Prasanth Kumar, CEO of GroupM Media (India), has been re-elected as President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) for the 2024-25 term during the association’s Annual General Body Meeting in Mumbai. His re-election reaffirms the industry’s confidence in his leadership and vision, as he continues to steer the AAAI in advocating for the interests and growth of advertising agencies across India. Kumar’s tenure is expected to focus on strengthening the industry’s presence and addressing the evolving challenges in the advertising landscape.
In a unanimous decision, Rana Barua, Group CEO of Havas India, Southeast Asia, North Asia (including Japan and South Korea), has been elected Vice President of AAAI. With a career marked by extensive experience in the advertising and media industry, Barua’s expertise will complement Kumar’s leadership, as they work together to drive the association’s strategic goals and further enhance the role of advertising agencies in India’s dynamic market.
“Our goal is to provide steadfast support to the entire ecosystem, helping the industry navigate challenges and seize new opportunities. With the exceptional team of AAAI members and the broader ecosystem, I am confident we will continue to shape the future of our industry to greater heights,” Prasanth Kumar, president, AAAI, said.
The newly elected members of the AAAI Board for the 2024-25 term represent a diverse group of seasoned professionals from some of India’s leading advertising and communications firms. This year’s board includes prominent industry figures such as Sam Balsara from Madison Communications Pvt Ltd, a veteran known for his extensive contributions to the advertising sector, and Tanya Goyal from Everest Brand Solutions Pvt Ltd, whose strategic leadership has been pivotal in shaping brand communications.
Other members joining the board include Tapas Gupta from BEI Confluence Communication Ltd, a reputed name in the creative industry, and Vishandas Hardasani from Matrix Publicities and Media India Pvt Ltd, who brings expertise in media relations and public communications. Mohit Joshi, a key figure at Havas Media India Pvt Ltd, and Santosh Kumar from Innocean Worldwide Communications Pvt Ltd further strengthen the board with their media and advertising insights.
Kunal Lalani of Crayons Advertising Pvt Ltd and Rohan Mehta from Kinnect Pvt Ltd are known for their innovative approaches in the advertising space, while Chandramouli Muthu of Maitri Advertising Works Pvt Ltd brings regional expertise from Cochin. Vikram Sakhuja from Platinum Advertising Pvt Ltd, Kalyan Sarkar from Standard Publicity Pvt Ltd, and K Srinivas of Sloka Advertising Pvt Ltd from Hyderabad complete this distinguished lineup, each offering a wealth of experience from various facets of the industry.
Additionally, Anupriya Acharya, the Immediate Past President, will continue her involvement as an ex-officio member, ensuring continuity and valuable guidance for the board during this term.
This well-rounded group of professionals is expected to collaborate closely in advancing AAAI’s mission of supporting and promoting the advertising sector in India, while addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by the evolving market landscape.
“Being appointed Vice President of AAAI for the third time is both an honour and a testament to the trust the industry places in me. I look forward to continuing our efforts in driving innovation and excellence in advertising while supporting the growth of this dynamic industry,” Rana Barua, vice president, AAAI, said.
The AAAI, established in 1945, is a not-for-profit trade association representing the interests of advertising agencies in India. With a diverse membership base comprising small, medium, and large agencies, the AAAI accounts for nearly 80% of the country’s advertising business. The association aims to promote the industry’s interests and foster its contribution to the nation’s economy.
