Tag: International Advertising Association

IndIAA Awards 2025 spark a decade of creative brilliance

MUMBAI: When creativity takes centre stage, India applauds, and the 10th edition of the IndIAA Awards 2025 did just that. Presented by the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA), the gala honoured the country’s most innovative brands and agencies, celebrating a decade of excellence in storytelling, strategy, and societal impact.

From bold campaigns to culturally resonant ideas, the evening spotlighted winners across 16 categories. Nestle India took the crown in food & beverage, while Gabit led the consumer electronics category. Creative agencies Ogilvy and Moonshot dominated, each securing four awards, proving that strategy and imagination make the perfect duo.

Hero Motocorp, Swiggy, Asian Paints, Campus Activewear, Meta, and Urban Company were among the evening’s standout winners, demonstrating how brands continue to blend culture, emotion, and business impact through creativity. Shilpa Shetty was honoured as the “Most disruptive brand in the entertainment Industry,” adding star power to a night of recognition.

This year also saw the celebration of the All-India winners of the AFAA’s Changemakers for Good Awards, recognising campaigns that drive real societal change rather than just sales. Highlights included R K Swamy’s Happy Breastfeeding Week – Himalaya Babycare for advertising and innovation, and Associated Advertising’s T-Safe awareness campaign for government initiatives.

Meta India MD & country head and jury chairperson Arun Srinivas praised the calibre of entries, saying, “It truly is a testament to the creative excellence that our country is known for. This year, we also assessed digital storytelling, reflecting the changing landscape of how brands connect with audiences.”

IAA India chapter president Abhishek Karnani added “The IndIAA Awards stand for creativity backed by insight and purpose. Tonight, we honour work that drives business and uses communication as a force for good.”

The awards reaffirmed India’s status as a hub of ingenuity, collaboration, and impactful storytelling. From homegrown icons to new-age disruptors, the 2025 edition of IndIAA proved that great ideas don’t just win awards, they change the game.

October 9, 2025
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

August 18, 2025
Sehgal outlines Prasar Bharati’s future at IAA industry meet in Mumbai

MUMBAI: From Agra expressways to All India Radio, Navneet Sehgal’s media journey has had one goal, reaching Bharat, better. At the latest edition of IAA Conversations, hosted by the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) in partnership with The Free Press Journal, the spotlight fell on Prasar Bharati, chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal in an engaging tête-à-tête with Groupm COO for South Asia Ashwin Padmanabhan.

Held at Mumbai’s Taj Lands End, the session welcomed a full house of brand custodians, agency leaders, and media professionals, reflecting the industry’s growing interest in public service media’s evolution.

IAA India chapter president Abhishek Karnani kicked off the evening by reaffirming the IAA’s 2025 focus “Conversations, Skilling, and Artificial Intelligence” as tools to futureproof the communication ecosystem.

Described as a legacy administrator with a media mission, Sehgal spoke candidly about navigating the dual identity of Prasar Bharati, a half-government, half-autonomous behemoth with unmatched rural reach and new-age ambitions.

“With over 1000 transmitters, 36 plus TV channels, and 58 radio stations, our footprint is vast. But our challenge now is agility and relevance,” Sehgal said.

Some of the initiatives he outlined include, Building a robust OTT platform that unifies live TV, radio, e-commerce, and digital-first content. Launching direct-to-mobile TV broadcasting that bypasses internet requirements. Investing in creator and youth ecosystems through initiatives like Waves, a content summit kickstarted by the prime minister.

Ashwin Padmanabhan noted that under Sehgal’s leadership, Prasar Bharati had become remarkably collaborative, inviting participation from advertisers, influencers, and platforms alike.

“This is not a closed-door legacy broadcaster anymore,” he said. “It’s a space where creators can experiment, and brands can build authentic Tier 2 and Tier 3 engagement.”

Sehgal recounted a memorable storytelling project with Big FM and Nilesh Mishra that used emotion, not explanation, to communicate government schemes. “A good ad commercial or social moves people to act. That’s the power of public storytelling,” he said.

He emphasised that while public service media often carries the weight of bureaucracy, its evolution must be people-first. “We are not just public. We are people-first. And to stay people-first, we must constantly innovate.”

The evening closed on a high note, with warm appreciation from the audience, which included advertising veterans, brand marketers, and digital leaders. Special thanks were extended to the IAA team, including Rahul and Heta, for curating a conversation that was more than just a fireside chat, it was a call to reimagine public media for a new India.

As Sehgal quipped with a smile, “Legacy is not a burden, it’s the launchpad.”

June 20, 2025
Pinky promise wins big as sustainability campaign inspires green living

MUMBAI- Sustainability just got a creative twist, thanks to the Pinky Promise campaign, an innovative concept by Rahul Rudra and Abhishek Kaddi of Ogilvy, which has been crowned the winner of the International Advertising Association (IAA) and Indian Merchants Chamber’s (IMC) sustainability campaign contest.

The campaign takes a light-hearted yet impactful approach to inspiring individuals to embrace eco-friendly habits in their daily lives. By celebrating the small yet significant steps toward sustainability, Pinky Promise turns conscious living into second nature, no extra effort required.

“When individuals remember each small gesture that can make the planet a greener place, they automatically carry that feeling into other aspects of their life. And that’s how a movement begins,” said IAA president Abhishek Karnani.

For the winning duo, sustainability and creativity share a common thread, both thrive when they blend seamlessly into everyday life. “The best ideas often come when you’re not trying too hard, like on the toilet in this case,” joked Rahul Rudra and Abhishek Kaddi. “And the best sustainable practices are those that fit naturally into your routine. That’s exactly what Pinky Promise is all about.”

With its quirky charm and meaningful message, Pinky Promise is set to spark a movement one small, sustainable step at a time.

March 14, 2025
Ad:tech Honours recognises trailblazers in marketing technology

MUMBAI: The marketing industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by rapid technological advancements. Recognising this evolution, ad:tech New Delhi introduced the inaugural ad:tech Honours, an awards initiative celebrating innovation and excellence in marketing technology.

The prestigious event, held on 6 March at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, in partnership with the International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter, brought together key industry figures to honour those shaping the future of tech-driven marketing.

For over 14 years, ad:tech New Delhi has been a key forum for digital transformation discussions. With the launch of ad:tech Honours, it now acknowledges pioneers revolutionising brand engagement, customer experience, and business growth through cutting-edge technology. This collaboration with the IAA India Chapter adds further credibility, ensuring the awards set an industry benchmark for recognising technological excellence in marketing.

Ad:tech India country managing director Jaswant Singh, “Technology is no longer just a tool it is the driving force behind modern marketing. These awards recognise the visionaries shaping the future of our industry,” he stated, expressing hope that the ad:tech Honours would inspire further innovation and higher industry standards in the years ahead.

The Salt Inc. CEO & founder and IAA Mancom Member, Neena Dasgupta, “We have always celebrated campaigns, creativity, and talent, but now it’s time to honour the platforms and technologies that make it all possible.”

IAA India Chapter president Abhishek Karnani, “We are proud to partner with ad:tech for these awards, recognising innovation in advertising and marketing. Congratulations to the winners, and heartfelt thanks to our supporters, jury, and the dedicated ad:tech team.”

March 7, 2025
IAA & Rotary District Autism Campaign Outdoor effort at BKC Mumbai

Mumbai: The cause related campaign to create awareness about the critical need for early detection of Autism being run by the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) in association with the Rotary District 3141 entered the outdoor phase with all the digital display boards in BKC the commercial hub of Bombay carrying this important message.

Says Srinivasan Swamy, Managing Committee Member of the India Chapter and Former Chairman & World President, IAA, “The India Chapter has always maintained that communication should be used as a force for good. And we firmly believe that what’s good, is good for business. In that context I am very happy that we are consistently running such campaigns. I thank the media for always highlighting these efforts.”

In this case, Laqshya Media has amplified the campaign. The print campaign was run by Hindustan Times and Free Press Journal. This is the winning campaign among entries received from advertising agencies and judged by top creative minds. It was created by Tempest Advertising Hyderabad.

September 19, 2024
IAA presented EARTHDAY.ORG’2024 Best Organisation Spearheading Sustainable Development’

Mumbai: At a well-attended function in New Delhi, EARTHDAY.ORG, the largest environmental movement in the world, presented its annual awards for excellence in sustainability.

The India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) was presented the prestigious award for Best Organisation Spearheading Sustainable Development.

EARTHDAY.ORG regional director Dr Karuna Singh said that IAA efforts in spreading the message of sustainability were truly laudable.

IAA president Avinash Pandey said “The IAA in India is committed to creating and amplifying the green agenda for some 15 years now. It began with the setting up of the widely acclaimed IAA Olive Crown Awards supported by AFAA.

This annual award salutes excellence in communicating sustainability and also honors corporates and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the environment. The awards have grown in stature and size year on year.”

Ramesh Narayan who was earlier felicitated by EARTHDAY.ORG as the individual who has done the most for sustainability in the Marcom space accepted the award along with Avinash Pandey.

July 2, 2024
IAA hosts Voice of Change session on gender sensitisation at Goafest 2024

Mumbai: The India chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA), with UNICEF as the knowledge partner, is set to host a knowledge session on Gender Sensitisation in Advertising and Media on 30th May at 10:15 a.m. at the Goafest 2024 in Westin Mumbai Powai Lake. The theme is “Gender-Sensitive Marketing: Navigating the New Consumer Landscape.” Industry leaders will discuss the importance of dismantling stereotypes and promoting diverse & inclusive gender depiction in advertising and media.

The knowledge session at Goafest, India’s biggest advertising festival, co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, aligns with the theme “The Age of Adaptability.” It addresses the intersection of evolving consumer mindsets with the need for a gender-positive approach in advertising communications. Industry veterans, Rajdeepak Das (CCO, Publicis Groupe SA), Chandni Shah (COO, FCB Kinnect), Ram Madhvani (Ad and film director/producer), Darshana Shah (Head of Marketing & Customer Experience, Aditya Birla Capital), and Kailashnath Adhikari (Business Head, Sri Adhikari Brothers Group) will share their insights on this critical issue in a panel discussion moderated by Kranti Gada (managing committee member, IAA India Chapter & founder of Neown.in).

For more information/ registration: www.goafest.com

Speaking about the initiative, IAA India Chapter president Avinash Pandey commented, “As a leading industry body, the IAA is committed to champion the cause of diverse and inclusive gender portrayal in advertising & communication. The IAA: Voice of Change movement creates awareness and empowers stakeholders across the industry on inclusive gender representation in media. At this knowledge session, we are honoured to collaborate with Goafest 2024, where visionary personalities will unite to drive this crucial initiative at an industry level.”

IAA Women Empowerment Committee chairperson Nina Elavia Jaipuria said, “There is a collective cultural shift towards a more gender-equitable and inclusive society. As creators of narratives with the ability to shape and influence societal perceptions, the industry must recognize their roles in breaking biases and challenging stereotypes. The IAA Voice of Change knowledge session at Goafest 2024 will empower content creators towards a more progressive and inclusive gender portrayal in content across the spectrum”

IAA Women Empowerment Committee immediate past president IAA India Chapter & co-chair Megha Tata, said “IAA VOC has been a gratifying journey ever since it started around 4 years ago. It has grown to become a movement and to see all the key stakeholders of our industry actively participating in this dialogue makes me very hopeful of the real impact this can make in our social fabric.”

Voice of Change, an IAA initiative focused on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity with UNICEF as the knowledge partner, started as a behaviour change communication initiative aimed at addressing the skewed portrayal of gender in advertising and communication. Through the years it has become the definitive forum to inform and sensitize the Indian advertising and media industry on equitable and inclusive gender depiction spanning the entire creative spectrum, from a 30 sec TVC to a 3-hour movie and everything in between. IAA is committed to sensitizing creative minds and industry forces to drive significant change through nationwide summits, conferences, and workshops with leading communication agencies and brand custodians.

May 27, 2024
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. “

May 11, 2024
IAA Olive Crown jury announced

Mumbai: The India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) and the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA) announced the jury for their Olive Crown Awards.

Jury members are:

Anupama Ramaswamy (Chief Creative Officer, Havas Worldwide India)

K.V. Sridhar (Global Chief Creative Officer Nihilent Limited & Hypercollective)

Pateek Bharadwaj (Chief Creative Officer, Lowe Lintas India)

Tista Sen (Creative Brand Consultant)

Carlton D’Silva (Co-Founder, Musemakers & House of Awe)

Mukund Olety (Chief Creative Office, VML)

IAA president Avinash Pandey said, “this is an excellent jury line-up that is truly representative of the creative depth in our industry. The awards presentation date has been fixed for April 5th. 2024”

Olive crown Awards committee chairman Janak Sarda added, ” I am happy to see a mix of old and new names amongst our jury members. Sridhar, Tista and Carlton have helped this meaningful cause many times. Good to have Anupama, Prateek and Mukund on board as well. “

The last date for accepting entries is 15 February. There is no entry fee charged. Link to submit entries: https://ocawards.awardor.com/

The Olive Crown Awards are in their 14th edition and have been hailed as a truly meaningful initiative from the marcom industry.

February 12, 2024