CEO of Invest Penang, Dato’ Seri Paduka Maimunah, executive director of UN-Habitat, and Ashwin Gunasekaran, CEO of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), amongst others.

    With its focus on fostering innovation, collaboration, and redefining brand strategies, the 45 IAA World Congress invites global leaders, industry experts, and visionaries to be part of this transformative journey.

    More about the event – https://www.iaawc.com/

  • IAA India Chapter announces stellar line-up in mancom for FY 23-24

    IAA India Chapter announces stellar line-up in mancom for FY 23-24

    Mumbai: The members co-opted and invited to the managing committee of the India Chapter of IAA for the financial year 2023-24, were announced at the first meeting of the managing committee chaired by the re-elected president, ABP Network chief executive officer Avinash Pandey.

    Pandey said, “IAA India Chapter is uniquely positioned with such diverse group of industry leaders from ad-agencies, media, mediatech and advertisers. I am lucky that I enjoy support of such accomplished individuals in fulfilling the motto of IAA that advertising is a force for good. IAA India would be coming out with fresh new initiatives enabling social changes for good.”

    IAA India Chapter VP Abhishek Karnani said, “I am very glad to be a part of a well-diversified team of Marcom leaders who will be leading the India Chapter in the year ahead. We are committed to promoting an ecosystem of excellence in every area we are involved in. Sustainability, Tech, Marketing, Creative Excellence and more. Look out for new initiatives and a drive to showcase communication as a force for good”

    The Mancom members are:

    ●    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd – president, Business South Asia – Rahul Johri

    ●    Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt Ltd – founder – Neeraj Roy

    ●    EROS Media World PLC – Group CEO – Pradeep Dwivedi

    ●    neOwn – founder – Kranti Gada

    ●    Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd – head, Hindi mass entertainment & kids TV Network – Nina Elavia Jaipuria

    ●    EENADU – director – I Venkat

    ●    Canco Advertising Pvt Ltd – founder – Ramesh Narayan

    ●    The Salt Inc Consulting & Aidem Ventures – CEO & founder – Neena Dasgupta

    ●    Havas Group India – chief executive officer – Rana Barua

    ●    The Times of India Group – president – Partha Sinha

    ●    IdeateLabs – chairperson – Dr. Bhaskar Das

    ●    The Horologists – founder & president – Mitrajit Bhattacharya

    ●    Madison Communications Pvt. Ltd. – chairman & managing director – Sam Balsara

    ●    Laqshya Media Group – managing director – Alok Jalan

    ●    HT Media Ltd – executive director – Rajeev Beotra

    ●    Indira Television Ltd. – director – Rani Reddy

    ●    Sambad Group – MD – Monica Nayyar Patnaik

    ●    Google India – marketing director for platforms and devices – Neha Barjatya

    ●    Netcon Technologies – corporate advisor – P N Mahadevan

    ●    Meta India – head – ads business – Arun Srinivas

    ●    Meta India – head – agency business – Gauravjeet Singh

    ●    Intelligent Insights Pvt Ltd – founder – Ashok Venkatramani

    ●    Dabur India – head of media – Rajiv Dubey

    ●    Samsonite – CEO – Jai Krishnan

    ●    Crayons Advertising Ltd. – MD – Kunal Lalani

    At the AGM held on 27 September 2023, the following office bearers were elected:

    ●    Abhishek Karnani (president, Free Press Journal Group)- VP

    ●    Nandini Dias (Independent Advisor)- Hon. Secretary

    ●    Jaideep Gandhi (Founder, Another Idea) – Hon. Treasurer

    Cosmos-Maya CEO Megha Tata will continue as an ex-officio office bearer as immediate past president.

    The other elected members of the managing committee were:

    ●    R K Swamy Ltd – chairman & MD – Srinivasan K Swamy

    ●    Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Co Ltd – MD – M.V. Shreyams Kumar

    ●    GroupM – CEO-South Asia – Prasanth Kumar

    ●    The Indian Express Pvt Ltd – executive director – Anant Goenka

    ●    Blue Logic Systems – director – Janak Sarda

     

  • IAA Global honours Srinivasan Swamy and Ramesh Narayan

    IAA Global honours Srinivasan Swamy and Ramesh Narayan

    Mumbai: On the 85th Anniversary of the International Advertising Association (IAA) in New York, special North Star medals were announced for Srinivasan Swamy and Ramesh Narayan for their distinguished service to the IAA.

    In addition, Swamy was also commended for his role as the global president of the IAA.

    Swamy and Narayan had also been honoured as Global Champions by the IAA at its inaugural Inspire Awards in London in 2014.

    They have both been inducted into the IAA India Chapter Hall of Fame and are the recipients of several other prestigious awards in the Marcom space.

    Swamy was the first Indian to be global president of the IAA.

    Narayan has been a director on the Global Board of the IAA and was its vice president APAC region. They are both past presidents of the India Chapter of the IAA.