The India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) has officially elected its new leadership team, with Abhishek Karnani taking the helm as President and Jaideep Gandhi stepping in as Vice President. This new leadership aims to enhance marketing and communications standards across the industry.
The newly elected leadership team comprises:
1. President: Abhishek Karnani, President of Free Press Journal
2. Vice President: Jaideep Gandhi, Founder of Another Idea
3. Hon. Secretary: Nandini Dias, Independent Advisor
4. Hon. Treasurer: Janak Sarda, CEO of Blue Logic Technologies and BFF Foods India
The managing committee members include:
1. Srinivasan K Swamy, Executive Group Chairman, R K SWAMY HANSA
2. M. V. Shreyams Kumar, Managing Director, Mathrubhumi
3. Prasanth Kumar, CEO – South Asia, GroupM
4. Neha Barjatya, Marketing Director for Platforms and Devices, Google India
5. Rana Barua, Group CEO – Havas India, SEA, and North Asia (Japan & South Korea)

Details about the co-opted and invited members will be disclosed after the upcoming managing committee meeting.

In his inaugural statement, President Abhishek Karnani emphasized the importance of the IAA in the Indian marketing landscape. He stated, “It is my privilege to lead what is arguably the most active industry Association of its kind in India. The IAA will continue to be the gold standard in marketing excellence, creative excellence, sustainability, and gender equality. We will shine a light on the latest technological advances and address any issues affecting the marcom industry. This year, we will also focus on skilling our young generation and will take up societal causes to demonstrate that communication is truly a force for good.”

The IAA remains committed to fostering innovation, encouraging inclusivity, and driving positive change across the marketing and communications landscape, underlining its role as a catalyst for industry growth and development. The immediate past president, Avinash Pandey, former CEO of ABP Network, has completed his tenure, setting the stage for the new team to build on previous successes.